March 2018

monthly

MORE THAN CROWNS

MISS& GOWNSTEXAS USA 2018 LOGAN LESTER SHARES THE VALUABLE POTENTIALS OF PAGEANTRY SPRING BREAK CLEANING HACKS BALLETFORTE PRESENTS ‘SWAN LAKE’ RETIRED TEACHERS PLUSREACHING OUT FOR UNIQUE FACULTY REUNION The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that most children should have an orthodontic screening by age 7 Schedule a COMPLIMENTARY EXAM 3 ways we save smiles

Guide erupting teeth into a more favorable position.

Preserve space for permanent teeth.

Reduce the likelihood of fracturing protruded front teeth.

DR. GARRETT & DR. BOYD ARE LIFETIME MEMBERS OF THE ABO.

FINANCING AVAILABLE SE HABLA ESPANOL

4645 Sweetwater Blvd., Suite 100 24004 Southwest Freeway, Suite 502 Sugar Land, TX 77479 Rosenberg, TX 77471 281-980-3900 832-586-9500 PUBLICATION: Fort Bend Herald Monthlies (Greatwood/ New Territory/Pecan Grove) INSERTION: February 2018 MATERIALS DUE: 01.02.18 LATITUDE JOB NUMBER: MHH-2018 Advertising-January CLIENT: Memorial Hermann JOB NAME: BOE- Heart Sugar Land Ad LIVE: 8” x 10.5” SIZE: 8.5” x 11” BLEED: 8.75” x 11.25” COLORS: 4cp/0; 133 ls; SWOP 280 FORMAT: Press Ready PDFX, TRG Link to to Pub. QUESTIONS CALL: Pat Hartman @ 214-696-7913 Setting the pace for cardiovascular care in Greater Houston.

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Heart Sugar Land_FBHeraldMonthlies_8.5x11 C.indd 1 1/3/18 8:49 AM Greatwood Contents & Staff monthly™ GENERAL MANAGER March 2018 Lee Hartman [email protected]

ASSISTANT MANAGING EDITOR Marquita Griffin [email protected]

COMPOSITION & GRAPHICS MANAGER Alfred H. Dubé [email protected]

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Melinda Maya [email protected] Rachel Cavazos [email protected]

WRITERS & CONTRIBUTORS Diana Nguyen Averil Gleason

TO ADVERTISE To advertise in Greatwood Monthly please call Lee 6 10 Hartman, John Oliver, Stefanie Bartlett, or Ruby Polichino, our advertising representatives, at 281-342- 4474 for rates, information and deadlines.

PHOTO & ARTICLE SUBMISSIONS We are looking for fresh story ideas and enjoy publishing your articles in the Greatwood Monthly. If you have an story idea or photo to publish please send your information to [email protected] with “Monthly” in the subject line.

©2018 Greatwood Monthly All Rights Reserved. Greatwood Monthly has 30,000 print circulation and is a sister publication of Fulshear Living Monthly, Pecan Grove Monthly, New Territory Monthly and is a Publication of the Fort Bend Herald. Our publishing headquarters is 1902 S. Fourth Street, Rosenberg 14 20 Texas 77471 FEATURE | Miss Texas USA LIBRARY NEWS | Special 2018 Logan Lester shares events are in store at the 06 why 'Because nice 24 University Branch Library. matters' is a message she is determined on sharing. EVENTS | March's February 2018 spotlighted local events 24 include galas and a monthly SPRING CLEANING HACKS | St. Paddy's Day Half 'We learn from each other Yes, vinegar is magical and we rely on each other.' Greatwood actors revere th Marathon. Inspiration Stage as it opens its 50 10 show ––Aladdin JR.–– with all the and find out how to de- magic and wonder of a classic tale clutter your home while avoiding these renovation SCHOOL NEWS | Moments from the Reading JH mistakes. Inside: 26 Try something just a little Career Expo, plus different this Valentine’s Day updates from Campbell, Plus: Find out just why Greatwood's Thomas Barresi is considered a hero by IN & AROUND GREATWOOD | Dickinson and George the community. Brian Love's life is all about Ranch HS. 14 love, peace and rock 'n' Tell us how we’re doing! Email: [email protected] roll. KID'S CORNER | Just a little 36 something fun for the ENTERTAINMENT | children. Visit us online at www.fbherald.com/ 20 Greatwood performers monthly_magazines for more Greatwood featured in BalletForte BUSINESS | Neighborhood Monthly news, photos and events! "Swan Lake." 38 Business Directory. 4 • Greatwood Monthly

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• www.LEGACYFORDTX.com • www.LEGACYFORDTX.com • www.LEGACYFORDTX.com • www.LEGACYFORDTX.com • www.LEGACYFORDTX.com • www.LEGACYFORDTX.com 27225 Southwest Freeway, rosenberg, tX 77471 • 1-866-394-7227 www.LegacyFordtX.com LoganFeature Lester (center) overcome Story with emotion after being named Miss Texas USA 2018. She is the eldest daughter of Rick and Jennifer Lester of Greatwood and a graduate of Lamar Consolidated High School and Texas A&M. Photo by Select Studios

6 • Greatwood Monthly Feature Story

Logan Lester Miss Texas USA 2018 continues her message of compassion and humility By Marquita Griffin

urreal. Absolutely surreal. That’s the best way Logan Lester “It’s about setting a good example and serving your commu- can describe the feeling of winning. nity,” Lester said. “ I like to ‘get my hands dirty.’ I like making this S Lester, who is originally from Greatwood but now lives about others, not about me.” in Houston, was recently named Miss Texas USA 2018 following a pageant competition at Hilton Houston Post Oak Hotel. ‘BECAUSE NICE MATTERS’ The recently-turned 23 year old beat out 97 other contestants Always living by her personal motto — "Because nice matters" and succeeded Nancy Gonzalez for the coveted title and will now — the role of a title holder comes easily to Lester. represent Texas at Miss USA 2018. The titleholder from Miss USA Saturated in pomp and circumstance, pageantry offers compet- will then compete for Miss Universe. itors a chance in the spotlight, to be seen and easily admired, but “It was very surreal,” Lester said recalling that magical moment. that is not what piqued Lester’s interest in pageantry. What Lester “It has been [weeks] and it still doesn’t feel real but I am honored had recognized was the opportunity to grow into the woman she to represent Texas, Fort Bend County and Harris County. wanted to be: someone would make a positive difference in the “Hopefully I can bring home the [Miss USA 2018 title] and lives of those around her. make it the tenth award for my state,” she added. “When I was in high school I was picked on by people who I At the time of publishing, neither the date nor the location of thought were my friends, and I get it, that’s a part of life,” she said. Miss USA 2018 had been announced. “But I felt really alone and it consumed me. I remember coming “All of the contestants work hard and we all had that dream [of home crying. I remember thinking my life was over, that I didn’t winning] in our hearts,” said Lester of the Miss Texas USA 2018 have any friends. pageant. “But to see my hard work come to fruition is humbling.” “And I know there are so many kids who feel like that, espe- cially with all of these pressures of today,” Lester added alluding REFUSING TO GIVE UP to the popularity of social media. Lester began competing in pageants when she was 15 years old “I wanted to be their voice,” she said. and in 2016 she was crowned Miss Houston and named in the Top 15 for Miss Texas USA. MORE THAN GOWNS AND CROWNS Her goal was a simple one: Become Miss Texas USA. But after Pageantry is what gave Lester her voice. making it as third runner up in 2015 and Top 15 in 2016, Lester “It changed my entire life,” she said, stressing each word. “I admitted she almost gave up, considering this attempt for Miss know my life would have gone in a completely different direc- Texas USA would be her fourth one. She wasn't bitter, though. tion had I not started pageantry. It gave me confidence, which is She just wanted to embrace wherever her journey was taking her. something I didn’t have in the time of my bullying.” “I felt that I may have received everything I was going to get Pageantry, she noted, is more than dressing in beautiful attire from pageantry, that I went as far as I was meant to go,” Lester said. to show off a beautiful body. It is much more than gowns and “Pageantry has given me so many skills that if I had decided not to crowns. compete, it wasn’t like I was leaving with nothing ...” “This is work, 365 days a year,” she said. “It’s a way to live your “But I couldn’t give up, so I didn’t.” life in a positive and healthy way. You’re advocating for organiza- tions, you’re in your community using your voice, you’re volun- A FULL-TIME GIG teering.” In addition to holding the title, being Miss Texas USA carries That relationship, she noted, is a two-way street. more responsibilities than most people realize. “I can’t tell you how many times I volunteer, trying to touch “It is like I have two jobs because being Miss Texas USA is a full- people’s hearts, and they end up touching mine,” she said. time job,” said Lester, who is also a buyer’s specialist with Team One of the organization’s Lester volunteers at is the Ronald Mc- Sansone RE/MAX Fine Properties, which she was recently hon- Donald House in Houston and that is where she met a little girl ored for during Houston Association of Realtors’ eighth annual who told Lester she had dreams of being a photographer. Young Professionals Network 20 Under 40 Rising Stars in Real But the girl was sick and any money her family had went to Estate Awards. medical care, so she accepted a harsh reality of life: dreams aren’t As a title holder, Lester is responsible for advocating for spon- always easy. sors — those who helped prepare her for competition — and a “She was giving up on herself,” Lester said, recalling the conver- range of organizations around Texas. Community service is also a sation she and the girl had about goal setting. “So I got her this cornerstone of holding such a title. photography book. She eventually got well enough to return to Continued on page 8 To advertise, call 281-342-4474 • 7 “The Sound of Music is a piece that has proved ageless across multiple generations.” — Sarah Patterson, director

Feature Story Continued from page 7 ONTO MISS USA 2018 AND THE FUTURE her hometown, and guess what? She started taking photographs. Following the Miss USA 2018 competition, no matter the re- Then she found me on Facebook to show me her work.” sults, Lester has solid plans for her future. “Have a goal to chase every year,” she advised. This, Lester stressed, is what makes pageantry vital in today’s Her current goal: win Miss USA. Her long-term goal: grow in the society. There are a plethora of opportunities to encourage a real estate business and finish a book she’s writing. Most impor- dream, spread uplifting messages or just spark a smile. tantly, however, is her drive to continue being a woman who lives Pageant contestants demonstrate what they can do in and for a by and demonstrates her “Because nice matters” motto. community, Lester said. “I want people to know I’m the same LoLo,” Lester said. “I know “Not everyone has the support they deserve,” Lester said. “I where I came from. I know all the people who have supported have a very supportive family who pushes me. But for those who me. It’s like that song ‘Jenny from the Block.’ I’m the same old don’t have that, that is what [title holders] can do. We can push me.” them. We can encourage them.”

