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Karen Young’s Writing Journey Brings Her Home What’s Inside
• Home is Where Your Heart is • Financial Focus • Seen on the Scene $2.95
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20 American Society of Interior Designers have come together to create a one-of-a-kind show home in Sienna Plantation. Fully furnished and loaded with new ideas, design and state-of-the-art appliances and technology features. Tickets are $15 at the door or www.siennaplantation.com Open Tuesday thru Saturday from 10 am to 4pm and Sunday from noon to 4pm. Private group tours and mini seminars featuring the ASID designer team are available. Check the website for details. When you are in Sienna to see the ASID show home—stay and tour 11 more beautifully furnished model homes. Maps will be available.
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Family Festival APrIL 9 Shopping . Dragon Boat Challenge Asian Cuisine . Cultural Performances Kid’s Zone . Professional Kite Flying
incrediBle Builder incentives TOUR OUR new marina & new model homes. Join us on our new marina for the EdgEwatEr Dragon Boat challEngE! Fun for the whole family, as you enjoy the day watching the boat races, touring our new model homes, and discovering beautiful edgewater. Come soak in all the perks of living in the Bay Area’s most anticipated community on Clear Lake.
edgewater Builers
Edgewater features luxury homes by Newmark Homes and Coventry Homes from the $250’s to the high $300’s. Village Builders will unveil their long awaited new Edgewater townhomes in April so stay tuned for more details. And, DR Horton will introduce a new neighborhood in Edgewater this summer featuring homes from the $170’s.
the edgewater marina The focal point of Edgewater is its marina. Designed to accommodate powerboats as large as 50 feet, the Edgewater Marina offers convenient access to Clear Lake, Galveston Bay, and the Gulf of Mexico. The marina will serve as a gateway to daylong or extended cruises thus reducing boat owners commute on every trip to their boat— a commute that can be reduced even further by owning a home in the water-oriented community.
location, location, location Edgewater is conveniently located off of Interstate 45 South and the NASA Parkway Bypass. The main
thoroughfare leading to the Johnson Space Center and Space Center Houston, the NASA Parkway Bypass is a 2.7-mile connector between Interstate 45 and NASA Parkway that sidesteps traffic at the Interstate 45 and NASA Parkway intersection, providing residents uninterrupted access to and from Edgewater. Edgewater is a short drive from metropolitan services and employment, shopping, dining and recreational centers. The Master-Planned Community will feature upscale single-family homes, luxury town homes, private canals, a marina and a town center with retail, commercial and residential components. For more information about Edgewater, visit www.edgewaterwebster.com.
aBout Johnson development corporation The Johnson Development Corporation is an awardwinning residential and commercial land development company involved in premier projects including masterplanned communities such as Sienna Plantation, Fall Creek, Riverstone,Woodforest,Tuscan Lakes, Edgewater and Silverlake in Houston,Texas, and Towne Lake, BridgeMill and Lake Arrowhead in Atlanta, Georgia. Established in 1975, known for innovative master planning and, today, one of the largest and most successful land developers in both Houston and Atlanta,The Johnson Development Corporation has cultivated a strong reputation for vibrant, responsible development, with impeccably designed communities. For more information, visit www.johnsondevelopment.com.
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The Pearland Back and Neck Clinic We Treat Adults with Acute and Chronic Back, Neck, Cancer, RSD and Other Pain Symptoms.
Abraham G. Thomas, M.D.
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Dr. Thomas is certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology in anesthesiology and he also has a Subspecialty Pain Medicine certification from the American Board of Medical Specialties.
Learn About Treatment Options
Medical Director
He completed an internship in internal medicine, his residency in anesthesiology and fellowship in pain medicine at the UT Health Science Center Medical School at Houston, Department of Anesthesiology. Dr. Thomas graduated in 1991 from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Medical School.
Dr. Thomas has been in practice for 14 years.
The Pearland Back and Neck Clinic
10905 Memorial Hermann Dr., Ste 203 Pearland, TX 77584
713-340-3131 Fax: 713-797-1601
ack and neck pain are two leading causes of lost work days, discomfort, and lack of function in a very large segment of the U.S. population. Chronic and acute back and neck pain can lead to impairment of physical, work, and social functions, as well as psychological and financial distress.
The good news is that there are often medical treatments for these problems that do not require major surgical intervention. These treatments range from simple exercise, diet changes, physical therapy, traction, medical management to nerve blocks, joint blocks, epidural injections, spinal cord stimulators and pain pumps. All of these can play a role in managing and effectively treating acute and chronic back and neck conditions.
Minimizing Pain and Maximizing Function Our typical patient is an adult suffering from lower back or neck pain that may travel to their arms or legs. After a comprehensive history and physical exam, and after reviewing any imaging studies or other diagnostic studies, the doctor will recommend a course of action. This can range from therapy, medical advice or referral to another medical specialty; cortisone injections, or if the problem is particularly severe, implantable devices or even surgery. A multitude of options are possible, but most patients choose to get a series of epidural steroid injections or similar procedures under x-ray guidance with light suction. These are usually done in our procedure suite or in the outpatient hospital setting. Pain is a very complex condition that requires good medical diagnosis and treatment. At the Pearland Back and Neck Clinic, we specialize in tackling the problem in a logical medical manner.
We accept all major insurance carriers, worker’s compensation and Medicare.
Three other locations to serve you: • The Back and Neck Clinic of Houston • The Katy Back and Neck Clinic • The Sugar Land Back and Neck Clinic
Please call today to schedule an appointment
281-340-3131 Visit us at
backandnecks.com
Saturday, April 2nd, 10 am - 2 pm
A charitable fund-raiser event with family activities including: Moonwalks
Pony Rides
Face Painting
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Child Safety Demos
Food & Much More
Primrose School of Pearland 2350 County Rd 94 | Pearland, TX 77584 | 713.436.4120 www.primrosepearland.com
P E A R L A N D
Ma r c h
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Ap r i l
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COVER STORY 8 Karen Young’s Writing Journey Brings Her Home With 36 novels under her belt, Karen Young has invented – and reinvented – her path to success. Learn about her journey to becoming a best-selling author, and finally, finding a place to call home.
features 11 Melanie Glaze Takes a Victory Lap with Relay For Life of Pearland 21 Home Is Where Your Heart Is • Edgewater to Host Dragon Boat Challenge April 9th in the Marina • Pearland Florist
• Sam Houston Equestrian Center • The Designer’s Niche • Premier Pools & Spa • Five Star Floors • Garden Guy • Chalmette Ray, Real Estate Consultant • Bay Area Kitchens
29 Financial Focus • Are You Ready For Some Financial Football?! • The Word on IRAs from Heritage Bank • 5 Smart Things to Do with Your Tax Refund
departments 12 14 16 17 19 26 28 28 32
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Focus on Finance High School Hot Shot Seen on the Scene Pearland Headliners New Neighbor Community Calendar Focus Favorites - NEW Medical Focus - NEW Historically Pearland
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P E A R L A N D
ublisher’s Preview www.pearlandfocus.com
Dear Pearland Friends, Spring is on its way - no more freezing temperatures and the resulting brown yards! In March, we celebrate the arrival of warmer temperatures and the greening of Pearland. It is always a lift to the spirit. In this issue of Pearland Focus, we feature one of Pearland’s own on the cover. Karen Young is more than a writer - she is a storyteller. She is an award-winning, best-selling author of everything from romance novels to intriguing mysteries. Follow her journey from a novel idea to a published work. Also, see a sneak peek of her latest inspirational novel scheduled to be published this September. Find out about the Dragon Boat Challenge happening in the new Webster development of Edgewater. This boat race will be held on April 9th in the newly completed Edgewater marina. Edgewater is a new, water-oriented community featuring upscale single family homes and is located in Webster along Clear Creek. Another event in April is the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life of Pearland. Melanie Glaze tells about her cancer experience and her involvement in the race. Cancer affects all of us, either personally or through our friends and relatives. Read about how to get involved in this truly meaningful event. Historically Pearland focuses on the fruit that really brought the most prosperity to Pearland. It’s not what you think!
March/April 2011 Vol. 2 No. 2 4655 Techniplex Dr. Suite 400 Stafford,TX 77477 To advertise call April Lambert, Jessica Kij and Mimi Quinn.
And, tax time is upon us. For those of you lucky enough to get a refund, check out our five smart things to do with your new found fortune. A reminder to send in your wedding profiles and pictures for our May/June issue. Everyone loves a good wedding, as evidenced in our great response from our January wedding issue. It’s easy - just go to www.pearlandfocus.com and click on the wedding button to share your joyous occasion with our readers. As always, be sure to send us your article ideas, community highlights and celebrations. We welcome your feedback as well. Please contact us at editor@pearlandfocus.com, 281690-4242 or www.pearlandfocus.com Stay Focused!
