Sugar Land, TX News (May 30, 2014) - Oakland Elementary School students and staff are enjoying a new playground pavilion thanks to the generous donations and efforts of school supporters. The new structure was funded with donations from the Waterside Estates Community Association, Fort Bend County Mud District No. 118, Oakland Elementary’s Physical Education Department, and the school’s PTO.

Shown during the ribbon cutting ceremony are (from left) Jason Kirby, Fort Bend County Mud District No. 118; students Avery Smith and Gavin Allen; Romain Barski, President of the Waterside Estates Community Association; Wendy Perry, former Oakland PTO Board Member; and (back) Lori Hoeffken, Oakland Elementary School Principal.

The school hosted a dedication ceremony in April to reveal the new playground pavilion. More than 1,100 students joined school administrators and staff, as well as former principal Barbie Herrington, in gathering to give thanks to those responsible for the structure. Fifth-grade Student Council members Gavin Allen and Avery Smith opened the ceremony giving thanks to the special guests. The school choir sang a special song written by music teacher, Tory Randle, with assistance from fourth and fifth-grade choir members; and Principal Lori Hoeffken presented special guests with plaques in appreciation of their contributions. Following the dedication ceremony, guests enjoyed a reception organized by counselor Tonichia Jackson.

Oakland Principal Lori Hoeffken thanks the honored guests.

May 30th 2014 Posted to Community News,School News,Sugar Land Texas News |  Email This Post

Sugar Land, TX (May 29, 2014) - The Friends of the University Branch Library recently presented a check for $3,970 to the University Branch Library to help underwrite the costs of special programming for the library’s Summer Reading Club and for family cultural events planned throughout the year. On behalf of the Friends organization, Kathy Novosad presented the check to Joyce Berger, Youth Services Manager of the library.

Other members of the Friends organization who were also present were Renee Mathews, Israel Kaboga, and Ed Rubenstein, along with staff from the library’s Youth Services department.

The money will be used by the library to help fund family programs, cultural events, and materials not included in the regular budget. Many of the extremely popular programs during the library’s Summer Reading Club are made possible thanks to money donated by the Friends organization.

The Friends organization raises funds for the library through quarterly book sales and annual membership dues. New members are always welcome, and board positions are available for interested volunteers. (more…)

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Sugar Land, TX News (May 29, 2014) - Teachers often wonder how students will respond to classroom lessons and whether they will apply the skills and information they receive to their personal lives. So when Oakland Elementary School second-grade teacher Janet Lavong learned that her student Carson Padilla turned a classroom lesson into a charitable event, she was thrilled.

Lavong presented a study unit on homeless and charitable deeds to her class, and unbeknownst to her, the unit made a big impression on Padilla, who decided to make his “Changers Group” a reality. His charity of choice was the Ronald McDonald House Charities, which provides shelter and support to families of hospitalized children. With the help of his parents and residents of Waterside Estates, Padilla raised $1,200 from the sale of Rainbow Loom bracelets that he made and sold at his neighborhood’s annual garage sale. An area businessman matched Padilla’s amount by $1,000, making the total amount Padilla donated to the Ronald McDonald House, $2,200.

Padilla is shown with his mother, Kerry Padilla at the Ronald McDonald House Charities facility.

“My husband and I are thankful that Miss Lavong helped Carson tap into his charitable side and see that he can help make a difference in the world,” said Kerry Padilla. “He’s already making plans for next year’s charitable event.”

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Sugar Land, TX News (May 29, 2014) - The inaugural class of the Texas Hospital Association’s Leadership Fellows Program was recently announced in Austin and includes a local health care luminary.

Malisha Patel, Chief Operations Officer at Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital, was one of 24 hospital executives selected for a year-long program designed to promote the professional development of health care leaders and position them to drive health care innovation. THA’s Leadership Fellows program brings together health care leaders from around the state for a focused study in becoming effective health care advocates for Texas hospitals and the communities they serve.

Malisha Patel

“We are proud of the role we play in serving the health care needs of Sugar Land and today we are proud to have Malisha Patel representing Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital in THA’s Fellows program to ensure we are doing even more to influence the future of health care,” said Greg Haralson, Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital CEO.