Logan Lester (@lololester) shares her first official appearance as Miss Texas USA with her Instagram followers: “Thank you to ‘Star of Hope’ & ‘Ronald McDonald House Houston’ for inviting me to help cheer on the Chevron Houston Marathon runners. These athletes are so inspiring!”

Logan Lester (@lololester) shares an inspiring moment with her followers on Instagram : “The best part about being Mist Texas USA is the inspiring people I get to meet along this beautiful journey. Today I met Will who is a part of the #TexasSentinels and is a true American hero. His story is so powerful and his strength is truly special.”

On setting the ‘because nice matters’ example “I wanted to do something different for my 21st birthday,” Lester said. “So I decided to do 21 acts of kindness — some of them were random and some of them were planned. And it was a lot of fun.” Lester, along with her closest friends and family held an Easter egg hunt for the kids at Ronald McDonald House, visited and played games with the residents at a retirement center, donated to the Salva- tion Army, wrote notes to members of the military, took goodies to the Houston Fire Department, took flowers to hospital nurses, donated to a pet rescue organization, and several other deeds to cheer and sup- port those in need and those who serve the community. Pageant Profile Miss Houston 2016- winner Miss Texas USA 2016- Top 15 Miss Houston 2015- 1st runner up Miss Texas USA 2015- 3rd runner up Miss Houston 2014- 4th runner up Miss Texas Teen USA 2013- Top 15 Miss Houston Teen 2012- Winner Miss Texas Teen USA 2012- 4th runner up Miss Houston Teen 2013- Top 15 Miss Texas Teen USA 2011- Top 15

8 • Greatwood Monthly “The Sound of Music is a piece that has proved ageless across multiple generations.” — Sarah Patterson, director

To advertise, call 281-342-4474 • 9 Spring Cleaning

Did you know? Debris from home improvement projects can often be recycled. According to Waste Management, the largest residential recycler and renewable energy provider in North America, common construction materials such as concrete, porcelain, tile, lumber, metals, masonry, plastic, carpet, and insulation can potentially be recycled. When recycled, debris from construction projects may ultimately be used in various ways to benefit the planet. For So, why do we spring clean? example, such debris may used as inerts that become road base, s the days become warmer and longer and the flowers while clear wood may be transformed into mulch or biomass begin to bloom and nature wakes from the cold clutches fuel. Crushed concrete can go on to live a second life as gravel or Aof winter, a longtime ritual rears its head: spring cleaning. become dry aggregate for new concrete. But have you ever wondered why the urge to deep clean the Homeowners who want to recycle as much of their home houses coincides with the coming of spring? improvement project debris as possible can work with Waste Experts and researchers say the tradition is rooted in several Management and/or their contractors to ensure the materials cultures for a variety of reasons. they no longer need continue to be put to good use. In the times long past (prior to central heating and cooling), spring cleaning was used as an effort to air out and refresh homes Did you know? that were closed off during the long, cold winter made bearable Your dishwasher can be used to clean more than dishes. The only by indoor fires or heating appliances. following can also be cleaned in the dishwasher: Spring cleaning also has roots in religious practices in some • Plastic toys. (Put them in a mesh laundry bag to keep them cultures and other people see spring as the true mark of the new together) year — you know, with nature awakening with renewed life — • Cosmetic brushes, hairbrushes, combs and toothbrushes so they match that mood with a thorough cleaning of their home. • Shower caddies Then there are also people who see no need in spring cleaning • Stove knobs, drip pans and grates as they clean throughout the year. • Glass light fixture shades But if you are the person who deems spring as the time to • Dryer lint trap from the dryer deep clean your home, we have put together a collection of tips • Vacuum cleaner components and cleaning hacks to help you in your endeavors. • Sports gear (baseball caps, shin guards, helmets)

Purchase furniture that doubles as storage. Storage ottomans Out with the old, in with the new 3and benches can help clear common areas and bedrooms of 5 easy de-cluttering tips clutter such as blankets and bed linens that can make rooms feel Cleaning the slate at home may involve reducing clutter more claustrophobic. Storage furniture might not get excess around the house. Clutter can gradually overtake a home’s items out of the house, but such furnishings can create a more interior, turning a once pristine home into one overwhelmed comfortable, welcoming environment. with nonessential items. Clearing a home of clutter can seem like Switch to e-statements for bank documents and utility bills. a monumental task, but the following tips can help homeowners Paper is a big contributor to household clutter. That’s still the and apartment dwellers make the year ahead clutter-free. 4 case even though many adults now pay the majority of their bills Scan important documents and save them on a computer. Some online. When given the chance to choose between paper or documents cannot be discarded, but that does not mean they 1 e-statements, opt for the latter so bills and bank statements don’t have to be stored in bulky file cabinets or desk drawers. Scan pile up on your desk or throughout your home office. If you still important documents such as medical receipts or tax returns and save them on your computer where they won’t take up any want to keep important bills and bank statements, download physical space. Purchase an external hard drive as a safety net them to your computer and keep them in a designated folder on where you can store backups of important documents in case a your desktop. computer crashes and cannot be rebooted. Adopt an “out with the old, in with the new” mantra. Resolve Thin out DVD and CD libraries. Thanks to streaming services 5to discard old items after purchasing new ones or receiving 2and digital music players, DVDs and compact discs have birthday or holiday gifts. Hanging on to old items because they become somewhat obsolete. Discard or donate DVDs that you can can still function and serve some utility is a recipe for a cluttered just as easily stream through your television, and convert compact home. Anytime you or a family member brings a new item into discs to digital files that you can play on your computer and MP3 your home, make sure the item it’s replacing finds its way out the players, ultimately donating the discs and clearing space. door. 10 • Greatwood Monthly PROBLEM: Cleaning your sponge Work Smart, not hard SOLUTION: Put it in the microwave for 30 seconds to remove Cleaning hacks that just make sense bacteria (let it cool before removing) or put it in the dishwasher to clean it. PROBLEM: Stinking garbage disposal SOLUTION: Mix half a cup of baking soda and 1 cup of vinegar with hot water and pour it down the drain. You can also cut a PROBLEM: Dull-looking clothing lemon into small pieces and run it through the disposal. SOLUTION: Add a cup of baking soda to your clothes during the wash cycle. PROBLEM: Cleaning the coffee maker SOLUTION: Fill the reservoir with water and white vinegar, PROBLEM: Dirty ceiling fan run a full cycle (a pot’s worth of coffee) and flush with water to SOLUTION: Use a pillowcase to cover each blade, one at a ensure all the vinegar is gone. time, and wipe — this way the dust falls into the case and not everywhere else. You and polish the blades with water or a PROBLEM: Paint in carpet polisher. SOLUTION: Scrape loose paint flakes away with a butter knife; blot the stain with nail polish remover; rinse the area with cool water and allow to dry. PROBLEM: Clogged drain SOLUTION: If you don’t want to use cleaning products, PROBLEM: Dirty microwave vinegar, baking soda and boiling water is another good option. SOLUTION: Mix white vinegar and lemon juice in a bowl, heat it in the microwave, remove the bowl and gently wipe away PROBLEM: Stinky shoes gunk. You can also heat equal amounts of water and vinegar in a SOLUTION: Just sprinkle baking soda in shoes and tap them microwave-safe bowl (with a toothpick to prevent boiling) on out before you wear them. high for 5 to 10 minutes. Wait for it to cool, remove the bowl and wipe down the inside with a paper towel, rag or sponge. PROBLEM: Dirty dishwasher SOLUTION: Empty the washer and remove the bottom rack. PROBLEM: Dusting ceilings or high-and-hard-to- reach places Remove any food or particles that may be inside. Fill a dishwasher SOLUTION: Put a towel on the end of a broom (secure it with safe container with a cup of vinegar and put it on the top rack a tie of sorts). and run the dishwasher through a hot-water cycle. Sprinkle baking soda at the bottom of the washer and run it through a PROBLEM: Water spots on mirrors, glass doors and short hot-water cycle. Suggestion: do this once a month. bathroom and kitchen fixtures SOLUTION: Use a dryer sheet to buff out the spots or use QUICK CLEANING TIPS: vinegar and a microfiber cloth. • Use a cut lemon to remove water stains • A normal squeegee can help remove pet hair from carpet PROBLEM: Ring in the toilet • Q-tips and toothbrushes are great for cleaning a dirty SOLUTION: Coca Cola. Pour a standard 12 oz ( 1.5 cups) keyboard around the bowl, making sure to cover stains and let it sit overnight and flush the next day. For persistent stains, repeat • Clean popcorn ceilings by rolling a high-nap roller to pick up pouring the Coke and using a toilet brush to scrub, let it sit dust and cobwebs instead of broom undisturbed for about an hour. Dyer sheets can also be used to • Toss a tennis ball in with bedding pillows or comforters to remove the ring. prevent the stuffing from collecting in one corner

To advertise, call 281-342-4474 • 11 Spring Cleaning

them to soak and then rinse with the shower nozzle. Stationary 6 easy spring cleaning projects blinds can be cleaned with using an old sock over your hand (in 30 minutes or less) dipped in a vinegar-and-water solution. Although enjoying the great outdoors is probably high on CHANGE LINENS Remove and launder bed linens. While many a to-do list come spring, by the end of winter, homes can the linens are in the wash, thoroughly dust all furniture and probably do with a much-needed overhaul. 3 vacuum the carpets. Move furniture so you can reach areas Owners and renters can rely on temperate days to throw open where dust gathers, such as under the bed or dresser. the windows and engage in some easy spring-cleaning projects. GROUT CLEANER Grade school science lessons can be Spring cleaning tasks can be stretched out across several days put to use as you look to remove stubborn dirt. Combining to make the jobs more manageable. While certain spring cleaning 4 baking soda and vinegar produces a reaction that causes the tasks can be time-consuming, many projects can be started and formation of gassy bubbles. These bubbles can help to break up completed in 30 minutes or less. dirt that clings to crevices, such as grout between tiles. Some LOOK UP Start by looking up at ceilings, molding and ceiling light scrubbing and then subsequent rinsing can rid surfaces of fans. Chances are strong that some cobwebs and dust have 1 hard-to-remove dirt. formed in these areas. Always begin cleaning by working from VACUUM VENT INTAKES Many houses are heated by the top downward so you don’t have to clean any tables forced-air systems. The air intake vents can become clogged countertops or floors twice. Static-charged dusting cloths work 5 with dust and other debris. Vacuum these vents so that air flow is well to catch and contain dust. Use a pillowcase on ceiling fan not impeded. Let the heat run for a few minutes to catch any blades to clear the dust and keep it from cascading to the floor. small particles that become dislodged, and then change the BLINDS AND CURTAINS Heavy window treatments can furnace filter. be removed and replaced with more gauzy fabrics. This lets 2 CLEAN OUT THE REFRIGERATOR Now is a great time in more light and warmth from the sun. Many curtains can be to remove any of those mystery containers growing fuzzy freshened up right in the laundry, but blinds may require a bit 6 experiments in the back of the refrigerator. Take the food out of more effort. If the blinds can be snapped out of the brackets, the refrigerator and use a food-safe cleaner to scour the shelves place them in a tub full of vinegar, dish soap and water. Allow and inside of crisper drawers.

