may/june 2012 - pearland focus magazine - people • places • happenings

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Project Graduation

MAY/JUNE 2012

2012 Pearland Seniors Get Ready

Inside:Real Pearland WeddingsSummer Fun GuideThings We Love for Mother’s & Father’s Day

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pearland magazine • May/June 2012 4

ON THE COVER:Lauren Hardisty, Andres Echeverry,

Kevin Macias and Mary Gomez.Photo by Jessica Pledger Photography.

CONTRIBUTORS

Brian Covault Texas Community Referral NetworkPage 1616

Swet Chaudhari, MD Divinity Med Spa & WellnessPage 2222

Alisa MurrayAlisa Murray PhotographyPage 44

44

M A Y / J U N E 2 0 1 2

pg 18

06 PUBLISHER’S PREVIEW

13 HEADLINERS

35 MEDICAL FOCUS

48 HISTORICALLY PEARLAND

I N E V E R Y I S S U E

18 REAL WEDDINGS‘Tis the season for weddings in Pearland! Peruse the pages of this section, featuring real couples of Pearland, and get some great ideas for your big day!

26 SUMMER FUN GUIDESummer is a time for kids to kick back, relax and most importantly, have fun!This handy guide will help you plan summer and ensure maximum fun!

38 SENIOR LIVING GUIDEAre you a senior or helping to care for one? This helpful section features area resources that you will need now and later.

47 MOTHER AND FATHER’S DAY GIFT GUIDEDelight your Mom and Dad with unique gift ideas. Who knows? You might find something for yourself!

F E AT U R E S

8 PEARLAND AND DAWSON SENIORS PREPARE FOR A ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME

EXPERIENCE: Project GraduationYou’ve graduated high school – now what? Learn about Project Graduation – the last night many graduated seniors in Pearland spend together – and why it’s a fun, safe way to celebrate the momentous occasion.

C O V E R S T O R Y

24 SCRAPBOOK

32 SEEN ON THE SCENE

42 HIGH SCHOOL HOT SHOT

46 COMMUNITY EVENTS

A R O U N D T H E C O M M U N I T Y

12 FOCUS ON FINANCE

14 CARING FOR THE COMMUNITY

16 FOCUS ON COMMUNITY

22 FOCUS ON BEAUTY

44 LIVING THE SWEET LIFE

C O L U M N S

42

Linda K. EavesFreelance WriterPage 42

John D. “Mickey” MarkPearland Historical SocietyPage 48

48


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READERS FEEDBACK

ExEcutivE PublishErsMichael Fredrickson

Lisa Fredrickson

PublishErJessica Kij

Managing EditorPatti Parish-Kaminski

coMMunications dirEctorSusie Ainsworth

account ExEcutivEsSusie Ainsworth

Robyn Miller

officE ManagErNorma Loredo

contributorsSusie AinsworthJason Alderman

Swet Chaudhari, MDBrian Covault

Linda K. EavesJohn D. “Mickey” Mark

Alisa Murray

art dirEctor

Grace Belleza

art & ProductionConsultant

Joey Belleza

graPhic dEsignErsElizabeth Pace

Debi Beauregard

WEb dEsignErJoey Belleza

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May/ June 2012Vol. 3 No. 3

Lauren Hardisty, Andres Echeverry, Kevin Macias

and Mary Gomez.Photo by Jessica Pledger

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Pearland Focus Magazine

P ublisher’s Preview

Dear Pearland Friends,

As you can see, Susie and I were groovin’ at the Pearland Chamber of Commerce annual Business Showcase. What a fun way to showcase your business and network at the same time! A psychedelic and cool time was had by all. See more fun pictures in our Seen on the Scene on page 36.

May and June are special months because two of life’s most special events occur during them - graduations and weddings. Our cover features high school graduates as they prepare for the big event. Part of that event is Project Graduation, a safe, once-in-a-lifetime party celebrating graduation. Seniors work to self-fund the party obtaining donations and contributions for the event. It is most memorable as it is the last time the Seniors will be all together with their classmates.

We also have our Real Weddings of Pearland section in this issue. See who has recently tied the knot, the wedding fashions and venues. Get inspired for your big day! I encourage you to send us your weddings pictures and details for the January issue. Just go to our website for details at www.pearlandfocus.com.

Looking for fun and educational experiences for your children this summer? We have some great ideas for you in our Summer Fun Guide on page 26. And, on the other end of the spectrum, we have our Senior Living Guide which has useful information for seniors and those caring for them.

Enjoy seeing your friends, neighbors and business associates in our Seen on the Scene and Scrapbook pages. And, refer to the community calendar for community events happening in Pearland.

As always, be sure to send us your headliners, photos and event news as well as your article ideas, community highlights and celebrations. Our readers want to know what’s happening in Pearland! We welcome your feedback as well. Please contact us at [email protected], 281-690-4242 or www.pearlandfocus.com.

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I f you Google project

graduation, you’ll find

that there are a number of

high schools across the country

from Massachusetts to Texas

that include this event as part

of their high school’s graduation

activities. Project Graduation is

a drug, alcohol and tobacco-free

celebration for seniors on the

night of graduation that allows

students to come together for

a fun-filled, all-night social.

Here in Pearland, it’s for both

Pearland High School and

Dawson High School seniors.

Pearland SeniorsPrepare for aOnce-in-a-LifetimeExperience:

By Susie AinsworthPhotos by

Jessica Pledger Photography

COVER STORY

“The purpose of Project Gradua-tion is to provide graduates with a safe, once-in-a-lifetime party as they celebrate their graduation from high school,” explained Pearland High School teacher and long-time volun-teer of Project Graduation Trent Hen-ley. Henley and his wife, Sheridan, Assistant Principal at Dawson High School, have been volunteers for Proj-ect Graduation for many years. Even though their children have graduated high school, they believe that this event is an important way to keep graduates from making bad choices and potentially hurting themselves or others, so therefore, the Henleys continue to give back volunteering for the annual event.

Project Graduation starts the night of graduation, which is June 1st, at 11

Project Graduation

Lauren Hardisty, Andres Echeverry, Kevin Macias and Mary Gomez.


p.m. and ends the next morning. This year’s event will be held at the Sheryl Searcy Ninth Grade Center. All gradu-ates will arrive between 11 p.m. and 1 a.m. in order to get in as no one will be allowed to enter the doors after 1 a.m.

CelebratingThroughout the Night

Rest assured, there is not much sleeping going on during Project Graduation. And, while volunteers are tired the next day, it’s worth missing a night’s sleep to see the smiles on the graduates’ faces, explained Henley. This non-profit organization is cur-rently looking for more volunteers to come out and help in many ways. The event organizers need donations for the prizes, volunteers on the night of the event as well as volunteers to help before and after the big night.

“I would recommend other Pear-landers become involved in Project Graduation because this is one non-profit that you can truly be a part of and see the difference donating your time can make,” said Henley. “Join us. Invest in our future as we show

our young people that a good time can be had without the use of drugs and alcohol,” he continued.

“Pearland High School has been fortunate to have the support of parents and the community in making Project Graduation such a success,” said Larry Berger, Principal at Pear-land High School. “Graduating seniors look forward to the event based on the entertaining atmosphere and safety provided. These students have worked hard to earn their diploma and Proj-ect Graduation is the last time they can celebrate as high school students with their friends before entering the ‘real world’.”

According to Henley, Project Grad, as it’s com-monly referred, is a unique experience. Throughout the night, graduates are treated to a feast. All of the food is donated by various businesses and restaurants. The graduates can participate in bingo, karaoke, card games like poker and 21,

inflatable activities such as bungee run, obstacle course and joust and mechanical bull riding. There is also dancing and carnival-style games.

The seniors earn “Coach Sab Grad” dollars that they are able to trade in for chances to win real money. The event culminates with the raffle ticket drawing and a special “senior only” grand prize drawing. All of the prizes are donated by various residents, parents and local businesses or the money is raised by students. Everyone attending Project Grad goes home with a prize.

