Around The Bend August 2018
(Back row, l-r): Mose Austin; Dr. Margaret Allen, Amazing Smiles; Belinda Allen-Clark; Seeju Dupre; and Dr. Charles Dupre, Superintendent, Fort Bend ISD; (front row): Elise Leaks Harmon; Mable Scott Austin; and Marvelyn Harris.
SSLW Thanks Phenomenal Partners
Suburban Sugar Land Women (SSLW) has extended appreciation to its Phenomenal Partners who provide the nonprofit group with the annual financial resources to fund community programs and scholarships. The following individuals and businesses have made a difference in the community:
A Concerned Citizens Group; Acres Home Chamber for Business and Economic Development, Inc; Amazing Smiles, Margaret J. Allen,D.D.S.; Miltonand Dr. Rose Austin; Moseand Mable Scott Austin; Bay City Ophthalmology; Caleband Katheryn Bonds; Dr. Robertand Ellen Bostic; Vera Brown; Jerryand Errol Chenier; Belinda Allen-Clark; Dr. Charlesand Seeju Dupre; LawrenceandMarsha Eckermann; Fort Bend Publishing Group; Albert Glover, Jr.; Joeland Elise Leaks Harmon; Georgeand Marvelyn Harris; Dr. Johhnyand Anne Johnson; Deloris Scott Mills;BarryandMaria Navoy; Fort Bend Harris Retired Educators; Dr. Michael and June Peggs; Commissioner Gradyand Fheryl Prestage; State Representative Ronaldand Dr. Jonita Reynolds;Dr. Thomasand Rubye Randle; James Riceof Rice & Gardner Consultants, Inc;Raymond and Shirley Sewell; Walter Veterinary Services, PLLC; Jackson State University, Houston Area Alumni Chapter; Trinity Freight Services, LLC; Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc-Suburban Houston-Fort Bend Alumnae Chapter; Walmart; Dr. Mosesand Susan Wilcox; Winstonand Marie Williams; Windsor Village Church Family; and Helen R. Wright.
To become a Phenomenal Partner, the member is required to donate or secure one tax-deductible donation annually. Financial levels of giving include Bronze: $300-$499; Silver: $500-$999; Gold: $1,000-$4,999; Platinum:$5,000-$9,999; Diamond: $10,000-$24,999; and Lifetime Member or Partner: $25,000-$100,000.
Other ways to get involved are to recruit one new Partner, write one successful grant,secure three high-quality auction items, secure one corporate sponsorship, become or recruit one Lifetime Member, secure an underwriter for a specific program/project or design and implement one successful fund development project.
For more information, visit sslw.org.
Dr. Moses and Susan Wilcox, Phenomenal Partners and chairs for the “30 for 30” April 2019 fundraiser. Their goal is to raise $30,000 for 30 years of service. Proceeds will benefit SSLW programs and scholarships.
Melissa Lee
Sugar Land Student To Study In South Korea On U.S. Dept. Of State NSLI-Y Scholarship
Melissa Anne Lee, a high school student in Sugar Land, has been awarded a National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) scholarship for 2018-19 by the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Lee will study Korean in South Korea for the summer.
Lee, competitively selected out of over 3,300 applications from across the United States, is one of approximately 670 students who will study Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, Korean, Persian, Indonesian or Russian overseas this coming year. While in South Korea, Lee will receive formal language instruction, live with a host family and experience the local culture as part of an immersion environment.
The NSLI-Y program is part of a multi-agency U.S. Government initiative launched in 2006 to improve Americans’ ability to communicate in select critical languages to advance international dialogue and increase American economic global competitiveness. The goals of the NSLI-Y program include: promoting critical language learning among American youth; enhancing cross-cultural understanding and deepening trust; sparking a lifetime of interest in foreign language and culture; and developing the skills to advance international dialogue, compete effectively in the global marketplace, promote mutual understanding and contribute to a more peaceful world.
NSLI-Y is administered by American Councils for International Education in cooperation with AFS-USA, American Cultural Exchange Service, AMIDEAST, iEARN-USA, the Russian American Foundation, Stony Brook University, the University of Delaware, the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and the University of Wisconsin.