Jessica Kij
Associate Publisher Email: editor@pearlandfocus.com
Real Weddings Coming May/June Issue
Deadline for submission: April 15th
Submit your wedding for consideration in our upcoming wedding section “Real Weddings” to be published in our May/June 2011 issue. If you or your children have recently married and you would like to submit your wedding, all you need is at least eight photos of the ceremony and/or reception. It doesn’t matter where the wedding took place as long as it was in the last year. You or your parent/s must reside in Pearland or Manvel. Fill out the “wedding form” at www.PearlandFocus. com and email photos to grace@ fortbendfocus.com. Photographers are welcome to submit photos.
pearland
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281-690-4242
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PUBLISHERS Michael Fredrickson Lisa Fredrickson MANAGING EDITOR Patti Parish-Kaminski ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Jessica Kij ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES April Lambert Mimi Quinn OFFICE MANAGER Norma Loredo CONTRIBUTORS Melinda Wood Jenny Brannon John D. “Mickey” Mark Lauren Dante Linda Eaves ART DIRECTOR Grace Belleza ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR Joey Belleza GRAPHIC DESIGNER Elizabeth Pace EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Lauren Dante WEB DESIGNER Joey Belleza (JOBpagegraphics.com) ON THE COVER KAREN YOUNG PHOTO BY ALISA MURRAY PHOTOGRAPHY The views and opinions expressed by our advertisers and columnists do not necessarily reflect those of the publishers and their staff. c 2011
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Author Karen Young’s Writing Journey Brings Her Home By Melinda Wood Photo by Alisa Murray Photography
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here’s a quiet cul-de-sac in Pearland where characters come alive and stories are born. Scorned wives, missing children and reformed men all find themselves in the middle of a mystery at the flick of a pen. The keeper of their stars is more than a writer; she’s a storyteller. Karen Young has breathed life into characters since 1983 when she wrote her first romance novel in just four months. Almost three decades later, Young is an award-winning, best-selling author with 36 novels under her belt. Through the years, Young has written everything from traditional romances to mysteries. pearland
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In her latest novels, Young travels into new territory by delving into Christian fiction after a short-lived retirement – a move that she is very excited about. “I reached a point where I think my publisher thought I was getting older, and they felt they should be promoting younger authors,” Young said. “So I thought, okay, I’ve had a successful career. Retirement should be okay. I thought I could find something to do with my time.” She continued with a laugh, “Well, retirement lasted three months.” During her brush with retirement, Young became very active in her church and enjoyed the intellectual and spiritual learning that her Bible study class provided her. Also, throughout this time, she couldn’t stop thinking of book ideas. In particular, a kidnapping plot kept coming back to her. “I was at a book signing for a friend who is also an author,” Young said. “Through talking with her that day, she said I should try writing Christian fiction. The market for the genre had exploded and publishers were looking for writers. I thought to myself, I can do that, and I remembered the kidnapping story I wanted to write.” Excited about the idea, Young wrote a proposal for the story with a Christian element added in and sent it to her agent. Her agent responded saying that she didn’t want to go there. Disappointed, Young pressed on and sent the proposal to a Christian literary agent named Wendy Lawton. “She told me she was on her way to a conference and would respond to me in a few days, which was pretty standard,” Young said. “But the next morning, I opened my e-mail and she had responded at 3 a.m. that she loved it.” Lawton took the book proposal to a conference in Atlanta and it received four bids. Young ended up signing a threebook deal with Simon & Schuster. The first book, Blood Bayou, came out in 2009. Her kidnapping story, Missing Max, came out this past July. Both have received rave reviews and have quickly become fan favorites. As Young puts the finishing touches on her third Christian book, Lie for Me, she can’t help but realize how much she loves writing this genre. “I wish I had started writing Christian fiction ten years ago,” she shared. “It’s just so fulfilling and purposeful.”
“I didn’t know much about writing. I had never taken a course. I didn’t know anything about editors. I think I just had a gift for writing.” After learning about her successful writing career, it’s hard to believe that Young didn’t always aspire to be an author. “I’m not someone who had a specific career goal. I married young, and my husband had a demanding job that made us move around a lot.” In each new town that Young and her husband moved to, she usually found a job working as a secretary for lawyers, businessmen and doctors. From Japan,
Boston and everywhere in between, Young didn’t mind moving around much until she had to leave a job working at City Hall in New Orleans. She realized that she would not be able to build a career as long as they kept moving. “We had moved 20 times by the time I wrote my first book,” Young said. “We were living in New Orleans when my husband said we had to move again. I didn’t want to because I had a very interesting job working for politicians at City Hall. But, we moved to Ohio.” She continued, “I had reached a point in my evolution where I wasn’t satisfied. I couldn’t have a career. My husband said to me ‘You need a job where it wouldn’t matter if we moved.’ I told him that I thought I could maybe write a book.”
Karen Young with her third grade teacher, taken at a signing for Missing Max. “Teachers don’t always know how influential they can be. When I was in the 3rd grade, Mrs. Saliba recognized my love for books. She encouraged me by going out of the school room and bringing extra books for me to read. Anne of Green Gables was one of them. When I saw her at my hometown signing, it was a tremendous joy and surprise that, in her 90’s, she showed up and I had an opportunity to thank her,” said Karen.
Karen Young (in the middle with long orange necklace) with friends from high school. They turn out every year when she has a signing. Continued on page 10 www.pearland
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Continued from page 9
The next day, her husband came home with a typewriter, and she wrote her first book in four months. “Sometimes I wonder if I would ever have done it if my husband hadn’t bought me a typewriter,” Young said. “I didn’t know much about writing. I had never taken a course. I didn’t know anything about editors. I think I just had a gift for writing.” Young submitted her first manuscript to Silhouette Books. A few weeks later, an editor
Karen Young with her brother Charles Young and sister Sally Farris. All three live on the same cul-de-sac in Pearland. “I am very, very close to my family. They bring me such joy. I just love being around them,” said Karen.
called and told Young they wanted to buy her book. Young had finally found her niche. She kept writing, and, after hiring an agent, Karen’s career took off. “All of this I consider a gift,” she said. “It’s unusual how I got started. I know many writers who try to get published. I just had a knack for telling stories. People will ask me how I come up with my ideas. My answer to that is, it’s in my DNA. It’s a God-given gift, and I am grateful.” Young hopes to continue using her gift for a while. “I’m easily bored. Once I started writing, I was never bored again. It was endearing. I’ll keep writing as long as I can come up with the right stories. I just can’t give it up yet. I now want my books to have a spiritual message, an element of faith.” After her husband passed away ten years ago, Young found a permanent home in Pearland tucked away in a peaceful neighborhood with her cat Astro and her dog Sophie who also doubles as her shadow. Her sister, as well as her brother and his wife, live just a couple of houses down. It is here that her characters are born, and hopefully, for fans of her work, many more will be born in the future. PFM
Karen Young
Karen Young’s Newest Inspirational Book: Lie for Me Karen Young’s new book, Lie for Me, is scheduled for release in September. Here’s a sneak peek at her latest inspirational novel. HOW FAR WOULD YOU GO TO HELP SOMEONE YOU LOVED? Lauren Holloway had it all. Her career as an educator was on a fast track to the top. She was engaged to marry Tucker Kane, the man of her dreams. She would be a mom to his young daughter, Kristy. Plans were finalized for the home they would share. But her life was forever changed one rainy night by a horrific crime. HOW MUCH CAN YOU ASK OF SOMEONE YOU LOVE? Tucker Kane’s divorce ended his troubled marriage, but he was plunged into a bitter battle for custody of his little girl. And then love intervened. He met Lauren. At last, he knew the meaning of true happiness…until his ex-wife was murdered. Now the police— and most everybody else-are convinced that he is the killer. And without an alibi, how can he prove he didn’t…unless Lauren will lie for him. IS IT ALWAYS WRONG TO LIE? Someone is plotting. Someone is scheming. And while the police focus on Tucker, someone is free to kill again. In addition to finishing Lie for Me, Young is currently touring churches and speaking to women’s groups, book clubs and mission groups about her “crossing over” to the inspirational side of writing after having a long and successful career writing mainstream books. For more information about Young or her books, visit www.karenyoung.net.
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Melanie Glaze
Takes a Victory Lap with Relay For Life of Pearland By Melinda Wood
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ach year in Pearland, the community comes together to fight back against cancer through the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life of Pearland. Starting at 6 p.m. on April 29th and ending at 6 a.m. on April 30th, the event reminds us that cancer never sleeps. For cancer survivor, Melanie Glaze, Relay for Life and the mission of the American Cancer Society hold special meaning. “When I was going through treatment, I was unaware of all the services the American Cancer Society provides,” Glaze starts. “That’s why I want to get the word out. I didn’t know I could get rides to my appointments. I didn’t know about all the research being done. This information needs to get out there. There are people out there who need these services.” Glaze’s journey with cancer began 16 years ago when she was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. “I remember I dropped my son off at first grade, and that night I was in ICU,” Glaze recalls. “They did a biopsy, and they told me I had cancer.” Glaze had a tumor above her heart and another wrapped around her windpipe. After having radiation five days a week for five months, Glaze won her battle with cancer and has been in remission for 16 years. Looking back, Glaze doesn’t think she could have made it through her treatment without her family. She participates in Relay for Life because she knows not every cancer patient has the support she was fortunate enough to have. “I relay because it’s important to get out there and help the community,” she starts. “I was fortunate. I had insurance and family support. I know a lot of people who don’t, and that’s where the American Cancer Society comes into play.” She continues, “The Society helps by researching new treatment medicine. They can offer rides to appointments through Road to Recovery. They also have educational opportunities.” Glaze, this year’s sponsorship chair, explains there are many ways to get involved with Relay for Life of Pearland and urges interested individuals to visit relayforlife.org to learn more. On the website, individuals can form a team to raise money for Relay for Life. They can purchase luminarias in honor or in memory of a loved one. The committee is also still www.pearland
Melanie Glaze with her son.