(more…)

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Sugar Land, TX News (May 28, 2014) - Although Hurricane Season starts in four days on June 1; our region is already experiencing heavy rains and flooding.

According to the National Weather Service, Missouri City and the entire Fort Bend area is expected to experience heavy rainfall and potential flooding throughout the week.

The NWS Storm Prediction Center is forecasting a risk of severe thunderstorms this afternoon and evening across parts of the Gulf Coast. Damaging winds and large hail will be the main threats to citizens, with periods of heavy rainfall and frequent lightning expected as well.

Citizens are encouraged to limit their driving and outdoor activities as much as possible when flooding conditions occur. Various roads throughout the City have already begun to flood, and citizens are encouraged to take alternate routes until the water has receded.

Working to safeguard families when severe weather strikes our area; Missouri City emergency management officials are prepared to respond to any crisis. Officials caution residents to review and update emergency preparation plans and to inspect supply kits and stock up on necessary items such as non-perishable food, water, flashlights, batteries, radios, first-aid kits, cell phones, chargers, maps, and important documents. Additionally, officials advise that gathering pertinent information will help prepare your family for unpredictable emergencies. They also would like to share the useful tips below: (more…)

May 28th 2014 Posted to Community News,Sugar Land Texas News |  Email This Post

Sugar Land, TX News (May 28, 2014) - Tristan Gray, star shortstop for the Elkins Knights’ varsity baseball team, was preparing for his all-important senior season when he dislocated his knee cap in a preseason practice.

Fortunately for Gray, Elkins athletic trainer June Tomlin was at practice that day. She responded immediately, and once Gray was stabilized, she called team physician Dr. Timothy Sitter on his cell phone and alerted him.

When the Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital orthopedist examined Gray, he determined that the injury was not season-ending but would require physical therapy. Dr. Sitter outlined an extensive physical therapy program, and twice a day at school, Tomlin worked with Gray on the appropriate conditioning and strengthening exercises.

When the season started, Gray was back in peak condition, and he proved it by being named co-MVP of District 23-5A and signing a national letter of intent to play baseball at Rice University.

Gray was fortunate to have an experienced, licensed athletic trainer onsite at the time of his injury, one with a direct connection to one of the area’s leading sports medicine specialists. Now, thanks to a unique partnership between Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital and Fort Bend Independent School District, that comprehensive approach to athletic injuries will now be possible across the district. (more…)

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Sugar Land, TX News (May 28, 2014) - Eight Lamar Consolidated Independent School District seniors each received a scholarship from the Lamar Consolidated Educational Secretaries Association, LCESA, at the group’s annual End of School Year Luncheon at the Fort Bend Country Club in Rosenberg.

Lamar Consolidated High School’s Victoria Cavazos and Chiamaka Ujari, Terry High’s Clayton Gardovsky and Marcella Quinones, Foster High’s Mallory Soto and Alyssa Stone, and George Ranch High’s Tiffany Silva and Alexander Davis will all continue their education with help from the Association’s $500 scholarships.

2013-2014 Scholarship Winners - Front Row: Alyssa Stone, Mallory Soto, Tiffany Silva, and Chiamaka Ujari.
Back Row: LCESA president Melissa Rodriguez, Alexander Davis, Victoria Cavazos, Marcella Quinones, Clayton Gardovsky and LCESA Scholarship Committee Chair Becky Melendez.

Each year, the Lamar Consolidated Educational Secretaries Association awards scholarships to one deserving student at each Lamar CISD high school.

“This is the first year that the Association has been able to award two scholarships per high school and it’s something that we wish to continue,” said Becky Melendez, Scholarship Committee Chair. (more…)

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Sugar Land, TX News (May 27, 2014) - As the Fort Bend Junior Service League (FBJSL) concludes its 2013 - 2014 League year, it is pleased to announce that it has raised over $400,000 for the Fort Bend County community this year and over $2.7 million since the League’s inception in 2001. Proceeds were raised through various fundraising events, including Sugar Plum Market, FBJSL Spring Fling, and sales of the League’s second cookbook, “Treasures from the Bend, Rich in History and Flavor.” The League also received funds as a beneficiary of Tucanos Brazilian Grill fundraiser and Sugar Land Town Square’s Taste of Town Square. Additional funds were raised in conjunction with partnering organizations, including David Crockett Middle School, Sugar Land Middle School, and Kempner High School in a collaborative effort with Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital (HMSLH) to benefit the American Cancer Society (ACS). Numerous worthy Fort Bend County charities benefited from the League’s donations. In addition to funds donated back to the community, FBJSL members volunteered over 20,000 hours during the 2013 - 2014 League year.