overnight and then rinse away the mineral deposits. The amazing uses of vinegar • BRIGHTEN LAUNDRY. Add 1⁄2 cup white vinegar to the Streamline household cleaning wash cycle. It will help loosen stains and brighten clothing. An Travel down the cleaning aisle of a neighborhood store and added benefit is the acid will reduce static cling. you will be met with product after product designed for • DISINFECT CUTTING BOARDS. Give cutting boards specialized cleaning. There are sprays for windows, cleansers for an extra cleaning by spraying them with straight vinegar, then electronics, carpet-cleaning foams, and scouring solutions for rinsing to clean. tubs and showers. Although many of these are effective, the • CLEAN THE DISPOSAL. Make sure food residue doesn’t average person can rely on just one cleaning aid for a wide clog garbage disposals and lead to odor. Mix vinegar and baking variety of tasks: vinegar. soda in the drain and allow the bubbling action to remove built- Vinegar is a versatile product that can be used in everything up residue. Use a scrub brush for extra scouring. from cooking to pickling to preserving foods to household • GET STREAK-FREE WINDOWS. Mix a 50-50 solution of cleaning. Vinegar is made by two distinct biological processes, vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Use to clean windows and offers The Vinegar Institute. Via fermentation, yeast will first other glass surfaces. Wipe away with a microfiber cleaning cloth change the natural sugars in the vinegar-to-be material solution so no lint is left behind. into alcohol. The second process involves a group of bacteria • ERADICATE PET ODOR. Pour a little bit of vinegar into called “acetobacter,” which convert the alcohol into an acid. an empty litter box. Let stand for around 20 minutes, then rinse Vinegar can be made from any fruit or natural material with cold water. Vinegar also can be used to blot up pet stains on containing sugar. For the purpose of generalized cleaning, white the carpet. Just test color-fastness in an inconspicuous area first. vinegar is the most common type used and is typically made • BANISH WATER STAINS. Fix water stains and rings on from corn. Utilizing vinegar around the house is quite simple, and wood furniture by mixing equal parts vinegar and olive oil. Use a can be used in various ways around the house. soft cleaning cloth moving in the direction of the wood grain. • REMOVE LIME BUILDUP. Vinegar is good for cleaning Polish using a clean cloth. faucets and showerheads. Make a paste of one teaspoon of Vinegar can be used all around the house — these were just a vinegar and two tablespoons of salt. Apply to sink fixtures and few of the dozens of ways to rely on vinegar. Just steer clear of rub with a cloth. Fill a plastic baggie with vinegar and attach to using it on natural stone and marble, as the acid could cause the showerhead with a rubber band. Let sit a few hours to damage.

12 • Greatwood Monthly Recognize potentially dangerous household chemicals Homes are safe havens that people retreat to in an effort to relax and unwind, however, homes may be harboring some hazards that put their inhabitants at risk. Cleaning products and chemicals can be found in every home, but some may be putting people in jeopardy. Even seemingly safe items can prove dangerous when they are used and/or stored incorrectly. Vinegar and baking soda can be used as a Individuals who make a concerted effort to educate themselves replacement for many household cleaning products, about common household chemicals can reduce the likelihood and these alternatives have virtually no dangerous side effects. that such cleaners will hurt them in the long run. The following DRAIN AND OVEN CLEANERS are some commonly used products that may prove dangerous or Many drain and oven cleaners contain lye (sodium hydroxide irritating with prolonged use. or potassium hydroxide), a chemical derived from salt or wood AIR FRESHENERS ash that is used to break down other substances, particularly These seemingly innocuous products may be doing more those that are sticky. Lye is quite caustic in high amounts and harm than good. Information published in a 2015 issue of The extremely alkaline, which can cause burns and skin irritation. Lye Journal of Toxicological Sciences linked air fresheners to volatile is also found in soaps and detergents. When handled correctly in organic compounds, or VOCs. They also may contain ultra-fine safe amounts, lye can be used safely. However, it can be dangerous particles of formaldehyde and phenol. In addition, National if it gets into the hands of children or is touched by pets. Geographic’s The Green Guide states that many air fresheners ANTIBACTERIAL PRODUCTS contain nerve-deadening chemicals that coat nasal passages and Antibacterial soaps, lotions and wipes may contain triclosan, temporarily block one’s sense of smell. Many widely available air triclocarban and at least 17 additional ingredients that are linked fresheners use phthalates, which are linked to hormonal and to various negative health effects. In September 2016, the U.S. reproductive issues, birth defects and developmental disorders. Food and Drug Administration banned the use of these In lieu of chemical air fresheners, spray diluted essential oils antibacterial agents. These chemicals can disrupt hormone cycles around the house. and cause muscle weakness. ALL-PURPOSE CLEANERS There’s no data demonstrating that over-the-counter Many cleaners list bleach and ammonia among their antibacterial soaps are better at preventing illness than washing ingredients. Bleach may be listed as sodium hypochlorite. When with plain soap and water,” the FDA said in a press release issued used as directed in a well-ventilated space, bleach and ammonia shortly after the rule was announced. can be relatively safe. However, fumes from bleach or ammonia In addition to the aforementioned products, some carpet can cause rashes and skin irritation and irritate the eyes and cleaners, toilet cleaners and other detergents may prove harmful. respiratory tract. Bleach and ammonia should never be mixed Always read ingredient lists, use products in the proper fashion because mixing the two can produce a deadly chloramine gas. and keep any and all chemicals away from children and pets.

To advertise, call 281-342-4474 • 13 In & Around Greatwood Brian Love is all peace, love and rock ‘n’ roll By SUE AUSTIN

hat do singing superstars Mick Jagger, Michael Jackson and Reba McEntire have in common? The answer re- Wsides in Greatwood and his name is Brian Love. For nearly 20 years, Love has worked side-by-side with Rock n’ Roll Hall-of-Famers designing advertising campaigns for multi- million dollar tours. Throughout his career, he has worked with top music artists from every music genre who perform at the world’s largest ven- ues. Love’s advertisement designs are featured in numerous maga- Brian Love’s advertising designs zines and seen on billboards and posters worldwide. for legendary performers are seen around the world. This local artist with big city talent had humble beginnings in his hometown of Navasota, Texas. Love’s artistic talents were behind the advertising campaign He graduated from the Art Institute of Houston in 1999 and for The Rolling Stones “A Bigger Bang World Tour” that occurred moved to Greatwood in 2016 with his family. from 2005—2007. Kristi, his wife, has been a teacher at Dickinson Elementary for At that time, it was the highest grossing tour in history, earning the last 15 years and they have two children, Carter and Kaylee. more than 550 million dollars. Love works for Bill Young productions, a full service global He was the advertising designer for the inaugural opening of advertising agency that provides print, audio, video and digital the Cowboys Stadium (now called the AT&T Stadium). media assets. His work for this event featured legendary artists like Lee Ann He started working for the company in 2000 and was promot- Womack, Blake Shelton, Reba McEntire and George Strait. ed to Supervising Art Director in 2002. Love designed the print assets for the Cirque du Soleil “Michael Jackson: The Immortal” world tour. According to Forbes, the tour amassed over 370 million dollars after traveling to 27 countries. The tour concluded in 2014 and was ranked as the seventh high- est grossing tour of all time. The opening of the Smart Financial Center in Sugar Land has given Love opportunities for new advertising jam sessions. His projects at this venue have included ads for industry giants Botox • Dysport • Fillers • Facials • Peels • Waxing like Jerry Seinfeld, Kristin Chenoweth, Billy Crystal, Duran Duran, Rod Steward, Diana Ross and Willie Nelson, just to name a few. Massage Therapy • Prenatal Massages When asked about the perks of working with rock stars, Love says “My job is ever changing and exciting. I have a very casual dress code and I get to see lots of very cool (713) 578-3823 live shows. And I guess I get to work with rock stars.” Schedule your free skincare consultation today. Continued on page 16 Lee A. Mahlmann, DDS, MS The Art of Orthodontics

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To advertise, call 281-342-4474 • 15 In & Around Greatwood

Love has attended many concerts and has met music legends like George Strait, ZZ Top, Clint Black and Clay Walker. He’s also rubbed elbows with athlete greats like Mary Lou Ret- ton, Tara Lapinski and Hakeem Olajuwon. Though Love is now a “rockstar” when it comes to working with the rich and famous, he tells a funny story about his first encounter as a rookie in the business. “I was working on a project and our office receptionist said I had a call on my line.I answered ‘hello’ and the voice on the other side said ‘Yes, this is Dr. Dre and I would like to discuss the art direction you are working on.’ “I thought my friends were playing a joke and I laughed and The Love family from Greatwood includes said ‘Really, who is this?’ The voice sternly said ‘This IS Dr. Dre.’ Carter, Kristi, Brian I quickly replied ‘Sorry Mr. Dr. Dre, what can I help you with to- and Kaylee. day?’ . . . I never made that mistake again.” (Photo credit: Lauren Wolff Photography.)

