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Transcript of January 2016 - Absolutely Memorial Magazine
JANUARY 2016
Feel andLook YourBest for theNew Year with
absolutely!Kid Friendly
Here Comes THE BRIDENew Year,NEW YOU
Dr. ShelDr. Shel
INSIDE FRONT
Special ThanksSpecial Thanks
would like to thank the vendors and guests
who attended our
4th Annual Holiday Soiree!
to these community partners:
Memorial’s home away from home
BRENHAMHighway 290 E | $3.6+mil3/3.5 - ±4,340 sfidyllic Texas Ranch on 173+ acres | lakes | log cabin | pool/spa Jill Rome | 713.558.1995
MEMORIALBroken Bough Drive | $3.3+mil5-6/5.5+ - ±6,610 sf±20,000 sf lot | master, 2nd bedroom, study & game room down Susan Boss | 713.823.6992
MEMORIALStuckey Lane | $2.9+mil5/5.5+ - ±8,230 sfmaster & study down | sunroom | wet bar | pool plus two yards Karen Harberg | 713.558.3203
MEMORIALWink Road | $2.8+mil4-5/5.5+ - ±7,136 sfmaster down | rock wall | media & game rooms | wine room | pool Karen Harberg | 713.558.3203
MEMORIALQueensbury Lane | $1.9+mil6-7/5 - ±5,873 sfmaster & 2nd bedroom down | game & media rooms up | pool Susan Boss | 713.823.6992
MEMORIALTosca Lane | $680s2/2 - ±1,826 sfMid-Century modern jewel on ±9,000 sf corner lot | high ceilings Maya Blanton | 713.444.5888
marthaturner.com | 713.520.1981Operated by Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc.
WE ARE
YOURREALTOR
JANUARY 2016 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.absolutelymemorial.com2
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Simplify My Meds,Simplify Your Life
A hop, skip and a jump.We’re right here in West Houston andready to partner with you in the healthcare of your child.
With a dedicated pediatric emergencyroom, pediatric intensive care unit andmore than 20 pediatric subspecialties conveniently located on site, we offer topcare for kids, close to home. From sportsmedicine to gastroenterology to ENT, ourspecialty clinics are staffed by experts in their fields using the most advancedtechnology, in facilities designed specificallyfor children.
Texas Children’s is ranked #4 in the nationby U.S.News & World Report and is thehighest ranked children’s hospital in thesouthwest. The next time your childneeds medical care, come to us. We’re allabout kids. For maps and information, visit westcampus.texaschildrens.org.
Texas Children’s Urgent Care is now in yourarea. Visit urgentcare.texaschildrens.org tofind hours, location and conditions we treat.
© 2016 Texas Children’s Hospital. All rights reserved. Texas Children’s Hospital is the only children’s hospital in Texas on U.S.News & World Report’s 2015-2016 Honor Roll. WC560_120215
Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus
18200 Katy FreewayHouston, TX 77094832-227-1000
WC560_ad_WC_HopSkipJump_AbsKatyMem_Layout 1 12/4/15 9:56 AM Page 1
JANUARY 2016 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.absolutelymemorial.com4
FEELING AND LOOKING YOUR BEST FOR THE NEW YEAR The New Year is the perfect time to make positive changes to the entire person – inner and outer. With 20 plus years of experience in the medical profession, along with her compassion for patients’ well-being, Dr. Shelena Lalji is considered an expert in the field of anti-aging, wellness and aesthetics. Dr. Shel’s thorough approach to treating the entire patient combined with her genuine concern and care has resulted in one happy patient after another.
10
Dr. Shelena Lalji Photography by Larry Pullen.
J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 6
C O V E R S T O R Y
F E AT U R E S
15 HERE COMES THE BRIDEDon’t miss these blushing brides and their gorgeous celebrations!
21 WEDDING REGISTRY 101Turn to these tips for one essential piece of the wedding puzzle – creating a registry.
27 HOW THE GIRL I CHASED ON THE SBMSA BALL FIELDS AS A KIDKnocked My Heart out of the Park as an Adult
36 TACO AND A PRAYER Pines Presbyterian Church and Memorial Middle School – among other local groups – are spreading joy throughout the community with intentional acts of kindness.
40 absolutely! KID FRIENDLYStart the year off with a plan. Find the best and brightest in private schools and after school activities to meet your child’s needs.
48 NEW YEAR, NEW YOURejuvenate yourself for the new year! Memorial’s finest providers will help you start the year refreshed and at your best.
3 STEPS TO KICK OFF A YEAR OF GOOD HEALTH
SWAP OUT SUGAR FOR BETTER HEALTH
SWAP SALT FOR HERBS AND SPICES IN 2016
JANUARY 2016 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.absolutelymemorial.com6
J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 6 | V O L U M E 1 2 | N U M B E R 1
B R A I N T E A S E R
39 HAPPY NEW YEAR!
M E D I C A L & B U S I N E S S
55 MEDICAL FOCUS
a b s o l u t e l y ! H E A LT H Y L I V I N G
58 absolutely! Q & A Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus Answers Your Questions About Concussions
a b s o l u t e l y ! D E L I C I O U S
62 absolutely!DELICIOUS LISTING
63 absolutely! DELICIOUSWith Tony Vallone
I N E V E RY I S S U E
8 EXCLAMATION POINTS!
30 SEEN ON THE SCENE
43 OUT & ABOUT INTHE HEART OF MEMORIAL
44 COMMUNITY EVENTS
56 MEMORIAL MENTIONS
64 A LITTLE PIECE OF HISTORY
C O L U M N S
14 absolutely! FABULOUS FINDS
28 ASK ALEXGet a Grip on Christmas Storage
38 KIDS’ CORNERThe Art of Saying No: Why Positive Parenting Doesn’t Mean Always Saying Yes
42 JAN GLENN’SPAWSITIVELY PURRFECTThe Cat Show: Where Cats Show Off!
47 FAMILY LAWJanuary Is Divorce Season: Restore the Past to Build a Better Future or Start Anew?
60 SPRING BRANCHSPORTS SPOTLIGHT
N E W S W O RT H Y
29 KATY HOME & GARDEN SHOW
Returns January 30th and 31st
39 ANNUAL KINDERGARTEN FOOD DRIVE
45 AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION’S
“HEARTS IN HAVANA” 2016 Heart Ball Set for Sizzling Debut
46 GOOD STEWARDGlobal Initiative
CONTRIBUTORS
38
Patrick BironBirons Youth Sports Center Page 38
36
Jennifer Elliottabsolutely! focus mediaPage 36
27
Christopher SandlandContributorPage 27
Nancy L. Rommelmann Family Law Attorney Page 47
47
Alex Belt Silly Silly GirlsPage 28
28
Debbie Clemensabsolutely! Fabulous FindsPage 14
14
Trish JohnsonContributorPage 10
10
Tammy HamptonContributor Page 60
60
Myles Mellor Contributor Page 39
39
Stephanie ValtasarosContributor Page 44
44
Suzanne StilesMemorial MentionsPage 56
56
Tony ValloneContributor Page 63
63
42
Jan GlennJournalist Page 42
Visit MHNewStart.org or call 713.448.START to attend a free seminar or personal consultation.
Free insurance verifi cation available.
Discover success with NewStart, Memorial Hermann’s surgical weight loss program.
Our affi liated, board-certifi ed surgeons,
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PUBLICATION:Absolutely! MemorialINSERTION:January, 2016MATERIALS DUE:12-04-15, Friday
LATITUDE JOB NUMBER: MHH-15-0035 CLIENT: Memorial HermannJOB NAME: NewStart AdLIVE: 7.5" x 10"SIZE: 8.5" x 11"BLEED: noneCOLORS: 4cp/0 133ls; SWOP280 FORMAT: Press Ready PDF X Link to Pub. QUESTIONS CALL: Pat Hartman @ 214-696-7913
MHH150035_NewStart_AbsMem_MECH_v3_COMP.indd 1 12/4/15 12:28 PM
JANUARY 2016 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.absolutelymemorial.com8
EXCLAMATION POINTS!THE INSIDE SCOOP STRAIGHT FROM THE TOP
Associate Publisher, LARA BELL4655 TECHNIPLEX DR. STE 700
STAFFORD , TX 77477281-690-4242
WWW.ABSOLUTELYMEMORIAL.COM
absolutely! MemorialTM Magazine is published by absolutely! focus media, 4655 Techniplex Dr., Ste. 700, Stafford, TX 77477. Copyright © 2016 by absolutely! focus media. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited. abso-lutely! MemorialTM Magazine does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertising or editorial, nor do the publishers assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial appear. abso-lutely! MemorialTM Magazine welcomes editorial submissions from its readers.
Vol. 12 No. 1January 2016
Subscription requests are free to all Memorial and Galleria addresses. Annual paid subscription
of $25 required outside the Memorial/Galleria area.
Publishedby
P U B L I S H E RE DI TOR- I N - C H I E FPatti Parish-Kaminski
A S S O C IAT E P U B L I S H E RLara Bell
M A NAG I N G E D I T O RSarah Bearden
S E N I O R AC C O U N T E X E C U T I V EJessica Kij
AC C OU N T E X E C U T I V E SJennifer Elliott
Molly Ellis Kay Garrett
Andrea Rigamonti Suzanne Stiles
A RT DI R E C TORGrace Belleza
G R A P H IC DE SIG N E R S Camille Hay
Marinela Taylor
W E B DE SIG N E RJoey Belleza
P H O T O G R A P H YLarry Pullen
C O N T R I BU T O R SAlex Belt
Patrick BironDebbie ClemensJennifer Elliott
Jan GlennTammy Hampton
Trish JohnsonMyles Mellor
Nancy L. RommelmannChristopher Sandland
Suzanne StilesTony Vallone
Stephanie Valtasaros
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]
Hi everybody and Happy New Year! Yes it is 2016! How many of you had New Year’s resolutions? Lets face it, New Year’s resolu-tions usually don’t last past January 2nd – or mine don’t at least! I resolved to give up making New Year’s resolutions, but that didn’t last either. There is something fresh about the start of a new year and all that comes with it. So this year, I resolve to “pay it forward” even more, consciously take note of the blessings in my life and show my grati-tude daily. So, if you see me in the store or at a play, ask me how my resolutions are going!
And speaking of paying it forward, be sure and read Jennifer’s story Taco and a Prayer on that exact subject. I love that!
Our cover story features Dr. Shelena Lalji who has a mission in life to make sure people – men and women – feel great on the inside and look great on the outside.
We hope you have a prosperous and healthy New Year!
Absolutely! yours,
LaraLara [email protected]
READER FEEDBACK
Lara Bell
@larabell
This is beautiful! Thank you absolutely! Memorial for helping us help Houston families.
Memorial Assistance Ministries
Thank you absolutely! Memorial for sharing our work at MAM! You are an important partner in our mission to help people meet their basic needs.
Matthew Cox, Memorial Assistance Ministries
ON THE COVER:Dr. Shelena Lalji and Paige Kinkade.
Photography by Larry Pullen.
THERE’S A SELL US YOUR CAR CENTER NEAR YOU!
Main Dealership in Stafford
NOW WITH MORESPOTS THAN EVER!
WoodlandsLeague CityCypress
MemorialKaty Kingwood
TomballBaytownDowntown
SELL US YOUR CAR!TM
Known affectionately by patients and staff as “Dr. Shel,” the doctor got right to the point with Milam. “Right away, she asked me what my health goals were,” Milam recalled. “I had a multitude of complaints. I told her I just felt ‘blah.’ I was tired, my skin was dry, and I had a family history of thyroid issues. My Mom had always told me to be sure and tell my doctors to check my thyroid. Dr. Shel took the time to listen to me; I think that first appointment was about an hour. Then, she explained what she felt we should do.”
In Milam’s case, Dr. Shel proceeded with extensive test-ing, including comprehensive hormone, testosterone and cor-tisol levels, thyroid function and vitamin deficiencies. The re-sults showed Milam suffered from hormonal imbalances and thyroid deficiency, as well as a vitamin D deficiency.
“Treatment began right away,” said Milam, who is in the industrial services business. “I began to notice things were different immediately. Within two weeks, I felt the best I’d felt in 15 or 20 years.
“Some doctors just don’t take the time to listen to you or to look for the root cause of a problem,” Milam added, “but that’s not Dr. Shel. She takes a personal interest in her patients.”
According to Milam, his treatments have led to more en-ergy, as well as a sharper mental ability. “It’s helped me to keep going all day, and it’s easier to stay focused,” said the Memorial resident. “I would highly recommend Dr. Shel, and I’ve done so, many times.”
Treating the Whole Person“I believe we should take care of the whole person,” Dr.
Shel explained. “We need to treat everyone from their cells to their souls. My plan is to – essentially – give my patients their life back.”
With 20 plus years of experience in the medical profession, along with her compassion for patients’ well-being, Dr. Shel is considered an expert in the field of anti-aging, wellness and aesthetics. A published author and frequent guest on lo-cal television shows, Dr. Shel has been speaking, educating and inspiring doctors and patients internationally for many years.
Dr. Shel’s approach to treatment focuses on determining the root cause of the issue. “We are very complicated beings, and at my practice, we treat those complicated issues com-prehensively. We no longer have to accept low energy, weight gain, low libido, hair loss, depression, mood swings, insomnia and many such symptoms as a part of aging. We can truly work on getting our lives back,” said Dr. Shel. “I feel very strongly that the traditional approach to medicine is like put-ting a band-aid on issues. We shouldn’t treat just the symp-toms with a multitude of medications and not address the actual cause. My team and I focus on the root cause, diagnose why our patients are feeling as they are, really listen to them, and get them feeling their best naturally and holistically.”
Married to a dentist, Dr. Ayeez Lalji, for 17 years, the cou-ple met at church and are the parents of 15-year-old daugh-ter Zoe and 12-year-old son Zade. “We are all trying hard to balance family, career, community service, and for some of us, caring for aging parents. It takes a lot of energy, and so
COVER STORYBy Trish Johnson
Feeling and Looking Your Bestfor the New Year The Lalji Family: Zade,
Shelena, Ayeez and Zoe.
JANUARY 2016 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.absolutelymemorial.com10
H aving already hit – and passed – his 40th birthday, Brent Milam didn’t expect to feel 16 again.
Then again, he also didn’t think he should feel as though he was entering old age. “I just didn’t think I felt right,” said Milam, now 46. “I was tired all of the time, and I had no energy. Over the years, I had also gained weight, and I wasn’t too happy about that.” Through word-of-mouth, Milam heard there was a doctor who could make him feel better, a lot better. Within days, Milam found himself sitting in the office of Dr. Shelena Lalji.
many of us just don’t feel the way we would like to and deserve to. What I’ve found in 20 years of treating patients is that once I balance their hormones, thyroid, nutrition and gut, patients feel revitalized and re-energized,” she explained.
