Sugar Land, TX News (July 28, 2014) - On July 24^th, the nine YMCA youth outreach summer camp sites across Fort Bend County converged on Bates Allen Park (YMCA Camp Cloud) in Kendleton, TX for their annual “Campapalooza” field day and picnic. Almost three hundred fifty Fort Bend County youth participated in a variety of activities and competitions. Thanks to the assistance from six local supporters and donors that participated as celebrity judges for the day; the kids also competed in a talent show. “The event provides a great opportunity for all of the youth involved in our nine Fort Bend County programs to come together for food, fun, and fellowship,” stated Brian Haines, YMCA District Vice President.

The YMCA “Campapalooza” event was created in 2009 by YMCA volunteers and staff in an effort to broaden the life experiences of the youth in YMCA summer outreach programs and to instill a sense of pride for the community that they represent. During the one day event, participants represented their Y sites through a variety of individual and team competitions, as well as a talent show. The children also participated in canoeing and other outdoor activities that they learned at Y Camp Cloud during the summer. The day culminated with a barbecue lunch served up by YMCA volunteers and staff.

Y Talent Show Champs & Judges - (From Left to Right) – Back Row Celebrity Judges – Swatson, Mike Flory, John Willett, Monica Rusch, Marshall Whichard, and Mike Davis. Seated Front Rows – Winning Talent Show Youth from the YMCA’s Taylor Ray Outreach Site.

Each year, the highlight of the Y “Campapalooza” event is the talent show. During the talent show, each YMCA site presented their best talents through a variety of singing and dancing performances. Judges for the talent show were represented by local organizations and businesses that support YMCA programs throughout the year. The celebrity judges for the 2014 contest included Marshall Whichard, Y Camp Cloud Co-Chair; Mike Flory, Y Camp Cloud Co-Chair; Mike Davis, Fort Bend County Parks & Recreation Director; Monica Rusch, Houston Astros and Y Camping Services Board; Swatson, Sugar Land Skeeters Mascot; and John Willett, Y Camping Services Board. After scoring all of the tremendous talent, the judges awarded first place to a team from the YMCA’s Taylor Ray Elementary outreach site from Rosenberg, Texas.

July 29th 2014 Posted to Business News,Community News,Sugar Land Texas News |  Email This Post

Sugar Land, TX News (July 28, 2014) - Terry High School will hold its freshmen orientation “Fish Camp,” 9 am to noon, Aug. 13, starting in Graeber Auditorium.

Fish Camp is for incoming freshmen and any students new to Terry. Incoming Rangers will have an opportunity to meet with administrators, coaches, teachers, and counselors and see what clubs and organizations they’d like to join. The event is being coordinated by Terry’s Student Council. Parents are also welcome.

The Terry Ranger Reveille for sophomores, juniors, and seniors, 8 am to 11 am and 1 pm to 3 pm, Aug. 12 and Aug. 14. Students can pick up schedules, apply for parking permits, and visit with counselors.

Terry is located at 5500 Ave. N in Rosenberg. Call 832-223-3400 for more information on either event.

July 28th 2014 Posted to School News,Sugar Land Texas News |  Email This Post

Sugar Land, TX News (July 28, 2014) - Houston Methodist Primary Care Group is pleased to welcome family medicine specialist Dr. Jessen Rajan.

Dr. Rajan will share a practice with Dr. Adelola Ashaye in Missouri City, located at 5819 Highway 6, Suite 370. Dr. Rajan is board certified in family medicine, and her practice serves patients of all ages, with a special emphasis on preventive care.

Dr. Rajan

“I am thrilled to be a part of Houston Methodist Primary Care Group,” says Dr. Rajan. “The Fort Bend area is an exciting place to live and work, and I am looking forward to establishing long-term relationships with my patients in Missouri City and surrounding areas. I am especially pleased to be affiliated with Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital and to have access to the hospital’s leading technology and excellent staff.”

Dr. Rajan comes to Houston Methodist Primary Care Group from the Lone Star Family Health Center in Conroe. She earned her medical degree at Texas A&M Health Science Center in College Station and her undergraduate degree from University of St. Thomas in Houston.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Rajan, call her office at 281-276-0653 or schedule online at houstonmethodist.org/primarycare.

July 28th 2014 Posted to Business News,Health News,Sugar Land Texas News |  Email This Post

Sugar Land, TX News (July 28, 2014) - Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital gastroenterologist Madhukar Kaw, M.D., recently performed the hospital’s first endoscopic ultrasound procedure, an advanced technology that enables doctors to generate accurate, detailed images of lesions in the digestive tract that are not visible through routine endoscopy.

Endoscopic ultrasound combines traditional endoscopy – in which a small, lighted flexible tube with an attached ultrasound probe is inserted into the upper or lower digestive tract. The scope includes a tiny device that creates sound waves to generate additional close-up images of organs, enabling the physician to see detailed pictures both from the camera and via ultrasound. Endoscopic ultrasound is especially helpful in guiding the physician during the biopsy of organs and lymph nodes.

Dana G. Lewis, R.N., endoscopy charge nurse; Kenneth Isaac, endoscopy technician; Madhukar Kaw, M.D., gastroenterologist; Max Mejia, endoscopy technician; Roderick Carter, endoscopy technician.

Currently, Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital is the only facility in Fort Bend providing endoscopic ultrasounds.

“Images from a traditional endoscopic camera don’t always allow the physician to detect some early-stage cancers,” says Dr. Kaw. “And routine ultrasounds, because they travel through the body, are typically not helpful until there is a mass of some size. Now we can create both close-up camera and ultrasound images with one tool that enables us to clearly see lesions or abnormalities and to directly guide biopsies for further study. The endoscopic ultrasound has become an integral technology in identifying and staging gastrointestinal cancers including esophageal, stomach, rectum, pancreatic, and bile duct cancers.”

July 28th 2014 Posted to Business News,Health News,Sugar Land Texas News |  Email This Post

Sugar Land, TX News (July 28, 2014) - Sugar Land police are looking for two men who robbed an employee at Domino’s Pizza, 11920 Dairy Ashford Road, on July 21.

The 25-year-old employee said he walked outside at about 2:30 am to place an item in his vehicle as he was closing the restaurant. His vehicle was parked behind the restaurant. While standing near his vehicle, he was approached by two men, who displayed handguns and demanded money from the cash register.

The employee told the men that cash receipts had already been deposited at a bank, so the suspects took a small amount of money from the employee and ran away.

A female employee inside the restaurant witnessed the armed confrontation, locked the door, and called police.

There were no video surveillance cameras around the exterior of Domino’s; however, footage from a nearby business indicates the suspects may have left in a small, red, four-door passenger vehicle with black rims.

The suspects were described as black men wearing dark hoodies and black sweat pants. They were 5 feet 10 inches to 6 feet 1 inches tall and 24-28 years old. They both had thin builds, medium skin tones, and were clean shaven. One had a short military-style afro haircut.

Anyone with information should call the Sugar Land Police Department at 281-275-2540 or Fort Bend County Crime Stoppers at 281-342-TIPS (8477).

