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Welcome to the

First Colony Community Association E-Newsletter

FCCA Board of Directors 2017 FCCA Board of Directors:Rick Conley - PresidentMary Favre - Vice-PresidentPhyllis Murray - SecretaryNoel Mascarenhas- TreasurerSandy DentonSean HartigAndrea Lewman

Board e-mail: board@firstcolony.org Board Meetings are scheduled for the 4th Thursday of the month starting at 5:00 pm. FCCA members are invited to speak to the Board regarding any matters related to Association business. During all regularly scheduled Board Meetings, membership input is set at 5:30 pm. Any member wishing to speak must sign in and will be allotted a maximum of three minutes to speak. Members must be present and signed in no later than 5:30 pm. Next Board meeting: Thursday, April 27, 2017

�Community Wide Garage Sale Love to shop garage sales? Then join us at the Community Wide Garage Sale! The garage sale will be held on Saturday, April 22nd from 7:00 am - 11:00 am at the Aquatic Center Pool parking lot located at 4350 Austin Parkway, Sugar Land (rain date April 29th). This is an easy way to find bargains without driving from neighborhood to neighborhood looking for garage sales and wasting gas. Here you will find over 35 households of items for sale in one place. Let's Go Shopping!

Recreation Programs Register Now For Summer Classes! First Colony residents enjoy an active lifestyle with many choices of leisure opportunities. FCCA enjoys offering the members many classes and programs. Visit www.firstcolony.org under Parks & Rec to learn about all of the exciting programs FCCA offers for children and adults. The website is full of information on summer camps, classes, programs, pools, swim lessons, and much more!Register online at https://etrak-plus/prod2/portal?org=83 or in person at the FCCA office. Or you can call the office at 281-634-9555. **A convenience fee (2.95%) will be charged for all credit card transactions and $1.95 for an eCheck. First Colony does not receive any portion of this fee. It goes directly to RevoPay that processes the payment. You can still pay by check at the office. Yoga/Meditation: Designed for Stress Relief

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A 60 minutes of warm, slow moving, stressrelieving class, perfect for the end of a hectic work week day. Designed for those who want to slow it down, come back to the SELF or "Home" in subtle body practice. The class incorporates breath, meditation, slow movement and restorative postures. All levels welcome!"

Days: Monday & WednesdayLocation: Heritage Colony Clubhouse Session I: June 5 - July 12 Session II: July 17 - August 30 (no class 8/21,23)Time: 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm Days: Wednesday & FridayLocation: Heritage Colony ClubhouseSession I: June 7 - July 14Session II: July 19 - September 1 (no class 7/26, 28, August 21, 23)Time: 9:30 am - 10:30 am Instructor: Maya Mehta Each session is $70. Discount of $10.00 for each additional member of the family.Red Cross Babysitting New Class!Information on child development, activities to do with young children, handling emergencies, diapering, etc. Bring drink, snack, lunch and a baby doll. Day: SaturdayLocation: Heritage Colony ClubhouseSession: June 10Time: 9 am - 4 pmAges: 11 - 14Instructor: Greater Houston Pool ManagementFees: $55.00   

Mr. John's Art Class

�For registration information call John Rodak832-466-5807 English, 832-466-5239 Chinese Day: WednesdaySession: May 3 - May 24Time: 4:30 pm - 6:00 pmLocation: Aquatic Center Day: SaturdaySession: May 6 - May 27Time: 2:00 pm - 5:00 pmLocation: Aquatic Center Fort Bend Fencing Academy

�Instruction in basic fencing through advanced tactical techniques. Instruction includes footwork, blade work, and bouthing strategies. Days: ThursdayTimes: 5:00 - 7:00 pm; Beginners

Ages: 7 and upLocation: Aquatic CenterInstructor: Manuel RodriguezFee: $100.00/ month 10% sibling discount

Spanish Club for Kids

�Your children will learn Spanish in a natural manner through play, games, music, and conversation. Children learn to communicate through dialogues, phrases, expressions and, drills that they can use with friends, other people and family "EN ESPAÑOL". Let them learn a second language the fun, natural way! Day: Monday Location: Heritage Colony ClubhouseTime: 4:45 pm - 5:30 pm Ages: 3 - 5 5:30 pm - 6:15 pm Grades: 1 - 8Session: On-going monthly classInstructor: Adriana GutierrezFee: $64.00/month or $16.00/class

Kids Paddle Board Classes - NEW CLASS!