Basing her philosophy of inner well-ness on the use of bio-identical hor-mones rather than synthetics, Dr. Shel also includes nutrients, supplements and lifestyle modifications customized for each patient in her treatments. “We eliminate toxins in the body with detox programs and ultraviolet light therapy to kill pathogens, for instance,” Dr. Shel noted. “This treats every cell in the body. The old treatment was very invasive. Doctors would draw out five percent of your blood, treat it and re-turn it to your body. We can now do so with an IV, and while we are there, we can also infuse high dose vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.”
Outer and Inner WellnessThe Dr. Shel Wellness & Medical
Spa also includes many non-invasive, non-surgical aesthetic treatments, in-cluding 4D laser facelifts, Botox and fillers, CoolSculpting® fat reduction, laser feminine rejuvenation, Ultherapy skin tightening and so much more. “Anything that’s cutting edge, our pa-tients have learned over the years to expect from us,” said Dr. Shel.
“When we take care of our patients’
The Ultimate Combination:
Wellness & BeautyDr. Shel’s treatment philosophy covers
the whole person rather than symptoms because she believes you should look and feel your best. For many patients, well-being includes a combination of medical, hormonal and aesthetic treatments. Dr. Shel Wellness & Medical Spa will see that you look your best and feel your best. Available treatments include:
INNER WELLNESS
Bio-Identical Hormone TherapyThyroid/Adrenal OptimizationTestosterone Replacement
IV Nutritional TherapyUltraviolet Light Therapy
Weight Loss/DetoxificationGluten/Yeast/Gut Health
Food & Season Allergy TestingLaser Vaginal RejuvenationLaser Incontinence Therapy
Nutritional Testing and Treatment
OUTER REJUVENATION
Botox/Xeomin4D Laser Facelift
CoolSculpting Fat ReductionUltherapy/Laser Skin Tightening
IPL/Laser Skin RejuvenationHydrafacial/Microderms/Peels
Micro-Needling with PRPPainless Laser Hair & Vein Removal
Juvederm/Radiesse/Voluma/BeloteroCellulite Reduction/Body Contouring
Laser Toenail Fungus Removal
aesthetic needs, it’s an art form,” Dr. Shel explained. “You don’t want to look ‘done’ – you want to look like a re-freshed and rejuvenated younger ver-sion of yourself. A youthful appearance is part of treating the whole person. If we look our best, we start feeling bet-ter. Similarly, if we feel our best, we radiate all over.”
Dr. Shel’s successful treatment of Milam is reiterated in one patient af-ter another, including Paige Kinkade, who’s been a patient of Dr. Shel’s for about six years, as well as Ginger Kingston.
“When I was 40, I had some pictures taken,” said Kinkade, now 46. “I took a look at them and had one of those ‘I-don’t-really-look-like-that-do-I?’ mo-ments. I felt like I just looked tired and old, and that’s exactly how I felt.”
“I have had the privilege of taking care of Paige for several years,” Dr. Shel said. “She is a phenomenal woman who balances her business, family and charity all successfully. I also have the pleasure of taking care of her daugh-ters, whom she has raised very well. Being everything to everyone takes a toll on us women. It is high time we also focus on caring for ourselves.
“Paige is a great role model for other women,” Dr. Shel noted. “She’s done extremely well with her wellness and aesthetic treatments. Paige’s treat-ments have run the full spectrum, from well-woman care, anti-aging to acute care.”
“Dr. Shel has just been fabulous, and I truly feel like a new woman,” Kinkade said. “I had a lot of issues like
Patient Paige Kinkade and Dr. Shel.Photo by Larry Pullen.
Dr. Shel conferring with patient Trent Vann.
Visit www.drshel.com or call 281-313-7435 for a free consultation. Mention absolutely! Memorial Magazine and receive up to 20% off Laser and Wellness treatments. Dr. Shel Wellness & Medical Spa is located at 1437 Highway 6 in Sugar Land.
Dr. Shel’s insightful book guides readers through a journey of self-discovery and awareness of women’s health issues by focusing on preventive and integrative aspects of medicine. Visit drshel.com/book to order.
hormonal imbalances, adrenal fatigue, thyroid issues and allergies. Dr. Shel uses saliva testing, blood testing and infusion therapy. Through my experi-ence with Dr. Shel, I’ve learned that you just have to be comprehensive and look at everything.”
A Culture of CareDr. Shel’s thorough approach to
treating the entire patient is one part of her medical philosophy. The other part is her genuine concern and care of her patients. “You can tell Dr. Shel re-ally cares about her patients,” Kinkade continued. “Other doctors don’t typi-cally sit and spend an hour with you. With Dr. Shel, you don’t feel rushed. She’s really good at finding out what adjustments your body needs, and she makes it more like you’re her friend. We sit and talk. She has kids, too, so we talk about our kids.”
Memorial resident Kingston, 66, found Dr. Shel through a combination of internet research and television. “I had just moved back to Houston from San Antonio,” the interior designer said, “and I needed to find a doctor who uses natural hormones. I’d seen her on The Debra Duncan Show. I looked up her website, and I liked what she had to offer.”
Kingston already had an inkling of what ailed her through her research when she went to see Dr. Shel. “My dermatologist said I should have my thyroid checked, that I probably had Hashimoto’s Disease. It’s kind of dis-turbing when you read about it.”
Now in treatment with Dr. Shel, Kingston is losing weight, her hair loss
has been reversed, her energy is up and her sense of well-being has increased. “Dr. Shel is such a lovely woman,” Kingston said. “She’s patient and kind, and you want someone like that. A lot of doctors rush you in and tell you that your thyroid and hormones are fine when they aren’t. I’d had enough of that.”
Treatment with Dr. Shel often be-comes a family affair. Kingston re-vealed her 14-year-old granddaughter, Jordan, has just been diagnosed with Hashimoto’s. “Jordan and her family live in Montgomery, but they are about to move back here,” Kingston said, “I want her to see Dr. Shel.”
Kinkade’s daughter, Caimyn, is also undergoing treatment for Hashimoto’s Disease, which causes the body to re-ject hormones released by the thyroid. “She was just so tired all the time,” Kinkade recalled. “Now, her energy is up, and I think the treatments are helping her a lot. She’s really comfort-able with Dr. Shel.
“I can’t imagine if I didn’t have Dr. Shel,” Kinkade shared. “She is a huge relief to me. I can call her anytime I feel like I’m starting to have a change in how I feel. She’s so very warm and welcoming that, very quickly, you start feeling like one of her friends.”
Dr. Shel Wellness & Medical Spa is located at 1437 Highway 6 in Sugar Land. For more information, call 281-313-7435. Dr. Shel and Paige Kinkade.
Photo by Larry Pullen.
8 Steps toOptimal WellnessDr. Shel has developed her protocol for optimal wellness in 8 easy steps:
1. Food Choices: Get tested and avoidfoods such as gluten, yeast, dairy, etc. that you may be sensitive to and heal your gut by reducing inflammation.
2. Adrenal and Thyroid Balance: Have your adrenal function and thyroid levels tested and corrected.
3. Bio-Identical Hormones: Get yourhormones tested with salivary testing and balanced using bio-identical hormones.
4. Unwind: Manage your stress. Consider yoga and meditation.
5. Look your Best with NoninvasiveTreatments: Pursue the latest, safest treatments to help you put your best self forward. Don’t change your look; simply enhance it.
6. Out with the Toxins / In with theNutrients: Consider clean, organic eating. Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water per day. Test your nutritional deficiencies with SpectraCell Micronutrient testing.
7. Understand your Body, Mind andSpirit: Balance your life and spend time in silence reflecting on your passion and pursuit of true happiness.
8. Sleep and Exercise: 7 to 8 hoursof sleep per night is crucial. Exercise at least 4 to 5 times per week to be at peak performance.
JANUARY 2016 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.absolutelymemorial.com12
The staff at Dr. Shel Wellness & Medical Spa: Elizabeth Martinez, Genevieve Wander, Glenda Bible, Guadalupe Eldahdouly, Vickie Michaels, Dr. Shel, Tiffany Valentine, April Cobb, Lacey Babey, Christina Gonzales and Alda Patino.
WE GETCHILDREN
BETTER
Specialized care. Extra-special attention.At Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital, children are our specialty. Our expertise spans all ages and conditions, from fetal surgery in the womb to the grade-schooler with epilepsy or the young athlete with a sports injury. In fact, the affi liated team of pediatric specialists from UTHealth Medical School brings the latest advances in dozens of specialties from neuroscience to orthopedics to cardiology – all in one very special hospital.
To lea rn more, visit childrens.memorialhermann.org
PUBLICATION:ABSOLUTELY MEMORIAL MAGAZINE
INSERTION:08-01-15MATERIALS DUE:07-10-15, Friday
LATITUDE JOB NUMBER: MHH-15-0023 CLIENT: Memorial HermannJOB NAME: CMHH Subspecialty AdLIVE: 7.25" x 9.5" TRIM 8.375" x 10.875"BLEED: 8.875" x 11.375"COLORS: 4cp/0, 150ls; SWOP 280 FORMAT: Press Ready PDF X email to Pub. QUESTIONS CALL: Pat Hartman @ 214-696-7913
Wheelman MotoTec V2I have to stay athletic as my boys keep trying these crazy skateboards. This is really so fun! It has tires that turn, and your feet fit into the spokeless wheel. Choose from gas powered or electric. This household is staying active!www.wheelmanskateboard.com
You may know me as a Memorial mom of four fabulous boys and wife
to Roger Clemens, 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!
BY DEBBIE CLEMENS
FabulousFinds
@debbieclemens
eCreamery Ice CreamCreate custom ice cream by choosing from over 30 delicious bestsellers, then personalize your pint for a perfect gift. There are over 40 mix-ins to choose from as well, so be creative!www.ecreamery.com
Gourmet Pigs in a Blanket In my household, all of the guys love pigs in a blanket. We are thankful because this year we found Brooklyn Piggies! Stock up, as they sell out very fast. They come in original, spicy, chicken or veggie – yum!www.brooklynpiggies.com
Silicone Lids by BellaLoré These are totally awesome and fit on any smooth surface. You can throw them on, toss in the fridge and transfer to the oven or microwave to reheat. They are dishwasher and freezer safe – amazing! www.bellalore.com
Emi Jay Printed NightshirtsThere is nothing like a comfy nightshirt. These are super soft and also have cute sayings on them. Relax and sleep well! www.emijay.com
JANUARY 2016 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.absolutelymemorial.com14
Here Comesthe Bride
Philip & Meghan WaldropMarch 21, 2015
Kyle & Lauren BosseFebruary 28, 2015
Cody & Lauren SchwartzFebruary 14, 2015
Justin & Celerina DugatMarch 21, 2015
Wade & Malorie LytalJune 27, 2015
Robert & Darian WalesOctober 17, 2015
If you or your children have married within the last year and reside in Memorial, and you would like to enter for a chance to be featured in our next Here Comes The Bride, complete the “Wedding Form” at www.absolutelymemorial.com and e-mail at least 10 high-resolution photos of the ceremony and/or reception to [email protected]. To guarantee your wedding details make it into our next Here Comes The Bride, place your engagement or wedding announcement in absolutely! Memorial. Photographers are also welcome to submit photos.
www.absolutelymemorial.com l JANUARY 2016 15
Bride: Lauren BossePhoto by Chris Bailey Photography
Bride’s Full Name: Lauren McIverGroom’s Name: Cody SchwartzCeremony Site: Christ The Good Shepherd Catholic ChurchReception Site: The Woodlands Resort & Conference CenterRehearsal Dinner Site: Grotto’s, The WoodlandsVideography: MD Turner PhotographyOfficiant: Deacon Pat Hancock and Reverend Trey LittleGown: Mother of the Bride’s Refashioned GownShoes: Jimmy Choo Jewelry: Pearl Bracelet - Wedding Gift From GroomFormalwear: Joseph A. BankInvitations: Carlson CraftMusic: Doppleganger and Jason CassidyFavors: Heart-Shaped Cookies and Drink CoastersTransportation: Atlas LimousineAccommodations: The Woodlands Resort & Conference CenterHoneymoon: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Cody & Lauren SchwartzFebruary 14, 2015Photography by MD Turner Photography
Details
JANUARY 2016 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.absolutelymemorial.com16
www.absolutelymemorial.com l JANUARY 2016 17
M iss Lauren Taylor McIver and Mr. William Cody Schwartz were united in
marriage on Saturday, February 24, 2015 at 2:30 pm at Christ the Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Spring, Texas. The double ring ceremony was officiated by Deacon Pat Hancock and The Rever-end Trey Little of Houston’s Grace Pres-byterian Church. Scripture was read by Erica Gentry. The reception was held at The Woodlands Resort with entertain-ment provided by Doppleganger. Coun-try singer/songwriter Jason Cassidy per-formed a special song for the bride as a surprise from the groom. On the eve of the wedding, the groom’s parents hosted a rehearsal dinner at Grotto’s Italian Ris-torante of The Woodlands.
Lauren is the daughter of David and Mary Beth McIver. She is the grand-daughter of the late D.L. and Angelina Gentry and the late D.S. and Kathryn McIver. Cody is the son of William and Lisa Schwartz. He is the grandson of Pat and Betty Lowry and the late Elizabeth Schwartz and George Schwartz.
Escorted by her father, Lauren wore a beautifully redesigned lace gown made from her mother’s wedding dress. Lauren carried her grandmother’s necklace with her grandfather’s wedding ring in her rose bouquet, as well as the groom’s great-great grandmother’s hand embroidered handkerchief. On her wrist, she wore the
groom’s gift of a pearl bracelet.Matron of Honor was Brittany
Houck. Bridesmaids were Ashley Taylor, Allie Beverage, Rachel Goetz, Lindsey Sutherland, Samantha Damiani, Kara Przybyl and Brittany Marrs, sister of the groom.
Hunter Jefferies served as Best Man. Groomsmen included Benjamin House, Scott Marintsch, Christopher Snapp, Timothy Moore, Ryan Lafield, brother of the bride David McIver and brother-in-law of the groom Travis Marrs.
Flower girls were Avery Rushing and Summer McCall. The ring bearer was Carson Rushing, and the honorary ring bearer was Archer Marrs. Honor atten-dants were Angie Gentry, Kaylie Bush, Morgan King, Riley King and Grant King. Ushers were Logan Butler, Eric Da-vid, Nicholas David and James Schwartz.
Lauren is a 2004 graduate of Klein Oak High School and a 2008 graduate of the University of Oklahoma. Lauren is currently a yearbook sales representative for the Houston/European Office of Bal-four Yearbooks. Cody is a 2007 graduate of Stratford High School in Houston and a 2013 graduate of Texas A&M Univer-sity. Cody currently teaches and coaches at Stratford High School in Houston.
Following their honeymoon in the Dominican Republic, Lauren and Cody reside in Katy.
McIver-Schwartz Wedding
Photos by MD Turner Photography.
