Sugar Land, TX News (April 30, 2014) - The City of Sugar Land and Shape Up Fort Bend will hold the fourth annual Bike to Work Day and second annual Bike to School Day on Thursday, May 8.

The event – part of National Bike Month – begins at 7:30 a.m. at the South Meadow Pavilion at Sugar Land’s Memorial Park, 15300 University Blvd., with vendors, giveaways, and music.

Riders will depart for Sugar Land Town Square at 8:15 a.m. The 4.2-mile ride will take riders down University Boulevard to Fort Settlement Middle School, Elkins Road, Sweetwater Boulevard, and Lexington Boulevard.

Sugar Land’s Comprehensive Mobility Plan identifies a vision for “Superior Mobility.” Participation in National Bike Month is a component of supporting transportation choices and healthy, active lifestyles.

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April 30th 2014 Posted to Business News,Community News,Health News,Sports News,Sugar Land Texas News |  Email This Post

News from around the Fort Bend community!

Houston Methodist Staff Luncheon Celebrates Medical Heroes
Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital celebrated their unsung heroes of medicine - who keep the physician offices running smoothly and provide the first level of patient care. They also announced their expansion plans: a six-story patient tower, an emergency care center in Missouri City, and a facility campus for Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine. Pictured are Fe A. Vicerra, Anna Ruiz, and Donna Mahoney with Methodist Diagnostic Cardiology of Houston.

Houston Methodist Staff Luncheon Celebrates Medical Heroes

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April 28th 2014 Posted to Community Blog,Sugar Land Scene |  Email This Post

Sugar Land, TX News (April 24, 2013) - Lamar CISD’s Kindergarten Roundup for the 2014-2015 school year will be April 28-May 9. Registration will be open at all Lamar CISD’s elementary campuses from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., or by appointment.

Online pre-registration is available at www.lcisd.org. After completing the on-line registration, parents must come in person to the school to bring documentation and verify information.

Lamar CISD has three early childhood programs: PPCD, pre-kindergarten, and kindergarten.

The Preschool Program for Children with Disabilities (PPCD) is for children with severe learning problems caused by poor speech, vision, or hearing. Children with physical, mental, or emotional difficulties are also eligible. Lamar CISD will screen any child whose development is of concern to his or her parents. Please contact the Special Education office at 832-223-0400.

Lamar CISD offers full-day kindergarten classes for all children who are five-years-old on or before Sept. 1, 2014.

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April 24th 2014 Posted to Community News,School News,Sugar Land Texas News |  Email This Post

Find everything you need for a perfect wedding right here in Fort Bend County!

2014 Wedding Trends

GOWNS Blush gowns & textured fabrics
DÉCOR Creams with gold & metallic
CAKES Glitter, textured & unique shapes
FLORAL Retro look with lots of greenery
FOOD Late snacks & high-quality meals

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April 23rd 2014 Posted to Community Blog,Sugar Land Inspirations,Sugar Land Scene |  Email This Post

Sugar Land, TX News (April 23, 2014) - At its eighth annual Doctor’s Day awards ceremony, Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital literally rolled out the red carpet for their physicians, including seven leading physicians nominated and voted on by over 900 hospital employees. In honor of Doctor’s Day, hospital employees had the opportunity to participate in a “Thank a Doctor” campaign. They were able to thank a special doctor in honor of National Doctor’s Day and show their appreciation to a physician who has touched their life by writing him or her a short note. Many physicians received an envelope containing thank you notes and comment cards at the event.

Seven physicians were recognized at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s Doctor’s Day celebration and medical staff meeting. At the Oscars-style event in appreciation of physicians, secret envelopes revealed the winners. The physician winners then gave a small speech to recognize and thank those that voted and supported them throughout the year.

Physicians in leading roles for 2014 were announced in seven categories: Female Physician of Excellence, Dr. Bushra Cheema, Oncologist; Male Physician of Excellence, Dr. Eddie Patton, Jr., Neurologist; Best Educator, Dr. Mauricio Reinoso, Pulmonologist; Most Respectful, Dr. Shiva Satish, Geriatrician; Most Supportive of Nursing, Dr. Timothy Oppermann, General Surgeon; Best Bedside Manner, Dr. Kumara Peddamatham, Gastroenterologist and Most Technologically Innovative, Dr. Vincent Phan, Orthopedic Upper Extremity Surgeon.

