october-2013- absolutely katy magazine
DESCRIPTION
Community magazine absolutely highlighting the people, events, happenings, businesses and town of Katy Area, Texas.TRANSCRIPT
BONE BASH Katy ISD'SBANDTOBER
Football PhenomHAYDEN CONNER
FOCUS ONTHE CURE
Trickor Treat
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OCTOBER 2013
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INSIDE FRONT
INSIDE FRONT
TargeTing breasT cancer cells WHile PrOTecTing HealTHy Ones. THe difference beTWeen PracTicing medicine and leading iT.
At Houston Methodist, we offer innovative, image-guided radiation technology that targets breast tumors and minimizes the radiation dose to the heart and lungs. This advanced technology, in some cases, offers shorter radiation treatments. Our unique team approach in developing personalized treatment plans allows patients to get back to living their lives.
houstonmethodist.org/cancer
Our cancer services are available at all Houston Methodist Cancer Center locations:
TEXAS MEDICAL CENTER | SAN JACINTO SUGAR LAND | WEST | WILLOWBROOK
© 2013 Texas Children’s Hospital. All rights reserved. WC296 08/26/13
Texas tradition.Sports Medicine
The Sports Medicine Program at Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus
scores in Houston as one of the best pediatric programs of its kind. With our
comprehensive array of services, we run offense to successfully treat acute and
chronic sports injuries, concussions and other conditions affecting performance
for all sports and physical activities. In addition, we help athletes with
wellness, injury prevention and return-to-play treatment plans. Our all-star
lineup of sports medicine specialists, orthopedic surgeons, radiologists,
sports-focused physical therapists, dietitians and other pediatric subspecialists
huddle up to deliver the best possible care. To find out how we score a
touchdown for Houston’s young athletes, visit texaschildrens.org/sportsmed.
OCTOBER 2013 l TO ADVERTISE CALL 281.690.42422
C O V E R S T O R Y
O c t o b e r 2 0 1 3
F E AT U R E S
14 ELEVEN-YEARS-OLD ANDALREADY BEING SCOUTEDFifth grader Hayden Conner has already accomplished more than most youth football players achieve in their entire careers.
18 AND THE BEAT GOES ON! For “Bandtober,” Katy ISD Band Directors tell why they got into directing and what it means to them.
21 FOCUS ON THE CUREFrom detection to recovery and evenbreast reconstruction surgery, find vital information every woman needs inbreast cancer education.
C O L U M N S
12 absolutely! FABULOUS FINDS
37 FAMILY LAWChild Support
ONE STEP FROM A WHEELCHAIROne Woman’s 13-YearBattle for NormalcyAfter being diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis and receiving life-saving treatment, Rita Beckett advocates for those fighting through the debilitating pain of Arthritis.
8
Franklin and Cindi Rose with Lara Bell as Shrek,co-chairs of BONE BASH.
Photography by Hallie Keller.
OCTOBER 2013 l TO ADVERTISE CALL 281.690.42424
CONTRIBUTORS
O C T O B E R 2 0 1 3 | V O L U M E 1 0 | N U M B E R 1 0
ON THE COVER:Bridget Reese, Penelope Ecklund,
Ashlyn Harris and Grady andConner Reese.
Photography by Hallie Keller.
F I L M R E V I E W
16 PRISONERS
C O M M U N I T Y E V E N T S
30 WHAT’S KICKIN’ IN KATY
N E W S W O RT H Y
32 GET YOUR GREEK ONAt The Original Greek Festival
a b s o l u t e l y !H E A LT H Y L I V I N G
38 absolutely! Q & A Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus Answers Your Questions About Sleep Studies
B U S I N E S S
40 ADVENTURES IN BUSINESSBig Plans for a Small Enterprise
a b s o l u t e l y ! D E L I C I O U S
42 PUMPKINMore than a Delicious Bite
43 absolutely! DELICIOUS LISTING
a b s o l u t e l y ! A U T O R E V I E W
44 2014 CHEVY IMPALA
I N E V E RY I S S U E
6 PUBLISHER’S PREVIEW
34 OUT & ABOUTIN THE HEART OF KATY
18
Henry Dibrell Katy ISD School Board Page 18
16
Nick Nicholson Entertainment EditorPage 16
12
Robin Ebrechtabsolutely! Fabulous FindsPage 12
30
Mary Raines What’s Kickin’ in KatyPage 30
37
Nancy L. Rommelmann PLLC Family Law Attorney Page 37
44
Steve KursarAuto EnthusiastPage 44
8
Debra FordWriterPage 8
34
Jennifer L. Evans Out & Aboutin the Heart of KatyPages 34 & 40
42
Stephenie Cox absolutely! focus mediaPage 42
When medical emergencies happen fast, you need quality care that can react just as quickly. As a department of West Houston Medical Center, we can provide the high level care you need for your minor or major emergency – but close to home andwithout the wait. That’s the commitment HealthOne 24 Hour Emergency Care – West Campus makes to families in our community.• Experienced emergency physicians • Accepts all major insurance plans • Save Your Place online
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OCTOBER 2013 l TO ADVERTISE CALL 281.690.42426
I don’t think I even need to ask if everyone in Katy is in the fall spirit. Of course, everyone is! High school football is in full swing, the Katy Rice Harvest Festival is October 12th and 13th and pumpkins are popping up all over town. This month always marks the beginning of an extra grateful period of the year for me where I treasure my family and friendships even more! I recently recon-nected with a group of high school friends for one of their fathers’ funerals. We all have remained friends over the years and check in or bump into each other from time to time, but this was the first time we were all in the same place for one simple reason: to support our grieving friend, Crystal Lightfield. Crystal’s dad, Lynn Lightfield, was a longtime Katy resident who loved his kids,
his country and going to Mo’s. He will be missed by many, and while this sad season in our friend’s life will eventually get better, it just brings us back to the simple reality that friends and family are the most important things in life.
Our cover story this month is on Arthritis and how it is growing in numbers where children are concerned. The Arthritis Foundation came to me early this year and asked me to chair their big Hal-loween Gala dubbed BONE BASH to raise money for people suffering with the disease. The reason I decided to volunteer my time for the year to help
raise $200,000 is because it is a disease on the rise affecting more and more chil-dren and young people. If you’d like to help, we’d love to have you attend!
Finally, in this issue we are touching on breast cancer since October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I have had several friends diagnosed with this horrible disease, and I am encouraging you to get a mammogram. I get one every year, and while it isn’t something I look forward to, I know it can save my life and hope it can save yours, too.
Keep the e-mails coming my way, because my goal is to make this the “go-to” monthly magazine in Katy, and each month we strive to improve! Have a great month, and see you back here in November!
Absolutely! yours,
LaraLara [email protected]
Vol. 10 No. 10October 2013
EXCLAMATION POINTS!THE INSIDE SCOOP STRAIGHT FROM THE TOP
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absolutely! KatyTM Magazine is published by absolutely! focus media, 4655 Techniplex Dr., Ste. 700, Stafford, TX 77477. Copyright © 2013 by absolutely! focus media. All rights reserved. Reproduc-tion without permission is strictly prohibited. absolutely! KatyTM Magazine does not knowingly accept false or misleading adver-tising or editorial, nor do the publishers assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial appear. absolutely! KatyTM Magazine welcomes editorial submissions from its readers.
