Sienna List May 2017

May 2017

Community At Your Finger Tips

One Mom’s Journey to the

Bad Moms Club

The Fort Bend Guide to

Memorial Day

Last Minute

Summer Camp

Options

The Lifestyle -

Mindful Living with

Auntie A

Contents

7 11

To Memorial Day

Molding Minds

Last Minute Summer Camp Options

13 19

The Guide

The Lifestyle Mindful Living

On Exhibit

Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land

Sienna List | info@siennalist.com | Missouri City, TX 77459 | 281-201-5998

May 13th - 10am until 1pm - Missouri City Community Center

1st Annual Mother’s Day Cake Decorating Event- 1524 Texas Parkway

Sienna List was developed with the residents of Missouri City in mind. We offer free services for our members; a platform where members can find jobs, business recommendations, events, and more with the click of a button.

Families are welcome. Cake kits are $12 per kit. Visit missouricitytx.gov

It’s easy to become a member of Sienna List:

May 27th - 1 until 2pm - Sienna Branch Library

1 - Visit www.thelist.city reate a user name and 2 - Cpassword for your login.

Sienna Sushi Fest- 8411 Sienna Springs Way Missouri City,TX 77459 Learn how to make mouthwatering Sushi Rolls and more!

May 28th- 1pm until 5pm - Sienna Plantation Train Depot

Sienna Community Farmers Market- 9600 Scanlan Trace Missouri City,TX Find local produce , Fresh baked good and more!

June 4th - 12 until 2pm - Sienna Episcopal Chruch

Summer Splash Day - 4747 Sienna Parkway, Missouri City, TX 77459

Community Event for all ages. For more information please call 281-778-2046

2

3 - Click the Submit button.

Creating and sharing a local event such as a garage sale, classes, or a fundraiser has never been easier! Once you login, click create an event. Then fill in the appropriate fields and your event will be live on Sienna List.

Parent Life

One Mom’s Journey to the “BAD MOM’S CLUB”

By Heather Suchma

own Facebook feed and found another great declaration I made right after having Tori:

“I am worth it. The reason I’m able to continue to keep my marriage a priority and still take care of ME as a new mom without guilt has nothing to do with my love for Tori. It has to do with my self-worth. Before I was a mother, I was a woman, a woman who finally figured out who she was.”

Hey, bad mom here – I actually had no idea who I was then and probably still don’t know now. Okay, back to good mom.

“M

y child will not snack. That’s right, I said it. Our plan is for Tori to eat only breakfast, lunch, one snack and dinner – all sit down meals (there will be no smashed Cheerios and goldfish in my car.) These days it seems like kids are constantly snacking, ruining their proper meals. It’s my job to teach Tori to eat well, and well in my eyes means actual meals. If she’s snacking all day of course she’s not going to be interested in the tilapia and broccoli I made for dinner.”

Do you hate me yet? Yeah, me too. I can’t remember the last meal I prepared food that wasn’t from the microwave and I’m pretty sure our house is surviving off goldfish.

I fell down a rabbit hole on my own Facebook page and found that post, written a couple of months into motherhood with my first daughter, Tori. I must (annoyingly) admit, all went smoothly with my grandiose plans of being great mom. All of the “I will never” mom moments didn’t happen.

Until they did.

I think when Tori was a year and a half I just started to relax, like, a lot. It’s now three and a half years and another daughter later, and I think all of my “I will never” mom moments have happened, by choice.

I just don’t care.

I don’t care what people think. I

don’t care what I used to think. I do what works at the time and that’s it. I jokingly call myself a bad mom because the old me probably would’ve thought the current me’s parenting choices are, well…lazy and unhealthy.

The simple truth is, I didn’t know what I didn’t know and no matter the amount of wise advice I could have been given, (even from the future me,) nothing would have changed my mind. I had to experience these things on my own.

I’m convinced eating your words is a rite of passage. It really was great being a good mom for a year and a half.

So in fascination with the former good mom I used to be, I kept creeping my

“Becoming a mom doesn’t change that I’m a woman with my own interests. I’m a wife, a business owner, a fitness freak, a self-indulgent beauty junkie and a friend. I AM ME. Being a fantastic mom doesn’t mean losing who I am. I’m not sorry for taking time for Stevie and I to have our alone time. I’m not sorry for taking my own alone time. It’s crucial in my wellbeing to do those things and it doesn’t make me selfish to realize that and live accordingly. Tori will grow up and see me as a multifaceted woman who loves not only her, but LIFE itself. She will grow up knowing what true love looks like – that a love that is pure and strong, even after many years, DOES exist. She’ll grow up with parents that value THEMSELVES and their marriage. And when our angel is grown up and starting her own life, I will still know who I am. Steven and I will be able to pick right back up where we were, as crazy teenage lovebirds, in an empty nest. It’s not said enough to women - YOU ARE WORTH IT.” Dead on. I was freaking dead on. The current me (bad mom) couldn’t have said it better.

