INSIDE
Community SPotlight I
alley on the town
I
parent Life July 2018
Community At Your Fingertips
a new campus
a rich tradition
getaway to
GreenStreet at Hotel Alessandra
+ A Staycation Giveaway!
inthisissue
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Top 10 Things To Do In July
Parent Life
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Coping Skills to Calm the Emotinal Storm
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The List
Community Spotlight A New Campus. A Rich Tradition.
Alley on the Town
Getaway to GreenStreet - Staycation at Hotel Alessandra HOUSTON STAYCATION GIVEAWAY
Sienna List | info@siennalist.com | www.thelist.city | 281-201-5998
July 20th - 1:30 until 3:30pm - Sienna Branch Library
Family Afternoon Movie - 8411 Sienna Springs, 77459 Bring your favorite blanket and pillow and watch The Emoji Movie with the whole family. Popcorn will be provided.
Sienna List was developed with the residents of Missouri City in mind. We offer free services for our members; a platform where members can find jobs, business recommendations, events, and more with the click of a button. It’s easy to become a member of Sienna List:
Lake Olympia Farmers Market- 2700 Lake Olympia Pkwy, 77459 Check out many great local vendors providing fresh food and veggies.
1 - Visit www.thelist.city Create a user name and 2 - password for your login.
July 28th - 10am until 5pm - Stafford Centre
3 - Click the Submit button.
July 21st - 10am until 2pm - Lake Olympia Business Center
Big Top Vintage Market - 10505 Cash Rd, 77477 Check shop for antiques, furniture, farm house and more!
August 4th - 11am until 3pm - Sugar Land Town Square Back to School Splash Bash - 15958 City Walk, 77479 Beat the heat with huge waterslides, live music and more!
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community outreach by jason LUTHOR
LEND
A
helping
hand
SUGAR LAND’S CITIZEN INVOLVEMENT PROGRAM If you enjoy getting involved in your community, then you might want to participate in Sugar Land’s Citizen Involvement Program. The program actually is not confined to one volunteering program, but a series of programs meant to get residents involved with everything from the fire department to the local airport. These are not regular volunteering opportunities though. These require long term commitments, so volunteers will want to make sure they have the time to set aside for their program. However, if you can make the time, then the Citizen Involvement Program can be a rewarding chance for you to get involved with your local community. As one example, the city always needs volunteers for its Boards and Commissions. Residents bring their time and expertise to serve as board members and provide advice on different issues surrounding the community. There are high expectations of board members, who have to review complaints alleged against city officials in Sugar Land.
Any officials accused of violating the Code of Ethical Conduct will have to be reviewed by the board. However, the work of the board is important, since it ensures that the city’s officials are held to high ethical standards. The city also hosts the Community Assistance Support Team, which gives residents a chance to make the city safer. Residents have to undergo 12 weeks of training at the Sugar Land Citizens’ Police Academy and receive six hours of classroom training. They must also get eight hours of experience in the field helping with everything from phone bank procedures to street patrols. Volunteers drive in specially marked cars and uniforms and give the police department extra support by identifying suspicious activities and getting the police involved before crimes can happen. While the Boards and Commissions and Community Assistance Support Team are the two most direct ways you can volunteer for the city, you can also participate in teams that prepare you to make the city safer. For instance, the Citizens Fire Academy is a threemonth series of classes during which you’ll learn about the ins and outs of firefighting. These classes teach you about how and why fire fighters make the decisions they do. You’ll also get a chance to wear firefighting gear
and learn about firefighting tactics, preparing you in case you ever want to enter the fire department yourself. You’ll also be trained to better respond during a fire emergency.
You could also enroll in the Citizen’s Police Academy. The academy introduces volunteers to all aspects of law enforcement, from patrol procedures to traffic law. Residents get to learn more about how to respond in emergency situations, such as shootings. Like volunteering for the Citizens Fire Academy, this is a way of preparing yourself in case an emergency should ever occur. The volunteering opportunities in Sugar Land are meant to get you involved in helping the city immediately and preparing for future emergencies.
