absolutely! AUTO REVIEW By Steve Kursar 2019 Toyota RAV4 T he 2019 Toyota RAV4 is all-new for this model year. The a 203 hp, 2.5 liter four cylinder that delivers an EPA estimated previous generation was the carmaker’s best selling fuel economy rating of 26 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the model, so it was a bold and risky move for Toyota to highway. bring out a totally new RAV4 based on an all-new global plat- form. But, they can relax because this newest version of their But for just a couple of thousand dollars more, buyers can compact crossover is tremendous. The original Toyota RAV4 opt for the RAV4 Hybrid that features the same 2.5 liter gas en- created the compact SUV segment and their fifth generation gine teamed with the Toyota Hybrid System II, which gives the iteration has just raised the bar for other carmakers to try and little crossover remarkable fuel economy numbers of 41 mpg follow. city and 38 mpg highway. These are impressive numbers for an SUV. And by hiding the batteries where they don’t take up Compact SUV/crossovers are all the rage with today’s car space, the Hybrid provides the same interior room and cargo buyers, and automakers keep falling over themselves to bring space as its gasoline-powered sibling. more models to the market. Toyota knew that they had to keep the RAV4 fresh in order to stay ahead of the competition, so The interior is more refined, especially in the higher trims they designed a new global platform and used that to reinvigo- where the materials used push the RAV4 into the near-luxury rate the RAV4 brand. The new one is more powerful, roomier, category. For buyers who need the latest technology, every quieter and much more stylish. RAV4 model is equipped with the latest Toyota Entune 3 mul- timedia system, including Wi-Fi Connect powered by Verizon, You’ll see the difference immediately. The new front fascia Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant capability and Apple Car- has a tougher, more athletic look, and the new exterior sheet Play compatibility. metal is distinguished by sharper angles and a brawnier stance. This new RAV4 looks like it wants to get dirty and go off-road. Toyota really stepped up their game with the new 2019 RAV4. If you liked the previous model, you’ll be wild about the The 2019 RAV4 is available with two powertrains. The base one that’s now in dealer showrooms. engine, offered on the base model with an MSRP of $25,500, is JULY 2019 l 49
MEDICAL Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital FOCUS Earns Ninth “A” in a Row for Patient Safety The Leapfrog Group, than 2,600 U.S. hospitals a nonprofit organiza- twice a year. The Hospital tion committed to driving Safety Grade’s method- quality, safety and trans- ology is peer-reviewed parency in the U.S. health and fully transparent, and care system, recently re- the results are free to the leased the Spring 2019 public. Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grades, which assign A, “Patient safety is cen- B, C, D and F letter grades tral to our mission, and to hospitals nationwide. we are proud of our re- Houston Methodist Sugar sults,” said Chris Siebe- Land Hospital was one of naler, regional senior vice 855 hospitals to receive president and chief ex- an “A” for its commitment Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. ecutive officer at Houston to reducing errors, infec- Methodist Sugar Land. tions and accidents that can harm patients. “Our success depends on the daily actions of our physicians, nurses, technicians and “Leapfrog’s Hospital Safety Grades recognizes hospitals other staff members. Receiving our ninth consecutive ‘A’ grade like Houston Methodist Sugar Land that focus on advancing since 2014 shows that we are making a significant difference in patient safety. This ranking provides an important resource keeping our patients safe while under our care.” for patients, and a benchmark for hospitals, to determine how Visit hospitalsafetygrade.org to see Houston Methodist Sug- care at one hospital compares to others in a region,” said Leah ar Land’s full grade, and to access consumer-friendly patient Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “Hospitals tips for staying safe in the hospital. that earn an ‘A’ Hospital Safety Grade deserve to be recog- For more information about Houston Methodist Sugar nized for their efforts in preventing medical harm and errors.” Land Hospital, visit houstonmethodist.org/sugarland or call 281.274.7500 to find a doctor in your area. Visit Facebook at Developed under the guidance of a national expert panel, fb.com/methodistsugarland for the latest news, events and in- the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade uses 28 measures of pub- formation. licly available hospital safety data to assign grades to more Memorial Hermann Health System Earns 2019 Energy Star® Partner of the Year – Sustained Excellence Award Memorial Hermann Health System is proud to announce that ucts, services, new homes, and buildings in the commercial, it has once again received the ENERGY STAR® Partner of the industrial, and public sectors. Year – Sustained Excellence Award for continued leadership and superior contributions to ENERGY STAR. This is the sixth “It’s a great honor