So to all of the good moms out there – when it’s your time to join the “Bad Moms Club”, the rest of us will be here to welcome you with a glass of wine and a hug. Xo – Lady Heather Wife, Mom & Entrepeneur

Instagram: @heathersuchma May 2017

3

Continued ~

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Silver Screen

May 12th

Meaghan Barsamian CoFounder - CEO - Editor Allen Barsamian CoFounder - Account Manager Stacy Vickers Graphic Designer

When the child Arthur’s father is murdered, Vortigern (Jude Law), Arthur’s uncle, seizes the crown. Robbed of his birthright and with no idea who he truly is, Arthur comes up the hard way in the back alleys of the city. But once he pulls the sword from the stone, his life is turned upside down and he is forced to acknowledge his true legacy…whether he likes it or not.

May 19th

Alisa Murray Columnist

In “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul,” a Heffley family road trip to attend Meemaw’s 90th birthday party goes hilariously off course thanks to Greg’s newest scheme to get to a video gaming convention. Based on one of the best-selling book series of all time, this family cross-country adventure turns into an experience the Heffleys will never forget.

Jason Luthor Columnist Rosanna Vidal Columnist

On The Cover May 2017

Community At Your Finger Tips

One Mom’s Journey to the

Bad MoMs CluB

The Fort Bend Guide to

MeMorial day

Last Minute

suMMer CaMp

Options

The LifesTyLe Mindful living wiTh

AunTie A

The Suchma Family Feature article “Bad Moms Club”

Photos Courtesy

of

Suchma Family &

www.pinkowlstudios.com

May 26th

Johnny Depp returns to the big screen as the iconic, swashbuckling anti-hero Jack Sparrow in the all-new “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales.” The rip-roaring adventure finds down-on-his-luck Captain Jack feeling the winds of ill-fortune blowing strongly his way when deadly ghost sailors, led by the terrifying Captain Salazar (Javier Bardem), escape from the Devil’s Triangle bent on killing every pirate at sea—notably Jack. Jack’s only hope of survival lies in the legendary Trident of Poseidon, but to find it he must forge an uneasy alliance with Carina Smyth (Kaya Scodelario), a brilliant and beautiful astronomer, and Henry (Brenton Thwaites), a headstrong young sailor in the Royal Navy. At the helm of the Dying Gull, his pitifully small and shabby ship, Captain Jack seeks not only to reverse his recent spate of ill fortune, but to save his very life from the most formidable and malicious foe he has ever faced.

June 2nd Before she was Wonder Woman, she was Diana, princess of the Amazons, trained to be an unconquerable warrior. Raised on a sheltered island paradise, when an American pilot crashes on their shores and tells of a massive conflict raging in the outside world, Diana leaves her home, convinced she can stop the threat. Fighting alongside man in a war to end all wars, Diana will discover her full powers…and her true destiny.

May 2017

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The Guide

M

The Fort Bend Guide to Memorial Day

emorial Day is right around the corner.

One the day when we remember our armed forces, many of us celebrate with a traditional outdoor barbeque. These classic grilling sessions are engrained into the American fabric, and it’s unsurprising to see friends and family gathering together for everything from burgers to steaks. This Memorial Day, you can celebrate by hosting your own together and stunning your guests with some amazing foods.

There are a few ways you can really put an extra spin on your Memorial Day meal. Grilled corn makes for an excellent side dish. Lightly set to roast on the grill and then served with a coating of butter, corn can make an amazing appetizer. If you want to give your guests yet another appetizer to tide them over before the main course, you can devil some eggs and then fill them with buffalo sauce. Add some blue cheese as a garnish for

By Jason Luthor

even more flavor.

For the main course, you can serve up a wide range of dishes. The traditional cheeseburger can be served up with some hearty slices of bacon laid on top of a beef patty, while mounds of onions and a crisp leaf of lettuce can add a nice touch. Top it all off with a perfectly melted slice of cheddar cheese. For lighter eaters or guests who don’t like beef, you can also buy some turkey patties. One turkey burger idea is to serve this burger up topped with avocado sauce, which can put some cool flavor into this meal.

The dinner ideas don’t end there. You can also try to mix things up with some spicy shrimp. Grill these in a pan and blend them with garlic, pepper, paprika, and lemon juice for a powerfully tasty meal. You can also dazzle your guests with some chicken kabobs. To make these delicious entrees, make sure you have some long skewers May 2017

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May 26th and May 8th. This event will be held on the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds, with proceeds of the event going toward The Navy SEAL Foundation. Over the course of three days, roping events, musical events, and a car show will all accompany the cookoff itself. Other events will include horseback barrel racing and roughstock riding. If you’re hoping to participate in the cookoff itself, the cost is $175 per team entry, with payments made on-site by check on the day of the opening events. Whether you attend as a competitor or as a guest, this is a great way to celebrate Memorial Day in the heart of Fort Bend.

first. Marinate your chicken in a mix of lemon juice, garlic, salt, and sesame seeds, then skewer your chicken along with some mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers. This will create a fantastic alternative to the traditional beef options that most barbeques serve up.

Finally, don’t forget to serve up some desert to really end your barbeque right. You can serve up dice strawberries in a pan of whipped cream alongside blueberries, creating a pattern that looks just like the American flag. If you’d rather satisfy the chocolate lovers at your barbeque, you can whip up some fudge brownies.

This is a straightforward desert you can make with some pre-bought mix.

