Sugar Land News - October 2011 Archives
FBISD Board of Trustees honor Administrators at Top Rated Schools
Fort Bend ISD held its annual Celebrate Success awards reception and presentation to honor top school administrators at 45 campuses that earned Exemplary or Recognized ratings for 2011 by the Texas Education Agency. The event presented the FBISD Board of Trustees and Superintendent with an opportunity to meet face-to-face with administrators and honor them for their leadership and efforts in improving student achievement.
Dr. Timothy Jenney, Superintendent, welcomed guests and introduced the Board of Trustees. Board Members include Susan Hohnbaum, President; Marilyn Glover, Vice President; Jim Rice, Secretary; Bruce Albright, Sonal Bhuchar, Cynthia L. Gary, and Dr. Patsy Taylor.
Susan Hohnbaum, Board President, commended administrators for all they’ve done to keep the momentum going on the District’s journey to success. She also spoke of the pride and appreciation the Board has for administrators and their staff members who have kept their focus on the classroom. Hohnbaum then joined her fellow Board Members in presenting Exemplary and Recognized plaques to representatives of each of the 45 campuses.
Honored for earning Exemplary status were: Austin Parkway Elementary School, Brazos Bend Elementary School, Colony Meadows Elementary School, Commonwealth Elementary School, Cornerstone Elementary School, Drabek Elementary School, Jordan Elementary School, Meadows Elementary School, Mission Glen Elementary School, Oakland Elementary School, Pecan Grove Elementary School, Quail Valley Elementary School, Scanlan Oaks Elementary School, Settlers Way Elementary School, Sienna Crossing Elementary School, Walker Station Elementary School, Fort Settlement Middle School, Sartartia Middle School and Clements High School.
Schools honored for earning Recognized status were: Barrington Place Elementary School, Blue Ridge Elementary School, Briargate Elementary School, Burton Elementary School, Colony Bend Elementary School, Dulles Elementary School, Fleming Elementary School, Glover Elementary School, Goodman Elementary School, Highlands Elementary School, Lakeview Elementary School, Lexington Creek Elementary School, Mission Bend Elementary School, Oyster Creek Elementary School, Palmer Elementary School, Schiff Elementary School, Seguin Elementary School, Sugar Mill Elementary School, Crockett Middle School, First Colony Middle School, Garcia Middle School, Quail Valley Middle School, Austin High School, Dulles High School, Elkins High School, and Kempner High School. Please mention you found this on www.SugarLandMagazine.com.
CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS AT NEW UNIVERSITY BRANCH LIBRARY SET TO BEGIN NOVEMBER 14
Fort Bend Texas News
Posted October 20, 2011
Fort Bend County Libraries’ new University Branch Library, 14010 University Blvd in Sugar Land, will present a variety of free children’s programs — Mother Goose Time, Toddler Time, Story Time, Pajama Night Story Time, and After-School Breaks — every month, starting the week of November 14-18. These programs are free and open to the public.
Mother Goose Time, which takes place on Wednesdays at 10:30 am, provides caregiver/infant activities and songs especially designed for the youngest book-lovers, from age 1 month to 12 months.
The November schedule of Mother Goose Time activities is as follows:
November 16 – ABCs
November 23 – Family
November 30 – Teddy Bears
Toddler Time — Tuesdays at 10:30 am — offers caregiver/child activities, stories and songs for older babies, from 12 to 36 months of age.
The November schedule of Toddler Time activities is as follows:
November 15 – Let’s Go to the Jungle!
November 22 – Shapes
November 29 – Things That Go!Pre-school children, 3 to 6 years of age, will enjoy Story Time, where they hear stories, watch movies, and participate in age-appropriate craft activities, beginning at 10:30 am each Thursday. The November schedule is as follows:
November 17 – Let’s Go to the Jungle
November 24 – LIBRARY CLOSED
Pajama Night Story Time — which takes place on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays at 7:00 pm — gives families an evening option for some activities presented during the day time. The November schedule is as follows:
November 15 – Monster Friends
The After-School Break — crafts, movies, stories, and more for school-aged children in grades 1 through 5 — takes place on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays, beginning at 4:00 pm. The November schedule is as follows:
November 23 – Let It Fly!
The Tween Programs, which are designed for youth in grades 6-8, take place on the 2nd Monday, beginning at 5:30 pm. The November 14 program will be “Get Your Game On!”
For more information, call the library’s Public Information Office at 281-341-2677. Please mention you found this on www.SugarLandMagazine.com.
ALIANA RECIEVES THREE AWARDS AT GHBA’S ANNUAL AWARDS SHOW
Fort Bend Texas News
Posted October 20, 2011
Developer recognized by Greater Houston Builders Association
for Best Marketing Campaign of the Year
Fort Bend County, Texas, Oct. 20, 2011 – On September 24, 2011, Aliana Development Company (ADC) took home several awards received at the Greater Houston Builders Association’s annual Houston’s Best Awards Show, which celebrates the accomplishments and achievements of Houston-area builders, remodelers, developers and individuals. During the black tie event, held at the InterContinetal Hotel, ADC was honored for several marketing initiatives it implemented in the past year.
In the “Developer” category, Aliana took home prestigious awards for “Billboard of the Year,” “Marketing Campaign of the Year,” and for “Print Ad of the Year.”
“The past 12 months have marked the most momentous year for Aliana since it opened in 2008,” said Linda Kilgore, Marketing Director for ADC. “We greatly appreciate that GHBA has recognized our accomplishments in positioning Aliana through strategic marketing efforts as one of the premier master-planned communities in Fort Bend County.”
As the Martini Sponsor of the event, Aliana treated guests to a specially-made pomegranate martini, which was chilled by serving it through a magnificent ice sculpture replicating the community’s new logo.
A panel of judges from outside the Houston market performed onsite judging for each of the entries. More than 100 awards were presented in the categories of People, Custom Builders, Custom Rooms, Volume Builders, Remodeler, Green Building, Developer, Promotion and Grand Awards.
Last month, ADC also won two coveted Star Awards given by the Texas Association of Builders. ADC won in the Developer category for “Best Website” and for “Best E-mail Message.” Please mention you found this on www.SugarLandMagazine.com.
Lamar CISD Students are Commended for their Performance on the PSAT
Fort Bend Texas News
Posted October 20, 2011
Seven Lamar CISD students are among only 34,000 Commended Scholars in the nation based on scores on the PSAT.
Lamar Consolidated High’s Sarah Qureshy, Cara Riffe and Alexandra Thom, and Foster High’s Danielle Bruno, Neil Byers, Elizabeth Kellogg and Reed Mickelson are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. Please mention you found this on www.SugarLandMagazine.com.
Eight Lamar CISD Students Honored in National Hispanic Recognition Program
Fort Bend Texas News
Posted October 20, 2011
Students at Terry, Foster and Lamar Consolidated high schools are among only 5,000 students identified in this year’s National Hispanic Recognition Program (NHRP).
Terry’s Samantha Chapa, Kristina Klock and Jose Salazar are part of the Recognition Program, while Pedro Cervantes received an Honorable Mention designation in the NHRP.
Foster’s Danielle Bruno is part of the Recognition Program and Juan Balderas received Honorable Mention. Lamar’s Olivia Garcia and Joyce Ozuna also are part of the NHRP.
The NHRP does not provide a financial reward, but being named is an important academic recognition. The program sends a list of all recognized students to subscribing colleges and universities that are interested in recruiting academically outstanding seniors of Hispanic/Latino heritage. Please mention you found this on www.SugarLandMagazine.com.
Elkins Football Players Plant Seeds for a Brighter Future
Fort Bend Texas News
Posted October 20, 2011
Members of the Elkins High School “Knights” Football Team recently joined students from other student organizations in completing a community service project, sponsored by Youth Achieving through Service and Sports, Inc. and the Houston Parks and Recreation Department. Elkins Knights, Jawuan Rogers, Geramy Morrissette, Dajon Griffin and Zack Bamijoko helped plant seeds along the West Oren Esplanades in Southwest Houston during their bye-week of the football season.
“The Elkins football players were pleasant and greatly appreciated by all,” said Dave DeMaster of the Houston Parks and Recreation Department. “They also worked diligently throughout the entire process.”
The team members plan to revisit the area on occasion to see the results of their efforts to help beautify the neighboring community. The seeds should blossom sometime in the spring. Shown (from left to right) are: Jawuan Rogers, Geramy Morrissette, Coach Sanford Mouton of Youth Achieving through Service and Sports, Inc., Dajon Griffin, and Zack Bamijoko. Please mention you found this on www.SugarLandMagazine.com.
Burton Elementary School “Goes Pink and Lavender” in October
Fort Bend Texas News
Posted October 19, 2011
This year, Burton Elementary School’s faculty and staff recognized October as “Cancer Awareness” month. In their efforts to “Wite-Out” cancer, the employees took part in various activities including, designing pink and lavender ribbons for everyone to wear. The color pink represents breast cancer awareness and the color lavender, hope and awareness for all forms of cancer. Burton hosted “Pink Fridays” each week in October when employees wear pink clothing or accessories. The school also held a Cancer Awareness Breakfast in memory and celebration of individuals who have been impacted by the disease. A favorite activity among staff has been the “Cross Your T’s and Dot Your I’s For Cancer” interactive cross word puzzle, which challenges them on their knowledge and awareness of cancer. Please mention you found this on www.SugarLandMagazine.com.
Missouri City Welcomes Paige Day Aboard As New Fire & Rescue Service Assistant Chief
Fort Bend Texas News
Posted October 19, 2011
Missouri City Fire & Rescue Service is adding extensive leadership, government and emergency management experience to the department with the addition of Assistant Chief Paige Day.
In her new role, Day is in charge of operations and training, and is the direct supervisor for the Battalion Chiefs. She began her career as a firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician in 1998 with the Golder Ranch Fire District in Tucson, Arizona. Her exemplary performance led to numerous promotions: paramedic in 2001, Lieutenant in 2003, Captain in 2005 and Community Service Director and Public Information Officer in 2006.
In 2007, Day accepted a position with the federal government as a Hazard Mitigation Specialist and worked closely with an American Indian tribal nation in Arizona. Before joining Missouri City, Day served as Fire Battalion Chief with the fire department for Raytheon Company in Tucson; a position she had held since 2008. Day has a Master’s Degree in Fire Service Administration from Grand Canyon University and is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in education and leadership studies there. She and her husband, Mark, have two sons and a daughter.
Fire Chief Russell Sander introduced Paige to City Council Members at their Oct. 17 meeting. He said she “will fit well into our organization. She brings considerable knowledge and experience to the department that adds value and will help us reach our established goals as well as reach new goals to provide the best service for our residents.”
Recently, Day spent time visiting with residents during the October National Night Out block parties across the City. She was enthusiastic about the response firefighters received from residents.
“I was overwhelmed with the level of community support I experienced during my participation in the annual block parties,” she said. “It was wonderful that the Fire and Rescue Service was so warmly welcomed at the events, and I am excited to continue my career here.” Please mention you found this on www.SugarLandMagazine.com.
Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH Announces Relocation to the Market at Town Center
Fort Bend Texas News
Posted October 19, 2011
Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH announced today a new store will be opening at The Market at Town Center in Sugar Land, Texas on October 20, 2011. The new store will replace the previous location at The Fountains on the Lake, which closed on October 15, 2011.
The store includes a successful new design that has redefined and elevated the outlet experience. The 25,000 square foot OFF 5TH store will follow Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH’s innovative ‘luxury in a loft’ design that debuted in 2008. The new concept has been very well received since its launch and has set a new standard for outlet shopping with its modern and uncluttered layout.
“We are thrilled to be relocating to The Market at Town Center,” noted Robert Wallstrom, President of Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH. “The new Sugar Land location will offer an impressive array of the best designer names in sportswear, handbags, shoes and more. The store will also feature an expanded assortment of fine jewelry and a newly launched beauty department.”
The Market at Town Center is conveniently situated 20 miles southwest of downtown Houston. The new store is approximately 4.1 miles from the previous location at The Fountains on the Lake. The Sugar Land location is one of three Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH stores in the Houston marketplace, including the Houston Premium Outlets, Cypress Texas and Katy Mills, Katy Texas. There are a total of seven Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH stores in the state of Texas.
To celebrate the opening, The Market at Town Center OFF 5TH store will host a variety of festivities with special customer incentives. Throughout the opening weekend, customers will enjoy a complimentary tote with any $50 purchase and receive FashCash cards when joining More! Rewards (a free discount program). Please mention you found this on www.SugarLandMagazine.com.
Bhuchar Reelected to Statewide Association Board
Fort Bend Texas News
Posted October 19, 2011
The Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) has reelected Sonal Bhuchar of Fort Bend ISD to a three-year term on the TASB Board of Directors, representing TASB Region 4G.