Doctor’s Day Award Winners: Dr. Eddie Patton Jr., Dr. Shiva Satish, Dr. Bushra Cheema, Dr. Vincent Phan, Dr. Mauricio Reinoso and Dr. Timothy Oppermann (not pictured: Dr. Kumara Peddamatham)

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April 23rd 2014 Posted to Community News,Health News,Sugar Land Texas News |  Email This Post

Celebrating the students, teachers, and community supporters of Fort Bend area schools.

Click for more School News

Austin High School Science Olympiad
Students from Stephen F. Austin High School SciOly team recently qualified for the Texas Science Olympaid at Texas A&M University. As part of the competition, the team battled over 30 students from around the state. The team placed ninth and won four medals.

Austin High School Science Olympiad

Baines Middle School Career Day
Some 500 students from Baines Middle School participated in career assessment tests to help them identify career fields that may be of interest to them. In addition to spending time with specialists in various fields of work, students were also able to play a game that involved being given a “salary” and having to pay expenses. (more…)

April 22nd 2014 Posted to Community Blog,Sugar Land Education,Teens & Tweens |  Email This Post

Planning a fabulous birthday party for your sweetie? Don’t forget to include the birthday boy or girl in the process, allowing them to pick a theme, a party game, or a favorite snack to serve. Choose a great venue and focus on making memories with your sweetie. Check out our list of recommended locations in the Sugar Land area to help you find the perfect party place.

Adventure Kids Playcare
4945 Sweetwater Blvd.
832-886-4153
adventurekidsplaycare.com

AMC First Colony
3301 Town Center Blvd.
281-277-5858
amctheatres.com

AMF Stafford Lanes
4919 S. Main St., Stafford
281-491-2856
amf.com

Athletic and Performing Arts Center
2 locations
281-969-7054
athleticandperformingarts.com

Build-A-Bear Workshop
First Colony Mall
16535 SW Fwy.
281-565-2327

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April 21st 2014 Posted to Community Blog,Sugar Land Family Fun,Sugar Land Kids,Sugar Land Parenting |  Email This Post

Sugar Land, TX News (April 18, 2014) - Fort Bend Independent School District is taking measures to address projected overcrowding at Commonwealth Elementary (CWE), with plans to close enrollment for the next two years. Parents are invited to attend a meeting on April 24 at 6:00 p.m. at the FBISD Annex (3119 Sweetwater Blvd.) in the main auditorium to learn more about the plan.

After consideration of projected growth, facility-use studies, and parental feedback, District officials developed a detailed plan to address the challenges due to excessive enrollment at CWE. Highlights of the plan include:

• Enrollment at CWE will be capped for the next two years.
• New students will enroll at Austin Parkway Elementary, which has been designated as the overflow campus to relieve Commonwealth.
• If necessary, Colony Bend Elementary will be utilized as an overflow campus if Austin Parkway reaches maximum capacity.
• The kindergarten projected enrollment mirrors the outgoing fifth-grade enrollment; therefore, new kindergarten students were admitted to CWE during the District’s recent kindergarten enrollment window.
• New students who currently have a sibling attending CWE in kindergarten through fourth grades will be allowed to enroll at CWE.
• Students who attend the overflow campuses become students of that campus and participate in activities at the overflow campus. Bus transportation is provided to and from the overflow campuses from neighborhood bus stops, if students meet the District’s established criteria for school transportation.

For more information, please visit the Commonwealth Elementary website by visiting www.fortbendisd.com and clicking on “Schools.”

April 18th 2014 Posted to Community News,School News,Sugar Land Texas News |  Email This Post

Now is the time to find the perfect summer camp for your Sugar Land sweetie. Fort Bend is filled to the brim with camps with many different themes, from education to the arts. Your child will be entertained while learning new things.

Written by Christen Wilson and Kennan Buckner

Athletic and Performing Arts Center
4502C Hwy. 6, Sugar Land 7746 Hwy. 6, Missouri City 281-969-7054 athleticandperformingarts.com
Campers ages 3 and up can learn cheer, dance, gymnastics, theatre, and tumbling at one of the Athletic and Performing Arts Center locations. This summer will feature eight weeks of camp, with a new theme each week. Camps run from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. with extended care options available for an additional charge.

Forever Dance
4610I FM 723, Richmond 832-573-3734 foreverdancestudio.com
Children ages 3 to 18 are taught ballet, tap, jazz, and hip hop dance styles by experienced instructors in a fun and nurturing atmosphere. Programs run June through July.

Fort Bend Music Center
12919 S.W. Fwy., #160 281-494-5885 fortbendmusiccenter.com
Certified music instructors teach children ages 7 and up to play various instruments including piano, guitar, or drums. Camp runs June through July, for one week at a time for two and a half hours a day, Monday through Friday.

