THOMPSON TO LEAD NEWEST LAMAR CISD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Elementary No. 24 in Lamar CISD is still without an official name, but the school now has its first principal. Tom Thompson was announced as the new principal at the monthly meeting of the Lamar CISD Board of Trustees. Thompson moves over from Hubenak Elementary, where he is an assistant principal. Prior to Hubenak, Thompson was a teacher, assistant principal, associate principal and principal in Fort Bend ISD.

He has his bachelor’s degree from Bloombsburg University in Pennsylvania and his master’s degree from the University of Houston-Victoria.

___________________________________________________________________________

FIRE & RESCUE SERVICES CHIEF RUSSELL SANDER RETIRES

Fire & Rescue Services Chief Russell Sander, who has honorably served citizens of the “Show Me City” for 12 years, retired on Feb. 29. He will continue his distinguished career at the helm of the Fire Department in Marble Falls.

“The City salutes Chief Sander’s unwavering commitment to public safety and emergency management and will miss his steady leadership,” city manager Anthony Snipes said. “He employed strategic vision to develop a depth of talent in the department that will assure a seamless transition.”

Sander is a respected veteran who worked his way through the ranks from firefighter to chief. He built a fire department that is one of the best in the region and state.

His numerous achievements include building the firefighting force from 57 to 77 and implementing strategic training programs to assure the bravest are well-educated and well-equipped to manage any emergency response; managing the improvement plan process for the ISO rating, enacting the quint concept, which helped the City achieve a Class 1/1Y ISO rating, the highest a community can receive (only 46 other cities in the State have achieved a similar rating); implementing the Peak Time Squad Program that has helped the Fire Department improve medical call response times and saved the City more than $170,000; and partnering with staff and local and regional agencies to lead a successful response/recovery during and after Hurricane Ike.

“We are grateful for all of Chief Sander’s contributions,” Snipes said. “He has always been a team leader, a team player and a team champion.”

Fire marshal Curtis Campbell is serving as interim chief. A city employee since 2004, Campbell has also served with the City of Richmond’s Fire Department and the City of Sugar Land’s Police Department.

A nationwide search is being launched to secure a permanent replacement for fire chief. For updates, visit missouricitytx.gov.

___________________________________________________________________________

OAKBEND BOARD MEMBER JOHN ZERWAS RECEIVES RECOGNITION

The Texas Hospital Association has presented Rep. John Zerwas (R-Richmond) with the Texas Hospital Advocacy Tribute Award in recognition of his significant legislative accomp­lishments on behalf of healthcare policy.

The award honors state legislators and other public officials who have been supportive of issues important to hospitals and health systems. Zerwas received the award during a special presentation with healthcare leaders at a reception in Houston.

His career as an anesthesiologist has provided unique insight into the needs of patients, hospitals and other healthcare providers in the 84th Texas Legislature where he served as chair of the House Committee on Higher Education and on the House Committee on Public Health. Zerwas was first elected to the Texas House in 2006.

Joe Freudenberger, CEO of OakBend Medical Center, said, “We were pleased to have Rep. Zerwas join our board of directors in January. His accomplishments in both the field of healthcare and in the legislative arena make us proud that he has become part of the OakBend family. His knowledge of healthcare issues and his work with public policy has helped hospitals provide patients with the best care possible.”

___________________________________________________________________________

TEXANA DIRECTOR ELECTED TOTEXAS ASSOCIATION FOR BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS COUNCIL

Kate Johnson-Patagoc, Texana’s director of special­ized services, has been elected to serve on the Texas Association for Behavior Analysis (TxABA) Council. This is a great honor as there are only 10 members representing Texas. Johnson-Patagoc was also named vice president of the Behavior Analysis Public Policy Group – Texas (BAPPG-TX). These appointments recognize Texana’s expertise in the field of applied behavior analysis as the only proven treatment for autism spectrum disorder.

Texas Association for Behavior Analysis’ mission is to advance the science and application of behavior analysis to improve the world in which we live. To that end, TxABA disseminates knowledge from the science of behavior analysis to the public and to professional behavior analysts working in Texas and its neighboring states, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana and New Mexico.

George Patterson, CEO, said, “We are very proud of Kate Johnson-Patagoc, who is extremely dedicated to her programs at Texana Center. She and her staff have really put our autism programs on the state and national maps as a center of excellence.”