Bhuchar has been a trustee on the Fort Bend ISD (FBISD) Board since May 2006. During her tenure, she has served as secretary and president. Her involvement with the district preceded her election to the board. Bhuchar is a member of the FBISD School Health Advisory Committee and the Fort Bend Education Foundation, where she was secretary in 2005 and chaired the Districtwide Diversity Initiative in 2006–08. She is a past member of the Community Relations and Partnerships Advisory Board and the G/T Parent Advisory Committee. She has chaired and collaborated on various FBISD projects, including WATCH, a health education initiative. In addition, she was responsible for spearheading the first-ever Legislative Agenda and Student Leadership Program in FBISD under the auspices of the board.
Her volunteer activities extend into the community as well. She is on the board of directors for the Sugar Land Exchange Club and the Child Advocacy Council. She served on the City of Sugar Land Economic Development Council Board, Fort Bend County Medical Society Alliance, Indian Doctor’s Association Auxiliary, Indo American Charity Foundation, and the Texas Medical Association Alliance. In 2001, she was nominated for the Aeros Woman of the Year award. A physical therapist, Bhuchar opened her private practice, Therapeutic Concepts, in 2005.
Bhuchar was born in Bombay, India, and attended St. Xavier’s College and Seth G.S. Medical College, earning a bachelor’s degree. She is married to Subodh Bhuchar, a physician, and has three children who are graduates and students of FBISD.
TASB is a nonprofit organization established in 1949 to serve local public school
districts. School board members are the largest group of publicly elected officials in the state. The districts they represent serve more than 4.8 million public school students. Please mention you found this on www.SugarLandMagazine.com.
Local Trustee Participates in Leadership Program
Fort Bend Texas News
Posted October 19, 2011
Marilyn Glover, trustee from Fort Bend ISD joined 35 other school board members from across Texas September 30-October 2 at the kickoff session of the Leadership TASB class of 2012. Selected by the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB), the group is participating in a yearlong education leadership study program. These trustees represent school districts of all sizes, with student populations of 262 to 62,000, and reflect a similar range of property wealth.
Participants who complete all required elements of the study will graduate next year by earning Master Trustee status. This is the highest designation recognized by TASB.
Meeting in conjunction with the Texas Association of School Administrators/TASB convention in Austin, the trustees heard featured speakers Peter DeLisle, Ph.D. and Debra Fine. DeLisle, Leslie B. Crane chair and director of the Posey Leadership Institute at Austin College, focused on leadership and team building. Fine is a nationally known motivational speaker and author of The Fine Art of Small Talks. Board members also received training at convention sessions and attended the TASB Delegate Assembly, the Association’s annual business meeting.
Other Leadership TASB sessions are scheduled for Dallas, November 11-12; Corpus Christi, February 16-18; McAllen, April 12-14; and San Antonio, June 14-16. Each session has a unique theme that builds on the previous session and features nationally recognized experts in the fields of leadership development and education. Teams also work throughout the year on extended learning assignments between meetings. Created in 1993, Leadership TASB has almost 600 graduates to date.
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 have combined annual expenditures of $54 billion, employ more than 659,000 people, and serve more than 4.8 million public school students. Please mention you found this on www.SugarLandMagazine.com.
Annual Catwalk on City Walk Fashion Show
Fort Bend Texas News
Posted October 18, 2011
Sugar Land Town Square recently hosted its 2nd Annual Catwalk on City Walk Fashion Show benefiting the Fort Bend County Women’s Center. The show featured fashions and décor from numerous Town Square retailers, as well as refreshments by Whole Foods Market, Vineyard on the Square and The Sweet Boutique. Sharron Melton of ABC 13 was the Emcee for the evening. For information on upcoming events, visit SugarLandTownSquare.com. Please mention you found this on www.SugarLandMagazine.com.
Secretaries Association Donate to Common Threads
Fort Bend Texas News
Posted October 18, 2011
Lamar Consolidated Educational Secretaries Association (LCESA) officers Eva Zamora (on left) and Marie Enax (on right) donated $300 to Common Threads, Lamar CISD’s clothing assistance program.
Jill Duban, Lamar CISD’s Parent Involvement Coordinator and director for Common Threads, accepted the check from LCESA. The Secretaries Association also raises money for scholarships and provides professional development for Lamar CISD secretaries. Please mention you found this on www.SugarLandMagazine.com.
First Colony Swim Team Members Compete in Japan
Fort Bend Texas News
Posted October 18, 2011
Four FCST Swimmers Compete for NCSA All American Team in Japan: First Colony Swim Team members Kyle Yu, Jordan Hancock, Romy Landeck, and Simone Manuel were all part of the NCSA All American Team that competed in Japan this past September. These athletes qualified by performing well at both the NCSA Spring Junior Nationals and then again at USA Swimming’s Summer Nationals and Junior Nationals. In addition, since FCST had the most athletes named to the team, Coach Allison was selected the Women’s Head Coach for the trip.
All four athletes were able to advance to the A final, while both Simone Manuel and Jordan Hancock ended up on the podium. Simone won the 50 free with a lifetime best of 25.89. She also placed 2nd in the 100 free and was part of the gold medal winning 200 and 400 free relays. Jordan Hancock was the top American distance swimmer winning silver in the 800 free and bronze in the 400 free. This was the first international meet for several of these swimmers and they did a great job representing NCSA, USA, and FCST.
For more information on First Colony Swim Team please visit their website at:www.swimfcst.com/swim. Please mention you found this on www.SugarLandMagazine.com.
Sienna Montessori School
Fort Bend Texas News
Posted October 18, 2011
Sienna Montessori School hosted World Food Day on Friday, October 14th . The students brought in over 1200 hundred can goods which was donated to the Fort Bend Women Shelter. This project was very special to our kids being able to help others in need. Each class participated in the can good drive with the winning class have a Pizza & Ice Cream party Ms. Salma’s Class. The response was so overwhelming all the students enjoyed a HUGE PIZZA PARTY!!! Please mention you found this on www.SugarLandMagazine.com.
Fabulosity – Every Day
Fort Bend Texas News
Posted October 18, 2011
Image consultant, life coach, and author Beth Newman has released her new book, 365 Days of Fabulosity. Her intention with the book is to provide readers with a daily guide to style, substance, and everything in between.
Part daily guide and part personal journal, 365 Days of Fabulosity allows you to look within and tap into the fabulous force that already exists within you. You’ll discover why what we think, say, do, and wear (!) determines our level of ultimate fabulosity.
This is Beth’s second book. Her first, Become a First Style Fashionista, is a style and etiquette guide geared toward middle school girls and is based on her First Style program for students.
Both books are available through Amazon.
Through her consulting practice, Beth has assisted hundreds of women, men, and children throughout and beyond the Houston area. She specializes in personal and professional mentoring, wardrobe selection, etiquette, and overall success strategies. In addition to one-on-one consultations, Beth conducts seminars locally and teaches courses online.
For more information, Beth invites you to visit her website atwww.newmanimage.info. For consistent style and substance tips, become a fan of Newman Image on Facebook. Beth lives in Sugar Land, TX with her musician-husband and two very spoiled cats. Please mention you found this on www.SugarLandMagazine.com.
The Rosenberg-Richmond Auto Mile Becomes Child Advocates of Fort Bend Guardian Angel
Fort Bend Texas News
Posted October 17, 2011
Taking advantage of a new sponsorship opportunity for Child Advocates of Fort Bend’s CASA Christmas Home Tour, The Rosenberg-Richmond Auto Mile has become a Guardian Angel sponsor. As such, The Auto Mile is sponsoring one of the six homes on the agency’s 2011 CASA Christmas Home Tour scheduled for December 9 and 10. As a Guardian Angel sponsor, their name and logo will be featured prominently outside the entrance to the home, among other things. This is the second year in a three year partnership between Child Advocates of Fort Bend and The Rosenberg-Richmond Auto Mile.
A Fort Bend holiday tradition, the Tour offers guests the opportunity to view six beautifully decorated homes in Fort Bend County, while helping to raise much needed funds to support CAFB’s programs serving abused and neglected children. The Presenting Sponsor for the 2011 Tour is Fred and Mabel R. Parks Foundation. This year’s tour will feature homes in First Colony, Greatwood, Sugar Creek, Riverstone and Sienna Plantation.
The Tour’s success not only lies in ticket sales but from generous corporations and individuals who sponsor the Tour through monetary contributions or in-kind donations. Home Tour sponsorship opportunities range from $100 - $15,000. For more information on sponsorship benefits or how you make a difference in the life of an abused child by sponsoring this festive holiday event, please contact Patty Green at 281-344-5106 or [email protected].
Proceeds from the Christmas Home Tour help Child Advocates of Fort Bend (CAFB) advocate for the needs of abused and neglected children in this community. Through its two programs, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) and the Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC), the agency touches the lives of more than 400 young victims each month. Please mention you found this on www.SugarLandMagazine.com.
Foster High to perform Lil’ Abner
Fort Bend Texas News
Posted October 17, 2011
The Foster High School Performing Arts Program will present “Li’l Abner,” a fun-filled, foot-stompin’ musical taken directly from the comics of Al Capp. This show is laced with gentle satire, rib-tickling humor and brash, catchy tunes like If I Had My Druthers, Jubilation T. Cornpone and The Country’s in the Very Best of Hands that will keep you laughing.
This upbeat musical extravaganza won two Tony Awards during its stint on Broadway in the 1950’s and features Al Capp’s beloved cartoon world of “Dogpatch, U.S.A!” A place where catching a husband in the annual Sadie Hawkins Day Race is a way of life. This show has a satisfying mixture of hillbilly nonsense with sharp, critical humor that appeals to the sophisticated theatergoer as well as the child within us all.
The show begins when a calm day down at the fishing hole is interrupted for Abner and his friends when a Cornpone Meetin’ is called in the town square. This can only mean one thing for the citizens of the town: there’s about to be a change in the Dogpatch way of life.
Bring your family and friends to be entertained by fun characters such as Marryin’ Sam,
Earthquake McGoon, Daisy Mae, Mammy Yokum and of course, Li’l Abner.
Come and experience the magic of this musical comedy classic for yourself. Tickets for this show are $8 pre-sale and $10 at the door. The shows will be at 7:30 p.m. on December 2 and 3, with a 2:30 p.m. matinee December 4. Tickets go on sale Monday, October 10. To reserve your tickets, call 832-223-3947 or 832-223-7556, or e-mail [email protected] or [email protected].
Visit the Foster Falcon Theatre website, www.fosterfalcontheatre.com, for more information. Please mention you found this on www.SugarLandMagazine.com.
SMILE AND SAY BOO! FIRST COLONY MALL ASKS SHOPPERS TO SHOW OFF THEIR KIDS’ MOST CREATIVE COSTUMES WITH ONLINE HALLOWEEN PHOTO CONTEST
Fort Bend Texas News
Posted October 17, 2011
Enter for a Chance to Win An Unforgettable Trip To Universal Orlando® Resort
First Colony Mall wants shoppers to show off their kids’ cutest and most creative costumes this Halloween. From ghosts to goblins to fairy princesses to all the scary and magical creatures in between! From Monday, October 17 through Wednesday, November 2, adults simply go to the mall’s Facebook page,www.facebook.com/FirstColonyMall <https://www.facebook.com/FirstColonyMall> , and upload a Halloween photo for the opportunity to win a family vacation for four (4) to enjoy the action and fun of Universal Orlando Resort, home of the world’s two most amazing theme parks.
“Halloween is such a fun time of year. It evokes a whimsical spirit and brings out the kid in all of us,” said Donna Molho, general manager for First Colony Mall. “I can’t wait to see all the creative costume postings. Our Facebook page continues to be a popular communication vehicle with our shoppers, and I hope that everyone will take the time to share their kids’ costumes with us.”
Children in the photograph must be age 12 or younger. The winning costume will be announced on Monday, November 7, 2011 from among all national contestants. Visitwww.facebook.com/FirstColonyMall <https://www.facebook.com/FirstColonyMall> for contest rules.
More Frighteningly Fantastic Ways to Win This Halloween
Shoppers can try their luck at the Haunted House of Savings national sweepstakes. Shoppers log on to First Colony Mall website, www.firstcolonymall.com<http://www.firstcolonymall.com> , to play fun, interactive Halloween games and enter for a chance to win great prizes, including $10 and $25 mall gift cards and a grand prize of a $1,000 Shop Etc. Mall Gift Card. The game also features the inside scoop on retailer sales. The sweepstakes runs from Monday, October 3 through Tuesday, November 1. Website visitors can enter once per day for a chance to win.
Additionally, from Wednesday, October 5 through Tuesday, November 1, The Club Mobile App offers up spook-tacular ways to win cool prizes. Shoppers can check out the Play-a-Day mobile app game for a chance to win a $50 Shop Etc. Gift Card. One winner is chosen each day from all entries received nationally. Participants also will be treated to special sales alerts at First Colony Mall. Android and iPhone users can download the free application through the App Store or Android Market by searching The Club Shopping Mall Guide.
Like us on Facebook. First Colony Mall is located in Sugar Land at U.S. 59 south and Texas 6. For more information, call 281.265.6123 or visit www.firstcolonymall.com. Please mention you found this on www.SugarLandMagazine.com.