Front Row (L-R): Treasurer Ashley Joshi-Patel, President-Elect Katrina Sayes, President Debbie Buckner, Past-President Cindy Dempster and Director of Provisionals Mimi Zaybak.
Back Row (L-R): Director of Membership Mindi Zemanek, Director of Member Development Dana Clement, Secretary Soni Karamchandani, Director of Community Relations Heather Carroll, Director of Publicity Caroline Bordelon and Vice-President Hillary Watson.

FBJSL is currently hosting its annual membership drive and invites ladies interested in membership to attend events scheduled for this summer. An informational meeting will be held on June 19th at Flying Saucer located in Sugar Land Town Square at 6:00 pm. A second informational meeting is scheduled for July 17^th at a location to be announced at 6:00 pm. These meetings provide an opportunity to learn about the League and membership volunteer opportunities and requirements. For more information, please contact the Director of Provisionals at [email protected] or visit www.fbjsl.com.

Ladies age 50 and above are eligible for Sustaining membership in the League. Interested ladies are invited to attend the annual Sustainer Membership Coffee this summer. For more information about this event or Sustaining membership, please contact the Sustainer President at [email protected].

May 27th 2014 Posted to Community News,Sugar Land Texas News |  Email This Post

Sugar Land, TX News (May 27, 2014) - Fort Bend ISD recently named Jessica McMullen as the new principal of Schiff Elementary School. Prior to coming to FBISD, McMullen served as principal of an Alvin ISD (AISD) elementary school for two years and as an assistant principal at another elementary school for four years. She was named Principal of the Year in AISD in 2013. McMullen’s goal is to influence academic, social and personal growth of her students, teachers, and other administrators through leadership, instruction, empowerment, and engagement.

“I am truly humbled by the great honor entrusted to me by this wonderful district to lead this amazing family of students, educators, parents, and community toward continued success at Jan Schiff Elementary,” said McMullen. “I absolutely love what I do because I have the unique privilege to make an impact in the lives of children and teachers each and every day, and I look forward to celebrating our achievements in the future that will be the result of the collective efforts by all.”

Jessica McMullen, Schiff Elementary School Principal

McMullen began her teaching career 12 years ago as an elementary teacher in Hudson ISD, with responsibilities including Math Department Chair, Campus Trainer, and District New Teacher Trainer and Curriculum Writer. She also taught at both the middle and high school levels at Hudson ISD, and was very involved with various extracurricular activities and competitions.

(more…)

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Sugar Land, TX News (May 27, 2014) - Dr. Anthony Indelicato was named Assistant Superintendent at Fort Bend ISD’s May 19 Regular Board Meeting. Indelicato is currently the principal at Kempner High School, which he’s led for the past four years. Previously, he worked as an Educational Leadership Specialist at Region 4, as both a principal and assistant principal in Klein ISD, and as an adjunct professor at Sam Houston State University. Dr. Indelicato began his education career as an art teacher.

“Anthony brings successful middle school and high school experience to the Assistant Superintendent role,” said Dr. Christie Whitbeck, Deputy Superintendent. “He has shown strong leadership and collaboration with his peers and community. We look forward to his addition to our team and know that his contributions will help move our district to the next level of excellence.”

Dr. Indelicato received his Bachelor of Fine Arts from Southern Methodist University and a Master of Fine Arts from the University of North Carolina. He received both his Master of Education in Administration and Doctorate of Education from Sam Houston State University.

May 27th 2014 Posted to School News,Sugar Land Texas News |  Email This Post

Sugar Land, TX News (May 27, 2014) - Next Level Urgent Care recently opened its fourth Fort Bend County clinic in Long Meadow in Richmond, Texas, continuing its mission to provide a cost-effective alternative to emergency room care for a wide range of illnesses and injuries.

