12 minute read
EXCLAMATION POINTS
Publisher, PATTI PARISH-KAMINSKI
June Bugs
For years, I heard my sweet friend Alisa Murray call the daddies of the babies she photographed June Bugs. It is a term of endearment coined by Alisa, but in hindsight, I think it’s an incredibly appropriate name for dads, because each June is when we celebrate dads with their special day – ergo the June part. The bug part, well, that’s just a sweet southern expression Our June Bug Tim Kaminski with Kolton, Patti and – kind of like being cute as a bug. Kassidi Kaminski.
This month we have some great ideas to help you celebrate your June Bug. From reading suggestions to a Father’s Day DIY, we’ve got you covered. And not to forget the other special milestone that happens each June, we celebrate our graduates featuring the vals and sals from Fort Bend ISD and Fort Bend Christian Academy. Congratulations to our seniors for finishing strong!
Speaking of a strong finish, our cover story features Goldfish Swim School of Sugar Land who is making a big splash in our community. With their Swim Force program, students compete to showcase their abilities in quarterly swim meets building not only water skills, but self-esteem. Talk about finishing strong!
President Barack Obama said, “What makes you a man is not the ability to make a child, it’s the courage to raise one.” Happy Father’s Day to all of our June Bugs as they tackle one of the most difficult – and most rewarding – jobs of a lifetime.
Stay focused!
Patti@absolutelyfocusmedia.com
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READER’S FEEDBACK
Dear Patti,
I wish to thank you so much for donating all the purses and becoming a sponsor for Power of the Purse. I appreciate all your support.
I hope you will enjoy your lunch amongst the flowers! What a lovely idea. Thank you again, Kay Danziger, Power of the Purse Committee
Vol. 17 No. 6 June 2021
281-690-4242 www.fortbendfocus.com absolutely! focus media P. O. Box 1253 Richmond, Texas 77406
PUBLISHER Patti Parish-Kaminski
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Kay Garrett Gena Horak
ART DIRECTOR Grace Belleza
WEB DESIGNER Joey Belleza
SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER Natalee Moore
IT SUPPORT ADMINISTRATIVE/ SALES ASSISTANT Kolton W. Kaminski
CONTRIBUTORS M.G. Angulo Steve Kursar Denman Moody Alisa Murray Pete Olson
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EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Patti@absolutelyfocusmedia.com
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Fort Bend FocusTM Magazine is published by absolutely! focus media, P. O. Box 1253, Richmond, Texas 77406. Copyright© 2021 by absolutely! focus media. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited. Fort Bend FocusTM Magazine does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertising or editorial, nor do the publishers assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial appear. Fort Bend FocusTM Magazine welcomes editorial submissions from its readers.
Fort Bend County Libraries Re-Open More Libraries
Fort Bend County Libraries (FBCL) began the process of re-opening buildings on March 15th, when five locations resumed in-person service. On June 4th, the library system will welcome patrons back to five additional locations: the Bob Lutts Fulshear/Simonton Branch, the First Colony Branch, the Mamie George Branch (Stafford), the Mission Bend Branch and the Sugar Land Branch.
The Albert George Branch (Needville) will be receiving upgraded shelving in June and will re-open at a later date. Curbside pick-up service at this location will be available through June 26th but will not be available once the upgrades begin.
With the re-opening of the additional libraries on June 4th, many library services will resume as they were before the pandemic began in 2020.
Social distancing measures will continue to be enforced. Seating at study tables and at computers will be spaced apart, and meeting rooms and conference rooms will not be available.
Everyone entering the buildings will start at the health-screening station; hand-sanitizer is also available. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
For now, FBCL still requires face masks. Patrons (age 2 and up) who enter the library building are required to wear a mask and follow all social-distancing guidelines. Patrons who cannot wear a mask will be assisted through the contact-free curbside pick-up service. As the state and local public health guidelines change based on CDC recommendations, FBCL’s mask procedures will be updated accordingly.
Programming and events for children, teens, and adults will remain online and in virtual formats so that patrons may enjoy them from the comfort and safety of home.
For more information, visit fortbend. lib.tx.us or call 281-633-4734.
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Goldfish Swim School of Sugar Land Makes a Big Splash in Fort Bend County
An analysis of drowning deaths a few years ago revealed children diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder are 160 times more likely to die from drowning compared to the general pediatric population. As the leading cause of death for children with autism, drowning also accounts for around 90 percent of deaths associated with wandering or bolting children 14 yearsold and younger.
And if these drowning stats feel alarmingly high, that is because they are, said Darla Farmer, CEO of Hope For Three. “Drowning is the number one cause of death in the autism community,” Farmer stressed. “With our children being attracted to water, it is necessary for them to learn water safety and lifesaving techniques.”
The phrase “our children” is often used by Farmer because as head of a nonprofit autism advocacy organization, she frequently hunts for resources and partnerships that will benefit the families Hope For Three serves. This eagerness is probably why Hope For Three’s partnership with Goldfish Swim School of Sugar Land began on the day the premier learn-to-swim franchise opened its doors.
Photo by Alisa Murray Photography.