For the most part, seniors raise the funds for Project Graduation and the prizes for it as well. The students are

There’s a big world out there. Bigger than prom, biggerthan high school, and it won’t matter if you were the prom queen

or the quarterback of the football team or the biggest nerd.Find out who you are and try not to be afraid of it.

- Author Unknown

Travis See (far left) plays poker while volunteer Landon Ehlinger deals cards.

Parent volunteers awaiting the graduates’ arrival.


asked to sell $10 raffle tickets which allows the buyer to be entered into a drawing for an IPad, X-Box with Kinect, an Olympus waterproof camera, and a 55” LCD HDTV, accord-ing to Henley. The money raised is used for prizes for the graduates and to pay for other expenses incurred that night. All money raised by the seniors will be spent on the seniors that year.

Residents can get involved by donating gift cards to local restaurants, iTunes, etc., donating a prize for a senior such as TVs, DVD players or netbook computers, or by volunteer-ing their time.

The Need for a Safe andFun Celebration

Pearland’s Project Graduation started when a group of community leaders became concerned about the use and abuse of illegal and legal drugs by our youth. They formed the idea for Pearland Project Graduation during the sum-mer of 1988. Leon “Coach Sab” Sablatura initially chaired the organization. By the end of the 1988-89 school year, Project Graduation was implemented to provide graduating seniors a safe, tobacco, drug, and alcohol-free celebration.

It was an event started by concerned adults, but it has been well-received by the seniors. In fact, this year will be Project Graduation’s 23rd year in Pearland. It’s been very successful, and this year looks to be no different. There is usually a 75 to 80 percent turnout for the event. This year, the organization is expecting about 760 graduates from Dawson and Pearland High Schools.

“Project Grad gives me a chance to say one last good-bye to my friends and teachers, also the prizes aren’t bad either,” said Pearland High School Senior Mary Gomez.

“I think Project Grad is successful because the gradu-ates realize that this will be the last time they will see all of their friends together,” said Henley. “Moreover, the chance of winning some really great prizes is quite a motivator!”

“I have been volunteering for Project Grad since 2004 when my oldest son graduated from Pearland High School,” explained DeAnna Moore. “It gives me great joy to see the se-niors’ faces when they walk in the door and are so amazed at the transformation of the school. I love to hear them to say, ‘Wow, this was done for us!’ I couldn’t think of a better event that keeps the seniors safe. They have lots of food to eat, win prizes all night, they are with their friends and it’s free! I hope this will continue for many, many years to come!” H

Glenda DawsonHigh SchoolGraduation

Friday, June 1st 5 pm

Reliant Stadium

Pearland High School Graduation

Friday, June 1st 8 pm

Reliant Stadium

Beginnings are scary, endings areusually sad; it’s what you do in between

that counts the most. - Author Unknown

Do not follow where the path may lead. Go, instead, where there is no

path, and leave a trail. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Lauren Hardisty, Andres Echeverry, Kevin Macias and Mary Gomez.


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Your goal should be to receive little or no tax refund. Better to use that money throughout the year to pay down credit card balances or other debt, build emer-gency savings, beef up your retirement plan contributions or invest it where you can earn interest or dividends.

Unless you’re self-employed, retired or had unexpected sources of income, the driving factor for how much tax you owe or have refunded is probably your W-4 form. That’s one of the many forms you filled out your first day on the job and

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PEARLAND

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

The Bay Area Stars Dive Team re-cently travelled to the University of Texas in Austin to compete at the 2012 Texas Diving Invite. Seven Bay Area Stars made a big splash! Head Coach Schultz said, “I am so proud of the kids who stepped up to compete in multiple events. They all showed courage, char-acter and commitment. The smiles on their faces shows how they felt.” The Bay Area Stars showed off their finesse by placing in several different events.

On the 1 meter springboard, Cortni Cox placed 2nd in the Future Cham-pion and Novice competitions while Em-ily Pate placed 3rd and 5th in the same events. In the Junior Olympic competi-tion, Lauren Vande Hei and Christopher Norlin each placed 4th while Samantha Norlin placed 5th.

On the 3 meter springboard, Cortni Cox finished 1st and Emily Pate finished 5th in the Future Champion competition. In their respective Novice competitions, Gabe Hartmann finished 1st, Christo-pher Norlin and Lukas Schultz each finished 3rd and Lauren Vande Hei fin-ished 5th . Christopher Norlin and Lukas

Gabe Hartmann, Christopher Norlin, Lauren Vande Hei, Emily Pate, Cortni Cox and Lukas Schultz.

Bay Area Stars Diving Team Makes a Splash

Headliners continued on page 15

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“Delivering exceptional emergency care starts with our partners in the field,” says Thomica James-Evans, M.D., medical director of the depart-ment of Emergency Medicine at Me-morial Hermann Southeast. “We con-sider our local EMS teams an exten-sion of the EC. The more effectively we can communicate with one anoth-er, the better care we can provide.”

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Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital

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Pictured are Dr. Thomica James-Evans with Pearland EMS Chief Daniel Baum and EMS Captain Kelly Sears.

Chief of the Pearland EMS Team, Daniel Baum, says the relationship with hospital staff and local paramedics is leading to quicker treatment times and better outcomes for acute care patients. “Memorial Hermann Southeast is the closest hospital we deal with in Pearland,” he explained. “We transport a large portion of our patients to Memori-al Hermann Southeast not only because of its proximity and scope of services, but also for the common commit-ment we share with the hospital to serve the community,” says Baum. “We trust the staff and know that by working together, residents in the Bay Area will benefit from out-standing emergency medical services close to home.”



Headliners continued from page 13

Schultz competed in the synchronized diving event and finished 4th.

The highlight of the meet was the platform diving. This was a new event for the team, and they performed like stars. The girls brought home 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 6th place in their respective competition groups while the boys brought home 2nd and 4th. The kids performed exception-ally well and had a great time.

The Bay Area Stars Diving Team, Inc. (BASDT) has been part of the Clear Area since 1987. Head Coach Sven Schultz directs the program that was originally formed by his mother, Kuni Schultz, a Texas Diving Hall of Fame diver. Its members come from Southeast Houston communities. The BASDT’s mission is to help develop courage, character and com-mitment for each student one dive at a time. BASDT offers diving lessons and dive team programs. If your child is in-terested in participating in BASDT, visit www.bayareastardive.com. H

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FOCUS ON COMMUNITY

Monthly Give-A-Ways on Facebook

By Brian CovaultFounder and President of TCRN

T exas Community Referral Net-work (TCRN) introduced its Pearland facebook page a few

months ago. It’s designed to be a great place for you to connect and engage with TCRN on a variety of topics. The page talks about community happen-ings as well as new savings opportu-nities and information pertaining to businesses you can trust and refer to your friends. Now, with TCRN-Pearl-and’s new facebook look and func-tionality, it is more fun than ever to get connected.

Starting in May, each month there will be a TOP Fan contest. Earn points for every com-ment and “Like” that you make to the posts made on the TCRN-Pearland facebook page. The points will be auto-matically tabulated and pub-licly displayed on the TOP Fan app! To see TOP Fan results, click on the Gold Star icon at the top of the page, and it will feature the top 20 fans, includ-ing their points accumulated over the month. The points are updated each day so you know where you and others stand for the month. It makes coming to the page or responding to the posts in your News Feed a lot of fun plus you can win great prizes! Over the next few months,

a set of four game tickets to the new Sugar Land

Skeeters’ baseball team will be given to the TOP Fan each month, and a parking pass will be included too!