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

Sugar Land, TX News (July 24, 2014) - Missouri City residents now have convenient access to Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s leading emergency care capabilities.

The new state-of-the-art Houston Methodist Emergency Care Center opened July 15 in the heart of Missouri City, at 8200 Highway 6 between the Sienna Plantation and Riverstone communities. The center is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week to treat patients of all ages who are ill or injured.

Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital celebrated the new Emergency Care Center on July 10 with over 400 attendees. The 9,600-square-foot facility includes 10 private treatment rooms, full-service X-ray, CT, and ultrasound capabilities.

Maime Ballard, Physician Relations; Dr. Jessen Rajan, Houston Methodist Primary Care Group; Dr. Deepshikha Sharda, Houston Methodist Primary Care Group; Dr. Adelola Ashaye, Houston Methodist Primary Care Group.

Most importantly, Houston Methodist Emergency Care Center is staffed by board-certified emergency medicine physicians specializing in emergency care from pediatric to geriatric patients, working alongside specially trained nursing and ancillary staff with extensive experience in emergency care.

“The new Houston Methodist Emergency Care Center gives Missouri City residents a first-class ER right in their own neighborhood,” says Chris Siebenaler, CEO of Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. “Patients treated at the new center will have direct, expedited admission to Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital if needed, along with personal assistance from patient representatives in scheduling any necessary follow-up appointments. And the center accepts all insurance plans that are in-network with Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital including Medicare.” (more…)

July 24th 2014 Posted to Business News,Health News,Sugar Land Texas News |  Email This Post

Sugar Land, TX News (July 24, 2014) - City Manager Allen Bogard presented his proposed fiscal year 2015 budget to City Council on July 22. The City’s fiscal year begins Oct. 1 and ends on Sept. 30, 2015.

Based on the priorities and needs identified by City Council through planning workshops beginning in March, the proposed budget totals $324.15 million. Capital projects such as a performing arts center, voter-approved parks projects, and street/drainage improvements represent a large share of the proposed budget. Of the total, $166.32 million is for operations, $144.35 million is for capital projects, and $13.48 million is for economic development.

The increase to the City’s operating budget and general fund is 3.8 percent and 4.6 percent, respectively. The proposed budget includes funding for several high priority City Council initiatives.

The following priorities are addressed in the operating budget:

• Eleven new firefighter/paramedics, two public safety dispatchers, and equipment for implementation of a fire-based ambulance transport system beginning January 2015 are included. The effort is the result of a strategic project to meet improved Advanced Life Support delivery standards that were identified by Dr. Joe Anzaldua, Sugar Land’s medical director.
• Funds are included for implementation of a public safety compensation study that will keep the City’s public safety positions competitive in the local market.
• Two new code enforcement inspectors will allow a more proactive approach to neighborhood code enforcement.
• An additional customer service representative will assist with utility billing calls and payments. (more…)

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

Sugar Land, TX News (July 24, 2014) - The Texas Public Works Association (TPWA) selected the City of Sugar Land to receive a Sustainability Practices Award for achievements in solid waste and recycling.

The award recognizes individuals, teams, or organizations that have made outstanding contributions to promote sustainability in public works.

Sugar Land was recognized for an ongoing public education campaign to make residents aware of solid waste and recycling services intended to reduce waste sent to landfills.

Pictured (L-R) during a recent City Council recognition ceremony are Assistant Public Works Director Dawn Steph, Texas Public Works Association Southeast Branch President Andrea Brinkley, Mayor James Thompson, and Environmental Manager Gabe Reaume.

Sugar Land’s enhanced solid waste and recycling program was implemented several years ago with the goal to increase services and reduce the amount of solid waste sent to landfills. At that time, just 10 percent of waste was being diverted from landfills.

The enhanced solid waste and recycling program now includes automated collections of garbage and recycling, a bulky waste program, and increased recycling services such as a green waste recycling program.

The City designed an education and marketing campaign to ensure residents are aware of the program. The campaign included both traditional and modern advertising including videos, education events, news releases, mailers, etc. The City of Sugar Land has also made use of social media and developed an informative smart phone app to better educate residents.

Through the education campaign and a partnership with Republic Services, the City was able to provide the enhanced services at a savings to taxpayers of $800,000 annually and diverted more than 36 percent of solid waste from landfills in 2013.

To learn more about Sugar Land’s solid waste and recycling services, visit www.sugarlandtx.gov/solidwaste.

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

Sugar Land, TX News (July 23, 2014) - Fort Bend ISD has established Monday, July 28 and Tuesday, July 29 as walk-in registration days where parents may enroll students new to the District at any FBISD school. Schools will hold morning registration from 9:00 am until 12:00 pm, and afternoon registration will take place from 1:00 pm until 4:00 pm each day. Families who are unable to attend the walk-in registrations will need to make an appointment to register students on additional days.

Parents of all students new to FBISD begin the process by completing the New Student Online Registration Process. Parents may complete the process from their home computers or at a computer available on their student’s campus. A link is provided on the District’s website. To complete the process, parents will need an email address to successfully create an account.

To make an appointment to enroll their child, parents who have completed the online process should call the school in which their child will attend. No appointment is needed for the walk-in registration dates of July 28 and 29.

Current FBISD students who have moved to another home within the District and will be zoned to a different school in 2014-2015 are not required to complete the online registration. Parents of rezoned students should call their new campus to make an appointment.

To ensure that registration goes smoothly, families are asked to bring the following documents when enrolling their children in Fort Bend ISD:

• Birth Certificate or its equivalent (for students younger than age 12)
• Most recent report card or grade transcript
• Immunization Records
• Proof of Residence, including a deed, current lease, or mortgage agreement
• A recent utility bill (water, gas, electric)
• A student’s Social Security card or a state-assigned ID number
• A government issued photo ID (TX Driver’s License/ID Card) of the student’s parent or guardian, which provides their FBISD address

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

Sugar Land, TX News (July 23, 2014) - Fort Bend ISD has a policy to ensure that each homeless youth has access to the same free public education and related services as every other school-aged student who attends a school in FBISD.

FBISD’s Special Programs Department and campuses work together to improve the educational outcomes for homeless students by addressing areas of enrollment, transportation, academic, social, and psychological needs.

Amanda Hartley, Title I Coordinator in Special Programs, serves as the District’s Homeless Liaison. For information on services provided to our homeless youth, please contact her at 281-634-1355.

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

Sugar Land, TX News (July 22, 2014) - Known for its authentic, fresh food, fun and eclectic atmosphere, Austin-based Tex-Mex restaurant Chuy’s, plans to open its eighth Houston area location in Sugar Land in late August. To prepare for the local launch the restaurant is now hiring approximately 160 team members.

“We are thrilled to finally open in Sugar Land,” said Kamel Basma, local Owner/Operator of the new location. “Chuy’s has had more requests for a Sugar Land location over the past few years than any other city in the country.”

To support its fun and family-friendly atmosphere, Chuy’s will be hiring a variety of positions, including front-of-the-house hosts, servers, bussers and bartenders. The Sugar Land restaurant is also hiring kitchen staff and tortilla experts to help prepare its made-from-scratch dishes and signature sauces. Full-time and part-time positions are available.