Bake the mixture in an oven and dice them into squares, then use colored frosting to place patterns of red, white, and blue stars. These types of patriotic treats will delight your guests’ eyes and taste buds.

Of course, there are other ways to celebrate Memorial Day than just having a barbeque. On both May 27th and May 29th, the George Ranch Historical Park will be exploring the roots of Memorial Day in its roots as Decoration Day. This event will let attendees read letters from soldiers

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throughout U.S. history. One highlight of the event with be the ceremonies held at the Davis Mansion, where the graves of formers military members will be cleaned as a way of honoring their wartime service. Guests will also be able to take part in a poppy-making activity at the George Home, a type of craft that was popular during World War I. You’ll even be able to participate in a specially themed lunch held in the yard of the George Home.

A Memorial Day ceremony will also be held in Sugar Land Memorial Park, where the Presentation of Colors will be made before members of the community are allowed to pay tribute to those who died while serving in the armed forces. This even will be accompanied by a choir singing patriotic songs as well as other musical performances. Visitors will also find many military exhibits set up throughout the park, and there will be a number of educational activities going on to teach guests about the armed forces. Notably, the event will include words of remembrance from veterans themselves.

Rosenberg, TX, will host the 8th Annual Navy SEAL Danny Diez Memorial Classic and Bar-B-Q Cook Off between

If fitness is your thing join CrossFit Better Than Yesterday for a special Memorial Day workout (Hero WOD) honoring Lieutenant Michael Murphy, Navy SEAL. Beat the heat and get your workout done before indulging on Monday, May 29th at 9am, doors open at 8:30 (small drop in fee will apply for non-members)! Location: 7620 Highway 6, Missouri City, TX 77459. Call ahead to reserve your spot (281)317-7260, reservations are required as space is limited.

With everything going on, it’s important to remember that schools and government offices will be closed during this holiday. Remember to plan ahead of time if you’ll have need to find someone who can assist with your children, and take care of any government related activities you have in mind if they require urgent attention.

Otherwise, enjoy Memorial Day when it finally arrives. If you have any questions about what will be closed during this time, you can check with the Fort Bend County website to learn more.

The List

Top 10 Things to do in May

1.

I just planted the spinach, beets and carrots. The collards are still producing massive amounts of food from my back yard. All of our local groceries have the vegetable plants started so grab a few and dig in nth dirt and stone you too will be getting your salad from your back door!

2. It’s time, after spring cleaning to schedule a drop off all the spring cleaned “give away” piles to the charity of your choice.

3. Get a compiled list of camps for the children and have a “meeting” to go over options for what they want to do during the summer month’s break. Just a head’s up after many requests I am bringing back my “Art from the HEART with Auntie A” Camp July 10-14 at my studio.

4. On my night side table now is Six Figure Freelancing by Kelly JamesEnger and The Book on Writing by Paula La Rocque.

5. Don’t forget to order Father’s Day fruit and cheese baskets for all the men on your list and either call in

with Auntie A

reservations or begin a pin board for recipes to compile, share and delegate to your family members for a wellplanned day for the holiday.

6. De-clutter by going through all your old magazines and save your favorite recipes and crafts you’d like to try and make a file.

7. Add a window box to your porch and keep it full of fresh tiny flowers.

You can use the edible ones and

school, so please purchase 10 boxes of cereal and drop it off at St. Catherine of Sienna. 4747 Sienna Parkway. The best church in the world by the way. We make sure those littles are fed when they can’t access free breakfasts and lunches during the summer months.

9. It’s almost bikini season…YIKES! I like to make a salad schedule and stick strictly to that for all lunches! It’s not fun but it is necessary for this ole’ Auntie A to look marvelous poolside in the upcoming months!

10. Go outside with the children and read “The Giving Tree” by Shel Silverstein. This will prompt an opportunity for you as a parent of a child at any age to discuss family, love and giving.

even include those into your plate decorating. I bought a whole batch of seeds and will be trying out what works as another addition to my gardening.

BY ALISA MURRAY

WWW.ALISAMURRAY.COM

8. School is almost out and you know what that means. Hungry children during the summer months when they do not have access to free meals at

NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED PORTRAIT ARTIST & AWARD WINNING COLUMNIST.

Auntie A’s SLIM DOWN Bikini Blast Off Salad First of all, you will need to make the

Grab a protein: I keep turkey and

can add in to the base whatever combo

as boiled eggs and bacon bits.

base for salad and then each day you you are interested in having.

“The Everything SALAD Base” includes:

ham sandwich meat on hand as well

I also

love also using leftovers so they get eaten and look different in a

Steak, fried or grilled chicken and of course salmon. salad such as

Iceberg, spinach and romaine cut and combined, this I bag up mixed and have ready all the time. You’ll also need the following: red bell peppers, green and purple onions, asparagus and green beans, cherry tomatoes, squash and zucchini ( I like them tiny little squares) and mushrooms sliced very thin or chopped. You will want to always have different cheeses, seeds, nuts, olives and berries to fill

Once you have your veggies, proteins

interesting.

OR…

out the meal and make things more

and extras all you have to do is be creative!

Italian Salad= Everything Salad Base + sun-dried tomatoes+olives+pasta spirals+artichoke hearts with mozzarella cheese and basil cream sauce

Be creative … there’s limitless varieties but the key is to have

everything ready so you won’t grab a sandwich or a burger!