Central Fort Bend Chamber Reunion in play for Lamar Consolidated announces new CEO High School faculty and staff ollowing a thorough process of in- By MARQUITA GRIFFIN terviewing more than 50 applicants, ust like the students who sat in their classrooms, the blood FKristin Weiss has emerged as the runs blue in the Lamar Consolidated High School teachers new president and CEO of the Central Jwho have retired from their days of leading young minds. Fort Bend Chamber. While their post Lamar years are filled with new experiences Her position officially went into effect from those individual chapters in their respective lives, this group on Feb. 1. of educators hasn’t forgotten their days of “mustang pride,” and is A graduate of Texas A&M University, once hosting a faculty reunion. Weiss spent over six years as the communications director at the Their first reunion was held in 2010 and attracted more than Fort Bend Chamber and 18 months as the vice president of the 150 faculty members. Rosenberg-Richmond Area Chamber, now known as the Central “Everyone had a wonderful time reminiscing about our days Fort Bend Chamber. She joins the chamber with an additional at Lamar and the pride and fun we had in working together,” said extensive background in non-profit, marketing/sales and business former Lamar teacher Maxine Phelan, who taught English from development. 1971-2003. “There was lots of Lamar spirit and love to go around. After graduating from the US Chamber of Commerce South- After eight years, it is time to get together again.” east Institute of Organization Management at the University of Serving on the Lamar Staff reunion committee are Veta Buzek, Georgia in Athens in 2004, Weiss went on to serve as a Southeast business/office education, 1976-2004; Kay Dawes, principal, 1988- Institute Class Advisor in 2005 and on the board of directors in 1995; Dixie Moore, business education, 1977-2002; Penny Morris, 2006 and 2008. English, 1977-1997; Muffy O’Pry, home economics, 1978-2004; Weiss’ career in Fort Bend County started in advertising in Sharon Patterson, paraprofessional, 1978-2000; Maxine Phelan; 1992, where she worked for Sugar Land Properties Inc., now and Pat Wynne, math, 1985-2016. Planned Community Developers, and on the Fort Bend County This year’s reunion is slated for Saturday, April 7 from 3 p.m. to Fair accounts for Marion, Montgomery, Inc. in Houston. 7 p.m. at the Swinging Door, FM 359 in Richmond. Since 2000, Kristin has worked primarily in Fort Bend County The cost to attend is $25 per person, payable by check or in non-profit and for-profit industries such as Fort Bend Seniors money order to Lamar Staff Reunion, 1400 Carlisle, Rosenberg, Meals on Wheels, Solana Cinco Ranch, Kindred Hospital Sugar TX 77471 by March 15. Land and most recently at National Senior Care Home Health. Included with the payment should be the name of the “I am beyond thrilled to be stepping into the president and attendee(s) — a spouse or guest of the attendee is also invited at CEO position at the Central Fort Bend Chamber,” said Weiss. “It $25 per person — a phone number, e-mail address and the years is an honor and a privilege to be able to live and work in a com- the teacher or staff member worked at Lamar. munity that I have called home and have raised my family for over ‘True blue’ 20 years.” What’s unique about Lamar’s staff is that many Lamar graduates Weiss and her husband, Charlie, have four children, a son-in-law return to their old stomping grounds to work with many of them and two granddaughters. on the current staff. In fact, four members of the Lamar Staff Re- “I have seen so much positive growth take place over the years union committee are Mustang graduates: Veta (Williams) Buzek, and am excited about what is to come for our community, the class of ‘67; Kay (Boucher) Dawes, class of ‘66; Sharon (Penkert) Chamber and its members,” Weiss said. Patterson, class of ‘62; and Maxine (Cegelski) Phelan, class of ‘61. 16 • Greatwood Monthly “Many former Lamar teachers and staff members from the last 50 years considered it a privilege and joy to work at Lamar High School,” Phelan said. “We never felt our work was ‘just a job.’ In academics and sports, we took pride in our students’ accomplish- ments, and we worked to foster a standard of excel- lence and caring environment for our students. “Our faculty/staff was like a family,” Phelan added. “We had staff socials for holidays, and we celebrated colleagues’ happy times and supported each other in sad times. That bond of pride in our work and personal connection has remained in retirement for many of us retirees, so it is no surprise we want to come together once again.”

LOOKING TO CONNECT Considering the 2010 reunion was a hit, the re- union committee is trying to reach even more for- The 2018 Lamar Staff Reunion committee is excited about gathering once again to reminisce with collegues at their second reunion in April. From left are: Veta Buzek, Pat Wynne, Maxine mer teachers. Phelan, Penny Morris, Muffy O’Pry, Sharon Patterson, Dixie Moore. “not pictured” is Kay Dawes. “We’ve contacted a large number of former col- Photo by Marquita Griffin leagues, but we know we have missed some,” said Veta Buzek. “Anyone who ever worked at Lamar staff members have not received an invitation, they can call 281- Consolidated High School as a faculty or staff member is invited 610-2386 or e-mail [email protected] for more details. to the reunion. Current employees of Lamar High have also re- “This will be a reunion celebrating our memories and friend- ceived an invitation to attend.” ships,” she said. While invitations have been sent, Buzek said if former faculty or If you answered281-761-6610 yes to any of these, then CALL US TODAY!

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To advertise, call 281-342-4474 • 17 Non Profit

Fort Bend County’s First-Ever Art League of Fort Bend announces Jigsaw Puzzle Champion grand opening of art center By Darla Farmer By MARQUITA GRIFFIN he crowd was focused and determined. Folks, young and ort Bend County abounds with local art and that was being seasoned, gathered at Constellation Field for Hope For made clear on in February as the Art League of Fort Bend TThree’s Inaugural Jigsaw Puzzle Competition, presented Fhosted its grand opening of The Fort Bend Art Center in by LearningRx Sugar Land. Rosenberg. And the winner is the fabulous foursome, “Individual Pieces.” The grand opening was held at the center, at 2012 Avenue G Having met for the first time, puzzle fanatics, Susan Kadow, in historic downtown Rosenberg, and allowed the public a tour Rachel Hilburn, Diane Wolf and Mary Green placed first as Fort Bend County, Texas first-ever jigsaw puzzle champions. of the thriving multi-arts center with more than a dozen working And the competition was furious. artist-in-residence studios, an arts training and workshop space “Every Day I’m Puzzling” teammates, Ashley Johnson, Ashleigh and fine art gallery, said Diana Miller, President of the Art League Tremblay, Emily Westerburg and Lauren DeShazo placed second. of Fort Bend. And, puzzling to completion, The McMillion Family, Michael, Kar- The center, which is sponsored by The Art League of Fort Bend, la, Jacquelyn and Abigal placed third. Accepting the Perpetual Trophy for the most widely represent- is where the league holds its monthly member meetings, demon- ed teams was Fort Bend Teen Service League. strations and workshops that have attracted artists from outside The puzzle piece is the International symbol for autism and the greater Fort Bend-Houston area to participate in the league’s since every piece is unique, the jigsaw puzzle accurately repre- gallery and local popup art shows. sents the diversity of an individual with autism spectrum disorder. “Our art gallery features a wide variety of fine art, from pho- As a way to raise awareness and funds for differently-able chil- dren, Hope For Three organized the countywide competition. tography, paintings, sculpture and more. New art is changed out To learn more about Hope For Three, programs and services, each month so there’s always something new to see,” Miller said. volunteer opportunities or events, call 281-245-0640 or visit “Adults and students alike appreciate an opportunity to show- hopeforthree.org case their work and offer it for sale in a professionally hung gal- lery environment. The grand piano is an extra touch and patrons See On The Fort Bend Scene on page 30 to see and artists alike enjoy our live music sessions.” moments from the event. A FULL-FEATURED GRAND OPENING In addition to being able to tour the center, the grand opening featured refreshments; newly-hung artwork — including sculp- ture, paintings of various mediums and techniques and photogra-

6 Years phy — by gallery members that will be unveiled in the Mayde W. Running Butler Art Gallery; a “community-art-large” collaborative painting project celebrating the local community’s love of art; and more than a dozen artists-in-residence who will be at work in their studios and conducting live demonstrations of their various art Focused on Trusted Vision Care techniques. A private painting party with participants creating hand-deco- For more than 65 years, we’ve been providing quality rated wine glasses in the workshop room and a silent auction fea- eye care for patients of all ages. Give us a call today! turing renderings, hand-tooled jewelry and more also took place. Plus guests experienced book signings featuring several local authors’ and artists’ books including “Fredrick the Frog,” a chil-

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18 • Greatwood Monthly dren’s picture book illustrated by local artist, Anne Gregory, who by the Art League of Fort Bend. also serves as the vice president and board member for the Art Thn the April 25 member meeting, from 9 a.m. to noon, will League of Fort Bend. feature a free artist demo of the Vie Dunn-Har Technique by local “Truly, there is something for everyone here at the Fort Bend Art artist, by Nancy D Lee, followed by a workshop — costing $110 Center,” said Miller, adding that the roster of artists-in-residence at for members and $120 for non-members — from 1 p.m to 4 p.m. the Fort Bend Art Center is impressive, and includes practicing and continues on Friday, April 27. artists whose work includes 3D sculpture to photography and For more information about the Art League of Fort Bend, paintings. visit www.artleaguefortbend.org. The art styles range from super-realism and impressionistic ap- proaches and media is varied as well, from encaustic to oils, wa- tercolor and multimedia collage. “Collectors, professional artists, students and those who are just picking up their paint brushes have all come through our doors and have discovered works of art, events or classes of inter- est to them,” she said. Future events As the Fort Bend Art Center continues to expand, so will the events it offers. Following the grand opening, the center also has a calendar of events planned, starting with the March 24 FotoFest Reception — with the exhibition running March 10 to April 22 — followed by the March 28 member meeting from 9 a.m. to noon with a free artist demo of Drawing the Human figure by local artist, by Carol Rensink, followed by a workshop followed by a workshop from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. that cost $35 for members and $45 for non-members. On April 7, the league will hold its Spring Art Show & Exhibi- Artist Jim Fuchs is tion, which is a Lone Star Art Guild qualifying art show sponsored painting in a workshop.

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To advertise, call 281-342-4474 • 19 Entertainment

BalletForte Presents Mesmerizing “Swan Lake” alletForte, Fort Bend County’s pre- professional ballet company, pres- Bents “Swan Lake,” a mesmerizing tale of romance and a battle between good and evil, April 7-8 at the Stafford Centre, 10505 Cash Rd, Stafford. Included in the production are several Greatwood dancers: Dylin Waldorf, Morgan Hildum, Anna Thaxton, Natalia Flores and Sophie Sandlin. One of the quintessential ballets of all time, “Swan Lake” is a technically and emo- Dylin Waldorf, Morgan Hildum, tionally demanding four acts featuring Anna Thaxton, Natalia Flores Tchaikovsky’s heartbreakingly beautiful and Sophie Sandlin will all perform in “Swan Lake.” score. See the area’s best dancers tackle it in BalletForte, which includes more than 40 area dancers, has two shows: 7 p.m. Saturday, April 7, and 2 p.m. Sunday, April 8. been performing “The Nutcracker” every December since 1996. Directed by Michael Banigan and Dianne Jarrell, BalletForte As a member of Regional Dance America, the group will be at- provides a training ground and professional quality performance tending the Regional Dance America-Southwest festival near Dal- opportunities for serious dancers from the Houston area. las in March and then return to present “Swan Lake” to their local BalletForte Company members audition for and are accepted fans in April. into summer programs offered by professional ballet companies BalletForte is a nonprofit organization and all donations to the nationwide. organization are tax-deductible. Don’t miss this opportunity to support the local fine arts. Group rates, as well as student and senior discounts, are available for “Swan Lake.” For more information or to buy tickets, call 281-799-7554 or visit www.balletforte.org.