� Stand Up Paddleboard or SUP is gaining popularity around the world. Kids will learn the basics of Stand Up Paddle Boarding, proper techniques and water safety. We will have a guided tour and race around the lake. Child must be able to swim. Wear swimsuit and sunscreen. PFD's provided. Small class size for more personal attention. Instructors are CPR/First Aid certified. Day: SaturdaysLocation: First Colony Aquatic Center LakeTime: 9 - 10 amAges: 8 - 12Session: April 15 - September 2Instructor: SURFSUP TEXAS www.surfsuptx.comFee: $30.00/class

Intro To Stand Up Paddle Board (SUP) - NEW CLASS!

�Stand Up Paddleboard for Beginners - Learn the basic techniques of Stand Up Paddleboard. Must be able to swim.Wear your swimsuit and sunscreen, PFD's provided. Small class for more personal attention. Instructors are CPR/First Aid certified. Day: TuesdaysTime: 6:15 pm - 7:15 pm orDay: SaturdaysTime: 10 am - 11 amLocation: First Colony Aquatic Center LakeAges: Kids and adults - 8 and upSession: April 11 - September 30Instructor: SURFSUP TEXAS www.surfsuptx.comFee: $30.00/class Advanced Stand Up Paddle Board (SUP) NEW CLASS!Stand Up Paddleboard for Intermediate to Advanced - Take your workout to the next level with our advanced Stand Up Paddleboard classes. Challenge yourself and work your upper body, legs and core. Must have completed Intro to SUP Class.Must be able to swim. Wear your swimsuit and sunscreen. PFD's provided. Small class size for more personal attention. Instructors are CPR/First Aid certified.

Day: ThursdaysTime: 6:30 - 8:00 pmLocation: Oyster Creek Boathouse (15910 Creekbend Dr. 77478)Ages: Teens and adults - 12 and upSession: April 13 - September 28Instructor: SURFSUP TEXAS www.surfsuptx.comFee: $35/class Stand Up Paddle Board Yoga NEW CLASS!Presented byAwakened Yoga SUP Classes will be held at the Aquatic Center Park Lake beginning June 10. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Need more information?Visit www.awakenedyogastudio.com/AYSUP or email SUP@awakenedyogastudio.com for more details. Water Aerobics

�New ClassWater aerobics is a great way to gain cardiovascular fitness and strength in a low impact manner. Water aerobics places less stress on the joints than land based aerobics classes. This class is good for all fitness levels. Water weights are optional. Day: Tuesday and ThursdayLocation: Crescent Lakes PoolSession I: June 6 - August 31 (monthly class)

Times/Ages: 12:15 pm - 1:05 pmInstructor: Markell Lyng To register, email coachmarkell@swimfcst.com or visit www.triandfitness.com for more information. Youth Camps for Kids NEW CLASSES! iKids Summer Camps iKids Fairytale Fine Arts (Ages 4 - 8)Art, music, drama, and dance are the focus of this fairytale-themed camp! Students will enjoy singing, dancing, hands-on art, and the basics of acting. Expression, self-confidence, communication, and fun! Every day will be a new learning experience in the realm of fine arts. Days: Monday - ThursdayLocation: Heritage Colony ClubhouseSession: July 31 - August 3Times: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pmAges: 4-8Fee: $205.00/week Please bring a snack and drink. iKids Kid-Style Cooking (Ages 4 - 8) It's culinary school for kids! Young chefs learn basic cooking skills with fun food activities. Students will become familiar with culinary terms, kitchen utensils, reading recipes and more. Each day will be filled with creativity, science, and math-based concepts threaded through-out our exciting cooking endeavors! Days: Monday - ThursdayLocation: Heritage Colony ClubhouseSession: June 26 - 29Times: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pmAges: 4 - 8Fee: $205.00/week Please bring a snack and drink.