Think up what flavor you

want to have and create the salad by drawing from that for inspiration.

Asian Salad = Everything Salad Base + red bell peppers+ crispy won ton strips+ leftover pork chop cut into pieces+ pineapple and ginger soy sauce.

May 2017

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Molding Minds

S

Last Minute Summer Camp Guide

By Rosanna Vidal

ummer is here. Saying goodbye to those cooler and longer nights means saying hello to beach days, iced teas and spending outdoors time with family. It also means school is out for two months. So the kiddoes are now looking to you to keep them constantly busy and entertained. In come Summer Camps.

If you are one of many parents looking for the best options to ensure your kids are not only entertained, but also safe, look no further. Here are some of the options in our area that still have enrollment available for kids of all ages and interests.

• Bushi Ban Martial Arts & Fitness Sienna Plantation (Ages 5 and up).

Summer Break Camp will consist of fun and interactive field trips every day from Wednesday May 31 through Friday August 18. Call to reserve your child’s space soon as there is limited availability. (832) 833-0030 www. bushiban.com • The Little Gym (Ages 3-8) Sugar Land/ Missouri City location. First day of camp is on Monday June 5 and last day is Friday August 25. Prices start at $32 per camp day. Camp Hours: Mon/Wed/Fri 9:15am-12:15pm, Tues/ Thurs 1:00pm-4:00pm. (281) 2775470 https://www.thelittlegym.com/ SugarLandMissouriCityTX • Sugar Land Art Center & Gallery (Ages 5-14). Summer Kids Art Camp 2017 begins Monday June 5 with the last week beginning August 14. Each week is a different theme, ranging from Under the Sea to Wacky Science Art and everything in between. The camp’s cost per week is $170. Camp Hours: 9:00am-Noon, 1:00pm-4:00pm. (281) 565-0957 www.sugarlandartcenter.org • YMCA (Ages 5-11 and 12-15). Fort Bend Family YMCA - Day Camp. Must be a YMCA program or facility member and becoming a member is free. Security waivers must be signed in order to enroll for camp and the enrollment process, which

can be done online, takes about thirty minutes. (281) 499-9622 https://www. ymcahouston.org/fort-bend-family/ • Inspiration Stage (Ages 4-18) (Age range depends on show). Summer Theatre Camps put on a different performance every week. Cost per week/show is $250 with the first week of camp beginning Monday June 5 and the last week beginning Monday August 14. Auditions are held on Mondays and performances done on Fridays. Some of the weekly themes being The Wizard of Oz, The Little Mermaid and High School Musical. Camp Hours: 8:00am-12pm, 1:00pm-5:00pm. (713) 302-5329 http:// inspirationstage.com/Summer/

August 14. The cost per week is $190 and includes all activities. There is a registration fee of $85 (fee goes up to $100 after May 8). Camp Hours: 7:00am-6:30pm. (281) 634-8926 http:// theparc.org • Alisa Murray Photography Studios’ Art Camp, where kids will learn everything from working with clay to working with digital cameras, will be held on the weeks of July 10 and July 17. One and two week Monday-Friday options available at $500 weekly per student.

Lunch and materials are included.

Camp Hours: 10:00am-2:00pm. (713) 598-2207 www.alisamurray.com

• The Perry Abernathy Recreation Center (The Parc) (Ages 5-10). Camp Yahweh Summer Day Camp begins Monday June 5 and will last through Monday May 2017

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SUMMER DAY CAMP Zip-line * Giant Slide * Jedi-Sword Fight

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The Lifestyle Mindful Living

I

’ll bet that unless you have been living under a rock for the past decade you are familiar with mindful living. This lifestyle trend encourages its participants to take in each moment and consciously find a deeper meaning through active observation. When you are living mindfully your thoughts are directed to observe, breathe deeply, react after contemplation. This all sounds quite peaceful and nice but… how easy is it really to practice? Moreover, a better long term question should be How easy is it though to just be? It is in fact much harder than one would think!

Back a few years before all the hype about “Mindful Living”, I remember a friend asking me to go to a yoga class with them and how irritated that class had made me. At that time, I was in the throes of creating my photography brand and had little time or patience to sit in poses and “just let my mind wander.” My days were spent on hyper drive worrying about the next sessions and getting new clients and when I slept guess what? My brain was doing

By Alisa Murray

that too! I was not interested in this “mindful stuff” and yoga just made me feel like I was slowing down and wasting precious time. I hated it.

Fast forward 15 years, as my children are leaving my nest and with my business strong, “mindfulness” has showed up like an old friend! It has been a nice surprise to find that the subtle art of doing nothing actually breeds massive creativity. For artists, such as myself; this is the perfect solution to a writer’s block, a need to free oneself from the constraints of a strict schedule and the opportunity in the being and doing of “nothing” (as I chuckle while my mind races through its very own tally of to do lists “before I die”) for some deep thoughts about life and love and existence that never seem to get to bubble to the surface unless given the quiet time to do so to be born. Many great things we have come to love have come from the simple act of kicking back and being intimately aware of your sense, your deeper thoughts… books have been written and music has been

made! Many times, the inspiration that feeds the creativity comes from a direct source, i.e. God. I have always been spiritual. Raised in the south and church going my whole life; praying has always been “a conversation in my head with my Holy Spirit at my side.” I feel connected to the universe when plugged into HIM. I love that!