T o q u a l i f y for the TOP Fan

contests, you must “Like” the TCRN-

Pearland facebook page. Go to www.facebook.com/

tcrnpearland, and click “Like” at the top of the page. You will then start receiving daily posts to your News Feed contain-ing lots of neat information about TCRN businesses in your community, events in your area and ways to use your TCRN Preferred Customer Card. It’s fun and easy to participate. Start today by be-coming a fan and you might win free baseball game tickets to Houston area’s

only minor league baseball team!You can also access our Pearl-

and facebook page from our Pearland website. The TCRN website is very user friendly, packed with resource-ful information. Simply go to www.TCRN-Pearland.com, and click on the facebook icon as a link to the TCRN-Pearland facebook page. Either way, I invite you to be our “Friend” on face-book so we can connect with you and share great ways to save money!

Texas Community Referral Network is dedicated to the residents of Pearl-and and its surrounding area. Be sure to tell your friends about our facebook page. We want to bring you the best Pearland has to offer, as well as save you money all over town! If you ever have suggestions about how TCRN can better serve you, please fill out the contact form on our website and let us know because our mission is “Connect-ing YOU With the Community.” H


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Jared & Lauren CoxJuly 8, 2011Photography by Picture This at The Keepsake

Bride’s Full Name: Lauren AdamsGroom’s Full Name: Jared CoxCeremony Site: The San Luis ResortReception Site: Grand Ballroom, The San Luis ResortRehearsal Dinner Site: The Spot Restaurant, GalvestonVideography: Jonathan FreyOfficiant: Reverend Gary AdamsGown: Oleg Cassini by David’s BridalVeil: David’s BridalShoes: David’s BridalJewelry: David’s Bridal & Grandmother’s RingHair: Laurie HymanMakeup: The San Luis Resort SpaBridesmaid Dresses: David’s BridalFormalwear: The Men’s WarehouseInvitations: The KeepsakeFlowers: Island FlowersCatering: The San Luis ResortCake: The Cake Lady of FriendswoodMusic: Daulongs Mobile MusicFavors: A Candy Bar created by the Bride and her MotherTransportation: Bentley provided by The San Luis ResortAccommodations: The San Luis ResortHoneymoon: Disneyworld

Details



1807 E. Broadway, Ste. 101Pearland, TX 77581

Mon. - Fri. 10:30 am to 8 pmSat. 10:30 am to 6 pm

Sun. Noon to 4 pm

281-482-4848www.KupNKakes.com

Gourmet Cupcakes and Cakes

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Carlo & Eiryne RamirezNovember 11, 2011Photography by Karay Media Productions

Bride’s Full Name: Eiryne PazGroom’s Full Name: Carlo RamirezCeremony Site: Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort, St. LuciaReception Site: Dragonfly Restaurant at Windjammer ResortRehearsal Dinner Site: Ember’s Grill at Windjammer ResortVideography: Reflections Photo and VideoOfficiant: Pastor Sherwin GriffinGown: Da Vinci by Impression BridalVeil: Jennifer LeighShoes: ColorifficsJewelry: Na HokuHair: Serenity Spa at WindjammerMakeup: Bobbi BrownBridesmaid Dresses: Impression BridalFormalwear: Brooks BrothersInvitations: Created by the BrideFlowers: Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort FloristCatering: Dragonfly Restaurant at Windjammer Landing Villa Beach ResortCake: Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort Music: Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort Disc JockeyFavors: Embroidered Beach Towels Transportation: American AirlinesAccommodations: Windjammer Landing Villa Beach ResortHoneymoon: St. Lucia

Details



Let us help make your wedding a success.

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Choosing the Right BreastEnhancement Surgery

Focus on BeautyBy Swet Chaudhari, MD

A ccording to the American Society of Plastic Sur-geons, breast enhancement surgeries are still the most common procedures performed by

plastic surgeons. In 2011, over 300,000 breast augmen-tations and over 90,000 breast lift surgeries were done.

Breast augmentation or breast lift?

If you are considering breast enhancement surgery to improve your appearance, you may be wondering which procedure is appropriate for you. Breast aug-mentation can give a woman with small or unevenly sized breasts a fuller, firmer, better-proportioned ap-

pearance, and can restore volume following breast feeding or weight loss. A breast lift most commonly addresses sagging – also called ptosis – and the pres-ence of extra skin on the breasts. A lift will improve the contour and shape of the breasts, but will not sig-nificantly alter the size or volume. Likewise, a breast augmentation alone will add volume, but will not sig-nificantly correct the issues of sagging or extra skin. Therefore, some women find that a combination of both procedures provides the new look they desire.

As you weigh your options, ask yourself this sim-ple question: Do you like the volume of your breasts within your bra? If the answer is yes, then you are

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probably more concerned about sagging breasts, and a breast lift is most likely the right procedure for you. Conversely, if the answer is no, then more volume is what you are seeking, and an augmentation is likely your best choice.

Finding a surgeonthat listens.

Once you’ve researched your options, do your due diligence to find a plastic surgeon that will be the right fit for you. A good plastic surgeon will take the time to listen to your needs and concerns, and will not only help you decide which procedure is right for you, but will discuss details such as implant size and type, expected outcomes, and even surgical risks. A good plastic surgeon will work with you to cre-ate natural results that look amaz-ing and restore your confidence.

Breast augmentation will not only transform your body, but can give you a new, positive outlook. But keep in mind that you’re also undergoing a major procedure; therefore it’s critical that you do your homework. Invest the time to learn about various breast en-hancement options, then be bold in seeking out a surgeon that will partner with you to not only achieve your desired appearance, but also to protect your optimal health. H


The Designer’s Niche Residential & Commercial Design Studio

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email us at: [email protected]

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*Hourly Consultations up to 3 hrs.*One Day Room Makeovers*Custom & Retail Interior Design*Custom Window Treatments*Custom Upholstery*Remodeling & New Construction*Custom Faux for Cabinets, Walls & Ceilings

The Pearland Pearls Girl Scout Service Unit celebrated Girl Scout’s 100th birthday with a party in the park event on March 17th. Pictured above are Gabby Ramirez, Alyssa

Condit, Zara Burns, Alyssa Burns and Crystal Condit as they “chalk it up” at Centennial

Park. Pictured right is Crystal Condit.

Happy Birthday Girl Scouts!

Walter and Norma Ward with their chihuahuas Chico and Charlie.

Meadowlake Pet Resort’s Pup-A-Palooza

Pup-A-Palooza, a free family community event, featured adoptable pets from Houston area rescue groups, low

cost vaccinations, Frisbee Dogs, local vendors, activities and more.

During the 100-Year Celebration at Independence Park, Juniors from Troop 27055, Lisa Wei, Emily Hencey, Niki

Torres and Shelby Rios, completed all the requirements for the Girl Scout Bronze Award. The scouts are pictured with

Pearland Mayor Tom Reid.

Sean Murphy (center) of HomeTown Bank presents a check to Carol Artz-Bucek and Jim Johnson of the Pearland Chamber of Commerce. As a new member, HomeTown Bank of Pearland broke ground at their future location on Pearland Parkway at the intersection of 518 on May 2nd with construction to be completed by the end of the year.

Pearland Chamber of Commerce Welcomes HomeTown Bank of Pearland


Sally and Scott Mercer.

Stars at Night Benefitting Forgotten Angels

Teresa and Jerry Olavarria with Ellen Bridge.

Howard and Debby Palmer.

Renee and Mac McGuire.


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Absolutely! Summer Fun Guide

Kids ‘R’ Kids is offering full day, summer camp choices for students from preschool to 12 years. Here’s a quick synopsis of each of the fun-filled options just for kids:

Time: The Past. Climb into our phenomenal time machine, and we will travel back in time into the mysterious past. Hang on, time travelers, ‘cause we’re moving fast!

The Prehistoric Era. It’s cold, cold, cold! We’re in the Ice Age, and what sights we behold! Let’s move to the time when dinosaurs rambled. Uh oh, there’s a T Rex—we’d better scramble!