Melanie Glaze, bottom row left, with her Cuffing Cancer team.
looking for area sponsors and volunteers for the event. But most importantly, Glaze encourages everyone to “come out and be a part of it.” Guests at the Relay for Life of Pearland can expect several activities including live music, great food, raffle items and a volleyball competition. Mayor Tom Reid will be on hand along with cancer survivors who will be recognized during the first lap of the night with their caregivers joining them for the second. Glaze is excited about this year’s event and knows this is where she belongs. “I don’t take anything for granted. I live every day thanking God that I’m still here. That’s why I relay,” she says. Don’t miss this year’s Relay for Life of Pearland starting at 6 p.m. on April 29th at Prensner Stadium located at 2314 Old Alvin Road. For more information, visit www.relayforlife.org. ★
.com • March/April 2011
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year, and decide if that’s acceptable or if you need to try harder in the coming year. Do the same with assets. Understand how your money is working for you, and try to determine if it should be working harder. • Budget Get an idea of what you’ve been spending your money on. If your spending doesn’t match your priorities, fine tune your budget to help you get the most out of your income. • Re-evaluate Your Goals Revisit the financial goals you made in the last annual meeting. Are you moving toward those goals? Do those goals still matter to you? Are there other short-term or long-term goals you might wish to discuss? • Find Your Vulnerability Find the weak links on your financial armor. Do you have too much debt? Is your revenue source (jobs, income) secure? Do you have insufficient income to cover your spending? Just identifying these weaknesses can help you avoid some pitfalls. But you should also talk about
how you can strengthen these areas and incorporate these strategies into your financial goals. • Day-to-day Responsibilities Is the division of responsibilities that you made still practical? Is it working out, or does one person feel overburdened? • Learning About Yourself What have you learned about yourself regarding financial matters over the last year? Sharing your attitudes toward money with each other may help you understand how to better manage your finances. This article is brought to you by a partnership between Visa and Texas First Bank, and was authored by Jason Alderman, who directs Visa’s financial education programs. This article is intended to provide general information and should not be considered tax or financial advice. It’s always a good idea to consult a tax or financial advisor for specific information on how tax laws apply to you and about your individual financial situation. For more information, follow Texas First Bank on Facebook, Twitter and You Tube or visit us at www.texasfirstbank.com.
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High School HOT SHOT Marching Forward
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un as well as hard work is how senior Mehraz Uddin describes his experience in the “Pride of Pearland” marching band. Since 2009, he has been drill instructor and section leader. “Being in band builds character, enables friendships and teaches one how to think and work through problems,” he says. Mehraz plays the alto saxophone, and during his career at Pearland High, he earned ones in the Solo and Ensemble competitions and received the Director’s Award and Best Musician Award. He has led the Pearland High’s marching band at football games and major competitions. “This year, the band did well,” he said. The band placed first at the Galena Park Competition, 18th in the Bands of America and placed 21st out of 215 bands in the state marching competition. “That’s pretty impressive.” The state marching band competition was a memorable experience for Mehraz. “When I stepped out onto the field, I was really emotional. There were a lot of people. It’s something I’ve worked four years to try to achieve with the whole band. So, it was really special that I could do that with this group who are basically my family and I’ve known for such a long time. It was really great, and I was very proud of the band,” he said. In the Future Problem Solvers Program, he was a state qualifier where he did research and competed to solve a problem on a focused topic, such as global
Mehraz
warming. He’s also a member of National Honor Society, National Society of High School Scholars and Parliamentarian of Science National Honor Society. With band, school activities and studying, Mehraz still manages to carve time out of his busy schedule to volunteer in the community. He volunteers often at the Pearland Muslim Center. He is vice president of MSA (Muslim Students of America). The group works on projects to benefit the Pearland community, such as Habitat for Humanity. In regards to balancing school, band and other activities, he says, “It’s a lot to handle. You really have to learn how to prioritize and know how long you need to do something Band takes up a lot of time, and you really need to know what you need to do at all times.” Ranked in the top four percent of his class, Mehraz’s favorite subject is biology, which he would like to major in at his top choice of schools, the University of Houston. After graduation from college and an internship, he would like to be a dentist. “Life’s not easy. The main thing you can do is try to persevere through everything because when you face adversity, it just brings the best out in you,” says Mehraz. “You need to relish that and try to be the best that you can be.” ★
“Life’s not easy. The main thing you can do is try to persevere through everything because when you face adversity, it just brings the best out in you,” says Mehraz. pearland
magazine • March/April 2011
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Guadalupe
RIVERFRONT DUPLEX
Each duplex can accommodate four adults and four children or rent both for groups. More pictures at
RioRatonDuplex.com book at
832-788-2294
www.pearland
.com • March/April 2011
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Adult Reading Center’s
1st Annual Links to Literacy Golf Tournament Monday, November 1, 2010 • Country Place Golf Club
Scott Sherman, Barb Lindberg, Joe Barath & Brian Wintersteen
Amanda Winson & Amanda Fittge
Josh Hundley, Rick Laughlin, John Hundley & Brock Bihm
Mickey Owens & Brett Upton
Brian Clancy & Norris Brown
Roberto Alvarez & Peter Mclauchlan
Dave Johnson & Bryan Johnson
Nina Hayden, Carol Keeney, Desiree Irby & Tonia Randon
Austin Alvarez & Charlie Hall
Steve Weaver, Michael Jordan & Daniel Herrera
Duane Greer & Ken Mills
Matt Smith & Jeff West
Bobby Sumrow & Brian Neilsen
Shanna Pillow, Kaiden Neisig, Mayor Tom Reid & Dale Pillow
Rick Miller, Mark Rash, Ray Miller & Ray Bergeron
Scott Sherman, Steve Saboe, Dale Pillow & Greg Saboe
PEARLAND
HEADLINERS Send your news via www.PearlandFocus.com. All submissions are subject to the publisher’s approval, editing and space availability.
Informed Patients Choose Board Certified Podiatrist
Mona Chavarria is Awarded Adult Education Volunteer of the Year On Thursday, February 3, 2011, Mona Chavarria, owner of A & A Cleaning Services, received the Adult Education Volunteer of the Year Award from the Texas Association for Literacy and Adult Education (TALAE) which honored Chavarria for her work in adult literacy with the Adult Reading Center in Pearland. Nominated by Adult Reading Center Executive Director, Dale Pillow, Chavarria was chosen as Adult Education Volunteer of the Year from a large pool of literacy volunteers across the state of Texas. “Mona Chavarria exemplifies the term volunteer.” Pillow stated. “She is committed to making our community a literate community.” “I am so honored to receive the Adult Education Volunteer of the Year Award,” said Mona Chavarria. “Literacy is my passion. It makes such a strong impact, not only in an individual’s life, but in the community as a whole. It has the ability to make dreams come true.” Chavarria has been involved in literacy for over 15 years. She worked at the Houston READ Commission for over 11 years in their Finance Department functioning as the CFO. Chavarria has also served on the Adult Reading Center’s Board of Directors for 5 years, as the Board President for 2 years and is currently the Board Treasurer. Chavarria has served as pastChairwoman of the Adult Reading Center’s Annual Red Hat Literacy Luncheon. She is a sponsor each year, and she has increased the visibility of this event and the Center through her social network which includes being an Ambassador for the Pearland Chamber of Commerce and serving on their Board of Directors. In addition to the Adult Education Volunteer of the Year Award, on January 27, 2011 Chavarria’s company A & A Cleaning Service was awarded “Best Cleaning Service in Pearland/Friendswood” from The Pearland Journal. For more information on the Adult Reading Center, call 281-485-1000 or visit them at www.adultreadingcenter.com. Headliners continued on page 28
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www.allaboutkids3806.com allaboutkids3806@att.net .com • March/April 2011
Before & After School Hot Lunches & Snacks Infants to School Age Low Teacher to Student Ratio State Licensed
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Daycare www.pearland
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281-692-9420
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Women in Leadership Society
WLS Bunko Fiesta Sunday, January 16, 2011 • Knights of Columbus Hall
Sydney Johnson & Donna Rizzo
Janice Eisen & Teresa Olson
Gloria Dearth, Erin Steel, Denise Holcomb & Amy Matejek
Susan Lenamon & Cheryl Stavins
Deanna Johnson & Melissa Pace
Kandas Babb & Kay Beicker
Betty Baxter & Sharon Hernandez
Ofelia Houle, Hazel Forsyth & Freddy Hernandez
Nancy Garcia & Kim Edmonsond
Barbara Dillon & Peggy Hutto
Sharon Satterfield, Rosalyn Randle & Peggy Matocha
Tamsen Oglesby, Ellen Frascino & Doris Koteek
Ireen Smith, Edna Smith & Dorothy Clark
Julia Rhodes, Janice Eisen & Robbie Crump
Shirley Britt & Brenda Kennedy
Madison Ford & Nicole Mingarelli
CeCe Talbott & Gabby Ordeneaux
Lynda King & Jeanine Ehmling
PEARLAND NEW NEIGHBOR Try Authentic Thai Food at Lotus Café & Grill
Hair Salon & Day Spa Offering exceptional hair, face, body and nail services featuring products such as Bumble and Bumble, Pevonia & Jane Iredale.