Missouri City Green Volunteers Plant Native Flowers at Missouri City Library
Fort Bend Texas News
Posted October 17, 2011
Missouri City Green volunteers lent their hands and shovels to Missouri City’s City Forester Paul Wierzbicki’s native shrub planting at the Missouri City Branch library, 1530 Texas Parkway, on Saturday, October 8.
The volunteers planted 30 plants – a variety of turk’s caps and lantanas – near the young “Freedom Tree” live oak in front of the library (planted by Wierzbicki last year). The City Forester said, “These types of native shrubs serve as a nice habitat for butterflies and hummingbirds. Missouri City Green’s volunteers’ contribution makes a positive difference in the community.”
Not only do the plantings provide habitat and aesthetic beauty, but in the end help save labor time, and costs, according to Missouri City Green volunteer, Angie Sanders. “Now that this very small median has tons of useful and quite lovely plants, maintenance crews no longer need to mow or take their weedwackers to this area on a regular basis because the whole strip has been mulched. Plus – these native plants are pretty hardy and usually can withstand the sometimes harsh weather we get here.”
Missouri City-area residents who are interested in green spaces and parks, trees and native plants, recycling or hiking and biking trails are encouraged to get involved with Missouri City Green. For questions or more information, log onto www.missouricitygreen.org or email [email protected]. Please mention you found this on www.SugarLandMagazine.com.
Fluor Foundation supports math and science innovation in Lamar CISD
Fort Bend Texas News
Posted October 17, 2011
The Fluor Foundation has donated $15,000 to the Lamar Educational Awards Foundation to underwrite innovative math and science grants.
“We are always looking for talented engineers,” said Richard Meserole, General Manager of the Houston office. “If we can help students with science and math during their elementary and secondary years, then hopefully we will see more students enrolling in college engineering programs.”
Fluor Corporation is one of the largest publicly-owned engineering, procurement, construction and maintenance services companies in the world.
L.E.A.F. supports creative ideas and classroom projects of Lamar CISD teachers that would otherwise go unfunded. L.E.A.F. also offers scholarships to graduating Lamar CISD seniors and to paraprofessionals who are working on their teaching certificate. In eleven years of existence, L.E.A.F. has invested over one million dollars into LCISD schools. Please mention you found this on www.SugarLandMagazine.com.
Colony Bend Elementary School Celebrates 30 Years of Service!
Fort Bend Texas News
Posted October 17, 2011
Colony Bend Elementary School celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. The first public school in First Colony, Colony Bend Elementary opened its doors on August 31, 1981 to 618 students and only 25 teachers.
Many changes have taken place at Colony Bend throughout the years. The school has had five principals, with Dr. Ray Hassett serving as its first and Sue Sierra as the current principal. The school’s mascot changed from the original Pioneers to the American bald eagle. The school colors went from forest green and tan to its current red, white and blue.
To mark its 30th anniversary, Colony Bend will host a two-day celebration, beginning on Thursday, October 20 with a morning parade around the campus. On the evening of October 20, the school will host a reception, beginning at 7:00 pm in the school’s cafeteria, for all current and former members of the Colony Bend Elementary family (including students, administrators, staff, and community members). Festivities will continue for students on Friday, October 21, as they take part in several fun activities (such as bounce houses and games) throughout the day.
Colony Bend Elementary School is located at 2720 Planters Street in Sugar Land. For more information about the anniversary events, please call, 281-634-4080. Please mention you found this on www.SugarLandMagazine.com.
LEXINGTON BOULEVARD ANIMAL HOSPITAL ANNOUNCES FIRST ANNUAL ART CONTEST FOR SUGAR LAND AREA CHILDREN
Fort Bend Texas News
Posted October 17, 2011
The first annual Lexington Boulevard Animal Hospital art contest will accept entries until November 5, 2011. This year’s theme is focused on “My Healthy Pet.” Children ages 12 years old and under in the Sugar Land/South West Houston area are invited to submit artwork expressing how kids in Sugar Land can keep their pets healthy. Children might address exercise, training, or what makes their pet happy.
This year’s competition is kicking-off the 25 year anniversary open house celebration at Lexington Boulevard Animal Hospital, where children can assist in “teddy bear surgery.” The open house will feature interactive stations throughout the hospital to engage children and community members in learning about how to keep your pet happy and healthy.
One Grand Prize will be awarded in each of the following categories:
Ages 5-under - $100 Toys R Us Gift Card
Ages 6-8 - $100 Toys R Us Gift Card
Ages 9-12 - $100 Best Buy Gift Card
Winners will be selected on strength of artwork, focus on contest theme and originality. Winners will be announced on November 12 at the Lexington Boulevard Animal Hospital open house.
Art contest guidelines include:
• All entries must deal with the theme “My Healthy Pet” in some fashion. The artwork can be of any medium (water color, acrylic, plaster, fabric, chalk, etc.) but must be submitted on a 16 x 20 sheet of poster board. Poster elements may include photos, drawings, and text.
• The applicants name, birth date, name of a parent or guardian, address and phone number, school, and teacher must be written on the back of each entry. Only ONE entry per applicant.
All entries must be received by NOON on Saturday, November 5, 2011. Please drop off entries at Lexington Boulevard Animal Hospital, 2627 Cordes Dr., Sugar Land, TX 77479. For more information, call (281) 980-3737, or visit our website at www.lexingtonpethospital.com/art. Please mention you found this on www.SugarLandMagazine.com.
Seguin raises money through Blue Jeans for Bastrop
Fort Bend Texas News
Posted October 17, 2011
Seguin students and staff raised $604.64 for the Bastrop fire relief fund. Part of the money raised — $204.64 — was spent on supplies for the fire fighters fighting the wildfires and $400 was sent to the fund set up for fire victims in Bastrop.
Supplies included bottled water, lip balm, energy bars and trail mix.
Students were able to pay $1 for the privilege of wearing blue jeans and teachers paid $10 for the right to wear blue jeans during September. Please mention you found this on www.SugarLandMagazine.com.
Fort Bend ISD Employees observe National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Fort Bend Texas News
POsted October 17, 2011
Each year, Fort Bend ISD employees representing district schools and departments join the millions of people across the country in observing National Breast Cancer Awareness Month to help increase awareness of the disease and raise funds to support research efforts in prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure.
Fleming Elementary School employees also took part in the Susan B. Komen Race for the Cure and raised more than $631. The group formed a walking team this year to model the importance of physical fitness and healthy habits to students. The team also serves to exemplify FBISD’s Character Traits as they participate and contribute to numerous walkathons benefiting various charitable organizations. They plan to take part in the 2011 Alzheimer’s Walk and Walk MS Sugar Land in coming months and would like to challenge other campus employees to join them. Please mention you found this on www.SugarLandMagazine.com.
Fort Bend Christian Academy Tackling the Cure
Fort Bend Texas News
Posted October 14, 2011
October is Tackling the Cure month at Fort Bend Christian. The Varsity Cheerleaders are selling t-shirts to benefit breast cancer research throughout the month. Contact Cheer Coach Jenn LaRocca ([email protected]) if you want to buy a shirt!
On Friday, October 7, three very special FBC moms served as honorary football captains for the coin toss. Laura Castelli, Janet Ely, and Brenda Brown are cancer survivors, and it was our privilege to honor these courageous women during Friday night’s game! Please mention you found this on www.SugarLandMagazine.com.
Art Contest Winners at McAuliffe Middle School
Fort Bend Texas News
Posted October 13, 2011
The artwork of seven McAuliffe Middle School students earned them top awards in the 75th Annual Fort Bend County Fair & Rodeo Art Contest. Combined, the students earned three 1st place awards and four 2ndplace awards for the artwork they entered in the Division III, Class IV category of the competition. The students used Prismacolors colored pencils to complete their award-winning artwork.
Earning first place awards were:
• Jacqueline Calzada
• Diseree’ Chavis
• William Cruz
Second place award winners were:
• Maria Iglesias Fernandez
• Aleida Gonzalez Ibarra
• Miguel Medina
• Hailey Zeno
Please mention you found this on www.SugarLandMagazine.com.
Lamar Consolidated High Speech and Debate seeking volunteers for tournament
Fort Bend Texas News
Posted October 13, 2011
The Lamar Consolidated High School Speech and Debate program is seeking volunteers for their annual tournament, October 28 and 29.
“Volunteers don’t need any previous experience,” said Stacy Thomas, who is the director of the Speech and Debate program at LCHS. “Students are supposed to be able to communicate with the community. Volunteer judges are needed to be listeners and provide the students with an audience for their presentations. Volunteers mostly will watch students give speeches or theater performances and rank them based on how well they present their information or material. Criteria are provided for the volunteers to use in these rankings.
“Volunteers often say after judging that they enjoyed seeing the kids present because it was a chance to see young people express themselves in a professional manner,” Thomas said. “It is a wonderful way to support the kids who are giving up their weekends to academic pursuits.”
Thomas expects as many as 20 Houston-area schools to compete this year. Contact Stacy Thomas at [email protected] if you’d like to volunteer for this year’s tournament. Please mention you found this on www.SugarLandMagazine.com.
George Ranch High students donate to Bastrop Fire Relief Fund
Fort Bend Texas News
Posted October 13, 2011
George Ranch High School students, faculty and staff raised $1,385 in donations for the Bastrop Fire Relief Fund. The Principal’s Advisory Council, which represents every Advisory Class, were the leaders in communicating the fund drive to their fellow Longhorns. Please mention you found this on www.SugarLandMagazine.com.
Lamar Junior High donates to Red Cross for Bastrop fire victims
Fort Bend Texas News
Posted October 13, 2011
The Lamar Junior High Student Council, National Junior Honor Society and the FFA raised $650 to donate to the Red Cross for the Texas wildfire victims. Additionally, the thespians, led by Tress Kurzym, delivered Lamar Junior High’s in-kind donations worth more than $1,100 to the Cedar Creek High School in Bastrop for the numerous teachers and students that lost their homes in the fires. Many of the donations were school supplies to help the students there. Please mention you found this on www.SugarLandMagazine.com.
Elkins High School Students to Facilitate Youth Summit at George R. Brown Convention Center
Fort Bend Texas News
Posted October 12, 2011
The Anti Defamation League (ADL) has invited Elkins High School students to facilitate the Beau and Abe Merfish Foundation’s No Place for Hate Youth Summit this year. The event will be held at the George R. Brown Convention Center on October 18, 2011, and will feature an anti-bullying skit by Dionysus Theatre and break-out sessions to help students recognize the harms of name-calling and bullying, and develop skills to respond to incidents of bullying. This is the third year that Susan Shaw, ADL’s Director of Education, has selected Elkins students to facilitate the all-day, anti-bullying event. A group of 30 Elkins student leaders and teacher, Jackie Bickerstaff, will attend the event to help train approximately 700 middle school students in preventing, recognizing and responding to bullying. Please mention you found this on www.SugarLandMagazine.com.
Fort Bend ISD names its October 2011 Employees of the Month
Fort Bend Texas News
Posted October 12, 2011
Fort Bend ISD has chosen Di Juan Dorsey, Micro Computer Analyst in Technical Support Services, as the October District Professional Employee of the Month. Di Juan is known for his professionalism and positive attitude and goes above and beyond his job duties to get technology ready for students at numerous campuses. He is known for his positive spirit, genuine demeanor, and determination to make sure all customers’ needs are met. His positive spirit and eagerness to assist others has earned him respect at the campuses for which he is assigned and the recognition of the Employee of the Month committee.
Leticia Lopez, Site Coordinator for Extended Day, is the October District Auxiliary Employee of the Month. Leticia is a true leader and takes on tasks beyond the expectations of her job. She has worked to create systematic change on her team, is an advocate for those she works with, and enthusiastically embraces new challenges. In addition to her role as a site coordinator, she has coordinated staff development for her department, written curriculum, and worked on several initiatives for her leadership team. Her dedication and contributions have earned her the recognition of her the Extended Day Program and the Employee of the Month committee. Please mention you found this on www.SugarLandMagazine.com.
Foster High donates to Bastrop fire relief
Fort Bend Texas News
Posted October 12, 2011
“How could any of us consider celebrating Homecoming without helping people that have lost their homes?”
That was the consensus of the Foster Student Council when they decided to donate $1,500 of the profits from the Homecoming Dance to the students and staff at Bastrop High School who lost their homes in the recent fire.
The Student Council, National Honor Society and PALS each donated an additional $500, for a total donation of $3,000. The groups continue to hold bake sales to add more funds. Please mention you found this on www.SugarLandMagazine.com.