to again be recognized by ENERGY STAR time Memorial Hermann has been recognized with this award. as a leader in energy efficiency,” said Michael Hatton, vice pres- ident of facilities engineering services at Memorial Hermann. “I applaud the 2019 ENERGY STAR Award Winners,” said “Our teams work extremely hard to maintain patient comfort EPA Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation Bill Wehrum. while positively impacting the bottom line and protecting the “Their innovation and leadership enhance America’s economic environment and it’s empowering to be acknowledged for a job competitiveness. Reducing costly energy waste improves air well done.” quality and public health while protecting the environment.” For a complete list of 2019 winners and more information The highest honor among ENERGY STAR Awards is the EN- about ENERGY STAR’s awards program, visit energystar.gov/ ERGY STAR Partner of the Year – Sustained Excellence Award. awardwinners. EPA presents the Sustained Excellence Award to partners that have already received ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year For more information, visit www.memorialhermann.org. recognition for a minimum of two consecutive years and have gone above and beyond the criteria needed to qualify for rec- ognition. Winners hail from small, family-owned businesses to Fortune 500 organizations – representing energy-efficient prod- 50 JULY 2019 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 l www.fortbendfocus.com
New 3D Technology Helps Houston Methodist Sugar Land Doctors Identify Early-Stage Lung Tumors The SPiN Thoracic Navigation System™. CT scan — and proprietary software to pital visits and lower patient risks. navigate the bronchoscope through the “In the past, lung cancer often went Doctors at Houston Methodist Sugar lungs, even incorporating the patient’s Land Hospital are using innovative 3D breathing patterns. The result is an ex- undetected until it was significantly mapping technology to identify lung tu- ceptionally detailed pathway to potential advanced and difficult to treat,” said mors at their earliest stages, increasing lesions. Suneesh Nair, M.D., board-certified pul- the ability to successfully treat the dis- monologist at Houston Methodist Pul- ease. “Because of the complexity of the monary & Sleep Medicine Specialists. bronchial system and movements related “The new navigation system is a major The new navigation system uses to breathing in and out, navigation with step forward, enabling us to identify, lo- electromagnetic sensors – placed on a bronchoscope can be a challenge,” cate and biopsy tumors at their earliest a patient’s chest throughout a regular said Priya Oolut, M.D., board-certified stage. Studies show that when lung can- pulmonologist with Houston Methodist cer is found early, the 10-year survival Pulmonary & Sleep Medicine Special- rate is higher than 90%, significantly bet- ists. “The navigation system gives us a ter than at later stages when the cancer detailed, 3D roadmap that is in sync with has likely spread. At Houston Methodist the patient’s breathing movements and Sugar Land, the navigation system is a even calculates the shortest path to a le- critical tool in our efforts to screen and sion. This makes it easier to identify and diagnose high-risk patients earlier than reach potential tumors for biopsy or re- ever before.” moval, even the smallest nodules at the periphery of the lungs.” For more information on this 3D map- ping technology, call our oncology nurse The SPiN Thoracic Navigation Sys- navigator at 281.672.8585 or to sched- tem™, by medical manufacturer Veran ule an appointment with Houston Meth- Medical also includes sensor-tipped odist Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine instruments that give doctors precise Specialists call 281.325.0005. location information as they move the bronchoscope and associated tools To learn more about Houston through the lung. Since it can be used Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, visit for screening, biopsy and tumor location houstonmethodist.org/sugarland or marking can be done in a single proce- Facebook at fb.com/methodistsugarland dure, reducing the need for multiple hos- for the latest news, events and information. Special Advertising Section Coming September Home Is Where the Heart Is • Banks • Insurance • Developers • Interior Designers • Financial Institutions • Landscape Architects • Furniture and Décor • Pool and Spa Services • Home Builders • Real Estate • Home Improvements • Yard Maintenance To Advertise: 281.690.4242 l www.fortbendfocus.com JULY 2019 l 51