Building Brains - Lego Engineering I (Ages 3-5) BUILDING BRAINS uses LEGO and K'NEX educational kits to BUILD MATH and SCIENCE skills. Students will BUILD SIMPLE MACHINES that really work, using gears, levers and pulleys, while BUILDING fine motor skills, sequential thinking skills, problem solving skills and confidence. Days: Monday - FridayLocation: Aquatic Center ClassroomSession I: June 19 - 23Session II: July 17 - 21Session III: August 7 - 11Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pmAges: 3-5 Instructor: Building BrainsFee: $225.00 Building Brains - Lego Engineering II (Ages 6-12) Learn to BUILD simple machines using gears, levers and pulleys and then MOTORIZE these machines using LEGO and K'NEX educational kits and curriculum while BUILDING MATH and SCIENCE skills. Our kids are under construction! Days: Monday - FridayLocation: Aquatic Center ClassroomSession I: June 19 - 23 Session II: July 17 - 21Session III: August 7 - 11 Times: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm1:00 pm - 4:00 pm9:00 am - 4:00 pmAges: 6-12Instructor: Building BrainsFee: $225.00 - (9:00 am - 12:00 pm or 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm) $350.00 - (9:00 am - 4:00 pm)

And So Much More! Knitting and Crochet, a Creative and Fun Way to Increase Math Skills Learn2Code: Fundaments of Computer Coding3D Art and Engineering Design Class 1Lego DesignerWheels Wings and Motorized Things (Ages 5-7)Lego ExpertWheels Wings and Motorized Things (Ages 8-12)Fashion DesignerCamp BarbieUltimate SurvivalHot Wheels World of Discovery Play-Doh ScienceYour Creative Project Expressions & Look at me, I'm an Author! Kids Robotic Academy - Theme: Animal Kingdom Kids Robotic Academy - Theme: Auto Bots Kids Robotic Academy - Theme: Hydraulics Kids Robotic Academy - Theme: Inventors Workshop For the complete information on classes and camps click here to see the summer guide or check your mailbox for your mailed copy.

SafeSplash Swim Lessons

� 2017 swim lessons are being offered again through SafeSplash Swim School. We are the nation's leading year-round, swim lesson provider for children and adults that also offer summer swim camps. The SafeSplash curriculum focuses on water safety skills and uses USA Swimming standards. No matter what your abilities or goals are, a program is available to suit your needs. Swim lessons run in two week sessions (Monday - Thursday) at First Colony Austin Park and First Colony Woodstream. Each class is thirty minutes and there are eight classes per session. Friday's are reserved for any makeup sessions if the instructor must cancel due to weather that week. For details on lesson packages, fees and class schedules, visit www.safesplash.comIf you have taken lessons with SafeSplash before, call our office 832-940-7075 and someone will place you in a class.

Mindfulness For Well-Being Scientific Studies on mindfulness mediation have revealed numerous benefits including reduced stress and anxiety, improved memory and sleep as well as an overall sense of ease and well-being. Learn skills to be more present, to know how your mind works and to respond to life's challenges in healthier ways. Day: TuesdayLocation: Aquatic Center ClassroomSession: June 6 - July 18 (no class July 4)Time: 7:00 pm - 8:00 pmAges: 14 and upInstructor: Kathleen TroianoFees: $45.00 50 and over Balance, Strength and Fitness Class Do you struggle to have strength or energy to do the things you used to do or want to do on a daily basis? Are you worried about falling? Has your doctor mentioned bone density as a concern? If any of these issues relate to you or you want to change up your fitness routine, you should join this great class! If you have injuries or limitations Markell can help you modify so you can still participate in the class! Days: Monday and Wednesday Session: monthly classLocation: FCCA Classroom, 4350 Austin Parkway, Sugar Land 77479Time: 10:00-11:00 am Registration Fee: $10 one time annuallyCost: $17/class drop-in rate or $99/monthly (non-refundable) Instructor: Markell Lyng To register email coachmarkell@swimfcst.com or visit www.triandfitness.com and click "start registration"

Tennis Lessons: Learn the modern game of tennis the fun way - hitting the dip drive, the bender, the up & down, doubles & singles strategy & tactics, high performance drills and become a game ready player. You can't play golf with just a driver and you can't play a high level of tennis with a basic forehand, backhand and serve & volley. You need different shots for different stages and phases of the match. Also, attention home schoolers! We are flexible and can fit tennis in your busy schedules. The tennis schedule can be accessed at www.firstcolony.org. For more information call Jack Foster at 281-450-4187 or email jmtennis@windstream.net.