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E X E C U T I V E P U B L I S H E R S Michael & Lisa Fredrickson
E DI TOR- I N - C H I E F Patti Parish-Kaminski
P U B L I SH E RLara Bell
SE N IOR AC C OU N T E X E C U T I V E Jessica Kij
AC C OU N T E X E C U T I V E S Stephenie Cox
Susan DannhausJennifer Elliott
Kay GarrettAndrea Rigamonti
Bonnie Bell Woodrow
A RT DI R E C TORGrace Belleza
G R A P H IC DE SIG N E RGinger Garza
C O M M U N I C AT I O N S C O O R D I NAT O R
Sarah Bearden
W E B DE SIG N E R Joey Belleza
P H O T O G R A P H E RHallie Keller
C O N T R I BU T O R SHenry DibrellRobin Ebrecht
Jennifer L. EvansDebra Ford
Steve KursarNick Nicholson
Mary RainesNancy L. Rommelmann PLLC
I N Q U I R I E S281-690-4242
E D I T O R IA L SU B M I S S I O N [email protected]
Publishedby
READER FEEDBACKHello Bonnie,
All I can say is WOW! The pictures came out great, and I am so proud of what y’all wrote. Thank you so much for doing that for me. I cannot thank you enough for all your efforts.
Thanks again,Suzette Steward
Publisher, LARA BELL
@larabell
Brent and Lara Milam.
Brooks and Dylan Milam.
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The popular 4th Annual Fulshear Scarecrow Festival returns Saturday, October 19! Enjoy kid-friendly games, pumpkin decorating, live music and a stroll through a collection of full-size scarecrows.
If you have ever decorated for the holidays or if you are wanting a new home for the holidays, this is the place to be. Tour professionally decoratedmodel homes. Each home will surprise you! Forget Pinterest and Martha Stewart! Bring your cameras and let your imagination flow!
for more details www.crosscreektexas.com
More than 30 art vendors and festive food booths!
R ita, a native of New Orleans, met and fell in love with Lee Beckett
in early 2000. When he proposed, she saw a life filled with joy, love and fam-ily like so many women do. She was opening a law practice. Her husband, Lee, had a successful engineering firm, and together, they were busy remodel-ing a home where they planned to raise a family. Nothing could have prepared Rita for the nightmare that would over-shadow the happiest time of her life. She was ill-prepared to spend her hon-eymoon writhing with pain while her new husband washed her hair, bathed her and carried her to and from the bathroom. But, that was exactly what happened.
For more than two years prior to her wedding, Rita had experienced excru-ciating jaw pain, so much so that she was ultimately forced to eat through a straw. Her dentist did everything short of removing her teeth. Nothing seemed to relieve her pain, and no test would confirm a treatable diagnosis. A fam-ily doctor prescribed steroids for the increasing inflammation in Rita’s feet and joints, but still, no proper diagno-sis surfaced for Rita.
On the day of her wedding, Rita lit-erally limped down the aisle, fighting off the pain that now coursed through her tiny body. When the newlyweds returned from their honeymoon, Ri-ta’s knee had swollen to the size of a basketball. Alone at home a few days later, confused and afraid, Rita called her family doctor and was told she was having a heart attack. She was rushed to the ER. Her immune system was so compromised she was diagnosed with pneumonia.
Just one week earlier, Rita was mar-rying the man of her dreams. Now, she was fighting for her life, imaging the worst, as she lay in a New Orleans hos-pital. Rita’s nightmare journey to find the root of her pain finally came to end as she was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis.
The Battle of a LifetimeRita is a fighter, and she was deter-
mined to fight this disease with every ounce of strength she could muster. When her family was forced to move af-ter Katrina, they relocated to Houston
One Woman’s 13-Year Battle for Normalcy
I magine walking down the aisle to marry the man of your dreams and then, a week later, while on your honeymoon, having your new husband literally have
to help you up off of the toilet. While that might sound like a strange romance novel, it’s the true story of Rita Beck-ett, an accomplished attorney, mom and wife and now, an advocate for those fighting through the debilitating pain of arthritis.
One Step From a Wheelchair
COVER STORY
By Debra Ford
The Beckett family: Rita, Genevieve, Colton and Lee Beckett.
OCTOBER 2013 l TO ADVERTISE CALL 281.690.42428
fortunate to find the most advanced medical system in the world.
Unfortunately there are many more stories like Rita’s right here in Houston. One in five adults is diagnosed with Arthritis. And, Arthritis doesn’t reserve its pain and dis-ability for adults; 300,000 children in the U.S. have been di-agnosed with Juvenile Arthritis. In Houston, there are one million adults and 5,000 children living with some type of Arthritis.
Rita, now the mother of two beautiful children, Colton (age 6) and Genevieve (age 3), fears her kids will inherit her disease. Rita’s grandmother was diagnosed at age 28 and died at 44, and her 30-year-old brother now exhibits some of Rita’s earlier symptoms.
Diagnosing ArthritisWhy is it so hard to diagnose the disease? Because Rheu-
matoid Arthritis is an auto-immune disease, symptoms often are hard to pin down. There are over 100 types of Arthritis including diseases like gout, fibromyalgia and lupus. The more common and widely known type of Arthritis, Osteoar-thritis, is often discounted as just something that inflicts us as we age. Nothing could be further from the truth as three-quarters of those suffering from Arthritis are under the age of 65.
Mark Your CalendarUpcoming Events Benefiting
The Arthritis Foundation
October 24th: BONE BASH, presented by Altus Infusion, the 3rd an-
nual costumed gala, promises to be frightfully fun as guests enjoy cocktails, dinner and all sorts of bewitch-ing entertainment, including a costume contest, live music, fortune tellers, Big Board and silent and live auc-tions. Visit www.houstonbonebash.org.
December 14th: Join fellow runners and walkers at the Jingle Bell
Run/Walk for Arthritis at Northshore Park in the Wood-lands to help fight arthritis. For race details, visit www.thewoodlandsjinglebellrun.org.
Kim Padgett and Tara Brivic, co-chairs of the BONE BASH After-Party.
Photography by Hallie Keller.
“No one should suffer through what I did. Early diagnosis can prevent joint
damage and a life of misery, and the funds from events like BONE BASH
will fund research, advocacy and programs for our community.” – Rita Beckett
Arthritis left untreated can cause blindness in children. It is the number one disability in the U.S. robbing the U.S. economy of $128 billion annually. Its staggering costs are nothing compared to what Arthritis does to families and the lives of those living with the debilitating disease.
Rita has learned to deal with Arthritis, but sadly, her kids have suffered with her. Her son, Colton at the age of 6, witnessed Rita’s worst Arthritis attack ever. Rita’s rib cage was so swollen she couldn’t breathe and was gasping for air. Colton still wakes up in the night screaming, “Mommy, are you going to die from Arthritis?” And Genevieve greets the day hugging her mom’s legs asking “Mommy, are your legs working today?” For Rita, that’s truly the worst part of the disease.
How has she endured all of this? Rita will tell you that her husband, Lee, is her rock, laughing now as she recalls a hon-eymoon where Lee helped her on the toilet and washed her hair. “A lesser man would have run screaming into the night, but Lee has supported me through this. I was a 32-year-old woman trapped inside an 80-year-old body. Sexy, right? Lee is an amazing man.”
What advice does Rita offer to someone recently diagnosed
www.absolutelykaty.com l OCTOBER 2013 9
OCTOBER 2013 l TO ADVERTISE CALL 281.690.424210
with Arthritis? “Be in charge of your destiny. Keep yourself healthy and ac-tive. The absolute worst thing anyone can do is to let this disease take over. Sure, you’ll be in excruciating pain and fed up for that day, but don’t let it take you down. Become your own advo-cate, and keep up with the most recent medications. The Arthritis Foundation website is a great resource for keeping patients informed.”
In fact, The Arthritis Foundation is the only private non-profit organi-zation dedicated to finding a cure and ending the pain of Arthritis. Founded in 1948, the foundation helps people take control of the disease by offering education and support for families, as well as legislating on their behalf.
Rita is a strong advocate for those suffering with Arthritis. She is active in fundraising for the foundation’s up-coming BONE BASH gala on October 24th at the Hotel ZaZa, serving as the Auction Chair and then again, as the Gala Chair for 2014. She was recently recruited as a board member, serving on the Houston Community Develop-ment Board.
When asked about her involvement with the Arthritis Foundation, Rita explains that, “New Orleans rheu-matologists were five years behind in treatment and research. This has to be the number one priority: to insure that anyone diagnosed with Arthritis gets the best possible care available. The
treatment I’ve received saved my life. I was one step away from a wheelchair.”