Johnson-Patagoc has been with Texana since 2009. She is a board-certified behavior analyst with more than 20 years experience working with children and adults with developmental disabilities or brain injury. She obtained her B.S. from North Dakota State University and her M.S. in behavior analysis and therapy from Southern Illinois University. She has worked as a behavior analyst in Illinois, Tennessee and Kentucky, where she directed a behavior analysis treatment program from 1997-2009. She has published numerous research articles. She lives in Katy with her husband and two young sons.

___________________________________________________________________________

GRACEPOINT HOMES’ BROWNSTONE MODEL HOME NOW OPEN IN THE POINT AT IMPERIAL

Gracepoint Homes has announced the opening of its model home in The Point at Imperial. The Point at Imperial features an enclave of 35 classic brownstones built exclusively by Gracepoint Homes and is part of the master-planned development for Imperial Sugar Land. The Point’s brownstones, inspired by east coast architecture, offer one-of-a-kind residences with lake views and walkable access to restaurants, retail and museums currently under development.

The brownstones are spacious two- and three- story homes featuring three to four bedrooms with ample living areas, multiple outdoor spaces and upscale finishes. There are six well-designed floor plans to choose from offering large porches and balconies on every floor, a game room and study, a large master suite with gracious walk-in closets, en suite bathrooms, a gourmet kitchen with butler’s pantry and wine grotto, and a formal dining area flowing into the main living room, perfectly designed for entertaining. Additionally, all homes are elevator-ready and feature a connected three-car garage.

“Gracepoint Homes is thrilled to offer a unique and luxurious style of living in the historic Imperial Sugar development,” said Tom Cox, Jr., president of Gracepoint Homes. “We believe the brownstone design exemplifies our ability to develop unique, architecturally timeless products that are well-suited to the land and surrounding area. This product offers professionals, empty nesters or power couples a traditional yet very modern floor plan complete with great outdoor living spaces, lake views and a turnkey lifestyle.”

The Point at Imperial is a neighborhood within the community of Imperial and is ideally located near U.S. Highway 90A and Highway 6 in Imperial Sugar Land. The community is currently home to Constellation Field, a weekly Farmer’s Market and 62 acres of beautiful lakes. ___________________________________________________________________________

VIOLENT CRIME RATE IN SUGAR LAND HITS HISTORIC LOW

Sugar Land’s violent crime rate decreased 22.86 percent last year, placing the City 78 percent lower than the state average and 76 percent below the nation when comparing 2015 to 2014. The results were included in the Sugar Land Police Department’s 2015 annual report.

Aggravated assaults decreased 46 percent last year, while burglaries were down six percent and residential burglaries dropped by two percent. Sugar Land’s overall crime rate increased 1.8 percent last year, though it was still the second lowest in the past 20 years. Sugar Land Police Chief Doug Brinkley credits a strong police presence, community partnerships, public education, a commitment to technology, training and departmental leadership for Sugar Land’s historically low crime rate.

The overall crime rate is comprised of Part 1 crimes that include assault, auto theft, burglary, homicide, theft, robbery and auto burglary.

While the property crime rate increased 2.74 percent last year, it was 43.2 percent lower than the overall state of Texas and 34.7 below the national average. Police initiatives under way to address property crimes include a partnership with retail districts and neighborhoods to encourage the use of cameras and other measures for security purposes. SLPD is also utilizing a special task force that focuses exclusively on property crimes, shopper safety and public education.

Other 2015 accomplishments included installation of crime prevention cameras at all entrances and exits to the city north of U.S. Highway 90A, deployment of body cameras to every patrol officer and re-accreditation with the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. Priorities during 2016 include a focus on residential burglaries, vehicle burglaries and commercial theft; traffic enforcement; planning for a training facility and the possible future annexations of Greatwood and New Territory; and staffing special events.

___________________________________________________________________________

TEXAS CHILDREN’S PEDIATRICS MISSOURI CITY WELCOMES DR. MARYANN THOLANY

Board-certified pediatrician Maryann Tholany, M.D. recently joined the Texas Children’s Pediatrics Missouri City practice at 5819 Highway 6 South, Suite 300, and is currently accepting new patients. Tholany earned her medical degree from St. George’s University School of Medicine and completed her residency in pediatrics at Long Island College Hospital.