Inspiration Stage
Summer Musical Camp 104 Industrial Blvd. 713-302-5329 inspirationstage.com
Campers ages 4 to 19 who are looking for a camp that will end with a spectacular performance in Sugar Land Auditorium should join the Inspiration Stage for summer camp. Camps offered weekly to various age groups and include theatre performances such as Jungle Book, Frozen, Sleeping Beauty, Annie, and more.

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April 16th 2014 Posted to Community Blog,Sugar Land Kids,Sugar Land Parenting |  Email This Post

She stars in a hit sitcom on OWN, is a former Miss USA, and competed in the Junior Olympics. Sugar Land Magazine catches up with this versatile and talented Missouri City native.

Written By Tonya Ellis

Sugar Land, TX News - Since 2011, Fort Bend native Crystle Stewart has entertained audiences as Leslie, a character seeking love on the Tyler Perry sitcom For Better or Worse. Now, the former Miss USA is getting ready to begin her own real-life happily ever after with a Houston wedding set for Aug. 9.

Stewart met Tyler Perry in a restaurant; soon she was auditioning for a role while finishing studies at the New York Film Academy in Los Angeles
Photo courtesy of Tyler Perry Studios

Put a Ring on It
Labor Day weekend, Stewart’s fiancé, Belgian model Max Sebrechts, staged a romantic proposal with her family’s help. She had no idea the helicopter they’d chartered for a Houston tour would land in her neighborhood’s Missouri City cul-de-sac. In front of a group of family and friends, Sebrechts dropped to one knee and proposed. A stunned Stewart playfully got her friends’ approval before she said, “Yes.”

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April 16th 2014 Posted to Community Blog,Sugar Land Inspirations,Sugar Land Worklife |  Email This Post

A Sugar Land couple finds the perfect pooch at Poodle Rescue of Houston

Written by Gail G. Collins | Select photography by Marisa Hugonnett

Sugar Land, TX News - When Beverly was rescued from a local Houston shelter, she was a brown, matted mess. Poodle Rescue of Houston (PRH) cleaned her up and two hours later, she looked like a fluffy, cream dream. The non-profit poodle haven assisted 800 distressed and homeless poodles last year alone. “Once we rescue dogs, we rehabilitate them and offer them for adoption to carefully screened families and individuals,” says PRH executive director Guinnette Peebles.

Peebles is a dog obedience trainer and owner of Prestonwood Kennels and has an affinity for poodles. When Bluebonnet Poodle Club asked for a volunteer for rescues, Peebles had the land for a dedicated facility as well as the know-how, so she accepted the job. The small-scale endeavor began in 1999 and grew quickly. PRH typically has 50 dogs in its program ready for adoption.

Poodle Rescue of Houston’s executive director Guinnette Peebles with poodle rescues Madison, Beverly, and Cash

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April 16th 2014 Posted to Community Blog,Sugar Land Inspirations,Sugar Land Worklife |  Email This Post

Sugar Lander Annie Rupani’s sweet life as a chocolatier

Written by Crystal Rawls | Select photography courtesy of Jay Marroquin

Sugar Land, TX News - Chocolate has a way of soothing the nerves. Art expands the mind for unlimited expression. Combine the two, and taste becomes more than a sense - it becomes an experience.

It was this experience that changed the course of Sugar Land native Annie Rupani’s life. She had her goals neatly outlined and was on track to becoming a successful lawyer. But her life soon took a sweeter turn.

Annie Rupani’s life as a chocolatier is an extension of artistry and displays her talent for combining flavors with aesthetics
Photo by Deborah Smail

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April 16th 2014 Posted to Community Blog,Sugar Land Inspirations,Sugar Land Worklife |  Email This Post

Sugar Land, TX News (April 14, 2014) - The Fort Bend County Medical Reserve Corps (FBCMRC), a volunteer organization, was recognized nationally this week when they were awarded the 2014 Mentor Award.

“We are so proud of the great work our Medical Reserve Corps does,” said Dr. M. desVignes-Kendrick, Director of Fort Bend County Health and Human Services. “They work diligently to coordinate and train with other MRCs. They deserve this recognition.”

The award was granted by the Division of Civilian Volunteer Medical Reserve Corps, which falls within the offices of the U.S. Surgeon General and Assistant Secretary of Health. The award, called the Mentor Award, “…honors the unit for successful collaboration with other members of the MRC network over the past year to share practices, participate in activities, and carry out initiatives that have strengthened individual and collective groups of MRC units.”