Taste of Sugar Land Shares the Bounty with Fort Bend County
Fort Bend Texas News
Posted October 12, 2011
It’s Fall in Fort Bend County, and the 9th Annual “Taste of Sugar Land” is reaping the bounty of the harvest once again. This year, three deserving area charities will share in the proceeds of the “Taste” which happens Sunday, November 13, 4 - 8 PM at Safari Texas Ranch, 11627 FM 1464. Hosted by members and friends of the First Presbyterian Church, Sugar Land, 281-240-3195, and generously presented by Whole Foods, Sugar Land, (team leader Mr. Kip Landry pictured above), this year’s event will benefit the Fort Bend Women’s Center, 281-344-5750. This executive team is committed to a county-wide partnership of caring for our less fortunate neighbors as we approach the holiday season. “Taste of Sugar Landers” can also do their part as they care and share by purchasing a ticket to this tasty gourmet event. Attendees will be served non-stop by 20 of Fort Bend’s finest restaurants, and entertained by generous and talented area musicians throughout the evening. Exciting auction venues and other attractions will round out the evening as we all benefit in the spirit of the season by helping out our neighbors. Tickets can be purchased for $30 through any of the organizations listed above, or by accessing the official web site, tasteofsugarland.com. Reserved tables and sponsorships are also available. Don’t miss the “Taste” - it’s bigger and tastier than ever! -( and - don’t miss visiting the awesome pumpkin patch at Whole Foods, Sugar Land.) Please mention you found this on www.SugarLandMagazine.com.
FBISD Board names Ginger Carrabine as principal of Sartartia Middle School
Fort Bend Texas News
Posted October 11, 2011
The Fort Bend ISD Board of Trustees named Ginger Carrabine as the new principal at Sartartia Middle School at its October 10 Board meeting. Carrabine is an experienced educational leader and has served in public education for 21 years. She has been serving as the principal of Walker Station Elementary since 2009. Before serving at Walker Station, she was a teacher and team leader, assistant principal, and principal of Dulles Elementary School.
After graduating from Lamar University with a Bachelor of Science degree, Carrabine received her Master of Education at the University of Houston. Please mention you found this on www.SugarLandMagazine.com.
Houston Endowment Awards Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels $120,000 To Support the elderly
Fort Bend Texas News
Posted October 11, 2011
Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels’ (FBS) announced today that Houston Endowment has awarded the organization $120,000 to assist in providing meals and services to the senior citizens in Fort Bend County.
“The population is rapidly aging and with rising food and fuel prices, low interest rates on savings and retirement accounts, our elderly are really struggling to make ends meet. With Fort Bend Seniors providing daily meals, this allows their social security checks to stretch further, it also helps divert homelessness. The demand for meals and services is continuing to grow daily and the funds from Houston Endowment will go a long way in meeting that demand,’ Arroyos said.
The funding is a two-year grant, with Fort Bend Seniors receiving $60,000 in 2011 and $60,000 in 2012.
Fort Bend Seniors provides services for over 1,400 seniors daily. The cost of a daily hot meal which helps keep the seniors healthy is very small compared to the cost of a 24/7 nursing home, according to Arroyos.
Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels, a 36-year old organization, provides meals for home bound senior citizens seven days a week in Fort Bend and Waller County. In addition, the 501(c)(3) organization provides programs and congregate meals at eight senior citizen centers throughout Fort Bend County and one in Waller.
“Again, we can not thank Houston Endowment enough for making it possible for Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels to meet the growing needs of the seniors in our communities. Thank you Houston Endowment,’ Arroyos said.
To volunteer to deliver meals, donate or for additional information please visit www.fortbendseniors.org or call 713.633.7049. Please mention you found this on www.SugarLandMagazine.com.
College Night Winner
Fort Bend Texas News
Posted October 11, 2011
Students from B.F. Terry High School that attended the recent college fair at the Rosenberg Civic Center were entered into a drawing to win a $50 gift card from Best Buy. Alix Calderon was the winner, and she is shown with Associate Principal Maria Fondon and career counselor Kristie Sulak. Please mention you found this on www.SugarLandMagazine.com.
National Hispanic Award Recipients
Fort Bend Texas News
Posted October 11, 2011
The National Hispanic Recognition Program announced that four students from B.F. Terry High School were recognized as award recipients. Samantha Chapa, Kristina Klock and Jose Salazar were selected for the 2011-12 National Hispanic Recognition Program as scholars, and Pedro Cervantes received an honorable mention. The NHRP was initiated in 1983 to identify outstanding Hispanic/Latino high school students. Nearly 5,000 students were selected from a pool of over 235,000 students who took the 2010 PSAT/NMSQT/PAA and identified themselves as Hispanic/Latino. Students with GPAs of 3.5 or higher are designated as scholars, and those with GPAs of 3.0 to 3.49 are designated as Honorable Mentions. Principal at Terry High is Dr. Vera Wehring. Please mention you found this on www.SugarLandMagazine.com.
THS Students Recognized - NASP
Fort Bend Texas News
Posted October 11, 2011
Two seniors from B.F. Terry High School, Myles Parnell and Alec Perez, were named Outstanding Participants in the National Achievement Scholarship Program.
These students scored in the top 3 percent of more than 160,000 Black Americans who requested consideration in the 2012 National Achievement Program when they took the 2010 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. A roster of their names and tentative college major choices is being sent to approximately 1,500 colleges and universities.
The NASP is an academic competition established to honor Black American high school students. The annual scholarship competition is conducted by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation which also conducts the National Merit Scholarship Program.
Myles is the son of Eric and Kim Parnell, and Alec is the son of Ismael and Kimberley Perez. Principal at B.F. Terry High School is Dr. Vera Wehring. Please mention you found this on www.SugarLandMagazine.com.
Ray Elementary teacher wins supplies from Office Max
Fort Bend Texas News
Posted October 10, 2011
Ray Elementary 1st-grade teacher Sonia Tarbes-Fernandez was one of only 1,000 winners in the nation in the 2011 Office Max “A Day Make Better Reward.” Tarbes-Fernandez received $1,000 in supplies, including a digital camera, a new chair and a printer.
Office Max also supplied every 1st- and 2nd-grade student at Ray Elementary was given a gift bag filled with school supplies. The front office of Ray Elementary got what Principal Ben Perez called “a Jumbo-sized box” filled with more supplies.
OfficeMax® Incorporated and its retail customers together donated more than $1.7 million today in classroom supplies to teachers nationwide through OfficeMax’s annual A Day Made Better classroom surprise events, which help provide economic relief and encourage national support for teachers.
This marks the fifth year of the A Day Made Better program, in which OfficeMax associates surprise 1,000 teachers in their classrooms with $1,000 each worth of school supplies – $1 million in sum.
New this year was an in-store school supply drive, in which customers contributed more than an additional $700,000 in back-to-school supplies across OfficeMax’s approximately 900 stores nationwide. Classroom supplies collected through the in-store supply drive were donated today to schools in each community where OfficeMax has stores.
OfficeMax, a leader in office products and services, worked with nonprofit partner, Adopt-A-Classroom, to identify recipient schools in need nationwide, including Alaska, Puerto Rico Hawaii and the Virgin Islands.
The list of the schools selected to receive the A Day Made Better surprise is available at adaymadebetter.com/newsroom. Please mention you found this on www.SugarLandMagazine.com.
Fort Bend Independent School District Academic Advisory Council Call for New Members
Fort Bend Texas News
Posted October 10, 2011
Fort Bend ISD is seeking business and community members, and parents of students enrolled in FBISD schools to volunteer on its Academic Advisory Council (AAC) for the 2011-2012 school year. The Council works with the Board of Trustees or its designee in establishing and reviewing the District’s educational goals, objectives and major district-wide classroom instructional programs. The Council serves exclusively in an advisory role except for approval of district-wide staff development. The Council consists of campus teachers, support personnel, and administrators, as well as parents, community and business members. FBISD is currently seeking the following representatives to serve on the Council:
• Two business members
• Two community members
• One high school parent
The AAC meets up to five (5) times a year on Wednesday afternoons at 4:15 p.m. in the FBISD Board Room (located in the FBISD Administration Building at 16431 Lexington Blvd, in Sugar Land). Selections for the Council will be made from a random drawing from all names submitted. If you would like to volunteer on the Council, please contact Jayne Keyser at 281-634-1812 or[email protected] by October 18, 2011. Please mention you found this on www.SugarLandMagazine.com.
Rate and Fee Changes Begin Jan. 1
Fort Bend Texas News
Posted October 10, 2011
The City of Sugar Land will implement several rate and fee changes beginning Jan. 1. The fees and rates were approved by City Council in September.
The “surface water” rate will increase from 76 cents to $1.42 per 1,000 gallons beginning Jan. 1. In addition to the normal charges for water usage, city utility customers pay a separate rate based on billed water consumption. The surface water charges support the city’s mandated conversion to surface water. Construction of the City’s surface water treatment plant is in progress.
Although the surface water rate is increasing, water and wastewater rates will not change — an effort by the City to minimize the impact of overall utility bills while Sugar Land transitions to surface water. An average residential utility bill for 11,000 gallons of water usage will increase by $7.25 per month.
The City’s water and wastewater system is self-supporting. Each year, rates are adjusted to reflect increasing costs of providing water to customers. All expenses are paid through the fees charged to customers each month. No property tax or sales tax dollars support the utility system.
Despite surface water rate increases, residential solid waste rates will decrease beginning Jan. 1 due to implementation of automated waste collection. Customers currently pay $17.63 per month for twice weekly curbside recycling and refuse collection. The switch in December to automated pickup will result in a new rate of $16 per month that will be reflected on January bills, a savings of $1.63 per month.
Other user fees — such as facility rental charges, permits and rental registration licenses — will also increase in January. These fees are adjusted annually based on the CPI index, to offset inflationary expenses. However, the City did not increase fees in 2011 to minimize impacts of the recession on residents. Fees will be increased 4.9 percent based on the two year CPI change. Please mention you found this on www.SugarLandMagazine.com.
CLEMENTS HIGH SCHOOL CADETS SUPPORT WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA-HOUSTON
Fort Bend Texas News
Posted October 10, 2011
CHS Cadets give real world meaning to their National Security and Modern Conflict Unit Lesson. The cadets have partnered with Wreaths Across America-Houston to magnify the point that the freedom we share is not free. Many gave theirs so we could enjoy democracy. The cadets are soliciting family, friends, and neighbors to ensure that every grave of a fallen hero in the Houston National Cemetery receives a wreath.
If you would like to support the Clements NJROTC Program and WAA-Houston in their efforts to place a wreath on the grave of every veteran in the Houston National Cemetery please copy the following link and paste it directly into your address bar: https://waahouston.myetap.org/fundraiser/waahonline/team.do?participationRef=3639.0.74490908. Please mention you found this on www.SugarLandMagazine.com.
Missouri City Fire & Rescue Service Urges Residents To “Protect Your Family” During Fire Prevention Week
Fort Bend Texas News
Posted October 10, 2011
As they gear up for Fire Prevention Week, Missouri City’s Fire & Rescue Service has some lifesaving lessons to help families extinguish fires: Install smoke detectors and make sure the batteries are in working order, prepare and practice an escape plan and participate in education and awareness programs.
“Our commitment to keeping citizens safe fits well with this year’s theme: ‘Protect Your Family’,” said Fire Chief Russell Sander. “We are proud to partner with the National Fire Protection Association from October 9th to October 15th to remind residents to avoid household hazards that can start a fire.”
Sander added that cooking, heating, electrical equipment, candles and smoking are the leading causes of home fires that result in nearly 13,000 people being injured every year. He shared these simple safety rules that can shield your loved ones from harm:
*Never leave frying, grilling or broiling food unattended
*Keep children away from open fires and space heaters
*Check electrical cords regularly; replace or repair damaged or loose ones
*Do not smoke inside the house
*Blow out all candles before going to bed or leaving a room
*Keep flammable items away from heating equipment such as furnaces, fireplaces, wood stoves or portable space heaters
*Make extinguishers handy; have at least one or more and check the gauge to see if it needs to be replaced or recharged. Remember that fire extinguishers are not designed to fight large or spreading fires.
*Talk “Prevention” with your kids; teach your children to never play with matches, lighters, candles, electrical cords or sockets. Also, let them know to “stop, drop and roll” if their clothes catch on fire.
Additionally, to help save lives and protect area property, the Fire & Rescue Service provides a free “Home Fire Safety Survey” for residents. The program identifies potential risks that may exist in homes and offers citizens lifesaving solutions. There is no enforcement component of the program. To schedule a survey, residents can call 281-403-4304.
To learn more about “It’s Fire Prevention Week. Protect your Family from Fire!” visit NFPA’s website at www.firepreventionweek.org. Please mention you found this on www.SugarLandMagazine.com.
New Mia Bella Trattoria to Open in Sugar Land
Fort Bend Texas News
Posted October 10, 2011
Popular ‘‘Italian with a twist” restaurant coming to First Colony Mall
Mia Bella Trattoria, a popular Downtown Houston survivor with additional locations in the Houston Pavilions and in Northwest Houston’s Vintage Park, is now expanding to Sugar Land.