Altus Infusion, the presenting spon-sor for the upcoming BONE BASH gala, offers an infusion suite in Rita’s rheumatologist’s office so that she can get her medicine on premise. “That advanced medication changed my life. For that, and their support of the gala, I am forever grateful,” stressed Rita.
Rita hopes that anyone inspired to help others in the fight to prevent ar-thritis will don a festive costume and attend BONE BASH, what she calls the costume party of the year. “No one should suffer through what I did. Ear-ly diagnosis can prevent joint damage and a life of misery, and the funds from events like BONE BASH will fund re-search, advocacy and programs for our community.”
If you or someone you love is con-cerned about arthritis, contact the Ar-thritis Foundation at [email protected], 713-942-9063 or visit the website www.arthritis.org.
As for Rita, she’ll be the bell of the ball at a masquerade party, dancing with the man of her dreams.
Co-ChairsLara Bell & Cindi Rose
Starring theBackbone of Houston HonoreesDr. Larry & Theresa Roemer Dr. Sandra Sessoms
www.HoustonBoneBash.org
Hotel ZaZa HoustonFor details: Janice Burns 713-942-9063
Thursday, October 24
The Bone Bash benefits the Arthritis Foundation's mission to find a cure and end the pain of arthritis.
Come One, Come All, tothe Greatest Bone Bash of All
A Special Thanks:
Cindi Rose, co-chair of the 2013 BONE BASH.Photography by Hallie Keller.
www.absolutelykaty.com l OCTOBER 2013 11
Have your weddingdetails and photos
published in print and online in our magazine –
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Remember the day you said “I do” like
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Real Weddings
If you or your children have recently married and you would like to enter for a chance to be featured in our Real Weddings, all you need is at least ten high-resolution photos of the ceremony and/or reception. It doesn’t matter where the wedding took place, as long as it was in the last year and you or your parent(s) reside in Katy. Photographers are also welcome to submit photos – all absolutely free!
Visitwww.absolutelykaty.com
BY ROBIN EBRECHT
You may know me as a Katy mom of three amazing boys and wife to Daryn, but what
you may not know is that I love finding cool and unique products because, let’s face it, in a house full of boys, a girl needs her girl stuff! So, here are some things I absolutely love... and hope you will, too!
FabulousFinds
Monogram JewelryI found these precious monogram pieces while on vacation at a little boutique in Alabama. How cute are these? And, to top it all off, they are very affordable! I have the earrings, bracelet and necklace, and they are all super cute!www.shopprimadonna.com
Donni Charm ScarvesThese scarves are my favorite for several reasons. First, they are so pretty and so soft. Second, the story behind them. Each scarf has a little angel wing charm in honor of the designer’s dad who she lost. It just makes you fall in love them. Third, there are so many styles and colors to choose from, and they have scarves for every season.www.donnicharm.com
Designs by Jennifer RuckerYou will love everything Jennifer makes! It’s really hard to choose which box or cross you want for your home. Not only are these beautiful in your home, but they are the perfect wedding or house warming gift. They can be personalized with names, dates or Bible verses. Jennifer Rucker’s pieces are truly gorgeous, and I promise that you will absolutely love them!www.ruckerdesigns.com
Frye BootsThese are my absolute favorite boots! Sometimes, it’s hard to find a great looking boot that is actually comfortable, but these are! I get so many compliments every time I wear these. They are not cheap, but they are comparable to other good quality boots. I promise, you won’t be disappointed! They are fabulous!www.thefryecompany.com
Ben NyeBanana PowderI love a good finishing powder, and this is one I think you will love, too. It’s so lightweight, and itfeels so luxurious on your skin. Best of all, it’s alsoaffordable. No heavy, cakey make-up feel with this powder!www.camerareadycosmetics.com
OCTOBER 2013 l TO ADVERTISE CALL 281.690.424212
www.absolutelykaty.com l OCTOBER 2013 13
A Congratulations for State Championship
Good Luck This Football Season!
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OCTOBER 2013 l TO ADVERTISE CALL 281.690.424214
tional Championship with the Houston White Team and do everything I can to help my four teams win games,” said Conner. “In the fall, I also want to be selected as a KYF and KAAF All-Star, and in the Spring Select Season, I want to make HSFL Lineman MVP, 1st Team All-HSFL O-line and HSFL All-Academic Team.”
To help achieve those goals, Con-ner is always training in the gym and working on different areas of his game with his coaches to get to the next level. He also likes to study film and watch the tech-niques of his fa-vorite players and tries to model his game after some of the NFL’s best.
“JJ Watt and Chris Meyers are my two favorite players,” said Conner. “JJ Watt, espe-cially, because he is the hardest work-ing player in the NFL and does a lot for Houston and kids. I like to play o-line like I think an angry Watt would play.” Although Conner plays mostly offensive line, we may have a future JJ Watt-type player in the making here, and it may just be coincidence that the two look very similar in appearance.
In a short span of time, Conner has been an FBU Top Gun selection, First Team All-Offensive Line in the Houston Select Football League, KYF All-Star, member of the FBU Houston White National Tournament Team and has won a Turf Bowl Championship. It’s also important to note that Conner not only attended FBU’s Top Gun, but he held his own against the top 7th and 8th grade players in the nation.
The apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree with Hayden, as the Conner family has had success in the football world for years now. Conner’s father, Steve, played college ball at Sam Hous-ton State but that's not all. Both of his grandfathers played college football, as well as his uncle and two cousins. For Conner, he has a long way to go before he gets to the college scene, but it’s nev-er too early to think about the future.
“If I had to pick my dream school, it would be between Louisiana State Uni-versity (LSU) and Texas A&M,” said Conner. “Right now, I’d go with LSU because Les Miles pulled me off of the field at camp this summer and told me he can’t wait to see me come back and play in purple and gold.”
Conner is light years ahead of his age at this point, as he has already at-tended college camps at LSU and Tex-as A&M, and with that kind of train-ing, he has set some big goals ahead of himself for next season. “For next sea-son, my goals are to win the FBU Na-
Eleven-Years-Oldand Already Being ScoutedHayden ConnerBy Lara Bell
I t’s not too often that you see a kid going into 5th grade who stands at 5’11” and is 205
pounds, but there’s a certain pros-pect from Houston that’s towering over the others. Hayden Conner is only eleven-years-old, but he has al-ready accomplished more than most youth football players achieve in their entire careers.
This may be one of the most talent-ed and hard-working kids at this age level in the country, and he is the kind of player that any coach would love to have on their team. “My coaches say that my best ability is being coachable and my football IQ,” said Conner. “I spend a lot of time learning what ev-eryone is doing on the field so I can help my team during practice and games. No one will out work me!”
At 5’11”, Hayden Conner towers above his peers at football practice.
Hayden Conner Houston Texan JJ Watt
Hayden Conner
www.absolutelykaty.com l OCTOBER 2013 15
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CALL 832.522.BONE (2663) TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT.
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A TEAM OF LEADERS IN ORTHOPEDICS.THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PRACTICING MEDICINE AND LEADING IT.
OCTOBER 2013 l TO ADVERTISE CALL 281.690.424216
Y our family is – or should be – your most prized possession. That being said, what would
you do in order to protect them? What if one day you realized your child was missing? That is the nightmare that has become all too real in Prisoners. Directed by Denis Villeneuve and star-ring the wonderful talents of Hugh
neuve has mastered the art of the cat and mouse game. He keeps the audi-ence on its toes throughout the entire film, and the solution does not come into focus until the very end. Guess as much as you’d like, but this one is tough. The film is expertly shot by Roger Deakins, who is arguably the fin-est cinematographer alive today. With Prisoners’ brilliant script, wonderful acting and simply gorgeous visuals, look for multiple Oscar nominations out of this film as the award season draws near.