Ancient Civilization. Ancient civi-lizations and treasures are unknown in this world. We’ll see the Greek ruins and great Egyptian stones. The Olym-pic Games will have us ready to run, so

Come Travel Through Time with the Time Travelers as We Explore

Past, Present, and Future at Kids ‘R’ Kids

come along with us and have some fun!The Explorers. Take a trip back in

time among castles and knights, me-dieval music, and Renaissance sights! Then, buckle up and get ready for more: The New World is waiting – it’s time to explore!

Moving West. Hold onto your hat ‘cause western weeks are coming to town! We travel West to learn what cowboys and cowgirls did best. Giddy up!

The Future. Let’s explore robotics and mysterious ways. We’ll fly in cars and be at home on the moon. Beam me up now! The future is coming soon!

Kids ‘R’ Kids is now registering for Summer Camp! For more information, please visit www.kidsrkids.com or see our ad for our convenient locations. H

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

www.krk13pearland.com

281-412-47771820 Pearland Pkwy., Pearland, TX 77581

www.kidsrkidspearland.com

713-436-368812015 Broadway St., Pearland, TX 77584www.krkshadowcreekranch.com

Join us as we travel through time in our incredible time machine.

Open Registration for Summer CampJunior and Senior Campers

(preschool – 12 years) • Limited Space

Don’t miss out!! Enroll now!!

pearland magazine • May/June 2012 26Advertorial

Bushi Ban International

Did you ever wonder what it would take to have your child pay better atten-tion? Be more focused? Have more con-fidence? Exhibit better self control? Be more respectful to others? All parents want their children to develop good social and interaction skills, to become increas-ingly responsible for themselves as they grow older, to do their best in school, and to have fun during childhood.

Many activities that children partici-pate in help some of these character de-velopment qualities, but one of the most effective is the martial arts. Much of the martial arts’ culture and tradition values assist with the development of these char-acteristics.

Bushi Ban International has been an active and dynamic force in the mar-tial arts’ community in Pearland and the greater Houston area. With 9 locations in Houston, Bushi Ban is acknowledged as one of the industry leaders. Whether studying for a Black Belt, getting in shape,

Continued on page 29



in Pearland

Jeff Barley Director &

Head Instructor

Youth and Adult Evening Programs

Check Out Our All Day

Martial Arts, Field Trips, Events& Activities, Fun, Games

Education & Learning , Swimming, Skating, Movies, & MORE

Summer Camps:

281.997.9500 www.bushiban.com

[email protected]

Bushi Ban International-Pearland is located at 8201 Broadway (on 518, near Cullen)


Lessons Training Boardingwww.BAECTX.com

(281) 643-4222

The cost for Home Camp is $300 per person (1/2 tuition is due upon registration).Each session is 4 days (Mon. - Thurs.), from 8 am to Noon

Bay Area Equestrian Center’s

SummerHorse Camps

June 4 -7June 11-14June 18 -21June 25 -28July 9 -12

July 16 -19July 23 -26

July 30 - August 2

At Bay Area Equestrian Center (BAEC), we provide a fun, family-ori-ented environment where clients can learn about horses and riding. Clients can also evolve from participating in summer camps and taking riding les-sons to leasing horses, horse owner-ship as well as competing up through the national level in the Arabian show circuit. Our training goal is to promote a hands-on, confidence building process between the horse and rider through hard work and goal setting.

Our summer camps are four-day in-tensive sessions in which riding is com-bined with other horse-related educa-tional activities and lots of fun! Safety in working around horses is taught from the beginning and is constantly stressed any time students are at the facility. We play horse games, watch demonstrations from various horse pro-fessionals, observe the farrier and have Q&A, go on trail rides and much more. Camps are designed to give a broad overview of safety, horsemanship and riding. From beginner to advanced, our curriculum is designed to enhance all students desire to learn more about horses. We supply the horses and all the necessary equipment - all you need is long pants and boots!

BAEC also offers a full-service, well-rounded riding academy. We offer class-es in both English and western styles of riding. With a combination of both individual and group instruction, we can customize a program that fits you and your family. From the very begin-ner who has never ridden to the nation-al caliber show rider, we can help you achieve your goals. Our 20 lesson horses are trustworthy and reliable to build self-esteem and confidence in our riders.

For more information, visit www.baectx.com. H

Summer Fun at Bay Area

Equestrian Center

Day and Overnight Camps

Activities Include: Go-Karts, ZiplinesBumper Boats, Swimming, WaterslidesSports, Crafts and More!

Campers entering grades K-8th victorycamp.com

1407 Victory Lane Alvin, TX 77511 281-388-CAMP



From the great outdoors, time travel and inventions to music and dance, summer camp will be an exciting trek through time. Play, laugh and learn your way along an unforgettable journey. At Camp Primrose®, the Adventure Awaits!

Expedition Summer. The Adventure Awaits!

Educational Child Care for Infants through Private Pre-Kindergarten and After School

Start mapping out your summer now. Select specifi c camp weeks or join us for the whole adventure!

and dance, summer camp will be an exciting trek through time. Play, laugh and learn your way along an unforgettable journey. At Camp Primrose

and dance, summer camp will be an exciting trek through time. Play, laugh and learn your way along an unforgettable journey. At Camp Primrose

Expedition Summer. Expedition Summer.

From the great outdoors, time travel and inventions to music

The Adventure Awaits!and dance, summer camp will be an exciting trek through time. and dance, summer camp will be an exciting trek through time. Play, laugh and learn your way along an unforgettable journey.

From the great outdoors, time travel and inventions to music

Expedition Summer. Expedition Summer. The Adventure Awaits!

and dance, summer camp will be an exciting trek through time. and dance, summer camp will be an exciting trek through time. Play, laugh and learn your way along an unforgettable journey.

Primrose School of Pearland713.436.4120

primrosepearland.com

Primrose School of West Pearland713.436.0404

primrosewestpearland.com

Primrose School of Pearland Parkway 281.997.8855

primrosepearlandpkwy.com

Each Primrose School is a privately owned and operated franchise. The Leader in Educational Child Care is a trademark of Primrose School Franchising Company. ©2012 Primrose School Franchising Company. All rights reserved.

Prmrs_ 69385 _- Summr Cmp 12 Ad #2447 B --THIS AD CAN NOT BE EDITED- 7.25 x 4.75

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“Encouraging children to use their natural tendency to learn through play and exploration over the summer gives them time to practice, internalize, and apply what they learned during the academic part of the year. They can in-vestigate and explore topics that inter-est them in more depth which will help them develop into well-rounded learn-ers,” says Dr. Mary Zurn, vice presi-dent of education at Primrose Schools.

Summer camp programs that include educational components are becoming increasingly popular as an option for parents looking for summer child care. By visiting summer camp programs in the local community and talking with the staff, families can find the best sum-mer camp experience for their child.

“We are excited to offer Camp Primrose, Expedition Summer at our schools in 2012,” says Mrs. Estela Pa-padopulos, owner, Primrose Schools of Pearland. “We encourage families to

Summer Camp Balancing Fun with Learning

visit our schools and see what makes our summer program exceptional!”

Include your child in the deci-sion. Know what kinds of activities your child already enjoys, and see if the program offers themes that reflect those interests. If you know your child is interested in learning something new, look for a program that will allow them to explore those topics in a fun and interactive way.

Choose a well-rounded program. As summer camps grow increasingly pop-ular, there are more and more options to choose from. Choosing a program offered by an accredited educational organization will ensure that your child will be learn-ing and having fun at the same time.

To learn more about summer camp at the Primrose Schools of Pearland, please visit www.primrosepearland.com, www.primrosepearlandpkwy.com, or www.primrosewestpearland.com and arrange a tour of the campus. H

www.pearland .com • May/June 2012 29 Advertorial

losing weight, improving cardio fitness, improving personal health and well-be-ing, or training in grappling, kickboxing, and MMA fighting arts, we are focused on each person achieving their personal best.