� To see complete list of classes and descriptions visit www.firstcolony.org under Parks & Rec. For questions or to register call 281-634-9555. Tell us what you want in recreation! FCCA prides itself in offering a wide variety of recreational activities. We are always looking to add new and exciting programs. We welcome your feedback and if you have an idea for a program that we don't already offer or have planned, let us know. And if you are interested in becoming an instructor for a new class, let us know that too! At FCCA, we are all about what you would like, so just tell us what you are looking for and we will do our best to make it happen.

Please submit your ideas to billg@firstcolony.org.

� Get Out and Vote An election to fill District 4 City Council position will be held on May 6th with three candidates on the ballot -- Sean Burnett, Carol McCutcheon and Qaisar Q Imam. Only registered voters residing within District 4 will vote in the election. Early voting by personal appearance starts April 24, 2017, and the last day of regular early voting by personal appearance is May 02, 2017. If you are eligible to vote on Election Day, you are eligible to vote during the early voting period. The lines are shorter, and the days and hours are more convenient. Early voting is open to all registered voters. The elections for City Council Districts 1, 2 and 3 were cancelled on March 7th after no one filed to run against the incumbents. Councilmembers Stephen R. Porter, District 1, Bridget R. Yeung, District 2, and Amy L. Mitchell, District 3, were declared as elected to office for two-year terms and will take their oaths of office on May 16th. Below is a list of the guideline regulations regarding time and placement of political signs.

• Only one sign per candidate or ballot item may be placed in the homeowner's yard. Signs cannot be placed on the right of way or common area property.

• A sign may be installed a maximum of four (4) feet above ground level.

• The sign may be no greater than six (6) square feet. • Sign may be installed 90 days prior to the election date. • Signs are to be removed within 10 days following the election.Click below for Candidate Forums in the area:City of Sugar Land District 4 Candidate Forum - April 17Fort Bend ISD Candidate Forum - April 19City of Sugar Land District 4 Candidate Forum - April 22

    2017 Pool Tags

You can pick up your pool tags at the FCCA office from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. The office will also be open for your convenience on Saturday, May 6th and Saturday, May 27th from 10 am - 2 pm. All residents must have a pool tag to access any of the ten (10) neighborhood pools (excludes the Aquatic Center fitness pool). You must have proof of FCCA membership (e.g. driver's license, utility bill with current FCCA address. If you are a renter, you will need a lease agreement when you pick up pools tags. There is a maximum of four (4) pool tags per household. Each pool tag admits one (1) member and one (1) guest only. For the 2017 pool schedule check out your 2017 summer guide or go on the website at www.firstcolony.org under Park & Recreation.

Thank you to our 2017 Pool Tag Sponsor:

www.ConsumerBusinessReview.org

 

�New Ordinance Addresses Distracted Driving Sugar Land City Council approved an ordinance in February that prohibits the use of portable electronic devices while driving a vehicle in Sugar Land unless the device is in hands-free mode or being used for an emergency.

Portable electronic devices include mobile phones, personal digital assistants, MP3s or other hand-held music players, electronic reading devices, laptop computers, pagers, electronic game devices and more.

Sugar Land's new ordinance took effect March 20th; however, drivers will be issued only warnings during the first 90 days. Following the grace period, any person found guilty of violating the ordinance will be fined up to $500 for each offense. Missouri City has had a texting-while-driving ordinance since 2010. The ordinance states that it is unlawful for an operator of a motor vehicle to use a wireless communication device to view, send or compose an electronic message or manually engage other application software while operating a motor vehicle upon any roadway in Missouri City, including when stopped or standing.

The ordinance does not apply to the use of a mobile device for telephone conversations, including dialing or deactivating a phone call; emergency situations; when stopped or standing parallel and as close to the right-hand curb/edge of a roadway; or when using a navigation system. Any person deemed guilty shall be punished by a fine of not more $500.

 

�Kayak Fun on Brooks Lake Come have fun on Brooks Lake by checking out a kayak at the Oyster

Creek boathouse (15910 Creekbend Dr. Sugar Land). The boathouse will be open Saturdays and Sundays starting April 22nd and will continue through October 29th. Hours of operation are:

· Saturdays: 10 am - 7 pm· Sundays: 1 pm - 6 pm

· Memorial Day, July 4th and Labor Day: 10 am - 6 pmYou must be 21 years of age or older to check out a kayak. Rowers

under 21 must be accompanied by an adult. There is no cost to check out a kayak for FCCA members. FCCA members must have a current FCCA pool tag as proof of residency. Pool tags are available to members at the FCCA office located at 4350 Austin Parkway, Sugar Land starting

April 10th.· Office hours: Monday - Friday from 8 am - 5 pm· Saturday, May 6 & May 27 from 10 am - 2 pmYou will need to show proof of residency to receive a pool tag by

providing your driver's license or a current utility bill. At kayak check out you will be required to leave a drivers' license and sign a liability form. Non-residents may check out a kayak by purchasing a pass at the FCCA office. One use pass is $10.00 per person and a season pass is $50.00 per person.