Mindfulness for me is not sitting in repose and wandering. It happens while I am in the garden, at the stove, shooting a baby, painting a picture and even yes even while I am writing this for you. Mindfulness is being fully engaged into the world around you and not blindly wandering through your life. It is understanding that the best life is a life spent taking your time with the precious time that you have been given!

BY ALISA MURRAY

WWW.ALISAMURRAY.COM

NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED PORTRAIT ARTIST & AWARD WINNING COLUMNIST.

May 2017

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Health Report

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Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s New Arts Program for Cancer Survivors Provides Opportunity for Expression — and Healing

ort Bend-area cancer survivors now have a new artistic outlet to help with emotions surrounding their lifechanging experience.

Thriving Through Creative Arts is a complimentary expressive art program designed for local cancer survivors and administered by Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. The program gives survivors the opportunity to express their thoughts and feelings about being diagnosed, treated and surviving cancer through art.

“Cancer survivors — being anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer — need time to process their emotions and doing so through creative artistic expression can be a stress-relieving outlet for them as well as a means of coping,” said Melissa De Los Santos, breast and gynecologic oncology nurse navigator, who developed the unique program along with the Director of

Oncology Services, Amy SebastianDeutsch.

medicine,” said De Los Santos.

“Thriving Through Creative Arts provides the softer side of cancer care – the much needed, but often forgotten element, of wellness,” said Sebastian-Deutsch. “Through this program, Houston Methodist Sugar Land is helping to provide the important components of expression and healing that can provide significant benefits to survivors.”

Thriving Through Creative Arts will debut May 3, 2017. The class will take place at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital on the first and third Wednesday and Thursday of each month starting at 12:15 p.m.

The mediums used will vary at each meeting along with the project.

Photography, painting, jewelry making and journaling are just a few of the mediums planned.

The art program is designed to help cancer survivors view Houston Methodist Sugar Land not only as a place that delivers care for the body and eliminates cancer, but also as a center of emotional and spiritual health.

Go to houstonmethodist.org/events to register for a class. For more information about Thriving Through Creative Arts, please contact Melissa De Los Santos at mdelossantos@ houstonmethodist.org or call 281.414.8027.

“It’s really about offering a more holistic approach to health care, something that is often missing in today’s technology-driven approach to

Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital is Fort Bend County’s only hospital with American College of Surgeons-Commission on Cancer accreditation. The Cancer Center at Houston Methodist Sugar Land treats a wide range of cancers and provides high quality, specialized services — including screenings, diagnostics, genetic testing, advanced technology, clinical trials and patient support — close to home. For more information on the Cancer Center, visit us at houstonmethodist. org/cancer-sl or call 281.242.CURE (2873).

Photo: Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital cancer survivors May 2017

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3311 Williamsburg Lane Missouri City, Texas 77459 281-499-8030

Is your HVAC System in need of tune up and/or Professional Recommendation?

Our factory trained Service Technicians are ready to make your air conditioning and heating system operate as efficiently and economically as possible.

thetownecreekschool.com

No matter what your HVAC NEEDS ARE – Ultra Mechanical, inc. will provide you with the highest quality service. Guaranteed.

ScheDUle YOUr aPPOintMent SOOn: call Heath Holder, Owner Ultra Mechanical (Family owned business) TACLA 011844E

Hurry and CALL

281-277-7557

$59

check-up Special

AC Tune-up or Heater safety check (per system). Regularly $89 – Cannot be combined with other offers. Some restrictions may apply. Expires 1/1/2017.

281-277-7557

802 Summer Park Drive, Suite 209 Stafford, Texas 77477

281-277-7557

www.ultramechanical.com $50 OFF any repair Gift card may not be used on check up special, service call fee and cannot be used across multiple trips.

Cannot be used on previous sales. Offer valid for one air conditioner only, additional units at regular price. Must present the card to technician at time of service.

Enhance The Beauty and Value of Your Home $1000 Off

Purchase of $7500 $150 Off Purchase of $1500 $300 Off Purchase of $2500 $750 Off Purchase of $5000 Present at time of purchase otherwise we can’t honor.

Not valid with other offers.

Custom Plantation Basswood Shutters

nth 24 Mo g in c n Fina ble a il a v A

Kindergarten through Seventh Grade.

POOLGUARD removable pool safety fences

Laminate

Granite Countertops

Carpet

Including Trim

$1.29 sqft Pricing includes installation and trim.

Sam’s Flooring Gallery 4327 Hwy 6 South (just south of Oyster Creek Park), Sugar Land, TX 77478

832-875-8371 • SamsFlooringGallery.com

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The After School Program at The Towne Creek School provides a safe and enriching environment for children in

$4.29 sqft

$2.99 sqft

$29.99 sqft

• Degreed Staff • Privately Owned Since 1983 • Field Trips • School Holidays Included • Options Catering To Varied Interests Of Students

Hardwoods Installed

$20 sqft Installed

JOIN OUR DY NA MIC AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM!