16th Annual NEWSWORTHY Returns October 24th-27th producers, top chefs and DJs will make the decadent party at- mosphere simmer. A perennial favorite, Saturday’s Sip & Stroll As the saying goes, “It’s always bigger and better in Texas,” is back and will feature a deliciously curated schedule of wine and the 16th annual Sugar Land Wine & Food Affair has taken seminars, daytime cocktails and indulgent bites. that motto to heart. Celebrating the region’s rich diversity of food, drink and culture, this year’s event promises new and ex- This year’s event will also feature a number of 2018 Inter- citing attractions and is delighted to be moving to the fall. The national Wine & Spirit Competition winners. Setting the inter- very popular culinary bacchanal will take place at multiple ven- national benchmark for quality, the International Wine & Spirit ues in Sugar Land over four-days – October 24-27, 2019. Tak- Competition has been judging wines and spirits and awarding ing the spotlight will be mixologists, world-class wine tasting, medals to the world’s best products since 1969. Now in its fif- and top culinary talents from Sugar Land and Houston, Texas tieth year, and with more than 400 global experts judging the and beyond. The event, founded by the Fort Bend Chamber of awards for seven months of the year, the competition remains Commerce, benefits a permanent scholarship endowment cre- as relevant today as when chemist Anton Massel created the ated at the University of Houston Conrad N. Hilton College of idea of a wine and spirit competition based both on organolep- Hotel and Restaurant Management. tic judgment and chemical analysis. With all events taking place in Fort Bend County, the most To kickoff this year’s Sugar Land Wine & Food Affair festivi- ethnically diverse county in America, the Sugar Land Wine & ties, there will be a cocktail reception and a seated fourcourse Food Affair focuses on the many stories and recipes of the dinner with wine pairings. The event, hosted by Rebecca Mas- region’s melting pot of Asian, African, Latino, European and son of Fluff Bake Bar and Charlie Berg, Sommelier at The Inn at Southwestern flavors. This year the event will continue to part- Dos Brisas, will take place on Thursday, June 27th at a private ner with leading culinary talent that reflects the diversity of the Sugar Land residence. Other chefs participating in the dinner locale and will showcase the area’s reputation for pushing the include Ryan Lachaine of Riel, Terry Wong, Robin Wong and envelope on regional cuisine influenced by global tastes, ingre- Quy Hoang of Blood Bros. BBQ and, lastly, Ming Pu of 502 dients and traditions. Bistro & Bar in Louisville, KY. For tickets to the 2019 kickoff event, visit bigtickets.com/e/slwfa/sugar-land-wine--food-af- Moving the event from spring to fall allows attendees to fair-2019-kick-off-event/. take advantage of the season’s cool, crisp days and nights. The opening night’s event, Bartenders Challenge, will take Festival Weekend Events place within Sugar Land Town Square, and that same vibrant urban backdrop will also serve as the location for Sunday’s final Thursday, October 24th event, the family-friendly Bistro Brunch. Bartenders Challenge – Sugar Land Town Square A highlight of the four-day event will be Friday night’s Mas- 5 pm – 8 pm querade which promises an evening of pre-Halloween jubila- tion and merriment. Masked event-goers will stroll the Brazos Wine Dinner River Park grounds under the crescent moon. Wine and spirit Private Home – Sugar Land 7 pm – 10 pm Friday, October 25th Masquerade – Brazos River Park 7 p m – 10 pm Saturday, October 26th Sip & Stroll – Brazos River Park 2 pm – 5 pm Sunday, October 27th Bistro Brunch – Sugar Land Town Square 11:30 pm – 2:30 pm Tickets are available at sugarlandwineandfoodaffair.com. 52 JULY 2019 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 l www.fortbendfocus.com
AMATEUR PHOTO CONTEST July 2019 Winner “Chihuly Garden and Glass, Seattle, WA” By Ethan Liaw Congratulations you’ve earned a gift certificate! ENTER TO WIN Please make sure to send some basic information about every Fort Bend Focus Magazine is looking for great amateur photos. photo you submit such as: who, where, when, a title, your name Any subject matter will be considered, black and white or color, and phone number. special effects and/or edited are not necessary. The entry must By submitting an entry, the photographer gives Fort Bend Focus not have previously appeared in any publication. Magazine the right to use and publish their photograph. There is A WINNER EVERY MONTH no contest deadline. Each month’s winner receives a gift certificate and the winning photo will be published in our magazine. To claim your prize, e-mail [email protected] or call 281-690-4242. NO LIMIT TO ENTRIES To submit a digital photo, e-mail the jpeg file to Grace@ absolutelyfocusmedia.com. Digital photos must be 300 dpi HIGH RESOLUTION at size of at least 10” wide. JULY 2019 l 53
E vents July 4th July 9th, 7:30 am – 6 pm July 11th, 6 – 8 pm Independence Day Senior Casino Trip Parkinson’s Disease and Travel with great company to the Delta Downs Essential Tremor Seminar July 5th, 7:30 – 9:30 pm Casino! Participants will receive gaming credits Two of Houston Methodist Sugar Land’s leading Town Square Tribute: to participate in games. Sign up at the Rec & specialists will discuss deep brain stimulation Stevie Nicks & Fleetwood Mac Cover Tennis Center. Participants will be required to (DBS) therapy, benefits and risks of surgery and Join the town for a tribute that will make you fill out a waiver. Limited spots available! appropriate patient selection at a seminar held at feel like you’re watching the real deal! Nightbird For more information, the Brazos Pavilion Conference Center. captures the fire, energy and spirit of Fleetwood visit missouricitytx.gov. For more information, Mac and Stevie Nicks with their spot-on