July 2018
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SUMMER DAY CAMP
* Giant Slide * Jedi-Sword Fight Zip-line Trampoline * Foam Pit * Gymnastics * Karate Dodgeball * Kickball * Parachute * Camp Games
Ages 4 -13 years * Sign up for 1 day or all week! Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. -3:00 p.m. Early drop off & late pick up available
Sienna Gymnastics & Karate 281-‐‑778-‐‑7822 www.siennagymnastics.com
EXPERT CARE FOR AN ACTIVE LIFESTYLE
Nader Ayub, DO
David Braunreiter, MD
SCHEDULE TODAY!
Nish Shah, MD
Sienna Plantation
Sugar Land
Long Meadow Farms
8330 Hwy. 6, Suite 110 Missouri City, TX 77459
16811 Southwest Fwy., Suite 200 Sugar Land, TX 77479
7790 W. Grand Pkwy. S., Suite 100 Richmond, TX 77406
Our primary care sports medicine physicians at Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine are board certified in family medicine and specialize in sports medicine to provide active patients — and even those who are less active — with the full range of care they need. These doctors treat everyday illnesses as well as sports injuries and orthopedic conditions, and offer a unique combination of expertise that provides significant benefits to patients, from children to adults.
To schedule an appointment, visit houstonmethodist.org/orthopedics-sl or call 281.612.6546.
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MEAGHAN BARSAMIAN CoFounder - CEO - Editor @MeaghanBarsamian
JULY 20th
silver screen
ALLEN BARSAMIAN CoFounder - Account Manager
It seems to the Teens that all the major superheroes out there are starring in their own movies—everyone but the Teen Titans, that is! But de facto leader Robin is determined to remedy the situation, and be seen as a star instead of a sidekick. If only they could get the hottest Hollywood film director to notice them. With a few madcap ideas and a song in their heart, the Teen Titans head to Tinsel Town, certain to pull off their dream. But when the group is radically misdirected by a seriously super villain and his maniacal plan to take over the Earth, things really go awry. The team finds their friendship and their fighting spirit failing, putting the very fate of the Teen Titans themselves on the line!
RACHEL WILLIAMS Graphic Designer
ALLEY LETO Columnist @LifeOfAlley
AUG 3rd
CONTRIBUTORS:
ALISA MURRAY Columnist @AlisaMurray
THE SPY WHO DUMPED ME The Spy Who Dumped Me tells the story of Audrey and Morgan, two best friends who unwittingly become entangled in an international conspiracy when one of the women discovers the boyfriend who dumped her, was actually a spy.
A working-class family man, Christopher Robin, encounters his childhood friend Winnie-the-Pooh, who helps him rediscover the joys of life.
On the Cover
AUG 10th
AUG 3rd
CHRISTOPHER ROBIN
Divine Savior Academy Sienna Plantation
JULY 27th
TEEN TITANS GO! TO THE MOVIES
TOLU FALADE Publication Assistant
JASON LUTHOR Columnist
MAMMA MIA! HERE WE GO AGAIN Ten years later, in the Greek island of Kalokairi, Sophie is pregnant while running her mother, Donna’s, villa. Self-conflicted because she can’t do it by herself, but with a little help from her friends, Sophie will find out more of Donna’s past and how she came to start up her villa, met each one of Sophie’s dads and raised a daughter, bravely all on her own, without a mother to guide her – with an unexpected visit from someone she had not invited or expected to see.
DOG DAYS Dog Days follows a group of interconnected people in Los Angeles who are brought together by their lovable canine counterparts.
July 2018
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Premier Provider for Invisalign & Invisalign Teen AcceleDent Provider
Carrie W. Pisklak, DDS, MS & Monica G. MĂźller, DDS, MS
Over 10 years of serving Fort Bend, one smile at a time!
$5 Off
Sienna Resident
Any Auto Repair
8711 Hwy 6, Missouri City, TX 77459 • 281-778-7006 6
Across from HEB
To Advertise, Please Email info@siennalist.com
www.pisklakorthodontics.com
281-403-5599
6218-C Highway 6 Missouri City, TX 77459
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top
the list
THINGS TO DO
JULY 2018
one
Go greener and feel better about yourself by taking a tiny step and turning off the lights this summer! Conserve energy and water as both are such an important part of our sustainability and are often carelessly used and wasted.
Plan a backyard camping staycation with the children. Roast marshmallows by the grill and make s’mores and let the good times roll! The kiddos get bored so quickly during the summer months and it does not take much to create a lasting memory!