Bride’s Full Name: Lauren Elizabeth ByrdGroom’s Name: Kyle Brandon BosseCeremony Site: Memorial Drive Presbyterian ChurchReception Site: River Oaks Country ClubRehearsal Dinner Site: Vallone’sVideography: Dakine FilmsWedding Planner: Sydney Mafrige - Keely Thorne Events Officiant: Reverend Eric GronbergGown: Carolina Herrera - Joan Pillow Bridal SalonVeil: Tia Mazza - Joan Pillow Bridal SalonShoes: Kate SpadeJewelry: Ruby Ring - Gift from GroomHair: Meghan Lee - CeronMakeup: Kristin DanielBridesmaid Dresses: DessyFormalwear: Al’s Formal WearInvitations: Papellerie Flowers: Elements Floral DesignCatering: River Oaks Country ClubCake: Who Made the CakeMusic: Drywater BandFavors: El Tiempo Taquitos - Late Night BitesTransportation: Concord TransportationAccommodations: Omni Riverway and Westin Memorial CityHoneymoon: Costa Rica
Kyle & Lauren BosseFebruary 28, 2015Photography by Chris Bailey Photography
Details
JANUARY 2016 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.absolutelymemorial.com18
www.absolutelymemorial.com l JANUARY 2016 19
M r. and Mrs. Robert Daw-son Byrd are happy to an-nounce the marriage of
their daughter, Lauren Elizabeth to Mr. Kyle Brandon Bosse, son of Dr. and Mrs. Don Royce Bosse of Bellville, Texas.
The ceremony, officiated by Pastor Erik Gronberg of Fort Worth, Texas took place on February 28, 2015 at Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church. Dinner and dancing followed at River Oaks Coun-try Club with entertainment provided by the Drywater Band. The bride wore an elegant French lace gown designed by Carolina Herrera. The gown featured a sweetheart bodice and a high lace illusion neckline fashioned with short sleeves. The bride completed her look with a beaded and crystal belt and a French alencon cathedral length veil. She carried a bou-quet of white garden roses, blush double tulips, white lilac and white hydrangea wrapped in lace from her mother’s wed-ding gown.
Kristen Byrd, sister of the bride, served as Maid of Honor. Bridesmaids included Ann Agnew, Hillary Bass, Caroline Cardenas, Chelsea Fogle, Ash-ley Nemer, Megan Nicholas and Lauren
Reynolds. Honor attendants were Mar-garet Fulton, Melissa Fulton and Lauren Harner. The bride’s cousins, Allison Gat-tis and Rowan Mickan, served as flower girls. Serving as Best Man was Jason Bosse, brother of the groom. Grooms-men included Nicholas Bromley, Garrett Dornan, Michael Frantz, Reese Grebe, Wesley Jones, John Kristen and Collin Strawn. Serving as ushers were Brandon Clark, Garrett Frank, Jeffrey Hess and Christopher Sheffey.
Lauren attended Texas Christian University and graduated in 2011 with a degree in Strategic Communications and is a member of Chi Omega Sorority. She is currently an account coordinator for Simpli.fi, an advertising technol-ogy company in Fort Worth. Kyle is a 2007 graduate of the University of Texas at Austin where he received a degree in Public Relations and is a member of the Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity. He is cur-rently a petroleum landman with Wag-goner Osborne Land Services. Following a honeymoon in Costa Rica, the newly-weds reside in Fort Worth.
Byrd-Bosse Wedding
Photos by Chris Bailey Photography.
Bride’s Full Name: Meghan Maureen SchiefferGroom’s Full Name: Philip Stewart WaldropCeremony Site: Saint John Vianney Catholic ChurchReception Site: Lakeside Country ClubRehearsal Dinner Site: Goode Co. SeafoodOfficiant: Father Troy GatelyGown: Tara KeelyVeil: Made by Mother of the BrideShoes: Benjamin Adams LondonJewelry: Family HeirloomsHair: Blush & Co.Makeup: Blush & Co.Bridesmaid Dresses: Alfred SungFormalwear: Milano ExchangeInvitations: Creative Conceptions by CarolineFlowers: Fleur De VieCatering: Lakeside Country ClubCake: Debbie LouxTransportation: Sam’s LimousineAccommodations: Hotel SorellaHoneymoon: St. Lucia
Philip & Meghan WaldropMarch 21, 2015Photography by MD Turner Photography
Details
JANUARY 2016 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.absolutelymemorial.com20
I t’s no wonder why guests love the ease and simplicity of a gift registry. But many couples may not know where
to begin when setting out to create this useful list. Here are some helpful pointers from Macy’s to help you get started on creating a perfect wedding registry:
Meet with a Consultant: These trained professionals are on site to assist and discuss everything you want and need. It’s a good place to start if you have questions on what items to include and what brands are available.
Look for Special Programs: Some stores offer special features, such as Macy’s, whose Dream Fund allows guests to contribute any amount to the ultimate gift card, so the bride and groom can later choose exactly what they want.
Start Early: Most couples like to register four to six months before their wedding date, which allows more time for choosing items, planning for showers and meeting other deadlines.
Register Together: Whether it’s in-store, online or both, make a day of it and have fun selecting all the things that will be part of your new life together.
Wedding Registry 101F or engaged couples, it can seem as if
there are a million things to accomplish before the big day arrives. One
essential piece of the wedding puzzle involves creating a registry that makes it easy for guests to celebrate your union with gifts that reflect your personality as a couple.
Choose Different Price Points: Guests will appreciate a varied list that has many gift options to fit their personal budget.
Create a Registry That Reflects You: If you’re a laid-back, easygoing couple, consider registering for a more casual dinnerware pattern that you can use every day, then mix in some fancy pieces to use for those special occasions. If you enjoy entertaining friends and family, be sure to choose a range of serveware and barware.
cracks. You can keep your cutlery in top condition by registering for a honing steel and knife sharpener.
Stock Up on Kitchen Must-Haves: When it comes to cookware, make sure to stock up on the essentials. This should include a fry pan, sauté pan, grill pan, sauteuse – a round, deep-sided design for sautéing on the stove top or baking in the oven – and a chef’s pan.
Opt for the Basics: White dinnerware allows you to transform the look of your table year-round by changing the décor and accessories around it. The classic look will be a design that you can appreciate for years to come.
Visit www.macys.com/registry for helpful tips.
Before BuildingYour Registry
Making the Right ChoicesW ith all of the things needed to properly stock
your home, selecting the right ones can seem overwhelming. Here are some tips to keep in mind while adding to your registry:
Select Your Settings: A five-piece setting is meant to serve one person and includes a dinner plate, salad plate, bread and butter plate, tea cup and saucer. If you want to serve eight guests, you will need to register for eight five-piece settings.
Factor in Some Extras: When registering for drinkware, be sure to register for a few extras in each glass size in case some break down the road.
Protect Your Cutlery: Be sure to choose a sturdy cutting board to protect your knife blades from chips and
www.absolutelymemorial.com l JANUARY 2016 21
Source: Family Features
Justin & Celerina DugatMarch 21, 2015Photography by The Queen B Photography
Details
JANUARY 2016 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.absolutelymemorial.com22
Bride’s Full Name: Celerina Kay RodriguezGroom’s Full Name: Justin Forrest DugatWedding Site: Hotel Icon LoftReception Site: Hotel Icon BallroomRehearsal Dinner Site: Lopez Mexican Restaurant Videography: JWayne ProductionsWedding Planner: The Bride Officiant: Pastor Russell CravenGown: Essence of Australia - Blush and Diamante Mermaid Gown Veil: La Reve Bridal Couture Shoes: Steve Madden Bridal Jewelry: Gifts from the Groom and the Bride’s Dad Hair: The Bride Makeup: The Bride Bridesmaid Dresses: Blush Pink Chiffon Gowns Formalwear: Pronto Uomo Vintage Tan Tuxedo Invitations: Wedding Paper DivasFlowers: Floral EventsCatering: Hotel IconCake: Cakes by GinaMusic: Ken Mondshine & The Brotherhood BandFavors: Custom Macarons from Macaron by Patisse in River Oaks Accommodations: Hotel IconHoneymoon: St. Regis - Punta Mita, Mexico
www.absolutelymemorial.com l JANUARY 2016 23
Investment products and services are offered through Wells Fargo Advisors Network, LLC(WFAFN) Member Sipc. J. D. Joyce Investment Managment Group, LLC
is a seperate entity from WFAFN
“ Your Neighborhood Financial Advisor”
1811 Bering Drive, Suite 250 Houston, TX 77057713-714-8500
www.jdjoyceimg.com
77024 The Fountains at Memorial City is in the most affluent zip code in
Texas, where the privileged reside and enjoy a quiet
expression of a sophisticated lifestyle of luxury. It’s a place where the address
demands attention in even the most exclusive circles
of high society.
9870 Gaylord Dr, Houston, TX 77024
p 713.932.6200 f 713.932.1044
HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE UNIT AVAILABLE. The owner and management com-pany for The Fountains at Memorial City comply fully with the provisions of the Equal Housing Opportunity Laws and nondiscrimination laws. The apartments have been designed and constructed to be accessible in accordance with those laws.
Memorial’s Exclusive High Rise Community
Bride’s Full Name: Malorie Ann LiljenwallGroom’s Name: James Wade LytalCeremony Site: Second Baptist ChurchReception Site: Lakeside Country ClubRehearsal Dinner Site: The Westin Houston, Memorial CityVideography: Bella Vista ProductionsWedding Planner: From This Moment On - Stephanie MilamOfficiant: Reverend David Lee RiggleGown: Now & Forever Bridal Boutique - Hayley PaigeVeil: Beautiful U Bridal Boutique - Arlene GambleShoes: Kate Spade - Silver Glitter Sling Back Heel with BowHair: Kathy SmithMakeup: Kathy SmithBridesmaid Dresses: Bella BridesmaidsFormalwear: Men’s WearhouseInvitations: Bella Figura Letterpress Invitation - Paper Place Calligraphy - Harp Art InkFlowers: Blooming Gallery - Scott Konitzer and Lisa TranCatering: Lakeside Country ClubCake: Who Made the Cake - Nadine MoonMusic: Encore Strings - Vaughn Pederson; Blind Date - Mark EllisFavors: Tiff ’s Treats - Evan Jenkins and Dayton Braison Accommodations: The Westin Houston, Memorial CityTransportation: AFC Transportation - Lisa Smith; Jordan Limousines - Joe JordanHoneymoon: Jumby Bay Resort, Antigua
Wade & Malorie LytalJune 27, 2015Photography by MD Turner Photography
Details
JANUARY 2016 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.absolutelymemorial.com24
www.absolutelymemorial.com l JANUARY 2016 25
Family and Cosmetic Dentistry & Orthodontics
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Insurance & Financing AvailableComplimentary Consultation for Orthodontic Patients
(713) 461-6161902 Frostwood Drive, Suite 166, Houston, TX 77024
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“We are getting ready to build our custom home. What makes the difference between
a good building experienceand an extraordinary building experience?”
Create Your Dream Team: The best projects start with a team of ex-perts who collaborate well together. Ideally, your architect, builder and designer can work and communicate with each other to bring your vision to life.
Ask Questions, Expect Answers: We all feel better with a sense of con-trol. Remember, it takes a team, so fully engage in the process. Over communication and over preparation create a sense of relief.
Commitment and Intention: When you play golf, you aim for the flag. The same holds true for build-ing a home. Your builder has already built your home in his or her head. What are your process goals? The building process is a game of adjust-ments. Know yourself and create your action plan to maneuver through this process.
Have Fun: Let your builder sweat the small stuff (that’s our job!). We know that the more stress we have, the more interesting our lives be-come. The next 12 months should be exciting and exhilarating. Go for it!
Erin StetzerPresident,
Stetzer Builders, Inc.
MAKING SPACE FOR LIVING
832.527.6968www.stetzerbuilders.com
Bride’s Full Name: Darian Marie LyonsGroom’s Full Name: Robert Falk WalesCeremony Site: The Mill at Plein Air - Taylor, MSReception Site: The Mill at Plein Air - Taylor, MSRehearsal Dinner Site: Woodson Ridge FarmsWedding Planner: The Bride and Kate RosenOfficiant: Don Ross - The Orchard in Oxford, MSGown: Winnie Couture - Houston, TXShoes: NordstromJewelry: Saphire Necklace from the Groom, Swarvorski Earrings and Necklace from the Bride’s MotherHair: Bloom Salon and Spa - Memphis, TNMakeup: Bloom Salon and Spa - Memphis, TNBridesmaid Dresses: David’s BridalFormalwear: Men’s WearhouseFlowers: Oxford FloralCatering: Elizabeth Heiskell - Woodson Ridge FarmsCake: Dwayne IngrahamMusic: Even OddsFavors: KooziesAccommodations: Hampton Inn and Town Place Suites - Oxford, MSHoneymoon: Planned for Summer 2016
Robert & Darian WalesOctober 17, 2015Photography by Bill Dabney Photography
Details
JANUARY 2016 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.absolutelymemorial.com26
Our dads, Jack Ruffing, Jr. and Bob Sandland, were coaches on their sons’ baseball teams and spent countless hours, as many of the dads do, pre-paring the fields before and after the games, building fences and completing other projects.
An SBMSA baseball field is where Sara and I first met. One of Sara’s older brothers, Ryan Ruffing, and my older brother, Daniel Sandland, played on the same teams together for several years starting around the time Sara and I were five-years-old. Sara and I attended the practices and games and loved playing tag and hide-and-go-seek with each other. During the time our dads were coaches, they developed a great friendship that brought both fam-ilies together. It was during this time that Sara’s dad also became our family dentist. The night before my father’s unexpected death in 2001, my brother and I stayed at the Ruffings’ home, and they also took us to the hospital to say our final goodbyes. Sara is one of the very few people close to me who knew my father. She even has memories of laughing while being twirled around on his shoulders.
Not long after my father’s passing, Ryan and Daniel started playing on different teams with different coaches, which meant that Sara and I no lon-ger saw much of each other. However, I continued seeing Dr. Ruffing twice a year for my routine dental appoint-
ments. During these appointments, Dr. Ruffing and I always took the time to catch up on both families and give an update on how everyone was doing.
This lasted for over 12 years until my appointment in June 2013, when I happened to mention that I had just accepted an internship offer a few weeks prior with one of the Big Four accounting firms. It turned out that Sara had just finished an internship with the same firm and had already signed a full-time offer. Dr. Ruffing couldn’t believe the coincidence, and he called Sara while I was still in the den-tal chair to tell her the news. He then handed the phone to me, and we heard each others’ voices for the first time in over 12 years. During that call, I told Sara that I wanted to take her to lunch sometime and hear all about her expe-rience during her internship. We were both in summer school at the time pur-suing similar master’s degrees. I was at The University of Texas at Austin, and she was at Texas A&M University at College Station. So, I planned to ask her to lunch at the end of the summer when we were both back in Houston.
We met at Pronto Cucinino just
down the street from the baseball fields where we first met. We were there for well over three hours talking all about the internship and catching up on the 12 years since we had last seen each other. We instantly connected, ex-changed phone numbers, and the rest is history. We have been inseparable ever since.
Two years later, I proposed to Sara on the same baseball field we first met on when we were five-years-old. She was escorted to the field by one of her best friends while wearing a blindfold. I was there waiting for her, and I walked her around the bases while reciting a poem that I wrote that has significance to our relationship, the baseball fields and our future marriage. We reached home plate, where I took the blindfold off, got down on one knee and asked her to marry me. Shortly thereafter, I put the blindfold back on her and drove down to Pronto – the location of our first date – where our close family and friends were waiting to surprise her.