Nick Nicholson is the Film and Entertainment Critic for CNN Radio, the Fort Bend Star and absolutely! focus media. In addition, his reviews can be seen and heard in numerous other print/media outlets in Texas and Oklahoma. Mr. Nicholson is in great demand as a speaker to both public and civic organizations on the subject of film and the entertainment industry. He is the co-founder of the Houston Film Critics Society and is currently the President of the organization.
PrisonersStarring: Hugh Jackman,Melissa Leo and Jake GyllenhaalDirector: Denis VilleneuveCompany: WarnerNow Showing: In LocalArea TheatresMPAA Rating: RGrade: A+
All photos courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures.Photos by Wilson Webb.
FILM REVIEWBy Nick Nicholson
Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal, Prison-ers contains an incredibly well-written script and a cast of virtual all-stars who each carries their own weight through-out the film.
Jackman stars as Keller Dover, whose six-year-old daughter has come up missing along with one of her girl-friends. Jake Gyllenhaal returns to a role in law enforcement as Detective Loki and quickly locates the best clue in the story – an old mobile home – and apprehends the driver, Alex Jones, bril-liantly played by Paul Dano. However, Loki’s case doesn’t hold water, and the detective is forced to release his sus-pect. As the frustration continues to build, Dover concludes that every hour gone by creates a lesser chance that his daughter will be found alive. He looks deep inside of himself to find the cour-age that, if his daughter is going to live, it is entirely up to him to find her be-fore it is too late.
Prisoners is a whodunit unlike any that I have seen in a number of years. As each scene passes, the audience is left to decide how best to put the pieces of the mystery together. What is truly unique about Prisoners is that Ville-
Viola Davis as Nancy Birch, Jake Gyllenhaal as Detective Loki and Terrence Howard as Franklin Birchin Prisoners.
Hugh Jackman as Keller Dover and Maria Bello as Grace Dover in Prisoners.
www.absolutelykaty.com l OCTOBER 2013 17
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Christopher BaileyTaylor High School
My love for the arts and teaching kids motivates me to work in such an amazing program as the JET Band. Our children learn important life actions through band that they will utilize for the rest of their lives. It is so much more than just enrichment; it is vital to their development as young men and women.
I have been blessed to share many life-changing events with these great kids while at Taylor. One of my most heart-felt memories was when our band joined forces, five years ago, with the Seven Lakes Band in a half-time performance, honoring the life of a Seven Lakes’ band student who tragi-cally died. In such a devastating time, it created a sense of teamwork, camaraderie and district pride for over 700 kids that transcended the walls of individual high schools to cre-ate a broader sense of community pride. Both schools were proud to accept the KatyOne Award given by our superinten-dent recognizing and celebrating those who work together from different schools to do something positive for our com-munity.
Simply put, band changes kids’ lives. We hear a lot about what is wrong with our society. When I look out across the concert stage and onto the marching field; however, I see kids who will make a positive difference in our world. I am honored to share in their success.
Michelle MitchellMorton Ranch Junior High School
Students learn a wide variety of skills in band: effort, pa-tience, teamwork, social skills, commitment and time man-
O ctober among us band parents is also known as “Bandto-ber” because of the month-long marching contests. Band is just one of the many popular programs offered in Katy
ISD. Marching bands may have 200 to over 300 members on the field at halftime this season. The band directors are some of the finest professionals anywhere, and their fall shows are simply in-credible! Let’s hear from them why they do what they do.
And the Beat Goes On!By Henry Dibrell
agement, just to name a few. These are “real-world” skills that help students further their education and eventually get a job. The camaraderie the students have is unlike any-thing they get in any other setting or group.
Once I became a director 20 years ago, it didn’t take long to find out how much I loved it. Music is my life, and I hope I can impart that love of music to my students and make a lasting impact on them in a positive way – regardless of where life takes them.
Scott ShanksMorton Ranch Junior High School
I never intended to be a band director. I had a great band experience in school and was very much inspired by my di-rector. I decided to major in music because I could not think of anything else to major in. I got an education degree never intending to use it. Circumstances thrust me into teaching junior high band, and I found that I really liked junior high kids. Through band, students learn to apply the skills that they learn in their academic classes. Through music, we teach citizenship, kindness, ethics, decision-making, multi-tasking and more.
www.absolutelykaty.com l OCTOBER 2013 19
Kyle F. ColemanMorton Ranch High School
Courses in the Fine Arts like band provide students with the opportunity to create ideas/music and express these to a large audience over the course of time. This encourages cre-ativity and instills quality where the end product does not necessarily have a “right” or “wrong” answer. This is what universities and future employers are looking for in today’s young people – creative thinkers who are able to work “out-side the box” yet still perform at a high level and produce quality results. I personally love working with high school students. After teaching for 22 years, I take great pride in watching my students develop into great leaders and out-standing citizens.
Joe YoungMcDonald Junior High School
I have taught for 18 years, and I have considered chang-ing careers for various reasons, be they financial or personal. Each time I have considered making this change, something happens that makes me come back another year. Simply put, my reasons for becoming a teacher are inextricably linked to the reasons I remain in this profession.
Growing up in tiny Malakoff, Texas, my future seemed pretty much mapped out. If I were to graduate high school, I was to go to work at one of the factories in the area, mak-ing televisions, boats, bricks or one of the other blue collar jobs. I decided early on that this was not what I wanted to do. Lance Johnson and James Sprayberry entered my life when I was in the 8th grade. I had been in band since 6th grade but had never taken it seriously. I had joined to be with friends, and I was not a good player at all, that is, until I was forced to practice.
These two directors treated me with respect, even when I didn’t have the money for the things I needed. They were patient with my mother when she had to make payments on things that others could pay outright. They even went out of their way to make sure I had a good instrument. Most impor-tantly, however, they held me to the same standard as they did for all other students making sure that I didn’t just pass classes but that I made the highest grade I could. The first person to see my report card was my band director. Whereas I was not a straight A student, I was a hard worker. The lon-ger I stayed in band, the higher my grades went. The higher my grades went, the more my directors expected. I began to look forward to impressing them.
I teach because I am trying to pay it forward. I am trying to change lives and perhaps even save lives. I know without a doubt that my life would be vastly different now had it not been for my experiences in band. The “good” jobs in the fac-tories have all left my hometown. Poverty is rampant, and people don’t have much hope for the future. I am so thankful that I live in Katy and that I get the opportunity to change lives, just as my life was changed, by being in band. Each day, I can, I will, I must pay it forward!
Damon ArcherSeven Lakes High School
The vehicle of music enables students to learn about var-ious cultures from multiple perspectives from historical, to the scientific, to mathematical, to exploring great literature through this discipline. In today’s global society, being able to learn and explore these various cultures through music allows students to have a common point to be prepared to communicate effectively all over the world.
It is an honor to teach in the Katy Independent School District that understands and supports the value of a holis-tic educational system. The value of the Fine Arts Program is more than a club or activity; it is essential to the well-being of our students and teaches them about a quality of life and the pursuit of being truly educated. It is so much more than winning a trophy or playing the right notes at the right time; it is all about the next step.
Jeff EldridgeMayde Creek Junior High School
We teach music because we love it. We enjoy witness-ing the development of student musicians. The maturity of thought that develops through goal setting, problem solv-ing, awareness and attention to detail is amazing. Of the multitude of skills that group performers develop, the sense of responsibility to community is the most important.
Brenden SteberBeck Junior High School
Both my junior high and high school band directors made life-changing im-pacts on me. Not only did they give me the confidence and support to learn that I could do absolutely anything if I put my mind to it, they saw it through. My band directors were my mentors and role models. I teach today be-cause I feel it is my duty to give back to the pro-fession that had such an impact on me.
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If we can light the spark of curios-ity in children, they will learn with-out any further assistance. Children are natural learners, and curiosity is the engine that enables that learning. Through broad curriculum that cel-ebrates varied talents, students learn important life lessons such as the pur-suit of excellence, meeting a deadline without any excuse and working with others to reach a goal.