“We are looking for a team of fun and energetic people who have good attitudes and are just as passionate as we are about serving authentic and fresh food,” said Basma.

Interested applicants can visit the hiring trailer Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., located in the restaurant parking lot at 320 Highway 6 in Sugar Land.

Chuy’s is currently finishing construction on the Sugar Land location. The restaurant is designed with the company’s philosophy: “If you’ve seen one Chuy’s, you’ve seen one Chuy’s.” Chuy’s Sugar Land will incorporate unique design elements, such as a “dog wall” featuring pictures of local canines, as well as Chuy’s décor staples: sculpted metal palm trees, hubcaps on the ceiling and a shrine to Elvis Presley. Chuy’s Happy Hour offers their Fully-Loaded Nacho Car with chips, salsa, queso and ground sirloin available for free weekdays from 4-7 p.m.

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

Sugar Land, TX News (July 21, 2014) - At its regular meeting on Monday, June 16, the Missouri City Council recognized the Muñiz family for assisting Missouri City Officer Benjamin Pahl after he was in a motorcycle accident outside their Sienna Plantation home. Officer Pahl presented the family with an additional plaque that recognized them for their heroic efforts to help the injured officer and other public safety and emergency personnel during and after the accident.

On February 19, Officer Pahl left the Missouri City Public Safety Headquarters after a meeting to head home on his motorcycle. After recently being selected to the City’s new motorcycle traffic unit, Officer Pahl had begun riding his motorcycle as often as possible, but that day he accidentally hit a curb while turning into his neighborhood. He was thrown off of the vehicle and hit a street sign.

“After getting past the initial shock of the accident, I was able to reach my cell phone and call 911. Right after I got a hold of the dispatcher, Juan and Synthia Muñiz, neighbors whom I have never met, came to my aid. Mr. Muñiz took my cell phone and spoke to the dispatcher, giving her the information they needed, all the while checking my injuries and summoning extra help,” Officer Pahl said. “Mr. Muñiz held my twisted leg stable, which I had been trying to do myself. Mrs. Muñiz spoke to me and tried to keep me busy. She contacted my wife and informed her of the accident and which hospital I would be going to.”

Image courtesy of Missouri City
Officer Ben Pahl, center, recognized the Muñiz family for coming to his assistance after he was in a motorcycle accident in front of their home.

The impact had caused an anterior dislocation of Officer Pahl’s left knee and a large laceration to the bone on his lower right leg. The high-impact trauma to his knee was both limb and life threatening. Despite needing emergency care quickly in order to save his left leg, Officer Pahl said that until the Muñiz family stepped in, he felt ignored by passing vehicles.

“I remember thinking to myself ‘why isn’t anyone here to help me?’ I’m not sure how long I was on the ground with no help, but it seemed like an eternity,” Officer Pahl said. “While lying on the ground, I heard many people drive past without stopping to help or come to my aid. Mr. and Mrs. Muñiz didn’t wait for someone else to help, they didn’t stop to take pictures or video, they just came to me. That’s all I needed at that moment.” (more…)

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

Sugar Land, TX News (July 21, 2014) - The Sugar Land Animal Shelter is extending reduced adoption fees of $20 for cats through Sept. 8. The fee includes vaccinations, spaying, and a microchip with a lifetime registration.

All cats and kittens include a sleepover option allowing potential families to try out a pet in their home for three to five days. If it’s a perfect match, just return to Animal Services to finalize the adoption.

The City also hosts adoption events at Petsmart, 16758 Southwest Freeway. Adoptable animals from the City’s animal shelter are displayed on a daily basis. Cats are housed at Petsmart seven days a week, and dogs stay at the store on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

For more information, contact Sugar Land Animal Services, 101 Gillingham Lane, at 281-275-A-DOG (2364).

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

Sugar Land, TX News (July 17, 2014) - Lamar CISD’s Common Threads program, the Texas Children’s Health Plan and Children’s Dentistry of Texas are sponsoring a back-to-school fair, located at Common Threads, 710 Houston St., Richmond.

The fair will be July 26, from 9 am to 1 pm.

There will be free school supplies for children, grades k-12. Every child must be accompanied by an adult.

Qualifying families can also pick up school clothing, or a voucher to obtain clothing at a future date. Talk to your child’s school nurse for qualification information.

Vaccinations and health screenings will also be provided, as well as nutrition, health, and safety information. Please bring a vaccination record if you plan to have your child vaccinated.

There will also be fun activities, including door prizes, face painting, popcorn, and music.

Clothing and school supplies will be provided to Lamar CISD students only.

July 17th 2014 Posted to School News,Sugar Land Texas News |  Email This Post

Sugar Land, TX News (July 17, 2014) - Fort Bend ISD recently launched a new website that contains several new features to help parents, students, and community members access District information in a quick and efficient way. With more than two and a half million visitors last year from approximately 150 countries, FBISD’s website is a vital communication tool for the District.

Some of the new features include:

• Global Icons, representing the most visited webpages, that appear on the top right corner of every page
• A Translate function to assist the District’s diverse population in receiving messages more clearly
• Dedicated Tabs for Community, Parents, Students, and Staff with organized information specific to their needs and interests
• Quick Links for popular webpages
• An Events section highlighting upcoming districtwide happenings
• Announcements and Headlines & Features sections with timely information
• A Search FBISD bar to assist users in locating information quickly

On each webpage, visitors will also find contact information for FBISD departments that will direct them to staff who can answer questions they may have.

As parents and students regularly visit their respective campus websites for information, they will notice periodic upgrades and redesign elements, most of which will occur during Phase Two of FBISD’s new website launch, coming soon.

For optimal user experience, modern browsers (such as Google Chrome, Safari, or Firefox) should be used when viewing the website. To visit the new FBISD website, go to www.fortbendisd.com.

July 17th 2014 Posted to School News,Sugar Land Texas News |  Email This Post

Sugar Land, TX News (July 17, 2014) - Attention Fort Bend County residents, there is a “rumble in the bumble!” Teams of three adults are buzzing around preparing for the 5th Annual Great Grown-Up Spelling Bee that will take place on Thursday, September 18, 2014 from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm at the University of Houston-Sugar Land.

Whether you lost your grade-school Spelling Bee and cannot wait any longer to redeem yourself, want to participate in a fun old-fashioned Bee to increase your knowledge, or want to show-off your superb spelling skills, the Bee is for you. For only a $500 team entry fee, a team of three spellers will win a place in our “Honey Hall of Fame” and the braggadocio rights as the “Best Grown-Up Spellers in the County.”

Feeling rusty on your spelling ability? Don’t worry. We will provide each team with a list of words to study prior to the Bee. Also, we are offering spell-agains, mulligans, and stingers for strategic teams to purchase to assist with any difficult words. Don’t “Bee” a “Humble Bee;” “Bee” a “Bumble Bee” and grab two of your co-workers, friends, or family members to join the fun as a team in our Bee.