“Our clinic, which is located on FM 99 between West Belfort and Bellaire, provides an easily accessible location for people who need medical care quickly,” said Juliet Breeze, MD, Next Level Urgent Care CEO and Medical Director. “Most medical problems do not require an emergency room visit, we provide an alternative solution that can save patients time and money.”

“Our neighborhood clinics, which are designed around patient comfort, provide an alternative for the treatment of non-life threatening complaints that is faster and an average of six times less expensive than a trip to the emergency room,” Breeze added. “Costs vary depending on your plan, but typical copay with us is $25-$75, compared with $150-$500 for an emergency room. Additionally, we don’t charge uninsured patients more than $200 total for a single visit and that includes doctor’s fees, X-rays, stitches, and other services.”

(more…)

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Sugar Land, TX News (May 23, 2014) - After making so many trips to the hospital that their entire family was on a first-name basis with the staff, Frank H. and Linda Marsters, III, established the Marsters’ Nursing Excellence Award at Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital. Created to recognize the quality, family-centered care received by their extended family, the Marsters presented the 2014 award to Lori Foster, B.S.N., during Nurses’ Week celebration at the hospital.

The couple’s tie to Memorial Hermann Sugar Land began more than 30 years ago. Raising adventurous twin boys and an asthmatic daughter in Quail Valley, the Marsters made frequent trips to what was then Fort Bend Hospital.

“When I say I raised two boys, I’m not kidding,” laughs Linda as she recalls broken bones, stitches, surgeries, and even one son who required a police search when he hid in the oven while playing hide-and-seek. “The hospital has such a family-like atmosphere that is also very professional, warm, and caring.” (more…)

May 23rd 2014 Posted to Business News,Health News,Sugar Land Texas News |  Email This Post

Sugar Land, TX News (May 23, 2014) - Child Advocates of Fort Bend was thrilled to receive a $100,000 grant from the Houston Endowment to be spread over two years for public awareness and age-specific programming. Community awareness of child abuse continues to be very low in Fort Bend County. Many in the community believe that abuse “doesn’t happen here,” particularly with all of the awards and recognition that Fort Bend County has received as one of the top places to live in the United States. Community outreach and education of adults, children, and those individuals who work directly with children is insufficient. Part of the grant will be used to address this issue by increasing awareness of Child Advocates of fort Bend through community outreach projects and educating health care professionals, educators, and childcare providers on signs and symptoms of abuse, their obligation to report abuse, how to report, internet safety for children, parental controls on social media, and what happens when a child is taken into custody in Fort Bend County, among other things. (more…)

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Sugar Land, TX News (May 23, 2014) - The City of Sugar Land will hold a community meeting on June 2, from 6:00 - 7:30 pm, at the Imperial Park Recreation Center, 234 Matlage Way, to discuss possible plans for Gannoway Lake Park.

The 70-acre community park is located near the intersection of Voss and Burney Roads along Oyster Creek and could provide opportunities for passive, nature-oriented recreation.

The property’s potential connection to a network of hike and bike trails, its proximity to several residential developments, and the abundance of natural features on the property could facilitate activities such as hiking, bird watching, fishing, and canoeing.

Area residents are encouraged to attend the public meeting, learn about potential plans for the park, and provide input.

The project is currently included in the City’s Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan as potential parkland.

A conceptual plan for the property is being developed for planning purposes. Feedback from this process will be presented to City Council in the future, and funding for the project will be discussed.

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

Sugar Land, TX News (May 22, 2014) - The Literacy Council of Fort Bend will host a summer buy one, get one free book sale beginning Monday, June 2, 2014 through Friday, August 15, 2014. Summer office hours are Monday through Thursday 8:30 am – 9:00 pm and Friday 8:30 am – 1:00 pm. All profits from the summer buy one, get one free book sale support the free public programs available through The Literacy Council of Fort Bend County. Programs benefiting include: Basic Literacy, English as a Second Language, GED preparation classes, and US citizenship preparation classes.