With a scheduled opening for early November, the new Sugar Land Mia Bella is now in the final stages of construction on a prime corner in beautiful First Colony Mall. The new restaurant is in The Courtyard restaurant plaza near The Cheesecake Factory and Sephora on the east side of the mall. First Colony Mall is located at U.S. 59 South and Texas Highway 6.
This Mia Bella will boast an open kitchen and full bar with a sliding wall that opens onto a large outdoor patio which overlooks the water gardens of the mall. There is also a large private dining area for private events and corporate meetings.
The Sugar Land Mia Bella is owned by Julio Garcia, a strategic partner of Mia Bella Restaurants and owner of the Vintage Park location. He is opening the new location with founder Youssef Nafaa, who started the Main Street restaurant more than a decade ago. Mr. Garcia has an extensive history in the restaurant business, which began with him working as a busboy when he was just 16.
Following the success of the original, the Sugar Land Mia Bella will offer an exciting array of pasta, seafood, meats and vegetables, all made with Italian ingredients, but with the restaurant’s own stylish twist – thus its “Italian with a Twist” theme. The menu is an exciting combination of familiar foods and daring preparations. Sauteed chicken breasts with artichoke hearts, tomatoes, capers and shitake mushrooms served over herbed couscous and grilled filet of beef tenderloin wrapped in proscuitto topped by Gorgonzola and green peppercorn sauce with garlic-leek mashed potatoes are two house specialties which help set the pace for the kitchen. The restaurant also brags on a unique assortment of pizzas and sandwiches.
The original Mia Bella, located on the ground floor of the Kiam Building at 302 Main and Preston, opened more than a decade ago to instant success only to be forced to close for several months by Tropical Storm Allison. It reopened but soon became isolated by construction on Houston’s Light Rail. Inspite of it all, Mia Bella remained open and today is one of the most popular spots and on the Main Street corridor.
Mia Bella Trattoria - which translates into English as “My Beautiful” trattoria - is a delightful combination of Italian tradition and regional American twists. The dining destination is fun, intimate and moderately priced just like the traditional trattorias where Italian families gather for wine and delicious food. But, in a tradition of his own making, Chef Nafaa has created an exciting menu of familiar foods pushed to a new level with daring preparations and imaginative ingredients. Wine lovers will find a pleasingly extensive list of inexpensively-priced wines while those seeking cocktails will find the same combination of classic recipes and creative mixings that sets the menu apart.
To support its expanding catering business as well as localize a central kitchen for all the Mia Bella restaurants, the restaurant building on Lexington near the Southwest Freeway has been turned into a working commissary and catering facility. It formerly housed as Mia Bella and the Saffron Moroccan Restaurant.
Hours at the new Mia Bella (832-319-6675)will be Sun.-Fri. 11am-10pm; Fri-Sat 11am-1 a.m.; Sundays include a special brunch.
For more information, check www.bellarestaurants.com. Please mention you found this on www.SugarLandMagazine.com.
Willowridge High School honors 25 Individuals at Annual Wall of Honor Banquet
Fort Bend Texas News
Posted October 10, 2011
Willowridge High School (WHS) honored 25 individuals at its Sixth Annual Wall of Honor Banquet, held at The Power Center. The theme for this year’s event was “Class and Character Personified.” Hosted by the Willowridge High School Athletic Booster Club, Wall of Honor Board of Directors and NBA free agent, T.J. Ford, the event recognizes WHS graduates, current and former teachers, and community members for their outstanding character and contributions to the Willowridge High School community.
Lee Crews, principal at Willowridge, presided over the induction ceremony. Khambrel Marshall, KPRC Channel 2 meteorologist, served as master of ceremonies; and motivational speaker, Adrienne Rowe (WHS Class of 1989) served as guest speaker. T.J. Ford and his mother, Mary Ford, received special recognition from the Wall of Honor Board Members for having a vision and cofounding the Wall of Honor recognition program. Special guests in attendance were Jim Rice, FBISD Board Member, and his wife Mary; Jerry Wyatt, Mayor Pro-Tem, City of Missouri City; and Danny Nguyen, Councilmember, City of Missouri City. Wyatt presented certificates to the honorees on behalf of Mayor Allen Owen.
The 2011 Wall of Honor Inductees are: Ronda Aldridge, Anthony Armstrong, Larry Blackmon, Elaine Mitchell Brewer, Nettie Clark, Michael Curl, Melanie Finley, Mary Ford, Tyra Gamble-Ross, Shonta Greenwood, David Griffin, Gerald Hawkins, M.D., Nelson Howard, Krystal Irven, Hazel Jackson, Rose Johnson-Branch, Rev. Marvin King, Jr., Roderick Martindale, Amber Johnson Robinett, M.D., Judy Singleton, Margaret Sloan, Tina Thompson, Russell Walton, Alice Washington, and Rev. Don Williams.
Proceeds from the event have allowed the WHS Wall of Honor Board of Directors to award more than 20 scholarships to deserving students over the past six years, and provide funding to support the Willowridge Athletic Booster Club and athletic programs. Please mention you found this on www.SugarLandMagazine.com.
COAL VINES PIZZA PASTA AND WINE BISTRO NOW OPEN AT LAKE POINTE VILLAGE
Fort Bend Texas News
Posted October 10, 2011
Coal Vines, the popular bistro that originated in Dallas’ popular Uptown recently opened at Sugar Land’s lively Lake Pointe Village on the banks of Brooks Lake. Now serving a full dinner menu, Coal Vines will open shortly with full lunch, dinner and brunch offerings. Coal Vines brings a casual neighborhood restaurant and coal-fired oven pizzeria to Sugar Land.
Executive chef Michael Hensley heads up the Coal Vines kitchen, showcasing the popular a la carte menu with signature New York-style pizzas, salads, pastas, chef specials and desserts as well as an extensive list of wines that has become synonymous with quality and value as well as premium selection of beer.
Weekend brunch offerings including the popular Coal Vines Benedict, Nova Scotia Scrambled, Breakfast Calzone and more will be announced shortly.
Coal Vines seats over 140 diners and includes bar seating as well as a private party room and large outdoor patio overlooking Brooks Lake. Styled with red curtains, dark woods, brick walls, wine racks and old-school photographs with the likes of Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra crooning in the background, Coal Vines’ atmosphere is casual, yet elegant.
Restaurant veterans Jim Hammond and Larry Klinghoffer who licensed the rights to Coal Vines in 2010 partner up to expand the Coal Vines concept throughout Texas with restaurants already open in Dallas, Austin and now Sugar Land.
“We are thrilled to open Coal Vines in a development bustling with new restaurants and shopping options,” says Jim Hammond, co-general partner of Vines Over Texas. “We feel we will add a touch of New York City to the hip, urban Lake Pointe development and we look forward to sharing the Coal Vines experience with the Sugar Land community.”
Located at 1550 Lake Pointe Parkway, Coal Vines will be the newest addition to Lake Pointe Town Center, the Whole Foods-anchored, mixed-use, lifestyle development at the northwest intersection of U.S. Highway 59 and State Highway 6. Lake Pointe Town Center is a Planned Community Developers, Ltd. development. For more information email [email protected] or call (281) 491-0464. Please mention you found this on www.SugarLandMagazine.com.
News Broadcast highlights Partnership between Townewest Elementary School, Fluor and the Houston Museum of Natural Science, Sugar Land
Fort Bend Texas News
Posted October 10, 2011
Approximately 30 Townewest Elementary School students recently appeared on a live, remote broadcast with KHOU-Channel 11 chief meteorologist, Gene Norman, at the Houston Museum of Natural Science, Sugar Land. The students joined representatives from their school’s business partner, The Fluor Corporation, in visiting the museum to view the giant animated globe, Science on a Sphere, and the Dinosaur exhibit.
The students marveled at the sight of the Science on a Sphere globe as images changed from the surface of Mars to storm coverage of Hurricane Ike over the Texas Gulf Coast. Through advanced imaging techniques, Science on a Sphere can create the illusion of a planet, the sun, moon or any other celestial body rotating in space. The students also had the opportunity to tour the Dinosaur exhibit to learn about “Stan the T. Rex” and nine different dinosaur species.
During his news broadcast, Norman highlighted the partnership between Townewest Elementary School, The Fluor Corporation, and the Museum of Natural Science that was formed to help improve science learning among students.
“The Fluor Corporation is proud to partner with the Houston Museum of Natural Science, Sugar Land to help underwrite a teacher training program for Townewest Elementary School,” said Barbara Jones, Fluor Senior Manager, Community and Public Affairs. “Our goal is to help increase student achievement and ignite a passion for science among students.”
The Fluor Corporation has had a long-standing partnership with Fort Bend ISD, providing funding for science and engineering programs and donating more than 4,500 backpacks filled with school supplies to numerous FBISD schools. This year, Fluor donated 860 backpacks and $12,740 in additional funds to Townewest Elementary School. Over the past five years, Fluor had invested more than $375,000 to FBISD. Please mention you found this on www.SugarLandMagazine.com.
Pink Lighting Photos - MD Anderson Breast Cancer Awareness
Fort Bend Texas News
Posted October 10, 2011
The MD Anderson Regional Care Center in Sugar Land recently lit the Plaza of Sugar Land Town Square pink during a free Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra concert in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. MD Anderson physicians and staff were on hand during the event to pass out free educational materials and pink glow necklaces to spread the light of breast cancer awareness and hope. Please mention you found this on www.SugarLandMagazine.com.
World Renowned Artwork at Oyster Creek Park Center of Training, Fitness, Fun
Fort Bend Texas News
Posted October 10, 2011
A recent workshop for local educators focused on art appreciation lesson plans complementing an internationally renowned sculpture garden currently on display at Oyster Creek Park.
French artist Bernar Venet’s sculptures will remain at Oyster Creek Park through April 2012. His sculptures have been exhibited in major cities in the United States, Asia, Europe and South America, including Paris, Luxembourg, Geneva, Basel, Cologne, Brussels, New York, Chicago, St. Louis and Denver.
Sharon Lott, of the McClain gallery, demonstrated lesson plans that teachers could offer students, including “The History of Public Art,” “Building Structures and Systems” and “Discovering Lines.”
The in-service training at Clements High School was followed by activities at Oyster Creek Park. Educators toured the Venet sculptures and participated in a “Walk the Art Park Fitness Challenge & Scavenger Hunt,” a unique month-long program developed by Shape Up Sugar Land encouraging participation in integrated health, fitness and intellectual exercises.
The scavenger hunt continues through Oct. 31 for the public. Those interested may download a list of questions from www.shapeupsugarland.org/, which will require a visit to Venet exhibition for answers that could result in a chance to win a variety of prizes, including one Kindle E-reader.
The recent training and creation of the scavenger hunt was the result of a partnership of the McClain Gallery in Houston, Shape Up Sugar Land and the Texan French Alliance for the Arts. The Texas French Arts Alliance is a non-profit organization that promotes and facilitates artistic and cultural exchanges and educational programs between Texas and France.
Shape Up Sugar Land is a local nonprofit organization that promotes wellness, raises awareness and encourages activities fostering a healthy lifestyle for the community.
Venet, whose art career dates back to the 1960s, first began producing monumental linear improvisations in steel in the early 1980s. His sculptures in Sugar Land are from the series “Arcs,” “Straight Lines” and “Indeterminate Lines” and are considered by many to be his trademark work.
Each series expresses different notions of Venet’s interest in the mathematics of order versus chaos. Using a technique that has been described as “Action Sculpture in slow motion,” Venet carefully balances his vision for the material with the steel’s natural responses to the warping effects of pressure and heat.
Venet’s sculptures have been acquired by museums such as The Museum of Modern Art, The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, The National Gallery of Art, Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Switzerland, National Museum of Jakarta, Sonje Museum of Contemporary Art, Korea, The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, The Museum of Contemporary Art Los Angeles, The Milwaukee Art Museum and The Detroit Institute of Arts.
For more information, contact the Parks and Recreation Department at (281) 275-2885 or visit http://www.sugarlandtx.gov/ or http://www.shapeupsugarland.org/. Please mention you found this on www.SugarLandMagazine.com.
Perry’s Sugar Land, Houston Restaurant Week Results
Fort Bend Texas News
Posted October 7, 2011
Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille in Sugar Land recently celebrated the success of Houston Restaurant Week. Due to the overwhelming generosity of Sugar Land area residents, Perry’s was able to make a donation of $7,535 to the Houston Food Bank. In total, nearly 10,000 people across the Houston area joined Perry’s Restaurants in support, bringing the total Perry’s Restaurants donation to a record-breaking $48,555. Pictured, from L to R: Chef Sammy Holmes, Corporate Chef for Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille, Creighton Hill, Houston Regional Manager for Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille, Cleverley Stone, Founder & Chair of Houston Restaurant Weeks, Host of The Cleverley Show on Talk 650/CBS Radio & Contributor to Fox 26 Morning News; Brian Greene, President & CEO, Houston Food Bank; Ben Samuels, Chairman, Board of Directors, Houston Food Bank. Please mention you found this on www.SugarLandMagazine.com.