Tholany believes in providing excellent patient care with the least amount of intervention necessary, such as using antibiotics and medications only when needed, and working with families to help alleviate concerns and answer questions about their child’s health, behavior and development.

In 2014, Tholany moved to Houston from New York City, where she worked at a private practice for six years. She loves living in Houston and enjoys all that it has to offer, including Astros and Texans games, Discovery Green and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Dr. Tholany and her husband Joel, a child psychiatrist and writer, have 2-year-old twin daughters.

To make an appointment with Tholany or any of the physicians at Texas Children’s Pediatrics Missouri City, call 281-499-4301 or visit texaschildrenspediatrics.org.

___________________________________________________________________________

NEUROSCIENCE & SPINE CENTER PHYSICIANS HELP WOMAN OVER­COME RARE CONDITION

Physicians at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s Neuroscience & Spine Center completed a complex surgical procedure to correct a rare congenital deformity that presented significant health risks for a Fort Bend County woman.

Benita English had long suffered from a rare neurological disorder that caused a portion of her spine to protrude into her skull, compressing her brain stem.

“I lost the use of my arms and hands and had difficulty walking,” says English. “I also had really bad neck pain, along with numbness and tingling.”

A previous surgery in 2007 had stabilized her neck for a few years, but the condition worsened as she aged. When she finally came to Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s Neuroscience & Spine Center, board-certified neurosurgeon Rajesh Bindal, M.D. recommended a new surgical approach that would give physicians better access to the specific area where the problems were occurring and enable them to correct her condition.

“This was a very complex trans-oral surgery that required us to go through her mouth and back of her throat to access the juncture where her spine met the base of her skull,” says Bindal. “There are very few surgical teams in the Houston area who can perform this type of neurosurgery.”

Bindal, along with neurosurgeon John Park, M.D. and ear, nose and throat specialist Clement Chow, M.D., performed the surgery at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. Once the surgical team had removed the base of English’s skull, they skillfully trimmed away excess bone that was compressing her brain stem.

After her surgery, English went through rehabilitation and physical therapy, and was able to begin walking comfortably on her own just a short time later.

Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital is the only institution in Fort Bend to have a full neuroscience program capable of performing the most complex procedures. In addition to close collaboration between specialists, the Neuroscience & Spine Center employs a specially trained patient care navigator to help schedule appointments, answer questions and provide follow-up assistance.

“Our team approach ensures that patients receive the most comprehensive care,” says Bindal. “Being able to call upon our colleagues in specific subspecialties as needed – as well as having access to state-of-the-art facilities and highly trained operating room staff – enable us to tackle complex cases that previously could not be performed in Fort Bend.”

Physicians at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Neuroscience & Spine Center specialize in neurology, neurosurgery, orthopedic spine surgery and pain intervention. The Neuroscience & Spine Center treats patients suffering from Alzheimer’s and memory disorders, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), back and neck pain, brain and spinal tumors, epilepsy and seizures, migraines and headaches, multiple sclerosis, muscle and nerve injuries, muscular atrophy, myasthenia gravis, neuromuscular disorders, Parkinson’s disease and movement disorders, peripheral neuropathy, sleep disorders and stroke.

“Our patients are always grateful to learn that we can help them so close to home, and I’m proud that we can offer this level of care to our neighbors,” says Bindal.

To make an appointment with a physician at the Neuroscience & Spine Center, call 281-274-7979.

___________________________________________________________________________

PETER CHANG IS MEMBER OF INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF AESTHETIC PLASTIC SURGERY

Millions of patients make the choice to entrust their appearance and well-being to their cosmetic surgeon. Dr. Peter Chang’s board certification, strong knowledge base, high level of training and advanced clinical experience make him among the most internationally qualified physicians to perform cosmetic procedures at Timeless Plastic Surgery, located at 1327 Lake Pointe Pkwy., Suite 300 in Sugar Land.

Safety and innovation is firmly implemented at his practice, and it has not gone unnoticed. He has raised the standards in modern plastic surgery and has been entitled with an International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) membership. ISAPS is known as the world’s leading professional organization for board-certified aesthetic plastic surgery. Patients are eligible to receive online information regarding highly trained and qualified plastic surgeons around the world. This allows patients to confidently and wisely choose their doctor of choice. Membership qualifications were met based on Chang’s board certification, patient reviews, continued education, aesthetic publications, and years of impressive aesthetic practice training and history.

