July / August 2011 - Pearland Focus Magazine - People • Places • Happenings

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PAIDPERMIT NO. 600

HOUSTON, TEXAS

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Film Review: Harry Potter and the

Deathly Hallowspage 32

JULY / AUGUST 2011

Inside:Schools & Activities page 21

Pampered Pets page 33

Community Calendar page 42

PHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePHS GraduatePlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLBPlays in MLB

Clay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay HensleyClay Hensley

Dr. Thomas is certifi ed by the American Board of Anesthesiology in anesthesiology and he also has a Subspecialty Pain Medicine certifi cation from the American Board of Medical Specialties.

He completed an internship in internal medicine, his residency in anesthesiology and fellowship in pain medicine at the UT Health Science Center Medical School at Houston, Department of Anesthesiology. Dr. Thomas graduated in 1991 from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Medical School.

Dr. Thomas has been in practice for 14 years.

Abraham G. Thomas, M.D.Medical Director

Three other locations to serve you:• The Back and Neck Clinic of Houston• The Katy Back and Neck Clinic• The Sugar Land Back and Neck Clinic

Back and neck pain are two leading causes of lost work days, discomfort, and lack of function in a very large segment of the

U.S. population. Chronic and acute back and neck pain can lead to impairment of physical, work, and social functions, as well as psychological and financial distress.

Learn About Treatment OptionsThe good news is that there are often medical treatments for these problems that do not require major surgical intervention. These treatments range from simple exercise, diet changes, physical therapy, traction, medical management to nerve blocks, joint blocks, epidural injections, spinal cord stimulators and pain pumps. All of these can play a role in managing and effectively treating acute and chronic back and neck conditions.

Our typical patient is an adult suffering from lower back or neck pain that may travel to their arms or legs.After a comprehensive history and physical exam, and after reviewing any imaging studies or other diagnostic studies, the doctor will recommend a course of action. This can range from therapy, medical advice or referral to another medical specialty; cortisone injections, or if the problem is particularly severe, implantable devices or even surgery. A multitude of options are possible, but most patients choose to get a series of epidural steroid injections or similar procedures under x-ray guidance with light suction. These are usually done in our procedure suite or in the outpatient hospital setting.

Pain is a very complex condition that requires good medical diagnosis and treatment. At the Pearland Back and Neck Clinic, we specialize in tackling the problem in a logical medical manner.

We accept all major insurance carriers, worker’s compensation and Medicare.

Please call today to schedule an appointment

713-340-3131Visit us at

backandnecks.com

The Pearland Back and Neck Clinic10905 Memorial Hermann Dr., Ste 203Pearland, TX 77584713-340-3131Fax: 713-797-1601

THE BACK ANDNECKCL INICS

We Treat Adults with Acute and Chronic Back, Neck, Cancer, RSD and Other Pain Symptoms.

The Pearland Back and Neck Clinic

Minimizing Pain and Maximizing Function

www.pearland .com • July/August 2011 1

As an educator, I know what my children need in order to be ready when they leave Primrose. My son, who attended Pre-K at Primrose, was more than ready for Kindergarten.

— Augustus James’ Mom, Primrose Parent

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Why choose Primrose® for Pre-K and Kindergarten? Just ask a mom.

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Proprietary Balanced Learning® curriculum

Degreed lead teaching staff

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The Right Foundation to Build Active Minds, Healthy Bodies, and Happy Hearts®

Primrose School of West Pearland 713.436.0404 Primrose School of Pearland Parkway 281.997.8855Primrose School of Pearland 713.436.4120

Each Primrose School is a privately ow

ned and operated franchise. Primrose; Prim

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inds, Healthy Bodies, and Happy Hearts; and The Leader in Educational Child Care are tradem

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Prmrs_64004 _ 8.78 x 11.38 - Rdns Gen Ad #1527 THIS AD CAN NOT BE EDITED

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J u l y / A u g u s t 2 0 1 1

departments10 Focus on Finance

11 Pearland New Neighbor

16 Pearland Headliners

20 Focus on Community - NEW

32 Focus Film Review

36 Living the Sweet Life

38 Focus Scrapbook

39 Medical Focus - NEW

42 Focus Favorites - NEW

42 Focus on Health - NEW

43 Community Calendar

44 Historically Pearland

COVER STORY6 PHS Graduate Clay Hensley Plays in the MLB Motivated by his love for the game, the former Pearland Oilers’ determination to make it as a Major League Baseball player has payed off. Now a relief pitcher for the Florida Marlins, Hensley refl ects on his experience as a baseball player in Pearland.

features12 Secretary of State Speaks at

Pearland Luncheon

14 Drought-Surviving Tactics

18 Texas Direct Auto: A Successful Vision Helping a Community

21 Private Schools & After School Activities

33 Pampered Pets

21 33

Clay HensleyPhoto courtesy of Marlins, Denis Bancroft.

pearland magazine • July/August 2011 2

BACK PAIN? NECK PAIN?

16655 Southwest Freeway • Sugar Land, Texas 77479 281-201-5195 • Fax: 281-276-0622 • MethodistSugarLand.com

Stop enduring pain. Call today and begin your personal treatment plan. 281-201-5195.

The Spine Center at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital provides comprehensive, coordinated care for Southeast Texas residents.

Whether you’ve had back and/or neck pain for just a few days or several long years,

you’ll find everything you need to diagnose and treat your condition in one

convenient location.

Getting started is easy. We will guide you through a customized

treatment plan and coordinate expedited appointments with

world-class neurologists, neurosurgeons, orthopedic spine

surgeons and interventional pain specialists, depending

on your needs. Plus, physical therapy, occupational/hand

therapy and the most advanced imaging and surgical

technologies in the world are available on-site, which

means ongoing treatment is convenient and travel

time is minimized.

We also offer reserved, free parking at The Spine

Center at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital.


READERS FEEDBACK

PUBLISHERSMichael Fredrickson

Lisa Fredrickson

MANAGING EDITORPatti Parish-Kaminski

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHERJessica Kij

COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTORSusie Ainsworth

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVESApril Lambert

OFFICE MANAGERNorma Loredo

CONTRIBUTORSSusie AinsworthJenny Brannon

John D. “Mickey” MarkBrent MoonAlisa Murray

ART DIRECTORGrace Belleza

ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTORJoey Belleza

GRAPHIC DESIGNERElizabeth Pace

WEB DESIGNERJoey Belleza

(JOBpagegraphics.com)

July / August 2011Vol. 2 No. 4

CLAY HENSLEY

PHOTO COURTESY

OF MARLINS,DENIS BANCROFT

4655 Techniplex Dr.Suite 400

Stafford, TX 77477

www.pearlandfocus.com

Single copy $2.95

c 2011

ON THE COVER

To advertise call281-690-4242

TOLL FREE 1-888-430-7469

Direct mailed to businessesand high value homes in

Pearland and Manvel.

Pearland Focus Magazine

P ublisher’s Preview

Dear Pearland Friends,

It’s hot, hot, hot in the summertime! And, Pearland Focus is covering summer’s favorite past time - baseball. Our cover features Clay Hensley, a graduate of Pearland High School. Clay believes in having a dream and has a work ethic to achieve it. It has all worked out for him as he is now in Major League Baseball playing for the Florida Marlins. He thrived when playing baseball on the Oiler baseball fi eld and now thrives under the pressure of fi nishing the game as a relief pitcher.

Believe it or not, another school year is on the horizon. Focus on Finance presents “Credit 101 for College Freshmen.” College is a young person’s fi rst chance to be on their own and to control their fi nances. See these tips on getting them set up for success.

In planning for late summer or fall school and after school activities, take into consideration your child’s interests in fi nding the right fi t for them. Pearland Focus gives you guidelines on how to help children fi nd the right extracurricular activity. Our special ad section directs you to some of the fi nest schools and activities in Pearland.

We have a special fi lm preview of the greatly anticipated fi nal installment of the Harry Potter series. Get a preview of what awaits you on the big screen. It can only be described as “WOW.”

One year subscription: $9.95

The views and opinionsexpressed by our advertisers

and columnists do notnecessarily reflect those of

the publishers and their staff.

April Lambert, Jessica Kij and Susie Ainsworth with the Honorable Hope Andrade, Secretary of State for the state of Texas.

Two Especially Great Articles This Month...

Dear Editor, Thanks so much for “A Bit of Pearland Trivia” and

the Karen Young Article this month. As fairly new Pearland residents, it was great to get a bite of Pearland history…we read it over the supper table! And how exciting to know a famous author lives right here in Pearland! I’ve ordered her book and can’t wait to crack it open.

Thanks so much, Stacey Wallace

Grateful Groom’s Mom...

Hi Grace:Thank you for featuring our son’s wedding in the

May/June Pearland Focus magazine! (Eric Olson & Maggie Mahoney Wedding 3/5/11). We received our issue in the mail, and it is just great!

Thanks! We really appreciate everything!

Marylee Olson

More than just pets, our furry, feathered, scaly, slimy friends are members of our family. Our Pampered Pets special section presents ideas for pet care, lodging and pampering for our beloved family members.

As always, be sure to send us your article ideas, community highlights and celebrations. We welcome your feedback as well. Please contact us at [email protected], 281-690-4242 or www.pearlandfocus.com

Stay Focused!

Jessica KijAssociate Publisher

Free Subscription Delivered To Your Mailbox Free Subscription Delivered To Your Mailbox Free Subscription Delivered To Your Mailbox Visit www.PearlandFocus.comVisit www.PearlandFocus.comVisit www.PearlandFocus.com

Dennis, Linda, and John and the rest of the Heritage Bank family have all relocated to their beautiful new bank building on Pearland Parkway. Whether your financial needs are business or personal, they welcome the opportunity to meet those needs! Heritage Bank provides cutting-edge technology combined with traditional customer service. COME BY and view historic pictures of Pearland throughout the bank and two paintings commissioned from local artist, Denise Caliva in collaboration with Mayor Tom Reid that depict the “History” and “Future” of Pearland.

In Good Company.

Pictured (l-r): John Wood, Senior VP Lending, Linda Long, EVP, and Dennis Bonnen, Chairman and CEO, are enthusiastic about the future of Pearland.

Dennis and Linda invite you to come by and be inspired by where we’ve been and where we’re going!

bankheritage.com 1850 Pearland Parkway | Pearland, Texas 77581281.485.0600

Heritage Bank offers:• Award Checking & Bonus Savings• Business/Personal Loans• Online Services/Remote Deposit

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Stop in and see us today! Heritage is more than just a bank, we’re your friends and neighbors —people you can count on.


By Susie Ainsworth

COVER STORY

Pearland is a city that appre-ciates and even thrives on sports. Most notable are base-

ball, softball and football as our teams have won either state championships or placed fourth in the world at the Little League World Series. Many Pearland families live and breathe sports. Some would say it’s one of our favorite pastimes.

Pearland’s Dad’s Club has been an anchor in the community since the 1960’s. But, let’s not forget the fi rst park where Pearland kids took to the fi eld. The old timers of Pearland fondly remember playing baseball at Zychlinski Park off of Grand Blvd. That was the heart of our city in those days. Fast forward a few decades, and you’ll see young talent pass through town on their way to the professional leagues.

Like Clay Hensley, a young super-star who played on the Oiler baseball fi eld in the 1990’s. Playing baseball

was simply part of growing up for Hensley and his brother, Mike. While Hensley did not play as a young boy in Pearland, he moved here when he was 15 years-old and played for the Oilers at Pearland High School. “When Clay was a boy, everywhere we went he had to have his glove and a ball,” said Veronica Boatman, Clay’s mom and staunch supporter. “He would call me at work and ask if I was coming home for lunch so I could take he and his friends to the ball fi eld, and they would play for hours. He was a very active young boy. If he wasn’t play-ing ball, you would fi nd him with his skate board.”

It paid off because today, he plays for the Florida Marlins as a relief pitcher. In 2010, Hensley took over the closer role from Leo Nunez. “I love the pressure of fi nishing the game, and it’s up to you to shut the door,” said Hensley.

He began his professional career in

From Pearland High School to Major League Baseball:

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Photo courtesy of Marlins, Denis Bancroft.

Clay HensleyPhoto courtesy of Marlins,Denis Bancroft.


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Making it to the major league was not easy. After high school, Hensley sat out for a couple years and then began playing again at Alvin Com-munity College. From ACC, Hens-ley transferred to Lamar University in Beaumont, where he set a single season record with 127 strikeouts in

100 innings. The most incredible part of this statistic is that he became a pitcher at the age of 20, learning how to pitch at ACC. In high school, he played in the outfi eld. “I didn’t devel-op into a pitcher until I was about 21. If you keep having the desire, dream and work ethic, it will all work out,” said Hensley.

Hensley signs a ballfor Aaron Duering at the fi elds near Shadycrest Elementary.

Danielle, Clay and Quinn Hensley. Marvin Boatman, Clay Hensley and Veronica Boatman.


Hensley has fond memories of play-ing year-round baseball on a select team here in Pearland and at Pearl-and High School. “My senior year was the most memorable here,” explained Hensley. “I had a pretty good season. I think I batted 500 that year and made the Greater Houston All-Star team, so that was very special to me and a big accomplishment for my senior year. I was pretty happy with that.”

When Hensley moved to Pearland in the fall of 1994, the baseball teams had already been picked and were practicing. There was no team for Hensley to play on and that was really hard on him, Boatman said. Everyone at the Dad’s Club said he couldn’t play on a team because it was too late. But thankfully, someone put Boatman in touch with Tommy LeClere. The next day, Hensley was on the fi eld with LeClere’s team. “Tommy was a life saver. I don’t know what would have happened to Clay in a new town and at a critical age if Tommy had not giv-en him a chance,” Boatman explained.