Skeeters Release Inaugural 2012 Schedule Fans Can Circle Thursday, April 26, 2012 As Opening Day
Fort Bend Texas News
Posted October 7, 2011
The Sugar Land Skeeters will throw the first pitch on Thursday, April 26, 2012, as minor league baseball comes to Houston. The Skeeters will open its inaugural season by playing host to the two-time defending Atlantic League champion York (Pa.) Revolution in a four-game series spanning April 26-29, according to the AL schedule released this week.
Sugar Land will reside in the Freedom Division along with the Somerset (N.J.) Patriots, Lancaster (Pa.) Barnstormers as well as York. The last four AL champions (2010-11, York; 2008-09, Somerset) reside in the Skeeters division. The Bridgeport (Conn.) Bluefish, the Long Island (N.Y.) Ducks, Southern Maryland Blue Crabs and Camden (N.J.) River Sharks make up the Liberty Division.
The Skeeters balanced schedule includes 70 home games at StarTex Power Field, and 70 road games at the other seven members of the Atlantic League. After opening the season at home against the Revolution, the Skeeters hit the road for the first time the following week, traveling to Southern Maryland, Lancaster and Somerset for 10 games in 10 days.
After hosting Long Island for six games in mid-May, the Skeeters will host its first multi-team homestand later in the month, when both Lancaster and Southern Maryland visit StarTex Power Field. Somerset, led by former Yankee relief pitcher Sparky Lyle, makes its first appearance in Sugar Land in early June, while Camden arrives in late June for its first visit to Texas and Bridgeport rounds out the AL first-time visits to Sugar Land with an early July appearance to close out the first half of the season.
The Skeeters will visit Bridgeport and its manager Willie Upshaw for the initial time on May 18, and Sugar Land for the first time will take on Camden in the Garden State and York in Pennsylvania in a two-team, six-game road series on June 14-20. Finally, in late June, the Skeeters will travel to the Big Apple, squaring off against Long Island for the first time on the road.
The first half of the seasons ends on Sunday, July 8, while the second half concludes on Sunday, Sept. 23. Winners of each half will square off in the opening round of the playoffs, with the victors advancing to play for the Atlantic League championship. The 2012 playoffs are slated to begin on or before Sunday, Oct. 7.
The All-Star Game, scheduled for Campbell’s Field in Camden, serves as the mid-point of the season.
The Skeeters are slated for two day-night doubleheaders, both of which will be on the road: July 24 at Somerset and Sept. 15 at Bridgeport. Also, Sugar Land will play at StarTex Power Field for both Mother’s Day (May 13 versus Long Island) and Memorial Day (May 28 against Southern Maryland), while playing on the road for Father’s Day (June 17 at Camden), Fourth of July (Bridgeport) and Labor Day (Sept. 3 at York.)
Sugar Land will conclude its first season the same way it started: hosting York for a six-game series on Sept. 18-23.
The full 2012 schedule can be seen online at SugarLandSkeeters.com by clicking the schedule tab on the home page. Game time for home and road games will be released at a later date.
About the Sugar Land Skeeters: The Sugar Land Skeeters minor league baseball team, led by Manager and former Major League All-Star Gary Gaetti, will play in the $35 million-dollar StarTex Power Field, which is being constructed by the City of Sugar Land and the Skeeters at the intersection of State Highway 6 and U.S. Highway 90A. The Sugar Land Skeeters will play 70 regular season home games annually, starting with the 2012 season which begins in April, 2012. StarTex Power Field will play host to a multitude of other sporting events, including football, soccer, lacrosse, cheerleading and band competitions, as well as concerts, group outings and scout sleepovers. Fixed-seat stadium capacity is approximately 6,200 for baseball, plus additional lawn and standing-room-only tickets. StarTex Power Field has a capacity of 10,000-plus in concert configuration.
The Sugar Land Skeeters offices are presently located at 16160 City Walk in Sugar Land Town Square, Sugar Land, TX 77479 where additional information, tickets and Inaugural Season merchandise are available. The Skeeters may be reached atwww.SugarLandSkeeters.com or by calling 281.240.HITS (4487), and on Facebook (facebook.com/sugarlandskeeters) and Twitter (@SL_Skeeters). Please mention you found this on www.SugarLandMagazine.com.
Blessing of the Animals
Fort Bend Texas
Posted October 7, 2011
St. Mark’s Episcopal Church’s Rev. Bert and Pstr. Claude blessed the animals at the Fort Bend County Animal Services for St. Frances Day on October 4. The occasion is to honor St. FRANCIS of Assisi, the patron saint of animals. Please mention you found this on www.SugarLandMagazine.com.
GIGI’S CUPCAKES NOW OPEN AT LAKE POINTE TOWN CENTER
Fort Bend Texas News
Posted October 7, 2011
Planned Community Developers, Ltd. (PCD) is pleased to announce that Gigi’s Cupcakes, the rapidly-growing cupcake boutique, is now open at Lake Pointe Town Center. The bakery offers 34 flavors baked fresh daily, with new flavors introduced each season.
Gigi’s Cupcakes is located at 15850 Southwest Freeway, Suite 100 and boasts 1,315 square feet of space to bake and sell cupcakes. This location marks the bakery’s sixth in Texas.
For a full list of Lake Pointe Town Center shops and restaurants visit LakePointeTexas.com. For more information about Gigi’s Cupcakes visit GigisCupcakesusa.com. Please mention you found this on www.SugarLandMagazine.com.
Testing for Breast Cancer Mutations: Not for Everyone
Fort Bend Texas News
Posted October 7, 2011
UT MD Anderson experts share advice to help adults make informed decisions about genetic testing
Too many average-risk women and too few high-risk women receive genetic counseling and testing for hereditary breast and ovarian cancers, research shows. Experts at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center share advice to help patients and their doctors better evaluate family history and make more sound decisions about who should be tested.
“If you find out you’re the right candidate for genetic testing, one benefit of learning you have a mutation is that you and your doctor can work together to monitor and address your cancer risks,” said Karen Lu, M.D., co-medical director of the Clinical Cancer Genetics program at MD Anderson. “This can help prevent cancer or find it early, when it’s most treatable.”
Women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations are much more likely to get breast and ovarian cancers. Men with these mutations face an increased risk of breast cancer and possibly pancreatic and early-onset prostate cancers.
Focus on close blood relatives
But, only about 5 to 10% of cancer cases are due to an inherited cause. So, the chances that the disease “runs in the family” are slim, even if several family members have had cancer.
Before jumping to conclusions, Lu suggests focusing on first-degree blood relatives (parents, siblings, children) and second-degree relatives (grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews). Please mention you found this on www.SugarLandMagazine.com.
Fort Bend Sheriff’s Office Lends Helping Hand to Meyer Elementary
Fort Bend Texas News
Posted October 7, 2011
The Meyer Elementary PTO presented a plaque to the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office for their continued support through the annual gift of backpacks and school supplies to children at Meyer.
This year the Sheriff’s Office provided backpacks to students in grades pre-k through 5. Each grade level received 45 backpacks filled with school supplies. Please mention you found this on www.SugarLandMagazine.com.
Brigit and Andrew Engleman and KK and Scott West Chosen as FBJSL 2012 Charity Ball Honorary Chairs
Fort Bend Texas News
Posted October 7, 2011
The Fort Bend Junior Service League is pleased to announce that Brigit and Andrew Engleman and KK and Scott West will serve as Honorary Chairs of the 2012 FBJSL Charity Ball and Casino ~ “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend,” presented by title sponsor Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital. The event will be held on Saturday, March 3, 2012 at the Sugar Land Marriott Town Square. Guests will experience a “night at the diamond,” complete with a magnificent seated dinner, dancing, casino games, a fabulous live auction, a bid board and silent auction. Proceeds from the event will benefit Lunches of Love and the FBJSL Community Assistance Fund (CAF).
Both the Engleman and West families have served Fort Bend County for many years, and we are truly honored to have them join our efforts to raise funds and awareness for Lunches of Love.
Brigit served on the FBJSL board for six years, one of those years serving as President. Brigit is also involved with Child Advocates, serving on their Board and as a CASA, and also serves on the advisory board for Parks Youth Ranch. She and her husband Andrew have been supporters of FBJSL and the Fort Bend community for many years.
KK West served on the FBJSL board for three years, including one year serving as League President. She and her husband Scott have supported numerous events and activities both of FBJSL and other local charitable organizations through the years. Scott’s law firm, The West Law Firm, was also a long-time presenting sponsor for the FBJSL Sugar Plum Market.
A variety of sponsorship and underwriting opportunities are available ranging from $500 to $7,500. For more information on sponsorship opportunities or to purchase tickets online, please visit the FBJSL website at www.fbjsl.com or contact Charity Ball Co-Chairs Mandy Boudreaux, Debbie Buckner, Jessica DeMarr or Audra O’Neal at[email protected]. Please mention you found this on www.SugarLandMagazine.com.
Missouri City’s Finest Win Competitive Justice Department Grant For $893,676; Will Hire Four New Officers With the Funds
Fort Bend Texas News
Posted October 7, 2011
Missouri City’s nationally recognized Police Department has won a prestigious federal grant for $893,676 and will fund four new positions with the money in Fiscal Year 2011.
The award is one of five allocations to Texas police departments and will be instrumental in helping the “Show Me City” advance its proactive approach to combating crime and implementing prevention programs. Missouri City will use its allotment from the Justice Department’s Community Oriented Policing Services “Hiring Program” to pay 100 percent of entry-level salaries and benefits for four positions for three years. The Police Department will be required to retain the new officers for a minimum of 12 months beyond the three-year funding period.
“The COPS grant will be essential in helping us maintain superior public safety standards and we will continue to intelligently address staffing issues and crime from every angle possible,” said Police Chief Joel Fitzgerald. “The four additional police officers we gain brings our grand total to seven new predominantly grant-funded positions this year. Our expansion in staffing of 18 percent over two years epitomizes the commitment Missouri City Council members make to Public Safety.”
In May, Council members authorized police officials to submit a grant application to the competitive COPS program, highlighting specific crime-fighting goals, including the department’s focus on gang intervention strategies. Mayor Allen Owen traveled to Washington, D.C. last month to meet with Missouri City’s Congressional Delegations and Justice Department officials to explain “exactly what grant funds would be used for and the importance of adding officers to the police force to effectively prevent the emerging gang violence in nearby areas from becoming an issue here.” He added, “having direct discussions with these leaders was a critical component of the process and we were elated to learn last week that we won the award.”
The Police Department has been successful in cracking down on gangs by conducting strategic stings, increasing patrols, hosting community education programs such as the popular Crime Watch Program and devoting resources to the Special Crimes and Gang Enforcement Team and the Fort Bend County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force. “Our interaction with the homeowners’ associations and other proactive measures like the “I choose to follow the rules” elementary school program, which teaches students to say no to violence and drugs and “Gang Awareness” workshops also impact crime,” Fitzgerald said. “When we seek alternative funding, we place emphasis upon building sustainable programs and retaining our employees; since 1994 COPS has distributed billions of dollars to communities like ours across the nation.”
COPS’ mission is to assist law-enforcement agencies in three key areas: community partnerships, organizational transformation and problem solving. The organization’s overall goal is to enhance public safety through community partnerships and the dissemination of critical information. In Texas, other cities receiving grants from the group are the Houston Police Department, the Huntsville Police Department, the City of Patton Village, and the Waller County Constable’s Office, Precinct 2. The 2011 award for all five Texas communities is $6,403,830, and will result in the hire of 33 additional law-enforcement officers. Please mention you found this on www.SugarLandMagazine.com.
LIBRARY EBOOKS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR KINDLE
Fort Bend Texas News
Posted October 7, 2011
Fort Bend County Libraries’ eBooks are now available for use on the Amazon® Kindle eReader. Library patrons can download popular and classic eBooks to a Kindle device or any mobile device running the free Kindle app, such as iPhone®, iPad®, Android™, and more.
Kindle users can browse the library’s OverDrive digital collection of bestselling and classic eBooks from a PC or Mac computer, check out titles using a library card, and select “Get for Kindle” to deliver eBooks to their Kindle device or any device running the free Kindle app. Amazon’s Whispersync technology synchronizes notes, highlights, and last-page-read between the Kindle and other eReader devices.
Visit the library’s website, www.fortbend.lib.tx.us, and click on the OverDrive link to select and download eBooks for your Kindle. Fort Bend County Libraries partners with OverDrive, Inc., a leader in eBook distribution for libraries and schools, to offer this service.
For more information, call the library’s Public Information Office at 281-341-2677, or ask at any of the libraries in the Fort Bend County library system. Please mention you found this on www.SugarLandMagazine.com.
Fort Bend ISD’s Annual Vendor Expo Welcomes More Than 175 Participants
Fort Bend Texas News
Posted October 7, 2011
Fort Bend ISD held its annual “Opportunity Knocks” Vendor Expo, which welcomed more than 175 participants representing area businesses. The annual event is held to give business representatives the opportunity to learn about the District’s procurement process and meet with potential clients.