Head to the museum and schedule you and the children for some art classes. There are dozens to choose from and you’ll never know until you try if you or one of your children are really good at pottery or jewelry making.
Remeber to collect cereal and other non-perishables like macaroni & cheese and take to the local food bank/shelter. The children that get free lunch and breakfasts get nothing during the summer and count on us to make sure they don’t go hungry.
NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED PORTRAIT ARTIST & AWARD WINNING COLUMNIST.
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three five
BY ALISA MURRAY
WWW.ALISAMURRAY.COM
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Take time for self-reflection and reinvent yourself. Try waking up 30 minutes earlier to sit with yourself in quiet before the chaos of the day starts. Use this time to meditate or pray and watch the positive effects a little me time can have on your day, or even your life.
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On my night side table now is A Secret History of Witches by Louisa Morgan and The Millionaire Real Estate Agent by Gary Keller. One is brain candy and the other is food for thought!
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We LOVE Asian food and I tinkered with making dishes that taste like our favorites from our local restaurants. My Korean Beef and rice bowls with bell peppers, Chia seeds and swiss chard are a HUGE hit at our house and so simple to make! (see recipe below)
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Book yourself a day at the spa and splurge on a facial, a massage and your nails! During the summer months, it’s easy to let things go since we spend so much time outdoors by the pool, but a little extra care can make all the difference in how you feel today and how you’ll look years from now. Don’t forget the sunscreen either!
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Go through your shoes and pocket books and see what you have not used at all or in a long while. Donate them to the Goodwill or a local shelter. Many women need a pick me up as they are heading back into the workforce after leaving an abusive marriage and dress for success is a marvelous program geared to help them get back on their feet and ready for interviews.
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It’s not too late to book a vacation! There are lovely getaways for families with small children that cater to the special needs a young family has while away from home. Now is the perfect time to book your holiday vacation, so reach out to your travel agent and start planning today.
Auntie A’s Korean Beef and Rice Bowls with Chia Seeds & Swiss Chard In a skillet heat the oil and add in the onion, garlic. Then add in the beef and break into tiny bits. In a small bowl whisk together soy sauce, sugar, oil, and all the spices pour then into the cooked beef. Simmer for 5 mins. In a bowl place a spoonful of rice then a spoonful of meat then add a handful of lettuce, Swiss chard and sprinkle chia seeds to your liking and finish by adding a bunch of red bell peppers for crunch and color. If you desire you can add more soy sauce or ponzu to taste.
• • • • • • • • • • • •
1 lb ground beef 1/2 red onion diced very fine 2 tsp minced garlic 1tbsp vegetable oil 1/4 cup soy sauce (I use gluten free) 1/4 cup packed brown sugar 2 tsp sesame seed oil 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes 1/4 tsp black pepper 1/4 tsp ground ginger 2 cups of cooked rice chopped lettuce, chopped red peppers, withered Swiss chard
July 2018
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parentlife By lindsay asawa, ph.d.
Coping Skills to Calm the Emotional
STORM
E
motions can be powerful and overwhelming at times. For children, this is almost always the case. They lack the brain development needed to help them regulate and cope with those feelings. As a result, children tend to wear their emottions on their sleeves. When they are sad, they cry. When they feel angry, they scream. This is not necessarily a bad thing!
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Emotions are normal and healthy, so there is no need to push them away. Those impulsive emotional reactions help children communicate what they need and learn ways to cope. As parents, our goals should be to watch and listen to what is being communicated, allow our children to feel those emotions, but also to teach the difference between emotions and behaviors. All feelings are okay but not all behaviors are okay. As children mature and their brains develop, they should begin to regulate those powerful emotions more effectively. They will learn to identify how they are feeling,
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understand why the emotions occur, and learn ways to cope and self-soothe. We can help that process along by teaching helpful coping skills from an early age:
BUILD A “FEELINGS� VOCABULARY Teach as many words as possible to describe feelings. Read books and have discussions about feelings. Ask how they are feeling and describe your
own emotions. Encourage your child to use words instead of behaviors to communicate how they feel. It’s amazing how powerful and soothing words can be!