Sara said yes, and we cannot wait to become husband and wife and to start our own family – right here in Memo-rial.
Christopher Sandland and Sara Ruffing.
How the Girl I Chased on theSBMSA Ball Fields as a Kid KnockedMy Heart out of the Park as an Adult
By Christopher Sandland
M emorial is a great place to grow up and
an even greater place to fall in love. Growing up in Spring Branch, both my family and Sara Ruffing’s were heavily involved in Spring Branch Memorial Sports Association (SBMSA).
www.absolutelymemorial.com l JANUARY 2016 27
Q How do you storeyour Christmas tree?
A My cousin Evette stores her tree by shrink-wrapping it.
She takes off the large sprays and large breakable ornaments, then literally wraps her tree up, decorations and all. She gets her industrial shrink wrap at either Home Depot or Lowe’s.
I store my tree in rolling bags from Frontgate. I remove everything but the lights, then put the tree sections in the bags. Do not forget to store all of the electrical cords inside the Christmas boxes. If you use the same cords just for Christmas and then store them, you will not be running around looking for an extension cord when you put up your tree. I love these bags!
Q Trying to organize my Christmas card list is a nightmare! Can you help?
A I organize my list at the end of each holiday season when taking the tree down. I write
down every card I received and to whom I sent one. When I get a card, I immediately put that envelope inside my Christmas card binder. This is also a good time to see if a family has a new address.
Once I am finished organizing my card binder, I put the binder inside one of the Christmas storage boxes with the decorations so I know where it is.
Ask Alex: Get a Grip on Christmas Storage
Q I have tried many different tips on how to store my Christmas ornaments, but nothing seems to work.
Do you have any suggestions?
A Sorting ornaments can be a nightmare, but I finally found something that works for me.
I store all of my ornaments in Sterilite drawer containers. These come in all heights, widths and depths, and some offer varied drawer sizes, which are useful for separating decorations that require little space from those requiring deeper space. Be sure to tape the drawers closed, so when you are transporting them, the drawers don’t open and your ornaments do not break. I place larger ornaments and sprays in a big Sterilite colored tub that matches the other Christmas tubs.
A lex Belt is a Memorial mom, business owner and all around in the know kind of gal. Friends call on her relentlessly for advice on how to plan a
party and what trend is “in.” With the holidays behind us and décor waiting to
be stored, we’re doing what everyone else does – asking Alex!
Q I had to replace my Elf on the Shelf because I misplaced it. Help!
A Put the elves inside a small box, draw a
big heart on the outside of the box, then tape it shut. I do this so that when it is time to decorate the house, my girls will not see them in the opened Christmas decoration boxes. I act like I’m organized, but this year, once I opened the box, I placed the elves in a hiding place until it was time to have their magic work, but I forgot where I put them! Moms can’t do it all, and it is so hard to keep up with everything. It’s okay. Order a new one online, and when you least expect it, you will find those lost elves.
JANUARY 2016 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.absolutelymemorial.com28
www.absolutelymemorial.com l JANUARY 2016 29
929 Gessner, Suite 1300 – 13th Floor • Houston, Texas 77024 Memorial Hermann Medical Tower – Garage 5
UT Physicians Women’s Centerat Memorial City
UT Physicians Women’s Center at Memorial City offers Comprehensive Care for Women of all ages with a personalized touch at our premier location in Memorial City. Our OB/Gyns, Dr. Barbara Schroeder, Dr. Tiffany Tarrant and Dr. Jenny Van Winkle are affiliated with UT Health and are able to provide the most comprehensive medical care available in a private, personal and compassionate environment.
For your first gynecologic exam through childbirth, for complex gynecologic issues, for easing the transition through menopause and for staying healthy whatever your age, UT Physicians Women’s Center at Memorial City is uniquely poised to be with you every step of the way.
• Well Woman Care and Preventative Health Screening• General & Complex Obstetrics & Gynecology• Adult & Adolescent Gynecology• Minimally Invasive Surgery/Robotic Surgery• Reproductive and Pelvic Health Issues
713-486-6600 for Appointmentswww.UTPhysicians.com
UT Physicians Women’s Center at Memorial City
Left to Right: Barbara Schroeder, MD; Tiffany Tarrant, MD; Jenny Van Winkle, MD and Jenna Mury, NP
NEWSWORTHY
Katy Home & Garden Show Returns
January 30th and 31st
The largest home show in West Hous-ton celebrates 10 years with its biggest show to date. On Saturday, January 30th and Sunday, January 31st at the Merrell Center & Robinson Pavilion, experience two buildings packed with more than 300 exhibits at the Katy Home & Garden Show.
This year’s show will focus on deco-rating, remodeling, window treatments, kitchens and baths, do-it-yourself, floor-ing, windows, landscaping, pools, out-door entertainment and more. Learn from expert seminars and guests like DIY Network star Matt Muenster from Bath Crashers, who will wow the audi-ence with incredible bathroom transfor-mations. A licensed contractor himself, Muenster puts his personal touch on ev-ery house project.
Matt Muenster
Other features include a Kid’s Activ-ity Zone presented by Adventure Kids Playcare, special prizes for every 100th guest to the show, the all-new People’s Choice Awards for Outstanding Land-scape selected by popular vote and more. The Katy Home & Garden Show will pay tribute to the 100th anniversary of the National Park System throughout the weekend with themed activities.
Get inspired and ready to renovate. Visit www.katyhomeandgardenshow.com for ticket information, directions and hours.
JANUARY 2016 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.absolutelymemorial.com30
Fewer visits. Better results. Orthodontics simplified.
13132 Memorial Dr., Houston, TX 77079(Near Beltway and Memorial Dr.) Monday - Wednesday • 8am - 5pm
DrJenningsOrtho.com
2015 Texas MonthlySuper Dentist
The most fun possible while getting a smile that rocks!
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The Houston Heart Ball Reception Benefiting The American Heart Association
Bob Boblitt & Lesha Elsenbrook
Jun Wang & Daniel Penny
Jennifer Bilger, Cara Moran & Courtney SolleveldBob Nowak & Carolyn Farb
John Higgins & Ricardo Bucco
Melvin & Shamika Johnson with Amanda & Eric Weiser
Maria & Miguel Quinones with Kara Denny
Jim & Molly Crownover
Ken & Jean Chapman
www.absolutelymemorial.com l JANUARY 2016 31
GuadalupeRIVERFRONT
DUPLEXEach duplex can
accommodate four adults and four children or rent
both for groups. More pictures at
RioRatonDuplex.com book at 832-788-2294
September 29, 2015 • River Oaks Country Club
Yara El-Sayed with Lacey & Matt Goossen & Katie Pryor
Joanne Houck & Timothy Singletary
Dick & Susan Hansen with Cheryl & Sam ByingtonRoxanne Neuman
Holli & Bill Clayton
John & Bobbie Nau
Marty & Kathy GoossenMarc & Brenda Watts
Photos by Alexander’s Fine Portrait Design.
JANUARY 2016 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.absolutelymemorial.com32
A Continuum of Care Campus• Independent Living • Assisted Living • Skilled Nursing & Rehab
CALL FOR FREELUNCH & TOUR!
2501 Westerland Dr. @ WestheimerHouston, TX 77063
713-783-6820
Houston’sRetirement Tradition
www.Treemont.com
Serving multiple generations of Houstonians!
NEW YEARSPECIAL
APARTMENTS STARTING AT
$1,495per month
713.782.4566 www.lemkeortho.com7887 San Felipe, Ste. 150 • Houston, TX 77063
Dr. Katia Lemke, DMDOrthodontic Specialist
• Braces for Children & Adults• New Low-Dose DIGITAL X-ray
• Advanced Orthodontic Treatment with
& Lingual Braces
• Flexible After School Hours• Free Orthodontic Exam & Consultation• Insurance & Flexible Financing Available
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2016 Trailblazer Award Honorees Reception
Shelly Brock, Brittany Kabel & Mandi Day
Katherine Matthews, Jan Klein & Kacey White
Katherine Stinson & Meredith BrownMarilyn & George DeMontrond
Ronda Schweiger, Glenda Morrison & Jana AmesDawn Martin, Shelly Millwee & LaJuanna Rodrigues
Angela Montalbano & Pam Springer
Annie Flores & Susan Buddeke
www.absolutelymemorial.com l JANUARY 2016 33
• Affordable Rates• Excellent Customer Service• Small & Large Dog Day Care• Dog & Cat Boarding• We Support Area Dog Rescues
Where your pets are like our family!
w w w . f r i t z k e n n e l . c o m713.464.9852Located off IH-10 and Bunker Hill,
just past Costco and HEB
9513 Yupondale • Houston, TX 77080
Thank youfor supporting
a Veteran owned small business.
Come Tour Our Renovated Facilities.
Benefiting the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo • October 1, 2015 • NRG Center
Terri Courtney, Patricia Kormann, Jacquine Levesque & Michelle Wasaff
Tricia Koch & Carol Sawyer Sharleen & Ron WalkoviakMeredith Johnson & Mandy Niscavits
Diane Sutton, Lauren Luetnold & Debi Gann
Kelly Anzilotti & Melissa Braniff
Dick & Cheryl Hudgins
Sandra Crook, Meredith Chastang & Ann Massey
Photos by the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
JANUARY 2016 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.absolutelymemorial.com34
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Back to the 80s Gala Benefiting the Children’s Museum of Houston
Paul Latino with Kaitlyn & Michael Scheurich & David Born
Deanna Altenhoff & Darren BrasherHarry & Cora Sue Mach
Katherine and Paul Murphy
Ryan Weber & Lynn Johnson
Sarah & Harris Stamey with Lindley & Jason ArnoldyJed & Milessa Lowrie
Tony Janczak & Michelle Sacks
Lance Deutsch with Carmen & Butch Mach
Love Is in the Air
Coming February 2016Special Advertising Section
Purchase a qualifying size adand receive a FREE gift guide spot.
To advertise call,
281-690-4242www.absolutelymemorial.com
Valentine’s Gift Guide Listing
www.absolutelymemorial.com l JANUARY 2016 35
281-497-8675 14532 Memorial Dr. @ Dairy Ashfordwww.bluewillowbookshop.com
New Year’s Resolution: Join One of Our Book Clubs
Your NeighborhoodInterior Designers
Call for a FREE Consultation713-827-12828558 Katy Fwy. • Ste. 119
Houston, Texas 77024I-10 @ BingleFurniture • Window Treatments
Upholstery • Bedding • Accessories Rugs • Lighting • Art www.Kaleidoscope-Studio.com
KALEIDOSCOPEstudio of interior design
Clearance SaleJanuary 11th thru 16th
Mon-Fri 10-5 • Sat 12-4
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For more info or to sign upshyneenergy.com 832 932 9239
Abright idea from
October 24, 2015 • Silver Street Studios
John & Ting Bresnahan
Randy & Laurie Allen with Virginia & Lee Lahourcade
Gina & Devinder Bhatia
John & Shannon Ware with Ali & Alan Starnes
Garrett & Krystal Thompson with Jeff & Gina Luhnow
Jennifer & Chris Laporte with Courtney & Bill ToomeyKatie Scroggins & Katie Corts
Jared Crane & Adrienne Sayward
Photos by Alexander Rogers and Gary Maltz.
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T he other day, I was driving my daughter to the orthodontist and passed by Pines Presbyte-
rian Church. I noticed signs that said “free tacos” and several people handing out food. The smiles on the faces of the church members were infectious. I felt a shimmer of joy as I said to my daugh-ter, “They are doing this just to make other people happy.”
In this season of New Year’s resolu-tions, it made me pause. So often, we fo-cus our resolutions on ourselves. “I will eat less. I will work out more. I will be more organized.” What if we all made resolutions that centered on kindness and grace toward others? How about, “I will do something each day to make the world a better place.”
That is just the philosophy that in-spired Lesa Smith to start the Taco and a Prayer project at Pines Presbyterian. The first Friday every month, Pines of-fers free tacos and a prayer to anyone passing by the church.
“People are asked if they would like a prayer, and sometimes they do and sometimes not. There are all kinds of prayer requests. We pray for test re-sults, sick people, broken relationships, lost jobs, found jobs, school things like tests, ball games and safe travels. We hear stories from returning guests of how God answered their prayers or how they need to pray again,” com-mented Smith.
Smith, along with her husband Ed-gar and several other church members, start cooking in the church kitchen at 6:30 am.
“Everyone has their job assignment as egg crackers, cooks, tortilla warm-ers, taco makers and quality control supervisors, not to mention the clean-up crew! By 7:45 am, we complete the assembly of 160 tacos. Before heading outside, we gather in a circle to pray over them and thank God for this won-
derful idea to reach out to our neigh-bors,” explained Smith.
“The most asked question by our guests is: ‘Why are you doing this?’ Our answer is: ‘We just want to start your day off sharing a little joy and a warm taco, showing our love to the commu-nity.’”
Taco and a PrayerBy Jennifer Elliott
and kindness – continual reminders of things we can say to lift others up rather than tearing others down.”
Frostwood Elementary utilizes the +Works program (Positive Works). The school places emphasis on positive en-ergy, celebrating diversity and inclu-siveness. You can see the program in action from huge undertakings, such as the International Parade with 390 students representing over 50 coun-tries, to little things like signs in the carpool line reminding everyone, in-cluding adults, to create a positive en-vironment.
“The elementary years are such an important time in our children’s de-velopment, and only part of that edu-cation relates to academics. Our PTA and school administration recognizes the importance of helping our students become good citizens in the world, and +Works has helped us further that ini-tiative,” said PTA President Suzanne Farrow.
My daughter attends confirma-tion classes this year at Chapelwood United Methodist Church. One week, she came home with a “Secret Mission” assignment, which asked her “secret-ly” to do a random act of kindness for someone each day. I want to take this assignment on myself, and not just for one week. My New Year’s resolution for 2016 is to offer kindness to someone each day.
As Lesa Smith so eloquently said about her Taco and a Prayer project, “Some people don’t want a taco but pass by and wave with a smile, so we know we have accomplished what the project is all about – loving one anoth-er, shining a light.”
“Make the world a better place” is my favorite part of the Girl Scout Law, and after being a Girl Scout leader for nine years, I know that children are ea-ger to help others. There are programs that can help schools guide students to accomplish this goal.
Memorial Middle School (MMS) recently introduced a program called Rachel’s Challenge. Rachel Scott was the first girl killed in the Columbine School tragedy. Upon her death, her family found her diaries that contained many messages of hope and kindness for a better world.
“Rachel challenges all of us to start a chain reaction of love by looking for the best in others and always speaking with kindness,” explained MMS Coun-selor Liz Rushing.
“The first student-created/student-driven activity for MMS was to write messages of encouragement to the vic-tims of the Paris terrorist attacks. The next goal is to line the hallways of the school with words of encouragement
Taco team members Edgar Smith, Lee and Virginia Rutherford and Lesa Smith.