There will be a tremendous variety of books, both hardbacks for $1 and paperbacks for $.50, most in fabulous condition. Many look like they have never even been opened so they would make great (and inexpensive) gifts. Offered at the sale will be fiction, non-fiction, biographies, cookbooks, books on spirituality, kids’ books, summer reading books, puzzles, and more. The Literacy Council of Fort Bend accepts gently used book donations year-round, so please think of this organization if it’s time to winnow your collection or if you’re moving.

The summer buy one, get one free book sale will be held at The Literacy Council of Fort Bend County, 12530 Emily Court, Sugar Land. For more information on the Literacy Council of Fort Bend County, including area programs offered, please visit ftbendliteracy.org or call 281-240-8181.

May 22nd 2014 Posted to Business News,Community News,Sugar Land Texas News |  Email This Post

Sugar Land, TX News (May 21, 2014) - On Wednesday, May 14, Fort Bend ISD completed a refinancing of 2004 bonds that will save the District an estimated $15.2 million in interest. With the assistance of the District’s financial advisor, First Southwest, the transaction took advantage of a favorable market and the savings were substantially higher than what was originally projected. The bond refinancing was approved by the Fort Bend ISD Board of Trustees in June 2013. Additionally, the District will have the opportunity to pay off $7.7 million of debt early without increasing its debt service tax rate of $0.30.

“We are dedicated to managing our resources in a manner that is proactive, prudent, and conservative,“ said Charles Dupre, Fort Bend ISD Superintendent of Schools. “I am thrilled that this refinancing will save FBISD taxpayers over $15 million in interest, which will help our tax rate remain one of the lowest in the Houston area and allow us to address the district’s growing enrollment without a significant tax increase.”

In addition, through the bond rating process, Standard & Poor’s upgraded the District’s credit rating from AA to AA+. Fort Bend ISD is one of only 15 public school districts in Texas that has a rating of AAA or AA+. According to Standard & Poor’s, the upgrade reflects Fort Bend ISD’s ongoing economic growth and strong financial performance. (more…)

May 21st 2014 Posted to Community News,School News,Sugar Land Texas News |  Email This Post

Sugar Land, TX News (May 20, 2014) - Three new trustees were elected to the Fort Bend ISD School Board on May 10 and were sworn in during the May 19 board meeting. The three new trustees were elected to serve three-year terms.

The new trustees are:

• Jason Burdine – Position 1, who resides in the west side of the District.
  
  
• Kristin Tassin – Position 4, which is an at-large position.
  (more…)

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Sugar Land, TX News (May 19, 2014) - The 2014 Children at Risk Rankings have been released and Fort Bend ISD is ranked fourth among the 13 large school districts in the Greater Houston area. Additionally, five FBISD schools are among the top 10 schools, and 25 earned an “A” letter grade. Districts and campuses are ranked on student achievement, campus performance, and student growth.

Children At Risk strives to improve the quality of life of children across Texas through strategic research, public policy analysis, education, collaboration, and advocacy. Since 2006, its ranking system has highlighted the successes and need for improvement of local public schools. The rankings not only provide a tool to parents and students, but also provide information to campuses and districts on how they perform relative to their peers and compared against successful models of high-performing public schools.

Children at Risk awarded the top 10 high schools and the top five middle and elementary schools in the Greater Houston Area at an awards ceremony. Five FBISD principals were also honored with certificates commending their schools’ performance and ranking on the 2014 Children at Risk Ranking Lists. Principals Gene Dupont (Colony Meadows Elementary School – 2^nd), Joanna Hagler (Commonwealth Elementary School – 7^th), Julie Diaz (Fort Settlement Middle School – 2^nd); Dr. Jennifer Nichols (Sartartia Middle School – 4^th), and David Yaffie (Clements High School – 8^th) received certificates on behalf of their FBISD schools. Their schools also earned an “A” letter grade based on the Children At Risk rankings. (more…)

May 19th 2014 Posted to School News,Sugar Land Texas News |  Email This Post

Sugar Land, TX News (May 16, 2014) - For her dedication to the children of Williams Elementary, Nancy Nowak was honored May 8 at the Houston Chronicle’s Salute to Nurses luncheon.