We would first like to thank the Pearland community for allowing us to join the neighborhood. As Pearland prides itself on being a family friendly community, we at Lotus Café & Grill also take the same pride in our establishment. As a family owned and operated restaurant, we’re able to have a special relationship with our customers versus a major chain restaurant. When you walk in, we want you to feel comfortable like you’re a part of our family. Our food is authentic Thai food made from the freshest ingredients. With our traditional Thai cooking, we bring diversity to Pearland. Our chef is from Thailand herself with over 30 years of experience. Our menu includes a variety of common Thai dishes like Papaya salad and Pad Thai to our more adventurous dishes which include Amok Artichoke to the savory Kink Noy. Lotus Café & Grill serves a variety of Asian beverages from our House Special Thai Tea to Soybean Milk. Our traditional Thai desserts include sweet sticky rice with coconut custard and Asian pumpkin with custard that will surely satisfy your sweet cravings. We are located on Pearland Parkway right across from Heritage Bank. Please follow us on our Facebook or Twitter account for daily specials. From our family to yours, we would like to thank the Pearland community again for their hospitality. H
Haircuts and Coloring Special Occasion Up Do’s Waxing Eyebrow and Lash Tinting Makeup Artistry Manicures & Pedicures Body Wraps & Polishes Therapeutic Massages Facials Gift Certificates Spa Packages Available 832-736-9800 www.spamilandayspa.com
9330 Broadway #226, Pearland, TX 77584 Tuesday - Friday 9-7 pm & Saturday 9-6 pm
Congratulations! You’re Pregnant...
Rite Passage Women’s Health & Birth Center
Well Women Exams, Bio-Identical Hormones, Preconception Counseling, Prenatal Care and Delivery, Waterbirth, Breastfeeding and Infant Massage Classes
Home Birth Option Now Available Bernadette Olivier, RNC, CNM, MSN Melissa White, RN, CNM, MSN Jaymee Boughton, LM, CPM
Call Today for a Free Consultation & Tour 2206 E Broadway, Suite E • Pearland, TX 77581 www.PearlandBirthCenter.com
Se Habla Español
281-485-2886
Authentic Thai Seafood Local Delivery Available
a purchase of $25 or more
281-485-5610
Dine in only. One coupon per table.
1853 Pearland Parkway Pearland, TX 77581 www.pearland
.com • March/April 2011
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Go to www.PearlandFocus.com Pictures are available online for this month only, download now. Compliments of PEARLAND FOCUS.
Pearland Chamber of Commerce
49 th Annual Banquet & Meeting Thursday, January 27, 2011 • Knights of Columbus Hall
Virgina Miles & Linda Darnel
Rick & Phyllis Laughlin
Perla Mercedes, Cidia Ramirez, Leah Wood, Michael Shebay & Kurt Quinn
K’nicole Ogg & Lucy Stevener
Michael & Leanne Alvarez with Karl Koppy & Penny Menge
Cheryl Sliwinski & Cindy Mendoza
Clay Herndon, John Gordon & Mehran Bavarian
Kevin Fuller & Matt Johnson
Tina Hari, Dustin Provance & Jasmine Patel
Janet Bettcher, Dan Walsh & Joann Mitchell
Florida Dotson, Rhonda Hamil & Michael Dotson
Charlie Philipp, Nan Weimer & David Armbruster
Lindsay Smith with Tony & Crystal Carbone & Freddie Thompson
Ed Slaback & David Torok
Heather & Steve Hill with Mona Chavarria
Kathy & Gary Shiver
Brian Holroyd & Amanda Chuong
HOME
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IS WHERE YOUR HEART IS
ohnson Development Corporation’s new water community in Webster – Edgewater – is hosting the Edgewater Dragon Boat Challenge on Saturday, April 9th in the community’s newly completed phase one of the marina. The Master-Planned Community is bringing the Texas Dragon Boat Association and their fleet of dragon boats to showcase the water-oriented community during the event celebrating Asian culture. “The Dragon Boat Challenge is the first event scheduled for the new marina,” said Bob Douglas, Edgewater’s General Manager. “This event will provide entertainment for the whole family as you enjoy the dragon boat races, tour new model homes and discover all of the amenities that Edgewater plans to offer. It will certainly be both a meaningful and memorable event for the community.” In addition to dragon boat racing, the event will offer shopping, special appearances by the Houston Aeros’ cheerleaders, Asian cuisine, cultural performances and professional kite flying. There is no admission fee to the event, and it is open to the public. “While participating in dragon boat racing, participants are able to spend time with their family and friends, experience our city’s Asian culture and still be a participant in a race,” said Eve Marie Ruhlman, Executive Director of the Texas Dragon Boat Association. “No other event offers all of these amenities wrapped into one event.” Dragon boat racing is the world’s fastest growing water sport, and it combines tradition with modern day teamwork, enthusiasm and strategy. The Texas Dragon Boat Association, organized in 2000, provides traditional boats measuring 40 feet in length, 4 feet in width, and carrying 20 paddlers, 1 drummer, and 1 steersperson. On average, the boats weigh about 1,000 pounds. “Edgewater is the perfect place for dragon boat racing because of its location and ambience,” said Ruhlman. “Edgewater has rolled out the red carpet for us, and we are excited to be a part of what will become one of the largest Asian festivals in the Webster/Clear Lake area.” Edgewater features luxury homes by Newmark Homes Houston and Cov-
Edgewater to Host Dragon Boat Challenge April 9th in the Marina
Dragon boats compete in the 9th Annual Houston Dragon Boat Festival. On April 9th, the Texas Dragon Boat Association will participate in the Dragon Boat Challenge at Johnson Development Corporation’s new water-oriented community Edgewater in Webster. The event features shopping, Asian cuisine, cultural performances and professional kite flying free to the public.
entry Homes from the $250’s to the high $300’s. Coming soon with homes from the $200’s is DR Horton Homes and from the $225’s, marina view townhomes by Village Builders. The first phase of Edgewater’s marina basin was completed this past fall. Phase 2, including bulk heading and a promenade, is scheduled for 2011. With the marina as the focal point of the wateroriented community, home owners, who are also boat owners, will have access to a prime location with easy access to dock their boats. The Edgewater marina, designed to accommodate up to 50 boat slips and powerboats as large as 50 feet, will also feature a restaurant accessible by water, a ship store and a splash center making Edgewater the perfect community for boating and water enthusiasts to both live and dock their boats. In addition to hosting special events such as the Dragon Boat Challenge, the marina offers convenient access to Clear Lake, Galveston Bay, and the Gulf of Mexico, and serves as a gateway to daylong or extended cruises. Edgewater is conveniently located off of Interstate 45 South and the NASA Parkway Bypass. The Bypass provides residents and boat owners with direct, uninterrupted access to and from the community.
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Johnson Development Corporation’s water-oriented community Edgewater will be bringing the Texas Dragon Boat Association to their new marina for the Edgewater Dragon Boat Challenge April 9th.
If you are interested in having a team in the Edgewater Dragon Boat Challenge, please contact the Texas Dragon Boat Association’s Executive Director, Eve Marie Ruhlman at director@texasdragonboat. com for more information. About Edgewater Edgewater, is a mixed-use, MasterPlanned Community along Clear Creek on 538 acres in Webster, Texas. The community will feature upscale single-family homes, deep waterways with wide fairways and convenient retail and commercial components. Located on the NASA Parkway Bypass, the community is a short drive from metropolitan services and employment, shopping, dining and recreational centers. For more information about Edgewater or the Edgewater Dragon Boat Challenge, visit www.edgewaterwebster.com.