Clay’s mom and brother still live here and Pearland, so he visits as of-ten as his schedule allows. When he’s

here, he loves to visit former coach Tommy LeClere and eat at Central Texas Barbecue and Gringos. “What I remember most about Clay is that he didn’t have any quit in him,” said LeClere. “He was very driven to play baseball. I remember his mother was working, and he would ride his bike

to practice or I would go pick him up. Looking back, he just had something in him that the other boys did not. Clay was stronger and could hit hard-er and throw harder, and he wanted to play.”

He was recently in town when the Marlins played the Astros and spent time in Pearland with his family and his nephew’s little league team, sign-ing balls and other memorabilia. He is a wonderful role model for young players today.

“I have always had desired to play major league baseball since I was fi ve years old,” Hensley explained. “Along the road, I’ve had a lot of people try to tell me I wasn’t tall enough to pitch. All of that was fuel to be better, to prove to people that you don’t have to be 6’5” to pitch in the big leagues. It’s just about getting outs and getting out there and playing.”

Boatman is most proud of the fact that her son never gave up, but her pride is not just about his abilities on the baseball fi eld. “I’m proud of Clay for continuing to pursue his dream as a baseball player,” she said. “But also for growing into a very caring, loving son and husband to my daughter-in-law, Danielle, and as a father to our sweet baby Quinn. Over the years going to different games and to have his teammates and coaches come up to me and tell me things about him makes feel that he has not lost him-self in all the grander in being a pro baseball player.”

Perseverance is a word Hensley knows well, and it’s one he would teach all the kids out there, especially to his young son. He had to overcome many obstacles to get to where he is today. “I want kids to understand if you have the heart and desire wheth-er it’s baseball or business...if you put your mind to it and work hard, you can do it anything.” PFM

Hensley poses with the Spring 2011 second place division t-ball winners, the Pearland Pirates. Pictured are (top row) Coach Albert Leal, Clay Hensley and Coach Davy Roberts; Matthew Leal, Michael Hensley, Aaron Duering and Kaden Roberts; Malaki Benard, Ethan Kralovetz and Taft Hunter.

A 1996 photo Clay Hensley (left) as a Junior at PHS with Eric Uresti (right) and Brian Hinojosa (bottom).


2950 Cullen Parkway, Suite 101 Pearland, TX 77584

From joint replacement and sports medicine to hand/wrist and foot/ankle surgery, our patients have access to a full range of orthopedic services.

If your favorite activity has become painful or impossible because of injury, disease or overuse, let us help.

For more information, call 713-790-BONE (2663).

METHODIST CENTER FOR ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY

left to right:

Kaare Kolstad, M.D., Sports Medicine Kevin Varner, M.D., Foot/Ankle Surgery

left to right:

Evan Collins, M.D., Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery Pedro Cosculluela, M.D., Foot/Ankle Surgery Patrick McCulloch, M.D., Sports Medicine

• Residential / Commercial• Offi ces• Commercial Lawn Services• Complete Floor Care• Commercial Windows• Extensive Training & Quality Control

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Methodist DeBakey Cardiology Associates2950 Cullen Pkwy., Suite 111Pearland, TX 77584713-441-9909www.methodistcardiologydocs.com

Methodist DeBakey Cardiology AssociatesMembers of Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center

DEBAKEY CARDIOLOGY ASSOCIATES

METHODIST

in Pearland

George Schroth, MD, FACC

Sherif Nagueh, MD, FACC

Su Min Chang, MD, FACC

Craig Pratt, MD, FACC

Amish S. Dave, MD, PhD

Miguel A. Quiñones, MD, FACC

MCDA Physicians Specialize in Treating:• Heart Failure• Valve Disease• Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)• Cardiac Screening & Prevention• Chest Pain• Palpitations & Atrial Fibrillation• Congenital Heart Defects• Coronary Artery Disease

Now OfferingEchocardiogramsand Stress Testing

Welcome Amish S. Dave, MD, PhD ElectrophysiologistSpecializing In Treating Patients with Pacemakers & Defi brillators


on Finance Provided by Texas First Bank

Credit 101 for your college freshman

Advertorial

I f you’ve got teenagers heading off to college soon, I hope you’ve done a good job educating them

about the importance of personal fi nancial responsibility and how to build a strong credit history. If not, better do it now.

College freshmen and young adults entering the workforce en-counter many unfamiliar expenses – and temptations – so it’s impor-tant to help them avoid early fi nan-cial missteps that could damage their credit for years to come.

Probably the most fundamental tool for helping students manage their fi nances is a checking account with a debit card. A few tips:

• Look to Texas First Bank’s Rewards Checking Account that charges no monthly usage fee, re-quires no minimum balance and of-fers nationwide ATM refunds*.

• Enter all transactions in the check register or use a digital tool like www.mint.com and review the account online weekly to know when transactions have cleared.

• Avoid writing checks or mak-ing debit card transactions unless

the current balance will cover them. One way to build credit history

is through responsible use of credit cards. The 2009 Credit CARD Act requires that people under age 21 now must have a parent or other re-sponsible adult cosign on any credit card account unless they can prove suffi cient income to repay the debt.

Although this new policy proba-bly will prevent many young adults from amassing more credit card debt than they can afford, it may also make it more diffi cult for them to begin building a credit history. A couple of alternatives are available to parents:

• Make them an authorized user on one of your accounts. They’ll get their own card and you can usu-ally restrict the amount they can charge. Authorized users are not legally responsible to pay balances owed – that’s your responsibility, so tread carefully.

• You can add them as a joint account holder to a new or exist-ing account – preferably, one with a small credit limit. Joint account holders are equally liable to pay off

the account. If you need help educating

your kids about personal fi nancial management, a good resource is What’s My Score (www.whatsmyscore.org), a fi nancial literacy program for young adults run by Visa Inc. It features a comprehensive workbook called Money 101: A Crash Course in Better Money Management, which can be downloaded for free.

Jason Alderman directs Visa’s fi nan-cial education programs. To Follow Jason Alderman on Twitter: www.twitter.com/PracticalMoney. This article is intended to provide general information and should not be considered tax or fi nancial advice. It’s al-ways a good idea to consult a tax or fi nancial advisor for specifi c information on how tax laws apply to you and about your individual fi nancial situation.

For more information, follow Texas First Bank on Facebook, Twitter and You Tube or visit us at www.texasfi rstbank.com. To receive nationwide ATM refunds monthly qualifi cations must be met: post and clear 10 check card purchases per statement cycle, receive monthly eStatements, and post and clear one direct deposit/ACH auto debit per statement cycle. *Minimum to open a Re-wards Checking account is $50. Available to personal accounts only. ATM refunds up to $45 per cycle when qualifi cations are met. H

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W W W T E X A S F I R S T B A N K C O M

We have the answers to your lending questions. As a full-service financial institution, we offer numerous ways to finance your building, expansion, equipment and more.

Pearland2343 North Main St. • 281.997.9600


Remember the Christian Dior jacket you bought then seldom wore … or the fabulous décor that doesn’t fi t your new dining room? And what about all the chil-dren’s clothing, gear, and equipment that your children outgrow? Now your once-loved treasures can bring happiness to someone else, and cash to you.

That’s what consignment shops do. They connect your underloved items with new owners who will adore them! The dif-ference at Brooke’s Boutique is that we only deal in quality, name-brand items. We are a one-stop, upscale boutique for the busy woman. We offer designer clothing and accessories for women and children, as well as sophisticated home accents.

Brooke’s Boutique is a family-owned, designer consignment shop for women to enjoy quality designer items on a bud-get. We provide a means to recycle gen-tly worn and gently used items through resale while providing additional cash to our consignors.

So why consign? Two reasons: it’s good for you, and it’s good for the environment. It’s good for you because it keeps your closets and cupboards fi lled with only the things you actually love and use. It simpli-fi es your life and saves you time otherwise spent maintaining under-appreciated pos-sessions. Best of all, it turns your cluttered closets into cash. It’s nice to clean out your closets, but replacing them with boutique items for less is even more exciting!

Providing our customers with one-on-one, excellent service is our number one priority. We’ll work hard to help you fi nd what you want or need to buy, and work even harder to earn your trust!

Brooke’s Boutique is conveniently lo-cated at 518 & Cullen in the shopping center next to Kroger and McDonald’s. Please stop by to see us … it’ll be one of the best experiences of your life! Visit www.brookesboutiquepearland.com. H

Brooke’s BoutiqueOpening in August

PEARLANDNEW NEIGHBOR

Brooke’s Boutique is a family-owned company named after the owner’s pretty daughter, Brooke.

281-997-1001www.brookesboutiquepearland.com

8209 Broadway, Ste. 106, Pearland, TX 77581(518 & Cullen – in the shopping center next to Kroger & McDonald’s)

OPENING IN AUGUST

Vendor Space Available

25% OFF entire purchase

non-boutique itemsexpires 9/30/11

Call Today for FREE Closet Concierge Service

Accepting Consignments

in August

281-485-2766 www.pearlandfl orist.com

2411 S Grand BlvdPearland, TX 77581

• One stop shop for allof your holiday arrangement & centerpiece needs

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Pearland Pearland Pearland FloristFloristFlorist

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Secretary of State Speaks at Pearland Luncheon

To a crowd of over 140 Brazoria County business leaders, Texas Secretary of State Hope Andrade

visited Pearland on June 21st to speak at the CEO Business and Education Round-table Luncheon. The event, hosted by the Northern Brazoria County Education Alliance (NBCEA) and Pearland ISD, provided an interactive forum for area business, industry and education leaders to share information about challenges they face that impact their growth.

Secretary Andrade discussed how Texas is increasingly the destination of choice for out-of-state businesses looking to relocate. The Lone Star State contin-ues to lead the nation in Fortune 1000 company headquarters. Andrade said alliances like the NBCEA are helping Texas remain number one in the country for job creation.

“In Texas, we invest in our youth and ensure that when, not if, these companies

do come to Texas, we are well-equipped to provide them with a properly-trained and highly-skilled workforce,” Andrade said.

In her remarks, Secretary Andrade also spoke on community colleges playing a critical role in developing the state by offering affordable tuition, open admis-sion policies, flexible course schedules and convenient locations. Community colleges are also important, she said, because of their communication with community leaders. “The success of community col-leges in technical education initiatives is

due in great part to their recognizing the importance of working with businesses, industry and government to create tailored training programs on and off the worksite,” Andrade said.

Secretary Andrade applauded the business and education leaders for their commitment to providing students with important opportunities for career exploration and preparation, including leadership development. “Your efforts to support technical education opportunities and entrepreneurial skills for our youth are timelier than ever,” Andrade said. “And the manner in which your region’s businesses, industry and educators partner together to approach this impor-tant work are, in my mind, a winning combination.”

NBCEA was founded in 2007 and supplies local employers with drug free, high quality, trained students in various technical fields. H

“In Texas, we invest in our youth ... we are well-

equipped to provide them with a properly-trained and highly-skilled workforce,”

Andrade said.

Kevin Cole and Josh Daniels.

Lindsay Smith, Paula Scardino and Jess Elshere.

Joe King, Mike O’Day, Secretary of State Hope Andrade and Nate McDonald.

Ruby Sanders, Susan Sherrouse, Terrie Morgan, Billie Jo Moffett and Susan Lenamon.

Ed Thompson, Stacy Adams and Matt Sebesta.

Pat Lopez, Janet Cole and Lucy Stevener.



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3272 Broadway3272 Broadway3272 BroadwayPearland, TX 77581Pearland, TX 77581Pearland, TX 77581

Whether it’s Pearland orany of the other surrounding

Texas real estate areas, we’ve got you covered.

We’re experts in real estate.We can help you.

Call and see why we are the “one” to choose when

buying and/or selling your home.

Over the past one hundred and forty three

years, we’ve learned many things. About

believing in good people. About making

prudent choices. About offering every customer

a square deal. And while nobody’s perfect,

we’ve managed to navigate the best and the

worst of times with our business and our

conscience intact. f r o s t b a n k . c o mwe’re from here

NOTHING EMBARRASSING TO REPORT FOR THE

rd CONSECUTIVE QUARTER.573

11201 Broadway, Pearland, Texas 77584 | 5208 W. Broadway, Pearland, Texas 77581


I’m sorry, is this Pearland or El Paso? This has certainly been a rough

year thus far with a severe lack of rainfall and above-average tempera-tures. Most unirrigated areas look more like they normally do by the end of summer rather than the beginning. The recent rain did little to make up for our defi cit. So what does this all mean? How can you ease the pain of the drought? Read on to learn how.

As most of you probably know, the City of Pearland has issued a volun-tary watering schedule. I encourage you all to follow it, as water is one of our most precious resources. At the

By Brent Moon

moment, residents are asked to limit non-essential watering to the hours of 6 a.m.-10 a.m. and 8 p.m.-10 p.m. Monday thru Friday. Residents with odd-numbered addresses are asked to water on odd dates of the week, while those having an even-numbered address are asked to water on even dates. For more details, click on the following link: www.cityofpearland.com.

Yes, our lawns and landscapes are starting to look quite bedraggled right about now. Here are some tips to fol-low to survive the drought:

First, consider letting your lawn go dormant. Most lawns are

capable of going dormant during times of heat stress just as they do in the winter. Once regular rainfall returns, they will resume growth.

When you water, water deeply. For those of you who can’t tolerate a brown lawn – a which is understand-able – make sure you are watering deeply when you do water. This promotes a deeper root system (on all plants, not just turf grass) and in the long run makes for a healthier lawn that is able to withstand periods of drought.