Sponsored by CHI St. Luke’s Health and Houston Methodist Hospital System, the luncheon honored the top 100 nurses in the Houston area.

Nowak, who is retiring at the end of the school year, is the only nurse Williams has ever had, arriving on campus when it opened in 1985.

“To keep from crying, I tell the students I finally passed the (assessment test) and I am moving on,” Nowak said.

(more…)

May 16th 2014 Posted to Health News,School News,Sugar Land Texas News |  Email This Post

Sugar Land parents share tips on common topics we all face.

Need Advice? Have helpful tips to share? This section is where Sugar Land parents help each other out with advice and tips for common kid issues and childhood dilemmas.

How do you encourage your children to eat their vegetables?

“Start them on baby food veggies and different ones. Graduate to fresh veggies and never stop serving it. My grandson eats veggies more than meat.” - Lisa Simon Wimberley

“My 20-month-old eats anything and everything. But the 5-year-old and husband need to be tricked. I make things like cauliflower Alfredo, or mix a ton of chopped or pureed veggies into meatballs - or maybe margherita pizza.” - Lisette Womack (more…)

May 16th 2014 Posted to Babies & Tots,Community Blog,Sugar Land Kids,Sugar Land Parenting |  Email This Post

Sugar Land, TX News (May 16, 2014) - The City of Sugar Land’s sixth annual Memorial Day Ceremony on May 26 at Sugar Land Memorial Park, 15300 University Blvd., will pay tribute to those who have shown bravery and honor while serving their country.

The event begins at 10:00 am with a one-hour patriotic musical presentation, onsite exhibits, and activity stations. A presentation of colors, pledge of allegiance, the singing of the National Anthem, and comments by U.S. Rep. Pete Olson will follow.

During the ceremony, the City will acknowledge names that were recently engraved inside the new Veteran’s Memorial at Sugar Land Memorial Park.

The memorial features an obelisk recognizing all branches of the military. On the interior walls are the names of Sugar Land veterans who have died in the line of duty. The etched names will serve as a lasting expression of gratitude from the City of Sugar Land and its community. Any future names will be added as part of the City’s annual Memorial Day ceremony.

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Sugar Land, TX News (May 15, 2014) - The City of Sugar Land and the Texas State Guard will hold a full-scale hurricane exercise May 30 through June 1.

Areas of focus will include mass sheltering, evacuation, and hazmat response. Exercise participants will work through scenarios that focus on the following objectives:

• Resource Coordination: determine strengths and weaknesses in the current plan governing on-scene command and control, emergency operations center operations, and coordination of response resources.
• Access Control: review plans for area perimeter control, staging and incident command post security.
• Sheltering and Housing of Pets: ensure the safety of people and animals.
• Hazmat Response: Identify and contain chemical release and ensure the safety of surrounding communities.

The Texas State Guard will provide the necessary manpower to create a realistic shelter operation at Wheeler Fieldhouse in Mercer Stadium, 16403 Lexington Boulevard. Partners supporting the exercise include Fort Bend ISD, City of Stafford Emergency Management, Fort Bend County Red Cross, and Brazos River Authority.

The exercise will result in a large presence of military personnel and equipment, as well as radio traffic simulating a disaster response.

The purpose of the exercise is to provide participants with an opportunity to evaluate current response concepts, plans, and capabilities. The exercise will focus on local emergency responder command and control coordination, critical decisions, notifications, and integration of state and federal assets necessary to save lives and protect public health and safety.

May 15th 2014 Posted to Community News,Sugar Land Texas News |  Email This Post

Sugar Land, TX (May 14, 2014) - Join Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital and the Sugar Land Skeeters for this year’s Pink in the Park, Pink Out game in support of breast cancer awareness. The second annual event will be held May 23.

Survivors are invited to register for the pregame ceremony, and the first 50 survivors to register will receive two Picnic Area tickets that include food and drinks. In addition, some 2,000 fans will be given a complimentary gift. During Pink in the Park, all registered breast cancer survivors in attendance will receive on-field recognition during a pre-game ceremony.