• 12 Decorative Colors • Lifetime Warranty – U.S.A. Made • The Invisible Fence • Strongest Mesh/Pole • Easily Removed By An Adult In The Industry

• All Installers A.S.T.M. Certified by Pool Guard U.S.A.

We Make Swimming Pools Safe For Kids!

Houston’s Original And Most Experienced

Serving The Greater Houston Area for Almost 20 Years!

281-495-8800 www.poolguardtexas.com

Fit Life

D

Cycle into Summer with Bike Month

o you enjoy the great outdoors? Do you like the feeling of the wind in your hair? If so, you may be a bicyclist. As people become more conscious of the benefits of exercise and look for ways to save on gas, they’re turning to bikes as a way of getting around town. For the cycling enthusiast, there’s no better month throughout the year than the month of May. During this time, cyclists across the country celebrate National Bike Month. Fort Bend County is the perfect place to live for bike lovers, and there’s plenty to do in May that will get you out for a ride.

The City of Sugar Land will be teaming up with Shape Up Fort Bend to celebrate National Bike Month on Friday, May 12th during the annual Bike to Work and Bike to School Day. People from around the city will be able to join with friends and neighbors as local bike to Fort Settlement Middle School and Town Square. This event will begin at 7:30 A.M. and will be

celebrated with food and prizes at the South Meadow Pavilion inside of Sugar Land Memorial Park. Participants will start their 1.1-mile ride to Fort Settlement Middle School at 8:15 A.M., drop off their students, then continue another 6.4 miles to Town Square. Anyone hoping to ride must bring their own helmet for the event.

Anyone interested in making the trip can find out more at the event’s official Facebook page.

Even if you don’t live in Sugar Land, you can still get your biking done somewhere in the county. Shape Up Fort Bend is committed to promoting physical fitness and wellness throughout the region, and they’re an officially recognized nonprofit. They have programs for all ranges and can help get you moving. Regardless of whether you have kids you want to see getting out and riding or you’re a senior citizen looking to become more active, Shape Up Fort Bend will connect you to programs that can get you on track to a healthier body.

By Jason Luthor

If you’re thinking about getting on the road but don’t have a bike of your own, there are plenty of places to visit throughout Fort Bend. Handlebar Cyclery, in Richmond, sells a wide variety of bikes and can also make almost any sort of adjustments. They can custom tailor your ride until it’s the perfect fit for you. However, if you live in Sugar Land, you can always visit Society Cycle Works. This locally owned store sells all sorts of bikes and accessories. You’ll find clothes for your ride, parts to install, and have access to a wide range of repair services. And if you call Missouri City home, make sure you check out the new Sugar Cycles location at 7620 Highway 6!

With National Bike Month here, don’t miss out on all the fun that you can have. Find a bike that’s right for you, hit the road, and join up with some friends. Even if you can’t make Bike to Work Day, you can find a park to ride through at the county’s official Parks and Recreation website.

May 2017

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INCREASE

YOUR VISIBILITY AND TARGET YOUR DESIRED AUDIENCE!

& C OMING S OON ...

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On Exhibit

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Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land

Did you know that the Houston Museum of Natural Science has a branch in Sugar Land? That’s right, one of the best and most comprehensive museums that the Houston City area has to offer, has a building with exhibits in our neighborhood. And it’s a great one at that.

Located on University Boulevard, the museum is a dream for both adults and children alike. With easy access and parking and an open floor plan, this museum is the right choice for the whole family.

At an affordable $12 for adults and $9 for children, senior citizens and students with ID, you can enjoy the museum’s interactive learning experience at about half the cost of the Houston branch and do it in less time than at the main location.

HMNS at Sugar Land is one building, open Thursday through Sunday, with three floors and elevators readily accessible. Although the museum has been geared as a very children-friendly venue, it is obvious that science and

By Rosanna Vidal

learning doesn’t have an age cap.

As I looked around the museum, plenty of adults (including myself) seemed to really be enjoying their time. Every lever was pulled, every gear was twisted, and every button was pressed while roaming the Discovery Works exhibit.

The most interactive exhibit of this location demonstrates everything from how sound waves work, to how colors interact with each other and to light.

With presentations ranging from a Space Science exhibit that includes a planetarium, a Life Science exhibit (with always-kids-appealing live frogs), to an Earth Science exhibit showcasing crystals and rocks, there’s something for everyone.

The Earth Science exhibit even has a special treat in their fluorescent

minerals portion, in which children are pleasantly and honestly surprised when the lights turn off and the rocks light up in an array of beautiful and vibrant colors.

The museum even boasts a Paleontology Hall, which includes life-size skeletons of a T-Rex cleverly set in the middle of the main floor.

Patrons can also get more familiar with other dinosaurs including Stegosaurus, Ankylosaurus, and my favorite, the Triceratops, among many other fossils from the Paleozoic era. There is even a sea crocodile, certain to leave visitors, young and not so young, in awe.

As some extra entertainment, there’s a Dig Pit in which, for $3 for ages 2 and under and $5 for ages 3-11, kids can dig searching for dinosaurs among other things and follow a chat to see what they have uncovered.

My experience at HMNS at Sugar Land was very pleasant and made so by helpful employees willing to assist, guide and inform patrons, and the same type of organized and polished layout of a great museum. Check this museum out for yourself. You won’t regret it.