Let your grass grow a little higher than normal. Two to three inches is good for Bermuda grass and three to four inches is okay for St. Augustine. Allowing it to grow taller and thicker shades the ground, thus cooling it somewhat resulting in less water requirements from your grass.

For shrubbery and trees, the same advice applies: water deeply when you do water. Trees

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and shrubs require even more water than turf so you may have to put a hose out under your trees and let it slowly trickle. Newly-planted trees and shrubs are especially vulnerable right now. I would keep a close eye on anything planted within the past year or two. If the drought gets much worse, you may have to pick which trees or shrubs you are not willing to lose and concentrate on keeping those few alive.

Select drought-tolerant plants. The current drought brings to mind the fact that there are a number of drought-tolerant plants available for our area. Native plants such as Wax myrtle, Turks cap, Loblolly pine, Chinquapin oak and Overcup oak are all great, drought-tolerant plants once established. Doing a quick internet search for plants native to the Gulf Coast of Texas will yield a treasure trove of information for

the waterwise gardener.Use soaker hoses. Soaker hoses

work really well in both the landscape and in the vegetable garden. Simply snake them throughout your land-scape or garden and cover them with 3-4” of mulch. Soaker hoses are great because they put the water out right at the root zone and, especially when covered with mulch, hardly any mois-ture is lost to evaporation like when using conventional sprinklers.

Water smart, and you’ll be able to beat the drought. Who knows? This time next year we may be discuss-ing water-tolerant plants. You know how it is in Houston: when it rains, it pours!

Brent Moon is a local horticulturist with over 15 years of experience. For a private horticultural consultation, contact him at [email protected]. H

Water smart, and you’ll be ableto beat the drought.


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Edgewater, Bay Area’s newest wa-terfront luxury community with direct access to Clear Lake, Clear Creek and the Gulf, is now available to tour on-line. All of the things that you are look-ing for in a community can be found in Edgewater – virtually! Tour Phase I of the new marina and meander through the water-oriented community on-line – www.edgewaterwebster.com – and discover all of the unique ameni-ties that Edgewater has to offer.

While visiting the edgewaterweb-ster.com website, Allison, your tour guide, will begin your tour at the grand entrance to Edgewater accessible im-mediately off of the NASA Parkway Bypass. Follow Allison down Water Street as she introduces the various subdivisions – with an array of homes perfect for every lifestyle – found inside Edgewater. Virtual visitors will see multi-family homes, townhomes, ex-ecutive homes, waterfront homes with

their own dock and deck, gated cus-tom homes and more neighborhoods to come as you travel down Water Street. At the end of Water Street, visitors will tour the focal point of Edgewater: the marina. The marina allows home owners to dock their boats just seconds away from their home.

Edgewater features luxury homes by Newmark Homes Houston and Cov-entry Homes from the $250’s to the high $300’s. Coming soon with homes from the $200’s is DR Horton Homes and from the $225’s, marina view townhomes by Village Builders.

In addition to the marina, Edgewa-

ter is home to a nature preserve com-plete with walking trails to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and allow residents to enjoy the outdoors right in their own neighborhood. Whether it is land or water – or a combination of the two – that interests you, Edgewater has it all.

“Edgewater is an incredible place to live, and this virtual tour really allows viewers to appreciate this unique com-munity,” said Bob Douglas, General Manager of Edgewater. “It is diffi cult to imagine our water-oriented commu-nity without seeing it because Edgewa-ter is one-of-a-kind. It is truly unlike

PEARLAND

HEADLINERSSend your news via www.PearlandFocus.com. All submissions are subject to the publisher’s approval, editing and space availability.

Edgewater, the Bay Area’s newest waterfront luxury community, is now available to tour online at www.edgewaterwebster.com.

Edgewater’s Virtual Tour Now Available

Online


LYING: It deceives. It corrupts. It is the ultimate betrayal.With the deftness her millions of fans expect, best- seller Karen Young delivers an emotionally-packed drama as two people struggle with opposing views on a thorny question: Is it ever okay to lie?

“I like to present a moral dilemma as the basis of the plot in my books. What’s done more frequently in our daily lives than lying – from little white lies to pretty big ones? And yet, we know lying is fl at- out morally wrong. When you read LIE FOR ME, I hope you will be compelled to imagine how you might have reacted if asked to lie and the consequences were huge,” says Young.

For more information visit www.KarenYoung.net.

PEARLAND AUTHOR KAREN YOUNG

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Photo by Alisa Murray Photography

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any other community in the Bay Area. We hope that by watching the virtual tour, visitors, particularly water en-thusiasts, realize that Edgewater is the perfect place to call home.”

The virtual tour is now available on the Edgewater website. Along with the virtual tour, Edgewater’s website offers many resources for prospective buyers. For more information about Edgewater, please visit www.edgewa-terwebster.com.

About Edgewater:Edgewater, is a mixed-use, Master-

Planned community along Clear Creek on 538 acres in Webster, Texas. The community will feature upscale sin-gle-family homes, private canals and a town center with retail, commercial and residential components. Located on the NASA Parkway Bypass, the community is a short drive from met-ropolitan services and employment, shopping, dining and recreational cen-ters. For more information, visit www.edgewaterwebster.com.

The Pearland Arts League Corks and Canvas Art Exhibit is chaired by Board Member and Artist Denise Caliva for the month of July. This show is held at the Pearland Parks and Recreation Center located at 4141 Bailey Road in Pearland. July’s show is a celebration of the visual arts and the freedom we share as artist’s of subject, technique, and medium. Denise is accepting sub-missions of artwork at this time. The opening reception is July 9th, 5-7pm. The show runs through July 29th. The event is open to the public and will give attendees an opportunity to view the art created by artists in Pearland and surrounding communities.

The Pearland Arts League is com-mitted to the development of the visual and performing arts in our community.

If you are an artist and interested in submitting your work, please contact Denise Caliva at [email protected].

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Headliners continued on page 19

Advertorial

Texas Direct AutoA Successful Vision Helping A Community

The numbers are staggering -- $500 million in annual sales on 20+ acres that produces more than

2,000 vehicle transactions per month. Texas Direct Auto, located at 12053 Southwest Freeway in Stafford, has seen monumental growth since its inception in 2002, currently the largest eBay Motors Dealership in the world and the largest independent dealer in the United States.

Founders Mike Welch and Rick Wil-liams didn’t look in the usual places when searching for a car dealership business model. After success developing enter-prise software for Fortune 500 companies they became interested in selling some-thing more tangible. That technological mindset is the basis for the structure of the dealership, starting out as an online-only business. “They didn’t model their business like any other car dealership,” Jessica DeMarr said. “They knew nothing about the car business when they started and went outside the industry for inspira-tion.”

Texas Direct Auto has a new 50,000 sq ft facility that allows for walk-in custom-ers with sales now almost split down the middle between the ever-growing eBay purchases and local walk-ins. Customers who walk in fi nd a different atmosphere than most dealerships because they aren’t met by a salesperson as they enter the lot. Customers can approach the help desk as they walk into the facility if they want assistance or access one of the many computers on which they can peruse Texas Direct Auto’s selection.

Customers can relax and watch televi-sion in one of the different themed sitting areas: a Western-themed area, a sports-oriented lounge, or an enclosed play place and space-themed television for the chil-dren. There is even a snack bar named “Chuck Wagon Deli.”

When it comes to the vehicles them-selves, selection is Texas Direct Auto’s primary drawing point. “We have the cars people want to buy,” DeMarr said. “We have a massive collection of what customers want. Even the smaller models are loaded with options.” The dealership obtains its inventory from several sources -- closed dealer sales, special factory sales, other dealers, banks and people who are looking to sell their personal vehicles.

Texas Direct Auto promises the best offer for people who want to sell. “We have an excellent process,” DeMarr said, adding that the new facility has a Sell Us Your Car Bar where customers can get the most money for their vehicles. “We get a lot of positive feedback from people thanking us for the experience they had selling us their car.”

Texas Direct Auto’s growth is also seen through the many outreach pro-grams in which the dealership partici-pates, showing the commitment to more than just selling cars. “We want to make a difference in the community and want to give back,” DeMarr said. “We are sincere about it and don’t do it to make ourselves look good. This desire to give back is important to our owners.”

The dealership, partnering with Focus Magazine, invests in the education of students, by providing scholarships worth $1,000 apiece each month, through the Scholarship Stars program, which is going on it’s second year.

Community commitment is also evident in outreach projects such as the Texas Direct Auto Blood Drives, held quarterly, and Lunches of Love, a program which gives sack lunches to low income elementary children in Rich-mond-Rosenberg during extended breaks from school. The dealership provided all the lunches for 762 children during June.

Texas Direct Auto provided fi nan-cial assistance for the Fred & Mabel R. Parks Youth Ranch, a shelter for homeless and at-risk youth. The donation included help to underwrite the cost of the facility’s grand opening and holiday decorations for the Parks Youth Ranch.

“Education and children are our main focus,” DeMarr said. “We try to help everyone, but children are the future and they need to be everyone’s focus.”

Culturally speaking, Texas Direct Auto is the Presenting Sponsor of Texian Market Days, a series of historical reen-actments of southeast Texas history. The program, put on by the Fort Bend County Museum Association, educates students about the rich heritage of the region in which they live.

Texas Direct Auto’s thumbprint will soon be on the area’s sports scene. The dealership is a founding partner of the Sugar Land Skeeters, a minor league baseball team beginning play in April 2012. Involvement with the franchise includes sponsoring baseball-shaped golf carts that will bring relief pitchers from the bullpen to the mound.

Texas Direct Auto’s presence is spreading, from increased sales to the billboards throughout Southeast Texas to lives touched through the several commu-nity projects the dealership sponsors.

Welch and Williams set out in 2002 with a different idea for a car dealership. Ten years later, the new facility with over 2,000 cars for sale are all the evidence one needs to see those goals have been realized.

For more information on Texas Direct Auto, visit www.texasdirectauto.com. ★

Jessica DeMarrDirector of Business DevelopmentTexas Direct Auto



You’ve got a family doctor and a family attorney.But do you have a family insurance professional?

Having the proper insurance protection is one of the most important investments you can make. Why trust those crucial decisions to chance? The time to choose the right insurance professional is before you need one. That’s where Craig Slater can help. Customizing the right insurance plan for your situation isn’t just his job, it’s his commitment. That’s why he is one of Pearland’s leading agents.

Come and experience Craig’s unique brand of personal service. You’ll be glad you did.

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Over 255 Scouts from the Pearland and Friendswood area took part in a Pocket Flag Project, whose purpose was to get miniature fl ags into the pockets of as many military personnel as possible around the world.

The Pocket Flag Project was one of the highlights of the Cub Scouts’ annual “Twilight Camp,” a week-long day camp where boys fulfi lled requirements toward rank advancement that included archery, leatherworks, woodworking, sports, sci-ence, and many other fun activities.

The Scouts folded fl ags into a 2-by-2-by-3-inch triangle, and attached a note that read: “A fl ag for your pocket so you can always carry a little piece of home. We are praying for you, and we are proud of you. Thank you for defending our country and our freedom.”

“In Cub Scouts, the boys are taught to do a good turn daily,” said Jeanne Ellis, Camp Program Director. “The Pocket Flag Project is an example of that slogan. After being folded, the fl ags are placed in small clear bags and mailed to military person-nel overseas, many on the front lines. The purpose of this project is for our men/wom-en in uniform to be able to have the fl ag fi t in their shirt pockets, thereby always carrying a piece of home with them.”

From the beginning, the Pocket Flag Project has involved thousands of people from across the country who want troops oversees to know that here at home, they are remembered and prayed for. At last count, volunteers have been responsible for folding and sending off more than 850,000 fl ags. For more information, visit www.pocketfl agproject.com. ★

Cub Scouts Sending A ‘Little Piece of Home’

to Troops

Headliners continued from page 17

From Tigers to Webelos in rank, Cub Scouts, Ethan Cooper, Joshua Derrington, Ethan Ellis, and Austin Merritt fi nish up the folding of their fl ags. About 255 pocket-sized fl ags will be sent to troops, many on the front lines.


FOCUS ON COMMUNITY

your FREE TCRN Preferred Cus-tomer Card this month! You can pick one up at any of the businesses found on the TCRN-Pearland online Business Directory. This card will help you

SAVE money all over town at great local businesses! You can use your card over and over again, and it never expires so you can enjoy endless savings. You can see the savings associated with the card of the participating business by their listing on the website. You can also view all PCC offers on the Money Savings Tips page. For example, you can receive 10% OFF your food bill at Sakura Japanese Steakhouse with your PCC. Go for lunch or dinner and save money every time! Not only can you save money, but Sakura is a great place to eat. TCRN wants to help you save money at reputable busi-nesses, and new savings opportunities will be added every month!

You will also fi nd other resource-ful information on the TCRN-Pearland website, such as an Event Calendar and a Job Opportunities page. There will be Blogs fi lled with useful content and photo galleries fi lled with people you may know, and feature businesses part of TCRN-Pearland. The website is designed to be helpful to the community. Suggestions and ideas are always welcome so the site can be your BEST community resource.

Texas Community Referral Network (TCRN) is proud to serve seven other communities around Greater Houston, and is excited to now serve the Pearland area. When you go to other parts of town, be sure to log on to www.TCRN-HOUSTON.com for the citywide TCRN site. On this site, you can see all of the other TCRN markets, and enjoy savings opportunities with your PCC all over Houston!

Visit www.TCRN-PEARLAND.com. ★

Brian Covault

It’s not what you know, but who you know. Often times, knowing the right people can be advantageous.

A lot of times we know “what” we need, but don’t know “who” to contact to help us with it. Knowing who to contact can be as easy as knowing “where” to go. Now, Pearland, Friendswood and Alvin have a new resource that is dedicated to assist-ing the community!