Mike Hinkle of Techno Chaos, which offers curriculum in robotics education, was among the many business representatives to take part in the Vendor Expo. “We’re expanding our services and are approaching area school districts in hopes of becoming potential clients,” said Hinkle. “This Vendor Expo provided a great opportunity for me to meet with various FBISD representatives to share with them what our business has to offer.”
Participants met with the FBISD Procurement staff and received information on various services and commodities that the District currently uses. Representatives of other FBISD departments (including Transportation, Technology, Community Relations, Design & Construction, Facilities & School Services, Child Nutrition, Curriculum and Athletics) were also available to provide detailed information on the items and services procured by their specific department. Please mention you found this on www.SugarLandMagazine.com.
Our School Supports!
Fort Bend Texas News
Posted October 7, 2011
In order to show their support of Breast Cancer Awareness month St. Laurence Weekday Children’s school is pretty in PINK! Please mention you found this on www.SugarLandMagazine.com.
Toys for Tots Fort Bend 2011 Campaign Seeks Donation Sites and Volunteers
Fort Bend Texas News
Posted October 7, 2011
The Toys for Tots Fort Bend program is under way recruiting toy drop-off locations and volunteers for the seventh annual campaign that helps Fort Bend area families. Last year’s successful program provided assistance to more than 2,400 local children.
“We are proud of how our community comes together for this annual event that brings joy to so many children,” said Jack Molho, coordinator for Toys for Tots Fort Bend. “Since 1948, Toys for Tots and the United States Marine Corps have been providing toys for our most needy children but this is once again a very challenging economic time. With that in mind, we still are asking local businesses and residents to support our 2011 campaign.”
In addition to toy drop-off at First Colony Mall, Toys for Tots is seeking additional locations for residents to conveniently drop-off a new, unwrapped toy. To become a collection site, volunteer or donate, please visit the website at http://stafford-tx.toysfortots.org or call 281-891-3401. Please mention you found this on www.SugarLandMagazine.com.
St. Laurence Catholic School Celebrates Grandparents’ Day
Fort Bend Texas News
Posted October 7, 2011
More than 700 people were on hand at St. Laurence Catholic School Friday, September 23rd to take part in Grandparents Day celebration.
This special day began with a packed Mass led by Father Drew Wood and the church was filled with grandparents, guests, faculty and students. Following the Mass, students in the school’s pre-kindergarten and kindergarten programs performed.
While serving a light breakfast in the main campus gym, the group enjoyed a performance from each grade. Also, the school band and choir gave an amazing performance.
The day was capped off with the grandparents and guests visiting the classrooms that were proudly shown off by the students. Please mention you found this on www.SugarLandMagazine.com.
Fort Bend ISD purchases 65-acre high school site in Telfair
Fort Bend Texas News
Posted October 5, 2011
Newland Communities has announced that the Fort Bend Independent School District has purchased a 65-acre site at University Blvd. and Chatham Ave. for a future high school.
Fort Bend ISD has not yet announced a timetable for construction of the school, which would be the district’s 12th high school campus. When built, the high school would be the second Fort Bend ISD campus in Telfair, which is also home to Cornerstone Elementary School, opened in 2008.
“The district’s purchase of this school site fulfills a vision that began in 2006, when Telfair opened with a master plan that included this proposed high school campus in this location,” said Alan Bauer, senior vice president and Houston division manager for Newland Communities. “The academic excellence of Fort Bend ISD has been a key reason for the success of Telfair, and we are very pleased that Telfair will be home to a state-of-the-art high school in the near future.”
Bauer said the 65-acre site at University and Chatham is easily accessible to residential neighborhoods within Telfair as well as other communities that will be served by the high school. University Blvd. provides access to U.S. 59 to the south, and to Texas 6 to the north. The site is bounded on the north by Bullpen Bayou and on the west by a future 80-acre City of Sugar Land public park.
“The site will be a beautiful environment for learning, sharing its entire western boundary with the Sugar Land park, and across Chatham from Telfair’s largest lake and its waterfront parkland,” he said.
The acquisition of the school site marks another milestone in Telfair’s history as one of the top-selling master-planned communities in the Houston area and the United States.
“When Telfair opened in 2006, homebuilders sold 330 new homes in the first four months, an incredible pace of sales. Since then, Telfair has consistently ranked among the top 10 communities locally and nationally, with approximately 2,400 new homes sold to date,” Bauer said.
Along with home sales, Telfair’s development has been punctuated by the opening of major amenities, including the completion of the 25-acre Telfair Central community center complex in 2010 with the opening of the 9,500-square-foot Telfair Central Hall building. In 2009, the Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land opened in Telfair in the historic Central State Farm building, which was donated by Newland Communities.
Telfair will begin its next phase of development next spring, when a new neighborhood and model home park open. Please mention you found this on www.SugarLandMagazine.com.
Riverstone Celebrates 10 Years of Development
Fort Bend Texas News
Posted October 5, 2011
With 2011 sales 35 percent ahead of last year’s sales and at an all-time record for home sales through August, Riverstone has much to celebrate, including a decade of successful development.
A project of The Johnson Development Corp., Riverstone opened in 2001 and recorded its first sale in September of that year. Now, 10 years later, builders have started more than 1,760 homes and closed more than 1,640. More than 5,000 residents now call Riverstone home.
To mark its 10-year anniversary, Riverstone is giving away 10 $100 Home Depot gift cards during the “10 Great Years” sweepstakes. Those interested can register on Riverstone’s Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/RiverstoneCommunity, or at the Riverstone sales center, 4855 Rivertsone Boulevard. The contest coincides with Riverstone’s Open Homes Spectacular, Oct. 8-23.
A hallmark during Riverstone’s 10-year development was in 2005, when Riverstone announced the acquisition of an additional 1,100 acres to its master plan.
The community also has hosted several large-scale community events throughout the years, including the Tour of Luxury in 2008, which drew more than 6,000 people to Riverstone, and a 2010 visit by internationally known 3-D street artist Tracy Lee Stum. Thousands visited Riverstone to meet the artist and see her work, which received broad news coverage throughout the Houston area.
“What a decade it’s been,” said Tom Wilcox, who has been Riverstone’s general manager from the beginning. “We’ve really seen this community grow and prosper and we anticipate continued success.
“Over the years, Riverstone has positioned itself as the premier master-planned community in Fort Bend County, is ranked as one of the top 10 selling communities in the overall Houston marketplace and is listed among the top 20 in the nation by housing industry consultant Metrostudy.”
Riverstone has introduced several new neighborhoods and models this year, a new price point from the $500,000s to $900,000s and builders Partners in Building and Toll Brothers. Plus, construction on University Boulevard is now underway. When the segment opens in late 2012, it will be the primary roadway through Riverstone, intersecting both Highway 6 and U.S. 59.
For more information, visit www.riverstone.com. Please mention you found this on www.SugarLandMagazine.com.
Sugar Land Animal Services Breaks Adoption Record for Third Consecutive Year
Fort Bend Texas
Posted October 5, 2011
Sugar Land Animal Services set a new record with 376 pet adoptions in 2011, an increase of more than 50 from 2010.
Total pet adoptions have steadily increased since 2009.
Animal Services Manager Kathryn Ketchum attributes the increase to the hundreds of hours donated to the shelter by community volunteers as well as to the dedication of the Animal Services staff. Ketchum was also quick to point out that the group most deserving of credit is the Sugar Land community without whom the adoption increase would not be possible.
More than 4 million animals show up in shelters each year — less than half find a permanent home.
The Sugar Land Animal Shelter’s dogs and cats are available for a moderate adoption fee that covers spay/neutering, de-worming, flea treatment, vaccinations and microchips with lifetime registration.
For more information about Sugar Land Animal Services or to see all of the adoptable animals at the shelter, visitwww.sugarlandtx.gov/public_works/animal_services. Please mention you found this on www.SugarLandMagazine.com.
THS Winner
Fort Bend Texas News
Posted October 5, 2011
The College Career counselors at B.F. Terry High School held a “name-the-room” contest to name the area where students can research colleges, scholarships and post high-school offerings. Senior Kellie McClain was the winner with her name of “Explore - Your Future is Here” and the accompanying logo with a compass in the center. She earned a $50 gift card, and she’s shown with, from left, Associate Principal Dr. Maria Fondon and Counselor Kristie Sulak. Not shown is Counselor Mildred Anaele. Students are urged to visit the center to obtain invaluable information about colleges and career planning. Please mention you found this on www.SugarLandMagazine.com.
Drought Allows Unique Opportunity for Saturday Morning Cleanup
Fort Bend Texas News
Posted October 5, 2011
Sugar Land, TX - Enough trash and debris to fill 70 large trash bags was collected from Oyster Creek on Oct. 1.
Thirteen volunteers from local high schools and Serve Sugar Land spent the morning in Lost Creek Park picking up bottles, cans, tires and other debris from the creek. Many of the teens were part of a youth humanitarian program formed by Memorial Hermann Sugar Land and Generation, a non-profit organization focusing on local and international volunteer outreach.
While Oyster Creek is dry, the City is taking this opportunity to remove years of trash from the banks and the creek bottom.
Dry creeks and lakes are being seen throughout Texas due to the extreme drought conditions. Although nothing found on the creek bed Oct. 1 was as old as the dinosaur footprints seen in Lake Grapevine, the age of some of the trash was evident by glass bottles that were found.
“When was the last time you saw Listerine in a glass bottle?” asked Kimberly Terrell, Sugar Land Parks and Recreation employee. “Now, about all that is left in the bottom of the creek in the area that was cleaned are the oyster shells that give the creek its name.”
The City hired contractors to remove some of the larger debris in the parks, but volunteers will be continuing efforts in Lost Creek and Oyster Creek Park in the coming months, as long as the low water levels allow access.
For more information on volunteering for Serve Sugar Land, visit www.sugarlandtx.gov or call the Volunteer Program Office at (281) 275-2329. Please mention you found this on www.SugarLandMagazine.com.
County Judge Robert Hebert Receives Flu Shot
Fort Bend Texas News
Posted October 5, 2011
Fort Bend County Judge Robert Hebert joined Director of Fort Bend County Health & Human Services Mary desVignes-Kendrick, M.D. at Fort Bend County Clinical Health to receive his flu shot today. Judge Hebert urges all Fort Bend County community members to get vaccinated before the start of flu season. Being vaccinated not only keeps you from getting the flu, but can reduce time taken off from work and school, and reduce the cost of medication and doctors visits.
Fort Bend County Clinical Health Services is now providing flu shots for adults and nasal spray vaccine for children.The price is $15 for adults 19 yrs. and above, $5 for children under 19. All pregnant women need a prescription from their doctor in order to receive the vaccination.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends everyone at least 6 months old be vaccinated against seasonal flu. The CDC also says that children ages 6 months to 8 years who did not get at least one dose of the 2010-2011 flu vaccine should get two doses of the vaccine this season.
A nasal spray vaccine is an option for healthy people ages 2 to 49 who are not pregnant. There is also a high-dose vaccine designed for people 65 and over and a new intradermal shot with a much shorter needle available for some adults.
The flu is caused by various influenza viruses. Symptoms include fever, coughing, sore throat, aches, chills and fatigue. Most healthy people recover without problems, but people 65 and over, pregnant women, young children and people with chronic health conditions are at higher risk for serious complications and even death. It is especially important for people in those high-risk groups to be vaccinated.
Getting an annual flu vaccine is the best way to prevent flu from spreading. Also, cover all coughs and sneezes, wash hands frequently with soap and water or hand sanitizer and stay home if sick.
For more information call Clinical Health Services at 281-342-6414. Please mention you found this on www.SugarLandMagazine.com.
Fort Bend ISD Teachers Race in Costume for Charity
Fort Bend Texas News
Posted October 5, 2011
Eight Fort Bend ISD teachers – representing Cornerstone Elementary School, Oyster Creek Elementary School, and Quail Valley Elementary School – participated in The Women’s Adventure Race to help raise funds to support two charities created following 9/11, Teen Advocates for Community Safety and Tuesday’s Children. Competing in the race were: Jennifer Barnhardt, Sarah Dean, Meg Murphy, Maria Sune, Cathy Talecki, and Erika Tinnin of Cornerstone Elementary School; Desiree Parks of Oyster Creek Elementary School; and Katie Leibert of Quail Valley Elementary School.
Held September 11 in Austin, the adventure race allowed participants to compete in a run/hike that involved mystery challenges such as balancing a pipe or solving a word puzzle, a water craft challenge, and a costume contest. Of the eight FBISD participants, two teams earned awards. The team of Maria Sune and Katie Leibert won fourth place in their age division, and Erika Tinnin and Meg Murphy’s team won fifth place in their age group. Please mention you found this on www.SugarLandMagazine.com.
Sugar Land Legacy Foundation Now Accepting Large-Scale Donations
Fort Bend Texas News
Posted October 5, 2011
The Sugar Land Legacy Foundation, a group created by the Sugar Land City Council to accept large-scale charitable and planned donations focusing on parks and civic facilities in Sugar Land, recently announced its official launch.