Applications for 2019-20 NSLI-Y programs are expected to be available at nsliforyouth.org in the late summer.
For information about all U.S. Department of State exchange programs for American high school students, visit exchanges.state.gov/highschool.
Girl Scouts Troop #157134 presented cookies of appreciation to the staff at Houston Methodist Hospital Sugar Land.
Cookies4Heroes Presented By The Girl Scouts
Recently, Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital received Cookies4Heroes from Girl Scouts Troop #157134. The program was created as a way to thank local volunteers, municipal fire stations, police departments, hospitals and churches who had a significant outreach during Hurricane Harvey. This troop chose Houston Methodist Hospital Sugar Land based on its dedication to continue serving the community during and after the storm as the only hospital to remain open in Fort Bend County.
(L-R): Exchange Club of Fort Bend member John Healy with director of operations Cindy Sanchez and owners Mark and Tracey Schmid and Mike and Judy Schmid.
Exchange Club Of Fort Bend Honors Mcdonald’s Of Richmond And Rosenberg
The Exchange Club of Fort Bend recently honored McDonald’s of Richmond and Rosenberg with the “Proudly We Hail” award. The award is an initiative of the Exchange Clubs of America and is awarded to a business that properly displays the U.S. flag.
McDonald’s of Richmond and Rosenberg is a corporation that has multiple restaurants throughout the Richmond, Rosenberg and Sugar Land area. Their practice is to fly the flag throughout the day and evening, illuminating the flag at night. Owners Mikeand Judy Schmid, Markand Tracey Schmidalong with Cindy Sanchez, director of operations for McDonald’s of Richmond and Rosenberg accepted the award.
The Exchange Club of Fort Bend Meets every Wednesday at noon at Sweet Water Country Club in Sugar Land. Go to fortbendexchange.org for more information.
Exchange Club Freedom Shrine Dedication at Gallery Furniture in Richmond
The Exchange Club Of Fort Bend Held A Dedication And Installation Of The Freedom Shrine On May 25.
The Freedom Shrine is a display of copies of 23 historical documents that were instrumental in shaping American history. The shrine was co-sponsored by Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale and the Exchange Club of Fort Bend.
McIngvale opened his address by saying that he is “Grateful for everything, entitled to nothing.” He addressed the Exchange Club members and guests on the valor that is within everyone. He recounted the heroic actions of the Four Chaplains who sacrificed their lives to save and comfort others aboard The SS Dorchester as the troop ship sank in 1943.
Members of the community are welcome to stop by the Gallery Furniture store in Richmond to view the documents or join the Exchange Club of Fort Bend for lunch every Wednesday at noon at Sweetwater Country Club.
The mission of the Exchange Clubs is inspiring communities to become better places to live. The Exchange Clubs practice three core values; family, community, country.
Shanna Bryson of Lamar Consolidated School District is the AAUW 2018 Educator of the Year.
AAUW Awards Educator Of The Year To LCISD Teacher
Every year the Fort Bend branch of American Association of University Women (AAUW) recognizes an individual as “Educator of the Year” for an outstanding contribution to education in Fort Bend County. Shanna Bryson of Lamar Consolidated School District is the 2018 recipient. Bryson, a science instructional coach, planned and executed a week-long Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) camp for junior high school girls in LCISD. It was a wonderful effort to encourage girls’ interest in education and careers in those areas.
Scholarship winners (l-r): Charles Ransome, Dylan Crocker, Zachary Miller, Madeline Rios, Joseph Buckle, David Belleza, John Clayton, Aubrey Bilicek, Margo Warncke, Hunter Stewart and Michael Wang.
Fort Bend Aggie Moms’ Club Awards Scholarships
The Fort Bend County Aggie Moms’ Club, an organization of friendship, education, networking and support, recently announced the recipients of the 2018 scholarships and its graduating seniors. The organization seeks to support students through scholarships and donations to campus organizations by participation in fundraising events throughout the year. The moms come together to learn the things their kids don’t tell them, have fun and share the joys and tears of parenting through the college years.