Where can you fi nd this resource? You simply need to visit www.TCRN-PEARLAND.com. Here, you can fi nd a resourceful online Business Directory

consisting of pre-screened high caliber businesses that deliver quality products and services. From businesses like home services, restaurants, and medical services to community organizations like churches, TCRN-Pearland represents a well-balanced cross section of the very best that the Pearland area has to offer. Each month, look out for new businesses to be added to the directory that you can trust and depend on.

Not only can you access great busi-nesses, but many of those businesses offer exclusive savings. Be sure to get

A New Community ResourceBy Brian Covault, Founder and President of TCRN

Private Schools & A

fter School Activities

T oday’s kids are busier than ever before. Be it the increasingly competitive nature of scholastic life

or the increase of two-income households where kids need something to do other than come directly home after school, children today are much busier than their school-aged counterparts of yesteryear.

While it can be fun and benefi cial for kids to participate in extracurricular activities, fi nding the right fi t isn’t as easy as it sounds. When helping kids fi nd an extracurricular activity, it’s best to consider a host of factors. Especially keep in mind that not all kids are the same with respect to interests. And what was enjoyed by their parents won’t necessarily be enjoyed by them.

How to Help Kids Find theRight Extracurricular Activity

Source: metrocreativeconnection.com

Team sports, including baseball, can be a great extracurricular activity once kids are old enough to understand rules and cope with losing.

The best place to start is to speak to kids about their interests. Just because Dad loved playing football doesn’t mean Junior is destined to be a gridiron great. Kids have their own interests, and those interests can be cultivated with the right extracurricular activity. For example, a creative child might enjoy an after-school art class a couple of times per week. Parents should also consider extracurriculars that can help kids grow as people. For instance, a child who’s shy in public but loves hamming it up at home might embrace an after-school theater program.

Once options have been discussed with kids, take in a session or two before committing to anything. The shy youngster might visit the local theater program and enjoy it thoroughly, or he or she might decide against it. Either way, a visit will give kids and parents a sense of what the program is like and whether or not it’s the right fi t. When visiting, observe the nature of the program. Is it an encouraging, vibrant environment? Do the adults and kids involved appear to be having fun?

Parents want their kids to be as safe after school as they are during it. When looking for an extracurric-ular activity, inquire about the staff-to-child ratio and about the staff’s professional background. Any staff-to-child ratio that is greater than 12:1 likely indicates a program that is understaffed, which could mean kids won’t get the attention they need. Also, ask for the staff’s references and work history in the fi eld of child care. If certifi cation is necessary or recommended, make sure the staff meets all requirements.

Parents should also inquire about program costs. Though many programs are upfront about fees, some have hidden fees that can add up. Such fees can be for uniforms, equipment, class trips, etc. Extra fees don’t have to exclude a program from consideration, but it’s better to know about them in advance than have them come as a surprise.

A child’s age and grade level should also be considered when choosing an extracurricular activity. Con-sult teachers about fi nding an age-appropriate extracurricular activity. For example, less competitive ac-tivities that emphasize fun might be more appropriate for kids in kindergarten and the fi rst grade. For sec-ond graders, activities not offered at school, like learning to play an instrument, can help cultivate a child’s interest in a noncompetitive environment. As kids reach third grade and beyond, consider more rules-based activities, including team sports, as kids at that age are more capable of understanding rules and handling losing than younger kids. As children get older and move on to middle school, look for activities that rein-force learning and help develop a young person’s character, including their ability to interact with others.

When looking for an extracurricular activity for kids, parents should consider a host of factors, including the child’s interests and age. ★

GETTING

STARTED

GET THE INFORMATION

CONSIDER A CHILD’S

GRADE LEVEL


Priv

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Scho

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& A

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choo

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iviti

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Advertorial pearland magazine • July/August 2011 22

Help Students Learn Better by Helping Them See Better!

The school year will soon be here and the growing season is upon us. Did you ever notice how the jeans fi t just fi ne in May are suddenly too short by September? Their legs are getting longer, and their eyes are changing also which means a vision correction may be needed. Children are growing more nearsighted faster than even a decade

The One To See For The One To See For The One To See For All Your Eye Care NeedsAll Your Eye Care NeedsAll Your Eye Care Needs

Dianne Dao, O.D., Therapeutic Optometrist & Staff

Stop in today for:

• Exams & treatment of eye diseases

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Today’s Vision - Pearland 3227 East Broadway, Pearland, TX 77581

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www.TodaysVisionPearland.com.

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Kids

ll bout

or two ago. Why is this happening? No one knows for sure.

What we do know is:Vision problems can interfere with

learning, but early correction can enhance the ability of children to learn and perform at their highest potential. Refractive errors and eye teaming dysfunctions are found in up to 70%

of students recommended for summer school and remedial classes.

Your child does not have the ability to understand or describe vision problems. Don’t leave your children’s health up to them; make sure they get a comprehensive eye exam. Be sure to have “eye exam” on your check-off list for getting your kids ready for “Back-to-School.”

Call our offi ce today at Today’s Vision Pearland and take advantage of our “Back-to-School Specials.” We have been caring for Pearland eyes for the past 12 years, and we’re looking forward to many more!

Be our Facebook fan and receive an additional 10% discount off total purchase (some restrictions may apply). Please go to www.Facebook.com/TodaysVisionPearland.

TODAY’S VISION PEARLANDDr. Dianne B. Dao(281) 485-2020 ★

Advertorial

Private Schools & A



EXTENDED HOURS from 6:00 AM – 6:30 PM

with Bus Drop Off & Pick Up at Local Schools

Now Enrolling 6 Weeks to 12 Years

713-433-54372430 County Rd. 90 Pearland, TX 77584

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713-436-368812015 Broadway St.Pearland, TX 77584

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281-412-47771820 Pearland PkwyPearland, TX 77581

www.kidsrkidspearland.com

Kids ‘R’ Kids

Choosing a pre-school for your children is without a doubt one of the most important decisions a family can make. Parents should explore all of the available options and take time to fi nd out what makes each facility unique.

We are proud to share our love for teaching and give you a school-wide tour of what we have to offer. At Kids ‘R’ Kids, our experienced teachers and staff share a united focus on early childhood education in a stimulating learning environment.

Come experience our new and improved educational curriculum and state-of-the-art facilities. Our newly-implemented CITA Accredited Curriculum distributed by the Kids ‘R’ Kids International Curriculum Department emphasizes a more

challenging approach to early childhood development and education.

We know choosing the right pre-school is a decision you want to be sure about. We maintain low child/teacher ratios, colorful, kid-friendly classrooms and safe, age appropriate playgrounds!

Our internet classroom cameras allow you to view your child and watch their development from a secure internet connection. We know you will be very satisfi ed with your experience here, and we are confi dent you will want your friends and family to have the same experience! Stop in and tour one of our three facilities to fi nd out why Kids ‘R’ Kids is right for your family. Kids ‘R’ Kids has three Pearland locations: 1820 Pearland Parkway, 12015 Broadway, and 2430 County Road 90. ★

September/October 2011

To advertise, call 281-690-4242 for special rates.

UPCOMINGSPECIAL SECTIONS

Home Sweet Home

Breast Cancer

Awareness

Medical Focus

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Specializing in Teaching the Fundamentals of Horsemanship

713-433-7669www.LearnHorse.com

Riding Programs Available for All Ages and Abilities

English & Western LessonsCamps • Boarding • Training

Parties & Events • Special Needs

Scouts, School Groups and Home-Schoolers Welcome

The Many Benefi ts Found inHorseback Riding

Are you, as a parent, looking for a way to improve your child’s focus in school? If so, try horseback riding lessons. Not only is the exercise fun, but the sport is packed with life lessons and practical skills. In the after-school programs at Sam Houston Equestrian Center, the instructors teach horsemanship skills to many types of youngsters including children with learning disabilities, those who are gifted and talented and those needing an individual sport rather than a team sport.

The Sam Houston Equestrian Center has been in operation since the 1970’s, and it was formally know as Hermann Park Stables when located near the Medical Center. Now, on 25 beautiful country acres, the stable maintains a covered, lighted arena; therefore, rain does not hamper lessons. There is an air-conditioned classroom/party room for parents who are welcome to watch lessons. It’s easy to get a rider started at the Equestrian Center. Email a short profi le of your student and the program director will suggest lesson options tailored to your child’s needs. More information and photos of the stable are at our website: www.LearnHorse.com.

Students, as young as 4 years of age, can start taking private lessons, concentrating on balance and position in the saddle. Older children are eligible to join a beginner group where they learn to groom the pony, saddle up and ride independently. Riding improves tone, balance and strength. Horses help students learn patience, perseverance and kindness. Working with horses has other benefi ts. Horses are non-judgmental, happy to do repetitive tasks and tolerant of mistakes all for a few carrots. They calm an anxious child and keep the attention of a less than focused rider. A love of horses can motivate a student to set goals and work toward them at the stable, at home, in the classroom and for a lifetime. ★

Bushi BanMartial Artsand Fitness

If your child’s day consists of TV, video games and surfi ng the Internet, help is on its way!

At Bushi Ban, children enjoy a fun and energetic Martial Arts’ program that empowers them to become fi t, strong and focused!

We begin by creating a fun, friendly and trusting environment where children can face their fears and overcome their challenges. Then, use an age appropri-ate curriculum that parallels our par-ents’ social, academic and environmen-tal values.

As your child learns the art of self-defense, they also focus on sportsman-ship, healthy competition and leader-ship. As a result, your child develops: Fitness, Balance, Coordination, Team-work, Focus, Memory, Respect, Disci-pline and Self-Control.

We use a unique method called “Edu-Tainment” that when combined with Martial Arts, serves as the path-way to fi tness, discipline, and excel-lence. And, teach core “Bushi Ban val-ues” to develop confi dence, respect, and a winning personal, social, and aca-demic attitude.

Not only will your child gain the confi dence that comes from knowing how to defend themselves, but younger students participate in discussions on: “Stranger Danger,” “When to call 911,” “Fire Safety” and “Street Safety.”

Children learn how to diffuse a situ-ation using verbal defense, as well as using attitude and strong body lan-guage to prevent bullying. They are taught that fi ghting is the last resort.

The Bushi Ban child development system is based on achieving short and long term goals where recognition, re-ward and ranking is an ongoing meth-od of award children. Stripes and belts are awarded on accomplishment and achievement!

Prepare your kids for the REAL world! Try Bushi Ban today! ★

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Private Schools & A



in Pearlandin Pearlandin Pearlandin Pearlandin Pearlandin Pearlandin Pearlandin Pearlandin Pearlandin Pearlandin Pearlandin Pearlandin Pearlandin Pearlandin Pearlandin Pearlandin Pearlandin Pearlandin Pearlandin Pearlandin Pearlandin Pearlandin Pearlandin Pearland

281.997.9500Bushi Ban International-Pearland

is located at 8201 Broadway (on 518, near Cullen)

in Pearlandin Pearlandin Pearlandin Pearlandin Pearlandin Pearlandin Pearlandin Pearlandin Pearland

Jeff Barley Director &

Head Instructor

281.997.9500281.997.9500


Bushi Ban International-Pearland

Youth and Adult Evening Programs

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Pearland Driving School

The freedom to drive is one of life’s most exciting milestones, and it’s an equally important life skill. Pearland Driving School is dedicated to helping you accomplish all of your driving needs through quality education. We have served the Pearland area since 1979. It is exciting to see our former students return with their teens. Our legacy has allowed us to work with over 100,000 new drivers.

We now have two convenient locations. Our West Campus is one mile from Highway 288 and our East Campus is off of Grand Boulevard near FM 518. Recognizing the busy lives of families, we offer transportation from Pearland, Dawson and Manvel High Schools during the school year for teen driver’s education. Two classes are held daily allowing students to alternate class times. Classes include guest speakers, projects, alcohol and drug education while using the state approved curriculum. Instructors hold the highest certifi cates in the state. Over 95% of our instructors are college degreed educators with advanced degrees.

The state mandated 18-24 year old permit class required to obtain a driver licenses is held at our West Campus. The six-hour permit class is required for anyone who has not taken driver’s education. We also offer private driving instruction for adults. Defensive driving/ticket dismissal classes are offered on the second and fourth Saturday. Defensive driving can be taken annually to keep a ticket from reducing points on your driving record or for an insurance discount.

Visit us a www.pearlanddrivingschool.net for more information. ★

We Offer:

• After-School Transportation

• Teen Driver’s Education

• Permit Class for Ages 18-24

• Defensive Driving

• Drug & Alcohol Program

• Private Driving Instruction

$10 OFFTeen Driver’s Education

with this ad.

Serving Pearland Since 1979

PEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLANDPEARLAND

East Campus: 2403 Grand Blvd. • 281-485-5238West Campus: 9330 Broadway, Ste. 404 • 281-741-2343www.PearlandDrivingSchool.net

The Primrose Schools in Pearland

Ready for School, Foundation for Life

Balanced learning in preschool is essential to prepare children for school. More and more parents are recognizing the importance of the early years to their children’s success in elementary school and beyond. The most active time of brain development occurs before age fi ve. Strong neural connections formed during the essential times are established by every experience children have with their environment. The quality of those early interactions determines how children continue to learn and form relationships, strongly infl uencing their future success and happiness.

Research confi rms that nurturing guidance and attention to every aspect of development in the early years helps a child develop compassion, confi dence

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Private Schools & A



and a love of learning, in addition to competence and academic skills. These capabilities are easy to take for granted, but can make all the difference in how a child responds to school and life beyond the classroom.