Sponsorship and underwriting opportunities are available for this event, and they range in price from $5,000 to $75. In addition to regular sponsorships, we are offering smaller sponsorships, such as “Bee a Word Sponsor” for $200. At the $200 level, the sponsor will have a spelling word that is related to their business announced during the Bee as one of the spelling words. Bee a Word Sponsors will receive sponsor recognition on the website, at the event, admission and dinner for two. For $100, a sponsor can be a letter in our “A-Bee-C’s for Literacy” alphabet sponsorship opportunity. Two sponsor opportunities are available for each letter of the Alphabet. “A-Bee-C’s for Literacy” sponsors have the chance to claim the first letter of their business name, last name, children’s name, etc., and have that letter represent their business or their family. The “A-Bee-C’s for Literacy” will be displayed at the event, on the website; will receive admission and dinner for one. (more…)

July 17th 2014 Posted to Business News,Community News,Sugar Land Texas News |  Email This Post

Sugar Land, TX News (July 17, 2014) - The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) recently announced approximately 1,600 additional winners of 2014 National Merit Scholarships financed by colleges and universities, and among them are five Fort Bend ISD high school graduates.

FBISD’s 2014 Additional College-Sponsored Merit Scholarship Winners are:

• Alexander Aitken – Clements High School, National Merit University of Texas at Dallas Scholarship
• Michael LoPiccolo – Clements High School, National Merit University of Texas at Dallas Scholarship
• Tanner McKerlie – Clements High School, National Merit University of Nebraska – Lincoln Scholarship
• Alay Shah – Hightower High School, National Merit Baylor University Scholarship
• Olivia Wright – Austin High School, National Merit Texas A&M University Scholarship

These Merit Scholar designees join approximately 2,500 other college-sponsored award recipients who were announced in late May. Officials of each sponsor college selected their scholarship winners from among the finalists in the National Merit Scholarship Program who will attend their institution. College-sponsored awards provide between $500 and $2,000 annually for up to four years of undergraduate study at the institution financing the scholarship.

This year, 181 colleges and universities are sponsoring about 4,100 Merit Scholarship awards. Sponsor colleges include 106 private and 75 public institutions located in 44 states and the District of Columbia. This final group of winners brings the number of 2014 National Merit Scholars to more than 7,600. These distinguished high school graduates will receive scholarships for undergraduate study worth a total of approximately $33 million. In addition to college-sponsored awards, two other types of National Merit Scholarships were offered—2,500 National Merit® $2500 Scholarships, for which all finalists competed, and more than 1,000 corporate-sponsored Merit Scholarship awards for finalists who met criteria specified by their grantor organizations.

July 17th 2014 Posted to School News,Sugar Land Texas News |  Email This Post

Sugar Land, TX News (July 17, 2014) - Texas shoppers get a break from state and local sales taxes on August 8, 9, and 10 - the state’s annual tax holiday. As in previous years, the law exempts most clothing, footwear, school supplies, and backpacks priced under $100 from sales and use taxes. Given the few exemptions, families can take advantage of the Sales Tax Holiday and purchase back-to-school items for their children, with a possible savings of $8 for every $100 they spend.

For more information on the Sales Tax Holiday/Tax-Free Weekend and to view lists of qualifying sale items (that can be purchased online, by telephone or mail), visit window.state.tx.us/taxinfo/taxpubs/taxholiday/d/.

July 17th 2014 Posted to Business News,Community News,Sugar Land Texas News |  Email This Post

Sugar Land, TX News (July 17, 2014) - The Fort Bend ISD Board of Trustees recently approved four new school leaders. Joining the FBISD school leadership team are: Jennifer Kapral, associate principal at Lake Olympia Middle School; Theresa Bathe, assistant principal at Highlands Elementary School; Yvette Huerta Mendoza, assistant principal at Holley Elementary School; and Julie O’Hara, assistant principal at Ridgemont Elementary School.

Jennifer Kapral most recently served as a program director at Raise Your Hand Texas, a non-profit education advocacy organization that supports public education in Texas. Prior to that, she served as an assistant principal and coordinator/teacher at the International High School at Sharpstown in Houston ISD. Kapral received her Bachelor’s degree in Politics and Philosophy from the University of Pittsburgh and her Master’s in Education Leadership from the University of St. Thomas.

Theresa Bathe has devoted more than 30 years to education, having served as a first- and second-grade team leader, and a fifth-grade Special Education teacher at Meadows Elementary School. She has also worked as an envision Math curriculum reviewer for Scott Foresman Publishing Company. Bathe earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Sam Houston State University and her Masters of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Texas A&M University.

Yvette Huerta Mendoza most recently served as a fifth-grade dual language teacher at Taylor Ray Elementary School in Lamar Consolidated ISD. Prior to that, she served as a bilingual teacher at Rosa Parks Elementary School and also completed her student teaching at Burton Elementary School in Fort Bend ISD. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Bilingual Education and her Master’s degree in Administration and Supervision from the University of Houston.

Julie O’Hara brings a wealth of leadership experience to Fort Bend ISD, having worked as a summer school principal, fifth-grade math and science teacher, an At-Risk specialist/testing coordinator, and a math/science instructional specialist for Cypress Fairbanks ISD. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Integrated Science from Grand Valley State University and her Master’s degree in Education Management from the University of Houston.

July 17th 2014 Posted to School News,Sugar Land Texas News |  Email This Post

Local educators establish careers in their alma mater school districts

Written by Taylor McLaughlin | Photography by Sylvia Garza

Sugar Land, TX News - For Fort Bend ISD and Lamar CISD educators and school staff, a connection to their home district runs deep, and for those returning to their alma mater, the meaning of community and school pride resonates. These staff members love their schools both past and present and are eager to help build their students into the community’s strong leaders of tomorrow.

Lilian Mason
Head Dance Director
Stephen F. Austin High School
Class of 2008
It wasn’t that long ago when Lilian Mason graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School where she was a captain on the Austin Angels Dance Team. Her love for dancing began when she was 3 years old. She fondly remembers her senior year and their last performance alongside the band. “That final performance was absolutely incredible, and the feeling of dancing right next to my best friends is one that I will treasure for the rest of my life,” Mason shares. She briefly studied elementary education at the University of Texas, but quickly transferred to the University of Houston to pursue a degree in dance. While studying, Mason returned frequently to teach, choreograph, and hold clinics for the Angels.

Becoming the Director
In 2012, Mason followed in the footsteps of her most influential teachers, Betsy Heathcock and Kristina Tarman, replacing Heathcock after her retirement. It was no question that Mason would apply for the position once it opened. She explains that she “already loved everything about AHS - the faculty, the dance program, the traditions, and the students.” It was her first choice.

Now as the director, Mason collaborates creatively with other Fort Bend ISD dance directors. Although she loves to channel different aspects of the job, getting to know her students personally is what ultimately keeps her driven. “As their dance teacher, I get to know them in a more relaxed setting. They can talk to me about real life issues.”