PRACTICE MINDFULNESS
Children benefit from learning to be still and noticing what is going on inside and outside of their bodies. They can do a “body scan” to be mindful of physical changes that come along with strong emotions (racing heart, difficulty breathing, stomach butterflies). They can practice using all five senses to become aware of their surroundings. Mindfulness will help to ground your children when the emotional storm is carrying them away.
PRACTICE ACCEPTANCE Teach children to welcome their emotions and invite them in. When we encourage children to push their feelings away or “get over it” too quickly, those feelings begin to combine with other feelings and can become even more powerful and destructive. If children are not allowed to feel, they will look for unnatural and unhealthy ways to cope. Rather than saying “Stop crying, you will be fine!” tell them “I know you are disappointed and I’m sorry.” Then wait for the emotional storm to pass.
USE BREATHING TECHNIQUES
Research has shown that our breathing rate often increases when we are angry, afraid, and feeling other strong emotions. This is caused by our body’s natural “fight-or-flight” reaction to stress. One way to reverse this reaction is to force our breathing to slow down and become more regular. Taking deep, controlled, mindful belly breaths sends a message to the brain that it’s time to calm down.
COMBAT NEGATIVE THOUGHTS
Behind most powerful emotions are negative (and often irrational) thoughts. If we can help children recognize those negative thoughts and understand the connection between their thoughts and feelings, this can be an important coping tool. We can help them fight that negative voice with a more positive one. Our goal is to instill a positive inner voice in our children that helps to “talk them through” the tough feelings and challenges they will face.
DISTRACTION Sometimes the best way to calm an emotional storm is to do something or think about something different. There are many helpful forms of distraction – imagining and visualizing a “happy place,” going outdoors and spending time with nature, listening to soothing music, reading a book, and doing puzzles are just a few examples. Focusing on others by volunteering or helping a friend can also replace the negative feelings with joy, satisfaction, pride, and self-respect.
to be positive, I have to think positive!
July 2018
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Sugar Land Increase Your VIsIbIlItY and target Your desIred audIence
Distribution of 20,000 Homes in the Sugar Land area
www.tHeLiSt.city info@SiennaLiSt.com • 281-201-5998
@ SiennaList
Excite, Explore, Educate through Christ and Grow with God.
Registration Open for Fall 2018 2 Year Olds – Pre-K
281-265-5656
2011 Austin Parkway | Sugar Land, TX 77479
www.littlefisherspreschool.org |
LittleFishersPreschool
“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” ~ Proverbs 22:6 10
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parent life
REDIRECT ENERGY
continued from page 9
It can be helpful to release the tension and physical stress that come along with strong emotions. When we soothe our body, it often soothes our and emotions as well. Children can be encouraged to exercise, go for a walk, do muscle stretches, play sports, or practice yoga.
ASK FOR HELP AND SUPPORT
According to research, stubborn self-reliance does not necessarily lead to resilience. Building resilience means connecting children with supportive adults and peers. Let them know how important it is to reach out to others when they are struggling. One of the most important
coping skills children can learn is when and who to ask for help. At the same time, if you need support in managing your child’s emotional storms, trained counselors and psychologists are always ready to help.
July 2018
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Build a Reason to Live Outdoors! Patio Covers • Gazebos • Sunrooms Screened Porches • Outdoor Kitchens Decorative Patios and More
Call today to schedule a free design consultation or visit our website for ideas
281-265-1994 • www.TCPatioHou.com
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healthreport Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Sugar Land Hosts
annual SPorts physicals Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at Sugar Land is offering annual student physicals from 9 a.m. to noon on July 28 for Fort Bend ISD, Stafford MSD and any other student athlete needing a physical. The University Interscholastic League (UIL) requires all high school athletes to undergo and pass a physical examination prior to participating in sports. Physical evaluations include examining height, weight, vision, blood pressure, pulse, ears, nose, throat, heart, lungs, abdomen, spine, and all joints in the upper and lower body. Physicians discuss the athletes’ medical history and consult with them and their parents if further evaluation is necessary prior to releasing them to participate in sports. “I grew up in the area and attended Elsik High School, so it is an honor to come back and support the players. We look forward to continuing to support these school districts,” said Vincent Phan, M.D., orthopedic surgeon and team physician. “We truly enjoy working with the schools in these districts.” Houston Methodist physicians have been associated with local school
districts for more than 18 years and have donated more than $500,000 back to those communities. “Performing physical examinations is just part of being the team physician. Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine physicians support coaches, athletic trainers and players throughout the school year,” said Timothy Sitter, M.D., orthopedic surgeon and team physician. Partnering with Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine provides a convenient, inexpensive opportunity for our athletes to complete this physical exam, said Richard Gregoire, head district athletic trainer for Fort Bend ISD. “This partnership continues to provide access to some of the finest doctors in our community and a safer environment for our amazing students as they participate in our athletic programs,” he said.