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April 14th 2014 Posted to Community News,Sugar Land Texas News |  Email This Post

Sugar Land, TX News (April 9, 2014) - FORT BEND ISD ―At a Special Called Meeting on April 7, the Fort Bend ISD Board of Trustees approved staffing and compensation recommendations for the 2014-2015 budget that includes an increase in the starting salary for teachers to $50,000 and a percentage increase on the teacher pay scale ranging from 4% to 8.6% for 2014-2015 to become more competitive overall and to address high turnover with teachers with 10 or less years of experience. The district will be addressing other critical points on the teacher pay scale in future years.

“It is critically important to have the best staff serving Fort Bend ISD and hiring the right employees will enable the district to focus on our mission to inspire and equip all students to pursue futures beyond what they can imagine,” said Dr. Charles Dupre, Superintendent of Schools.

The recommendations are based on the board’s core beliefs & commitments, achieving board-adopted goals and priorities, and a long range financial forecast that substantiates sustainability. The recommendations balance these objectives, while being good stewards of taxpayer funds.

The plan was developed in collaboration with a budget & compensation committee comprised of teachers and employees throughout the district, the teacher forum with representatives from all 74 schools, principals and feedback from the Board.

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April 09th 2014 Posted to Community News,School News,Sugar Land Texas News |  Email This Post

Sugar Land, TX News (April 8, 2014) - Next Level Urgent Care is the first organization in Texas to achieve Urgent Care Center Accreditation through the American Academy of Urgent Care Medicine (AAUCM). Accreditation is a voluntary process that measures the quality of services and performance against nationally recognized standards.

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April 08th 2014 Posted to Health News,Sugar Land Texas News |  Email This Post

Sugar Land, TX News - With Easter right around the corner, many of you may be looking for a way to join in community to celebrate such an important holiday. Sugar Land has many options to choose from when it comes to attending an Easter service. At Sugar Land Magazine, we want to wish all of you a happy Easter!

The Bridge Fellowship
April 20 at 9 and 11 a.m.
802 Brooks St.
thebridgefellowship.com

Calvary Church
April 20 at 8:30 and 10:30 a.m.
12410 Sugardale Dr.
Stafford
calvaryhouston.org

The Church
April 20 at 9:30 and 11 a.m.
5500 Avenue N, Rosenberg
ilovethechurch.tv

Christ United Methodist Church
April 20 at 8:15, 9:45, and 11:05 a.m.
3300 Austin Pkwy.
cumcsl.org

Crossbridge Church
April 20 at 9:00 and 10:45 a.m.
1049 Eldridge
crossbridge.cc

(more…)

April 07th 2014 Posted to Community Blog,New to Sugar Land,Sugar Land Family Fun |  Email This Post

Sugar Land, TX News (April 7, 2014) - Fort Bend Independent School District is taking measures to address overcrowding in high growth areas where two elementary schools have significant increasing student enrollment - Commonwealth and Oakland Elementary Schools. The District is developing the best solutions possible based upon the unique circumstances of each school.

Commonwealth Elementary School to address growth over next two years

Fort Bend ISD will be capping enrollment at Commonwealth to address enrollment growth for the next two years until a future elementary school opens. After meeting with parents at the school, the District decided that a proposal for a fifth-grade center at Fort Settlement Middle School would not be the best way to address the longer range view of enrollment growth. District officials instead have a new plan.

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April 07th 2014 Posted to School News,Sugar Land Texas News |  Email This Post

Sugar Land, TX News (April 2, 2014) - Sugar Land has implemented Stage 1 voluntary water restrictions to comply with a request from Governor Rick Perry to conserve water.

A recent proclamation from Perry stated that exceptional drought conditions throughout the state pose an imminent threat to water supplies, including those in Fort Bend.

Moderate drought conditions continue in Fort Bend County, and the drought conditions could continue or worsen with the approaching summer months when water demand is traditionally high.

Sugar Land’s Stage 1 water restrictions require voluntary conservation. Customers should limit irrigation to no more than two days a week and adhere to the City’s voluntary irrigation zone schedule.

“While the city currently has plenty of water, reducing irrigation conserves water, helps us stay ahead of drought conditions and reduces the likelihood that the city will need to initiate Stage II mandatory water restrictions specified in our Drought Contingency Plan,” said director of public works Robert Valenzuela. “We are not prohibiting outdoor water use, just asking customers to use water sensibly.”

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April 02nd 2014 Posted to Community News,Sugar Land Texas News,Uncategorized |  Email This Post