While education should teach all young people the basics of reading, mathematics, science and technology, the real short-coming is that it does not help them to find their passion – the one thing that any individual feels is what they are supposed to do. The arts are important not just because they improve math scores but because they speak to parts of children’s be-ing that are otherwise untouched, and teach children to ignite the passion of creativity.
These men and women are making huge impacts in the lives of young peo-ple. Go Katy ISD bands!
Educate yourself and your lovedones about awareness and detection. Learn about treatment options availablein our community.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast Cancer Awareness
www.absolutelykaty.com l OCTOBER 2013 21
FOCUS ON THE CURE
When Breast Cancer Hits Home
Dr. Ankur Mehta has accompanied breast cancer patients on their
journey from diagnosis, to treatment, reconstruction and to becoming a breast cancer survivor. Even though he deals with breast cancer patients on a daily basis, he was not prepared for the news he received one day. “I remember everything about that phone call even though it was so long ago,” said Dr. Mehta. “I was a plastic surgery resi-dent at the time and was on the way to the operating room when my dad called my cell phone. I hurriedly an-swered some of his questions except for his last question, which was, ‘Can you come with us to your sister’s doc-tor’s appointment today?’ I could sense something was not right. Then, as the words left my dad’s mouth, my heart began to pound, I sank down in a chair, shook my head in confusion and tried
to comprehend how my 28 year-old little sister, my free spirited, happy-go-lucky, beautiful little sister, could have just been diagnosed with breast cancer. Soon after her diagnosis, this brave 28 year-old, underwent a nipple sparing mastectomy with implant reconstruc-tion.”
It wasn’t until his sister’s journey that Dr. Mehta better understood some of the true fears, thought processes and concerns of women fighting this fight. Dr. Mehta has spent countless hours speaking to female plastic surgeons, breast cancer patients and breast cancer survivors to better understand what the perceived consequences were in regards to different options for treat-ment.
Dr. Mehta always knew his sister would defeat her breast cancer, but he worried what the diagnosis and treat-ment would do to her strong spirit and bright aura. “My sister’s spirit only be-came stronger and her aura brighter!” said Dr. Mehta. The loss of a breast, such as by partial resection or mas-tectomy, is just the beginning of the reconstructive and emotional healing process. The female breasts are sym-bolic of a woman’s pride, power and self-worth. When a woman is fully con-fident, she will radiate from within, achieving goals and building stronger relationships with family, friends and loved ones. Many surgeons have typi-cally been taught that the goal is to
treat the cancer first, just get it out, and worry about the cosmetic aspect later. A patient, however, thinks dif-ferently about this defining character-istic of the female body – the breasts. Although the cancer operation should never be compromised for cosmetic out-come, a harmonious balance between cancer treatment and reconstruction can be achieved.
Today, as a plastic surgeon at Time-less Plastic Surgery, Dr. Mehta has the honor of providing “concierge care” to all patients including, but not limited to, breast cancer survivors. Dr. Mehta takes his and his sister’s personal ex-periences and applies it to his patients by trying to understand what they de-sire whether related to the face, body or breasts. In regards to breast recon-struction, Dr. Mehta focuses on second-ary aesthetic breast reconstruction. Simply put, this is the art of creating a more beautiful breast after cancer removal and initial reconstruction. The main objective of secondary aesthetic breast reconstruction is to produce a more natural and proportioned coun-terpart to the opposite breast.
Since her diagnosis, Dr. Mehta’s sis-ter remains cancer free, has recently gotten married and has moved to Ger-many where she continues to make the most of every minute of her life. “Going through this very personal journey with my sister has definitely made me a bet-ter physician,” shared Dr. Mehta.
Ankur Mehta, M.D.Timeless Plastic Surgery
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Did You Know?Breast cancer is a disease
that claims the lives of so many people. Although many deaths can-not be prevented due to the se-verity and late stage of the breast cancer, early diagnosis goes a long way to improving mortality rates and sending individuals into remis-sion faster. Knowing the symptoms of breast cancer can help women and men improve their chances of surviving the disease after diag-nosis, as the earlier the disease is diagnosed, the better a person’s chance at survival.
Not every person experiences symptoms of breast cancer. That’s because, in its very early stages, breast cancer may not exhibit any symptoms, or if a tumor is present, it may be too small to detect during a breast self-exam. Furthermore, there are different types of breast cancer, each of which may have its own distinct symptoms. Some of these symptoms may mimic symp-toms of more benign conditions as well, making it difficult to deter-mine if symptoms are indicative of breast cancer or another ailment.
But even though the following symptoms will not necessarily lead to a breast cancer diagnosis, it’s still important to visit your doctor for further clarification if any of them appear.
• swelling of all or part of thebreast
• skin irritation or dimpling• breast pain• nipple pain or the nipple
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try of breasts• presence of unusual lumps
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FOCUS ON THE CURE
Lowering Your Riskof Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women, second only to lung cancer. One
in eight women is expected to develop breast cancer in her lifetime, and a re-cent survey by the Society for Women’s Health Research found that 22 percent of women named breast cancer as the disease they fear most. The specter of breast cancer makes it no surprise that women are eager to seek various ways to reduce their risks of developing this potentially deadly disease.
Though cancer treatments continue to evolve, there remains no cure for breast cancer or any other types of can-cer. However, there are steps men and women can take to reduce their risks of developing breast cancer. In fact, the National Cancer Institute says avoid-ing breast cancer risk factors is the best path to prevention.
Avoid exposure to radiation. Re-peated exposure to radiation therapy used to treat illnesses like Hodgkin’s disease can increase a person’s risk of breast cancer.
Maintain a healthy weight. Obe-sity increases the risk of breast cancer, particularly in postmenopausal women.
Get your exercise. Exercising four or more hours a week can lower breast cancer risk. Exercise need not be heavy lifting at the gym. Any moderate physi-cal activity, from cycling to walking, can be effective.
Eat a low-fat diet. The Women’s Intervention Nutrition Study from the National Cancer Institute found that the highest rate of breast cancer reduc-tion was among a group of women who ate a low-fat diet.
Reduce alcohol consumption. Various studies have indicated that women who drink alcoholic beverages may develop cancer at a higher rate. Women who consume two to five drinks daily have a greater risk of developing breast cancer than those who abstain from alcohol.
Weigh the risks of hormone re-placement therapy. There are mixed reviews on hormone replacement thera-py, or HRT, for postmenopausal women. There may be a link between long-term HRT and breast cancer, particularly when estrogen and progesterone are used in combination.
Use of SERMs and aromatase in-hibitors. Selective estrogen receptor
modulators, or SERMs, are drugs that act like estrogen on some bodily tissues but block the effect of estrogen on other tissues. Aromatase inhibitors decrease the amount of estrogen made by the body. Women with a high risk of breast cancer may benefit from taking a SERM or aromatase inhibitor.
Increase fruit and vegetable con-sumption. Carotenoids are cancer-pro-tective pigments found in a vast number of fruits and vegetables. Researchers at New York University found women who had higher blood carotenoid levels had a significantly smaller risk of breast can-cer than women with lower levels.
Go sparingly on antibiotics. Only take antibiotics when they are truly needed. New evidence suggests that the more often a woman takes antibiotics, the higher her breast cancer risk.
Breastfeed your children. Lac-tation can suppress ovulation and the body’s production of estrogen, which has been linked to higher levels of breast cancer.
Although there is no cure for cancer, there are a number of different ways women can reduce their risks for breast cancer.
www.absolutelykaty.com l OCTOBER 2013 27
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U pon first glance, patients of the Houston Meth-odist West Hospital’s breast center might mis-
take the facility for a luxurious day spa. But make no mistake, beyond the waiting room lies robust, all-digital breast imaging equipment and highly skilled technologists and radiologists specializing in breast care.