Bushi Ban is a system of martial arts, fitness, and wellness that can be expe-rienced by the entire family. Many of the members have siblings and parents participating in one or more of our pro-grams. The available programs include our licensed After School Martial Arts Childcare and Summer Camp program, the cardio fitness workout with Power Kickboxing, Traditional Adult and Youth Martial Arts, Fighter’s Elite Mixed Mar-tial Arts, as well as specialty classes in Self Defense, Weapons, Stretching, Tai Chi and Chi Kung.

Classes are designed to be age and abil-ity appropriate. Students are accepted for training as young as age 3 in Little War-riors’ classes. If you are looking for a great activity for your kids, try out one of the programs at Bushi Ban.

For more information, visit www.bushiban.com H

Continued from page 26


The Montessori School of Downtown Summer Camp is open to students entering PK-Grade 6. We are looking for-ward to a great summer where fun, learning and creativ-ity will be unleashed! Pre-Kindergarten classes will travel “Around the World.” Kindergarten to Grade 6 classes will “Shine to Their Extreme.”

Student’s creativity and potential is stretched to the limit every year including core curriculum in math, science, and language. They will be exposed to different experiences that stimulate their imagination and will focus their energy with hands on activities provided by Mad Science and Monart. Campers will explore the curriculum based on that week’s camp theme. Show and tell, special guest presentations and weekly field trips to special places all relate to the specific team as well. Plus, Splash Day! Who doesn’t like to get wet on a warm summer day?

Join our camp where every child experiences both worlds

Summer Camp is Summer Fun at Montessori School of Downtown

in the place of learning and fun! Camp themes include: Fun In The Sun, Be A Star, Experience The Culture, Discover The Magic, The Future Awaits! and Jumping Back To School. Each camp exclusively targets the core curriculum plus fun projects and field trips. Registration is open now for all cam-puses. Enroll Today!

Summer Camp ThemesFun In The Sun May 29 – June 8Be A Star June 11 – 22Experience The Culture June 25 – July 6Discover The Magic July 9 – 20The Future Awaits! July 23 – August 3Jumping Back To School August 6 – 17Learning Rocks! August 20 – 24

For more information, call 281-485-3567. H

Space is

limited,

so call

TODAY!

NOW ENROLLINGFOR 2012 SUMMER CAMPS!

Downtown/Medical Center4510 Caroline

Houston, Texas 77004713-520-6801

Pearland2121 N. Grand

Houston, Texas 77581281-485-3567

Clear Lake15625 Space Center Blvd.

Houston, Texas 77062281-488-7599

Silverlake2525 Country Rd. 90Pearland, Texas 77584

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FOUR SCHOOLS: Offering Infant through 5th Grade Education



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Chris Patel & James Cessac

Lisa Fredrickson & Jackie LorinoSusie Ainsworth & Greg Hill

Go to www.PearlandFocus.comSeen on the Scene

Thursday, March 22, 2012 • Knights of Columbus Hall

Benefitting the Adult Reading Center9th Annual Red Hat Literacy Luncheon

Amy Hill & C.R. Cooper

Kara Burke & Dale Pillow

Lynda Frost & Beba Cates

Laura Austin, Renee Karstedt & Delores Fenwick

Maria Diaz-Albertini & Adelina Rucker

Suzette Hydorn, Anne Marie Saboe & Nancy Mensik

Judy Borger & Coletta Stover Maggie McFarland & Nyla WatsonDonna Rizzo & Josh Hari

JoAnn Keenan, Mona Chavarria & Elissa Rivas

Gloria Ramirez, Virginia Corpus, Ann Richardson & Lupe Cantu

Maureen King & Anna Bryant Woody Owens & Mike Orlando

Lisa Cushing

Carolina Perez & Natalia Orosco



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CRIMINAL LAWFelonies • Misdemeanors

Juvenile Cases • Probation Revocations Adjudications of Guilt

ESTATE PLANNINGWills • Trusts • Probate • Living Wills

Powers of Attorney • Physician Directives

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Headliners continued from page 15

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Pearland High School student Jared Mapps accepts a scholarship from 288 Corridor Rotary Club member Deanna Johnson.

Community support has paved the way for 46 Pearland ISD seniors to achieve their educational and career dreams.

Sponsored by the Pearland and 288 Corridor Rotary clubs, the annual Rotary Dare to Excel scholarship program awarded $34,500 in scholarships March 27th to Dawson and Pearland high school seniors.

Of these scholarships, the two local Rotary clubs provided $10,000 alone through their collective fundraising efforts. Lo-cal businesses, service organizations and private citizens funded additional schol-arships.

Despite diverse backgrounds, schol-arship recipients shared these traits: career and leadership potential, strong civic commitment, good character and plans to pursue higher education and workforce training opportunities after graduation.

The Rotary Dare to Excel luncheon also honored students who will enter the military after they graduate, presenting them with Texas flags provided by Sena-tor Mike Jackson that were flown over the capitol.

In addition, the luncheon recognized educators who have made a lasting im-pact on students. Nominated by schol-arship applicants, the “Above and Be-yond” Teacher Award winners included PHS teachers Rusty Bucy, Celia Clay and Scott Crossno and DHS teachers Anthony Ford, Diana Gano and George McKendree.

Luncheon keynote speaker Melanie Lawson, ABC Channel 13 anchor, en-couraged students to set their own course for success, prepare to be their best and help the next person climb the ladder. H

Rotary Dare to Excel Awards$34,500 in Scholarships to Seniors

Andy & Gwen Noser Diane & Bob Lewis Gemma & Lance Taylor


Friday, March 30, 2012 • Hilton Garden Inn

Exchange ClubCasino Night

Caresse Chase & Melanie Melancon

Jamye & Ray LeBouf

Patti Smith-McNeese & Barbie Anderson Mike & Jackie Reichek

Jerry Rutledge & Bill Becelunas

Keith & Gabby Ordeneaux

Brian Dietrich & Nancy Kozanecki Tammy & Dan Dexter

Photos by Jessica Pledger Photography

Adriane & Mark Ledesma

Larry Griffin, Connie Powers, Robin Murphy & Bryan Peltier

Theresa McGee, Catherine Nochella & Debbie Hebert

Shayla Ivey & Chris Northcutt

Gary & Gerry Blanchette

Christine & Ray Stephenson

Amy & Greg Hill with Cynthia Peltier


Medical Focus

Six Memorial Hermann hospitals re-cently earned the distinguished recogni-tion of being named among the nation’s 100 Top Hospitals® by Thomson Reuters, a leading provider of information and so-lutions to improve the cost and quality of healthcare. This is the fourth time Me-morial Hermann Northwest, Memorial Hermann Southeast, Memorial Hermann Southwest and Memorial Hermann The Woodlands hospitals have been recog-nized with this honor.

“Protecting the health and safety of all of our patients, visitors, and staff is not a goal - it’s our core value and culture,” said M. Michael Shabot, M.D., System Chief Medical Officer for Memorial Hermann. “The culture of a high reliability organi-zation is 100% performance on quality measures, zero safety incidents and ex-cellent patient outcomes. These six hos-pitals, their physicians and staffs earned this award by practicing high reliability, evidence-based care and achieving great measured results. Avoidance of hospital acquired infections and near perfect per-formance on all state and federal quality measures has yielded tremendous ben-efits for our patients.

“Unlike some other awards, Thomson Reuters does not provide ‘reputational’ recognition, but one that is earned based on transparent information available from the Centers for Medicare and Med-icaid Services (CMS) Hospital Compare and other public data sources, including outcomes,” Dr. Shabot continued. “Know-ing this should assure families that when their loved ones are admitted to a Memo-rial Hermann hospital, they will receive high quality care from a nationally recog-nized hospital.”