There will be no doubt that this event focuses on breast cancer as attendees wear pink and the Skeeters’ players wear pink jerseys. During the game, an auction of the Skeeters’ commemorative pink jerseys will take place with all proceeds benefiting the comprehensive Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Breast Care Center. Last year, $9,500 was raised to support the expansion of the center.

(more…)

May 14th 2014 Posted to Community News,Health News,Sports News,Sugar Land Texas News |  Email This Post

Sugar Land, TX News (May 12, 2014) - A local resident is back to mowing his lawn after undergoing two different heart surgeries on the same day— a practice made possible by minimally invasive coronary intervention.

Two Houston Methodist Sugar Land physicians, Yassir Sonbol, M.D., an interventional cardiologist, and Uttam Tripathy, M.D., a cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon, were the first in Fort Bend County to perform a same day hybrid coronary intervention, which is a combination of percutaneous intervention and minimally invasive heart surgery. This allows the patient to have two different heart surgeries on the same day, thereby minimizing the invasiveness of the procedure.

John Strong called his primary care physician, Tayma Shaya, M.D. after experiencing chest pain, a heavy feeling in his chest and trouble walking. He had no previous history of heart problems but did have an elevated blood pressure at times.

Yassir Sonbol, M.D.; John Strong and Uttam Tripathy, M.D.

(more…)

May 12th 2014 Posted to Business News,Community News,Health News,Sugar Land Texas News |  Email This Post

Sugar Land, TX News (May 9, 2014) - The Sugar Land Skeeters’ right-handed pitcher Tracy McGrady will make his professional debut for the club on Saturday, May 10 against the Atlantic League opponent Somerset Patriots, with first pitch scheduled for 6:05 p.m. CT. Fans are encouraged to tune in to ESPN3, ESPN’s digital platform and carrier of all 70 Sugar Land Skeeters home games this season.

Following the outing, McGrady will be made available to the media at Constellation Field. Media planning to attend are asked to RSVP with MJ Burns at [email protected].

Saturday’s start will mark McGrady’s first regular season appearance of 2014 and the first of his professional baseball career. The 6-foot-8 right-hander is scheduled to start and be kept to a limited pitch count. McGrady officially made the Skeeters Opening Day roster as a Spring Training invitee, tossing 1.0 inning and allowing three hits in his last outing against Alvin Community College in April.

(more…)

May 09th 2014 Posted to Community News,Sports News,Sugar Land Texas News |  Email This Post

Sugar Land, TX (May 7, 2014) - Ray Elementary principal Ben Perez is the District 4 TEPSAN of the Year for the Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association (TEPSA).

Members from the 20 TEPSA Districts across the state annually recognize colleagues for their outstanding service to the association. Honorees will be recognized at the TEPSA Awards Reception June 11, at the Austin Renaissance Hotel.

“These exceptional school leaders go above and beyond the call of duty to serve their students and colleagues,” said TEPSA Executive Director Harley Eckhart.

Perez, whose career in education spans 18 years, is currently serving as TEPSA District 4 President. He was the 2013 named Lamar CISD Elementary Principal of the Year. He is a graduate of Terry High School.

TEPSA has served Texas Pre-K - 8 school leaders since 1917. Member-owned and member-governed, TEPSA has more than 5,800 members who direct the activities of 3 million PreK-8 school children.

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

Sugar Land, TX News (May 6, 2014) - The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) recently released the names of the first group of winners in the 59th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. Seven Fort Bend ISD students are among the approximate 1,000 distinguished high school seniors who won corporate-sponsored National Merit awards financed by more than 200 corporations, company foundations, and other business organizations.