Boogie to celebrate 25th anniversary ort Bend Women’s Center’s largest annual fundraiser, Boo- gie, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. The event, Fwhich raises more than $200,000 every year to support survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in rebuilding their lives, will take place on Saturday, March 24 at The Stafford Centre. Greatwood Veterinary Hospital To mark its special anniversary, Boogie will be turning The Staf- ford Centre into Studio 25 and bringing disco back! In addition to At Greatwood Veterinary Hospital, we are dedicated to providing excellent great tunes from DJ Rock N Robin, guests can also enjoy a variety and compassionate care for your furry, family friends. We offer full veter- of food from local restaurants, silent and live auctions, and Boo- inary services in our new, spacious 6,500 square foot facility. Our experi- gie’s famous Purse-A-Nality. enced and caring veterinarians and staff strive to provide the best quality care Classic Chevrolet Sugar Land is returning as Boogie’s present- available for your pets, with an emphasis on client education and an under- ing sponsor and a range of other sponsorship packages are avail- standing of your pet’s specific needs. We would like to be partners with you able, starting at $500. in ensuring your pet’s good health and well-being. In addition to full med- “We are so excited to be celebrating this milestone anniversary ical, surgical, and dental veterinary care, we also offer boarding, grooming, at this year’s Boogie. The event’s continuing success is a real tes- and cremation services. Greatwood Veterinary Hospital has been providing tament to the work of the many volunteers and sponsors who affordable and quality veterinary care to the Fort Bend area for over 15 years. have supported Boogie since 1993,” said Vita Goodell, Fort Bend It is our hope that we can meet all your animal’s health care needs with our Women’s Center CEO. “We are incredibly grateful to everyone warm, friendly, and knowledgeable services. who has been part of Boogie’s history, and we hope that Studio To make an appointment for your pet or for more information, please call us 25 will attract new friends this year. at (281) 342-7770 or visit us at 401 Crabb River Road in Richmond. “While Boogie is a great night of fun, food and friendship, it

20 • Greatwood Monthly does serve a serious purpose. Without the amazing community doah”, “Just a Closer Walk with Thee” and “We Shall Overcome.” support for our events, we could not continue to provide our life- The young audience can sing and danc along with the music saving services for survivors of domestic violence and sexual as- throughout the performance with the “Pops Hoe-Down,” “Ham sault and their children. Over the last 25 years, Boogie has helped and Eggs” and the “International Dixieland Jamboree.” us bring healing and hope to hundreds of families, helping them Following a simple sign language lesson, the audience will both build new lives, free of violence and fear.” sing and sign the finale, “This Land is Your Land.” Individual tickets are $75 and sponsorship packages for FBSO will hold an instrument petting zoo following the per- Boogie – Studio 25 are now available at www.fbwc.org. For formance. Other activities are being planned for the day; please more information contact Patty Holt, Events Manager at 281- check the website for more details. 344-5761. Children of all ages are welcome to attend. This is an entertain- ing, family activity – and a great way to foster a young child’s love of music, while honoring American heritage. For more information visit www.fbso.org or call 281-276-9642. The Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra Presents The Annual Childrens’ Concert BSO’S season-long patriotic theme continues with the annual children’s concert, Saturday, April 7, at 2pm at the FGeorge Memorial Library in Richmond. In “This Land is Made for You and Me,” attendees will enjoy tra- ditional American folk songs from all corners of our great nation. The concert is free of charge, and there are no tickets required. Most of the music will be familiar to children, including folk songs from American heritage, “Oh, Susannah”, “America the Beau- tiful” and songs from Stephen Foster. We’ll also salute our Texas FBSO’s Music Director, heritage, with “The Yellow Rose of Texas” and “Texas, Our Texas”. Dominique Røyem, with a young concertgoer. There will be a few ballads and slow melodies, such as “Shenan- [Photo by Jon Cooper]

To advertise, call 281-342-4474 • 21 Spotlighted Events

MARCH 13 Bend County Fair Scholarship program. Bayou Roux will be providing the The Evolution of Technology music for the evening. This spring break, join the George Ranch Historical Park, 10215 FM 762 Fashion Show in Richmond for some evolving fun exploring 100 years of inventions and GiGis Playhouse in Sugar Land will host its 3rd Annual Spring Fashion technological advancements. From the cotton gin to the sewing machine Show featuring the Spring Line from Cabi Fashions at the Sugar Creek to the tractor, technology would forever change how we lived in each pro- Country Club from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visit gigisplayhouse.org/sugarland for gressive generation. March 13 - 17. Visit www.georgeranch.org. more information. MARCH 16 MARCH 26 Blood Drive YMCA Golf Tournament MD Anderson will hold a blood drive from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Visit www. The T.W. Davis YMCA will be a partial recipient of the proceeds from the sugarlandtownsquare.com/event/md-anderson-blood-drive YMCA Golf Tournament set for 11:30 a.m. at the Pecan Grove Country Club, MARCH 18 3000 Plantation Drive in Richmond. The range opens at 10 a.m., a box lunch St. Paddy’s Day Half Marathon is available at 11 a.m. and tee time is 11:30 a.m. Visit www.ymcahouston. Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Half Marathon 13.1 mile loop starting org. and ending at Sugar Land Town Square is set for 7:15 a.m. - 11 a.m. Visit MARCH 28 www.slfinishlinesports.com/memorial-hermann-sugar-land-half-maratho Superstar Auditions MARCH 24 Sugar Land’s Jr. American Idol-like competition is kicking off another 4th Annual Auto Fest summer by showcasing local talent with open auditions from 5:30 p.m. to Fourth annual Auto Fest fundraiser, supporting the LCISD Auto Technol- 7:30 p.m. at Sugar Land Town Square. Contestants must be between 9-13 ogy Program, will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 24 in the parking lot years of age and residents of Fort Bend County to be eligible for competi- of the new LCISD natatorium, 1020 Horace Mann Ave. in Rosenberg. Activi- tion. All participants should be prepared to sing for 60 to 90 seconds with- ties this year include a live DJ, door prizes, 14 Best-of-Show categories, out musical accompaniment and auditions will take place in the lobby of barbecue, moonwalk inflatables for kids, a dunking booth, a vehicle-bash 2277 Plaza Drive. Visit www.sugarlandtownsquare.com/event/sugar-land- and swap meet. Admission is free. The entry fee for vehicles is $20 and jr-superstar-auditions $30 for vendors. All funds raised go directly to support the Lamar CISD MARCH 31 Automotive Technology program, funding students competing in Automo- Old-Fashioned Easter tive Skills USA, educational field trips, work uniforms and scholarships. Travel back in time for the 23rd annual Old-Fashioned Easter at the For more information contact Deon Wilson at [email protected] or 832- George Ranch Historical Park. Easter Egg Hunts will take place at 11 a.m, 223-3187. 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. The Historic Easter Lunch will be held at 12:30 pm on MARCH 23 the lawn of the 1890s Davis Victorian Mansion. Cost for the meal is $15 for The Fort Bend County Fair & Rodeo’s Crawfish Boil adults ages 13 and older; $12 for children ages 5-12 and $4 for children 4 Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for social time and the crawfish will be boiling. and under. Reservations are required; please call 281-343-0218 to make Serving will be from 6:30 - 8 p.m.Tickets are $35 in advance or $45 at the reservations for the historic lunch. Visit www.georgeranch.org door for all the mudbugs, fried fish you can eat and all the good stuff that goes with it. Tea will be provided during the meal. Children 6-11 are $15 and COMING SOON! children 5 years old and younger are free. Proceeds will benefit the Fort APRIL 5 Power of the Pur$e The Volunteers of OakBend Medical Center are holding their third an- Specializing in Adult and nual Power of the Pur$e fundraiser to raise money that will be donated to the ongoing renovation of the hospital’s Skilled Nursing Unit from 11 Geriatric Medicine a.m. to 1 p.m. in Safari Texas Rach in Richmond. Melissa Wilson of Fox 26 will once again be emceeing the program. This year’s keynote speaker will Accepting New Patients! be humorist and motivational speaker Ida Mae Fudpucker. The volunteers are looking for donations of new purses and sponsorships. Tickets may be purchased online at www.oakbendmedcenter.org under the events sec- tion or call (281) 341-2864. For additional information regarding donations, tickets or sponsorships email [email protected]. Syed Gardezi, M.D. MAY 5 Internal Medicine Derby Day Party Primary & Preventive Care Physician Reining Strength Therapeutic Horsemanship will host its annual fundrais- er, the Derby Day Party, at 3:30 p.m. at Safari Texas, 11627 FM 1464 on Cinco de Mayo. Limited sponsorship opportunities —from $250 to $8,000 — are available. Individual tickets are $100. The event will feature contests, prizes, a silent auction, wine pull, dinner, entertainment and complimentary beer and Office Services: wine. Proceeds will benefit Reining Strength’s programs for individual with special needs. Visit www.reiningstrength.org or call 832-451-6874. 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22 • Greatwood Monthly 281-342-2512

Library News

find the program. Participants may also register by calling the li- brary at 281-633-5100, or by visiting the library.

“SCORE: Digital Marketing Workshop” Friday, March 2, 10:30 am, Meeting Room 1 SCORE mentor Michelle LeBlanc will discuss digital-marketing strategy and planning, social-media campaign development, and campaign analytics and optimizations. This program is designed to help individuals with business start-ups or established busi- nesses. This program is presented in partnership with SCORE, the non-profit mentoring arm of the U.S. Small Business Administra- tion. Those attending this program will learn about resources that are available through SCORE and how to draw on the experience of other SCORE members.

“How to Learn a New Language February Programs at with Transparent Languages” University Branch Library Wednesday, March 7, 2 pm, Computer Lab Are you planning to visit a foreign country? Would you like to ort Bend County Libraries’ University Branch Li- make yourself more marketable to an employer by being bilin- brary, 14010 University Blvd in Sugar Land, on the gual? Learning another language can have many benefits, and Fort FUH campus, presents a variety of free children’s Bend County Libraries’ “Transparent Language® Online” resource programs, adult computer classes, book clubs, and special makes learning a new language easier than ever – and it’s free! programs for people of all ages each month. All programs The database includes more than 80 languages – from Afrikaans are free and open to the public. For more information, call to Zulu – as well as ESL (English as a Second Language) classes the University Branch Library (281-633-5100) or the li- for non-English speaking people who would like to learn English. brary system’s Public Information Office (281-633-4734). The demonstration is free and open to the public. Seating is lim- ited, however, and reservations are required.