At Timeless Plastic Surgery, patient safety, satisfaction and comfort coincide with its concierge care. Chang believes in the importance of trusting the surgeon you choose to perform your cosmetic plastic surgery. Being a member of ISAPS, he will continue to honor the ideals and principles necessary to be a leader in aesthetics.

For more details, call 281-242-TIME (8463) or visit TimelessPlasticSurgery.com.

___________________________________________________________________________

LAURENCE CATHOLIC SCHOOL EDUCATOR RECOGNIZED FOR ADVANCEMENT OF TECHNOLOGY

SLCS educator Adriana Gutierrez was recognized for exemplary use of technology in education. Gutierrez was one of three finalists in the State of Texas for the Teacher of the Year Award for Technology Innovation, awarded by the Texas Computer Education Association. She recently returned from Austin where she was recognized for the prestigious award.

___________________________________________________________________________

THE CITY OF STAFFORD LAUNCHES FIRST COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

Stafford has created a visionary new comprehensive plan, which lays the strategic foundation for the city’s growth and development for the next 20 years. It replaces the original plan, which was adopted by the city council in 1971. This living document will provide a guide for the city’s decision-makers and is structured around three key parameters: the importance of being fiscally responsible, living within the city’s means and maintaining no general obligation debt. “The comprehensive plan creates an incredibly exciting opportunity for Stafford, providing an aspirational, yet realistic and achievable, roadmap for the future,” said Leonard Scarcella, mayor of Stafford. “The purpose of the plan is twofold: it tells the story of what Stafford is and what the city wishes to become as it grows and redevelops. We have worked hard to establish a reputation as a fantastic place to start a business, and we intend to expand on this and make Stafford even more competitive and attractive to current and future residents and businesses.”

Future land use and establishing guidelines that will enable Stafford to plan effectively for growth, development and redevelopment are outlined. The plan identifies five opportunity areas for redevelopment:

The former Texas Instruments (TI) site has been zoned to become a mixed-use development. This should include light commercial, office, residential, retail and industrial land uses, in addition to open spaces.

FM 1092, the West Airport Boulevard Corridor, serves as a passage through Stafford and presents an opportunity for transformation. Elements should include light commercial and retail land uses, enhanced intersections and streetscapes, and signage improvements. The 48 acres located south of Houston Community College and Stafford Centre offer opportunity for mixed-use development with restaurants, service retail and small office spaces. This site should be considered for a transit-oriented development that accommodates a future commuter rail service.

The Island District is comprised of commercial, residential, industrial and retail uses. It is recommended that the district become a mixed-use development, excluding residential, and promote restaurants and third-place uses. The industrial and manufacturing district is home to many light industrial and office uses. Vacant parcels in this area should be used to expand existing developments. The area should help sustain and increase the city’s sales tax base.

“Stafford is on the cusp of tremendous improvements, and having a clearly defined set of goals and opportunities will help to save time, money and resources in the decision-making process,” said Jeff Wiley, president and CEO of the Greater Fort Bend Economic Development Council. “The city has become known for its low tax environment, quality of services, thriving business climate, and proximity and access to major thoroughfares of U.S. 90A and U.S. 59/Interstate 69. The city will use the comprehensive plan as a stepping stone for future growth to help the city flourish in the years to come.” The plan also focuses on neighborhood development and community livability, the essence of creating places where people want to work, play and live. The city has identified ways it can continue to grow while supporting community interests, enhancing the quality of its neighborhoods and improving the city’s visual characteristics. Select goals with recommended strategies include:

Goal: Foster a strong and diverse economy through employment and economic opportunities underscored by zero city property tax. This can be achieved by attracting future residents and businesses through the preservation of the city’s culture with regard to limiting debt and expenditures. An additional strategy is to create partnerships with Houston Community College, Stafford Municipal School District (SMSD) and businesses to provide career development opportunities.

Goal: Strengthen Stafford’s identity, character and image to foster an appeal and distinctive place to work, visit and live. This can be achieved by establishing a community theme image, encouraging business owners to use landscaping and other aesthetics to showcase their buildings, improving signage and implementing branding at city entryways.

The full comprehensive plan is available on staffordtx.gov. For information about Fort Bend County, visit FortBendCounty.com or call 281-242-0000.