The Thomson Reuters 100 Top Hospi-tals® study evaluates performance in 10 areas: mortality; medical complications; patient safety; average patient stay; ex-penses; profitability; patient satisfaction; adherence to clinical standards of care; post-discharge mortality; and readmis-

sion rates for acute myocardial infarction (heart attack), heart failure, and pneumo-nia. The study has been conducted annu-ally since 1993.

To conduct the 100 Top Hospitals study, Thomson Reuters researchers eval-uated 2,886 short-term, acute care, non-federal hospitals. They used public infor-mation — Medicare cost reports, Medicare Provider Analysis and Review (MedPAR) data, and core measures and patient sat-isfaction data from the Centers for Medi-care and Medicaid Services (CMS) Hospi-tal Compare website.

Based on comparisons between the study winners and a peer group of similar high-volume hospitals that were not win-ners found that if all hospitals performed at the level of this year’s winners:

• More than 186,000 additional lives could be saved.

• Approximately 56,000 additional patients could be complication-free.

• More than $4.3 billion could be saved.

• The average patient stay would decrease by nearly half a day.

Thomson Reuters based the analy-sis on the Medicare patients included in the study. If the same standards were applied to all inpatients, the im-pact would be even greater.

More information on this study and other 100 Top Hospitals research is available at www.100tophospitals.com. For more information on Memorial Hermann, call 713.222.CARE (2273) or visit www.memorialhermann.org. H

Memorial Hermann Hospitals Named Amongthe Nation’s 100 Top Hospitals® by Thomson Reuters


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Thursday, April 5, 2012 • Knights of Columbus Hall

Pearland Chamber of CommerceBusiness Showcase Fever Taste of the Town

Melinda Torrison & Valerie Smith

Mary Graham & Debbie Jacob

Sally Mercer & Courtney Melo

Sherwin Sun & Linda Cowles

Karen Lowery

Jessica Kij, Susie Ainsworth & Lisa Fredrickson

Phillip “The Shoes” Pampolina

Joel Duchon

Michele Ayala & Jana Brodt

Claudia Garza & Jonathan AlvarezJoshua Hari, Lee Harris & Danny Soodeen


Medical Focus Memorial Hermann’s Exemplary Clinical Quality

Earns Place Among America’s 50 Best Hospitals Three Years Running

Achieving and maintaining exem-plary clinical quality has again placed Memorial Hermann among an elite group of U.S. hospitals in HealthGrades America’s 50 Best Hospitals rankings. For the third consecutive year, four campuses – Memorial Hermann North-west, Memorial Hermann Southeast, Memorial Hermann Southwest, and Memorial Hermann The Woodlands hospitals – have achieved risk-adjusted mortality and complication rates that were in the top 5 percent in the nation. The hospitals are the only Texas-based institutions on the list.

“This is an important clinical quali-ty distinction that we are proud of, and have worked hard to achieve,” said Dan Wolterman, Memorial Hermann presi-dent and CEO. “But it goes beyond the recognition. Hospitals that make this list have proven to patients that they will receive high-quality care. On aver-age, patients treated at America’s 50 Best Hospitals have nearly a 30% low-er risk of death - that translates into thousands of lives saved each year.”

“As our nation seeks to elevate the quality of care at all hospitals, these elite facilities provide a roadmap for success,” said Dr. Arshad Rahim, HealthGrades Director of Acceler-ated Clinical Excellence. “Consumers increasingly are demanding greater transparency and quality when select-ing healthcare providers. These hospi-tals are delivering. We commend them for their dedication to excellence in pa-tient care.”

HealthGrades compared the perfor-mance of America’s 50 Best Hospitals to all others and found:

• Collectively, during 2008 through 2010, these top hospitals had nearly

a 30% lower risk-adjusted mortality across 17 procedures and diagnoses.

• From 2008 through 2010, if all hospitals performed at the level of America’s Best Hospitals, nearly 180,000 Medicare deaths may have been prevented.

Additionally, clinical improvements at Memorial Hermann Memorial City Medical Center earned it a place on an expanded list of America’s Top 100 hos-pitals in the HealthGrades ratings.

Complete procedure-by-procedure comparisons of the HealthGrades Amer-ica’s 50 Best Hospitals and all others can


be found at HealthGrades.com. A com-prehensive methodology for this award and all HealthGrades hospital ratings and rankings is also available online.

In this year alone, Memorial Her-mann has been recognized by Thom-son Reuters as one of the top five large systems in the nation based on clinical quality and other factors, and also by HealthGrades as a Distinguished Hos-pital for Clinical Excellence. For more information on Memorial Hermann services and quality and safety awards, visit www.memorialhermann.org or call 713.222.CARE (2273). H

Four Hospitals Recognized for Sustained, Outstanding Clinical Performanceby HealthGrades®, the Leading Independent Healthcare Ratings Organization.

Senior Living guideAdvertorial


Trinity Oaks Assisted andIndependent Living Community:

Serving Pearland for Eleven Years

For the past eleven years, Trinity Oaks, an Assisted and Independent Living Community has proudly served the Pear-land senior community. However, few people know exactly what an assisted and independent living community has to offer senior adults.

Independent living communities are for seniors who no long want to manage the demands of a home but would rather enjoy a carefree lifestyle. Assisted living communities are for seniors who can no longer live independently in their homes, but they do not need the 24-hour nursing care that is provided in a nursing facility. Trinity Oaks offers services that are a bridge between home and a nursing facility by providing 3 meals a day 7-days a week, housekeeping, and assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as well-being checks, dressing assistance, bathing assistance, laun-dry services, medication management, scheduled activities, transportation to doctors appointments and area shopping.

Our assisted living residents choose from studio and one or two bedroom apartments offering a small kitchenette with a microwave and a cook-top in our one and two bedroom units. Residents will receive services tailored to meet their individ-ual needs.

Our independent living residents choose from a one or two bedroom apartment offering a full size kitchen, stackable wash-er and dryer, walk-in closet and 24-hour emergency pull cords.

Trinity Oaks is a small, faith-based community that feels like home. Our staff and residents are an extension of our family, and we are committed to assuring that each resident’s physi-cal, emotional and spiritual needs are met and that our commu-nity reflects the love and care that emanates from our Christian faith. For more information, visit www.trinitycare. H

Signs of Advanced VenousInsufficiency are Often

Noticed But Not “Noticed”

Most people associate “having a vein problem” with bulg-ing varicose veins and zig-zaggy spider veins. But, there are other very visible signs, such as skin discoloration around the ankles and purple feet, that go unchecked and untreat-ed because earlier warning signs of venous insufficiency – feelings of heaviness, tiredness, restlessness, cramping and achiness – were not recognized, allowing the condition to progress and worsen.

Venous insufficiency is a progressive medical condition in which the vein walls become stretched, causing the vein valves to function improperly. The valves act like gates, opening and closing as blood is pushed back up from the legs towards the heart. When vein walls are stretched, the “gates” can’t close properly, and blood begins flowing back-wards. Over time, pressure within the vein walls can build to a point where red blood cells come apart and the iron in the hemoglobin “stains” the delicate, thinner skin in the ankle area, causing it to turn brown or red. When circula-tion becomes this compromised in the ankle and cells are bursting, feet can turn purple. Discolored ankles and purple feet are very visible signs of advanced vein disease, but the good news is both are very treatable.

All it takes is a simple ultrasound to determine if venous insufficiency is present or not. If it is, today’s minimally invasive vein treatments target the source and are gentle, patient-friendly procedures with little to no downtime, im-mediate relief, rapid recovery times, and noticeable, proven results.

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Senior Living guide Advertorial


Trinity Oaks offers Independent and Assisted Living apartments that feel like home while providing the privacy and security you desire. We are committed to assuring our resident’s spiritual needs are met in a community that reflects the love and caring emanating from our Christian faith.