SPECIAL EVENTS “Monkey & Francine in the City of Tigers” Income-Tax-Preparation Assistance Monday, March 12, 2:30 pm, Meeting Room 1 Saturdays, through Apr 14, 10 am - 2 pm Performed by Houston Grand Opera’s “Opera to Go!,” this fam- Conference Room 1 ily-friendly light opera is sung entirely in English and is recom- This program will not take place on March 31; the library will mended for children in grades 2 through 8. Monkey and Francine be closed for the holiday. in the City of Tigers is a world-premiere opera inspired by Indian Representatives from the AARP will provide free income-tax- and Chinese mythology and the Bollywood style. This hilarious preparation assistance for low-income taxpayers. Patrons should fable demonstrates the power of teamwork as a monkey prince bring the following information to the session if possible: photo and his brainy sister outwit a hungry crocodile to escape from ID; Social Security card(s) for self, spouse, and all dependents; the City of Tigers. The event is sponsored by the Friends of the last year’s tax return; W-2, 1099s, and any other compensation University Branch Library. Seating is limited to first-come, first- received in 2017; unemployment compensation statements; and served. any other documents that are necessary to complete your return. This service is free and open to the public on a first-come, first- “Culinary Book Club” served basis. Income-tax forms will no longer be available at the Wednesday, March 21; 1:30 pm, Meeting Room 1 libraries, but patrons may use the libraries’ computers and print- This month, the theme is “March Madness.” Share recipes for ers to download and print out the forms from the IRS website, basketball-themed dishes. Cooking enthusiasts of all ages and ex- www.irs.gov, during regular library hours. A library card is need- perience levels – from beginners to advanced -- are invited to ed to use the printers, and the cost to print is 10¢ per black-and- join. Those attending are welcome to bring their own cookbooks white page. and recipes, or they may browse the library’s collection of cook- books. Share tips, get ideas, and enjoy the camaraderie of other “Create Your Own Website” individuals who have an interest in cooking and good cuisine! Thursday, March 1; 2 pm, Computer Lab Meets on the third Wednesday of every month; different cooking Learn how to create and publish your own customized website genres are explored each month. using online tools that are free and simple to use. Those attending this class should have a basic, working knowledge of computers “Japanese Tea Ceremony” and should have a Google account already set up. Reservations re- Friday, March 23, 10:30 am, Meeting Room 1 quired. To register online at the library’s website (www.fortbend. Observe and learn about this Japanese cultural activity involv- lib.tx.us), click on “Events,” select “University Branch Library,” and ing the ceremonial preparation and presentation of matcha, or

24 • Greatwood Monthly powdered green tea. Using authentic materials and tools, tea mas- – who are interested in crocheting or knitting are invited to at- ters from the “Showing Japan” organization will demonstrate the tend this “craft-and-gab” session to learn more about the basics of art of making and serving tea, and will explain the significance these needlework arts or to share ideas. Basic techniques and free of each step. resources will be introduced. Experienced needle crafters can bring a current project to show novices who are thinking about “Discover the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston” taking up a new stitching hobby. Beginners are invited to try out Saturday, March 24, 10:30 am, Meeting Room 2 materials that will be on hand, before deciding to purchase their Museum docent and past-president of the MFAH Guild Gerry own. Samples of the library’s instructional books, crafting maga- Aitken will provide an overview of the museum, its history, and zines, and online resources and websites on various sewing arts its collections, which range from antiquity to modern times. Hear and craft projects will be available. highlights of the collections of Indonesian, African, and pre-Co- lumbian art. Learn about the growth of the museum and the ad- ditions of Bayou Bend and Rienzi. Aitken will also share “inside VISIT US ONLINE! stories” about the museum and its works. FOR the details on the all of the special events, computer classes, book clubs as well as the teen “Search Free Online Public Records” and children’s programs at the University Branch Tuesday, March 27, 2 pm, Computer Lab Library in March visit: www.fbherald.com/ Whether researching property for purchase or tracing family monthly_magazines. NOTE: The library will be histories, one can find many public records online that are avail- closed March 30 and 31 for the Easter holiday. able to the public, free of charge. Learn how to search online for public records such as property records, court records, property- tax records, and much more, with minimal effort. Reservations required; registration will open on Nov 17.

“Knit & Crochet Circle” Wednesday, March 28; 6:30 pm, Meeting Room 2 People of all ages and skill levels – from beginners to advanced

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To advertise, call 281-342-4474 • 25 School News

Looking Ahead: Campbell Elementary School News Open PTO Positions for the 2018-2019 Year By Julie Sams Parent involvement is critical for a successful school so please Thank You for Your Support consider volunteering as a PTO officer or a committee chair for 2018-2019. e want to thank everyone for supporting Campbell’s first ever Boot Scootin’ Boogie! This event would not All PTO Board positions are open and we need YOU to fill them have been the success it was without the support of W We are seeking nominations for: parents, students, volunteers and the community. President Get Your Yearbook Today Treasurer Recording Secretary If you have not had an opportunity to purchase a Campbell Communications Secretary Yearbook, now is the time to make that purchase! Click here for Website Coordinator the link to make this purchase: www.campbellpto.org. Room Parent Coordinator PTO Nominating Committee Members Needed Student Services/School Store Coordinator Community Relations Coordinator Nominating committee members are needed to help prepare Membership Coordinator the slate of PTO Board nominees for the 2018-2019 school year. Teacher Appreciation Coordinator We are seeking three volunteers to serve on this committee. Fall Fundraiser Coordinator Committee members will be responsible for reaching out to in- Spring Fundraiser Coordinator dividuals nominated for a PTO Board position to confirm willing- Year Book Coordinator ness to serve and then, once all nominated individuals have been Volunteer Coordinator contacted, committee members will prepare a list of individuals Special Programs Coordinator they recommend for each of the PTO positions. Nominating com- Grade Level Party Coordinator mittee members cannot be current PTO Board members or indi- viduals interested in serving on the Board next year. To be con- Those elected will serve one-year terms, from June 1st sidered for the nominating committee please email your name, through May 31. Nomination forms are available now at www. phone number, email address, and the grade level(s) of your campbellpto.org. If you are interested in serving in one of these child(ren) to [email protected] no later than March 1, 2018. positions please fill out the online nomination form no later Please put “Nominating Committee” in the subject line. Three than March 23, 2018. You may nominate yourself or another committee members will be drawn at random from all of the for any of the open positions. names submitted, and those selected will be notified by March Visit www.campbellpto.org 5, 2018 via email.

2017-18 Campbell Elementary Calendar

Dates Events Notes 3/5 - 3/9/2018 Spring Book Fair Library 3/9/18 Early Release 11:30 a.m. Release 3/9/18 2nd Grade Program 8:30 a.m. 3/9/18 Kindergarten Hoe Down 10 a.m. 3/12 - 3/16/2018 Spring Break No School 3/19/18 School Resumes 3/20/18 PTO Board MeeSng 7:45 a.m. 3/21/18 Wear Silly Socks for Down Syndrome Awareness 3/29 - 3/30/2018 No School - Easter Holiday 4/2/18 3rd Nine Weeks Ends 4/3/18 4th Nine Weeks Begins 4/5/18 Spring Picture Day 4/6/18 Wear Blue for AuSsm Awareness 4/10/18 4th Grade STAAR WriSng/5th Grade STAAR Math No visitors 4/11/18 5th Grade STAAR Reading No visitors 4/17/18 PTO Board MeeSng 7:45 a.m. 4/19/18 1st Grade Program 8:30 a.m. & 6 p.m. 4/26/18 Volunteer AppreciaSon Breakfast/PTO General MeeSng 7:45 a.m.

The Cougar Store is open regularly the first and third Friday of each month. The store opens at 7:00 a.m. and closes at 7:30 a.m. Days are subject to change - check out the Campbell PTO Facebook page and signs in the car rider line for reminders for Cougar Store days!

For up-to-date informaSon throughout the school year, please refer to the weekly paw prints distributed by Mrs. Koerth.

26 • Greatwood Monthly PTO Meeting Dickinson Elementary News Our next general PTO Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April By Kristin Jovel 19, 6-7 pm. We are bringing back our popular ‘Bingo for Books’ dur- ing the evening meeting, all family members are welcome to join! PTO Board Message Yearbook Sales- Now is the time to order your child’s year- e honestly cannot believe how fast this year is going! book! Books can be purchased through our sponsor’s site, joste- We are busy making preparations for our 2018-2019 nyearbooks.com WPTO Board transition and some other fun end-of-year activities. Continue to stay tuned in and in-the-know! Class Relay Day The annual Class Relay Day is scheduled to be held during the ANNOUNCEMENTS spring, with a final date TBD. We are anxiously awaiting comple- tion of our new track and will send out information on the Re- “Drive Thru” Dinner Fundraiser March 22, 5-7pm lay’s once that is finalized. Thursday March 22, 2018 Dickinson Elementary PTO will be holding a “Drive-thru” Dinner Fundraiser featuring Ben’s Chuck Nominations for the 2018-2019 PTO Wagon of Wallis, TX. Each plate will include Chicken Fried Steak, We would love for you to join the PTO Board for the upcoming Buttered Potatoes, Green Beans, bread and gravy. Plates will be school year! The various Board positions range from President/ sold for $9. Communications/Hospitality/Secretary and many in between. On March 23rd from 5-7pm, you’ll drive up in Dickinson’s park- The Nominating Committee will be sending out all of the details ing lot and we’ll deliver your food right to you. No need to get soon, with Nominations being due March 30, 2018. out of your car! This is a community wide event, so take the night off of cooking and help out our school. Tell your friends, family 2017-2018 Dickinson Elementary Calendar and neighbors! Funds raised from this event will go towards the March: Dolphin Days Fundraiser- cancelled PTO budget which funds field trips, field day, grants and teacher 9-Mar: Early Release appreciation events. 12-16 Mar: Spring Break Ticket sales will be March 1 – March 20. Dinners will be pur- 22-Mar: Spirit Night - Drive Thru Dinner chased ahead of time online at www.dickinsonpto.com. 29-30 March: Easter Break- No School

Eighth-graders Trent Oliver, Sarah Dean 1and Ashley Uscanda laugh as they Reading Junior High 4th Annual Career Expo converse about the different professionals Photos by DIANA NGUYEN they’ve spoken to at the school’s 4th Annual Career Expo. Eighth-graders Cayla Anthony, Alexandra 2Ayanegui, Marcela Martinez and Laila Iqbal browse through some magazines and newspapers while learning about journalism and the various content journalists create. Eighth-graders Kyra Johnson and Brenna 3Buchanan read an issue of the Fort Bend Herald while learning about journalism. Rosenberg police officer Brandon 4Armstrong poses with eighth-grader Allison Davallos. Fort Bend County Game Warden Emily 5Slubar displays a table of animal parts — including antlers, deer skin and a turtle shell — to catch the interest of students. 1 2

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To advertise, call 281-342-4474 • 27 School News