The foundation recently received 501c3 tax exempt status from the IRS, an important step needed to accept contributions supporting the City’s acquisition, ownership, construction, development, improvement, operation or maintenance of land and facilities, including capital projects supporting activities for recreation, entertainment, sports, the arts or similar activities that might benefit the citizens of Sugar Land.
The foundation will focus on “planned giving opportunities” that do not compete with the fundraising efforts of Fort Bend County’s many charitable organizations. Examples of projects the Foundation would support include the following:
● Sugar Land Memorial Park “Fort Bend Veterans Memorial” to
preserve the legacy of Fort Bend veterans who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country.
● Sugar Land Rotary Club Universally Accessible Playground — a
fund that supports a challenge by the Sugar Land Rotary Club to raise $375,000 for the design and construction of a completely “inclusive” or “universally accessible” playground for children of all ability levels at the First Colony Athletic Park.
● An Art in Public Places Fund to support the City of Sugar
Land’s process of commissioning a “Cultural Arts Master Plan” to inventory the existing cultural arts resources, organizations and facilities in the community and identify opportunities for the development of comprehensive and coordinated cultural arts programs and facilities.
● A Legacy Fund to support capital projects identified in the
future.
The foundation recently received its first donation, a $6,500 contribution from former Sugar Land Councilmember Don Olson, which will be used to support the development of a universally accessible playground project initiated by the Sugar Land Rotary Club.
Individuals, corporations, foundations, financial advisors and other financial professionals interested in learning how they or their clients can participate in tax-deductible contributions or “planned giving”
opportunities such as bequeathals, gifts of cash or stocks, property or other charitable giving mechanisms should e-mail the Sugar Land Legacy Foundation at [email protected], call (281) 980-8981 or visit www.sugarlandlegacy.org.
Legacy Foundation board members include President Gene Reed, Vice President Bob Brown, Treasurer Herb Appel, Secretary Brent Leftwich, Bill Jameson, Paul Likhari, John Null and Sunil Sharma. Please mention you found this on www.SugarLandMagazine.com.
Eight FBISD students named Semifinalists for the 2012 National Achievement Scholarship Program
Fort Bend Texas News
Posted October 5, 2011
Fort Bend Independent School District is proud to announce the names of eight students selected as semifinalists in the 2012 National Achievement Scholarship Program. The students are: Shane St. Luce – Bush High School; Jamar Brooks, Victoria Diggs, Nicholas Johnson, Baher Michel – Clements High School; Julian Duodu – Dulles High School; Alexis Daniels – Hightower High School, and Jonathan Robinson – Kempner High School. Semifinalists are designated within geographic regions and are the highest-scoring program entrants in the states that make up each region.
These students represent more than 160,000 African-American high school juniors from all parts of the U.S. who requested consideration in the 2012 National Achievement Program when they took the 2010 PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. They will compete for one of 700 one-time National Achievement scholarships in the amount of $2,500, as well as about 100 corporate-sponsored Achievement Scholarship awards. The winners will be announced in early April. Please mention you found this on www.SugarLandMagazine.com.
First Colony Mall adds a new sparkle – PANDORA Jewelry set to open in November
Fort Bend Texas News
Posted October 5, 2011
Just in time for holiday shopping, PANDORA Jewelry will be opening at First Colony Mall. PANDORA is best known for their customizable charm bracelets with more than 600 silver and gold charms, some with gems. The new, Danish-designed collection will be available at First Colony Mall this November.
PANDORA is a global Danish brand that has been making its mark on international jewelry fashion for 25 years and has become known for its high standards, craftsmanship, quality and design. PANDORA’s customizable charm bracelets and matching line of rings, earrings, and necklaces are all handcrafted from 14-carat gold and sterling silver, many with precious stones such as topaz, sapphire, amethyst or brilliant-cut diamonds.
Construction is underway on the new store which will be located near The Gap.
Like us on Facebook. First Colony Mall is located in Sugar Land at U.S. 59 south and Texas 6. For more information, call 281.265.6123 or visit www.firstcolonymall.com.
First Colony Mall is owned and managed by General Growth Properties, one of the nation’s largest shopping center owners. GGP has ownership and management interest in 166 regional and super regional shopping malls in 43 states. The company portfolio totals 169 million square feet of space. A publicly traded real estate investment trust (REIT), GGP is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol GGP. Please mention you found this on www.SugarLandMagazine.com.
FBJSL Adds the Houston Museum of Natural Science Sugar Land as a Core Placement
Fort Bend Texas News
Posted Oct. 5, 2011
The Fort Bend Junior Service League (FBJSL) is excited to announce that the Houston Museum of Natural Science Sugar Land has been selected as a new core placement for the 2011-2012 League year. Ladies assigned to this placement will provide a minimum of 54 hours of service to the museum during the year while all FBJSL and Fort Bend Teen Service League (FBTSL) members will be encouraged to provide support at the museum’s numerous events.
FBJSL is an organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism, to developing the potential of women and to improving the Fort Bend County community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.
Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable as well as providing an atmosphere of friendliness, goodwill and camaraderie for all members.
To find out more about these organizations, please visit www.fbjsl.com,www.fortbendteenleague.org and www.hmns.org. Please mention you found this on www.SugarLandMagazine.com.
FBJSL Awards $5,000 Grant to Fort Bend CORPS
Fort Bend Texas News
Posted Oct. 5, 2011
The Fort Bend Junior Service League (FBJSL) presented a $5,000 Community Assistance Fund (CAF) Grant to the Fort Bend CORPS, which will be used to fund the Hearts & Hammers Program. This program benefits low-income, elderly and disabled residents throughout Fort Bend County by helping them to complete desperately needed exterior and interior home repairs.
FBJSL accepts CAF applications throughout the year for grant funding up to $5,000 per year. Applicants must be nonprofit organizations serving Fort Bend County with requests to fund a critical need, pilot program and/or expand a significant service to the community. For additional eligibility requirements or to download an application, please visit www.fbjsl.com. Please mention you found this on www.SugarLandMagazine.com.
FORT BEND COUNTY LEADS AREA-WIDE TRANSPORTATION AND MOBILITY EXPANSION
Fort Bend Texas News
Posted October 3, 2011
Fort Bend County is using authority granted by the State of Texas to prioritize and complete local transportation and mobility solutions. The recent high-profile groundbreaking for Fort Bend County Grand Parkway / State Highway 99 Segment D main lane overpasses showcases the County’s effective relationship with the Texas Department of Transportation (TX-DoT).
“Fort Bend County’s leadership regarding its own mobility solution has significant positive impact for area residents and businesses,” said Fort Bend County Commissioner James Patterson. “We’re working with TX-DoT under guidelines established by the State of Texas to undertake crucial transportation improvements.”
Texas Senate Bill 792 (SB 792) allows primacy, or a right of first refusal, for counties in high-population areas to lead certain transportation projects. Segment D of the Grand Parkway / State Highway 99 runs through Fort Bend County and is eligible for County-led projects under SB 792.
“We basically have 15 miles of signalized roadway for which we can expedite mobility options such as tolled overpasses,” said Patterson. “By exerting the right of primacy, Fort Bend County is able to take responsibility for certain projects that help us move people and products as quickly and effectively as possible.”
The Grand Parkway passes through eight counties in the Texas Gulf Coast and Greater Houston Region, and all eight counties are eligible to assert the right of primacy over local sections. Fort Bend County is the first of the eight counties to start construction on a project under SB 792.
“Local Government in Fort Bend County has shown great leadership in the planning and development of transportation enhancements for our community,” said Jeff Wiley, president of the Greater Fort Bend Economic Development Council (GFBEDC). “One of the most challenging consequences of building a desirable place to live and work is the development of infrastructure sufficient to sustain growth and quality of life. Smart mobility planning is part of our commitment to existing and future residents and businesses.”
The tolled overpasses, scheduled for completion within two years, will be self-sustaining, Patterson notes. “Toll Road Authority Bonds will fund the initial construction,” he said, “and the net positive revenue will go back into this section of the Grand Parkway, funding repairs as well as laying the groundwork for future connections.”
Texas Department of Transportation representative Delvin Dennis participated in the Segment D groundbreaking ceremony in August at the intersection of State Highway 99 and West Airport Road. “This is a tremendously big deal,” said Dennis. “Fort Bend County is using its own resources to expedite the extra high-speed capacity needed for the increasing use of Segment D. This speaks highly of the County’s leadership and its ability to solve transportation needs.”
For more information about Fort Bend County, visit online atwww.FortBendCounty.com or call (281) 242-0000. Please mention you found this on www.SugarLandMagazine.com.
Ray Elementary named to TBEC Honor Roll
Fort Bend Texas News
Posted October 3, 2011
Lamar CISD’s Ray Elementary is a member of the 2011 Texas Business-Education Coalition Honor Roll, which recognizes campuses for sustained academic excellence. Schools must demonstrate three years of consistent high performance in all subjects compared to other schools serving similar student populations.
Ben Perez is the principal at Ray Elementary and Deana Gonzales is the assistant principal.
This year 253 schools made the list. This represents less than 4 percent of all public schools in Texas and includes 34 high schools, 38 middle schools and 181 elementary schools. Ray Elementary also made the Honor Roll in 2007.
TBEC will recognize all the Honor Roll Schools December 2, at an Awards Reception and Dinner in Dallas sponsored by HEB. TBEC will host a series of seminars where educators will have the opportunity to learn about some exciting new programs.
In analyzing every public school in Texas TBEC considers only the school’s commended performance, the state’s highest standard for academic achievement and sets specific targets for schools based on grades served and student demographics. In this, the last year for using the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) performance data, TBEC’s standards were the toughest in the 12 year history of the award. Please mention you found this on www.SugarLandMagazine.com.
Five Fort Bend ISD Schools Recognized as 2011 TBEC Honor Roll Schools
Fort Bend Texas News
Posted October 3, 2011
Five Fort Bend ISD schools have made the 2011 Texas Business and Education Coalition (TBEC) Honor Roll.
The schools are:
• Clements High School
• Fort Settlement Middle School
• Commonwealth Elementary School
• Drabek Elementary School
• Walker Station Elementary School
This is the sixth-consecutive year that Fort Settlement Middle School has been recognized. Walker Station Elementary has been recognized for the past four years. Clements has been recognized five of the past six years. This is the third year for Commonwealth Elementary School and the first year for Drabek Elementary School. They are among only 253 of Texas schools that were honored this year, representing less than four percent of our state’s 8,000 public schools.
The TBEC Honor Roll is the most prestigious award for sustained, academic excellence in Texas. It recognizes schools that have demonstrated three years of consistent, high performance in all subjects compared to other schools serving similar student populations. TBEC Honor Roll schools have the highest percentage of students performing at the state’s most rigorous standard—commended—in every subject.
TBEC will recognize all the 2011 Honor Roll schools on Friday, December 2, 2011, at an awards reception and dinner in Dallas sponsored by HEB. Please mention you found this on www.SugarLandMagazine.com.
Glover Elementary School Students observe “Celebrate Freedom Week”
Fort Bend Texas News
Posted October 3, 2011
Glover Elementary School students joined their peers throughout the District and the state in observing “Celebrate Freedom Week,” September 17-23. The purpose of “Celebrate Freedom Week” is to educate students about the sacrifices made for freedom in the founding of our country and the values on which America was founded.
Glover’s social studies teachers asked the students to prepare essays, poems or illustrations in response to the question. “How can you make America a better place?” Some of the responses from the future problem-solvers included, “making greater efforts to recycle,” “being respectful to our country’s President,” and “being kind and helpful to one another.” The student projects were featured on a “Light the Torch for America” wall display along one of the schoo’s main hallways. Please mention you found this on www.SugarLandMagazine.com.
The Lamar Educational Awards Foundation is seeking Men Who Cook
Fort Bend Texas News
Posted October 3, 2011
Men Who Cook 2012, L.E.A.F.’s Annual event that puts the fun and food in fundraising is looking for “celebrity’ chefs. Sponsored this year by Andy Sanford, Ryan O’Hara and Diana Alexander of RBC Wealth Management, community members will sample culinary delights that the men (or their wives or favorite restaurant) create at home.
“This is a great opportunity to participate in this stirring event and share a favorite dish with the community,” said L.E.A.F. Executive Director Janice Knight.
Men Who Cook will be Saturday, February 18 at 6:30p.m. at Safari Texas in Richmond, with the Billie Ledbetter Orchestra providing the evening’s musical entertainment.
L.E.A.F. helps fund Lamar CISD teachers’ dreams by providing that extra money for classroom enrichment. The organization awarded 107 educational grants totaling more than $190,000 for the 2010 school year.
“Come join us as we look forward to another successful presentation of Fort Bend’s finest chefs,” said Knight.
Call Knight at 832-223-0334 to participate or for more information. Please mention you found this on www.SugarLandMagazine.com.
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