ON JULY 28 FROM 9 A.M. TO NOON, HOUSTON METHODIST ORTHOPEDICS & SPORTS MEDICINE WILL HOST STUDENT PHYSICALS AT 16811 SOUTHWEST FWY., SUGAR LAND, TX, 77479.
Orthopedic, sports medicine and cardiology physicians will be on-site to provide additional clearance as needed. The cost is $20 (cash only) for ages 12 through 18. Be sure to bring a completed UIL Physical Evaluation form, which can be printed from events.houstonmethodist.org/ physicals-sl along with the Houston Methodist release form. Proceeds generated from the physicals are donated back to the athletic training program of the school the student attends. Students receiving a physical will also get a free T-shirt.
Dr. Nader Ayub
performing exam on student
For more information, email athletictrainer@houstonmethodist. org or call 281.275.0447. Please note that email is not a secure means to communicate confidential or health-related information, including Social Security number, date of birth, financial information, etc.
July 2018
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moldingminds
BY JASON LUTHOR
keeping Kids’ Minds
SHARP
through cooking
When people think about how to keep their kids prepared for school, they think about summer reading programs and summer
school. While there’s always a place for academics in the home, you also don’t want to burn out your kids with studying. Sometimes, you can help your kids stay sharp through fun activities, like cooking! You may have never thought about helping your kids stay ready for school by cooking in the home, but cooking is a great way of keeping your kids on their toes and ready for the school year. First of all, cooking
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is one way to get your kids away from the television during the summer. Maybe they can’t be in classes, but that doesn’t mean that they have to be in front of the TV all day. Getting your kids off the couch and into the kitchen is the first step to keeping their minds from going numb. Just getting them moving is a first step in helping them stay sharp.
However, getting off the couch is just the first step. The actual cooking process requires them to use their reasoning skills, plus a little math. They even have to put their reading skills to work while they’re cooking. Just reading recipes is one way of keeping them in the books. Best of all, this type of reading is important to getting the cooking done. That means your kid needs to pay attention and stay engaged with the reading they’re doing. They also have to reason their way through the cooking process. They have to identify the ingredients needed for the cooking, visualize what they want their meal to look like, consider every step necessary for cooking their meal, and then bring it all together. This stage of the cooking asks kids to draw on their math skills. They have to count out their ingredients or measure them out appropriately.
Keeping your kid’s mind sharp means more than just keeping them in the books. It means giving them fun ways to put their skills to use so that they know how their learning can help them in the real world. want to recreate the meal later, they’ll need to keep track of their ingredients and the steps necessary to make their meal. They can write these steps down in a cooking diary so that they can make the meal again later. Cooking with your child isn’t the most brain challenging task in the world. However, it’s enough to get them off the couch, using a wide set of skills, and reasoning their way through a challenge. Plus, it asks them to be creative during the process.
They may need to draw on their multiplication skills if they’re making larger meals and need to calculate how much more of an ingredient they’ll need to use in the food. You can even get your kids writing as part of the cooking process. By working together with your child, you can come up with meals from scratch. If they July 2018
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community spotlight A New Campus. A Rich Tradition. Sienna Lutheran Academy has been serving the students and families of Sienna Plantation with private, Christian education since 2012. Their campus, located at 770 Waters Lake Boulevard, is known for personalized attention and a loving, supportive staff of teachers and administrators. This spring, Sienna Lutheran Academy partnered with Divine Savior Academy, a network of schools that serves students in PreK-12th grade on its four campuses in South Florida and Texas. DSA’s network is part of one of the largest private school systems in the United States, one that has operated highlyregarded schools for over 150 years. Divine Savior’s mission is to provide its students with supportive teachers, collegeprep academics, and a Christian environment. Working as a multi-site school has allowed them to develop excellence in systems, curriculum, and teacher training and development to support their schools in this mission. As a result, their graduates have been accepted to Ivy League schools like Cornell, Brown, and UPENN, as well as prestigious colleges and universities like MIT, Baylor, Texas A&M, and Georgetown.