Teens are also made aware of the main distraction for teen driv- George Ranch High School ers – other teens in the vehicle! With technology at their finger- By BRENDA THOMPSON tips, drivers are constantly faced with distractions, such as talking or texting, which places their safety and that of others at serious Passenger Safety Project risk. TxDOT’s Talk. Text. Crash. campaign raises awareness of the & Distracted Driving Program dangers associated with distracted driving and encourages Tex- n March 7 the George Ranch High School PTO will host ans to put down their cell phones while driving. the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Passenger While distractions affect drivers of all ages, the National High- Safety Project’s State Farm Distracted Driving Simulator, O way Traffic Safety Administration has found that hand-held cell Virtual Reality Goggles and the Rollover Convincer to teach the phone use is highest among 16- to 24-year- olds. This age group dangers of distracted driving and seatbelt safety to the students of has the largest proportion of drivers who were distracted. In Tex- GRHS. Many thanks to local State Farm agent intern Thuy Tran and as, 46 percent of urban teens and 52 percent of rural teens talk the PTO for helping to bring this program to the school. on a cell phone while driving, and nearly the same percentage Juniors and seniors will attend an assembly that addresses text while driving. (Texas A&M Transportation Institute). A study the dangers of texting. Jamie and his mother, Katrina Chapman by AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety shows that distracted driving will also speak to the students. Jamie is a local teen who often among teens was a factor in nearly 6 out of 10 moderate-to-severe goes out to schools to speak about his experience and the mo- teen crashes. ment that changed his and his family’s life forever. This is a link to Eliminating distractions and putting away cell phones while the brief video that tells more about his story: https://youtu.be/ driving can and will save lives. LzAlv8Tffpo Drivers are reminded to put away their cell phones and wait The simulators are made possible through a grant from State until they arrive at their destination to use their phone. Although Farm to the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Passenger Safe- cell phone use is the most easily recognized distraction, all in- ty Project in cooperation with the Texas Department of Trans- vehicle distractions are unsafe and can cause crashes or fatalities. portation (TxDOT). The State Farm Distracted Driving Simulator Keep your eyes on the road and arrive alive! and Virtual Reality Goggles allow participants to experience the Questions or need more information? Please contact Mike dangers of texting and driving while in a realistic, but safe envi- Guidry, B.F.A., Program Coordinator at [email protected]. ronment.

Advertise with us! If you are interested in advertising in the Greatwood Monthly, please call the Fort Bend Herald at 281-342-4474 for rates, information and deadlines.

28 • Greatwood Monthly edu or visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ become active members of the PTO. While volunteer opportuni- PassengerSafetyProject/ ties are available you do not need to commit to volunteering to support the PTO! It’s Never Too Late To Join Join and pay by credit card all at one time on our website. The George Ranch Pto http://www.myvlink.org/georgeranchpto/ Support the George Ranch High School PTO. Your support You may also pay by check. Visit our website to contact Car- helps fund many programs at the school and your donation is rie Trevino, Membership Chairperson for more details on how also tax deductible. Businesses that donate can receive publicity to pay by check. on our website. In 2016-2017, the GRHS PTO was able to provide nearly $5,000 to teachers and staff for their wish list needs to help support their instruction in the classroom. This year, a scholarship fund has also been established.

Why join the GRHS PTO? · Receive communication about campus and PTO activities by email blast · Helps with startup funding for student clubs · Helps provide for Teacher / Staff events - Special meals or wish list requests to express our gratitude · Learn about the many volunteer opportunities · Make a difference in a student’s life · Promote and support local businesses · Support your school!

All George Ranch families and teachers are invited to join and

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MEN’S OR LADIES’ MEN’S BUSINESS LADIES’ MEN’S OR BLOUSES, SKIRTS 2-PC SUITS SHIRTS DRESSES LADIES’ PANTS & SWEATERS $ .99 $ .50 $ .99 $ .89 $ .99 REG $10.00 REG $10.00 1 REG $3.00 6 REG $5.75 4 REG $7.00 6 LAUNDERED ON HANGERS DRY CLEANED. FANCY, SILK LINED DRY CLEANED. FANCY, SILK LINED DRY CLEANED. FANCY, SILK LINED DRY CLEANED. FANCY, SILK LINED 3 OR PLEATED SLIGHTLY MORE. WITH DRY CLEANING. OR PLEATED SLIGHTLY MORE. OR PLEATED SLIGHTLY MORE. OR PLEATED SLIGHTLY MORE. EACH • NO LIMIT EACH • NO LIMIT EACH • NO LIMIT EACH • NO LIMIT EACH • NO LIMIT Good for 6 visits. Expires 4-15-2018 Good for 6 visits. Expires 4-15-2018 Good for 6 visits. Expires 4-15-2018 Good for 6 visits. Expires 4-15-2018 Good for 6 visits. Expires 4-15-2018 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6 Coupons must be presented when order is left for processing • Not valid with any other offer.

To advertise, call 281-342-4474 • 29 On The Fort Bend Scene Puzzling for a Purpose

First Place: “Individual Pieces!” 1Susan Kadow, Rachel Hilburn, Diane Wolf and Mary Green pictured with Anne Marie Buckle, a young woman living with autism and Darla Farmer, Hope For Three Executive Director and Grant Manier, author, public, speaker and Eco-artist phenomenon. Second Place: “Every Day I’m 2Puzzling” Ashley Johnson, Ashleigh Tremblay, Emily Westerburg and Lauren DeShazo Third Place: “The McMillion Family,” 3Michael, Karla, Jacquelyn and Abigal Fort Bend Teen Service League 1 4Volunteers take home the Perpetual Trophy Award

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30 • Greatwood Monthly Lunches of Love's Taste of Fort Bend 2018 Photos by Diana Nguyen

Friends enjoy their time at Taste of Fort Bend 12018. Sean and Erie Degon, Vangie and Vin- cent Ostera. Standing from left, are: Jared and Kelly Strudel and Gloria and Andrew Couch. James Duke, Patti and Tim Kaminski were 2among the guests. Janice Gillen is the winning bidder who bid 3$4,500 for a Royal Caribbean Cruise at the Lunches of Love’s Taste of Fort Bend 2018 fun- draiser at the Briscoe Manor in Richmond in January. From left, Tracy Kilpatrick, Keesha O’Brien, 4Marina Nicole Roberts, Lunches of Love Director Adriane Mathews Gray, and Shelly Mu- noz have fun striking a pose. From left, Wendy Van den Berg, and spon- 1 5sors Lacey Smith Liner and Jennifer Vance have fun at the photo booth.

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To advertise, call 281-342-4474 • 31 Health News

Six reasons your back hurts FINDING RELIEF our back is a feat of biological engineering: More than 33 EXPERT CARE FOR SCHEDULE Minor back problems — primarily those associated with strains or vertebrae form the column that runs from skull to tailbone; spasms — can be successfully treated at home with a combination between each is a cushiony disk, all held together by a web Y of hot and cold compresses, rest and anti-inflammatory medications. TODAY! of ligaments and muscles. With all those moving parts, plenty can go “Although you may be tempted to spend a few days recuperat- wrong. AN ACTIVE LIFESTYLE ing in bed, movement is actually better for your pain,” Wood “Back pain is incredibly common, especially as we age,” said. “Try to keep up with your regular activities.” said Dr. Jeffrey Wood, a board-certified orthopedic spine If your pain is debilitating, a spine specialist can per- surgeon at the Houston Methodist Neuroscience & form an exam to help determine the source of your Spine Center at Sugar Land. “Fortunately, we can treat discomfort and prescribe a treatment plan that may most cases of back pain without surgery.” Below are include medications, physical therapy or injec- some of the most common causes of back pain. tions to relieve pain. In severe cases, surgery may • Heavy lifting or improper sports or exercise be needed. techniques. Repeated lifting or simply an “At our Neuroscience & Spine Center, doctors awkward movement could cause a muscle or work together to get you back to a pain-free life,” ligament strain. Wood added. We offer expedited appointments, • Bad posture. Sit at a desk all day? If you’re including second opinions, with our renowned hunched over papers or using a chair with specialists. little support, your back bears the brunt of it. To schedule an appointment with Jeffrey • Herniated disk. The vertebrae in your spine are Wood, MD, or another specialist at the Houston cushioned by disks between each bone. When Methodist Neuroscience & Spine Center at Sugar the soft material inside bulges or ruptures, it can Land, go to houstonmethodist.org/neuro-sl-form cause pain by pressing on a nerve. and fill out the online form. • Scoliosis. Adults experience pain from scoliosis (a Dr. Jeffrey Wood sideways curve in the spine) when an existing curve BACK AND NECK PAIN SEMINAR worsens with age or a new curve develops. Join Jeffrey Wood, MD, as he discusses causes, the latest treat- • Arthritis. In its most common form, osteoarthritis, the cartilage ment options and prevention on Thursday, April 12 at 6 p.m. in the breaks down around joints, making movement painful. Brazos Pavilion Conference Center. Registration is required. To reg- • Osteoporosis, thinning of the bones, predisposes a person to ister or find out more information, go to events.houstonmethodist. Nader Ayub, DO David Braunreiter, MD Nish Shah, MD fractures. Compression fractures may cause pain when bones org/backpain-sl or call 281.274.7500. become brittle and porous. Sienna Plantation Sugar Land Long Meadow Farms 8330 Hwy. 6, Suite 110 16811 Southwest Fwy., Suite 200 7790 W. Grand Pkwy. S., Suite 100 You may be at higher risk if you: Missouri City, TX 77459 Sugar Land, TX 77479 Richmond, TX 77406 Fight Back Against Colon Cancer • Have a family history of colon cancer olorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed • Have a family or personal history of polyps in men and women in the United States. It is the second lead- • Suffer from ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease ing cause of death in men and third leading cause of cancer- Our primary care sports medicine physicians at Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports C • Eat a high-fat, low-fiber diet related deaths in women in the U.S.. The good news is colorectal • Are 50 or older cancer is also highly treatable when caught early, and in some cases, Medicine are board certified in family medicine and specialize in sports medicine to A colonoscopy is the gold standard. “During a colonoscopy, your even preventable. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself. doctor looks inside the colon using a special camera (colonoscope) provide active patients — and even those who are less active — with the full range of care they that can diagnose and treat polyps when they are detected,” TAKE AN ACTIVE APPROACH Mahmood said. “People who get screened regularly greatly According to Dr. Ali Mahmood, a board-certified need. These doctors treat everyday illnesses as well as sports injuries and orthopedic conditions, reduce their risk of developing colorectal cancer.” colorectal surgeon with Houston Methodist Surgical Ensure early detection by reporting any of the Associates, being aware of the signs of colorectal can- and offer a unique combination of expertise that provides significant benefits to patients, from following symptoms to your doctor: cer can make all the difference when it comes to • Rectal bleeding children to adults. your health. “Paying attention to just a few areas • Blood in the stool can dramatically cut your risk of colon cancer as • A change in bowel habits, including diarrhea well as improve your overall health,” he said. Here and constipation To schedule an appointment, visit houstonmethodist.org/orthopedics-sl are some specific steps he recommends. • Unexplained weight loss Add more vegetables, legumes, fruits and or call 281.612.6546. • Anemia (low blood count) whole grains to your plate to cut fat and boost • Fatigue fiber intake. “Studies show that fiber helps by To request an appointment with Ali Mah- keeping the digestive process moving so cancer mood, MD, with Houston Methodist Surgical causing wastes spend less time in the colon,” Mah- Associates, call 281.242.3300. For more infor- mood said. mation about Houston Methodist Sugar Land Take a 30-minute walk just three times a week to Hospital, visit houstonmethodist.org/sugarland. help lower your risk significantly, and reduce your Visit our Facebook page at fb.com/methodistsugar- risk for other diseases. land for the latest news, events and information. Limit your alcohol intake to no more than two drinks Dr. Ali Mahmood a day — drinking more than that may contribute to your COLORECTAL CANCER SEMINAR risk of getting cancer. One in 20 people will be diagnosed with colon cancer, and it is Take steps to stop smoking, which plays a role in 30 percent of the one cancer that can be prevented through regular screenings. Join all cancers Ali Mahmood, MD, colorectal surgeon, and Nitesh Vachhani, MD, gastro- enterologist, on Thursday, March 22 at 6 p.m. in our Brazos Pavilion Con- EARLY DETECTION IS KEY ference Center to learn more about colorectal cancer and take home a “Everyone should get screened for colon cancer at age 50,” Mah- free colorectal cancer screening kit. Registration is required. Register at mood urged. “If you’re at high risk, talk to your doctor about possibly getting screened earlier and more often.” events.houstonmethodist.org/colorectal-sl or call 281.274.7500. 32 • Greatwood Monthly EXPERT CARE FOR SCHEDULE AN ACTIVE LIFESTYLE TODAY!