tribute visit events.houstonmethodist.org/events. performances. July 9th and July 23rd, 6 – 7 pm For more information, Lacrosse Clinic July 12th, 6:30 – 10 pm visit sugarlandtownsquare.com. Come see why lacrosse is the fastest growing Pickledon game in America! Participants ages 5-12 are Have an evening of Pickleball fun! Pickledon is July 6th, 7 – 9 pm invited to learn basic lacrosse skills through an adult style co-ed doubles social tournament Red, White, Blues and Brews drills and scrimmages. with fun prizes for the winning teams. Grab a Pack up your chairs and head to the Plaza to For more information, partner and sign up soon! enjoy snacks, brews and live country music from visit missouricitytx.gov. For more information, Tribute to George Strait to round out your Fourth visit missouricitytx.gov. of July weekend! July 10th, 5:30 – 7:30 pm For more information, Sugar Land Superstar Auditions July 13th, 8:30 – 10 pm visit sugarlandtownsquare.com. Sugar Land’s American Idol-like competition is Movie Under the Moon back for its 14th year to showcase local talent! Bring your family, friends and lawn chairs to July 7th, 10 am – 2 pm All participants should be prepared to sing for the Plaza to enjoy a free Movie Under the Moon! Sugar Land Farmers Market 60 to 90 seconds without musical accompaniment This month’s showing is The Lego Movie 2. Start off your Sunday morning with yoga at and must be over 14 years of age. For more information, Mercer Stadium followed by a stroll around the For more information, visit visit sugarlandtownsquare.com. market to enjoy fresh locally grown produce as sugarlandtownsquare.com. well as local vendors, food trucks and more! July 19th, 10 am – 2 pm For more information, MD Anderson Cancer Center Blood Drive visit farmersmarketpartners.com. MD Anderson cancer patients require an abundance of blood cells and platelets every day, which is why donors are the most important part of the process! Giving blood provides hope for patients who depend on support from their family, friends and donors. Sign up and be a hero! For more information, visit sugarlandtownsquare.com. 54 JULY 2019 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 l www.fortbendfocus.com
E vents July 19th, 8:30 – 11 pm July 2019 Barefoot-n-Friday Entertainment Lineup This fun Friday is a chance for kids 9 to 14 www.smartfinancialcentre.net to swim, play, dance, laugh and be themselves with their friends in a safe, supervised environment. Sign your kids up for a fun summer night this month! For more information, visit cityofmeadowsplace.org. July 20th, 7:30 – 10 pm July 27th, 6 – 11 am Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land, Moon Landing Celebration Fit Foodie Family 5K & Kids’ K located at 18111 Lexington Boulevard, In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Join the community for the Fit Foodie Family 5K the moon landing, the community is invited to and Kids’ K benefiting Kids’ Meals, Inc., plus a fun features a dynamic entertainment come celebrate to the Plaza! View a special pre- post-race party that includes swag bags, raffle roster of high profile performers recorded video message from the International prizes, t-shirts, kids activities, music and food! throughout the month of July. Space Station and a short documentary recounting For more information and to register, Chicago the historic moon landing. Also, enjoy a screening visit fitfoodiele.com. Wednesday, July 3rd • 8 pm of the classic movie E.T., face painting, a Ta Tinh 5 moonwalk and more! July 27th, 9 am – 12 pm Saturday, July 13th • 7:30 pm For more information, Student Physicals Yes & Asia visit sugarlandtownsquare.com. Houston Methodist Orthopedics and Sports Tuesday, July 16th • 9 pm Medicine is hosting student physicals for students Monsta X July 26th, 10 – 11 am ages 12 – 18. These physicals allow for students Saturday, July 27th • 8 pm Zumba in the Plaza to participate in school sports and athletics Papa Roach Do you like Zumba? Join a free weekly Friday on-campus. Students must have a UIL Physical Sunday, July 28th • 7 pm Zumba class taught by a professional instructor. Evaluation Form and Release Form. For more information, visit siennascoop.com. For more information, We love to publish your visit events.houstonmethodist.org. July 26th, 7:30 – 9:30 pm upcoming nonprofit events NOLA Nights with the Rouxpour July 30th, 10 – 11 am Let authentic New Orleans music take you on Book Talk happening in Fort Bend. a historical journey through the Crescent Creek Visit the Rec to talk about all things books Email to tradition with live music from The Zydeco Dots! with Fort Bend County Librarian Elizabeth Bullard. For more information, Book Talk meets on the last Tuesday of every [email protected] visit sugarlandtownsquare.com. month. RSVP to receive the list of books for upcoming meetings. For more information, visit missouricitytx.gov. Every Saturday in July, 9 am – 1 pm Missouri City Farmers Market The Farmers Market Partners, LLC have a new location in Missouri City near the Sienna Library! Get your fix of fresh food, food trucks, great community and more. For more information, visit missouricitytx.gov. JULY 2019 l 55