May 2017

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INFANTS ∙ TODDLERS ∙ PRESCHOOL ∙ BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL ∙ SUMMER CAMP

Amazing learning experiences are coming soon.

CURIOSITY-LAUNCHING LEARNING EXPERIENCES.

Like every Kiddie Academy®, our newest location will nurture kids with the tools, inspiration, guidance and confidence to become their future amazing selves. Kiddie Academy® Life Essentials® is at the core, with:

CURRICULUM

TECHNOLOGY

HEALTH & FITNESS

CHARACTER

Enroll by August 1, 2017 and get FREE REGISTRATION!

Kiddie Academy of Lakes of Savannah 5158 Savannah Parkway Rosharon, TX 77583 832-569-4847 kiddieacademy.com/lakes-of-savannah

New customers only. Not redeemable for cash.

One offer per child. Participating locations only.

Call academy for details. Offer expires 8/1/2017.

JOIN US FOR AN

AMBIANCE OF SMOOTH MUSIC, GREAT WINE, SMALL BITES WITH A SPLASH OF SPIRIT

B’s AMBIANCE • WEEKEND LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

• WINE TASTING

TAKING RESERVATIONS FOR OUR PRIVATE ROOM EVENTS • CORPORATE MEETINGS

• VAST SELECTION OF TEXAS WINE

• FULL BAR SERVICE • PRIVATE ROOM EVENT

• INTIMATE WINE TASTING

• HAPPY HOUR SPECIALS

• BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS

• DAILY LIGHT BITE MENU • INTIMATE COFFEE BAR

• BABY SHOWERS

8770 HWY 6, SUITE 300 • MISSOURI CITY, TX 77459 • (541) WINE-BAR • INFO@BSWINEBAR.COM

W W W. B S W I N E B A R . C O M

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Community Outreach

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The Usoro Foundation Gala in Sugar Land

oin Ms. Annie Usoro as she presents The Thanksgiving Dinner & The Usoro Foundation to the public on Saturday May 13, 2017. Ms. Usoro is holding The Usoro Foundation Gala in Sugar Land this month as a way to give thanks to those who have helped her journey. With the gala, which is open to everyone, she also hopes to bring people together. Those who want to make a change and help others, and perhaps are not aware of how to, or just don’t know where help is needed, will be delighted to learn about The Usoro Foundation.

Founded in 2015 by Ms. Usoro, the Foundation (which believes that every person should be allowed medical treatment regardless of whether or not they can afford it) is as of this moment, focusing on the Akwa Ibom state of Nigeria. Their mission is to assist the less privileged individuals who have been diagnosed with cancer, those who are in renal failure and those that are on dialysis. Their members are hoping that donations and the work of volunteers will help make this possible.

Currently partnering with Mercy Hospital in Abak, and with the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital in Uyo, both in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, the Foundation is just starting out.

Ultimately, the Foundation is hoping to reach other areas eventually, as they consider themselves a global mission.

And they are definitely on the trail to accomplish their goal of helping others.

Akwa Ibom is one of Nigeria’s 36 states and has a population of around five million people. Most households in Akwa Ibom fall into the lower middleincome class, so the help that The Usoro Foundation can provide is always welcome and, for many people in the area, it is necessary.

Ms. Usoro, a cancer survivor herself, started the Foundation because she realizes how privileged she was in receiving treatment. During the course of her journey, while being treated for cancer, she lost a cousin to breast cancer, simply because she was not able to afford the necessary treatment.

As Ms. Usoro puts it on her site, www.

By Rosanna Vidal

theusorofoundationinc.org, reaching out to one life can actually make a difference. Doing that is better than not doing anything at all.

The Thanksgiving Dinner & The Usoro Foundation Gala, which will be held in the Sugar Land Marriot Ballroom in Town Square on Saturday May 13, from 6:30PM to 11:00PM, can be attended by anyone. Getting tickets is as simple as registering online after having made a donation. The amount to donate is left to one’s personal choosing. After making a donation, the donator can select the quantity of tickets they wish.

No donation is too small, and helping spread their message is a vital element of this gala.

For more information, go to www. theusorofoundationinc.org, the Foundation’s easily navigated website, where the Foundation’s background, their goal, their mission, ways to help, and a link to acquire tickets for the gala are all readily available. The Usoro Foundation also has a Facebook and Twitter page where their information can be found.

May 2017

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West Houston Foot & Ankle Center

Navarro Acevedo, PC

Dr. Babajide Ogunlana,

Juan Pablo “JP” Navarro

DPM, FACFAS

CPA, CVA, MAFF, CFE, MBA, LLM, ESQ.

Foot & Ankle Surgeon • Diabetic Foot Specialist

jpnavarro@nacpr.net

281-778-5560 www.DrOgunlana.com

4502 Riverstone Blvd, Unit 1403, Missouri City, TX 77459

We offer surgical and non-surgical consultation for common Foot & Ankle Ailments for the entire family.

P

(832) 440-0940 (787) 764-7833 M (787) 502-7272 F (787) 764-7834

ESTATES, WILLS & PROBATE, FAMILY LAW, TAX & ACCOUNTING 4225 Sienna Pkwy. Suite 120 Missouri City, TX 77459 www.naclegal.com

Now Open in Sienna Plantation!