Nader Ayub, DO David Braunreiter, MD Nish Shah, MD Sienna Plantation Sugar Land Long Meadow Farms 8330 Hwy. 6, Suite 110 16811 Southwest Fwy., Suite 200 7790 W. Grand Pkwy. S., Suite 100 Missouri City, TX 77459 Sugar Land, TX 77479 Richmond, TX 77406

Our primary care sports medicine physicians at Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine are board certified in family medicine and specialize in sports medicine to provide active patients — and even those who are less active — with the full range of care they need. These doctors treat everyday illnesses as well as sports injuries and orthopedic conditions, and offer a unique combination of expertise that provides significant benefits to patients, from children to adults.

To schedule an appointment, visit houstonmethodist.org/orthopedics-sl or call 281.612.6546. Health News OakBend Medical Center volunteers participate in ‘Little Hats, Big Hearts’

everal OakBend Medical Center vol- unteers, along with other volunteers Saround the country, joined the Amer- ican Heart Association, in connection with The Children’s Heart Foundation, to cel- ebrate American Heart Month by knitting and crocheting red hats for babies born in February. Little Hats, Big Hearts™, honors babies, moms, and heart healthy lives in a very Mom and baby - Brittany Palacios, Baby is Sophia Mendez. special way. Volunteers knit and crochet red hats to be given out to thousands of babies during American Heart Month in order to empower moms to live heart healthy lives and to help their children do the same. The American Heart Associa- tion and The Children’s Heart Foundation are working to raise awareness, provide resources and inspire moms to take their family’s heart health to heart while also raising awareness about Congenital Heart Defects. Arline Franklin, Jeaneene Tucker, Kathy Gerrie and Pat Burks completed 32 red hats for the new babies born at OakBend Medical Center.

Pat Burks, Felista Mojekwu, Baby is Annette Mojekwu, Kathy Gerrie

Long Cao Named In Senior Resource Guide’s Best Of 2017 Readers’ Choice

akBend Medical Center has been named the Best Hospital in the Houston area by the readers of the Senior Resource Guide. O Each year the publication polls its reader on various businesses and services that are used by active aging adults. The results of the 2017 Houston poll were released this week. In addition to OakBend Medical Center’s win, OakBend Medical Group’s Dr. Long Cao was named Best Cardiologist in the Houston Area. “I am so proud of Dr. Cao and of the hospital,” said Joe Freudenberger, CEO of OakBend Medical Center. “OakBend takes pride in taking care of our seniors. We have our Acute Care for the Elderly (ACE) Unit and have the only hospital-based skilled nursing unit in Fort Bend County in addition to an onsite Senior Behavioral Health Unit and we thank the local com- munities for acknowledging our dedication and commitment.”

34 • Greatwood Monthly The OakBend Medical Center hosted its fourth-floor unveiling last month along with an official ribbon cutting, sponsored by the Central Fort Bend Chamber. From left, are assistant vice presidents Cindy Johnson and Loretta Flynn, Dr. Fagbouhn, Dr. May Tape, Director Ruthanne Mefford, President Jeff Council, CEO Joe Freudenberger, Dr. Uthman, Assistant Vice President-Controller Susan Carruth, Vice President-Support Services Tim McCarty, Secretary Norma Petrosewicz, Assistant Vice President-Williams Way Campus Chris King, Tom Wilson of the Central Fort Bend Chamber, OakBend Board of Director Abby King, Vice President/Administrator Sue McCarty, Assistant Vice President-Nursing Michelle Ziakas and not shown, Vice President- Physician Services Donna Ferguson. Photo by Diana Ngyen

From left, OakBend RN Clinical Coordinator Priscilla Timoh, Chief Nursing Officer Sue McCarthy, RN Khushboo Patel, RN Medical Surgical Telemetry Unit Director Crystal Lewis, RN Clinical Coordinator Rebecca Atlan, RN clinical managers Cyril Amoin and Maria Nila Igoy-Milanco, RN Mary Paningbatan, CNA Aurora Gomez, RN Nirmala Walvekar and Monitor Tech Isabel Castillo strike a pose at OakBend Medical Center’s fourth floor unveiling in February. Photo by Diana Ngyen

To advertise, call 281-342-4474 • 35 Kids Corner Color the springtime images below

Your Community Healthcare Leader

PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIAN

Salman Aly, MD

FORT BEND COUNTY RESIDENT Tamara S. Osina, D.D.S. FOR OVER 30 YEARS 832-886-4774 832-886-4994 Michelle N. Messina D.D.S. INFECTIOUS DISEASE SPECIALIST s ra S. O ina D Mon.-Thurs. 8-5 • Fri. 7-3 ma .D Ta .S. New Address in Wharton Location (Early morning appointments 416 N. Alabama Rd., Wharton, TX 77488 available) Family and Cosmetic Dentistry Sarfraz Aly, MD Now Accepting New Patients At Both Locations 1320 Thompson Rd. In Sugar Land And Wharton Richmond, TX Sugar Land: 1201 Creekway Dr. • Suite B • Sugar Land, Texas 77478 Wharton: 979-282-6151 • 416 N. Alabama Rd., Wharton, TX 77488 281-342-5022

36 • Greatwood Monthly AH17_Women_8x5.05_RV1.2.pdf 4 2/2/17 11:42 AM

C M affordable Y access is CM healthcare for all women.

MY We make it convenient and accessible for women to CY take care of their healthcare needs, so that they can CMY focus on what matters most. K Medicare, Medicaid, Chip and private insurance is accepted. A sliding fee scale is also available for those who qualify.

A United Way Agency 281-342-4530 myaccesshealth.org

To advertise, call 281-342-4474 • 37 Business Neighborhood Business Directory

Rachel Perry, POLYNESIAN ENTERTAINMENT D.D.S. For All Occassions n Children’s Activities n Birthday Parties n Educational & Cultural Events n Hula & Polynesian 7417 West Grand Parkway | South Suite 140 Dance Classes Richmond, TX 77407 n Catering 281-232-8300 AlohaPele.com 832-359-9878 MaliasHulaHut.com www.houstonsernedental.com

ROSENBERG Carpet & Flooring RANGER “What’s On Your Floor Matters” PLUMBING COMPANY Ceramic Tile Flooring Counter Tops Residential & Commercial Service Wood Floor Refinishing Responsible Master Plumber Licensed Wood & Laminate Flooring [email protected] Insured 281.342.5193 RosenbergCarpet.com 832-868-8065 Heath McClure, Owner www.plumbersugarland.org M-40315

5101 AVE H, STE 67, ROSENBERG DR. JAMES KONG • DR. RONNI KRUGER THERAPEUTIC OPTOMETRISTS M-F 9-7 • SAT 9-4 SEE OUR “SPECIAL OFFERS” AT TODAYSVISION.COM FORT BEND HERALD 281.238.4443 2016 We Offer Payment Plans with APPOINTMENTS (281) 342-7747 • OCULAR EMERGENCY (713) 412-4117 READERS' CHOICE MOST VISION/MEDICAL PLANS ACCEPTED • NOW ACCEPTING MEDICARE No Credit Check & No Interest.

Let them know you're from here! COUPON $500 OFF Advertise with us today! 2518 1st Street A Complete Roof Job Call Ruby, Stefanie or John, Rosenberg, TX 77471 of 35 Squares or More $50 OFF A Repair your monthly magazine (281) 341-5779 *Discount May Not Be Combined with any other Coupons representatives. Locally Owned & Family Call Today! Operated Since 1993 281-342-4474 www.finaltouchroofing.com

38 • Greatwood Monthly Getting your kids to & has never been so easy!

$ { A $330 Our patient and friendly staff will 99 VALUE coach your child on how to brush EXAM, X-RAYS, CLEANING & FLUORIDE TREATMENT and floss properly to prevent cavities New patients only. and have healthy teeth and gums. Must present coupon to redeem.

Ben Villalon, DDS Amber Callis, DDS, MS Pediatric Dentist 103 Fluor Daniel Drive Pediatric Dentist Over 25 years experience Sugar Land, TX 77478 Board Certified

Call Now (713) 272-0036 www.happysmiles4kids.com To advertise, call 281-342-4474 • 39 WE MAKE YOUR EXPERIENCE AS PERFECT AS THE MOMENT.

Houston Methodist Childbirth Center at Sugar Land understands that your pregnancy and childbirth experience is unique to you. That’s why we offer our support, guidance and expertise from the first weeks of pregnancy through the arrival of your baby — because every mother deserves an experience as perfect as the moment.

Amenities include: • Tranquil, private and family-centered labor and delivery suites • Postpartum care and education, as well as breastfeeding support • Level II special care nursery with neonatal-trained staff to monitor high-risk and premature babies

To find an OB-GYN near you, call 281.205.4514. To register for a Childbirth Center class or tour, visit houstonmethodist.org/events or call 281.205.4514.

16655 Southwest Fwy. | Sugar Land, TX 77479