Women can come to Houston Methodist West Hospital for any breast care service including:
• Digital Mammography• Diagnostic Ultrasound• Ultrasound Guided Biopsy• Breast MRI• Stereotactic Biopsy• MRI Guided Biopsy
World-class breast imaging specialist Dr. Cor-rena Terrell is a diagnostic radiologist and medical director of Houston Methodist West’s breast center. “We focus on preventative health,” says Terrell. “But if a problem is detected, everything is available here. We have a team approach – we work with all the physicians on our campus and should an area of concern be identified in an annual mammogram, we work to quickly get definitive results.”
With the ability to do biopsies and clinical evalu-ations five days a week, the center is able to deliver, often with same day biopsy results, and always with a radiologist available to talk with patients who have problems or concern. “That’s important to us and our patients,” says Terrell.
Houston Methodist West is hosting a breast health event on Saturday, October 19th from 9 am to noon. In a fun, morning atmosphere, women will have the opportunity to learn how to protect them-selves from breast cancer and visit with specialists dedicated to breast care and wellness. Call 832-522-5522 or visit houstonmethodist.org/west for more information and to register.
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W omen in the United States get breast cancer more than any
other type of cancer except skin cancer. While women may not be able to pre-vent getting breast cancer, early detec-tion gives women the chance to identify a cancer at a stage that can be treated and possibly cured.
Screening for breast cancer means looking for the disease even if no symp-toms or any risk factors for breast cancer are apparent. Breast self-exams are rec-ommended at regular intervals so that any lumps or changes can be detected. For most women, a monthly exam in
Early Detection: Key in Fighting Breast Cancer
Amina Sayeed, M.D.OGA West
the week after their period is best as the breasts are not as tender as are be-fore a period. For women who do not have periods, exams may be performed on a certain day each month. A clinical breast exam is one performed by a doc-tor or nurse who uses their hands to feel for lumps or changes.
Regular mammograms are essen-tial. They pick up changes in the breast that are visible before a mass is detect-ed by an exam. It is recommended that a woman undergo a mammogram every one to two years after the age of 40, de-pending on her risk factors and results of previous mammograms. Modalities that are available in our community in conjunction with mammograms are to-mosynthesis or 3D mammography and ultrasound. Women with risk factors for breast cancer may be offered addi-tional tests including MRI.
To determine your risk of developing breast cancer, know your family history of breast cancer and discuss with your physician what other risks you might have. For more information, contact Amina Sayeed, MD at 832-553-5452 or www.ogawest.com/amina-sayeed.
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Friday night football and festivals galore! Now is the perfect time to get out and about and see what’s Kickin’ in Katy!
What’s Kickin’ inKaty
By Mary Raines
September 27th - October 6thThe 77th Annual Fort Bend CountyFair and RodeoFort Bend County FairgroundsHighway 36 South of US 59RosenbergCelebrate Western heritage at this annual event featuring livestock shows, a rodeo, car-nival and children’s activities. Admission is $12 for adults, $5 for children ages 6 - 11 and children 5 and under are free. For more in-formation, visit www.fortbendcountyfair.com.
October 5thFall Festival & Craft Show9 am - 4 pmSt Paul’s Episcopal ChurchGrab a friend and enjoy shopping, children’s activities and BBQ plus free admission. For more information, call 281-391-2785 or visit www.stpaulskaty.org.
October 19th23rd Annual Pick-A-Dilly Crafts Fair9 am - 4 pmSt. Peter’s United Methodist Church20775 Kingsland Blvd.Join St. Peter’s United Methodist Church for their annual crafts fair. Enjoy indoor and out-door craft booths, a silent auction, pumpkin patch and bake sale. Admission is free. For more information, call 281-856-6217.
Oct. 12th - 13thKaty 33rd Annual Rice Harvest Festival The annual Katy Rice Harvest Festival is two big days of excitement and family fun with two stages of continuous live entertainment, craft and food booths, carnival and more taking place in Historic Downtown Katy. For times, admission, parking and location, visit www.riceharvestfestival.org or call 281-391-5289.
October 12th - December 1stTexas Renaissance Festival9 am - 8 pmEvery Saturday, Sun-day and Thanksgiving Friday in Planters-ville, Texas, kings, lords and ladies turn out for a celebration of Medieval times. For tickets, a map of the festival location and more information, visit www.texrenfest.com.
Saturday, October 19thKaty Market Days’ Vintage Car Show
Always the third Saturday of the month, enjoy heritage homes, open produce, arts, antiques and more. Call 281-391-1993 for more in-formation.
October 3rdSeven Lakes High Homecoming vs. Taylor High7 pmRhodes Stadium
October 4th Cinco Ranch High Homecoming vs. Morton Ranch High7 pmRhodes Stadium
October 10thMorton Ranch High Homecoming vs. Memorial High 7 pmRhodes Stadium
October 18thKaty High Homecoming vs. Seven Lakes High7 pmRhodes Stadium
Are you ready forsome Katy football?
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www.absolutelykaty.com l OCTOBER 2013 31
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OCTOBER 2013 l TO ADVERTISE CALL 281.690.424232
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Now in its 47th year, The Original Greek Festival returns October 3rd through 6th at the Annunciation Greek Ortho-dox Cathedral, located at 3511 Yoakum. This year, crowds of 40,000 are expected at the event.
Festival Chairman Stathy Demeris emphasizes that this festival has always been a multigenerational enterprise. One of the chief lures of the Greek Festival is delicious food, which is all cooked by the pa-rishioners of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral in strict adherence with tradi-tional recipes handed down from generation to generation. “Even my 98 year-old grand-mother is there every day pre-paring food nonstop,” Demeris said. “She loves it!”
This year’s festival will fea-ture delicious Greek food, entertaining displays of tradi-tional Greek dancing, numer-ous shopping opportunities, Cathedral tours, children’s activities at the Athenian Play-ground, live music and more. New this year is a selection of craft beers from Karbach, St. Arnold’s, Goose Island and Firestone Walker.
Visitors will enjoy the convenience of a free shuttle ser-vice, pre-sale ticket packages and the ability to pay for food and drinks at the festival with credit cards, plus ATMs on-site.
The shuttle service will operate from the Lamar High School West Student Parking Lot, located at 3325 Wes-theimer. This year, festival organizers are excited to an-nounce additional buses to accompany an increasing amount of patrons. The shuttles will run approximately every 15 minutes and are handicapped-accessible. Additionally, a handicapped-only parking lot will be available at the north-east corner of Yoakum and Marshall.
Popular savory items include souvlaki, gyros, spanako-pita and pastitsio. Delectable pastries are also in abundance, including baklava, koulourakia and loukoumades. For the full variety, get the dinner plate, which includes pastitsio (baked macaroni, beef filling and Romano cheese topped with be-chamel sauce), tiropita, spanakopita, keftedes (Greek meat-balls) and a traditional Greek salad.
For more information on the Original Greek Festival, visit www.originalgreekfestival.com.
Get Your Greek On atThe Original Greek Festival
Parishioners of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral prepare souvlaki using recipes handed down through generations.
www.absolutelykaty.com l OCTOBER 2013 33
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OCTOBER 2013 l TO ADVERTISE CALL 281.690.424234
IN THEHEART
K AT Y
OUT&ABOUT
By Jennifer L. Evans
The Gary Tilton Firefighter Training Fund recently hosted the 6th Annual “Heroes, Legends & Leaders” Gala at the Omni West Houston Hotel. This year’s Legend award recipient was Wendy Norris, Executive Director of the Texas Line Of Duty Death Task Force.
JoAnn Tilton with Volunteer of the Year Sandra Escobar.
Wendy Norris with JoAnn Tilton. Katy Mayor Fabol Hughes with James Dillon and Billy Evans.
absolutely! Katy Publisher Lara Bell and John Daugherty Realtors’ PR powerhouse Roseann Rogers were feted together for their birthdays at a private gathering in the wine room of the newly opened Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse in the Houston Galleria. Guests from all over the greater Houston area enjoyed delicious beverages and libations.