The Federation of Texas A&M University Mothers’ Clubs is a unique organization uniting students’ mothers for the purpose of supporting their children and the university they attend. It is the members’ goal to continue to support their students once they graduate high school and embark on their college careers.
The local club exists to give back to the community and its students. Monthly meetings and activities are held in order to raise money to provide scholarships for Texas A&M University students who apply and qualify. This year, during its May 14 meeting, the club awarded 19 scholarships totaling $25,000.
Scholarships were awarded to Brooke Michelle Aaron, Megan Bates, David Belleza, Aubrey Bilicek, Lauren Brown, Joseph Buckle, John Clayton, Dylan Crocker, Teresa Hresko, Robert Kellogg, Zachary Miller, Mary Frances Odukwe, Rebecca Parke, Charles Ransome, Madeline Rios, Jaclyn Rosenthal, Hunter Stewart, Michael Wang and Margo Warncke.
The Fort Bend County Aggie Moms’ Club also honored graduating seniors Jeremy Beaty, Ryan Brown, Brian Buckle, Katherine Cornell, Amy Dodson, Emma Gaas, Maisie Harries, Collin Haun, Jacqueline Hickl, Emily Hughes, Colin Kirchof, Grant Lincecum, Lauren Teresa Holladay, Macey Mulcahy, Zach Ransome, Michael Sallean, Joshua Samuel, Patrick Seiler, Mason Smith, Mallory Smith, Kaitlyn Trei, Allison Voehringer, Michael Wang, Megan Whitworth and Jennifer Wu.
VisitFortBendMoms.AggieNetwork.com for more information and if you are interested in joining and have a student at Texas A&M University, including College Station, Galveston and Blinn.
(L-R): Barbara Seelhorst, president 2013-2018 and Sharon Tusa, newly-elected president of the Pecan Grove Women’s Club.
Pecan Grove Women’s Club End Of Year Luncheon
The Pecan Grove Women’s Club is an organization dedicated to fostering personal development, community involvement, gardening and home beautification. Membership is open to all who are interested in the club objectives. Dues are $20 per year. At present, there are approximately 65 members.
The group meets the second Tuesday of each month from September to May. During the year, the vice president for day trips plans trips to local venues that are in addition to the programs held during regular monthly meetings.
For more information about the club, contact Marita Smith, membership officer, at 281-341-1056 or at [email protected].
(L-R): OakBend Medical Center’s Joe Freudenberger, Laura Freudenberger, Linda Drummond, L.E.A.F. Executive Director Janice Knight and Donna Ferguson.
Surf’s Up Success Aids Lamar Teachers
Lamar CISD teachers will be busy this summer, drafting ideas for classroom grants from the Lamar Educational Awards Foundation (L.E.A.F.). The teachers know they can dream big, due to the success of Surf’s Up 2018, presented by OakBend Medical Center.
“Our beach party is the social event of the spring,” said L.E.A.F. President Chip Sutton. “More than 1,100 people enjoyed dancing to the Triumphs and after the bills were paid, more than $104,000 was raised to underwrite teacher grants for next fall! Thanks again to OakBend Medical Center for their support in underwriting Surf’s Up.”
“OakBend Medical Center is honored to be able to continue our support of L.E.A.F.’s Surf’s Up Event,” said Joe Freudenberger, CEO of OakBend. “At OakBend, we believe that an educated community is a healthy community and we are proud to stand with Lamar CISD to help educate the present and future generations and to keep them and their families healthy.” For more information, visit leafgrants.org.
(L-R): Child Advocates of Fort Bend Forensic Interviewer Heather Rashid, Collaborative Family Engagement Coach Jackie Townsend, WINGS Volunteer Supervisor Leroy Hodge, Arizona Fleming Elementary School Counselor Destiny Parker, Arizona Fleming Elementary School Principal Jason Soileau, CASA Program Director Metoyer Martin and Volunteer Services Team Leader Casey Davis.
Child Advocates Of Fort Bend Talks To Area Students About Child Abuse Prevention
To Celebrate April Child Abuse Prevention Month, Child Advocates revamped its “30 Schools in 30 Days” initiative designed to promote child abuse prevention in community schools throughout Fort Bend County.