Living the Sweet Life: By Alisa Murray www.AlisaMurray.com Just Got a Big Calling Nationally recognized S ometimes when you start some- thing really good, it evolves and request of “making pink play dough portrait artist and spills into other parts of your and creating little piggies.” They have award-winning columnist. life. This column and what it actually no idea how busy their Auntie A really means in terms of my identity has done is, as when we are together, it is always That was when I listened. B doesn’t just that. about them. Gosh knows I just love have a lot to say. It might be that I that there’s a tiny soul in the universe have so much to say he can’t get a word I spend a lot of time with little peo- that wants me to make play dough and in, but when he speaks, he has thor- ple. My littles don’t read this column, little piggies! All of their requests made oughly thought through his ideas. He and some can’t even read yet at all. Af- me realize that for them I have become doesn’t think out loud like me at all, ter being their photographer from birth a destination and someone they trust and so I knew when he vocalized what throughout their childhoods, it’s not re- and want to learn from and spend time he thought, and it matched what I had ally a shoot when they see me; it’s a vis- with. been thinking, we were on the same it where they get to spend quality time path. with their “Auntie A.” And, while I am Sometimes I ignore the little winks, capturing them, we get a lot of other but when one request turned into many Christopher Jordan Jr., Ryionne Taylor, things done like eating cookies or mak- requests, it became obvious that some- Alisa Murray and Jeremiah Taylor. ing art for my refrigerator, or some- thing was being requested of me from times I get asked some very important a higher power. This got me to think- Taping me will not be easy because questions that they have on their mind. ing about my legacy and not in terms there are days that I am shooting, writ- of taking their pictures. Then, my son ing and at my computer planning vaca- Alisa Murray with Maya and Ava Desai. asked, “Would you please make a video tions – not what I call my “cute days.” I’ve thrown parties for my littles tape of you making crafts and recipes I will have to sacrifice and throw on so your great grandchildren will be some makeup along with my signature for years, and now as my garden has able to watch you being you and come wig, but I am dedicated to doing it. I’m grown, you should see their little eyes to know who you were?” going to cover everything from being light up when they see a cucumber or kind to reading excerpts from this col- a bell pepper growing. The ending of That really sealed what I had al- umn to cooking and art and so much the school year brought to my atten- ready been knocking around in my more. I am naming it after this column tion just how much I mean to them as head. There’s nothing like getting an Living the Sweet Life with Auntie A. they started asking me if they could additional nod as a “God wink” that I come over this summer and learn how was definitely on the right track. I was not lost and now found, but I to cook, draw, paint – even the special sure feel like I have found another cal- I got to thinking about how many ling and purpose for my life. I am doing mothers have asked for a recipe or a it for the children because they have gardening tip or some opinion that asked me to and for future children they valued about parenting or just who need to know how to live their own living their own sweet lives. And then sweet lives! it happened: Mr. Roger’s documentary crossed my path, and as I watched with Take Care of YOU! Brian, he paused the movie and said, “You are just like him. You need to do something for the children that they can watch instead of that shark car- toon or play video games – something they will show their kids when they are our age and tell their families not only about the images they will still have hanging on their walls, but a real story about spending time with Auntie A.” Are you with a little who would love to spend a day with an artist? Some of our projects include interactive cooking, gardening, art and photography, as well as candid talks for older guests about community service, prepping their resume for college entrance and hot topics age appropriate for the children. At the center of it all is the common theme of living your sweet life while sharing and caring for our world and those around us. If you’re interested in participating, please e-mail [email protected]. 56 JULY 2019 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 l www.fortbendfocus.com
CODE: HERMES19FOCUS
Houston Methodist can help you TAKE THE NEXT STEP TOWARD WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital provides exceptional care Sugar Land and ongoing support to help you lose weight and live a longer, healthier life. Our weight loss surgery program offers: • Board-certified bariatric surgeons skilled in minimally invasive surgical approaches • A team of surgeons, nurses, dietitians, counselors and an exercise physiologist • Monthly support groups, nutritional advice from a registered dietitian and group exercise counseling Take the next step in your weight loss journey: houstonmethodist.org/weight-loss-surgery 832.667.5673
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