Christi Bruecher
Messages of encouragement from Memorial Middle School students to the victims of the Paris terrorist attacks.
www.absolutelymemorial.com l JANUARY 2016 37
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Kids’ CornerBy Patrick Biron
A lot of parents like to talk about how “back in their day,”
discipline and parenting were very different. My dad was
regularly spanked and swatted by teachers all the way up through
high school. I can only imagine what would happen if a faculty
member spanked a 17 year-old today, but I digress.
The Art of Saying No: Why Positive Parenting
Doesn’t Mean Always Saying Yes
Positive parenting, and indeed positive reinforcement in general, have really taken off since the 90s. And in many ways, it is good that they have. In a world where children already face so much negativity and discord, placing them in positive environments is critically beneficial. But, if there is one thing I have learned after working with tens of thousands of kids, it is that if we swing the pendulum too far to the “no negative” side, our goals might become lost in translation. Being positive doesn’t mean always saying “yes,” nor does it mean never saying “no.”
First off, every parent should absolutely raise their child in the method
that works best for their family – barring abusive or dangerous exceptions. No two parents, children, nor situations are the same, and as adults, we have to adjust our parenting accordingly.
I knew I wanted to live out positive reinforcement with all of the kids in my life. So, when I started a career working with children, I spent countless hours reading and researching the topic. I walked away with the idea that positive parenting meant that I never was allowed to say no. I was so wrong. For example, if I didn’t want a child to watch television, instead of saying, “You can’t watch television,” I should say, “How about you go outside?” And while this is great in
principal and works in many situations, excluding negative redirection from your vocabulary removes fundamentally necessary learning opportunities.
Children need to be raised so that they can make good decisions on their own when they are adults without their parents around. In order to make those choices, they need to know the thought process to go through when weighing various options. By simply presenting a positive alternative, adults omit why the negative one is a bad choice. For example, if my child is about to touch a hot stove, I can’t just say, “Touch the fridge instead!” I have to tell him not to touch the stove, and most importantly, I have to explain why he shouldn’t touch the stove. I can then present the good options he can choose, like the fridge, since he only wanted to touch the stove in the first place because it was shiny and magnetic.
This is crucial in sports too. Should a tumbler perform a skill in a way that is dangerous, it is the coaches’ responsibility to tell them they can’t do that and why it is risky and then present the positive alternative: “Don’t land with your legs straight. You could lock your knees and hurt yourself. Land with them bent. It will keep you safe!”
Positive parenting doesn’t mean never saying no. It is rooted in a tone and method that redirects the child to desirable behavior, but many times, saying no and explaining why is the most important lesson your child might learn that day.
If you have a topic or question you’d like covered or simply want more information, e-mail Patrick Biron at [email protected].
www.absolutelymemorial.com l JANUARY 2016 39
Across1 Theyareblownupat NewYear’s6 NewYear’sactivity11 “Giveit___!”13 Princesswoe14 Freshstarts(2words)18 Buddies19 Driver’said20 ___Today22 TVhostname23 Assumingthat’strue (2words)25 Measureofacidity26 Debatable28 Bakesaleorg.29 NewYear’sisoften event___30 Alittleoutofit32 Playfulness33 PClinkup34 NewYear’ssong41 Sci-fiwriter,DocSmith42 Charlestonlocale44 NewYear’sdecisions50 Blade51 Oldtimeyou
52 50thstate53 Difficulttask54 Pressguy55 DrinkforNewYear’s58 Colorfulfish61 Neighborhoods62 Flavor64 Promnightessentials65 Theycanbeblackat events66 __Eliot
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21 Speaker24 ___es:preferredphone contacts25 Place27 Operatingsystem,abbr.28 Reindeeractivity29 NewYear’snightsights31 Bankoffering,forshort32 Ithasmanykeys(abbr.)35 “Brown”carrier36 The“Tigers”(abbr.)37 Goodjudgment38 “Absolutely!”39 NewYear’sgettogethers40 Cookingmethod43 BlueRidgeMountains locale45 CommonMarketinits.46 Chicagoairport47 Barstock48 Drinkto49 Weightmeasure56 Partywear57 Soundsystem,forshort59 OutfielderMel60 Foundonabillboard63 Radiowave
BRAIN TEASERBy Myles Mellor
See answers on page 61.
Happy New Year!
NEWSWORTHY
Annual Kindergarten Food Drive
“Dear Yellow School Families, Kinder-garten is having a food drive. We should share food with people who are having a tough time. Please bring us non-per-ishable food like bags of rice and beans and cans of fruits and vegetables. Thank you.”
This notice, composed by the kin-dergarten students of Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church’s (MDPC) Yellow School, kicked off the Third Annual Kindergarten Food Drive. The children visited every Yellow School classroom, making presentations about the project and distributing copies of the notice to go home with students. The kindergar-ten bulletin board in the main school entrance was turned into a “billboard” advertising the food drive, and collection boxes were labeled and placed outside of every classroom.
Kindergarten children assumed daily responsibility for collecting, counting and sorting the donated items. On the last day of the food drive, the bounty was loaded and taken across the parking lot to the MDPC Food Pantry. Pantry Man-ager Debbi Nager graciously received the donations and gave the children a tour of the pantry operations.
The food drive brought in 483 donat-ed items. The children enjoyed taking re-sponsibility for this community outreach program and learned that they really are big enough to help make a difference in the lives of others.
Dode Rigdon, Claire Osteen, Ava Spence and Carson Branom paraded food to the pantry.
A s children get busy in their school schedules, the time set aside for play seems to disap-
pear. According to a survey conducted by Dr. Pepper Snapple Group’s Let’s Play initiative, 56 percent of parents say busy schedules are a major barrier to play.
Play is an important part of a child’s physical, emotional and social develop-ment. In fact, kids who play are found to be healthier, happier and better perform-ers in school. As children’s schedules become packed with activities during the school year, it is important to make sure they are getting enough active play-time each day to help them grow into happy, healthy adults.
Reasons to Keep KidsActive During the School Year
Play promotes social skills. Accord-ing to a report from the Centers for Dis-ease Control and Prevention, just more than a quarter of students surveyed participated in daily physical education classes. Kids have fewer opportunities to be active during the school day, so it is important to supplement their sched-ules with after-school activities or sports throughout the year. Team sports are a great opportunity for children to foster friendships and connect with kids from different backgrounds. Keeping children active through sports gives them the op-portunity to maintain a physically active
lifestyle while also making new friends.Play heightens intellectual devel-
opment. Education in the classroom allows children to learn and grow; how-ever, physical activity outside of the classroom is also important for a child’s development. Studies show that physi-cal play has been linked to helping kids think creatively and create connections with others through the process of shar-ing, negotiating and resolving conflicts. Such skills are vital for a child to learn and can be easily taught through active play.
Play enhances motor skills. Play-grounds serve as a great space for kids to explore and have fun in a safe envi-ronment while challenging and refining their motor skills. Interacting with play equipment helps build motor skills and improves self-control and coordination.
Play relieves stress. As kids get older, schoolwork becomes increas-ingly difficult, and stress levels about the workload begin to rise. In fact, 46 per-cent of parents polled in the Let’s Play survey said that a focus on academics was one of their kids’ biggest barriers to play. While academics should always be a priority, giving kids the opportunity and time to play can relieve the stress associated with school and allow them to simply have fun.
Learn more about the importance of play and get tips and advice on how to incorporate active play in your child’s ev-eryday life at LetsPlay.com. Source: Family Features
Play:It’s Not Just Fun and Games
absolutely! Kid FriendlyAdvertorial
MathnasiumSuggests New Year’s
Resolutions forMath Students
The second half of the school year is an important time to focus on math. With challenges like standardized tests and placement decisions, it is important to be prepared.
Michael Sterling, owner of Mathnasium of Memorial City, sug-gests that students begin addressing these challenges with some math-fo-cused New Year’s resolutions. These can add up to higher scores and great-er classroom success.
“A New Year’s resolution that fo-cuses on math can be a powerful tool, helping kick off the second half of the school year with enthusiasm and fo-cus. Drawing up a list of resolutions can be a fun activity for parents and children,” he said. Sterling offered the following ideas to get students and parents going with their own list of resolutions:
• “I will practice my multiplication facts, even when I think it’s boring, be-cause they are important to know.”
• “I will score higher on my next math exam and ask my Mom to put it on the fridge.”
• “I will remember that math is as much fun as I make it.”
• “I will do at least one math prob-lem to help my parents every day, like calculating change at the grocery store or restaurant.”
• Write your own: “I will _______.”These New Year’s resolutions don’t
have to be burdensome, and nobody needs a long list. The idea is to come up with a handful to get students’ math engines humming as they head into the critical late winter, early spring period.
For more information about Mathnasium of Memorial City, call 713-973-7000 or visit www.mathnasium.com/memorialcity.
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The Regis School Knows the
Importance of Service
Recognizing that serving others helps boys become men, The Regis School commits two full school days annually to tangible acts of service in the community.
On Friday, November 20th, The Re-gis School of the Sacred Heart hosted its annual Fall Social Awareness Day in keeping with the school’s deep com-mitment to Sacred Heart Goal III – a social awareness which impels to ac-tion. During this single school day, ap-proximately 800 hours of service were rendered to 10 agencies in the Hous-ton area. Some of the service projects were completed on The Regis School campus while others occurred at the agency, allowing for direct engage-ment with the community served. The agencies served included Kids’ Meals and Kids Reading Room, MD Ander-son, San Jacinto Hospitals Emergency Aid Coalition, Community Family Cen-ters, Brookdale Memorial Oaks Senior Living, Lord of the Streets, St. Vincent de Paul Center and The Beacon.
Boys prepared and served lunches, sewed pillows for breast cancer pa-tients, visited with the elderly, sorted food and helped to run a homeless shelter during the course of this day-long community service. Eight hun-dred hours of service delivered to 10 agencies, including over 2,500 books collected, 700 meals made, 95 elderly citizens visited, 65 pillows stuffed and sewn and 50 lunch bags decorated. Service is an integral part of The Regis Experience, allowing personal devel-opment of each boy and a better un-derstanding of the gifts one receives from serving others.
For more information, contact Beth Schneider at 713-682-8383.
Jan Glenn’sPawsitively Purrfect
There are goodies galore for both hu-mans and felines at a cat show. There are cat houses, catnip, toys, treats, beds, climbing posts, premium cat foods, combs, brushes, shampoos, human and kitty jewelry, clothing and other intriguing merchandise to purchase for yourself or to give as gifts.
Book signings by award-winning fe-line authors are scheduled for different times at the show. Their books positively purr with the latest on cat life, lust, love, health and fur balls. Everything today’s savvy and saucy cat wants and needs to know can be found.
Vets are scheduled at different times, so spectators have the opportunity to discuss their pet cats’ health with highly qualified veterinarians from the Houston
If you are a cat lover, you will be in heaven at a cat show, where pampered felines are judged just by sitting there and being beautiful. Much like the Miss America Pageant, these felines are all vying for that one top prize. They hope to win Best in Show. The cat show is com-posed of a number of separate, concur-rently running, individual shows in vari-ous judging rings throughout the show hall. It is fun to go from ring to ring and to see the different breeds that are in com-petition. If breeds aren’t your passion, then the Household Pet Class is fun to watch.
The Cat Show: Where Cats Show Off!
T here’s no business like show business, especially if it is “cat” show business. Cats take center stage at the Houston Cat Club’s Annual Charity Cat Show each year. It is an event
where cats can show off and raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for Houston shelters and charities at the same time.
area. If your feline is a fraidy cat about going to the vet, get some free advice on how to make those vet visits easier. Free space is also provided in certain ar-eas for different shelters to show off their beautiful animals available for adoption.
So, who are these purrfectly coiffed felines that participate as show cats? What do they do with their days? One thing is for sure. They don’t play cat and mouse, because they could get mussed or break a nail. Some are bathed once a week and groomed every day. Their fur is conditioned so their hair doesn’t have that flyaway look. Their feet sel-dom touch the floor, because they are too adorable. Ah! To have the life of a cat whose existence is to be in cat shows.
Sharon Carter is the happy mother of 12 cats and has attended many vari-ous cat shows. “Cat shows are always a great source of entertainment, but there is a lot of useful information available there as well,” she said. “The cat shows are a wonderful place to talk to experts about behavioral problems and possible solutions. My favorite indulgence is to watch some of these very expensive fe-lines abandon their high-priced cat beds to watch the gawking people from be-neath their fancy trappings.” In Carter’s heart, all of her very own felines are al-ways Best in Show.
The real winners of the Houston Cat Club’s 63rd Houston Charity Cat Show are the humane organizations. To date, the Houston Cat Club has donated al-most $900,000 to the different Houston area shelters and charities.
The Houston Cat Club’s 63rd Annual Charity Cat Show takes place Saturday, January 9th from 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday, January 10th from 9 am to 4 pm at the Humble Civic Center.
Little Red Corvette, a Persian cat, getting groomed.
Pam Basset judging an Oriental Shorthair.
Celebrity cats attend, and some give autographs. Years ago, I got the paw print of the gorgeous white cat that starred in Christmas Vacation with Chevy Chase. Folks lined up just to touch that precious ball of white fur with the bright green eyes and get a paw print.
Phoenix, a Maine Coon, waiting in its cage.
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Special guests and residents of The Buckingham retirement community recently enjoyed A Conversation with Jane Seymour as part of the community’s Red Carpet Speaker Series™. The internationally beloved celebrity discussed her personal journey and remarkable career – from Bond girl to global humanitarian – that has spanned decades and art forms.
Memorial Herman Children’s Hospital held its Under the Boardwalk Gala, which was a big success for the hospital.
Congratulations to these outstanding Memorial Mustang Class of 2016 athletes who recently signed to continue competing athletically at the college level.
Theatre Under The Stars (TUTS) celebrated its fifth annual Vine + Dine fundraising event, which raised nearly $150,000 in support of the non-profit’s educational programming. Local chefs and various vintners prepared wine and food pairings for TUTS supporters while they were entertained with featured performances from current season productions.
Sisters Meghan Reily and Jeannette and Scout Belt looked simply adorable before the Color Run.
Maddie Prator, The University of Texas, rowing; Isabel Jack, Southwestern University, softball; Kirby Rathjen, The University of Arkansas, gymnastics; Memorial High School Principal Lisa Weir, Maddie Phillips, Lipscomb University, volleyball and Khayla Patel, Rice University, cross country and track.
Jess and Betty Tutor with Helen and Jim Shaffer.
Julie Fenske, Jane Seymour and Charles Brewer.
Jason and Stacy Johnson with Sarah and Max Mischer.
Michael and Illeana Trevino with Walt Mischer.
IN THEHEART
M E M O R I A L
OUT&ABOUT
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January 18th, 10 amMartin Luther King, Jr. Grande Parade This annual parade celebrates the civil rights leader marches through the heart of Houston and draws more than 300,000 supporters from around the nation. The one-mile long parade begins in Midtown at San Jacinto Street and Elgin Street and consists of 15 floats and 30 marching bands. For more information, call 713-953-1633 or visit www.mlkgrandeparade.org.