For more information check the website or call 281-634-9555.  

�National Drug Take-Back Initiative The Fort Bend ISD community will have the opportunity to dispose of unused or expired medication during a Drug Take-Back event on Saturday, April 29, 2017. Sponsored by the FBISD Police Department, FBISD Substance Abuse Specialists, and the Fort Bend Community Prevention Coalition, the Drug Take-Back provides a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing prescription drugs. For locations in your area go to www.dea.gov.

For anonymous disposal of medication throughout the year, residents can visit the permanent disposal box installed at the Missouri City Police Department (3849 Cartwright Rd., Missouri City, TX 77489). The disposal box is available 24 hours a day/365 days a year.

Kayak Safety & Demo Day

� The Oyster Creek Boathouse, located at 15910 Creekbend Dr near Fluor Daniel, is open again this year for homeowner's to enjoy kayaking on Oyster Creek. To help with that enjoyment, FCCA is sponsoring a kayak safety and demo class on the basics of kayaking. It will be held at the boathouse on Saturday, May 6th from 10:30 am-12:30 pm. The class will cover the safe use of a kayak, boarding and exiting a kayak and the paddling basics. The class will be held at the boathouse located at 15910 Creekbend Dr., Sugar Land. There is no charge for this class and pre-registration is not required.

The class will be given by Al Ohliger. Al is a TP&W instructor and Regional Safe Boating Chief. He is also a US Coast Guard Auxiliary Master Instructor and Boy Scout Canoeing & Kayaking Merit Badge Counselor. After everyone is comfortable with learning the kayaking techniques on land, everyone will be given the opportunity to practice their kayaking skills on the water.    

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Summer Fun Four of FCCA's pools will open on weekends starting May 6th! The pools include Woodstream, Lexington Colony, Magnolia Plantation and the Aquatic Center Leisure pool. Alcorn Oaks, Austin Park, Creekshire, Heritage Colony, The Lakes, and Crescent Lakes pools are scheduled to open the weekend of May 27th. The Creekshire pool is currently being renovated and is scheduled to also open on Memorial Day weekend (check website for any change in schedule). All FCCA pools will be open for summer weekday hours beginning June 2nd. The new Creekshire Pool facility will feature a leisure pool with a beach entry, sunshelf, and vortex pool. The popular climbing wall, which is unique to this facility, will return bigger and better than ever! In addition to these features, there will be water basketball and volleyball. Other features include an ample pool deck for lounging and plenty of shade. The Austin Park pool operates part of the time with lifeguards on duty and part of the time as a "swim at your own risk" facility. For more details on this pool and a full pool schedule please refer to the Summer guide or the website at www.firstcolony.org. The Aquatic Center Lap Pool is also "Swim at Your Own Risk" facility. Lifeguards are not on duty at any time. Since this is a fitness swimming facility, there are NO areas of the pool designated for leisure swimming. There should be no children in the pool unless they can swim a full lap. Residents are required to submit a $100 deposit for the pool key. For details check the website. Other great amenities to enjoy around the Aquatic Center Park are the lakeside trail system, two boardwalks that serve as a kayak/canoe launch and fishing pier, two scenic lake overlook areas, two volleyball courts, two bocce ball courts, three horseshoe pits, shaded chess/checker tables overlooking the lake and a disc golf course. FCCA also has great tennis facilities with 2 new courts added at Lexington Colony. The other location is Woodstream.

�Stay Safe in City Parks & Pools Car burglaries tend to increase during the warmer weather when people spend more time at the parks and pools. To help avoid car break-ins when you are enjoying the pools and parks, lock items in the car's trunk or leave them at home. Items in view such as a purse or wallet (even in a locked car) are common mistakes that can lead to crimes of opportunity. Help the Police Department by following these common sense procedures: • Secure vehicles by rolling up windows and locking doors. • Leave valuables at home. • If valuables can't be left at home, secure belongings in the trunk or

glove box before arriving in the parking lot. If thieves see someone securing items, that person may be their target.