COVER STORY
By M.G. Angulo
“We’ve been with Goldfish from the very beginning, and it’s been a great experience,” Farmer said of the partnership. “The atmosphere there is warm and inviting, and the staff are specially trained to work with our children with autism. We are a huge proponent of the school and the organization.”
The school also features dedicated instruction for children with autism or special needs; a “splash book” for each child as visual support for lessons; and will work directly with parents before class to ease their child’s transition into swimming lessons.
“Goldfish Swim School has been a blessing for our families,” Farmer said.
Jacob Yem, Sarah Vu, Chyla Riley, Micah Philips, mascot Bubbles, Violet, James and Julian Yem and Tommy Philips.
Safety First: Learning a Life Skill
Reviews like Farmer’s is heartening to Tommy Philips, who launched Goldfish Swim School last year. In addition to partnering with Hope For Three, the school also partners with the Child Advocates of Fort Bend and the Fort Bend Women’s Center.
Although it was a “scary feat” to start a business during the pandemic, Philips said the chance to safely open the school so children could learn to swim was one he could not pass up. “As a father of two, I know firsthand the importance of teaching water safety to your children,” he said.
To adhere to safety protocols, Goldfish School Swim of Sugar Land adjusted its class sizes and sanitizing and social distancing procedures to align with health department regulations. As the fourth franchise location to open in Texas, the Goldfish School Swim of Sugar Land has been successfully “teaching swim lessons and water safety – both lifesaving skills that will help keep our community, friends, and families safe,” Philips said.
The Goldfish Swim School franchise was founded in Birmingham, Michigan by husband and wife Chris and Jenny McCuiston in 2006. Three years later, the first franchise location opened.
Philips said he was excited to bring the school’s researchbased philosophy called The Science of SwimPlay® to his community. The philosophy is simple: A safe environment where children can engage in guided play will positively impact their cognitive growth.
Certified swimming instructors use The Science of SwimPlay to teach children of all ages and skill levels how to swim. While children enjoy themselves, the instructors are the ones focusing on the seriousness of skills being taught and learned.
The Swim Force
In addition to a carefully crafted philosophy, safe and engaging environment and clear objectives, Goldfish Swim School Sugar Land also features a Swim Force. “We’re committed to helping your child develop important life skills so he or she can make waves in life,” Philips said, before noting that competition and teamwork build character.
Students who progress through the school’s Pro Level swim classes receive a unique opportunity to join Swim Force. “This fun and friendly competition experience provides children with the motivation they need to continually improve their skills,” Philips said. “This swim team environment also allows for character-building at the heart of our ‘Golden Experience.’”
In-water coaches help swimmers between five-yearsold and 12-years-old improve their proficiency in the four major strokes: Freestyle, Breaststroke, Backstroke and Butterfly. Swimmers are also taught racing skills like turns and finishes. The school also hosts a one-hour swim meet every quarter where students have the chance to showcase their abilities.
Instructor Lola Miertschin and student Violet Yem.
A Top Notch Facility
“We’ve created an inviting and safe place where kids can overcome their fears, learn to swim, respect the water and have lots of fun while doing it,” said Philips.
This 10,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art aquatic school features a shiver-free pool – kept at comfortable 90 degrees – and an air-conditioned viewing room nearby for families. The school also features a state-of-the-art water purification system to ensure the pool remains clean and sanitary, plus an award-winning tropical environment.
“I’m proud to open this swim school in my hometown so that friends, family and neighbors alike can provide their children with the opportunity to learn to swim in a fun and safe environment,” Philips said.
Goldfish School Swim of Sugar Land’s indoor swim lessons and programs are offered to children ages four months old and older. A popular program is the Jump Start Clinics — a specially designed course for families who need to get their children to be water-ready quickly, for example in the case of a water-centric family vacation.
Held over the summertime and during other select times of the year, the Jump Start Clinics include four or five consecutive days of half-hour swim lessons that focus on everything from teaching the fundamentals of water safety to fine-tuning stroke technique.
Goldfish School Swim of Sugar Land 16618 Southwest Fwy, Suite A • Sugar Land For more information, call 281.789.6089 or visit www.goldfishswimschool.com/sugar-land.
But what is key about Goldfish Swim School is that it was created by parents, for parents, Philips said, explaining that the school removes the anxiety of learning water safety and replaces it with an environment and philosophy that benefits all children. The benefits of the school are not limited to improved swimming and water safety skills, though. Philips said the Goldfish Swim School is a “platform to build essential life skills.” At this special facility, the sole objective, the only drive, is to help children learn and grow — while having a golden experience.
Lifeguard Parker Brevard with students Violet Yem, Micah Philips, Chyla Riley and Instructor Lola Miertschin.
“It’s about momentum. Forward movement, growth,” Philips said. “It’s about showing kids that they are something, will be something, and whether that’s the next president or a role in the school play, that something will be undeniably them. As parents, we know there’s no greater feeling than the pride that comes with witnessing your child accomplish new skills — that’s why we’re always celebrating at Goldfish. Because every little dose of achievement adds up to big selfesteem. And after all, life is one big pool. At Goldfish Swim School, we’re here to give kids the courage to dive in.”
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