January 23rd, 10 am – 2 pmArbor Day CelebrationCelebrate trees at the Houston Arboretum’s annual Arbor Day Celebration! This year’s free event is packed with nature festivities. Stop by for a free native tree seedling, make some crafts and participate in some nature-themed activities, including pinecone bird feeders, recycled paper hats and paper flowers. Kids will enjoy the nature playground. The Houston Arboretum and Nature Center is located at 4501 Woodway Drive.Visit houstonarboretum.org or call 713-681-8433.
January 27th – 30thVaquero: Genesis of the Texas CowboyThe Heritage Society presents Vaquero: Genesis of the Texas Cowboy, an exhibition created by the Wittliff Collections at the Alkek Library, Texas State University-San Marcos. In the early 1970s, noted Texas historian Joe Frantz offered Bill Wittliff the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit a ranch in northern Mexico where the vaqueros still worked cattle in traditional ways. Wittliff captured a way of life that now exists only in memory and in the photographs included in this exhibition, which features over 60 striking black and white photographs with bilingual narrative text. The Heritage Society is located at 1100 Bagby Street, and Museum Gallery admission is free. For exhibit hours and more information, visit www.heritagesociety.org or call 713-655-1912.
January 8th – 10th Star Wars and John WilliamsJohn Williams has written some of the most recognizable soundtracks in cinematic history, and this Houston Symphony program celebrates the thrilling themes of the innumerable adventures that he has helped imagine. From Spielberg staples like Jurassic Park, Jaws and E.T. to Star Wars and the Harry Potter franchise, Williams’ music has brought characters to life and filled hearts with the magic of the movies. The performance takes place at Jones Hall, located at 615 Louisiana Street. For show times and tickets, call 713-224-7575 or visit www.houstonsymphony.org/tickets.
January 15th – 17th Blue Man Group The Society for the Performing Arts presents the popular Blue Man Group at Jones Hall, located at 615 Louisiana Street. The Blue Man Group is best known for their theatrical shows and concerts that combine comedy, music and technology to produce a unique form of entertainment. People of all ages agree that the Blue Man Group is an exciting and outrageous show that leaves the entire audience in a blissful, euphoric state. Withno spoken language, Blue Man Group is for people of all ages, languages and cultures. For show times and tickets, visit www.spahouston.org or call 713-227-3974.
John Williams, musical composer of some of the most popular and recognizable film scores in cinematic history.Photo from www.starwars.com.
EVENTSBy Stephanie Valtasaros
January 30th The Fab Four – The Ultimate Tribute BandThe Emmy Award-winning Beatles tribute band The Fab Four – The Ultimate Tribute will bring the Beatles’ timeless hits to the Revention Music Center Downtown, located at 520 Texas Avenue. In addition to replicating the Beatles’ sound, the group goes above and beyond to look the part. The Fab Four’s stage performance includes hits such as Here Comes the Sun, Hey Jude and more. The performance also includes three costume changes to embody every era of the Beatles’ ever-changing career. For tickets, visit www.reventionmusiccenter.com.
January 31st Bridge to TerabithiaMain Street Theatre Theater for Youth presents Bridge to Terabithia, a story about a farm boy Jess who develops a friendship with the new girl Leslie after she beats him in a race at school. Together they create Terabithia, a fantasy kingdom that allows them to escape from the hardships of reality. This powerful story about friendship, imagination and courage is recommended for fifth grade and up. For tickets and additional show times, visit www.MainStreetTheater.com or call 713-524-6706.
January 31st, 10 am – 7 pm Houston Auto ShowThe 2016 Houston Auto Show features over 700,000 square feet of the latest vehicles from the world’s top automakers at NRG Center, located at 1 Reliant Parkway. For more than 30 years, the Houston Auto Show has brought the automotive world to Texas, allowing consumers to see, touch, drive and experience the industry’s latest and greatest offerings. Visitors can explore the Aftermarket Exhibit area, entertain children in the Kid’s Fun Zone and learn what is new in automobile innovation. Visit www.nrgpark.com.
Photo from www.houstonautoshow.com
SUBMIT YOUR EVENTS E-mail [email protected] the event date, time, location and a short description of the event.
www.absolutelymemorial.com l JANUARY 2016 45
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713-465-3400788 West Sam Houston Pkwy. North
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We wish your familya Happy New Year!
Dr. Carin Domann and her family. Dr. Angela Orfanos and her family.
NEWSWORTHYAmerican Heart Association’s “Hearts in Havana”
2016 Heart Ball Set for Sizzling Debut
Each February, the American Heart Association (AHA) welcomes the who’s who of Houston to the annual Heart Ball. This year’s event, themed “Hearts in Ha-vana,” is a $1,000 per-person gala that already has many Houstonians seeking out the latest in haute couture fashion and lining their pocket books in prepa-ration for one of the hottest events of the spring social season. Set for Satur-day, February 13th at The Hilton Ameri-cas, The Heart Ball celebrates culture, the arts and the philanthropic spirit of the Houston community. Guests at this year’s event will be entertained by the eclectic sounds of rumba and Cuban jazz and charmed by the romance of Old Havana on the eve of Valentine’s Day with cocktails, dinner, dancing and a live auction.
This sophisticated black-tie gala rais-es well over $1.5 million dollars annually to fund important cardiovascular and stroke research within the local com-munity. Spearheading the fundraising committee and planning the big event for 2016 are chairs Lacey and Matthew Goossen. With their commitment as chairs, the Goossens have set a goal of raising $2.2 million, the highest goal in the event’s 33 year history.
Serving as the community honorees are Molly and Jim Crownover. As active
community leaders, Molly and Jim are being honored for their commitment to the community and their ongoing dedi-cation to the AHA. This year’s medical honoree is Dr. David McPherson, chair of
the Division of Cardiology at UT Health, Memorial Hermann. McPherson is also a former research grant recipient of the American Heart Association.
Heart disease and stroke — the na-tion’s No. 1 and No. 5 killers — and all other cardiovascular diseases, claim more than 795,000 American lives a year. Research funded by the AHA has yielded or contributed to many important innovations such as CPR, life-extending drugs, including clot-busters, pacemak-ers, bypass surgery, the heart-lung ma-chine and surgical techniques to repair heart defects.
Individual tickets to the event are $1,000 with tables beginning at $10,000. For tickets, contact 832-918-4015 or visit houstonheartball.heart.org.
Heart Ball Senior Director Katie Pryor with Chairs Matthew and Lacey Goossen.
Color & Lighting WorkshopHosted by Julie Downey, NCIDQ, RID, LEED GA
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Good Steward Global Initiative
Good Steward began as a book drive and mission trip at Chapelwood United Methodist Church in 2011. Since then, it has grown into an independent non-profit organization that has provided books and libraries in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Peru, Mexico, Belize and the United States. This year marks the orga-nization’s expansion into Malawi, Africa.
To kick off this expansion and to fund the shipment of books, Good Steward will present William Kamkwamba, author of The Boy who Harnessed the Wind at a luncheon for the public on February 11th. Kamkwamba will tell his personal story of how a small library in his village changed his and his neighbors’ lives.
The mission of Good Steward is to end the library famine that exists in many developing countries by collecting used and unwanted books from individuals, school districts, churches, local libraries, book stores and large clearing houses.
The books are collected, stored, sort-ed, cataloged and re-boxed at the Hous-ton Food Bank, which has partnered with Good Steward since June 2013. Some books are shared with various programs conducted by the Food Bank, and Good Steward enjoys the benefits of having forklifts, pallet movers and many friendly
faces on site. After the books are sorted, re-boxed and stacked on pallets, they are loaded into 40 foot containers and shipped to ports in East Africa. Then, they travel over ground to their destina-tions, usually in the most remote areas of the country.
Good Steward works with local gov-ernments to arrange a location for the new libraries and the employment of a local librarian. Good Steward also or-ganizes an annual mission trip in order
NEWSWORTHY
Peggy Burck reading Cat in the Hat to interested students in Zombo District, Uganda.
William Kamkwamba
President and Founder of Good Steward Library Initiative Mark Cotham reading to the community in Pacwach, Uganda.
to assist in setting up the libraries and providing additional instruction in Li-brary Science. These trips also give par-ticipants a chance to see the beauty of these countries and the people who are working to improve their lives through improved literacy. Mark Cotham, found-er and president of Good Steward Li-brary Initiative, encourages book donors to join these trips to see the appreciation and usefulness of their donations.
Email [email protected] for more information about the lun-cheon. For more information about Good Steward, visit www.goodstewardglobal.org.
www.absolutelymemorial.com l JANUARY 2016 47
• Divorce Planning• Divorce (Contested or Uncontested)• Child Custody• Child Support• Complex Property Division• High Net Worth Divorce• Parental Relocations• Post Divorce Modifications• Paternity and Parental Rights• Visitation Rights• Grandparent’s Rights• Pre- and Post- Marital Agreements• Adoptions• Collaborative Law• Alternative Dispute Resolution (mediation and arbitration)
Nancy Rommelmann is regularly consulted by local media for her on-air analysis about family law.
Straight Answers • Strategic ThinkingCompassionate • Experienced
Memorial City Plaza – Tower Two820 Gessner, Suite 1630, Houston, TX 77024(across from Memorial City Mall)ph 713-622-3000www.attorneynancyrommelmann.comCall us today for a consultation!
NaNcy L. RommeLmaNN
FAMILY LAW
F a m i l y L a w A t t o r n e y
Paul S. Metz, DDS, MD • Shelley Seidel, DDS, MDJohn Orfanos, DDS, MD
713.464.2833 www.OMSH.us8800 Katy Freeway, Ste. 210 • Houston, Texas 77024
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“I’m setting sail...are you with me or not?”
January Is Divorce Season: Restore the Pastto Build a BetterFuture or Start Anew?By Nancy L. Rommelmann, Family Law Attorney
D ivorce filings jump by one-third in January by some statistics. Unhappy couples don’t want
to break up the marriage during the holidays, so they wait until January.
My first recommendation when considering divorce is to first consider rebuilding your marriage. Go to several counselors until you find a counselor who is a good “fit” for both parties. There are obvious benefits for both spouses to attend counseling. It can, however, be a benefit to go to counseling even if only one party goes. Remember, you can’t change another person; you can only change your response to them. Counseling can assist you with this and perhaps give you a different perspective about your marriage.
Do not build your “dream home” or have another baby in efforts to build or restore your marriage. I have heard this many times, and it does not work. Generally, it exacerbates the stresses of a shaky marriage.
When preparing for divorce, it is common to feel overwhelmed, which makes it difficult to know where to begin. Prepare yourself for divorce by doing the following:
1 Create a list of all of your assets and debts, with supporting documents.
2 Take an inventory of all personal property.
3 Make a list of all separate property. This is property you had prior to marriage or property that was inherited.
4 If you don’t have much of a credit history, start your own credit history and opencredit cards in your name only.
5 Get a copy of your credit report to insure that your spouse is not dissipating marital assets on significant others. If you areconcerned that your soon to be ex-spousemight borrow money in your name, you might want to sign up for a credit monitoring service.
Last, but not least, consult with an experienced family attorney as soon as possible.
JANUARY 2016 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.absolutelymemorial.com48
Early detection of ailments, such as cardiovascular disease, can significantly impact an individual’s abil-
ity to cope with the disease, allowing you to make ad-justments, such as changes in diet and lifestyle,
or when necessary, drug therapies and other medical treatments. Delaying detection of this serious disease until its more advanced stages can have dire consequences.
1 Get your blood pressure checked. Blood pres-sure measures how much force a person’s blood is putting on the artery walls as the heart pumps. High
blood pressure, or hypertension, occurs when your heart has to work extra hard to pump blood throughout the body. High blood pressure often happens when arteries lose their elas-ticity through hardening caused by cholesterol, plaque or scarring. Many people do not experience symptoms of high blood pressure, so it’s important to have your blood pres-sure checked periodically. Screening for high blood pressure involves placing a pressure cuff around your upper arm to monitor both diastolic and systolic blood pressure. A normal systolic reading is between 90 and 119, and a normal dia-stolic reading is 60-79.
Source: Family FeaturesPhoto courtesy of Getty Images
A fresh beginning with a new year is the perfect time for a health assessment to ensure you are ready to take on a full and active year
ahead. Even if you’re feeling great, it’s a smart prac-tice to take time to identify potential problems before they become more serious health concerns.
3to Kick Off aYear of Good Health
Steps
New Year, New You
With these three steps, you can get a better picture of your cardiovascular health and identify silent, hidden risk
factors that you may not even know are there.
2 Get your cholesterol checked. A simple finger-stick screening measures total cholesterol, as well as three different kinds of lipids in your blood – HDL,
LDL and triglycerides – which are important in determin-ing heart health. Low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, is known as the “bad” cholesterol and can build up in the walls of the arteries that feed the heart and brain. Along with other substances, it can form plaque – a thick, hard deposit that can clog those arteries. High-density lipoprotein, or HDL, is known as “good” cholesterol, because it carries LDL away from the arteries and back to the liver, where it’s passed from the body. A high HDL level helps prevent heart disease, while a low HDL level increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. Triglycerides are the most common type of fat. Like choles-terol, they circulate in blood but are stored in the body for extra energy. A high triglyceride level combined with a low HDL or high LDL can speed up the process of plaque forma-tion in the arteries.
3 Learn about other risk factors for cardiovas-cular disease. Many people in the early stages of cardiovascular disease are asymptomatic, meaning
they have no symptoms to indicate their health is at risk. Some common risk factors include age (55 and older), family history, tobacco use and high blood pressure. Other factors, such as high cholesterol, aren’t as easily observed. Preventive health screenings can give you a fuller picture of how risk factors may be stacking up. The screenings are designed by doctors and administered by trained professionals to help de-tect hidden health issues. Within a couple of weeks, you can receive easy-to-understand test results to share with your doctor so you can work together to prevent serious problems before they start.
To starting the year off right with a preventive health screening, visit lifelinescreening.com.
www.absolutelymemorial.com l JANUARY 2016 49
campbell wellness center
A one-of-a-kind Memorial area progressive health facility offering a
balance in lifestyle.
• Exercise Prescription• Nutritional Counseling• Massage Therapy• Yoga• Zumba • TRX
• Spinning • Couple’s Dance Preparation• Extreme Cardio• Open Access Colonoscopy• Sports Chiropractor
Blalock Rd.
Long Point Rd.
I-10
Westview Dr.
Bingle Rd.
Campbell Rd.
live your healthiest lifestyle.
1446 Campbell RoadHouston, Texas 77055
281-740-4550www.campbell-wellness-center.com
New Year, New You
JANUARY 2016 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.absolutelymemorial.com50
New Year, New You
Source: Family Features
Consuming more than nine teaspoons of sugar a day for men and six teaspoons for women can lead to health problems, such as tooth decay, obesity and depres-sion. Reducing your sugar intake can help more than your waistline; it can im-prove your overall health.
First, it’s important to recognize that there are two types of sugar – nat-ural sugar and added sugar. Natural sugar is found in fruits, milk and some whole grains. Added sugar is sugar that is added to processed foods and drinks, such as cookies, cereals and soda.