The Primrose Schools in Pearland provide a balanced approach to school readiness - a well-rounded preparation in basic concepts and acquisition of social skills - that gives children the foundation for a future fi lled with promise.

“School readiness is essential to a child’s success in elementary school and beyond,” said Estela Papadopulos, owner of The Primrose Schools in Pearland. “Children who receive quality preschool, pre-k and kindergarten develop into well-rounded individuals prepared for learning and for life.”

To learn more about the many lifelong benefi ts of enrolling your child at The Primrose Schools in Pearland, visit and take a tour today! ★

Please see ad on page 1.

Living Stones Christian School (LSCS) offers parents a safe, caring environment for their children. In operation for over thirty years, LSCS has a proven record of academic success. Our students are well-prepared to face the challenges of today’s colleges and universities. Along with a quality education, LSCS creates an atmosphere conducive to spiritual growth, which helps our graduates not only in their higher education but also through their lives. Our mission is to develop the whole child through educating their mind, building their body, and empowering their spirit.

LSCS promotes a family environment where high school, junior high and elementary students interact with each other. Our students enjoy special times set aside for social development. These opportunities

Living StonesChristian School

promote leadership skills in our high school students, while younger students observe Christian role models in action.

LSCS uses a Bible based curriculum and innovative programs to educate the minds of children; build their bodies through physical education and team sports; and empower their spirits with an environment conducive to character development and spiritual growth.

We use the fi eld of athletics as an

opportunity to instill in our students a winning attitude centered on Christ-like behavior. At LSCS, we feel that team sports provide great opportunities for students to develop teamwork, while maintaining a Christ-like attitude.

Living Stones Christian School is dedicated to the success of our students. For further information about our school, please contact Sharlyn Wagner at [email protected] or call our school line at (281) 331-0086. ★

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Silverlake Driving School in Pearland has become the premier driving school in the area. We provide state-certifi ed instruction for teens and adults and have students coming to us from over seventy secondary and private schools from Pearland, Houston, Clear Lake, Rosharon, Fresno, Friendswood and more. We do what other driving schools can’t, won’t or don’t do. Our professional staff provides the best in customer service. Our instructors are experienced, patient, love what they do, and care about our students.

Silverlake Driving School once again steps ahead of the rest to provide yet another fi rst in helping our new drivers, both teen and adult, to develop their driving skills by offering simulators.

SilverlakeDriving School

Kuk Sool Won Pearland Martial Art Center

Latest statistics and studies show that more kids than ever are at serious health risk due to obesity and lack of regular exercise. This is disturbing to hear and even more disturbing to see so many kids that can’t even do a single push up.

The good news is there are many parents that are already taking action to help their kids to get fi t and stay fi t for life. Kids that get involved in the Martial Arts stay active year round are less likely to suffer from obesity.

Obesity not only damages a child’s health and energy level, it also has a negative impact on their overall self-esteem and level of confi dence.

Don’t let your child fall preyto this dangerous disease!

Martial Arts training instills RESPECT in children. Besides developing respect for others, kids who train in our school develop a healthier respect for their own mind and body.

Martial Arts training is an exciting

and fun activity that is proven to develop healthy, happy and more confi dent kids. It’s a year round activity that gets kids in great shape and keeps them in great shape. It instills a positive attitude and gives kids a winning edge in academics and athletics.

Do you want your child to be healthy, happy and confi dent?Of course you do. Please help us to

help your child get in shape and keep them in shape for life. Your child develops attitudes and habits everyday. Like you and me, habits can either be healthy and positive...or they can be unhealthy and negative.

The Habits of Excellence that we teach and share in our school, are designed to help kids and adults develop habits that lead to a healthier and happier lifestyle.

Always team up and nevergive up on your child!

Anytime we team up on a child, we succeed in helping them develop positive

and healthy habits for becoming a champion in life. It’s an exciting process, and we are here to help you with your child, or anyone else you know who could use some help.

Kuk Sool Won, Pearland Martial Art Center has been developing Champions in Life since 2005 and their certifi ed Black Belt instructors are highly trained professionals that are experts at motivating kids to give their best and become their best.

If you and your family are already members of our family, you’re already seeing and experiencing the values and benefi ts of Martial Arts training. If you’re not a member yet, give us a call or drop us an e-mail to schedule for FREE TRIAL LESSON.

Developing healthy and confi dent kids is a process of teamwork that requires daily attention and energy. Check out the many families who are already seeing powerful and positive results through our progressive curriculum and teaching methods.

Hope to see your child in the dojo training to become a Champion. ★

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Private Schools & A



Simulators offer experiences that cannot be duplicated in a car. Our students will be offered the latest in simulator experiences and receive the absolute best driver education. Our multi-screen simulator can provide a student with the opportunity to actually experience the dangers associated with texting and driving, talking on a cell phone while driving, recovering from a skid, maneuvering an automobile on an icy road and many more learning opportunities not available in a real life driving lesson. For fearful or unskilled drivers, a few lessons on a simulator can build the skills and confi dence necessary to get on the road to becoming a safe and responsible driver. Check out Silverlake Driving School! ★

10555 Pearland Parkway @ Beltway8 - Next to Subway

713-991-5522 - pearlandeyestyles.com

Dr. Melanie Melançon and Staff’s

first priority is you. At Eye Styles, we listen and care for your needs first. Call today to set your appointment and find out

how we can care for you.

Personal Eye Care Contact Lenses Monthly Specials

Designer Frames Children's Frames Sports Frames

*Some restrictions apply

Summer Sunglasses

20% OFF*

Back To School

Lenses Free

w/Frame purchase*

18 yrs or less

Eye Care Affects Education

Good eye care is important for all of us, but especially for children during their early years of education. Many experts believe 80% of learning is done through a child’s eyes. And it’s important to note that school vision screenings are no substitute for a comprehensive eye exam.

Children with undetected vision problems are sometimes inaccu-rately diagnosed with dyslexia, attention deficit disorder (ADD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Dr. Melanie Melan-çon, the optometrist at Eye Styles, states, “I always feel bad for fami-lies who have gone through the cost and strain of testing and treat-ments when their child just needs to have their astigmatism or mus-cle imbalance corrected. It happens with headaches, too.

Anything else we should know about caring for our children? “Eye protection!” Dr. Melançon exclaims. The American Optometric Asso-ciation notes that thousands of children and adults suffer sports-related eye injuries each year, and nearly all can be prevented by using the proper protective eyewear.

Dr. Melancon opened Eye Styles at Pearland Parkway and Beltway 8 (next to Subway) in 2009. Along with her knowledgeable and ex-perienced staff, Brandy, Jackie, and Shavarrah, they carry out the mission “to ensure you view life to the fullest by providing the highest attention to your lifestyle and eye style.”

Eye Care Affects Education

Good eye care is important for all of us but especially for children during their early years of education. Many experts believe 80% of learning is done through a child’s eyes. And, it’s important to note that school vision screenings are no substitute for a comprehensive eye exam.

Children with undetected vision problems are sometimes inaccurately diagnosed with dyslexia, attention defi cit disorder (ADD) or attention defi cit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Dr. Melanie Melançon, the optometrist at Eye Styles, states, “I always feel bad for families who have gone through the cost and strain of testing and treatments when their child just needs to have their astigmatism or muscle imbalance corrected. It happens with headaches, too.”

Anything else we should know about caring for our children? “Eye protection!” Dr. Melançon exclaims. The American Optometric Association notes that thousands of children and adults suffer sports related eye injuries each year, and nearly all can be prevented by using the proper protective eyewear.

Dr. Melancon opened Eye Styles at Pearland Parkway and Beltway 8 (next to Subway) in 2009. Along with her knowledgeable and experienced staff, Brandy, Jackie, and Shavarrah, they carry out the mission “to ensure you view life to the fullest by providing the highest attention to your lifestyle and eye style.” ★

• State-certifi ed curriculum and instructors.• We do what other driving schools can’t, won’t or don’t do!• Adult driving instruction by the hour.• Now offering Simulators – The best way to learn to drive! Experience driving situations previously unavailable in-car – great for unskilled or fearful drivers.

281-485-2811www.silverlakedriving.com

5402 Broadway Ste. 106, Pearland, TX 77581

The Premier Driving School in the Area!Attracting students from over

70 secondary & private schools.

We go above and beyond to offer each student a great learning experience.

Check out SILVERLAKE DRIVING SCHOOL!

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Submit your request and get the next issue of Pearland Focus delivered to your mailbox!

Go to www.PearlandFocus.com and request a FREE Subscription.

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Pearland Focus Magazine wants to provide readers with the best community feature magazine possible. We want to focus on our READERS and mail exclusively to residents that invite us into their home. Requests are FREE to all Pearland & Manvel addresses*.

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Each student learns differently and at Creative Minds, we design a curriculum individualized to their unique learning style. Using positive reinforcement and allowing students to progress at their own pace helps to build their self-esteem and self-confi dence. Many of our high-functioning students have trouble reading social cues, so as a part of our curriculum, we offer social skills training with group activities, fi eld trips, role playing and specialized DVD’s that demonstrate appropriate and inappropriate social interaction.

Creative Minds believes in teaching the whole child so we not only focus on academics but take into account their disabilities and create a loving and nurturing learning environment. We encourage each student to focus on their strengths and will guide them on a career path where they will be productive and happy.

Creative Minds is not just about the student but also their families. We encourage a family environment where students, parents, and other family members are welcome to participate in our activities. Close contact between Creative Minds and the families ensure the students will receive the best educational experience possible. We offer a one room schoolhouse where students of varying ages and skill levels can work together and encourage one another. We pride ourselves on offering a learning environment where our students can be themselves and feel safe and secure.

We believe in order for our students to reach their full potential we must allow them to express their Creative Minds!

For more information, visit creativemindssensoryhomeschool.org or call 832-671-CMSH (2674). H

Creative Minds Sensory Homeschool

We offer a sensory friendly environment to our high functioning students and believe that in order for them to make the best progress we must allow them to express their Creative Minds!

• Students advance at their own pace.• Focus on student’s career interests.• Social Skills Training.• Specialized P.E. Class.• Online grading with 24/7 access.

832-671-26743248 E. Broadway, Pearland, TX 77581CreativeMindsSensoryHomeschool.org

Our SPECIAL Students Deserve a SPECIAL Education!

Creative MindsSensory Homeschool

By Nick Nicholson

Nick Nicholson is the Film and Entertainment Critic for CNN Radio, the Fort Bend Star, Fort Bend Focus, Pearland Focus as well as Focus on Women. In addition, his reviews can be seen and heard in numerous other print/media outlets in Texas and Oklahoma. Mr. Nicholson is in great demand as a speaker to both public and civic organizations on the subject of fi lm and the entertainment industry. He is the co-founder of the Houston Film Critics Society and is currently the President of the organization.

The fi nal installment of the two-fi lm adaptation of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows follows Harry

(Daniel Radcliffe), Ron (Rupert Grint), and Hermione (Emma Watson) as they search for the pieces of Voldemort’s (Ralph Fiennes) soul that he extracted from his being and hid in obscure locations both far and wide. If the trio is unable to locate and destroy them all, Voldemort will remain immortal. Despite their long friendship, a combination of dark forces, romantic tensions, and long-held secrets threaten to sabotage the mission. In the epic fi nale, the battle between the good and evil forces of the wizarding world escalates into an all-out war. The stakes have never been higher and no one is safe. But it is Harry Potter who may be called upon to make the ultimate sacrifi ce as he draws closer to the climactic showdown with Lord Voldemort. It all ends here.

The best way to accurately describe the conclusion to this billion dollar franchise is “wow.” The intensity and

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson & Rupert GrintDirector: David Yates & Steve KlovesCompany: WarnerNow Showing: In Local Theatres Starts July 15thMPAA Rating: NRGrade: A+

emotions run as high as the action and violence does. This fi lm represents the true defi nition of loss. The characters question alliances, relationships and everything is uncertain. Harry Potter represents the fi lm and the solitude that it conveys. As I look back from a decade ago and the fi rst fi lm, we all witnessed the wizard kids as they frolicked from class to class, having fun with Hagrid and the creatures of Hogwarts. This fi lm completes the matriculation of the characters from children at play to young adults dealing with death...violent death. Even at this point in time, the studio is wrangling with the MPAA in order to obtain a PG-13 rating for the fi lm. I can tell you that I will be absolutely shocked if this fi lm receives anything less than an R rating. (If the fi lm does end up with a PG-13 moniker, director David Yates must have sliced and diced sections of

the fi lm out of the fi nal version).What Yates and his band of actors have

done is created a brilliant fi lm that ties all of the loose ends together, all the while showing sincere moments of humor as well as pure and utter devastation. The main characters have truly grown and evolved into their roles just as the supporting cast has done. The cinematography and special effects in this fi lm are truly outstanding. I wouldn’t recommend watching this fi lm if you haven’t seen the previous seven, as they all build on each other. The darkness of this fi lm is quite frightening, and I would highly encourage you to leave the little ones at home. The battle between Harry and Voldemort will leave you simply awe inspired. As the adventures of Harry Potter come to a close, this fi lm exceeds all expectations for this, the fi nal installment. It would be nearly impossible for this fi lm to end better than it does. A fi tting tribute as the sun sets on the adventures of Harry, Ron, Hermione and the rest of the gang. H

Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter in The Deathly Hallows, Part 2.

Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint & Emma Watson in The Deathly Hallows, Part 2.

Photos courtesy of Warner Pictures.