“Every time the dance team takes the field now, I remind them that this opportunity is unique and special.” - Lilian Mason

Rhett Gray
Administrator for Truancy/Dropout Prevention
Lamar CISD
Class of 1978
For Rhett Gray the phrase “no place like home” is not just an old saying, but a daily reminder of why he chose to return to Lamar CISD after his 1978 graduation from Lamar Consolidated High School. Thirty plus years ago, Gray “saw a great opportunity to make a difference in young people’s lives.” He returned to the community that in his opinion “cares about one another and [provides] opportunities for all of us to be successful.” Although other offers came his way, none were as good of a fit as Lamar CISD. (more…)

July 16th 2014 Posted to Community Blog,Sugar Land Education,Sugar Land Inspirations |  Email This Post

Fort Bend Cares, a local charitable foundation, celebrates 10 years of service to disadvantaged youth

Written by Crystal Rawls

Sugar Land, TX News - The first Fort Bend Cares fundraiser almost didn’t happen. Threatening thunderclouds rolled in above the golf green that spring day in May 2005 and organization co-founders and fundraising novices Bob McLendon and Jim Rice considered canceling the event. But McLendon’s faith wouldn’t let the pair quit so easily.

“Bob and I held a brief discussion, and he said, ‘We need to step forward in faith and hold the golf tournament,’” says Rice. “The sky cleared up, and we held the golf tournament netting $15,000. We donated all of this money to the Boy Scouts.”

Local charities are recipients of Fort Bend Cares’ grants

An Act of Faith
In 2005, McLendon and Rice were simply two doting dads trying to do a little more to fund their sons’ Boy Scout troops. But after that first golf tournament, they realized their newly formed organization had the capacity to help so many more.

“As we continued our work, we realized there were many children who were not in Boy Scouts who also were in need in our community and decided that Fort Bend Cares’ mission needed to expand to fill this gap,” says Rice.

Filling the gap required rolling up their sleeves. Bob and his wife Gail spearheaded the organization’s growth, recruiting volunteers, planning fundraising events, and promoting the organization’s cause. Rice admits the early years were a difficult balancing act of raising a family, maintaining a full-time job, and growing a grassroots organization. But the late hours and time-consuming planning was well-worth the effort.

“[It] reminds me of the story of an older man walking along the beach,” muses Rice. “Presently, he came upon a young boy who was busy throwing [dying] starfish that had washed up on the beach…back into the ocean. The old man observed there were more starfish on the beach than the young boy could save and asked him, ‘Do you think you are making a difference by doing that?’ to which the young man replied as he threw a starfish into the ocean, ‘It made a difference to that one.’” (more…)

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

Miss Sugar Land 2014 brings healing and encouragement through Hands to H.E.A.R.T., utilizing art restoration therapy

Written by Gail G. Collins

Sugar Land, TX News - When Chyna Wheatley was crowned Miss Sugar Land 2014, she wore a luminous, asymmetrical, beaded gown with chandelier earrings and a winning smile. Winning doesn’t always come on the first try, though. Wheatley’s success was the culmination of experience and perseverance from entering six competitions prior. “It was exciting to win, and the previous pageants prepared me to compete,” Wheatley says. Winning Miss Sugar Land qualified her to vie for Miss Texas and Miss America.

Although pageant entrants are gorgeous, they are also well-rounded. They show off their fitness and their talent; they stun in gowns and stand on platforms. Wheatley’s talent is art, painting on stage, and creating images that reflect her faith in overcoming odds. This led to the creation of Heal and Encourage through Art Rehabilitation Therapy (H.E.A.R.T.) or Hands to H.E.A.R.T. Wheatley explains her aim: “Art has a greater purpose, and I am called to raise awareness for domestic violence.”

Wheatley’s art was self-taught, until winning acceptance to Mississippi School of the Arts. Her family is rife with athletes, but her grandmother, an avid gardener, taught 8-year-old Wheatley how to draw a flower blooming from a pot on an Etch-a-Sketch. The child practiced until she could do it perfectly. Then, she drew it on paper, painted it, and gifted it to her grandma. “That first picture is a metaphor for the grounding and growth required to sprout - no matter the circumstances,” Wheatley says. This same determination drives her art therapy program.

Miss Sugar Land Chyna Wheatley is using her passion for art and creativity to help others suffering
from domestic abuse through her
organization, Hands to H.E.A.R.T.

Performance Art
Wheatley moved to Sugar Land to be near family and attend the Art Institute of Houston. She graduates in December and is pursuing a degree in interior design. She wants to meld art and design to develop recovery shelters for those abused both mentally and physically.

While at the institute, Wheatley has played up her focus on domestic violence and art. Setting up an easel in the lobby, she invites people to place their painted hands on a blank canvas, which creates a natural exhibit. “These canvases have often become the background for other performance art,” Wheatley says. “In this way, so many people have participated in portraying this art and creating awareness.” (more…)

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

Former Texans linebacker shares his gameplan for a happy, healthy family

Written by Tonya Ellis | Photography by Sara Isola

Sugar Land, TX News - Billy Granville and his wife Gretchen of Sugar Land have always been sports enthusiasts. He played for the Cincinnati Bengals, and she ran the volleyball ministry for Athletes in Action, when they met after college. Little did they know that this interest in athletics would play a big role in how they’d run their family.

“Parenting, in a lot of ways, is like coaching,” explains Billy, who was the captain of his football team at Duke University. “If you coached each player exactly the same, your team wouldn’t be very successful. Each player is uniquely gifted, has specific strengths, weaknesses, and different ways they are motivated.”

Starting Lineup
Parents of six children ranging in age from 10 months to 14, the Granville’s days are action-packed to say the least. Life, 14, and Zoee, 13, attend Fort Bend Christian Academy, and Zion, 12, Macy, 10, and Maximus, 8, are students at Walker Station Elementary School. Champ, their 10-month-old, still stays home with mom.

“Each one of their personalities adds so much flavor to our family,” says Gretchen. “I cherish watching them interact with each other and encourage each other.”

Zion, Zoee, Gretchen, Billy, Life, Macy, Champ, and Max Granville work as a team to stay connected in their busy lives

Typical Days
The Granvilles take part in two sports or school activities each night of the week, with four activities on Tuesdays, so they generally have an early dinner. Afterwards, they have snacks, finish homework, bathe, lay out clothes, prepare lunches, and head to bed. The family, strongly rooted in their Christian faith, is also involved in their church. (more…)

July 16th 2014 Posted to Community Blog,Sugar Land Family Fun,Sugar Land Parenting |  Email This Post

Soak in the summer sun at some of Sugar Land’s delightful outdoor dining options

Written by Cherri Northcutt

Sugar Land, TX News - The lazy days of summer are upon us bringing a slower pace, a more casual attitude, and plenty of sunshine. It’s the perfect time to enjoy some great food and cool drinks with friends. What better way to do that than dining al fresco? Luckily, Sugar Land is home to a number of local eateries offering outdoor dining establishments where you can sample a variety of culinary delights.