Added sugar affects your body in many ways. It can be as addic-tive as drugs, tobacco or alcohol because it affects the same regions of the brain, triggering the pleasure sensors to release dopamine. Dopamine makes you want to eat more, even when you are not hun-gry.
When you consume too much added sugar, your liver has to work extra hard to process it. Excess sugar in the liver often turns into fat, which can lead to liver damage or other health concerns, such as high cholesterol, diabetes or heart disease.
Swap Out Sugar
for Better Health
It can also overload and damage your pancreas, which controls the blood sugar called insulin that powers your muscles and organs. Lack of insulin can cause muscle and nerve damage.
Limit added sugars in your diet with these five healthy alternatives:
1 Skip sugary cereals at breakfast. Instead, opt for a protein-rich
meal. Options, such as eggs, turkey sausage and whole-wheat toast with peanut butter are healthier ways to fuel your day.
2 Bring healthy snacks to work to ward off the temptation of sugary
treats. Some smart choices include: fro-zen grapes, trail mix, yogurt, almonds, apple slices and peanut butter with cel-ery sticks.
3 Instead of pie, donuts or cake, curb your sweet tooth craving by reach-
ing for fresh fruit, low-fat frozen yogurt or a fruit and yogurt parfait.
4 If you can’t substitute a fruit, make your treats small, such as a single
fun-size piece of candy.
5 Sodas, energy drinks and sports drinks sneak in a lot of sugar calo-
ries. In fact, a single can of soda has nine teaspoons of sugar – the maxi-mum an adult male should consume in an entire day. Skip the sugary bever-ages and try hot or iced tea, fizzy water or lemon water instead.
Choosing simple substitutions make it easy to replace sugary foods with smarter options for better health. Visit guardyourhealth.com for more food and nutrition tips and resources.
Source: Family Features
Y ou probably realize that eating too many sugary foods and gaining weight go hand in hand. What you may not know is that aside from loading up on calories that help pack on
the pounds, consuming too much sugar can also harm your health in other ways.
www.absolutelymemorial.com l JANUARY 2016 51
New Year, New You Advertorial
UV light is used in hospitals, food preparation and water treatments because of its ability to eliminate germs. UV Light Therapy is the process of administering UV light to the blood to help the body’s immune system fight off bacteria and viruses. UV Light therapy was introduced in the 1890s and was used extensively in the 1940s and 50s for various bacterial diseases and viral infections prior to the advent of antibiotics. It can be an effective treatment for Lyme disease, chronic and adrenal fatigue, yeast overgrowth, Epstein-Barr virus, acute infections, cancer, hepatitis, shingles, arthritis and much more.
Until recently, the only method for administering UV light to the blood was by draining blood from the body, exposing it to UV light through a device and then delivering the treated blood back into the body. Now, with the latest technology, UV light can be delivered directly into the bloodstream without draining blood. A special adapter is attached to a standard IV catheter that allows the administration of both saline fluid and therapeutic UV light through a fiber optic cable.
Treatments are 60 minutes long and are divided into two 30 minute phases. Each phase administers a specific combination of light wavelengths to maximize the desired clinical effect. UV Light Therapy destroys yeast, fungal, viral and bacte-rial growth, enhances the immune system, decreases inflammation, aids in detoxi-fication, increases oxygen absorption into body tissues and increases circulation.
Learn more about UV Light Therapy and other services offered at Dr. Shel Well-ness & Medical Spa by visiting www.drshel.com or by calling 281-313-7435.
See cover story on page 10.
The Healing Power of Light
When a person feels good about his appearance, it truly does affect how he feels about himself. No matter what area one is concerned with, double board certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. John T. Nguyen and his team can put together a specific and individualized cosmetic treatment in order to achieve a client’s desired outcome.
The quality Dr. Nguyen puts forth to his patients is unsurpassed in the realm of plastic surgery, allowing him to capture and compliment the beauty that exists within each patient. In addition to being double board certified, Dr. Nguyen’s artistry background and attention to detail makes him stand out above the rest. His experi-ence says it all, and his results say even more!
Sugar Land Plastic Surgery is located at 16614 Creek Bend Drive in Sugar Land. Call or visit online to set up a complimentary consultation and enhance your con-fidence today.
For more information, call 281-980-8000 or visit www.MyBodySurgeon.com. See ad on page 5.
Love Who You Are!
absolutely! Transformative
at Campbell Wellness Center:
Phyllis McGee’s Story
“I had been living in a fog,” con-fessed Phyllis McGee. “I was in terrible shape, and I knew I had to take care of myself.”
“When Mrs. McGee came to Camp-bell Wellness Center, we conducted a full physical assessment evaluating range of motion, cardiorespiratory ef-ficiency, muscular strength and other measurements to determine her con-dition and propose a course of action,” said Guillermo, one of Campbell Well-ness Center’s (CWC) wellness special-ists.
CWC is a one-of-a-kind Memo-rial area progressive health facility that promotes “grass roots” wellness with expert nutritional and exercise counseling. Unlike any other exercise place, the professional team at CWC is committed to each client to ensure results toward a healthier lifestyle. The customized, “baby-step” approach is designed to achieve the client’s goals.
Services offered under the same roof include a registered dietitian and healthy cooking classes in a state-of-the-art kitchen, an exercise physi-ologist, wellness specialist, licensed professional counselor, sports chi-ropractor, massage therapist and in-structors who offer yoga, Zumba, spin, dance, running coach and more.
To help clients “live their healthiest lifestyle” is the commitment the pro-fessionals at CWC live by to help them improve quality of life, reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases and get on the right track to a healthier, happier and longer life.
“The transformation has improved my health!” said McGee. “I am hooked, and there is no stopping me now!”
Visit [email protected] or call 281-740-4550 for more information.
See ad on page 49.
JANUARY 2016 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.absolutelymemorial.com52
New Year, New You
Keeping a resolution to cut salt from your diet is easy. Use simple spice swaps to create tasty, low-sodium meals. From seasoning eggs with basil instead of salt to adding spices and herbs to no-salt tomato sauce, the Mc-Cormick Kitchens offer these easy tips and recipes to make low-sodium meals full of flavor:
• Beat 1/8 teaspoon herb instead of salt into 2 eggs before scrambling.
• Add oregano, garlic powder and red pepper to no-salt added tomato sauce for a tasty, low-sodium pasta dinner.
• Try making Citrus Herbed Chicken with Asparagus, Fiesta Citrus Salmon or Tuscan Pasta. These dishes don’t call for any salt. Instead, they swap in basil, garlic powder and oregano.
For more low-sodium tips and recipes – such as shaved vegetable salad with Italian herb vinaigrette – visit McCormick.com/recipes/low-sodium to keep your New Year’s resolutions on track. Visit www.McCormickScienceInstitute.com to see the full Anderson study, which examined the effects of a behavioral intervention that emphasized spice and herbs, and how it impacts sodium intake.
for Herbs and Spices
In medium saucepan, mix tomatoes, tomato sauce, sugar and seasonings. Bring to boil on medium heat. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 20 minutes.
In large skillet, heat oil on medium-high heat. Add zucchini, mushrooms and onion; cook and stir 4 minutes or until vegetables are tender-crisp. Stir tomato sauce into vegetables.
Meanwhile, cook pasta as directed on package. Drain well. Place pasta in serving bowl. Add vegetable mixture; toss well.
M aking a
New Year’s
resolution? Don’t
forget salt. Most Americans
consume about 1,000
milligrams of sodium over
the amount recommended by
nutrition and health experts.
New research shows cooking
with spices and herbs could
help you ditch the salt
shaker and meet sodium
recommendations.
Swap Salt
in 2016
Tuscan PastaPrep time: 15 minutes I Cook time: 25 minutesServes: 6
1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained1 can (8 ounces) no-salt added tomato sauce1 tablespoon sugar (optional)2 tablespoons packed brown sugar, divided2 teaspoons McCormick Garlic Powder2 teaspoons McCormick Perfect Pinch Italian Seasoning1/2 teaspoon McCormick Black Pepper, ground1 tablespoon olive oil1 pound zucchini, sliced 1 package (8 ounces) sliced mushrooms1 small onion, chopped6 ounces pasta, such as spaghetti or linguine
Source: Family Features
www.absolutelymemorial.com l JANUARY 2016 53
New Year, New You
In small bowl, mix juice, oil and 1 tablespoon each seasoning and sugar. Place salmon in large re-sealable plastic bag or glass dish. Add marinade; turn to coat well. Refrigerate 30 minutes, or longer for extra flavor.
In another small bowl, mix remaining seasoning and sugar. Remove salmon from marinade. Discard any remaining marinade. Rub salmon evenly with seasoning mixture.
1/4 cup flour 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese 1/2 teaspoon McCormick Garlic Powder 1/4 teaspoon McCormick Black Pepper, coarse ground 1 pound thin-sliced boneless skinless chicken breasts 1 tablespoon oil 1 1/2 cups chicken stock 1 teaspoon McCormick Basil Leaves 1 teaspoon McCormick Oregano Leaves 1 pound asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces 2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 cup orange juice2 tablespoons olive oil2 tablespoons McCormick Perfect Pinch Salt-Free Fiesta Citrus Seasoning, divided2 tablespoons packed brown sugar, divided1 pound salmon fillets
Fiesta Citrus SalmonPrep time: 5 minutes I Cook time: 15 minutesServes: 4
In shallow dish, mix flour, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder and pepper. Reserve 2 tablespoons. Moisten chicken lightly with water. Coat evenly with remaining flour mixture.
In large nonstick skillet, heat oil on medium heat. Add 1/2 of the chicken pieces; cook 3 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Repeat with remaining chicken, adding additional oil, if necessary. Remove chicken
Citrus Herbed Chicken with AsparagusPrep time: 10 minutes I Cook time: 20 minutesServes: 4
from skillet; keep warm.In medium bowl, mix stock, basil, oregano and
reserved flour mixture until well blended. Add to skillet along with asparagus. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to low; simmer 3-5 minutes, or until sauce is slightly thickened, stirring frequently. Stir in lemon juice. Return chicken to skillet; cook 2 minutes, or until heated through.
JANUARY 2016 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.absolutelymemorial.com54
ADVERTISING SECTION
To advertise: 281.690.4242 • www.absolutelymemorial.com
COMING FEBRUARY 2016
As a professional, you’ll want to be seen in our Business Pros section. Bring new clients to your office, and distinguish yourself among the top professionals in the area with this unique
opportunity to showcase your expertise. Our advertising section is the ideal format to inform readers about your advanced training, specialties, client-friendly environment and community involvement.
Bankers • Insurance Agents • ConsultantsAgencies • Managers • Entrepreneurs
MEDICALFOCUS
Breast Cancer Research and You:Helping Find the Breakthrough
to Heal Yourself and Others
More than 15,000 Texas women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year, including nearly 2,500 in Harris County. For some patients, participation in a clinical trial is the best option – for their own treatment and the potential to develop effective treatment for other patients. Indeed, behind the break-throughs that have helped dramatically increase breast cancer survival rates in recent years are women who made the courageous choice to join a clinical trial.
In Houston, opportunities and op-tions for participation in cancer research are numerous. Over the years, Texas Oncology and its patients have played a role in research that has led to more than 50 FDA-approved cancer-fighting drugs.
cal trial we do adds incrementally to our knowledge.”
A clinical trial is research into how patients respond to different medical ap-proaches for various types of cancers. Studies address scientific challenges and identify better ways to treat, diag-nose and prevent cancer. Patients who participate in clinical trials are volunteers who provide a tremendous service to further cancer research.
Clinical trials involving new drug ther-apies and combinations are conducted in four phases and in some cases lead to breakthrough drugs or therapies. For ex-ample, the “cooling cap” is a recent dis-covery that had clinical trials conducted here in Houston. It’s a device aimed at preventing chemo-related hair loss. Chemotherapy works by flowing through the bloodstream to target cells that grow and replace themselves rapidly. This cat-egory of cells includes not only cancer cells but also hair and nail cells. This is why chemotherapy sometimes causes hair and fingernail loss.
Cooling down your head reduces blood flow and therefore the amount of chemo to the scalp. When successful, women keep most of their hair, avoid-ing one of the more dramatic disruptions that can accompany a cancer diagnosis. Patients often say that being treated like they were “sick” was one of the worst parts of having cancer – and baldness being a visible indicator of that. Keeping your hair provides greater privacy and control over who knows you’re sick.
“There was a time when doctors viewed and treated all breast cancer much the same way — with a one-size-
“Clinical trials are how we develop new treatments,” said Dr. Michelina Cairo, medical oncologist, Texas Oncol-ogy–Houston Memorial City. “We can’t promise that every clinical trial will ben-efit every patient, but it is a way to move science forward in the world. Every clini-
Dr. Michelina Cairo
Dr. Frankie Ann Holmes
fits-all option,” said Dr. Frankie Ann Hol-mes, medical oncologist, Texas Oncol-ogy–Houston Memorial City. “Today, we clearly know that all breast tumors are not the same and should not be treated the same. That knowledge came through years of research and clinical trials.”
Oncologists definitely have learned that cancer often requires different ap-proaches and combinations of chemo-therapy, surgery, and radiation — as well as new treatments and new break-throughs like immunotherapy.
Patients also find that participating in clinical trials helps make their cancer experience more positive because they are potentially helping others. Participat-ing gives patients the opportunity to pay it forward, knowing that their treatment could help create more cancer survivors.
Dr. Frankie Ann Holmes and Dr. Michelina Cairo are medical oncologists specializing in breast cancer at Texas Oncology–Houston Memorial City, 925 Gessner Street, Suite 550 in Houston. For more information, call 713-467-1722.
www.absolutelymemorial.com l JANUARY 2016 55
JANUARY 2016 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.absolutelymemorial.com56
MentionsMemorial
BY SUZANNE STILES
Mackenzie Arend and Sarah White dressed for Pajama Day during Red Ribbon Week at Wilchester Elementary.
Cuties Jack and Wyatt Robertson wore their favorite pajamas for Pajama Day at Wilchester Elementary.
The Annual Houston Alumnae Panhellenic Association (HAPF) Wine Tasting Event, themed “Texas Two Sip,” was held on October 23rd at St Cecilia’s Community Center. The annual event raised funds for fraternity women of Harris County in financial need for the purpose of continuing their education. In the last 28 years, HAPF has awarded $731,800 in scholarships to 476 women. Attending the event were Chi Omega members Carol Sutton, Dawn Farley, Peg Palisin, Mary Main, Polly Kent, Drue DaSilva, Margie Esse, Barbe Bozeman, Mary Sue Williams Koch, Janet Jones, Cathy Coers Frank and Gwen Koch.
George Washington Carver and The Kinkaid School are putting the final touches on rehearsals in preparation for their first set of joint performances at George Washington Carver on January 15th at 7:30 pm, January 16th at 7 pm and January 17th at 2:30 pm. Rehearsing together were Lauren Martinez, Brock looser, Kerry Sullivan, Natalie Thurman, Lauren Cornish, Alex Goeringer and Mia Munn. For tickets to the show, call the Kinkaid box office at 713-243-5442.