Advertorial
HOME
IS WHERE YOUR HEART IS Pearland Florist
Pearland Florist Your Friendly Florist
• One stop shop for all of your holiday arrangement & centerpiece needs • Local & nationwide delivery • Hundreds of arrangements to choose from • Easy ordering- online or over the phone
281-485-2766
www.pearlandflorist.com 2411 S Grand Blvd Pearland, TX 77581
Specializing in Teaching the Fundamentals of Horsemanship
Transform your house into a home this Spring with a beautifully handcrafted arrangement from Pearland Florist. Whatever style your home may be, they can create and deliver a thoughtful bouquet that is sure to brighten up any room. Send a bouquet to someone you love and help bring warmth into their home- the “Little Pink Me Up” or “Beautiful in Blue” bouquets are sure to make them smile. You can be sure that Pearland Florist is committed to offering only the finest floral arrangements and gifts, backed by service that is friendly and prompt. Because all of their customers are important, the professional staff is dedicated to making your experience a pleasant one, and will answer any questions in helping you make the perfect choice for any occasion. Family owned and operated, Pearland Florist is proud to be the Friendliest Florist in Pearland and has called the city home since 1972. Stop by today and see their new location at 2411 South Grand Blvd., Pearland TX 77581. For more information or to order an arrangement, call 281-4852766 or 1-800-828-1976 or visit www. pearlandflorist.com. H
Looking for a Green Sport and Gardening too? Think riding! Horses require no gasoline to operate and their waste product can be turned into biofuel or garden compost. At Sam Houston Equestrian Center, located near Hwy 288 and Beltway 8, sixty horses over a space of five years have amassed a compost pile the size of a modest house. This spring, the center is selling its black gold in bags and in bulk. For more information, visit our website at www. LearnHorse.com At the Equestrian Center, compost starts with good quality feed consumed by healthy horses. Daily stall cleaning
English & Western Lessons Camps • Boarding • Training Parties & Events • Special Needs Riding Programs Available for All Ages and Abilities Scouts, School Groups and Home-Schoolers Welcome
713-433-7669 www.LearnHorse.com Advertorial
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These are two examples of headers I will use. Business font is Animee, sub-font is Times New Roman Italic. I also use a symbol directly under my business name in some instances, when there is room.When using black backgrounds I use white lettering, and when using white backgrounds, I use blue outlined in black lettering.
mixes the manure with pine shavings used as bedding. As the compost pile grows, the organic materials heat up killing harmful bacteria and weed seeds, breaking down the manure into plant food with solely the odor of rich soil. Compost can be mixed with sand to make a nutritious garden soil suitable for vegetables, flowers and trees. Many gardeners like to work compost into their vegetable beds in the spring. H
The Designer’s Niche Dina Holleron established the Designer’s Niche in the Pearland area in 2008. She earned her Bachelors of Fine Arts in Interior Design at the Art Institute of Houston, graduating with honors. She is also an active Allied Member A.S.I.D. (American Society of Interior Designers). Dina has over 12 years of design experience, and works very closely with her clients to achieve a design that is tailored to suit each individual need in regards to their style and budget. Dina believes when you invite her to design your space, you are inviting her into one of the most personal areas of your life. She works with you one on one to create an atmosphere that best suits you both aesthetically and financially. “My client’s sentiment plays an important roll in the design process, and when that is combined with our award winning expertise in style, function and design, each client ends up with their own signature space. There is no template that is one size fits all.” The Designer’s Niche offers a variety of services at no obligation; hourly consultations, one-day makeovers and full service design for both residential and commercial projects is just the beginning. They also offer unique home décor, rugs, lighting, custom cabinets, upholstery and custom window treatments. Dina also has formal training in the art of faux for walls, ceilings and cabinets/furniture, transforming rooms and pieces from boring to “wow.” For more information please call 281-323-3630 or visit www. thedesignersniche.com. H
ASID Award Winner 2010 Interior Design Studio & Custom Faux
• One Day Makeovers & Custom Hourly Design Interior Design Studio & Faux Consultations
Dina Holleron,
with No Obligations • Full Service Design Studio for Commercial & Residential Symbol always reads black or dark gray. NO color • Unique Rugs, Decor, Lighting and Custom Pieces • Custom Upholstery, Reupholstery, and Window Treatments • New Construction and Remodeling Specifications & Drawings • Custom Faux for Walls, Ceilings, Cabinetry, and Furniture Pieces **Free quotes for Faux • References Available
B.F.A. Interior Design Allied Member A.S.I.D. Faux Finish Artisan
Contact us: 281-323-3630 info@thedesignersniche.com
P.O. Box 841161, Pearland, Tx 77584 Fax: 281-692-1013 (fax) www.thedesignersniche.com
Sellers– FREE complete home consultation with no obligation! Buyers– FREE buyer blueprint with no obligation!
Complimentary professional “home staging” (valued at $1100) to help get the most amount of money in the least amount of time!
Let me provide the expertise necessary to serve you. 2734 Sunrise Blvd, Suite 208 Pearland, TX 77584
713-591-5922
www.mymove2houston.com www.pearland
.com • March/April 2011
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Chalmette Ray
Real Estate Consultant ChalmetteRay@yahoo.com I am more than your average real estate agent, for senior citizens age 65+ I am here to help. On Wednesday mornings, between the hours of 7am-10am I’m available to pick up prescriptions, daily newspapers or just give someone a call to say “Hello”. Advertorial
HOME
IS WHERE YOUR HEART IS Five Star Floors
Spring Cleaning the Premier Way A backyard pool can create the perfect outdoor environment, but if your pool isn’t in shape, it can be stressful and expensive when pool season comes. With some advanced planning, maintenance and overall “spring cleaning,” you can have a pristine pool for pool season and put your money more into entertaining guests rather than on repairs. So, what do you need to do to make sure your pool is in top shape? With Premier’s remodel division being the winner of the International Award of Excellence by the NSPI (National Spa and Pool Institute), there are numerous possibilities to giving your pool a fresh look. Premier Pool’s remodel experts can resurface dull or damaged swimming pools with new plaster or upgrade with Pebble Tec, Pebble Sheen or Pebble Fina. Premier also specializes in replacing old pool tile, designing beautiful water features, installing color lighting, upgrading your old equipment, adding new concrete decking or installing energy-saving solar heating. If you don’t want to wait until it gets hotter out, then installing a new spa might be your ticket to relaxation. Above-ground or in-ground spas can finish the polished look of your backyard, adding a sense of serenity and relaxation. March is the perfect time to begin thinking about how to get your backyard ready for summer. Let Premier do the designing, remodeling and upgrades to make your backyard the talk to the neighborhood. Visit www.ppas. com or call us at 713-436-4944 to schedule a consultation. H
Advertorial
pearland
Your home says a lot about you, and your floors are the stage where your family’s life plays out. What do your floors say about you? At Five Star Floors, helping you select the perfect flooring is a passion. “When deciding on flooring it’s important to consider your lifestyle,” said owner Mike El Kilani. “If your children have left home you might not want the same floor as a couple who’s just starting their family.” Many things should be considered. Do you want to make a dramatic statement in your foyer or a tranquil look in your bedroom? Are you looking for the permanence of stone for your outdoor kitchen? Where should the carpet end and the hardwood floor begin? What about your tub surround in the powder room? What will it cost? Whether your design ideas are etched in stone or just a general notion of what you like, whether you’re renovating or building from scratch, the experts at Five Star Floors will take time to listen to your ideas. They will ask questions about your needs, your vision and your budget then present you with choices. Finally, they will follow through with quality workmanship and attention to detail and back it all up with their own one-year installation warranty on top of the manufacturer’s guarantees. “Customer service is our hallmark,” Mike said. “We know you have a choice when it comes to flooring companies. That’s why we go the extra mile to make sure we sell you a floor you can love now and for years to come at a price you can feel good about later.” Bring your dreams and let the Five Star team help you make them a reality. “We’ve been told that we pamper our customers,” Mike said. “Once someone comes in with an idea, we search local design centers until we find all the choices they might like. Then we walk with them through the design process.” Call 832-736-9595 or visit www. fivestarfloors.net. H See ad on back cover.
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Real Estate Consultant Chalmette Ray Shares A Humble Legacy From A Pearland Homeowner
How does Your Garden Grow? The flowers are blooming and the grass is beginning to turn green. It is nearing springtime in our area and you have decided that your yard can’t wait any longer for an update or maybe a complete overhaul. A well-designed landscape can add privacy, beauty and value to your home. How can you make sure you choose the best contractor for the job? Determine your landscape style What do you want to see in your new landscape? Referring to pictures in magazines, books and on the internet is a great way for homeowners to communicate design ideas to their contractor. Your style could be formal, informal, natural or low-maintenance. You will also need to keep in mind your lifestyle. Do you have pets, children or do you travel a great deal? Answers to these questions help the landscaper exceed your expectations long after the project is complete. Landscape Designer & Horticulturist Is the person you are working with a landscape designer or did they just move from lawn mowing into planting some shrubs? How does your garden grow? Call the landscaper’s references and drive by the landscaped homes. Ask the landscaper to give you addresses of homes that have been recently landscaped and more importantly, homes where landscapes have been growing for more than 1-2 years. Sure, a landscape that is newly installed will look clean and fresh, but the true test of a professional landscape is what it grows into. Plant selection is a top priority when designing the landscape, & what a plant looks like today in a 5-gallon container may surprise you in 2 years. H
Creative Design
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Stone Work
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Illumination
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Arbors & Gazebos
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My Garden “I love colorful flowers & lush landscaping, but I don’t have a lot of time...” Garden Guy installs low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plants that GROW more beautiful with time.
“People are more important than plants—relationships and family are far more important to me than weeding, trimming, coddling finicky plants...” Twenty-years of successful plant selection and installation and a Texas A & M Horticulture degree equal MORE TIME for what’s most important—people!