FBISD’s 2014 Corporate-Sponsored Merit Scholarship Winners are:

• Annie Chang, Clements High School – Chevron Corporation Scholarship
• Ashley Chen, Clements High School – Chevron Corporation Scholarship
• Michelle Lu, Austin High School – Fluor Scholarship
• Sarth Raj, Austin High School – BP Foundation, Inc. Scholarship
• Jenny Ren, Austin High School – Fluor Scholarship
• William Wang, Clements High School – Formosa Plastics Corporation, U.S.A. Scholarship
• Miranda Zhou, Clements High School – FMC Corporation Scholarship

(more…)

May 06th 2014 Posted to School News,Sugar Land Texas News |  Email This Post

Sugar Land, TX News (May 6, 2014) - Congratulations to St. Laurence Catholic School S.P.I.C. E. student, Jacob Martin, who was chosen to entertain the Sugar Land Skeeter’s Baseball fans during the seventh inning stretch at a recent ballgame to help celebrate, “Strike Out Autism Day” benefiting Hope 4 Three. Jacob gave a wonderful performance by singing “God Bless America” for the crowd of fans. Jacob is a 6^th grader enrolled in the “Special People In Catholic Education” (S.P.I.C.E.) program at St. Laurence Catholic school. The S.P.I.C.E. program is designed to support the education of children with special needs in our community.

May 06th 2014 Posted to Community News,School News,Sports News,Sugar Land Texas News |  Email This Post

Sugar Land, TX News (May 5, 2014) - Last week the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation released the “Houston’s Literacy Crisis: A Blueprint for Community Action.” The foundation’s plan to unite educators, government, and community programs - plus human and financial capital - in a mission of wiping out illiteracy is in line with the Literacy Council of Fort Bend County’s mission. The plan includes targeted strategies and recommended actions intended to mobilize the community toward increasing literacy rates of people of all ages across Houston.

The foundation’s plan to unite educators, government, and community programs - plus human and financial capital - in a mission of wiping out illiteracy is just the kind of comprehensive approach required. The Literacy Council Executive Director, Kelli Metzenthin, was proud to be a part of one of the task force that developed the Blueprint to eliminate the high illiteracy rate in Fort Bend County. “It is an honor for the Literacy Council of Fort Bend County to be included in this community plan. Houston is the first city in the nation to develop a plan to comprehensively combat illiteracy in our greater metropolitan community. Thank you to the Barbara Bush Houston Foundation for including Fort Bend County in the Blueprint.” To view the Blueprint visit bushhoustonliteracy.org.

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May 05th 2014 Posted to Business News,Community News,Sugar Land Texas News |  Email This Post

How Sugar Land parents can foster a love of reading in children.

Written by Tonya Ellis

Ask an average kid what they most like to do in their spare time, and few will say read. Books have taken a backseat to video games, television, social media, and other distractions.

By 2020, reading levels needed to get a well-paying job and participate fully in society will be higher than they’ve ever been, according to the National Council on Teachers of English Standards for the English Language Arts. That’s why it’s important that our children work on their reading skills today, say Fort Bend literacy experts.

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May 02nd 2014 Posted to Community Blog,Sugar Land Kids,Sugar Land Parenting |  Email This Post

Cub Scout Pack 1133 Collects Food for Needy
Cub Scout Pack 1133 participated in the Souper Bowl of Caring food drive to benefit Fort Bend families in need. This year, the boys collected 1,370 food items and donated them to the Bethel Ministry in Stafford.

Cub Scout Pack 1133 Collects Food for Needy

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May 02nd 2014 Posted to Community Blog,Sugar Land Kids,Sugar Land Parenting,Sugar Land Scene |  Email This Post

Sugar Land, TX News (May 2, 2014) - Fort Bend Junior Service League (FBJSL) has begun its membership drive for the 2014 – 2015 league year. Provisional membership is available to women ages 23 and older. Women interested in learning more about the league are encouraged to attend their informational meetings, June 19th and July 17th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at locations to be determined. Please check the FBJSL website, www.fbjsl.com, for updates.

Left to Right: Angela Parker; Mimi Zaybak, 2014 Director of Provisionals; Chasity Munn; Jen Rizzo; Kelly Gardner; and Katrina Sayes, 2014 President Elect.

Along with events such as Spring Fling and Sugar Plum Market, FBJSL members will have the opportunity to provide direct service to the following agencies: Child Advocates of Fort Bend, East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry, Fort Bend Rainbow Room, Fort Bend County Women’s Center, Fort Bend Seniors, Houston Museum of Natural Science-Sugar Land, Literacy Council of Fort Bend County, Lunches of Love, Parks Youth Ranch, and Fort Bend Teen Service League (FBTSL), a mentoring project of FBJSL.

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