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Pampered PetsPampered PetsPampered PetsPampered PetsPampered PetsPampered PetsPampered Pets


1601 North Main Street, Pearland, TX 77581281-485-2496 • www.PearlandAnimalHospital.com

Monday - Friday 7:30 am - 6 pm • Saturday 7:30 am - 12 noon

1601 North Main Street, Pearland, TX 775811601 North Main Street, Pearland, TX 775811601 North Main Street, Pearland, TX 775811601 North Main Street, Pearland, TX 775811601 North Main Street, Pearland, TX 77581

SOME OF OUR SERVICES INCLUDE:Complete Feline/Canine Internal Medicine

Senior Wellness Exams • Fully Stocked PharmacyEmergency Care (during business hours) • Microchipping

State of the Art Laboratory DiagnosticsComplete Dental Services Including Digital Dental Radiology

Specialized & Elective Surgeries/ProceduresDigital Radiology • Nutrition Counseling

Kristofer Schoeffl er, DVM, Tricia Trunek, DVM, Mike T. Allen , DVM, & Bobby L. Stevener, DVM

Our staff has

over 100 years

of veterinary

experience combined!

S ummer is near, and we at Pearl-and Animal Hospital would like

to share some summertime pet health tips. First, never leave your pet unat-tended in a car or bed of a truck. Dogs and cats don’t sweat; they expel heat through panting and are very suscep-tible to heat stroke. Always have mul-tiple fresh water sources for your pet, both inside and outside, which will help keep your animal cool and hydrated.

If you are going to travel with your pet, make sure they are restrained in the car by a crate, seat, or harness. Take your pet’s food, toys, bed, updated vaccination records, collar with identi-fi cation and leash, medications, litter box, and a pet fi rst aid kit. Another thing to consider is a permanent means of identifi cation such as a microchip. They are very easily placed in any dog or cat and can be the only means of re-uniting with your pet.

The warm weather also brings an increased number of parasites – fl eas, ticks, and mosquitoes, so make sure your pet is on a monthly preventative along with their heartworm prevention. If your pet is around any open water, make sure they know how to swim and wear a pet life jacket. Lastly, cars are more likely to overheat and leak anti-

Pearland Animal Hospital

W e’ve all heard of those wonderful stories of a long lost dog returning home after everyone in the

family has given up hope of its safe return, everyone, except of course, the family’s young son, little Timmy. Little Timmy knows in his heart that his faithful com-panion is just out on a big adventure, and will return home at any moment. Many days come and go, and just when even Timmy’s faith is starting to wane, his best friend comes trotting up to the house, tail a wag-gin’, and licks a plenty to go around.

A Lost Opportunity

freeze which can be deadly when in-gested. It tastes very sweet, so if you see your pet ingest any amount, get

them to a veterinary hospital imme-diately. We hope you have a safe and wonderful summer with your pet! H

Continued on page 34

Wfamily has given up hope of its safe return, everyone, family has given up hope of its safe return, everyone, except of course, the family’s young son, little Timmy. except of course, the family’s young son, little Timmy. Little Timmy knows in his heart that his faithful com-Little Timmy knows in his heart that his faithful com-Little Timmy knows in his heart that his faithful com-panion is just out on a big adventure, and will return home at any moment. Many days come and go, and home at any moment. Many days come and go, and just when even Timmy’s faith is starting to wane, his best friend comes trotting up to the house, tail a wag-gin’, and licks a plenty to go around.

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Pampered PetsPampered PetsPampered PetsPampered PetsPampered PetsPampered PetsPampered Pets

. Lodging . Daycare . Grooming . Training .

Fun in the Sun at Meadowlake Pet Resort!

13500 Furman Rd Houston TX 77047meadowlakepet resort.com 713-413-1633


M eadowlake Pet Resort is dedicated to quality care for pets and is the best solu-tion for all your pet care needs. However, we understand that you may con-

sider other options when deciding where your pet should stay when you are away. Benefi ts of staying at Meadowlake:1. Attention - While you are away, your pet will seek out more attention than

usual. Not having that attention will result in added stress. Meadowlake’s potty breaks, feeding times, treats, play times and other activities will provide your pet with the attention they strive for.

2. Experience - Meadowlake has staff trained in areas such as Pet CPR and First Aid, Professional Pet Tech Certifi cations and more. Be sure to ask potential pet caregivers about training. During an emergency, it could save your pet’s life.

3. Excitement - Increased amount of time home alone may cause extreme bore-dom, which can often lead to destructive behavior. Meadowlake offers exciting ac-tivities, calm settings and a variety of stimulating interactions a day that will help minimize this behavior.

4. Safety - Meadowlake is well-maintained, clean, poses no safety hazards to your pet, is equipped with surveillance cameras, state-of-the-art alarm systems, generators, and a highly trained staff. You will always fi nd comfort in knowing that your pet is safe.

A quality pet resort, such as Meadowlake, can offer your pet outstanding ameni-ties. Please consider all your options when making arrangements for your beloved pet and always feel free to contact Meadowlake Pet Resort with any questions or concerns. Visit www.meadowlakepetresort.com or call (713)413-1633. H

Considering a Pet Sitter?

Sadly, lost pet stories like this don’t always end with such a happy ending. Over 10 million pets are lost each year, which is why we see new technology be-ing introduced from time to time that allows us to stack the deck more in our favor to help ensure a safe return should our pet wander off and get lost.

A new technological advancement that has just come along is an ID tag for your pet that is made of a material used in the International Space Sta-tion as well as by our military because of its durability. The remarkable thing about the tag is that you are able to en-code information on the it so when it is scanned by any smart phone, (iPhone, Android, Blackberry, and so on) impor-tant information about your pet, con-tact information, or whatever you want it to read comes up on the Smart-phone screen. You can even encode a website or shoot a video of your dog playing along with audio that explains who he or she is and how to contact the family for a safe return. Pretty cool stuff for sure!

This product has a great deal of po-tential for helping keep our pets safe. With over one million smart phones be-ing sold, it seems like almost everyone has one – or has access to one – these days. Find a lost pet…scan the tag with your smart phone…and make someone very happy by helping returning a lost and loved pet. To learn more about the ID tags, visit www.K9Scan.com. H

Continued from page 33

A Lost Opportunity

Advertorial www.pearland .com • July/August 2011 35

W estside Veterinary Hospital was founded by Dr. Cara Campbell in

1991 and has been part of the Pearland community for over 20 years. She and her family has been part of Pearland for 40 years. When she fi rst opened Westside, the hospital was on the west side of town. She has seen Pearland grow along with her practice.

At Westside Veterinary Hospital, our primary concern is your pet. What makes us different from other veteri-nary clinics in town? Our doctors are not paid by commission. Westside be-lieves that our doctors should practice the best available medicine. When our doctors diagnose, prescribe and treat an illness or when they provide routine preventative health care for your pet, their decisions are based on what is best for you pet, not on their fi nancial gain. We believe our staff should prac-tice high quality veterinary medicine and not be concerned with sales.

We understand that your pet is an important member of your family. Pro-viding quality veterinary care for your pet is an important part to having a long, healthy life. At Westside Veteri-nary Hospital, we strive to treat your beloved pet with not only the best vet-erinary care, but with the loving care that they deserve. H

Westside Veterinary Hospital

Pampered PetsPampered PetsPampered PetsPampered PetsPampered PetsPampered PetsPampered PetsPampered Pets

There are many different waysyou can help reduce animal

suffering, whether it be through adoption, volunteering, fosterpet care, sponsoring a pet or

a tax deductible donation.Visit

www.brazoriacountyhumane.org

281-485-98406034 West Broadway, Pearland, TX 77581www.WestsideVeterinaryHospital.com

OFFERING A FULL RANGE OF SERVICES INCLUDING:

281-485-9840

Examinations

Vaccinations

Dental Care

Spays & Neuters

Declaws

Ear Cropping

Soft Tissue Surgery

Radiography

Heartworm Treatment

Microchipping

Pharmacy

Boarding

S ummertime! It’s hot and the best time to go out and enjoy water sports! I remember get-

ting up at the crack of dawn as a kid and packing up stuff for the day at the pool. Back then, we would start swim team practice early, about 6 am, and then, stay all day getting out to eat lunch and of course, a Reese’s cup or two! It was a sim-ple time where a good book and a bottle of sunscreen was the only thing you needed to be entertained.

Times are different and my children, like most, have grown accustomed to hours of play on electronics such as a Wii or an Xbox, leaving them mesmerized for hours in the air conditioning. Not a bad idea for the hottest parts of the day but seriously, not very stimulating otherwise. For the last two summers, I have fought with both of my children about how much time they spend glued to an electronic de-vice, and I swore this summer would be different.

I signed them up for camp Holy Wilde with the church, and I signed them up for horseback riding camp. I bought all sorts of books on summer curriculum and actu-

ally tore out sheets for each week for them to do. The camps were met with a little excitement....the worksheets got me some looks. LOL! A friend of mine called and asked if they might want to go to a water ski camp, and I thought well… they can swim and so perhaps they might like that too.

The fi rst week out of school, I pulled out their weekly folders fi lled with cross-words and word searches and yes, gram-mar drills and math practice sheets. Grumble...Grumble. Another friend and I spoke about our concerns of “electronic vegetation” and that if left unchecked, can turn into an entire summer of oppor-tunities gone. There are, after all, only so many years of childhood to just enjoy summertime. I thought about motivation and tied into the weekly folders a reward system of an allowance. I added that God forsaken word “chores” to their mix of re-sponsibilities, too. This all – so far – has gone over fairly well. Week one they ac-tually fi nished their weekly folders and yes, did pick up pool toys, tidy up rooms and spend less time on videos. After some thought, I decided to add a demerit sys-

Living the Sweet Life:By Alisa Murray

www.AlisaMurray.comNationally recognized portrait artist

and award-winning columnist.

tem for back talking and sibling fi ghting to help keep their behavior in check. This has worked too! After all, tt’s kind of dis-appointing to work hard all week getting it right and then loose money for being sassy! But, I fi gure it’s best to fi gure out early on that there are consequences, and as I have discovered in mothering, and as of late parenting, it only gets tougher. It’s easy to do a time out with a toddler. It’s harder to create a sense of responsibility and instill a real desire for learning just for learning’s sake throughout childhood.

As I packed up the children for the sec-ond week, I was a little sad to see them go but fi gured the end result would be a better knowledge of water and hopefully, meeting some new friends! When I went to get them, I was pleasantly surprised. Yes, they had learned more about water and since we have never really gotten into group sports, the water boarding sport is a good one for us as a family. Both of them were kept so busy all week that they had not had time to do any of their folders! Oh well. After all, school will start soon enough and at least for now those “glued to the video days” are a fl eeing memory!

After seeing how much fun they had and hearing them beg for more weeks at water ski camp, I gave in and decided that this summer was going to be about having fun. This next week they’ll be back to cracking those folders open and “work sheeting” it away. But soon enough, they’ll be gone again and back out on the water. That’s really what childhood should be about, right? Summertime fun sprinkled with a little work and building lasting memories.

I see that it won’t be long before a boat is in my future. I can think of nothing more important than giving in to making childhood memories and creating a love of a sport that everyone in the family can en-joy! I hope you are enjoying your children and can fi nd a summertime “thing” that everyone enjoys as well! Cheers to Child-hood!

Take Care of You!

Making Memories in the Sun!

James Edward and Victoria Ann enjoying summertime at water ski camp.James Edward and Victoria Ann enjoying summertime at water ski camp.James Edward and Victoria Ann enjoying summertime at water ski camp.James Edward and Victoria Ann enjoying summertime at water ski camp.


PEARLANDNEW NEIGHBOR

Now Seeing Patients in Pearland!Board Certifi ed Ophthalmologist

Routine Eye Exams • Glasses LASIK • Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery

Diabetic Eye Exams • Cataracts • Glaucoma

Stewart Zuckerbrod, M.D.General Ophthalmology

713-558-8702 • 8619 W. Broadway St., Ste. 101, Pearland, TX 77584

Dr. Stewart Zuck-erbrod was born on an American Army base in Frankfurt, Germany. He gradu-ated from Lawrence High School in Ce-darhurst, New York in 1973, and contin-ued his education by obtaining a Bach-

elors Degree in Biology and German Lit-erature from the State University of New York at Binghamton in 1977.

Dr. Zuckerbrod attended medical school at Baylor College of Medicine, where he received his medical degree in 1983. He then completed an internship in Internal Medicine at Westchester County Medical Center in Westchester, New York, and an ophthalmology residency at Baylor College of Medicine. He has been awarded numerous times for his many outstand-ing achievements some of which include the Outstanding Young Men in America Award, Baylor College of Medicine Com-munity Service Award, Goar Award (Cul-len Eye Center), and Teacher of the Year - UT/Hermann Ophthalmology Program. He has been chosen best ophthalmologist in Houston for multiple years by the read-ers of a local publication.

Dr. Zuckerbrod is a member of many organizations including the American Academy of Ophthalmology, Houston Ophthalmology Society, Texas Medical Association, Texas Ophthalmology Associ-ation, and Harris County Medical Society. He has served on the Boards of Directors of numerous non-profi t organizations.

Dr. Zuckerbrod is certifi ed by the American Board of Ophthalmology and practices general ophthalmology. Dur-ing his spare time, Dr. Zuckerbrod enjoys gardening and theater. His fi rst play was produced successfully in Houston and Los Angeles.

Visit Dr. Zuckerbrod’s new location at 8619 Broadway St. in Pearland. For an appointment, call 281-582-9100. H

Stewart Zuckerbrod, MDis Now Seeing

Patients in Pearland

Stewart L. Zuckerbrod, M.D.

GuadalupeRIVERFRONT DUPLEXEach duplex can accommodate four adults and four children or rent both for groups.

More pictures at RioRatonDuplex.com

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Toni Thames, Mike Thompkins, Candy Elkins and Whitney Cabaza.