.com • March/April 2011
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Sabrina & Todd Farber
My Garden Guy “And just when you thought customer service has long disappeared, Todd and Sabrina Farber, Garden Guy, Inc., restore your faith in customer service. Every detail fine-tuned and every question answered”— L. Royer, Client, Sugar Land Garden Guy knows what’s important... 20 years in the same business, 15 years of marriage to one woman, 5 children.
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281• 208 • 4400 www.garden-guy.com
Your home in a completely new light with new gardens from Garden Guy, Inc. www.pearland
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As a Real Estate Consultant, I seized the opportunity to start a “Yard of The Month” program in Shadow Creek Ranch. I set out to pick the most beautiful lawn, and my eyes paused at this one particular yard that was covered with begonias and fern trees along with many others. This is what a lawn should look like I said to myself. My next step was to contact the owner to make sure putting a sign in their yard was allowed. This would express to passer bys that the award had been given to a well-deserved yard with the perfect amount of lush greenery. On that following Sunday, I went to visit the owner and his face lit up with surprise and so much gratitude for the flowers and the recognition. As we began to talk briefly, he spoke about how his granddad wanted to see the picture that I had put in the community newsletter, and how proud he was of his grandson’s achievements. “Granddad enjoys visiting often,” he said. There was a time when granddad could only clean the yard and dreamed about having such a beautiful home. Granddad believed in umbrella blessings. He prayed for it in his life, but it came to fruition in his grandson’s life. H See ad on page 23.
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Community Calendar
March /April 2011
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3rd THURSDAY, 5 PM HERITAGE BANK RIBBON CUTTING Located at 1850 Pearland Parkway, Pearland, Texas 77581. 5th SATURDAY, 10 AM RED, WHITE & BLUE FESTIVAL Grab the family and head out to Skrabanek Park in Danbury to enjoy a Bar-B-Que Cookoff, children’s activities, Craft Show, street dance, live and silent auctions and a washer tournament. Visit www.danburycivicclub.org. 5th SATURDAY, 5 - 8 PM 25TH ANNUAL TROOP 464 PANCAKE SUPPER AND AUCTION Held at Pearland First United Methodist Church in the Family Life Center, 2314 N Grand in Pearland. Tickets are $6 for all you can eat. Call 281-997-7575. 5th & 12th SATURDAY, 11 AM & 1:30 PM CINDERELLA PRESENTED BY THE PEARLAND THEATRE GUILD The delightful and highly interactive tale of Cinderella comes alive for the young and young-at-heart alike where a bubbly young girl with the help of her fairy godmother and the audience learns that dreams really do come true. Children attending the opening day reception will receive a special treat from Cinderella. Tickets are $10 each. Visit www.PearlandTheatreGuild.com.
10th THURSDAY, 11:30 AM PEARLAND CHAMBER MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON Protecting Yourself and Your Business from Identity Theft, sponsored by Copy Doctor. Held at Hilton Garden Inn, 12101 Shadow Creek Pkwy. in Pearland. Call Shelley Whistler at 281-485-3634. 11th FRIDAY, 7:30 AM BUSINESS BEFORE HOURS BREAKFAST Held at Golfcrest Country Club, 2509 Country Club Dr., Pearland, TX 77581. Feature guest is Michelle Smith of Pearland Parks and Recreation. Call Shelley Whistler at 281-485-3634. 12th SATURDAY, 10 AM & 11:30 AM ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS DAY COMPOSTING BIN SALE Keep Pearland Beautiful will host composting demonstrations at the Pearland Old Town Site Farmers Market, located in Zychlinski Park, 2243 Grand Blvd. Staff will demonstrate and distribute literature on the do’s and don’ts of composting. Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase a compost bin for $35 (Non-Pearland residents- $50); you must bring a water bill for proof of residency. Also enjoy a plant sale featuring herbs and vegetables. Call 281-652-1659.
21st MONDAY, 5:30 PM ABWA T.E.A.M. CHAPTER MEETING Melissa DeFlora will present “Marketing Your Small Business.” Located at the Marriott Hotel, 9100 Gulf Freeway, Houston, TX 77017. RSVP to t.e.a.m.abwa@gmail.com or at TEAMABWA.blogspot.com.
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2nd SATURDAY, 10 AM - 2 PM PRIMROSE SCHOOL OF PEARLAND SPRING FLING A charitable fund-raiser event with family activities including moonwalks, pony rides, face painting, carnival games, child safety demos, food and much more. Located at 2350 County Road 94 in Pearland. Call 713-436-4120. 7th THURSDAY, 2 PM BUSINESS SHOWCASE & TASTE OF THE TOWN A Mardi Gras inspired theme. Held at Knights of Columbus Hall, 2320 Hatfield, Pearland, TX 77581. 8th FRIDAY, 7:30 AM BUSINESS BEFORE HOURS BREAKFAST Held at Golden Corral, 9115 Broadway in Pearland. Feature guest is Mayor ProTem Scott Sherman. For information, call Shelley Whistler at 281-485-3634.
17th THURSDAY
8th TUESDAY
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.
26th & 27th SATURDAY & SUNDAY, 10 AM - 4 PM PAWS IN THE PARK Each year this event begins with a Fun Run and this year’s races are 1K, 3K and 5K. Compete with or without your fourlegged friends! Other activities include Flyball Demos, Pet Contests, Obedience Training, Pearland’s Police K9 Unit, Pet First Aid & CPR, Dock Diving National Qualifier and more! Admission is free. Held at Independence Park, 3919 Liberty Drive. Register at www.pearlandparks.com.
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29th - 30th FRIDAY - SATURDAY, 6 PM - 6 AM RELAY FOR LIFE PEARLAND Fundraiser for American Cancer Society. Visit www.relayforlife.org or call Rosie Guerra at 832-722-7018.
Check www.pearlandfocus.com for additional events and updates.
HOME
IS WHERE YOUR HEART IS
Latest Kitchen Trends and Technology Before remodeling your kitchen, consider all of the latest trends and technology available for your kitchen. APPLIANCES. Induction cooktops heat faster and more efficiently than gas, and with as much control. By the time that one can pour a bowl of cereal, the water is at a rolling boil. As the most energy efficient cooking surface, they introduce very little heat into the kitchen. Convection ovens heat the entire oven cavity evenly without hot spots, and are great for everything from cookies to roasts. Convection microwave ovens combine two essential appliances into one. They make a great “extra oven” since they actually heat up inside. Steam ovens are great, but only if you buy the top-of-theline models. They are a good choice for preparing healthy meals or for re-heating even hard-to-re-heat dishes. CABINETS. Darker, richer woods like cherry are the most popular followed by darker stained maple. Glazes and distressing add interest, dimension and character to cabinets. The choices in style, design, materials and finish abound to suit every taste. DRAWERS. Gone are the days of crawling down on your hands and knees to drag something out of the lower cabinets;
full-extension drawers bring everything out to you. Shallow drawers are perfect for utensils, place mats and other smaller items. Medium depth drawers are for pots and pans, and extra-deep drawers are for deep pots or small appliances. The latest trend in drawers is the soft-close feature, which reduces the noise level in the kitchen. COUNTERTOPS. Granite still reigns supreme as the favorite; it comes in hundreds of colors and patterns, so every slab is unique. It is extremely durable and easy to care for due to new sealers. Go with the slabs for countertops instead of granite tiles. Man-made “quartz” countertops are fine, but they lack the natural and unique look of real granite. One of the more unique countertop materials is concrete. These countertops come in a variety of finishes that are actually satiny smooth, unlike the bumpy stuff on driveways. They can be embedded with various materials for a totally unique look. The countertops can even be embedded with fiber optics for an out-of-this-world effect! LIGHTING. LED is the up and coming trend. LED will soon take over as the standard, eventually replacing incandescent and fluorescent lighting. LED puts out the same amount of light
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.com • March/April 2011
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for about 1/5 the amount of electricity, and subsequently emits about 1/5 the heat that your air conditioner has to overcome. How would you like to walk into your kitchen and press one button to turn on only the specific lights you need for a particular task such as “cooking” or “entertaining?” Each button turns on specific lights at specific dimming levels. And if you like, certain lights can come on when someone enters the kitchen, and they all turn off when the last person leaves the room! DESIGN. An important, but sometimes overlooked element of a kitchen. Design is not just the right paint color or the perfect curtains, but the work flow, plentiful and efficient storage solutions, durable and easy-to-clean surfaces, great lighting, convenient yet concealed electrical outlets and properly selected appliances. An experienced kitchen designer can help you make the right decisions leading to your own personalized kitchen. Randy Godeau is the owner of Bay Area Kitchens in Webster. They feature Wood-Mode custom cabinetry, Viking appliances and many unique materials and systems specifically for kitchens. Visit his showroom at 17306 Highway 3, at Medical Center Boulevard (best to call first), or visit them on the web at BayAreaKitchens.com. H
Advertorial
FOCUS FAVORITES Your Community Resource Guide
M EDICAL F OCUS
Childcare Centers All About Kids Daycare 281-692-9492 www.allaboutkids3806.com allaboutkids3806@att.net All About Kids Daycare is a family owned and operated center that opened in October of 2010. The owner has 15 years of previous child care experience and has raised four children of her own, as well as a granddaughter. Lots of love and hugs are ready to be shared with your little ones. All About Kids Day Care has their own curriculum for infants through school age, and all will learn and grow. Drop off and pick up is offered for most Pearland Elementary schools. (11/2010)
Remodeling and Restoration Absolute Restoration and Remodeling, LCC 281-485-5919 www.absoluterr.com ARR provides services for catastrophic claims and all facets of remodeling. Our restoration team is ready for any circumstance, no job is too small. Our 24-hour emergency service allows you to speak to a live person to assist your family in a time of need. We have qualified superintendents who are experienced in catastrophic claims. As a Christian based company, our mission is to be an advocate between the customer and insurance agent for a smooth claim process. ARR follows Luke 6:31. (11/2010)
Roofing Ameristar Roofing 281-238-4230 www.ameristarroofing.com ameristarroofing@gmail.com Ameristar Roofing is your full-service roofing company. No job is too small or too big. We are a certified “Shingle Master Co” with Certainteed which authorizes us to offer 3, 4 & 5 star extended warranties. We are fully insured and bonded for your safety. At the end of every job, we perform a QUALITY CONTROL INSPECTION. Our company belief is, THE CUSTOMER IS ALWAYS RIGHT. We want your recommendation because of our reputation! THANKS, JOE RANGEL, REUBEN STAFFORD & JOHN YATES, MANAGING PARTNERS. (10/2010) Do you have an area business service such as health, dental, finance, legal, insurance, remodeling, air conditioning, plumbing or auto that you would like to reach readers in the Pearland/ Manvel areas and increase the growth of your business?