Longtime Katy resident Bryan Bell with Lara Bell.
Danielle Steel, Bonnie Woodrow and Holly Chervnsik.
Aashish Shah, Roseann Rogers and Lara Bell with husbandBrent Milam.
www.absolutelykaty.com l OCTOBER 2013 35
The 68th Pin Oak Charity Horse Show presented by Irish Day Farm yielded a record donation of $200,000 for its designated charities: Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston’s Ronald McDonald House Family Rooms and Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Family Alliance (CCFA). Through their annual world-class horse show, Pin Oak supports the healing of sick children through financial donations, outreach and volunteer support.
Michelle Riley-Brown, Mary Jones, Lynn Walsh, Ketrese White, Charles Hankins and Shannon McCord.
Lynn Walsh, Elly Berman, Chris Tresten, Joan Cantrell and Barbara Dott.
Elly Berman, Ruth Hawk and Michele Luccirelli de Gomez organized gifts for the Texas Children’s CCFA Event.
Katie Cooper and Katie Lambert Boone.
Katy Williford, Rachael Walker and Mary Jones.
ZoAnn Dreyer displayed a horse cookie at the Candlelighter’s Childhood Cancer Family Alliance (CCFA) Summer Surprises event.
OCTOBER 2013 l TO ADVERTISE CALL 281.690.424236
IN THEHEART
K AT Y
OUT&ABOUT
By Jennifer L. Evans
Katy ISD’s 2013-2014 year kicked off with happy smiles and hugs on the first day.
Creech Elementary Assistant Principal Sally Gupton, Principal Elena Thrun and Coach Carrie Dasher joined school mascot, dachshund Comet, and Comet’s sibling to welcome students on the first day.
Jentina and Jeydin Pham walked to school on day one.
Beck Junior High’s Ali Russell gave cousin Colton Harris an encouraging hug before the first day.
Williams Elementary students Grace Polk and Evan Schroen dressed to impress on the big day.
www.absolutelykaty.com l OCTOBER 2013 37
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Nancy Rommelmann is regularly consulted by local media for her on-air analysis about family law.
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Child SupportBy Nancy L. Rommelmann PLLC
S ignificant Change in CalculatingChild Support Became EffectiveSeptember 1, 2013
There is a significant change regard-ing child support that became effective September 1, 2013. The Texas legislature
amended the Texas Family Code to increase the monthly “cap” on net income used to calculate child support. This will affect higher wage earners and the amount of child support they might have to pay. The “cap” was raised from $7,500/month to $8,550/ month. This change can result in an increase in the amount of child support for one child to $210, for two children to $262.50 and for three children to $315/month.
“Net” resources is determined by taking a parent’s gross income and deducting federal taxes, social security, Medicare,
health insurance costs for the child(ren) and union dues. Withholding for retirement, savings plans and many other voluntary payments that one might make are not deducted for purposes of calculating child support. Thereafter, a percentage is applied to the net resources, which is 20% for one child, 25% for two children, 30% for three children, 35% for four children and 40% for five children. The percentage is adjusted if the conservator paying child support has other children to support in which case the percentages are adjusted slightly downward.
If you are either receiving or paying the maximum child support presuming the “cap” of $7,500, you might be eligible to
file a modification for child support. Grounds for modi-fication for child support exist when the new amount of child support would differ by 20% or $100 of the previous amount of child support ordered.
The court may order periodic child sup-port payments in an amount other than is established by the guidelines in certain
circumstances. The court can consider factors, includ-ing but not limited to, the age and needs of the child, the ability of the parents to contribute to the support of the child, any financial resources available for the support of the child, the amount of net resources of the parent who has primary care of the child, to name a few.
“Strive not to be a success, but ratherto be of value.” – Albert Einstein
OCTOBER 2013 l TO ADVERTISE CALL 281.690.424238
abso
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Q A& Sleep Studies
L ocated at I-10 and Barker Cypress, Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus houses the only 24/7 pediatric emergency room in
the Greater West Houston area, four surgical suites and a minor procedure room, inpatient services and advanced imaging services including ultrasound, MRI and CT scans. For more information, visit www.westcampus.texaschildrens.org
Q: HOW DO I KNOW IF MY CHILD HAS A SLEEP PROBLEM?
There are a number of signs and symptoms that par-ents should be aware of including snoring or breathing prob-lems during sleep, problems falling and/or staying asleep, toss-ing and turning while sleeping, excessive sleepiness during the day and behavior or learning problems, among others.
Experts: Dr. Daniel Glaze, chief of Texas Children’s Sleep Clinic and Dr. Binal Kancherla, pediatric pulmonologist and sleep specialist with Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus.
Dr. Binal Kancherla works in the Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus Sleep Clinic with 7 year-old patient Evelyn Chavez.
Photos by Paul Vincent Kuntz.
Q: WHY WOULD MY CHILD NEED A SLEEP STUDY?
The Sleep Center at Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus specializes in the evaluation and treatment of children with sleep disorders, including difficulty falling asleep and stay-ing asleep, narcolepsy, sleep apnea and other disruptive sleep-ing behaviors like sleepwalking, nightmares, night terrors and repetitive leg movements.
If you are concerned about potential sleep problems your child has, call our pediatric subspecialists at 832-227-1570.
Q: WHAT HAPPENS DURING A SLEEP STUDY?
Our state-of-the-art facility allows sleep specialists to conduct overnight routine sleep studies and multiple sleep la-tency studies in one of three sleep rooms. Positive airway pres-sure (CPAP or BIPAP), a treatment option for children with sleep apnea, are used for certain studies.
Children may be evaluated in the Sleep Disorders Clinic be-fore and after their sleep study. Sleep disorder specialists take an extensive sleep history and conduct a physical exam to prop-erly diagnose the patient, then offer lifestyle and medical help to manage the sleep disorder.
Children are welcome to bring their favorite pajamas, stuffed animal and a blanket to help them remain comfortable through the duration of their sleep study.
Rett Syndrome patient Rachael Seiler withDr. Daniel Glaze.
www.absolutelykaty.com l OCTOBER 2013 39
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OCTOBER 2013 l TO ADVERTISE CALL 281.690.424240
M ore than five years ago, I said goodbye to a beloved employer in search of a dif-
ferent work/life experience. It wasn’t the first time I had departed from a well-paying position in an attractive business in search of a better balance. I had done so three years prior for many of the same reasons. Like many other working parents, I was unhappy with the balance of my life and work. I loved
my work – I am a public relations prac-titioner – but I loved my family more, and I just couldn’t reconcile my type A work style and drive with my rookie experiences as a mom to a little boy and a wife to a wonderful man who oc-casionally traveled for work. Many of the people who knew me either profes-sionally or personally thought I’d nev-er last as a temporarily retired/part-time consultant/stay-at-home parent.
Adventures in Business:
Big Plans for aSmall Enterprise
It makes me smile to think of all the bets that were lost!
If you want to grow a big business, rule the world and have a swanky of-fice with lots of your own employees, you should probably stop reading this now. I greatly admire my friends who have launched their own businesses and now have thriving operations un-der their own umbrella. But that’s not what I wanted. I wanted to be able to do the work I love passionately and still have enough energy left to feel good about my role as wife, mom, daughter, sister, etc. I also knew that I had to create a work environment for myself that would provide financial in-come.
Three months into my new reality with my former employer as my first client, I participated in a women’s pan-el discussion on launching your own business. As I listened to someone else on the panel, whom I adore and respect, advise the audience of all the things you must have in place that I didn’t, such as lots of capitol and a detailed 5-year business plan, I realized that I basically had an “anti-business” busi-ness model. And, I felt good about that! I still do. But, I had done my homework before I launched my business.
By Jennifer L. Evans
www.absolutelykaty.com l OCTOBER 2013 41
Below are some of the finer points you should consider if you want to carve out a small piece of the working world for yourself, do something you are passionate about and earn money.
Can you afford to start your own business?