K’Nicole Ogg, Brandi Griffi n and Stacy Barber.

Pearland Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours Event at

Meadowlake Pet Resort

Accent Dental Ribbon Cutting

Dr. Michael Smith and wife, Kim, mark the opening of Accent Dental by cutting the ribbon with staff and

ambassadors from the Pearland Chamber of Commerce.

Pearland Lions Club Awards ScholarshipsMakes Donations to Local Organizations

Students received scholarships from the Lions Club. Pictured are recipients Justin Gallagher,

Ashley Adams, Kirby Hensley, Vanessa Alejandro, Lion Mike Allen and Brittney Fontenot.

Lucy Stevener accepting a donation for the Pearland

Neighborhood Center.

Barbara Kinsey accepts a donation for Christian Helping Hands with Ed Baker, Fred Weimer and George Sandars.

Outgoing Lion’s Club President Fred Weimer and Manhar Das, the 2011-2012 club president.

Susan Lenamon with Ed Baker accepting a donation for

Meals on Wheels.

Pearland Chamber of Commerce’sKarl Koppy, Carol Artz-Bucek,

Gary W. Bucek and Tony Carbone.

Christy Burns, Matt Burns and Dee Medlin.


Medical Focus


Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital Graduates Classof the Pediatric Weight Management Program

The Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital Pediatric Weight Management Program is a family-based, group be-havioral and educational program. The personalized weight management team teaches healthy lifestyle, eating and exer-cise habits that will help the whole family achieve their health goals. The ongoing program occurs in six-week increments, allowing families to have sessions with a comprehensive team of specialists, with the goal of promoting lifelong healthy eating and exercise habits for overweight children, adolescents and their families.

“With the epidemic of childhood obe-sity, the Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital’s Pediatric Weight Manage-ment Program allows children and their families to learn healthy exercises and eating habits,” said Sonny Gornek, R.D., registered dietitian and certifi ed personal trainer at Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital. “We combine traditional ex-ercises such as running and resistance training, and activities such as basketball and dance that allow children to have fun and keep active at the same time.”

Childhood obesity has both immedi-ate and long-term health impacts. Obese youth are more likely to have risk factors for cardiovascular disease, greater risk for bone and joint problems, sleep apnea, and they are more likely to be overweight or obese adults. The program includes the parents so they can also learn healthy eating habits to help their children live a healthier lifestyle. Healthy lifestyle hab-its including healthy eating and physical activity can lower the risk of becoming

obese and developing related diseases.The most recent Pedi Weight Manage-

ment Program ended on Saturday, June 25. Participating families graduate and start instilling the lessons from the pro-gram at home and on their own. Once they have graduated the program, fami-lies have a regular support group meeting every other month to continue to monitor their healthy lifestyles. For more infor-mation about the program in the future, e-mail [email protected]. Call 713-222-CARE to register for the next program beginning September 17, 2011.

About Memorial Hermann Healthcare System

An integrated health system, Memori-al Hermann is known for world-class clini-cal expertise, patient-centered care, lead-ing edge technology, and innovation. The system, with its exceptional medical staff and 19,000 employees, serves southeast Texas and the greater Houston communi-ty. Memorial Hermann’s 11 hospitals in-clude three hospitals in the Texas Medical Center, including a level 1 trauma center, a hospital for children and a rehabilitation hospital, as well as three heart & vascu-lar institute locations and eight suburban hospitals. The system also operates an air ambulance, cancer, imaging and surgery centers, sports medicine and rehabilita-tion centers, outpatient laboratories, a wellness center, a chemical dependency treatment center, a home health agency, a retirement community and a nursing home. To learn more, visit www.memori-alhermann.org, or call 713.222.CARE. H

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Dental Association, American Public Health Association, and the American Academy of Pediatrics all recommend that a child have their fi rst preventive dental visit by the age of one year. The goal of this early introduction to the pediatric dentist is to reduce the risk of the child developing dental cavities, improve the oral health of the child, and reduce future oral health expenses. Re-cent data has shown a rise in the amount of dental decay for children ages 2 to 4 years; so having children seen by a pedi-atric dentist at a younger age will lead to earlier dental education for parents and caregivers which will ultimately lower the number of younger children with cavities.

A child’s fi rst visit to a pediatric dentist should consist of a review of the medical, dental and social history, a comprehensive exam, assessment of risk of developing dental decay, and anticipatory guidance with the parent or caregiver. Factors that may lead to an increased risk of develop-ing cavities include:

Medical History - such as medica-tions or special needs.

Oral Hygiene - plaque on teeth and no brushing of teeth at home.

Diet - juices and sugary snacks.Infant Feeding - continuation of bot-

tle feeding and contents of bottle.Fluoride AdequacyBacteria Transmission - Strep mu-

tans can be transmitted from mother or caregiver to patient.

Demographic DataTeeth Characteristics - tooth defects.The content of the anticipatory guid-

ance consists of the following topics: den-tal and oral development; fl uoride intake and review of any need for supplementa-tion; non-nutritive habits- pacifi er use and thumb/fi nger sucking; injury prevention; diet- bottle use and weaning and contents of sippy cup; and oral hygiene.

Early introduction of the child to the pediatric dentist by the age of one year aims at prevention while also initiating a relationship between the child and the pediatric dentist. Following the fi rst visit, it is recommended that the child continues to be seen for preventive appointments by the pediatric dentist every six months. H

The Importance of aDental Home by Age One

Back row: Sonny Gornek, Chef James, Julie McCarthy, Jairo Luna, Macie Begnaud, Luis DelToro, Jody Kuchta, Patricia Dutchyn and Christine Scarcello. Front row: Daniel Cantu, Alejandro Ledesma, Enrique DelToro, Karina DelToro and Brooke Keys.


Medical Focus Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Receives The Joint Commission Primary Stroke Center Certification

Methodist Sugar Land Hospital has received The Joint Commission Pri-mary Stroke Center Certification. The certification recognizes Methodist Sug-ar Land Hospital’s commitment and success in implementing a higher stan-dard of care by ensuring that stroke patients receive treatment according to nationally accepted standards and rec-ommendations. Achievement of certifi-cation signifies that the care provided encompasses the critical elements to achieve long term success in improving outcomes. It is the best indicator to the community that the quality of care pro-vided by a hospital is effectively man-aged to meet the unique and special-ized needs of stroke patients with the best possible outcomes.

“With a stroke, time lost is brain lost, and The Joint Commission Primary Stroke Certification addresses the im-portant element of time,” said Amitabh Shukla, M.D., Medical Director of the Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Stroke Program. “The mortality rate for stroke in Harris and surrounding counties is twice as high as the national aver-age, making it even more important for Methodist Sugar Land Hospital to bring this higher standard of stroke care to Fort Bend County residents,” said Maria Socci, Manager, Stroke Pro-gram. Methodist Sugar Land Hospital has developed a comprehensive system for rapid diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients in the emergency room. Stroke patients will have access to im-mediate brain imaging scans and time-ly review by the radiologist, as well as a neurologist who will conduct patient evaluations and use clot-busting medi-cations when appropriate.

“To receive The Joint Commission Primary Stroke Certification, Method-ist Sugar Land Hospital consistently followed The Joint Commission stan-dards. These standards include aggres-sive use of medications like tPA, anti-thrombotics, anticoagulation therapy, DVT prophylaxis, cholesterol reducing drugs, and smoking cessation,” said Socci.

Stroke Care Team - Julie Pickle, Physical Therapist; Christina Berg, RN, ICU; Lee Rutledge, Nurse Practitio-ner; Diane McGraw, Director of Quality Management; Kathleen Thoede, Speech Pathologist; Trude Cables, Lab Technologist; Chris Siebenaler, CEO; Amitabh Shukla, M.D., Medical Director of the Stroke Program; Tiffany Bell, RN and Nursing Manager; Maria Socci, Stroke Program Manager; Nichelle Everett, Director of Pharmacy; April Kelly, CT Technologist; Madonna Suarez, RN, Emergency Department and Ann Prather, RN, Quality Management.

“Methodist Sugar Land Hospital is focused on improving the quality of stroke care by achieving The Joint Commission Primary Stroke Certifi-cation. The number of acute ischemic stroke patients eligible for treatment is expected to grow over the next decade due to increasing stroke incidence and a large aging population,” said Janet Leatherwood, CNO at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital.

According to the American Heart

Association/American Stroke Associa-tion, stroke is one of the leading causes of death and serious, long-term dis-ability in the United States. On aver-age, someone suffers a stroke every 40 seconds; someone dies of a stroke every four minutes; and 795,000 people suf-fer a new or recurrent stroke each year.

For a physician referral, please call Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s phy-sician referral line 281-274-7500, or visit MethodistSugarLand.com. H

Methodist Sugar Land Hospital con-tinues their legacy of Leading Medicine by expanding the Breast Center to pro-vide complete care for patients – from screening and diagnosis to survival – all in one comfortable, convenient location.

In response to the increasing demand for our services, the Breast Center re-cently moved to its new location off Town Center Blvd, still on the Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Campus. The larger space features a warm, comforting ambiance and more comfortable, spa-like furnish-ings to put patients at ease.

To celebrate the new expansion of the Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Breast Center, the Fort Bend Community, Fort Bend Junior Service League and Central

Fort Bend Chamber Alliance members joined Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s staff and physicians in an open-house. Over 300 guests attended the event and had a chance to tour the Breast Center, meet the physicians and hear about the expanded services now available in the Breast Center.

“It was great to see so many com-munity members and business leaders at the event. I now hope that those who attended can spread the news that this Breast Center is right in their communi-ty and offers everything from dedicated, highly trained breast radiologists, the latest technology and a focus on personal, compassionate care all in one convenient place,” said Sandra Templeton, M.D.,

Methodist Sugar Land Hospital celebratesExpansion of Breast Center


Laura Taylor, FBJSL; Janet Leatherwood, CNO; Chris Siebenaler, CEO; Stephen Phillips, M.D., Breast Radiologist; Lowell Stanton, CFO; Brigit Engleman, FBJSL and Cari Middaugh, FBJSL.

board-certifi ed surgeon specializing in breast surgeries and on staff at Method-ist Sugar Land Hospital.

Since opening our doors on August 1, 2009, the Breast Center rapidly outgrew its original facility. “We are meeting a very real need in the community,” says Stephen Phillips, M.D., board-certifi ed breast radiologist. “The center is staffed by a multi-disciplinary team of breast care specialists, working together to pro-vide the most comprehensive care pos-sible in one convenient location. That is a combination that is diffi cult to beat and one our community is taking advantage of and using.”

Our full-time breast radiologists are exclusively dedicated to breast care and read every image taken in the Breast Center and perform procedures with the use of state-of-the-art technology. Hav-ing this full-service expertise available to patients everyday is unique to Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. When choosing a Breast Center to meet your needs, it does make a difference where you go.

Patients who choose the Breast Cen-ter at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital can undergo a mammogram and, if nec-essary, an ultrasound or MRI often on the same day. In addition, all biopsies are sent to our on-site pathology depart-ment. “We are providing the full contin-uum of care – from screening all the way through surgery or radiation – all in one place. Having a dedicated center enables

our physicians to communicate with one another more effectively and coordinate care more effi ciently, which means the women are able to begin treatment im-mediately,” Phillips said.

In addition to providing the only full-service breast cancer screening and care in Fort Bend County, the Methodist Sug-ar Land Breast Center’s technology is second to none. The powerful whole body 3 Tesla MRI machine – typically found only in the nation’s top academic medical centers – provides state-of-the-art image resolution and features bilateral breast imaging and computer assisted detec-tion. “No other Fort Bend County hospi-tal has a 3T MRI,” Phillips said.

“We were very pleased to see the over-whelming support of the community at the open house. With over 300 people at-tending the event we were able to spread

the word about the importance of mam-mograms and the Breast Center that is second to none. We have been Leading Medicine in Fort Bend County since 1998 and look forward to continuing on that path for years to come as we serve this great community,” said Janet Leather-wood, CNO at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital.

To schedule a mammogram at the Breast Center, please call 281-242-PINK (7465). For more information, visit www.MethodistSugarLand.com or call 281-274-7500 for a physician referral. H

Send your news via www.PearlandFocus.com.

All submissions are subject to the publisher’s approval, editing and

space availability.

HUGE SAVINGS!

LIMITED TIME OFFER.

FOCUS FAVORITESYour Community Resource Guide

Childcare Centers

All About Kids Daycare281-692-9492www.allaboutkids3806.comallaboutkids3806@att.netAll About Kids Daycare is a family owned and op-erated center that opened in October of 2010. The owner has 15 years of previous child care experi-ence and has raised four children of her own, as well as a granddaughter. Lots of love and hugs are ready to be shared with your little ones. All About Kids Day Care has their own curriculum for infants through school age, and all will learn and grow. Drop off and pick up is offered for most Pearland Elementary schools. (11/2010)

Remodeling and Restoration

Absolute Restoration and Remodeling, LCC281-485-5919www.absoluterr.comARR provides services for catastrophic claims and all facets of remodeling. Our restoration team is ready for any circumstance, no job is too small. Our 24-hour emergency service allows you to speak to a live person to assist your family in a time of need. We have qualifi ed superintendents who are experienced in catastrophic claims. As a Christian based company, our mission is to be an advocate between the customer and insurance agent for a smooth claim process. ARR follows Luke 6:31. (11/2010)

Roofi ng

Ameristar Roofi ng281-238-4230www.ameristarroofi ng.comameristarroofi [email protected] Roofi ng is your full-service roofi ng company. No job is too small or too big. We are a certifi ed “Shingle Master Co” with Certainteed which authorizes us to offer 3, 4 & 5 star extended warranties. We are fully insured and bonded for your safety. At the end of every job, we perform a QUALITY CONTROL INSPECTION. Our company belief is, THE CUSTOMER IS ALWAYS RIGHT. We want your recommendation because of our reputa-tion! THANKS, JOE RANGEL, REUBEN STAFFORD & JOHN YATES, MANAGING PARTNERS. (10/2010)

Do you have an area business such as health, dental, fi nance, legal, insurance, remodeling, air conditioning, plumbing

or auto that you would like to reach readers in the Pearland and Manvel

areas? Increase your business!