Now Enrolling: 2018-2019 School Year PreK, Elementary, and Middle School
SCHEDULE A TOUR www.DivineSaviorAcademy.com
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CELEBRATE WITH US! Grand Opening of our newly renovated campus
July 14, 2018 3:00pm: Ribbon Cutting 3:00-5:00pm: Tours and Reception 770 Waters Lake Boulevard, Sienna Plantation, TX 77459 (218) 778-3003
“We are excited about this partnership and are confident that it will bring the families of our community excellence in education in the same loving, supportive Christian environment that we have cultivated here on our campus.” - Pat Cortright, M.Ed, Principal - Divine Savior Academy, Sienna Plantation
What’s New? Renovated Facilities This spring and summer, we’ll be renovating our campus and adding an enhanced security system. We’re excited to show you our facilities, situated on 16 acres of land.
Preschool Program We’re adding a preschool program for the 2018-2019 school year. We are accepting applications for 3 and 4-yearold students, who will meet in our new preschool room.
Online Systems We use online systems for communications, student information, and bill payment. This gives our parents 24-hour access to grades, homework, and their tuition account.
July 2018
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Alley on the Town Written & Pictures by Alley Leto
greenstreet our staycation at Hotel Alessandra
Happy July Everyone!!!
Summer is officially here and it’s one of my favorite times of year. Typically, summer months tend to be busy with many different activities. Traveling, home projects, vacations, graduations, backyard barbecues, pool and beach are just to name of few. Summer life has a way of getting busy and as the days pass it’s easy to forget to etch out alone time with your significant other. And while the days are flying by, my husband and I have learned the importance of finding ways to reconnect. One of our favorite ways to reconnect is to plan a mini staycation exploring the great city of Houston!
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This month, I’m sharing my overnight staycation at Hotel Alessandra, with my hubby, in the GreenStreet area. GreenStreet, is an innovative area in downtown, where you can shop, dine, play and stay. The best part is that almost everything you need is within walking distance. Other popular Houston destinations such as Discovery Green, Downtown Aquarium, and the Alley theater are also within 1 mile of Hotel Alessandra. Hotel Alessandra is a stunning boutique hotel with 21 floors. The rooms are luxurious and
“GreenStreet is an innovative area in downtown, where you can shop, dine, play and stay.” the building is decorated with beautiful art deco furnishings with modern comforts and highend touches. The hotel also offers a gym, spa and a rooftop pool area that is so pretty and relaxing. A great way to unwind and take in the beautiful Houston skyline.
BARDOT BAR
The hotel has its own restaurant called Lucienne, serving Continental European cuisine. Along with their own bar, Bardot Bar. Where you can order classic hand-crafted cocktails and light bites. Bardot Bar also hosts a popular happy hour, MondaySunday! Check it out if you are in the area. July 2018
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After we checked in and toured the hotel, we decided to venture out and explore GreenStreet. We ended up having dinner at 111 Forks steakhouse and I have to admit, it was one of the best steaks I have had in a very long time. It is an a la carte restaurant and their menu has a variety of beef options at different price ranges ($$$$$$). After dinner, we headed to Lucky Strike Houston for some bowling. Lucky Strike is not your typical bowling place, it’s upscale and makes for a perfect date night activity.
“One of our favorite ways to reconnect is to plan a mini staycation.” They have two areas to play, a main area and a VIP area if you would like something a bit more secluded. Food and drinks are available for purchase. Overall, it was such a great night and a fun way to reconnect but still be close to home. Our night at Hotel Alessandra allowed us the space we needed to talk, laugh, and just have fun together.
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I loved it so much that as a thank you to all of you that have been following along with my column, I am selecting one winner for a
DATE NIGHT GIVEAWAY!!
Hotel Alessandra has graciously offered one overnight stay (Friday, Saturday or Sunday), valet parking for one car, $75 III Forks gift card and special enhancement if a spa appointment is booked, to one lukcy winner!! How amazing is that? Good luck everyone and thank you for checking out my, Alley on the Town, series. To enter giveaway, head over to www.lifeofalley.com/linktree and click on “HOTEL ALESSANDRA GIVEAWAY�. Be sure to follow the super easy instructions. Giveaway will run from 7/11/18-7/25/28. Winner will be announced on 7/28/18 on my Instagram, @lifeofalley.