Call 281-690-4242
Restore Function and Decrease Pain In Your Back and Neck The Back and Neck Clinics in Houston, Katy, Pearland and Sugar Land are a dedicated team committed to excellence in the field of pain control. Pain is a complex, multi-factorial experience that may or may not be caused by injury to nerves, tissue or bones, back discs and joints or even tendons and ligaments. Signals are transmitted Abraham G. Thomas, ultimately by the M.D., nervous system to the central nervous system and brain, where it is processed and interpreted. Treatments range from something as simple as exercise and weight reduction, but sometimes medications and procedures and even implanted devices may be necessary depending on how complex a patient’s pain problem is. The Back and Neck Clinics’ goal is to provide patient-oriented, ethical, safe, cost-effective and efficient pain care in order to restore function and to decrease pain. Medical Director,
Abraham G. Thomas, M.D., is board certified by the American Board of Medical Specialties in Anesthesia and pain medicine bestowed by the American board of Anesthesiology and has over 13 years of practice. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit www.backandnecks.com. • Houston 5420 W. Loop South Suite 4300, Bellaire, Texas 77401 713-797-0876 Fax: 713-797-1601 • Katy 23920 Katy Freeway Suite 300, Katy, Texas 77494 281-347-PAIN(7246) Fax: 281-347-7250 • Sugar Land 16605 Southwest Freeway Suite 375, Sugar Land, Texas 77479 713-234-5789 Fax: 713-797-1601 • Pearland 10905 Memorial Hermann Dr., Suite 203, Pearland, Texas 77584 713-340-3131 Fax: 713-797-1601
Headliners continued from page 17
Billing Department of Pearland at 281652-1603. You may pick one up at City Hall, 3519 Liberty Dr., Pearland, TX 77581. You must reside inside the city limits of Pearland; portions of Silver Lake are not in the City. Generally, if you receive your water bill from a MUD, you must contact Waste Management to request a bin at 713-686-6666. H
New Recycling Option for Pearland Residents
Keep Pearland Beautiful is happy to announce a new recycling option for the citizens of Pearland. For all residents living in single family homes and residing inside the city limits of Pearland, you may now recycle more paper products curbside. Waste Management has agreed to accept these new items immediately in your curbside bin: magazines, catalogs, telephone books, printer and copier paper, cereal boxes and mail. Please do not include wax lined paper items such as milk cartons in your curbside Keep Pearland Beautiful Cigarette Litter Awareness. Keep Pearland Beautiful wishes to thank the 21 volunteers that came bin. out on Cigarette Litter Awareness Day, February 5, 2011. Over If you do not have a 12,000 butts were picked up at 6 intersections around Pearland. curbside bin, call the Utility Please don’t leave your butts behind! pearland
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FINANCIAL FOCUS
Are You Ready For Some Financial Football?! By Lauren Dante
A
re you ready for some football?! For the third year in a row, Texas First Bank has partnered with Visa and the National Football League to host Financial Football. Joined by Dallas Cowboys’ Tashard Choice and Felix Jones, Chicago Bears’ Matt Forte and Lance Briggs, Texas First Bank and Visa were thrilled to host a Financial Football event for Pearland High School and MacArthur High Texas First Bank Representatives: School students. Brandon Dansby, Vice President; Amy These days, it seems that Cheatwood, Online Bank Facilitator; Pearland High School is always and Jennifer Linton, Marketing Director. ready for some football. After their recent 5A State Championship Football Title, it is no wonder that Pearland students were asked to participate in a football competition. This competition, however, was unlike the normal 60-minute football game; their success in this game depended on their financial intelligence. In the midst of the Superbowl hype in Dallas, the two teams from Pearland and MacArthur traveled to the Sheraton Dallas Hotel & Conference Center on January 31, 2011 to face off in Financial Football. The Macarthur and Pearland teams were comprised of twenty students each. The Pearland students attended the competition courtesy of Texas First Bank, and the Pearland students participating in the competition were: Trey Anderson, Cybil Armbruster, Kirstie Barrick, Chelsea Bennett, Sara Clements, Dolton Davis, Alexis Deason, Brook Dubois, Alyssa Dugar, Dustin Garrison, Daijonna Hall, Brock Hartson, Charleston Higginbotham, Myles Kanipes, David Kirst, Courtney Mose, Kyle Mulligan Dylan Nowak, Malorie Pardo and Michael Roberts. National Football League players Choice, Jones, Forte and Briggs served as coaches for the two teams and shared their personal advice on proper money management with the students. “We had a great time meeting the NFL players and the great people from Visa and Texas First Bank,” said Trey Anderson, Quarterback and Captain of the Pearland Oilers Football Team. “It was really fun to go back to Dallas; we had a fantastic time the first time we went in December. All of the Pearland Oilers love competing, and we enjoyed playing the financial trivia game. We were very appreciative of the invite. Now we have two great memories of taking a bus ride to Dallas to compete as Pearland Oilers.” Over the past three years, Teas First Bank has provided over 250 students with the opportunity to increase their financial literacy with this program. NFL Athletes such as Bobby Carpenter, Warren Moon and Miles Austin are a few of the athletes who have kindly offered their assistance with the program. “Texas First Bank believes that educating high school students about finance will build a more financially responsible community,” said Charles T. Doyle, Chairman of the Board, Texas First Bank, and Former Board Member, Visa, Inc. “Visa and the NFL are excellent role models and partners for community banks across www.pearland
Financial Football Panel: Matt Forte, Chicago Bears; Lance Briggs, Chicago Bears; Felix Jones, Dallas Cowboys; and Tashard Choice, Dallas Cowboys.
Pearland High School students listen to NFL players answer questions about managing finances.
America to inform and mentor our young people in meeting their financial goals in a responsible manner.” Financial Football is played on a big screen that allows both teams to be involved with the action simultaneously. The ball is moved down the field by correctly answering multiple-choice questions on financial management. However, the team loses yards by earning a penalty or a sack if the question is answered incorrectly. The more difficult the question, the more yards the team can gain or lose depending on whether the question is answered correctly. The questions cover several aspects of finance including, money market accounts, savings accounts and equity. After answering several questions correctly, the team will be able to make it into the end zone for a Touchdown. “It was extremely entertaining to see the state champion Pearland Oilers battle for another title! The competitive streak in each of the students was obvious,” said Brandon Dansby, Texas First Bank - Pearland Vice President. “While battling, they learned a little about how important it is to understand and pay attention to your finances. The professional football players who took the time to show the students how important financial responsibility is in their lives were an important part of the program.” Financial Football between Pearland and MacArthur ended in an 8-8 tie. Through this friendly competition, Texas First Bank hopes that the students learned invaluable life lessons pertaining to finances, credit scores and basic banking principles in an exciting, competitive and unique format. Texas First Bank plans to continue their involvement with the program by introducing the game to various high schools across Texas. H
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Advertorial
FINANCIAL FOCUS The Word on IRAs from Heritage Bank As our economy recovers from a financial fall, many individuals are looking for ways to repair the damage done to their savings accounts. In the peak of tax season, opening up an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) is a great way to strengthen
your nest egg. With tax-free or taxdeferred earnings, an IRA is an appealing instrument that can be used for more than just retirement, including a backup emergency fund, large purchase or an estate-planning tool.