The Livingstons take advantage of sunny summer afternoons and late sunsets, and enjoy al fresco dining

Bombay Pizza Co.
636 Hwy. 6, #100
281-242-1131 This local gem offers a unique fusion of Italian and Indian cuisine with pizzas you won’t find anywhere else. Owner Viral Patel says, “Summer is a great time to try the Gateway of India Pizza, with cilantro, mint chutney, tandoori chicken, and crab meat.” He recommends the Indian flatbread rolls. “It’s a party wrapped up in a piece of bread,” Patel says. Filling options include blackened chicken, veggie roll, sweet potato, or masala shrimp. The patio is a welcoming space for children and pets as well. Patel says, “We have a great view, and you can book the patio for parties.” (more…)

July 16th 2014 Posted to Community Blog,New to Sugar Land,Sugar Land Family Fun |  Email This Post

Sugar Land, TX News (July 16, 2014) - Season football tickets will go on sale for Fort Bend ISD’s 11 high schools in August. Tickets are valid for regular season games only (not post-season) and will be valid at Mercer or Hall Stadiums for all home and visitor games for that school. As before, the season ticket entitles you to your assigned seat at home games. When you are a visitor, the ticket will act as general admission to the game, with no assigned seating. After season ticket sales are over, the remaining chair back seats will be sold on a “first-come, first-served” basis. All tickets sold during the football season will be general admission tickets. Tickets sold at FBISD stadiums will cost $8.00 each. For the 2014 football season, parking will be free of charge.

• Online (credit or debit) purchases will be available through a link on our District website at www.fortbendisd.com on August 4. Please note that a convenience fee will be added to ticket purchase when processed online.

• Tickets will be sold (cash or check only) at the Wheeler Field House Box Office located in the FBISD Athletic Office (16403 Lexington Blvd., Sugar Land, 77479), from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

• On August 4-15, only season ticket holders from 2013 can purchase tickets for seats they held in 2013.

• On August 18-28, all remaining season tickets will go on sale to the general public on a “first-come, first-served” basis. Season ticket sales for all Fort Bend ISD high schools will end on August 28 when the first game kicks off the 2014 season. (more…)

July 16th 2014 Posted to School News,Sports News,Sugar Land Texas News |  Email This Post

Sugar Land, TX News (July 16, 2014) - The Ladybugs helped to spread joy to patrons in hospice, retirement, and general healthcare at the Richmond Healthcare Center recently in Fort Bend. The group provided fun games and prizes, sang songs, and brought each patron fresh baked pastries and chocolates, Mardi Gras beads, magazines, toiletries, new socks, and other items to help brighten their day. The Ladybugs, a social/civic group in existence since 2007, flutters to local area facilities to offer encouragement, motivation, and lots of hugs and warm smiles. They help the patrons to participate in various activities or entertainment that they provide, and let them know that they are being thought about.

Ladybugs in attendance at this particular event at the Richmond Healthcare Center included (l to r): Dr. Eugenia Blomstrom, Milly Jones, Dee Dee Blomstrom, Velvete Rojubokan, and Ladybugs founder/coordinator, Vicki Latham.

The Ladybugs are now in the process of collecting teddy bears to hand out to handicapped patrons at local area facilities at Christmas time. In order for this to be a success like last year, the group starts their collection in the summer. If you have new or gently used teddy bears that you would like to donate, please contact the ladybugs coordinator, Ms. Latham at [email protected], for information on where to drop off your teddy bear donations.

July 16th 2014 Posted to Community News,Sugar Land Texas News |  Email This Post

Sugar Land, TX News (July 14, 2014) - The Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers recently named Sugar Land’s citizen newsletter and website as the best in Texas.

Since its inception in 2002, the TAMI awards have served to recognize outstanding municipal government achievements in communications, marketing, and constituent relationships. The program also serves as an important forum for exchanging information and ideas among government professionals.

Judges credited Sugar Land Today and the City’s website as benchmarks for public education and citizen engagement.

Sugar Land Today is an informative newsletter that provides important news and an overview of the many services and programs the City provides its residents. The quarterly newsletter is mailed to all residents and businesses within the city limits, a distribution of approximately 34,000 addresses.

Articles cover important City issues such as flood control, hurricane preparedness, updates on city road projects, finances, major capital investment projects and updates, crime prevention initiatives, partnerships with other municipalities and government agencies, as well as upcoming events, public meetings, and parks and recreation activities. (more…)

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

• Briscoe Manor 5801 FM 723 Richmond, TX 281-238-4700
• George Ranch Historical Park 10215 FM 762 Richmond, TX 281-243-0218
• Heaven on Earth1612 Third St. Missouri City, TX 281-499-1840
• Hilton Garden Inn 722 Bonaventure Way Sugar Land, TX 281-491-7777
• Pecan Grove Country Club 3000 Plantation Dr. Richmond, TX 281-342-9940
• Riverbend Country Club 1214 Dulles Ave. Sugar Land, TX 281-269-2527
• Sugar Land Marriott Town Square 16090 City Walk Sugar Land, TX 281-275-8400
• Sweetwater Country Club 4400 Palm Royale Blvd. Sugar Land, TX 281-980-4100

July 14th 2014 Posted to Wedding Venues & Receptions,Weddings & Events |  Email This Post

• Bluesky Moonwalks 2710 Scarlet Sunset Ct. Sugar Land, TX 281-749-5405
• Fort Bend County Concessions 2822 Plantation Wood Ln. Missouri City 855-509-1816
• The Houston Photo Booth Sugar Land, TX 281-881-8185
• Linens By Lisa 210 Brooks St. Sugar Land, TX 281-498-0021
• Moonwalks Houston 1303 Summer Terrace Dr. Sugar Land, TX 281-818-9150
• Sugar Land Party Rentals 5826 New Territory Blvd., #611 Sugar Land, TX 281-546-6532
• Total Entertainment Houston 5810 River Crossing Sugar Land, TX 281-232-4826

July 14th 2014 Posted to Birthday Party Places,Party Rentals & Services,Party Rentals & Services,Weddings & Events |  Email This Post

• Al’s Formal Wear 15511 S.W. Fwy. Sugar Land, TX 281-565-1500
• May Bridal & Formal Wear 16535 S.W. Fwy. Sugar Land, TX 281-240-2227
• Men’s Wearhouse 2621 Town Center Blvd. Sugar Land, TX 281-565-0053
• Tux Mobile 9119 Hwy. 6, #230 Missouri City, TX 832-232-3605

July 14th 2014 Posted to Formal Wear & Tuxedos,Weddings & Events |  Email This Post

• David’s Bridal 2745 Town Center Blvd. Sugar Land, TX 281-313-6700
• La Rêve Bridal Couture 15989 City Walk Sugar Land, TX 281-201-8145
• May Bridal & Formal Wear 16535 S.W. Fwy. Sugar Land, TX 281-240-2227
• Wardrobe the Boutique 16069 City Walk Sugar Land, TX 281-265-0161

July 14th 2014 Posted to Bridal Gowns & Apparel,Weddings & Events |  Email This Post

• Bouquet Florist 3550 Hwy. 6 S. Sugar Land, TX 281-565-8080
• House of Blooms 16180 City Walk Sugar Land, TX 281-242-1555
• Terra Flora 2114 B.F. Terry Blvd. Rosenberg, TX 281-342-5551