Cora Howard, Annie Jones and Baker Berg were all dressed up for the tween shopping night at the River Oaks Country Club shopping boutique.
www.absolutelymemorial.com l JANUARY 2016 57
The Rummel Creek Elementary (RCE) gym was filled with loud cheers and claps, unique student songs, special bracelets, thank-you notes and countless other signs of admiration and respect as 700 students joined staff, parents and community members to show their support for local law enforcement. The school’s Red, White and Back the Blue spirit rally was the first of its kind for the school and district. It was inspired by the recent death of Harris County Sheriff’s Department Officer Darren H. Goforth. The rally combined elements of the traditional Red Ribbon Week drug and alcohol prevention campaign with inspirational outreach and support for local law enforcement.
Michelle White, Sara Vaughn-Gul, Sara McLeod, Betty Klebuc, Susan Fargason, Christian Fuqua, Heather Kabele, Laura Diamond and Angie Keck celebrated being Memorial Drive Elementary parents of third grade boys.
City Ballet of Houston trainees were thrilled when they attended Society for the Performing Art’s Master Class with James Whiteside, principal dancer with American Ballet Theatre (ABT), along with nine other principals from ABT. Enjoying the night to remember were Catherine Stiles, James Whiteside, Shilo Vinas and Delaney Hart.
Heather Sheffield, RCE PTA president, presented Rick Hartley, executive director of The 100 Club, with a $500 donation.
Special guests included police officers from various local agencies including the Houston Police Department. Attending was Officer Noah Godin with third graders Collin Holmes, Clayton Nonhof and Jack Sullivan.
Shyne Energy proudly supported education in the Memorial area through Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart as a shooting station sponsor for the school’s annual sporting clays event, ExtravaGUNza. At the station were Patricia Swenson, Tony Houle, Tom Womack, Don Cramp and Ginger Montalbano. Photo by Oksana Manning.
Bunker Hill Elementary students Annie Jones, Tess Waggoner and Berkley Keller and Memorial Middle School student Chloe Pruett were chosen to have their stories published in the I Write Short Stories competition this year and met Melissa Williams, founder of the Read3Zero organization and author.
JANUARY 2016 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.absolutelymemorial.com58
Q: WHAT ARE CONCUSSIONS?A concussion is caused by a direct or indirect blow, trau-
ma or jolt to the head, causing the body and head to accelerate or decelerate, resulting in dysfunction and a chemical imbalance in the brain.
Q: HOW ARE CONCUSSIONS DIAGNOSED?There is no single test to diagnose a concussion. A
health care provider makes the diagnosis of concussion based on a history of a blow to the head, a report of symptoms such as those described above and the absence of signs or symptoms that would indicate a more serious problem, such as bleeding in the head or bruising of the brain. Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans can be useful in making sure a child does not have a more serious problem, like bleeding in the head. Patients with concussions have normal CT or MRI scans. Patients also may be asked to perform tests on a computer, such as CogSport or ImPACT, to help assess how well their brain is working.
Q: WHAT ARE THESYMPTOMS OF A CONCUSSION?
Symptoms may show up as headaches, nausea, balance prob-lems, slowed reaction time, dizziness, light or sound sensitivity, blurry vision, sleep disturbance, difficulty concentrating or thinking and mood changes. Everyone is different. The child may appear normal on the outside but have symptoms that impair everyday life. So, it’s important for kids, parents, teachers, coaches and all caregivers to have open communication about what is going on.
Q: WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I SUSPECTMY CHILD HAS A CONCUSSION?
If you are present, remove your child from athletic activity im-mediately, and do not let them participate further. Next, seek med-ical attention immediately. You will need to provide your child’s medical history and his or her cause of injury.
Q: HOW ARE CONCUSSIONS TREATED?Rest is ultimately the best way to treat concussions.
This includes avoiding all exercise and sport activities until the symptoms are completely gone. Rest also includes “brain rest,” including spending a minimum amount of time on the phone or texting and may include a reduced homework load for school-age patients. A child’s doctor can write a note asking teachers to reduce the workload while the child recovers. Brain rest also means no gaming or web surfing. Limited use of social media may be allowed as long as this does not worsen the patient’s symptoms. Rest for a concussion also includes plenty of sleep. A health care provider will usually recommend or prescribe medicine for the headache and may also recommend medicine to help with dizziness and nausea or to help with sleep.
Learn more at texaschildrens.org/sportsmed or make an ap-pointment by calling 832-22-SPORT (77678).
EXPERT: Dr. Jorge Gomez, primary care sports medicine physician at Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus, answers some of the most common questions about concussions.
Concussion
abso
lute
ly!
Q A&
The state-of-the-art, 28,500 square-foot sports medicine facility at Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus features a 3,000 square-foot gym.
JANUARY 2016 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.absolutelymemorial.com60
By Tammy [email protected]
Football BrothersThe Spartans’ Ben Potter and The Cardinals’ Jackson Potter.
Senior Boys Division Soccer Champions The PanthersCarson Hesse, Seif Issa, Ryan Garcia, Jack Simpson, Gavin Beach, Ed Simpson, Brady Hoffman, Gary Garcia, Nathan Garcia, Whit Robertson, Eli Anderson, Dylan Garcia, Jacob
Cerda, Zach Snow, Alan Diaz and Eduardo Sanchez.
7/8 Girls Soccer Pink ThunderBonny Jurado, Elizabeth Thompson, Margaret
Napier, Katherine Prewett, Sloan Curtis, Savannah Bell, Avery Kolb, Madison Ramke, Carolina Factor, Charlotte
Anderson and Rosemary Moore.
The Fighting Irish Kyle Castaneda, Will Tacker, Rylan Reichenau, Andrew Marks, Owen Bennett, Parker Johnson, Cole Messer,
Lucas Dominguez, Cooper Kemp, Cody Hanlen, William Fuller, Carlos Alvarez, John Baird, Westy Bennett,
Jake Hearne, Luke Zilafro, Jack Hope and Ford Raley.
It takes guts, hard work,dedication and energy to play sports!
salutes the kids and parentswho hit the fields week after week.
Congratulationsto these outstanding
Spring Branch-Memorial Sports Association (SBMSA) team players!
SprinG Branch
Sports
Spotlight
www.absolutelymemorial.com l JANUARY 2016 61
Est. 2000www.islandgrillhouston.com
• BreakfastPancakesFrench ToastBreakfast TacosOmelets
• BurgersAngusBuffaloTurkey
• Kabob Platter• Salmon
• PitasBeefChickenFishVegetable
• Beer & Wine Santa MargheritaLa CremaKim CrawfordStella
979 Bunker Hill Rd. Houston, TX 77024
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and West U locations
In the Westin Houston, Memorial City ● 945 Gessner Rd. ● 77024 ● 281.501.4350 ● 024grille.com ● Complimentary Valet
THE MODERN AMERICAN GRILLE FOR ALL OCCASIONS
BREAKFAST • LUNCH • BRUNCH • HAPPY HOUR • DINNER • PRIVATE DINING ROOMS
This Valentine’s Day, treat your special someone to a delicious dining experience. Reservations Recommended.
Answers to the puzzle on page 39.
Happy New Year!
JANUARY 2016 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.absolutelymemorial.com62
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
MASRAFF’S1753 Post Oak Blvd.
77056713-355-1975
www.masraffs.com
Hands on proprietors, Russell and Tony Masraff, recognized premier Houston restaurateurs, offer affordable elegance, attentive yet unobtrusive service and ex-quisitely fresh American cuisine prepared with the best ingredients from around the world. Located in the heart of the Galle-ria, Masraff’s features the perfect ambi-ence for business and social gatherings. Whether dining in one of the elegant dining rooms, stunning bar area with the elevated fireplace or The Patio on the Boulevard by the waterfall, Masraff’s impeccable service offers a dining experience to remember.
JAPANESE CUISINE
KUU RESTAURANT 947 Gessner, Ste. A180
77024 713-461-1688
www.kuurestaurant.com
Situated in the new Memorial Gate-way complex, Kuu Restaurant has now opened to bring upscale Japanese dining to West Houston. Executive chef Adison Lee, formerly of Nobu, has brought his talent and passion for Japanese fusion cuisine to the Memorial area. Focusing on artistry and complementary flavors, Kuu has a constantly changing menu featuring locally raised ingredients. With an exten-sive wine list and private dining area, Kuu is well equipped to handle any event.
HEALTHY ECLECTIC
A MOVEABLE FEAST9341 Katy Freeway
77024713-365-0368
www.amoveablefeast.com
Family owned since 1971, A Moveable Feast remains the gathering place for foodies of all tastes. The delicious food is prepared in a healthy way, using only the freshest ingredients. Enjoy seafood, Texas bison and grass-fed beef burgers, Tex-Mex, vegan entrées, hummus, fresh juices, many wheat-free choices and more, all served up counter-style in a funky atmosphere. Enjoy wine and cold beer on the patio surrounded by unique gardens. Good vibes abound in this unusual café inside a health food store.
Natural Café and Health Food Store
ITALIAN & AMERICAN CUISINE
THE DEVINE AFFAIRRESTAURANT & WINE BAR
14021 Memorial Dr.77079
281-759-6300 www.thedevineaffair.com
This casual, fine dining neighborhood res-taurant is located in the heart of the Memo-rial/Energy Corridor. Established in 2010, the restaurant is proudly owned by native Houstonian and Texas Aggie Lindsey Jef-fery. Recognized by Open Table and Trip Advisor as one of Houston’s “Top Best Italian Restaurants” and “Neighborhood Gem,” Devine Affair offers a variety of dishes including seafood, steaks, pastas, homemade desserts and daily specials. Devine Affair offers exceptional food, wine, service and ambiance in a friendly, com-fortable atmosphere at an affordable price.
CONTEMPORARY AMERICAN CUISINE
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www.absolutelymemorial.com l JANUARY 2016 63
Sometimes, we spend so much time focusing on the food we cook that we forget that wine is also a food product. It’s made from grapes that often grow alongside the wheat, tomatoes and olives that go into so many things we love to eat, like pasta, tomato sauce and olive oil.
In Italy, we have a saying: “No wine without food, and no food without wine.” This nugget of
wisdom is owed to the fact that Italians view wine as an integral part of the meal. In fact, no Italian would
ever serve wine as a stand-alone “cocktail” without the ac-companiment of food. Similarly, when and where food is served, whether it’s a slice of prosciutto and a heel of crusty bread or precious white truffles from Alba served over a ri-sotto alla parmigiana, wine is always offered to the guests in attendance.
As Italians see it, not only does wine taste good, but it also aids in digestion thanks to its acidity, tannin and gentle al-cohol. And more importantly, the aromas and flavors of wine also accentuate and enhance the aromas and flavors of the dishes with which they are served.
Anyone who has ever sipped a glass of fine Champagne served with caviar or tasted Tuscan Sangiovese with pappardelle tossed in wild boar ragù knows the magic of a great wine pairing. Like any marriage, it takes just the right balance to achieve the perfect wine pairing.
One good rule of thumb is to use the flavors of the dish as a guide. Is it a beautiful piece of sautéed fish finished with a spritz of freshly squeezed lemon? Look for the citrus flavors of a crisp Sauvignon Blanc. Is it a seared steak like the ones we serve at Vallone’s? The bold flavors of a California Cab-ernet Sauvignon are just the thing to stand up to the intense flavors of the dish.
On January 20th at Vallone’s, we will host David Duncan, son of the founder of the legendary California winery Silver Oak. I’ve created a tasting menu to accompany his family’s award-winning wines, and David will share his insights into how to pair them with food.
I hope you can join us for this celebration of one of Amer-ica’s greatest wines paired with the best beef in the United States today.
Email [email protected] to submit a food-related ques-
tion to Tony.
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absolutely! Delicious
I never get tired learningabout wine.
with Tony Vallone
On January 20th, Vallone’s will host a wine dinner featuring the wines of Silver Oak with David Duncan.
JANUARY 2016 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.absolutelymemorial.com64
S ince its unveiling in 2013, the colorful mural painted by Gonzo247 at 315 Travis Street
entitled Houston is Inspired has al-ready become a recognizable symbol of Downtown Houston. Under the paint, the building that hosts it represents a much earlier period in the city’s de-velopment. The Baker-Meyer Building at 315 Travis Street is one of several 19th century buildings in the Market Square Historic District and one of the oldest commercial buildings in the city. These buildings once surrounded Market Square, which included City Hall and the Market House. Though the Market House itself is no longer standing, the surrounding buildings were also central to commerce in the early days of the city. Several of these remain, dating from the 1860s to the 1930s, and the Baker-Meyer Building is among the oldest.
Constructed around 1870, the two-story Greek Revival building with its distinctive corbelled brick cornice was first owned by George Baker, an early Houston resident. In its earliest years, it housed retail stores, including a piano and musical instruments store in the late 1870s and dry goods in the early 1880s. Baker later passed the property on to his daughter Rebecca and her husband, Joseph F. Meyer, Sr.,
who Rebecca married in 1884. Meyer was a German immigrant who arrived in Houston with his family in 1867 at the age of 16 and also was closely con-nected to commerce in the growing city. Before he married Rebecca, he lived with his stepmother, Mary Meyer, at 313 San Felipe. The house has since been relocated to Sam Houston Park, where it is cared for by The Heritage Society and operated as a museum.
The same year he arrived in Hous-ton, Meyer opened a hardware store at Franklin and Milam Streets near Mar-ket Square. As the Joseph F. Meyer Hardware Company prospered, Meyer began to acquire land in the Houston area, particularly southwest of the city. Joseph and Rebecca Meyer had three
sons, and the property was later divid-ed among them. Though the land was used primarily for rice farming, much of the property was redeveloped in the 20th century. The most recognizable development is the Meyerland subdivi-sion, which was developed by Meyer’s son George in the 1950s. By the time he married Rebecca, Meyer had also served as the chief of the volunteer fire department and helped organize the Houston National Bank.
Though much of Meyer’s property has been developed or redeveloped, the building on Market Square remains intact. Through the years, the Baker-Meyer Building has remained an ac-tive part of Houston’s historic commer-cial center. Early on, it housed a feed store, drug store and tailor shop. Later, in the 1960s and 1970s, it was home to a succession of nightclubs. In 1980, Treebeards Restaurant – then only two-years-old – relocated to the build-ing from a nearby location on Preston Street. Treebeards continues to occupy the building today, three decades later.
Today, the Baker-Meyer Building remains under the ownership of de-scendants of Joseph F. Meyer, Sr. and Rebecca Baker Meyer. Designated a City of Houston Protected Landmark in 2010, the building will continue to serve Houston’s historic center for gen-erations to come.
Commerce inEarly Houston:The Baker-MeyerBuilding
A LITTLE PIECEOF HISTORY
By The Heritage Society
The Baker-Meyer Building was constructed facing City Hall and Market Tower, shown here in 1904. Photo from the University of Houston Digital Library.
The Baker-Meyer Building still stands near the corner of Travis and Preston streets on a row of historic commercial buildings facing Market Square Park.
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