“We developed the curriculum, trained staff to do the presentations and reached out to schools in Fort Bend and Lamar ISD,” said Child Advocates of Fort Bend Volunteer Services Team Leader Casey Davis. The result: during the months of April and May, Child Advocates of Fort Bend staff members spoke to more than 15,000 students in more than 27 Fort Bend ISD elementary and middle schools and area early childhood centers about signs of child abuse and how to keep themselves safe.
In addition to speaking to elementary and middle school students, Child Advocates of Fort Bend did six presentations to school staff, two presentations to parents and two presentations to groups of Fort Bend elementary, middle and high school principals about signs of abuse and best practice protocols for reporting abuse.
“We never imagined that we would get such an overwhelmingly positive response that it would require scheduling well into the month of May to accommodate all of the requests for us to come and speak to students,” stated Child Advocates of Fort Bend CEO Ruthanne Mefford. “We are grateful to Superintendent Charles Dupre for helping us reach FBISD students and to all of the teachers, counselors and schools that participated. We hope that we can continue to work with them to keep children safe and let them know that we are here and are a resource for them if they need us.”
Demand for Child Advocates of Fort Bend’s services increased 20 percent in 2017 and the agency is on track to see a double-digit increase in demand again this year.
(L-R): Sheree Prather, director of development for Texana Center; and Carrie Roehling, Rob Bamford and Natalia Grynshyn, all with Cross Creek Ranch.
Texana Center Awards Cross Creek Ranch “Community Supporter Of The Year”
Texana Center awarded Cross Creek Ranch the “Community Supporter of the Year” award at a Reaching for the Stars ceremony May 30.
The center, which provides behavioral healthcare and intellectual and developmental disabilities services to residents in a six-county region has been a beneficiary of the popular Cross Creek Ranch Scarecrow Fest for the past three years.
“This particular category was especially tough this year because we have had so many tremendous supporters, but the support we’ve received from Cross Creek Ranch has been over and above,” said Andi Wallis, community relations manager for Texana Center. “The community has not only helped us financially but also brought welcome attention to our organization and important projects.”
Cross Creek Ranch added Texana Center to its Scarecrow Fest beneficiary list in 2016 to support its capital campaign to raise funds for a facility in Fulshear. To date, $23,500 has been raised for Texana Center through the Scarecrow Fest. The organization will again be a beneficiary during this year’s event, planned for Oct. 20.
“Texana Center already is making a difference in the lives of people with developmental disabilities within the region,” said Rob Bamford, general manager of Cross Creek Ranch. “The facility planned for Fulshear will allow Texana to serve even more children and adults.”
Texana Center recently broke ground on the first of three buildings planned for its campus along FM 359 north of downtown Fulshear. The first building will house a retail training center for teens and adults with autism and/or intellectual disabilities. The participants will get hands-on experience operating a small bistro-style sandwich, coffee and gift shop. The building also will have a classroom for the expansion of Texana’s Children’s Center for Autism and new adult services that include a daycare program and college-like program. The other two buildings planned for the Fulshear campus will allow both programs to be operated full scale.
For information about Texana Center, visittexanacenter.com. For information on Cross Creek Ranch, visitcrosscreektexas.com.
Pick Up Fresh Produce At Sienna Plantation
Sienna Plantation is now a designated drop site for fresh vegetable deliveries from Loam Agronomics. The Fort Bend community is partnering with the Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) initiative to provide a place where members of the farm share program can pick up weekly boxes of locally grown produce.
“We’re very excited about helping the community bring the farm to the table,” said Alvin San Miguel, general manager of Sienna Plantation. “People want to live healthier lives, and access to high-quality food is a huge part of that. Partnering with Loam is the logical extension of the vibrant, healthy lifestyle that people find in Sienna Plantation.”
Beginning in mid-July, people who sign up for the program will be able to pick up their farm share boxes at the community’s Sawmill Lake Club, 10323 Mount Logan, every Wednesday from 3-7 p.m.
Loam Agronomics grows the pesticide-free herbs and vegetables on its 288-acre farm in Richmond. Learn more at siennaplantation.com.