July 14th 2014 Posted to Florists,Weddings & Events |  Email This Post

• David’s Bridal 2745 Town Center Blvd. Sugar Land, TX 281-313-6700

July 14th 2014 Posted to Event Consultants & Planners,Weddings & Events |  Email This Post

• All About Cakes 13134 S. Dairy Ashford Rd. Sugar Land, TX 832-532-7034
• Cake Craft Shoppe 3554 Hwy. 6 Sugar Land, TX 281-491-3920
• Gigi’s Cupcakes 15850 S.W. Fwy., #100 Sugar Land, TX 281-565-6108
• Julie’s Cakes 3424 FM 1092 Missouri City, TX 281-261-8229
• Tea Cake Factory 2735 Town Center Blvd. Sugar Land, TX 281-565-0966

July 14th 2014 Posted to Bakeries,Weddings & Events |  Email This Post

Sugar Land, TX News (July 10, 2014) - Fort Bend ISD trustee Jim Rice has earned the designation of Master Trustee upon completion of Leadership TASB, a program sponsored by the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB). During the fifth session, June 26-28, school board members in the 2013-14 Leadership TASB class made presentations of their team’s findings following year-long research. Class participants selected topics related to public school boards facing change and selected narrowed research fields for in-depth study. Their research focused on topics that included strategies to deal with school choice, creating advocacy programs that work, meeting the educational needs of all children, loss of local control, and embracing changing culture.

FBISD Board member Jim Rice, right, receives his Master Trustee recognition from Robert Duron, TASB Assistant Director for Governance Services, after completing the year-long Leadership TASB program.

The Leadership TASB class met in conjunction with TASB’s Summer Leadership Institute in Fort Worth. More than 1,000 new and veteran school leaders received extensive training on every facet of effective board governance, heard keynote addresses from renowned education experts, and picked up valuable ideas from district showcases and networking opportunities.

After the graduation ceremony June 27, participants joined the ranks of more than 700 school board members statewide who are Leadership TASB alumni.

The 2014 Leadership TASB class, composed of 31 school board members, represents Texas school districts of all sizes and property wealth. Participants who completed all required elements of the study program earned Master Trustee status, the highest designation recognized by TASB.

TASB is a voluntary, nonprofit association established in 1949 to serve local Texas school districts. School board members are the largest group of publicly elected officials in the state. The districts they represent serve more than 4.9 million public school students.

July 10th 2014 Posted to School News,Sugar Land Texas News |  Email This Post

Sugar Land, TX News (July 10, 2014) - Are you looking for a fun way to get involved with your community? Then we are looking for you to “Come on Board.”

The Fort Bend Junior Service League Sustainers will host their “Come on Board” 2014 Membership Coffee for prospective members on Tuesday, August 12, 2014 from 10:00 to 11:30 am at the home of Judy Maddison. Fort Bend ladies who are of the prime age of fifty and older are invited to come and join this great group of ladies.

If you are interested in becoming part of the Fort Bend Junior Service League through Sustainer Membership, then come and learn how meaningful it is to be part of the League and how you can help the Fort Bend community. Don’t worry if you can’t commit to set hours of volunteering, there will be something you can get involved in; whether it is volunteering at the Sugar Plum Market or Spring Fling; helping with raffle prizes, auction items, etc., or helping out at one of the League’s core non-profit organizations. For more information, please contact Mary Favre, Sustainer President, at [email protected].

July 10th 2014 Posted to Community News,Sugar Land Texas News |  Email This Post

Sugar Land, TX News (July 9, 2014) - Are you interested in making a difference in the lives of children? July 28 to August 1 from 9:00 am until 4 pm daily, Child Advocates of Fort Bend is offering a week-long training class to train volunteers to advocate for abused and neglected children. This is your last opportunity this year to complete the volunteer training class in a single week.

Child Advocates of Fort Bend is a non-profit agency dedicated to providing a voice for abused and neglected children in Fort Bend County. With an army of volunteers, Child Advocates of Fort Bend currently serves more than 400 children each month through its Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Program and Children’s Advocacy Center.

Volunteers must be over 21 years of age, complete an application and interview, and submit to background screening. For more information or an application, please contact Volunteer Services at 281-344-5146 or [email protected].

July 09th 2014 Posted to Business News,Community News,Sugar Land Texas News |  Email This Post

Sugar Land, TX News (July 8, 2014) - After a months-long search, Missouri City Council members announced at their July 7 regular meeting that former Assistant Chief of Operations Mike Berezin would be sworn in as the City’s new Chief of Police on July 9 at the Public Safety Headquarters.

“Having been with the City for more than 25 years, I consider it an honor to work with my fellow Missouri City employees,” Chief Berezin said. “Council, for as long as I can remember, has always been supportive of my department, and I’m grateful to serve the City as Police Chief.”

Chief Berezin has been serving as the City’s Interim Police Chief since former Chief Joel Fitzgerald left to serve as the head of the Allentown, Pa., Police Department, in January of this year. Well-known for his leadership and exemplary service, Chief Berezin was promoted to his assistant chief position in 2011 and was in command of the Patrol and Criminal Investigation Divisions.

Image courtesy of Missouri City
City Council salutes Police Chief Mike Berezin at their July 7 meeting. Members from left: Chris Preston (At Large Position #2), Jerry Wyatt (At Large Position #1), Floyd Emery (District D), Chief Berezin, Yolanda Ford (District A), Mayor Pro Tem Robin Elackatt (District C), Don Smith (District B), and Mayor Allen Owen.

Throughout his tenure with the City, Chief Berezin has endeared himself to the countless citizens he has met while serving to protect the community. He quickly rose the ranks of the Missouri City Police Department, building his way up every rank in the department and climbing “every rung on the ladder,” as he puts it. Under previous leadership, he has helped the City become ranked one of the top 20 safest cities in Texas by Safe Wise, a company that specializes in security systems; and he helped facilitate the department’s participation in the City’s homeowners’ association outreach program.

Thanking Council for the opportunity to lead Missouri City’s finest, Chief Berezin said: “You’ve always been there to give the department positive critiques regarding enforcement.” (more…)

July 08th 2014 Posted to Community News,Sugar Land Texas News |  Email This Post

Sugar Land, TX News (July 7, 2014) - It’s finally July, and that means one thing…Parks and Recreation Month is here. The City of Sugar Land’s Parks and Recreation Department invites everyone to meet the staff during its first Eat and Greet. The event will take place at the Parks and Recreation campus on July 26 from 11 am to 3 pm.

Participants may obtain information about classes, programs and services, parks, hike and bike trails, upcoming events, and much more.

Food will be available for purchase, and free activity booths and games for kids will be available throughout this event.

Instructors will be available to answer questions and provide demonstrations about classes offered by the Parks and Recreation Department. Tours of both the Imperial Park Recreation Center and the T.E. Harman Center will be ongoing throughout the event.

The Imperial Park Recreation Center is located at 234 Matlage Way next to Imperial Park and the T.E. Harman Center.

For more event information, contact the Imperial Park Recreation Center at 281-275-2885.