Independent Living• One or two bedroom apartments• Full kitchen, 3 meals daily• In-room washer and dryer

Assisted Living• Studio, one or

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Senior Living guideAdvertorial


At every milestone of my life I felt my mother’s eyes light up. And now that I have a family of my own I know what it means to be a Mom. So when my mom needed daily help with normal activities of living we chose The Hampton Pearland. The personal comfort, care and levels of service provided are up to Mom’s high standards – and mine, too. Now when I see Mom’s eyes light up I know it’s because she feels at home.

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Your story continues here...

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Brookdale Senior Living®, a leading national provider of a full spectrum of senior living services throughout the United States, operates 23 communi-ties in the Greater Houston area that provide seniors with the utmost in com-fort, hospitality and continuing care.

Brookdale communities are known for their signature programs that en-hance the quality of life for each resi-dent every day. Innovative Senior CareSM (ISC) provides on-site physical, occupational and speech therapy. ISC integrates proactive and reactive ser-vices to improve their health with com-prehensive rehabilitation, exercise and education program.

Optimum Life® is a bold new initia-tive that defines the way we live. By balancing six key dimensions of well-ness – purposeful, emotional, physical, social, spiritual and intellectual – Opti-mum Life helps residents live at their peak level, and within a lifestyle that promotes health, wholeness and fulfill-ment.

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HOT SHOTHigh SchoolBy Linda K. Eaves

Emerging Artist: Vivian Kirk

Vivian

P earland High School Senior Vivian Kirk won second place in the Emerging Artist Pro-

gram at the Bayou City Art Festival this year held on March 23rd-25th. This is Vivian’s first entry in the Bay-ou City Arts Festival held annually at Memorial Park in Houston. The festi-val features national and internation-al artists’ work in 18 media categories.

Her winning piece, The Followers, is a pâpier maché design of a series of elephants. “Elephants are my fa-vorite animal, and they are such in-telligent creatures, but the individual elephants in the piece are all inspired by my friends,” said Vivian. “I’m re-ally attached to them,” she admits with a laugh.

“I do mostly 3-D sculptures. I try to stick with plaster and clay as much as I can.” She was awarded a trophy and received a check for $150. Pearl-and High’s art program also received a check for $150.

Vivian says her mom, Karen, has a fairly large influence on just about

everything she does, and she’s one of her best friends. “She’s a crafty person.”

Vivian with one of The Followers at this year’s Bayou City Arts Festival.

Vivian says her mom, Karen, has a fairly large influence on just about every-thing she does, and she’s one of her best friends. “She’s a crafty person.”

Benjamin Stiles, Vivian’s art teacher at Pearland High said, “Vivian has the unique ability to express herself with abstract 2D colors and shapes, as well as through real-istic three-dimensional forms. Vivian has

definitely grown as an artist. Her sculptures, which often depict ani-mals, have grown larger and more elaborate regard-ing the surface decoration.”

He added, “She also uses different materials in both the armature, as well as the finishing surfaces. One of her earliest creations was a life-sized hawk. Though relatively elementary in form, the sculpture successfully in-corporates an intricate patchwork of various colors and textures of fabric.”

“Vivian’s latest creation – a se-ries of elephant sculptures entitled The Followers – is much more elabo-rate than her earlier work,” Stiles said. “The piece incorporates ex-pressive and colorful linear designs on the surface of 1/4 scale elephant sculptures. Though each elephant is unique, they complement each other quite well. I am glad to have taught Vivian and look forward to seeing her visual creations in the future.”

Not only is she artistically talent-ed, Vivian is musically talented as well. She plays the flute in the Pride of Pearland band. She plans to major in music and is looking into attend-ing the University of Houston. Her goal is to eventually become a band director.

In addition to participating in the performing and visual arts, Vivian is also a member of the Latin Club at Pearland High School. Congratu-lations and best of luck Vivian – in everything you do! H

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I n the early mornings of spring, I hear the birds chirping that were once silent, and the sun

emerges as a glimmer and then a pouring of gold through my window. Every year this happens, and the fact that I can count on certain things to just happen naturally is comfort-ing. I learned about spring from my Big Daddy and Nana. The first of the butterflies and the dragon ones would appear. I liked them both as a child, but the dragon ones used to make me nervous when they would land precariously on my arm. How did they know I was not a blade of grass? Big Daddy would just say, “Hold still little darling ... they won’t hurt you.” And, of course, I did.

One day, we were riding round and round the mountains of the Blue Ridge where the walls of the earth have opened up and streams a plenty pour non-stop and forever. We came to a special spot that I called “Mommy’s spot.” Big Daddy told me the story of how he and mama had been riding round and round and came across a great long, black snake. Big Daddy got out of the car and so did mama. He asked her, “Should I kill it?” I think back to how he raised me and her, and I now think it was a test. She replied, “No Daddy, let him live!” I know that is precisely what he wanted her to say. He was the one who told me that story and through the years together, we came across others whose lives we could have taken but chose not to do so.

Last spring on my front porch, my children and I discovered a snake. This snake had lots of personality as he squirmed into our front door wreath and looked inside the house at us, turning his head this way and that as we tapped at the glass. The plant-ers beside the door were filled with

Living the Sweet Life: By Alisa Murraywww.AlisaMurray.com

Nationally recognized portrait artistand award-winning columnist.

LIVE!

dirt and flowers and little did I realize what a nice nest it would make for a morning dove. Obviously, a young dove is quite new to this natural thing of “mothering.” It did not take long for us to figure out why this snake was so intrigued by our door! He would hold onto the wreath with his tail and sneak himself an egg when she flew off her nest. One night, Victoria Ann turned on the lights and dis-covered the snake in the dove’s nest with a baby in his mouth! This was a dreadful sight but also a wonder-ful opportunity to teach the laws of the universe. My children opened the door, and Brian batted at the snake with a broom trying to just get him to leave. The mother flew into our house and after flying into a picture and recovering, she took off out the back door! (For those of you who do not know it, there is NEVER a dull moment in our house!)

The mama dove never came back to her nest, and by the time we got her straight and out of our house, which by the way had three very intrigued cats watching, that sneaky snake had eaten her last baby! Now at first, the children wanted to know why we had not killed the snake. I asked each of them to think about what would have happened if we had killed “Sneaky Sam.” (Yes, after watching his antics in the door for a few days, they named him!) It did not take long for them to put together that they could not have saved the babies, and the snake was just trying to do what snakes do. “No Mama,” they replied, “Let him live!”

Happy Spring! Take Care of You!

Let Him


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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.

May & JuneFridays, 7 – 9 pmSummerfestBring family and friends and relax to the tunes of a live band! Kids can enjoy the splash pad and playground. A food vendor will be on-site or you can bring your own! Glass containers are prohibited. At Southdown Park, 2150 Countryplace Pkwy, Pearland. Visit www.pearlandparks.com/summerfest.html.

May 4th – 20th Pearland Theatre GuildCheaper by the Dozen The heart-warming classic tale of the large Gilbreth family is here. Tickets are $14-$16 with a special $10 Thursday on May 10th. Visit online box office for an opening weekend special! Visit www.PearlandTheatreGuild.com or call 713-340-2540.

E V E N T S

Submit your calendar events [email protected]

May 22nd Tuesday, 6:30 PM Pearland Theatre Guild Film Noir Social Mixer Night The social mixer features gourmet appetizers and refreshments. Vintageor cocktail dress suggested. Visit www.PearlandTheatreGuild.comor call 713-340-2540.

May 24thThursday, 4:30 – 6 pmSam Jamison Middle School 30th Anniversary CelebrationCelebrate three decades of excellence in education at Sam Jamison Middle School, 2506 Woody Road. Special events include recognition of the original principal, Robert Richter, who opened Sam Jamison in 1982 and led the campus until 2000. Richter served as a teacher, assistant principal, principal and assistant superintendent in Pearland Independent School District for 35 years before retiring. Call 281-412-1440.

things we

Mother & Father’s Day Gifts ONE CALL CLEANS IT ALLWhat Mom wouldn’t want to enjoy coming home to a sparkling, clean home! This Mother’s Day give your wife a week off from cleaning with A & A Cleaning Services. They are locally owned and operated for nearly 10 years and bonded and insured. One call cleans it all! Call A & A Cleaning Services at 281-489-8614.