Call 281-690-4242


Some people may be reconsidering plans to grill hot dogs and steak based on a new report supporting the link between red and processed meats, and increased colorectal cancer risk. But, experts at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center say that small changes to what — and how — you grill can keep cancer off the menu.

“The good news is that you can do something to reduce your risk of colorectal cancer,” says Sally Scroggs, Health Education Manager at MD Anderson’s Cancer Prevention Center. “And, making just a few cooking adjustments when grilling can play a part in prevention.”

Scroggs recommends these tips for a healthier barbecue.

1. Avoid processed meats. Skip processed meats like bacon, ham, pas-trami, salami, sausage, hot dogs and pepperoni. Cancer-causing substances form when these meats are preserved, says the American Institute for Cancer Research. And, eating these meats can damage a person’s DNA, increasing the risk of colorectal cancer.

2. Limit red meat. Eating too much red meat like pork, lamb and beef (in-cluding hamburgers) can raise a per-son’s cancer risk. Try grilling skinless chicken breasts and fi sh instead. Insist on red meat? “Limit yourself to three, six-ounce (cooked) servings per week,” Scroggs says. “One serving is the size of two decks of cards.”

3. Don’t char or burn meat, poultry or fi sh. Charring, burning or grilling meat, poultry and fi sh over high temperatures causes heterocyclic amines (HCAs) to form. These HCAs can damage a person’s genes, raising the risk for stomach and colorectal can-cers.

To avoid HCAs:• Stick with fi sh. Fish contains

less fat and cooks faster than meat and poultry.

• Lightly oil the grill. This keeps charred materials from sticking to your food.

• Pre-cook food. Cook meat, poultry or fi sh in the microwave or oven for two to fi ve minutes, then fi nish them on the grill. Less grill time means less exposure to cancer-causing chemicals.

• Lower the temperature. For a charcoal grill, spread the coals thinly or prop the grill rack on bricks. This reduces the heat by increasing the distance be-tween your food and the coals. And, use barbecue briquettes and hardwood prod-ucts, such as hickory and maple. They burn at lower temperatures than softwood (pine) chips.

• Scrub the grill. Cleaning the grill after each use prevents harmful chemicals from building up and trans-ferring to your food.

4. Use a marinade. Marinating meat in vinegar, lemon juice and herbs such as mint, rosemary, tarragon or sage can re-duce HCA formation by as much as 96%. Just 30 minutes can help.

5. Trim the fat. Cancer-causing poly-cyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) form in the smoke when fat from meat, poultry or fi sh drips onto the heat source. That PAH-fi lled smoke then coats your food. Curb exposure to PAHs by trimming fat from meat before grilling.

6. Showcase fruits and veggies. No barbecue should be a meat-only affair. Grilling fruits and veggies is a great way to load up on vitamins and nutrients that help your body fi ght off diseases like cancer.

“For some grilling enthusiasts, these changes might initially be a lot to stom-ach,” Scroggs says. “But updating how you barbecue may mean you continue to enjoy grilling for many summers to come.”

For more healthy grilling information, visit www.mdanderson.org/focused. To learn more about the MD Anderson Re-gional Care Center in Sugar Land, visit http://tr.im/mdasugarland. H

Keep Cancer Off the BBQ Grill

MD Anderson Experts Offer Tipsfor Healthier Grilling

FOCUS ON HEALTH


8thFRIDAY, 7 - 10 PMREC N ROLLGames, contests, and high energy enter-tainment. Concessions available for an additional fee. For ages 6 - 12 years. Cost is $10 for residents, $15 for non-residents. Register at PearlandParks.com.

9th & 23rdSATURDAYS, 8 AM - NOONPEARLAND OLD TOWNSITE FARMERS MARKETGrass-fed beef, fresh eggs, produce, bread, playground, music and more. On the 9th: Free Kids’ Zumba Class at 9:30 am. On the 23rd: Free Yoga Class at 10 am. At Zychlinski Park, 2243 Grand Blvd. in Pearland. Visit www.PearlandOld-TownsiteFarmersMarket.com.

9thSATURDAY, 9 AM – 5 PMSUMMER BLAST! CLASSPearland EMS is offering Babysitter Les-sons and Safety Training. For children ages 10 to 14. Cost is $25. Held at the Pearland Library, 3522 Liberty Drive. Register at PearlandParks.com.

9thSATURDAY, 5 – 7 PM“LET FREEDOM RING” ART SHOW At the Pearland Parks and Recreation Center, 4141 Bailey Road. Visit PearlandArtsLeague.com.

9th & 23rdSATURDAY, 8 PMFREE MOVIE NIGHTSee Yogi Bear on the 9th and Open Season on the 23rd. Free admission. Lawn chairs welcome. At Pearland Town Center, Hwy. 288 & FM 518 in Pearland. Visit PearlandTownCenter.com.

16thSATURDAY, 5 – 8 PMLIVE MUSIC: FIDELITY MAXXAt Pearland Town Center, Hwy. 288 & FM 518 in Pearland. Visit Pearland-TownCenter.com.

16thSATURDAY, 5:30 – 7:30 PMTEDDY BEAR BEACH PARTYAccompany your teddy bear or favorite stuffed animal for beach games, activities and snacks. For ages 4 - 6 years. Held at the Recreation Center & Natatorium in Pearland. Cost is $15 for residents and $22 for non-residents. Register online at PearlandParks.com.

JULY 28th - AUGUST 17thWEDNESDAYS, 4 - 8 PMCULTURAL SUMMER CAMPA unique camp allowing children ages 8 to 15 of all backgrounds to experience India’s rich culture while learning mod-ern skills through workshops. Held at Houston Namadwaar, 3642 Bailey Ave in Manvel. Cost is $75. Healthy snacks and vegetarian dinners included. All proceeds are tax deductible. Register at gkcamp.eventbrite.com.

30thSATURDAY, 1 PM – 7 PM2ND ANNUAL MANA I KA HULA COMPETITIONExperience a day of Hawaii, celebrating the traditional and modern hula. Held at the Stafford Centre Performing Arts Theater. Pre-sale tickets available. Con-tact Arlene at 832-816-8884. Adults cost $18 and children and seniors $12. Visit www.houstonhalau.org.

30thSATURDAY, 5 – 8 PMLIVE MUSIC FEATURING: ZACH TATE BANDAt the Pearland Town Center at the corner of Hwy 288 & FM 518 in Pearland. Visit PearlandTownCenter.com.

✩✩ AUGUST ✩✩6thSATURDAY, 9 AM – 5 PMSUMMER BLAST! CLASSHeld at the Pearland Library, 3522 Lib-erty Drive. Visit PearlandParks.com to register.

13th & 27thSATURDAY, 8 PMFREE MOVIE NIGHTSee Gnomeo & Juliet on the 13th and Tangled on the 27th. Free admission. Lawn chairs welcome. At Pearland Town Center at the corner of Hwy. 288 & FM 518. Visit PearlandTownCenter.com.

13th & 27thSATURDAYS, 8 AM - NOONPEARLAND OLD TOWNSITE FARMERS MARKETAt Zychlinski Park, 2243 Grand Blvd. in Pearland. On the 13th: Free Kids’ Zumba Class at 9:30 am. On the 27th: Free Yoga Class at 10 am. Visit PearlandOld-TownsiteFarmersMarket.com.

20thSATURDAY, 5 – 8 PMLIVE MUSIC: INTERCOASTAL PIRATESHeld at the Pearland Town Center at the corner of Hwy. 288 & FM 518 in Pearl-and. Visit PearlandTownCenter.com.

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Events, schedules and information may change without notice. Please refer to the event’s contact person or check the event’s website for more information.

✩✩ JULY ✩✩

4thMONDAY, 6 PMCELEBRATION OF FREEDOMThe Pearland High School Football stadium will be fi lled with the tunes of Texas country recording artist Hamilton Loomis. At sundown, enjoy a spectacular fi reworks display from your seat. Food is available for purchase or you can bring your own. Activities on-site include face painting, infl atables and more! Admis-sion is FREE and tickets for the carnival can be purchased on the event grounds. Call 281-412-8900.

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Remembering Earlier Yearsin Pearland

As President of the Pearland His-torical Society, from time to time I do presentations on the “History

of Pearland.” Invariably at the conclusion of the presentation, I am asked the ques-tion, “How long have you lived in Pearl-and?” And when the questioner hears my answer, “Since 1940,” the next question is “What was Pearland like back at that time?”

My family moved to Pearland in 1940. My Dad worked for a small Dallas-based oil company as a driller, and the Pearland area was in a semi-boom with drilling go-ing on in Manvel and Hastings. He drilled several wells in the Manvel fi eld and de-cided to take the job of looking after the production of the wells rather than con-tinue to travel to oil fi elds. We moved from Celeste, Texas, a small town in North Texas. At the time, Celeste was a farming community with cotton fi elds surrounding the town. It also was still suffering from the economic depression of the 30’s and was a “dry” town with no beer or liquor be-ing sold in the entire county. It was a very staid, conservative community where as my Dad used to say “the sidewalks down-town rolled up at dark” and everything closed down.

What a difference Pearland was. As kids, my brother, Roy, and I were fasci-nated with the Manvel/Pearland area. It was totally opposite of Celeste. Pearland was even smaller than Celeste, but what a lively little town. The mini-boom provided jobs and the beer joints and dance halls stayed open late every night. Town center meant the crossroads of Highway 35 and 518. Pearland Drug Store sat on one cor-ner, a café and beer joint called the Cross-roads Inn sat on another corner and a two story building which had been the Livesay store sat on another corner. The edge of town was Orange Street to the North, Wal-nut Street to the South, Galveston Ave. to the East and Austin Ave. to the west. To the west of Pearland were rice fi elds as far as the eye could see. Most of the fi elds between Pearland and Friendswood were covered with fi g fi elds. The few busi-nesses scattered along Highway 35 were a Humble service station run by Rufus Warner, who would later be a long-time Postmaster, and a Gulf Station run by Er-

Historically Pearland By John D. “Mickey” Mark, President – Pearland Historical SocietyBrought to you by:

nest Martin. Next to Warner’s station was a small café run by Lila Warner where for 35 cents, you could get a fantastic chicken fried steak dinner with ice tea and banana pudding. Other businesses were Clyde Oblinger’s Monarch Garage which was a welding shop, an ice house run by Mrs. Thelma Cunningham, Kliesing Chevrolet Company run by Raymond Kliesing and the Red and White Grocery Store run by Raymond’s brother, Jess Kliesing. On 518 was a lumber yard where the Busy Bee Café now stands and an IGA Store run by George Long where Central Texas Barbe-cue now stands. That was about it as far as businesses were concerned. Of course, the depot sat right next to the railroad tracks beside the lumber yard.

What gave Pearland the reputation as a “honky tonk” town, however, were the dance halls and beer joints where folks from Houston and Pasadena came to hear country music, dance and drink beer. The Old Style Inn was a big dance hall and beer joint near the corner of Orange and Highway 35. Big name country western bands including Bob Wills played at the Old Style Inn. Another big dance hall was above the Kliesing Chevrolet building and was called the Wander Tavern. A group called The Texas Wanderers was often the feature band there and also Floyd Tilman. To get an idea about the type of music heard at the Wander Tavern, visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlHfi ND14lc&feature=related.

What my brother and I really found exciting about Pearland was the beauti-ful baseball park on Galveston Ave. where the old Pearland administration building now sits. Pearland has always been a big baseball town and as a kid, I thought the Pearland ball park was darn near

For more Pearland history, visit the Pearland Historical Society @ www.pearlandhistoricalsociety.org.

major league. It had a covered grand-stand, dressing rooms and a wooden fence around the fi eld. It really was a fi ne ball park, and Sunday afternoon games were a must for our family. Unfortunately, a hurricane in 1941 destroyed the park, and baseball in Pearland was suspended until after World War II in 1946.

I started school in Pearland in the fall of 1940 amazed at the activities. Dance classes in the gymnasium one night a week, wood shop classes and an ener-getic, young teaching staff. At the time, we didn’t realize that the Pearland High School students had been going to Webster High School from 1915 when a hurricane destroyed the Pearland school until 1937 when Pearland got a new high school.

One last comment: When you talk with a Pearland “old timer,” he will invari-ably talk about how there were no trees out west of Pearland. My family lived in the Manvel oil fi eld on Old Chocolate Bay-ou Road. Our house was six miles from the intersection of 35 and 518. We were the only house in the neighborhood with electric lights. My Dad had a generator which ran off natural gas. At night when we left downtown Pearland and got to the intersection of Walnut and 518, we could see the lights of our house on Chocolate Bayou Road. No trees to block the view.

There is no end to the stories about early days in Pearland, but this hopefully this article will give you a glimpse of “Old Pearland” from the eyes of a 10 year-old kid in 1940 to an old guy in 2011 who has spent most of his life right here. H

Building on Main Street which is the only business still standing from the 1940’s. The little section on the left was Mrs. Cunningham’s Ice House.

Main Street Pearland circa 1938 looking south from Monarch Garage which was south of the current McDonalds. The young woman is Mary Alexander.

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July / August 2011 - Pearland Focus Magazine - People • Places • Happenings