• Only use the parks & pools during posted hours. • Carry a cell phone. • Be aware of your surroundings at all times. • Immediately report suspicious activity to police. Non-emergency: Sugar Land Police Department - 281-275-2500 Missouri City Police Department - 281-403-8700

Mother's Day Event

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City of Missouri City presents the 1st annual Mother's Day cake decorating event on Saturday, May 13th from 10 am- 1 pm. The event will be held at the Community Center located in the City Hall Complex (1522 Texas Pkwy, Missouri City 77489). This is an exciting, interactive event where kids can decorate a cake for their loved ones using their own unique designs. The cost is $12 per cake kit. Enjoy a photo booth, face painting, free giveaways and more!To register, visit www.misouricitytx.govor call 281-403-8500

Movie in the Park Night - Sing

� Bring your family, friends, lawn chairs and blankets to the Aquatic Center Park located at 4350 Austin Parkway, Sugar Land 77479 (near intersection of Cross Lakes and Double Lake) to enjoy a FREE movie featuring the movie Sing on Saturday, May 13th presented by First Colony Community Association. Families will be treated to a recently released animated family movie set in a world like ours but entirely inhabited by animals; Sing stars Buster Moon, a dapper Koala who presides over a once-grand theater that has fallen on hard times. Buster is an eternal optimist-okay- maybe a bit of a scoundrel-who loves his theater above all and will do anything to preserve it. Now facing the crumbling of his life's ambition, he has one

final chance to restore this fading jewel to its former glory by producing the world's greatest singing competition. Five lead contestants emerge: A mouse, who croons as smoothly as he cons, a timid teenage elephant with an enormous case of stage fright, an overtaxed mother run ragged tending a litter of 25 piglets, a young gangster gorilla looking to break free of his family's felonies and a punk-rock porcupine struggling to shed her arrogant boyfriend and go solo. Each animal arrives under Buster's marquee believing that this is their shot to change the course of their life. Rated PG; the show begins at dusk (approximately 8:10 pm) on an outdoor theater system with a 25 foot inflatable screen. Come early (6:15 pm) and enjoy free face painting! Be the first 75 people from 7:00 - 8:00 pm and enjoy a refreshing 9 oz. Kona Ice! Invite your friends and be our guest for our community movie night.

FCCA Community Meeting Join us for an FCCA Community meeting on Tuesday, May 23, 2017 from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm at the St. Laurence Catholic Church Parish Hall located at 3100 Sweetwater Blvd (corner of Austin Parkway and Sweetwater Blvd.).This meeting is for Neighborhood Representatives of FCCA and First Colony Community Association members. Meet with representatives from the City of Sugar Land, the City of Missouri City and First Colony Community Association Board members and staff. You will have an opportunity to ask questions and speak with the representatives. Coffee, tea, and snacks will be served. For more information please call Alice Fish at 281-634-9557 or e-mail alicef@firstcolony.org.

� Memorial Day Ceremony On Monday, May 29th, the City of Sugar Land will honor the brave men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces for their selfless service by hosting its 9th Annual Memorial Day Ceremony. Located at Sugar Land Memorial Park, this event is free and open to the public from 10 am - 1 pm. The program includes patriotic music, educational and commemorative activities, on-site military exhibits and a flag ceremony. In addition, the official ceremony will include tributes from members of the community and words of remembrance from our local veterans.

Youth Splash N' Dash - Sunday, June 4, 2017

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The 3rd Annual Youth Splash N' Dash (swim/run), presented by First Colony Swim Team, will be held on Sunday, June 4 for ages 5-14 at the First Colony Aquatic Center. Visit www.imathlete.com/events/FirstColony to register. This is a USA Triathlon sanctioned chip timed event. You do not have to be a member of FCST to participate.

Need help preparing? Coach Markell Lyng will be offering triathlon clinics to help prepare for your race. Email coachmarkell@swimfcst.com for more information on these clinics. Visit www. triandfitness.com or email Coach Markell for race information and FCST TriClub, triathlon conditioning classes and youth and adult triathlon clinics.Need volunteer hours? Email triathlon@swimfcst.com to volunteer for this event!