ANDREW G. SHEBAY & CO. Certified Public Accountants 8703 Broadway, Pearland, Texas
713.782.4524
Cajun Moving & Storage • • • • • •
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T.E.A.M. Chapter Meeting Monday, March 21, 2011
Networking 5:30 / Dinner & Speaker 6:00 pm
Marriott Hotel, 9100 Gulf Freeway, Houston, TX 77017 Speaker: Melissa DeFlora on Marketing Your Small Business RSVP:T.E.A.M.ABWA@gmail.com or TEAMABWA.blogspot.com
Advertorial
pearland
magazine • March/April 2011
Traditional IRA • Contributions are tax-deductible (dependent on income level) • You can begin withdrawing funds at age 59 ½ • Mandatory withdraws begin at age 70 ½ • Funds withdrawn prior to 59 ½ are subject to a 10% penalty • Tax is paid on earnings when withdrawn from the IRA • No income restrictions Roth IRA • Contributions are not tax-deductible • There is no mandatory distribution age • All earnings are tax-free if rules and regulations are met • Principal contributions can be withdrawn without penalty (subject to minimal conditions) • Income restrictions
Providing accounting, tax planning and preparation for estates and trusts since 1952.
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Here are two different types of IRAs.
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Discover the savings tool that’s best for you during March Madness at Heritage Bank. We invite you to score points with our IRAs — at 1.5% APY*. Stop in to learn more. Heritage is more than just a bank, we’re your friends and neighbors — people you can count on. *Annual Percentage Yield (APY) accurate as of 3/1/11. Term – 18 months. Minimum balance to open an account and obtain 1.5% APY is $1,000.00. A penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal. Heritage Bank is an Equal Housing Lender and a Member of the FDIC. H See ad on page 5.
FINANCIAL FOCUS 5 Smart Things to Do with Your Tax Refund It’s that time of year again. And unless you’ve filed an extension and are still preparing your 2010 tax return, you already know what you owe—or what you’re getting back. And chances are, you’re getting something back. According to the IRS, the average tax refund received in 2010 was $3,000, up 5% from the previous year. So what are you going to do with yours? Here are five good options. 1. Invest in a retirement plan. This is just a solid move all around. For one, it may be tax deductible, so you’re compounding the benefits of your refund. As a reminder, in 2011, if you’re under age 50, the pre-tax contribution limits on traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs are $5,000. If you’re 50 and above, it’s $6,000.
2. Pay off debt. According to the Federal Reserve, American households carrying credit card debt have an average balance of $15,788. Some debt may have high interest rates associated with it. Reducing and eliminating it should be at the top of your financial priorities. 3. Make an extra mortgage payment. A lot of homeowners don’t realize they are allowed to do this, but making just one extra payment on your mortgage every year is a great way to save money on interest. Just one extra mortgage payment annually will save you over $20,000 in interest on a $200,000/20year mortgage, at 6% interest. 4. Invest in a 529 plan. If you’re a parent, or expecting to be one, now’s the time to start saving for college. If current trends continue, a
freshman entering a public college in 2023 will pay $36,000 a year, or $145,000 for a four-year degree—and more than twice that for a private institution. The big weapon in your arsenal is time—so get started now. 5. Take a vacation. Many Americans may be skipping vacations this year opting instead for a “staycation.” But which ever option you choose, recharging your batteries is critical to your health and your wellbeing, and spending some of your hardearned money on enriching experiences, like travel, can pay dividends beyond your personal ledger. So relax—you deserve it. This article is brought to you by Frost Bank and is intended to provide general information and should not be considered tax or financial advice. Please consult a tax or investment professional for additional details specific to your individual financial situation. H
SIX GENERATIONS
OF TEXAS BUSINESS OWNERS HAVE SOMETHING IN COMMON: US.
Is it expecting too much to have a decision maker in your time zone? To want a unique perspective based on issues specific to Texas? To do business with a safe, sound institution where your dreams can prosper?
We don’t think so. When you’re ready to expect more, we’re ready for you.
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11201 Broadway, Pearland, Texas 77584 | 5208 W. Broadway, Pearland, Texas 77581
www.pearland
.com • March/April 2011
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Advertorial
Brought to you by:
Historically Pearland
By John D. “Mickey” Mark, President – Pearland Historical Society
A Bit of Pearland Trivia
O
n the Pearland Historical Society website (www.pearlandhistoricalsociety.org) is a page about Pearland trivia. One of the bits of trivia mentioned there is that “the fruit which brought the most prosperity to Pearland was not the pear - but the fig.” Figs were a money crop for farmers in Pearland from the mid teens to the 40’s. Even though figs were the big money crop, it is nice that the city’s name is “Pearland” and not “Figland.” During the mid teens, figs were definitely the big money crop. Early Pearlanders often debated which was the best time in Pearland’s history – when gas and electricity came to Pearland or when the fig packing plant was in its “heyday.” In the Pearland Historical Society files is a story entitled “The Fig and I” written by Irene Mansfield. The story reflects a way of life in early Pearland which a few, very old time Pearlanders can still remember. Irene’s story tells how figs first got started in this area, and traces the growth of the industry from the early 20th century to around 1970 when the last fig plant in this area closed its doors. The story goes that around the turn of the century, a peddler came through this area selling what he claimed to be magnolia trees. These so called magnolia trees quickly took root, but months later when the trees started flowering, instead of a sweet smelling magnolia, the small trees began bearing figs. These figs were not the ordinary small sugar figs. The fruit from the flourishing trees was much larger and filled with delicious juice. A new crop was born to the area. Soon many of the landowners were clearing their fields and planting the suckers taken from the base of the existing trees. The cuttings easily
Pearland Fig Packing Plant - 1919
rooted. Very appropriately, this new variety was named “Magnolia Fig.” The Magnolia Fig proved to be aptly suited to this area. Sizeable orchards were planted around San Leon, Alcoa, Alvin, Friendswood, Pearland and other areas in Brazoria and Galveston County. Several thousand pounds of fruit were produced per acre of land. Prior to the depression in the 30’s, fig growing and processing was a multimillion dollar industry with several thousand acres in this area producing the Magnolia Figs. Pearland had its processing plant as did Alvin, Friendswood, Dickinson, League City and San Leon. About 75 or 100 persons (mostly women) were employed at the Pearland plant. Most plants went bankrupt during the depression. In 1930, there were 28 fig processing plants between Beaumont and Victoria according to Roger May, who pearland
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owned the J.R. May fig processing plant in Friendswood from the 60’s to the early 70’s shipping out some 150 thousand cases of figs per year. By the 1970’s, the fig industry was just about dead due to the soaring land costs and the rising costs of production. Frances and Bert Jamison still had a small fig orchard for use in their home cannery business in Pearland until the mid 90’s when she was the only person in the United States still processing Magnolia Figs. Jamison’s fig preserves and other fruit preserves were sold throughout Texas. In all probability, if you asked a Pearland citizen today “what is the fruit which brought the most prosperity to Pearland,” he or she would quickly reply, “pears, of course.” Wrong. It was Magnolia Figs. For more Pearland history, visit the Pearland Historical Society website @ www.pearlandhistoricalsociety.org H
SAVE LIVES WITH THE TEXAS DIRECT AUTO
BLOOD DRIVE
Texas Direct Auto, the nation’s largest independent car dealership, is asking area citizens to donate blood Monday, April 11th, between noon and 6 p.m., at their location in Stafford, Texas. The Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center mobile unit will be at the dealership located at 12053 Southwest Freeway at West Airport. “We hope local citizens will donate blood and help save lives in our community,” said Jessica DeMarr, Director of Business Development for Texas Direct Auto. “One donation may save three lives, such as trauma victims, surgery patients, premature babies and those with anemia and cancer.” Potential blood donors to the Texas Direct Auto Blood Drive may register at www.giveblood.org, using sponsor code B584, said DeMarr, who is spearheading the blood drive. More than 900 blood donations are needed every day for patients in the Texas Gulf Coast region - from accident victims to cancer patients to premature babies. According to The Blood Center, one pint of blood is needed every 1.3
seconds. Blood usage continues to increase each year, while the eligible donor base continues to decrease because of the travel restrictions imposed by the FDA. Texas Direct Auto will provide fun for all. Local radio stations will be broadcasting the event. There will also be lots of prizes and complimentary gifts given out during the day including ‘give a pint and get some pizza’ for those who donate or attempt to donate blood. DeMarr said, ”We are expecting a large turn out from our community to help save a life and have a great time.” Blood donors for the Texas Direct Auto Blood Drive must be 17 or older (16 with parental consent), weigh a minimum of 110 pounds (122 lbs. for age 16), in general good health without cold or flu symptoms and show a valid photo ID prior to the donation. Donors that have a history of hepatitis (after age 11); HIV; chronic kidney or coronary heart disease; internal cancer requiring surgery; or uncontrolled diabetes are permanently deferred. For further information, call 832-310-2088 or visit www.texasdirectauto.com.
SELL US YOUR CAR With over $500+ Million in annual sales, Texas Direct Auto is the Largest Independent dealership in the nation and is the largest eBay Motor’s dealership in the world! Visit us online or come to Stafford just southwest of Houston to see our huge lot and massive inventory that are sure to have exactly what you are looking for in your next car. 12053 SW Freeway, Stafford Texas 77477 • 281-499-8200
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