SKIN FITNESS FOR HIM – EASY ANTI-AGING DAILY PROGRAMObtain and maintain youthful looking skin with Pevonia’s SkinFit professional treatment with potent repairing and rejuvenating benefits. Preserve an attractive, healthy complexion by integrating the home care concept in your daily ritual for only $35. SunCoast Plastic Surgery, 400 Parkwood Ave., Ste 116 in Friendswood. Call 832-398-0112; www.SunCoastPlasticSurgery.net.

A TIME TO RENEW KIT FOR MOMThis kit contains everything to “renew” mom for only $65! The Rejuvenating Serum encourages healthy skin function and renewal, the EyeXcellence reduces fine lines, puffiness and dark circles while the Peptide Lip Therapy improves overall lip health and appearance by rebuilding collagen for increased strength, resiliency and moisture retention. Divinity Med Spa + Wellness, 400 W. Parkwood, Suite 116 in Friendswood. Call 281-993-4999; www.DivinityMedSpa.com.

SPOIL MOM!Moms love to feel good and look great! Designer handbags, jewelry and fashion to give every woman a boost of glamour! Gifts worth giving at Brooke’s Boutique. Located at 8209 Broadway, Suite 106, Pearland. Call 291-997-1001; www.BrookesBoutiquePearland.com.

TREAT LIFESTYLES WITH EYESTYLESSunglasses make a great gift for Mom or Dad! Receive 20% off any pair of sunglasses, with or without prescription. Not to be used in conjunction with insurance. Eye Styles, Dr. Melanie Melançon, 10555 Pearland Parkway at Beltway 8 next to Subway. Call 713-991-5522; www.PearlandEyeStyles.com.


pearland magazine • May/June 2012 48 pearland magazine • May/June 2012 48

A Remembrance of the Un-Named Great Storm of 1915

Throughout the history of Pear-land, tropical hurricanes have always been a danger that looms

over us every year from June through October. The 1900 storm still stands as the worst natural disaster to ever hit this country when approximately 8,000 people lost their lives in Galveston. That storm had quite an impact on Pearland also. Al-though no lives were lost, crops and houses were destroyed, and many families picked up stakes and returned to the mid-west. The school population went from approxi-mately 100 students to a little over 30.

However, when you read Mrs. Emma Coppinger’s and Mrs. Julia Hunter’s writ-ten histories, the storm of 1915 did even

years, Pearland high school students were bused to Webster.

Among the family histories in the Pear-land Historical Society’s files is the family history of the Sipple/Geyer family.

more damage in Pearland than the 1900 storm. The brand new, two story brick school which was built in 1912, and of which the residents were so proud, had the 2nd floor blown away. For the next 22

After the 1915 storm, Andrew and Lottie brought their family in to town to a house which was on Walnut Street. In 1919, Marie married Virgil Keneaster of Mykawa. The Geyers and Keneasters bought two houses at the corner of Walnut Street and Washington Avenue. The corner is presently the site of the V.F.W. Lodge.”

Many of us have stories about the damages from Hurricane Ike, and no doubt, Pearland in the future will have many more hurricanes. Let’s hope none will have the impact on Pearland as did the un-named storm of 1915. H

Historically Pearland By John D. “Mickey” Mark, President – Pearland Historical Society

Pearland school prior to the 1915 storm. Pearland school after the 1915 storm.

Included in the family history is the following first-hand story of then 10 year-old Nellie Sipple’s remembrance of the 1915 storm:

“Occasionally, something happens during one’s childhood that leaves an impression so vivid that ever after during his lifetime, a person can remember each little thing that happened.

So it was with me and the 1915 hurricane which swept across the Texas Gulf Coast country when I was ten years old. I was next to the oldest of five children. My baby sister was three weeks and three days old. We lived on a farm two and one-half miles from Pearland. It was August 16, 1915. The wind had been blowing a gale all day. Dad came home from town in the afternoon and said there was going to be a storm, and he was afraid that our house would not be safe. It was a one and one-half story house with a steep roof. Before dark, we all moved to the barn. We stayed there awhile when the barn began to leak, and we were all getting wet, so we went back to the house. We put on dry clothes and lay down for a little while. The house was rocking back and forth. Dad crawled out a window and found that the foundation was cracking. In a flash of lightning, we saw that the barn was gone.

The next building where we could go was the chicken house. It was a shed with no floor. Dad took us to the chicken house in two trips. My Mother, the baby and I were the last to go with him. The wind was so strong that we were wrenched loose from him and lost for a few moments. We finally made it to the chicken house where we lay down on some quilts. Soon Dad yelled, “Lay down every-

body,” and the chicken house flew away and left us out in the open. Dad had an old-fashioned work bench nearby which had some

heavy tools, such as a vice and anvil, attached to the top. The bench was boarded down the back. I don’t know how he did it, but he turned the bench around with the back to the wind, and we crawled under it. There we stayed until daylight. By morning, we were sitting in water up around our waists.

As soon as it was light, Dad went to the nearest farm, which was a quarter of a mile away, for help. The wind was still blowing a gale. There were some young men at that farm, and they came to help us. They took the baby on ahead of us for we could scarcely walk against the wind. It was raining hard, and I can still remember how the rain and wind stung our legs. My Mother had the baby wrapped in a fur coat all night. They were afraid to unwrap her as they thought surely she would be dead. Finally, they did unwrap her, and she was just fine.

We were the only living things on that farm the next morning after the storm. All of the livestock were drowned; the house was lying on one side of the roof. All of the other buildings were gone. The fences and the corn in the field were lying flat. I am sure that God took care of us that night, and we are alive because of His care. During the long night not one of the children complained. Near the morning, the four-year-old girl said, “I’m hungry.” The beans my Mother cooked at the neighbors the next day were the best beans I have ever eaten.

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West Pearland

ALL of our doctors wiLL see you now.

Memorial Hermann Medical Group is a uniquely advanced team of primary care physicians and specialists. Our singular focus is to practice evidence-based medicine while delivering the highest level of collaborative, quality patient-centered care.

Call 713.222.CARE or visit mhmedicalgroup.org to schedule an appointment or learn more about Memorial Hermann Medical Group Pearland and West Pearland.

MHMG Pearland3203 East BroadwaySuite 100Pearland, TX 77581 281.485.8876

MHMG West Pearland10905 Memorial Hermann DriveSuite 200Pearland, TX 77584 713.383.4950

Memorial Hermann Medical Group benefits:

•ScheduleNowprovidessimpleandfreeonlineappointment scheduling.

•ElectronicMedicalRecordsletyourdoctorinstantlyview yourmedicalrecords,includingtestresultsand medications,toensureyourcoordinated,optimalcare.

•PatientPortalgivesyouaccesstoyourchartinformation, allowingyoutoactivelymonitoryourhealth,schedule appointmentsandcommunicatedirectlywithyourdoctor.

mhmedicalgroup.org

• Coolsculpting Non-Surgical Fat Reduction

• Laser Hair Removal In ALL Skin Types

• Fraxel Skin Resurfacing

• Photo facial with Sciton BBL

• Botox & Dermal Fillers

• Ideal Protein Weight Loss

• Bio-Identical Hormone Therapy

• Thyroid & Adrenal Issues

• Facial & Chemical Peels

Look DivineFeel Divine

400 W. Parkwood, Suite 116, Friendswood, TX

www.DivinityMedSpa.com • 281.993.4999

Medical Director: Swet Chaudhari, MD

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may/june 2012 - pearland focus magazine - people • places • happenings

Documents

camp primrose

cancer center

md andersonin

summer camp

accredited chest pain

pearland magazine mayjune

pearland seniors

com mayjune