III FORKS
If you would like to be considered as a featured business, please email Alley at
PR@lifeofalley.com Pictures by: Life Of Alley
@LifeOfAlley July 2018
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Speech & OccupatiOnal therapy
We now Offer Ot (Occupational therapy) Autism Spectrum Disorders, Speech & Language Delays, Auditory Processing, Fine & Visual Motor Problems, Sensory Processing Problems, Dyspraxia, THERAPEUTIC LISTENING PROVIDERS inSurance and Medicaid accepted
5819 Hwy 6, Suite 360, Missouri City 77459 speechandlearning.com • 281.403.2600
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Mid Size and Full Size Cadillac & Lincoln SUVs
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Local, family-owned town car company serving Sugar Land and surrounding areas.
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communitynews by jason LUTHOR
THOUSANDS of GALLONS of WASTEWATER POUR into
STEEP BANK CREEK There are few things that can ruin a day like a bad smell. Unfortunately, residents of Sugar Land have been having to deal with an unusual spillage that’s left an odor lingering in the area. Residents living along Steep Bank Creek recently reported an ugly incident of sewage spilling into the creek, creating a terrible smell that made living in the area unbearable. The creek, which runs between the neighborhoods of First Colony and Sweet Water, typically empties into the Brazos River, meaning that thousands of gallons of waste were poured into the river before the problem was resolved. Residents in the area captured video
that included an ongoing streaming ground flow of sewage spilling into the creek.
ALTOGETHER, OFFICIALS ESTIMATED THAT NEARLY 5,000 GALLONS OF WASTEWATER ESCAPED INTO THE ENVIRONMENT, RELEASING OVERBEARING FUMES IN THE AREA. The stench was so intense that residents could barely approach the creek to document the spillage without having to hold their breaths. The source of the spillage? A regional wastewater lift station. Lift stations
are designed to shift wastewater from lower elevations to higher ones. These keep the wastewater flowing to its intended destination. Lift stations rely on a series of pumps and piping to shift the wastewater and prevent it from flowing into local water sources, and cities rely on them because they help reduce the cost of moving wastewater. However, improper maintenance can lead to incidents like the Steep Bank Creek spillage. The lift station along Steep Bank Creek saw its power system fail, leading to the ongoing spillage in the area. Wastewater overflowed out of a street manhole and began to work its way down into the creek, producing the stench that neighbors found filling their neighborhood. In a somewhat ironic twist, not only did the central power system fail, but the backup system as well. In response, crews arrived at the scene to restore power and get sewage properly flowing to its proper destination. Video taken at the scene showed a near continuous flow of wastewater, almost as if a second creek had opened up and began spilling into Steep Bank Creek. The sewage spill continued for at least six hours before the wastewater was contained. For residents, it was a relief not only because it put an end to the smell that filled the area, but because they were worried about their health. Residents expressed concern that the fumes might be toxic and were angry that it took so long for the problem to get resolved. However, locals were angry because it was the second time a wastewater spillage emptied into the nearby creek. For city officials, it leaves them with a pressing need to address the repeated failures of the lift station. While officials did say they’d take corrective actions, only time will tell if the lift station along Steep Bank Creek holds up better this time. July 2018
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preparing for
HURRICANE SEASON from Florida to New Orleans and Houston have devastated the coast. However, there are ways that residents of Houston can prepare for any hurricane disaster. First, it’s important to know the difference between different hurricane strengths. A Category 2 hurricane reaches winds of
HURRICANE CLASSIFICATION
The summer is here, and that means that Hurricane Season has begun. The Atlantic hurricane season begins on June 1st and lasts until the fall, when it ends around November 30th. Residents living along the Gulf Coast have plenty to be wary of during this time of year. Over the past decade, hurricanes
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about 110 miles per hour, which is dangerous enough. However, when a hurricane reaches a level of Category 5, winds can hit 150 miles per hour, resulting in incredible damage. No matter how much preparation you’ve put into getting ready for hurricane season, you might want to consider leaving the city
CATEGORY 1 74-95 mph winds
CATEGORY 2
96-110 mph winds
CATEGORY 3
111-129 mph winds
CATEGORY 4
130-156 mph winds
CATEGORY 5 157+ mph winds
if there’s a Category 5 hurricane sitting off of the coast. However, regardless of what category of hurricane you’re planning to stay through, there are basic things you can do to try and protect your health and home.