� SAVE THE DATE Freedom 5K & Family/Youth Walk Join First Colony Community Association (FCCA) for the Freedom 5K Run and Family/Youth 1.5 mile walk at Lost Creek Park on July 4, 2017. This annual patriotic race returns for its 22nd Anniversary with a jog through the scenic neighborhoods of First Colony. The route winds down the Oyster Creek trail system and finishes in Lost Creek Park. Proceeds directly benefit Fort Bend CORPS, a community revitalization effort for elderly, disabled, or low-income residents who are unable to make essential home repairs. Race Day Schedule:5:45 - 6:50 am Registration, Packet/Chip Pick-Up7:00 am 5K run/Walk START

7:45 am Family/Youth 1.5 mile Walk START (non-competitive)8:15 am Awards Ceremony & Post - Race Party

To register online, visit www.firstcolony.org (click on Parks & Rec./Special Events). For more information call the FCCA office at 281-634-9555.Want to volunteer? Kids can get volunteer hours working the race. Commitment is from 5:30 am - 8:30 am on July 4th. Please contact Alice Fish at alicef@firstcolony.org if interested. Thank you to this year's sponsors: Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, SafeSplash Swim School, Certified Landscape & Maintenance, Pamela Printing, RaceShots.net, Today's Vision Sugar Land - Dr. Thomas Arnold, ALEC, Inc., Westco Grounds Maintenance Co Inc., and Alliance Association Bank.

� Fight the Bite Mosquito control requires participation on the part of both the City and residents. Mosquitos are not only a nuisance, they can transmit disease. Protect yourself, your family and your pets. Your best defense is to practice these habits, known as the "Four Ds":

• DEET - Use insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus.

• DRESS - Dress in long sleeves and long pants when you are outside.

• DRAIN - Drain standing water where mosquitos breed. Common breeding sites include old tires, flowerpots and clogged rain gutters.

• DUSK & DAWN - Stay indoors at dusk and dawn, when mosquitos are most active.

For information on how the City of Sugar Land controls the mosquito population, visit www.sugarlandtx.gov/fightthebite. For information on mosquito control from the City of Missouri City visit www.missouricitytx.gov.  

  Residential Street Tree Pruning Update Neighborhoods scheduled for May are Plantation Creek, Sugar Crossing, Oyster Point, Edgewater Gardens, Edgewater Bay, Lakes of Edgewater and Old Mill Park. For more information on the program, visit our website at www.firstcolony.org . The pruning will consist of raising the canopy of street trees to provide clearance of at least 14' over the street and 10' over the sidewalk. Limbs that are removed will be chipped and hauled away from the property on the same day the pruning takes place. Street trees are those located in the area between the sidewalk and the street; yard trees are not included in this service. As trees are a living organism and are constantly growing, additional pruning may need to be done between visits. This is the responsibility of the homeowner as well as any damaged limbs that may need to be removed.

� Community Standards Inspection Schedule First Colony Community Association (FCCA) strives to provide quality service while encouraging residents to take pride in their home. Deed restriction enforcement helps to maintain property value and to improve the overall appearance of the community. Inspections are done on a quarterly basis but may vary due to vacation and holiday schedules. If you have any questions for your inspector, please call 281-634-9500. Neighborhoods due for inspections in the upcoming month are: May: Colony Woods, Crescents on the Green, Edgewater Bay, Edgewater Gardens, Enclave at Cartwright, Heritage Colony, Lakes of Austin Park, Lakes of Edgewater, Landing at Crescent Lakes, Magnolia Plantation, Meadow at Crescent Lake, Old Mill Park, Oyster Creek Plantation, Oyster Point, Plantation Bend, Plantation Park, Plantation Settlement, Plantation Trails, Sweetwater sections 1 - 10, Sweetwater Estates, Sweetwater Court T/H and Woodstream. Note: Schedules vary due to weather, holidays or vacations. An application must be submitted for approval prior to the commencement of any type of exterior change or construction on the property.

� After-hours Emergency Number To provide further service to the Community, First Colony Community Association is now offering an after-hours emergency phone line to report any emergencies that occur during non-business hours. If you notice an emergency situation( that falls under the control of FCCA) when the FCCA office is not open, you can call or text (281) 705-3051 and leave a message explaining the emergency and a contact number where you can be reached if a follow up is needed. This after-hours line should not be used for police, fire or emergency medical needs.