July 07th 2014 Posted to Community News,Sugar Land Texas News |  Email This Post

Sugar Land, TX News (July 7, 2014) - Want to discover firsthand what it takes to be a police officer, get to know beat officers, and learn more about criminal investigation? Find out by signing up for the Sugar Land Police Department’s Citizens Police Academy and learn about traffic laws, crime scene investigations, and how to respond during an active shooter situation.

The 10-week course begins Sept. 11 and runs through Nov. 20. Students meet once a week at the police department, 1200 State Highway 6 South, from 7 - 10 pm. The curriculum includes weekend courses that include mock building searches and simulated traffic stops.

While learning about the challenges faced by police officers, laws affecting citizens, the judicial system, and emergency management, participants personally interact with officers, detectives, and other personnel in a nontraditional law enforcement setting.

The training program consists of classroom and “hands-on” instruction designed to provide interested Sugar Land citizens with a working knowledge of the SLPD, its personnel, and emergency management operations.

Topics taught during the academy include the following:

• USE OF FORCE / WEAPONS/ SWAT: Students are given instruction concerning the legal use of weapons. Students view various types of weapons used by police officers and learn common language and phrases used by police.
• CITIZENS’ RESPONSE TO ACTIVE SHOOTER EVENTS (CRASE): Learn what to do during an active-shooter situation, how to survive, how to get away, and how to save others. (more…)

July 07th 2014 Posted to Community News,Sugar Land Texas News |  Email This Post

Sugar Land, TX News (July 2, 2014) - The City of Sugar Land and the Sugar Land Development Corporation have approved an incentive package to support major new plans by Nalco Champion, an Ecolab company, to consolidate its Houston-area offices and centralize its headquarters in Sugar Land, a move that brings in more than $45 million in investments and over 860 new jobs.

Nalco Champion will build a new approximately 133,500-square-foot facility with 1,000 parking spaces. Existing buildings will be reconfigured to maximize office space, accommodate supply chain needs, and create additional space for the expansion of the company’s research and development (R&D) facilities. The new building and parking lot will be located partially on the 18.5 acres Nalco Champion purchased from Johnson Development in 2013. Construction is expected to be completed by early 2016.

Additionally, Nalco Champion will make substantial rail spur improvements to assist City of Sugar Land efforts to gain Union Pacific Railroad approval for the extension of University Boulevard north of U.S. Highway 90A.

The company decided to centralize its headquarters in Sugar Land after a comprehensive evaluation of other regional opportunities.

“Nalco Champion is proud of its long history in Sugar Land and all that the city offers,” said Steve Taylor, EVP and president, Nalco Champion. “We very much look forward to making Sugar Land our home for Nalco Champion and are ecstatic to have the opportunity to welcome so many new employees to this incredible community.” (more…)

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

Sugar Land, TX News (July 2, 2014) - On Monday, June 16, Missouri City’s new five-person motorcycle unit officially began patrolling City streets and neighborhoods. Created as a way to stealthily target traffic violators, the new motorcycle unit allows the City’s dedicated patrol vehicles to concentrate on watching City subdivisions and businesses.

Members of the Missouri City Police Department have identified areas within the City where frequent traffic violations occur; members of the motorcycle unit will be used not only as a way for the City to curb rising traffic violations and accidents but also as an educational outreach program.

“The newly formed motorcycle unit offers another opportunity for us to be responsive to the concerns of our community, specifically concerns regarding the safety of our roadways,” Interim Chief of Police Mike Berezin said.

Image courtesy of Missouri City

The five-person unit is made up of Sergeant Tracy Cox, Officer Michael Bukowski, Officer Robert Lawson, Officer Ben Lampe, and Officer Brian Norwood, each of whom have gone through Accident Investigation and Reconstruction School and Victory motorcycle training in Tucson, AZ.

“This unit fills a definite need within the City. Between 2012 and 2013, we saw a 50 percent increase in traffic accident,” Assistant Police Chief Keith Jemison said. “These four officers and one sergeant will be located in various Missouri City neighborhoods and communities, which is where we actually receive most of our calls and complaints regarding traffic.” (more…)

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

Sugar Land, TX News (July 2, 2014) - Sugar Land City Council approved a $225,000 contract with Jerdon Enterprise, L.P. for improvements identified in the Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan.

Projects to be constructed this year include:

• buffered bike lanes on Grants Lakes Boulevard, Bayview Drive, and Sugar Lakes Boulevard;
• shared bike lanes on Alston Road; and
• side paths along University Boulevard that connect existing bike lanes to Telfair Avenue.

City Council approved the Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan last year after a recommendation from an 11-member citizen task force. The recommendation was based on significant public input from a variety of activities, including:

• an online survey that resulted in more than 375 responses;
• an online mapping activity that resulted in more than 1,000 comments;
• nine stakeholder meetings;
• a public meeting with more than 50 attendees; and
• an Online Town Hall.

The plan identifies a future network that includes 24 miles of bike lanes, an additional 18 miles of on-street shared lanes for bicycles, and 128 miles of pedestrian and bike paths

The network of pedestrian and bicycle routes will focus on connecting key destinations such as schools and commercial areas. In addition, the plan identifies areas for improved crossings at major barriers such as U.S. Highway 59, State Highway 6, U.S. Highway 90A, the railroad, and the Brazos River.

For more information about Sugar Land’s Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan, visit www.sugarlandtx.gov/pedbike.

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

Sugar Land, TX News (July 1, 2014) - With Independence Day just around the corner, the Emergency Department at CHI St. Luke’s Health – The Vintage Hospital urges everyone to practice safe and responsible use of fireworks. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), approximately 8,700 firework-related injuries were treated in emergency departments in 2012.

“Fireworks create a great risk for injury,” says Dr. Darrell Calderon, Section Chief, Emergency Department at CHI St. Luke’s Health – The Vintage Hospital. “Most injuries include burns on fingers, hands and legs, and eye and face injuries.”

The CPSC suggests the following safety steps:

• Make sure the fireworks you want to buy are legal in your area before buying or using them.
• Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks, including sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees, which is hot enough to melt some metals. Always have an adult closely supervise fireworks activities if older children are allowed to handle devices.
• Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks. Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap. After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding the device to prevent a trash fire.
• Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly. Never try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Soak them with water and throw them away.

“It is important for us to keep our community out of our Emergency Room,” said Dr. Calderon. “Our hope is that everyone has a safe and happy Fourth of July without any incidents,” he concluded.

July 01st 2014 Posted to Community News,Sugar Land Texas News |  Email This Post

Sugar Land, TX News (July 1, 2014) - Looking for a new volunteer opportunity? The Literacy Council of Fort Bend County needs you. Do you love planning and organizing? They are looking for new faces and fresh ideas for future events. Or is your passion helping others directly? You might be a great fit for the Tutor Training Program. Join the team for happy hour at Fabulous You Boutique in Sugar Land on July 17^th at 6 pm for wine and cheese, shopping, and to find out more about the different ways you can be involved. For more information and to be placed on the guest list, contact Cari Middaugh at 281-240-8181 or [email protected].

July 01st 2014 Posted to Business News,Sugar Land Texas News |  Email This Post