If you are currently in the work force and are looking to transition to your own business or practice, evalu-ate the finances. If you have another income, could you live off of that single income during down times? Further, have a discussion with a good tax attor-ney who can advise on how to structure your business. Should you obtain an LLC or form a corporation? If you are not a finance expert, you will need to research tools for tracking income and expenses. Do you have start-up costs covered for this business?
Will you be working from home or renting space?
There are a variety of shared work-space options in the greater Katy and Houston area, some with monthly rent as low as $500 for a tiny office with access to equipment, support staff as you need it and more. Will your busi-ness need a “store-front?” If your work is such that a great computer, phone, fax and storage for products or ser-
vice items are all you need, perhaps you initially want to work from home. Warning to rookies: Not everyone can stay focused in a home office setting. If I had a dollar for every person I know who started a consulting practice and couldn’t sustain it – largely because they lacked the organizational capac-ity to self-manage – I’d be in Hawaii instead of Katy right now.
How do you wantto spend your time?
Do you want to spend your time on the computer? Are you a writer? Are you a natural salesperson or a slight agoraphobic? Ensure that the consult-ing or part-time business you envision puts your work style and strengths to good use.
Does your professional network include people who will hire, endorse and otherwise support your endeavor?
This is not an optional item; it’s an absolute. Engage people you know and respect and see what they think of your idea. Consult with a public relations professional on the basics you need in order to promote your business. Beau-tify your LinkedIn profile and your resume’. Utilize educational, profes-sional organizations and educational seminars to brush up and learn new tools for managing your business. And, read and pay attention to the real news around the community and the world.
Someone recently asked me if I had “more of a life” now than when I worked in-house for a direct employer. Yes, I believe I do because my business fits me better as a person now. Not ev-eryone can happily facilitate a confer-ence call at 6 pm with a client and ven-dors all while sitting on a park bench with a laptop while their son practices football. But, I can and sometimes do, because I also have the benefit of greet-ing my child at home most afternoons after school, fixing his snack and being in the moment with him right up until he stepped onto the field.
I have always believed that if you don’t like your life, you should change it. We live in one of the most resource-rich economic hubs of the greater Houston area. What are you waiting for?
OCTOBER 2013 l TO ADVERTISE CALL 281.690.424242
P umpkin soup, pumpkin bread, pumpkin ravioli, pumpkin pie, pumpkin risotto, pumpkin beer . . . the options are endless, and endlessly mouthwatering.
It’s finally pumpkin season, and the reasons to celebrate are many.Fall’s signature squash is versatile enough to fit into any cook’s menu.
As if the abundance of delicious recipes one can make with pumpkin were not enough, they also pack some powerful healthy perks like keeping heart health, vision and waistlines in check. As long as you take it easy on the pie, pumpkin can be the super food to crave.
Ingredients:
• 1 Tbsp light butter• 2 - 15 oz cans of pumpkin• 2 - 14 oz cans of low sodium chicken broth• 1/2 cup fat-free milk• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup• 1/4 tsp. ground ginger• Salt and pepper, to taste• Pepitas (pumpkin seeds) and brown sugar, as garnish
Instructions:1. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat, and stir in pumpkin, chicken broth, milk, maple syrup and ginger.2. Bring pumpkin mixture just to a boil, and season with salt and pepper.3. Garnish with pepitas (pumpkin seeds) and a sprin-kling of brown sugar. Enjoy!
Gingered Pumpkin Soup
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Pumpkins Keep Eyesight SharpThe best way to safely get vitamin A in your diet is eating
foods rich in carotenoids. A cup of cooked, mashed pumpkin contains more than 200 percent of your recommended daily intake of vitamin A.
Pumpkins Aid Weight LossPumpkin is a great source of fiber. With three grams per
one-cup serving and only 49 calories, it can keep you feeling full for longer on fewer calories. A fiber-rich diet seems to help people eat less and thereby, shed pounds.
Pumpkin Seeds Can Help Your HeartPumpkin seeds are naturally rich in plant-based chemi-
cals called phytosterols that have been shown in studies to reduce LDL or "bad" cholesterol.
Pumpkins Protect The SkinThe same free-radical, neutralizing powers of the carot-
enoids in pumpkin that may keep cancer cells at bay can also help keep the skin wrinkle-free, Health magazine reported.
Pumpkin Seeds Can Boost Your MoodPumpkin seeds are rich in the amino acid tryptophan. A
handful of roasted pumpkin seeds may help your outlook stay bright.
Pumpkins Can Help After A Hard WorkoutA little extra Potassium helps restore the body's balance
of electrolytes after a heavy workout and keeps muscles func-tioning at their best. A cup of cooked pumpkin has more of the refueling nutrient Potassium, with 564 milligrams to a bananas 422.
Pumpkins May Reduce Cancer RiskLike their orange comrades the sweet potato, the carrot
and the butternut squash, pumpkins boast the antioxidant beta-carotene, which may play a role in cancer prevention, according to the National Cancer Institute.
Pumpkins Can Boost Your Immune SystemWhen you feel a cold coming on, Vitamin C may be helpful
in warding off that illness. One cup of cooked pumpkin con-tains more than 11 milligrams of the essential nutrient.
Pumpkin . . .
More than a Delicious Bite
www.absolutelykaty.com l OCTOBER 2013 43
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A B S O L U T E LY ! D E L I C I O U S L I S T I N G
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TEXAS MESQUITE GRILL20095 Katy Freeway, 77450281-829-0444www.texasmesquitegrill.com
Located on the southwest corner of I-10 and Fry Road in Katy, Texas Mesquite Grill is one of Katy’s newest and finest restaurants. Texas Mesquite Grill offers an amazing variety of fresh menu items. Owner Austin Yates says that Texas Mesquite Grill “caters to all families in Katy.” The rustic country atmosphere is family-friendly with several televisions, an energizing bar area and a huge open air patio.
OCTOBER 2013 l TO ADVERTISE CALL 281.690.424244
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T he 2014 Chevrolet Impala is a head-turner. Don’t be surprised if you say, “Wow!” the first
time you see the latest version of this Chevy classic. No really, the Impala that defined bland automotive design for decades is gone and a new Impala has happily taken its place. But the wow factor doesn’t end at the exte-rior. Nope, this Impala is not only gor-geous, it’s stylish on the inside with high end materials and the fit and fin-ish of a luxury vehicle. These are all the reasons Consumer Reports gave the 2014 Impala its highest rating for a sedan.
For those of us old enough to re-member the early Chevy Impalas, they were iconic cars that still turn
CHEVY IMPALAheads when they show up a classic car shows. But by the time the 1970s rolled around, the Impala had lost its cool and was just a big, boxy car that seemed to be relegated to rental car fleets. But, the Impala name was too valuable for Chevrolet to abandon so they brought together the right re-sources for this tenth generation car, and this time, they got it right in so many ways.
You can choose from three power-trains mated to a six-speed transmis-sion that should deliver pretty good fuel economy. The standard base en-gine is a 195 hp, 2.5 liter four cylin-der engine that will get you 21 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the high-way. If you need more power, you can opt for the 305 hp, 3.6 liter V6 that will power you from 0-60 in less than seven seconds, but that power will drop your fuel economy to 18 mpg city/28 mpg highway. And now showing up in dealerships is the mild hybrid version for the Impala called eAssist, which integrates a 182-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder and a small 15-
2014hp electric motor to save fuel. It’s not a full-blown hybrid, but it will improve fuel economy to 25 mpg city/35 mpg highway.
The new Impala’s interior is larger than the old model trimmed out with luxury materials and all the technol-ogy you would expect. The Chevrolet MyLink system features an 8” screen, which allows you to hook up your smartphone or your MP3 player via Bluetooth. Both the backseat and the truck are huge. With a base MSRP of $26,860, the 2014 Chevy Impala is now one of the top choices in the full-size segment.
Follow Steve Kursur at KursarOnCars.blogspot.com.
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