Bushi Ban International Sienna Plantation

832-833-0030 



After School Care with Martial Arts FREE Transportation Provided for Local Schools*



Little Warriors



Youth Martial Arts



Adult Classes



Advanced Training

7746 Highway 6, Suite A info@bushibansienna.com

General Family Dentistry Teeth Cleaning Braces Root Canals Wisdom Teeth Removal Molar Extractions Digital X-rays and Digital Cavity Detection • Conscious Sedation and “Laughing” Gas • Porcelain Crowns and Veneers • Hablamos Español

Dr. Grace Seijo

6

7746 Hwy. 6, Suite T Missouri City 77459

Oilfield Rd.

Lake Olympia Pkwy.

Knights Ct.

281-201-4812 50% DISCOUNT

www.bushiban.com

• • • • • • •

off Registration Fee

+ FREE Uniform and Team Bushi Ban T-Shirt (while supplies last)* Coupon must be presented to redeem offer.

Restrictions apply.

knightscourtdental.com

$89

X-Rays and cleaning

Basic cleaning only, in the absence of gum disease. No cash value.

Offer expires 5/30/2017.

281-778-5244 9212 Sienna Ranch Rd Missouri City, TX 77459

WE TREAT DOGS AND CATS

AND OFFER THE FOLLOWING SERVICES Immunizations and Wellness Care Heartworm and Flea Preventatives In-house Laboratory Onsite Pharmacy Veterinary Diets Digital Xray Dentistry Internal Medicine Surgery Microchipping Cold Laser Therapy

www.siennaplantationanimalhospital.com

FREE NEW PATIENT EXAM! 22

Limit One Per Household. New Clients Only.

Free Exam Not Available After 5pm, or on Sat. Wellness Exams Only.

http://www.vertex42.com/WordTemplates/business-cards.html

Call George Palmer 713-882-5680 Celebrating 42 yrs in the water purification industry

Any problem solved • Any budget

$10 OFF Valid for New Customers Only

Billing Information MAC Pizza Management Inc 3106 Texas Ave. S. ® Salon College Station TX 77845 & Spa (979) 695-9912 THREADING • WAXING • FACIAL • HAIR CUT, COLOR & STYLE SKIN POLISH • MAKEUP • DERMABRASION • EYELASHES accountspayable@macpizza.net

AISHA’S

WE ARE HOUSTON’S ORIGINAL THREADING SALON SINCE 1994 20 LOCATIONS IN HOUSTON • www.AishasSalonandSpa.com

Creative Information MAC Pizza Management Inc Denise Beason 1018 Sawdust Rd Suite 9 Spring TX 77380 UNDERARMS WAXING THREADING Cell – EYEBROW (281) 222-1765 TELFAIR WILLIAMS TRACE SIENNA PLANTATION Deniseb@macpizza.net

FREE

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A CAREER? A second job?

Part-time?

Full-time?

Then you might be who we’re looking for!

Delivery Driver – CASH PAID DAILY! Manager Trainees – benefits available

FOR WOMEN ONLY. CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH OTHER OFFERS. MUST PRESENT THIS AD TO RECEIVE DEAL.

6210 Sienna Pkwy Ste 340 (281) 778-0688

1227 MUSEUM SQUARE DR. STE C

Apply online at

8720 HWY 6 STE 200

77478 281 - 778 - 8600

MISSOURI CITY, TX

w/ FULL ARMS & LEGS w/ 24K SKIN POLISH

SUGAR LAND, TX 77479 713 - 234 - 7899

3307 HIGHWAY 6 S

SUGAR LAND, TX 77478 281 - 313 - 0459

www.dominospizzajob.com

Ray’s

AC & Heating Services Maintenance ❄ Service ❄ Installation Free Estimates On New Equipment

281-799-2556 BBB Accredited Business For reviews, visit www.sugarlandnetwork.com TACLB26076E

A/C or Heat Check Up

$

69

Each Additional Unit $59 (Reg. $89)

Take a Seat and enjoy the view

15% Off Custom Upholstery* KIMBERLY PAULUS Interior Designer/Owner

(832) 374 3954 I KPaulus@DecoratingDen.com www.Kimberly.DecoratingDen.com INITIAL CONSULTATIONS ARE COMPLIMENTARY. *Applies only to first time clients with a purchase of $500 or more. Valid only with participating suppliers. Not to be combined with any other offer. Offer expires 5/31/2017.

FURNITURE I WINDOW TREATMENTS I BLINDS & SHADES ACCESSORIES I LIGHTING I BED COVERINGS & MORE!

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ECRWSS

RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMER

PRSRT STD U.S POSTAGE PAID DENVER CO PERMIT NO. 5377

TAKING A LITTLE TIME IN YOUR DAY MAY ADD YEARS TO YOUR LIFE. Early detection exams, such as mammograms, save thousands of lives every year, so we make scheduling a mammogram easier.

• One in eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime • 85% of breast cancers occur in women who have no family history Schedule your screening or 3-D mammogram online at houstonmethodist.org/appointments or call 281.242.PINK (7465).

Saturday and evening appointments are available.