Among the most important needs to take care of is water. Typically, you’ll need one gallon of water per person per day. You’ll want to prepare for at least three days of being stuck inside. So, as one example, a family of four would need 12 gallons of water to sit through the average hurricane for three days. Of course, you’ll need an appropriate amount of food to get by. You can live longer without food than water though, so water is the first priority. Beyond food and water, you’ll want to have basic survival gear ready. Flashlights, a radio, and batteries to power those devices are important. Flashlights can help in the dark while your radio will keep you tuned to weather updates. You’ll also want to make sure you take care
of your health needs. Hurricanes can be stressful times with lots of environmental dangers, so make sure to keep a first aid kit with you. Also make sure you have both everyday medication, like aspirin, and specialized medication that members of your family might need. In case the hurricane does reaches winds you feel unsafe staying through, you’ll want to have an evacuation plan ready. Instead of panicking and hitting the road to find some way out of town, have an orderly, secure way to leave your home. Your evacuation plan should have
possible and stay tuned to your radio to find out if you’re in an evacuation zone. Homeowners will also want to take steps to secure their homes. Trees should be trimmed to reduce debris and windows should be covered in case they shatter. Secure items outside should be secured down and cars moved to a safe location, if possible. Whether you’re staying in town or leaving, taking some basic steps can help reduce some of the hurricane damage your home will experience. By following all of these tips, you’ll help to ensure that you’re safe should a hurricane strike.
a list of things to bring with you and a plan for loading any pets you have. Your route should be completely mapped out. Just remember, when the hurricane hits, follow your plan as closely as July 2018
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relief
w h e r e pa i n c o m e s n at u r a l ly
SOME THINGS CAN improve WITH AGE
T
By Sara Adams
DR. STEVE HARRIS, DC CHIROPRACTOR
hat’s what Beverly Falcon found out when she went to see Dr. Steve Harris for her neck and shoulder pain this past October. Beverly had been feeling crummy for a few months. Her neck and shoulders hurt, she had knee pain. She says, “I just felt terrible all over, and then all of a sudden I remembered Dr. Harris. The last time I felt this terrible I saw Dr. Harris and I got a lot better.” That was twelve years ago. A lot can happen in twelve years, and Beverly was pleased to find out that even though Dr. Harris was still the kind, thoughtful, professional chiropractor she knew in the past, he had continued to learn and grow as technology and information changed in his field. He has even more to offer now than he did twelve years ago. In addition to Beverly’s pain in her neck and shoulders dropping from a level 10 to a 1, she new also experienced patient some unexpected
special
free
exam & consultation ($125 value)*
Bring this publication into the If you live with benefits back pain, we are clinic to receive this offer. from her here to *X-RAYS AT REGULAR PRICE. decompression ADDITIONAL CHARGES MAY APPLY. CALL TODAY AT 281-980-1050 DOES NOT APPLY TO MEDICARE therapy. Beverly OR PERSONAL INJURY. CODE: FALCONSIENNA18 has had a problem with ringing in her ears for longer than she can remember. She noticed that after working with Dr. Harris, the ringing is not as intense as it used to be. Beverly had an even bigger surprise after one session when her right knee, which she had been unable to straighten out since knee surgery 10 years ago, just popped and became unlocked. She can now fully extend her right leg.
help!
“Before I saw Dr. Harris, I felt like I was getting old. Now I feel like a new person. I can move so much better. I just feel good all over. This time I won’t wait twelve years to go back, I plan on seeing Dr. Harris once a month for maintenance.” Beverly’s improvement was so obvious, even her husband Ken started seeing Dr. Harris. Dr. Steve Harris offers a wide variety of chiropractic care modalities and associated therapies to help people with chronic pain or to help improve their overall musculoskeletal function and health. Dr. Harris opened Sugar Land Health Center in 1982, and recently celebrated his 41st anniversary in his chiropractic practice. Known for incorporating new technology and techniques that complement his safe and holistic approach, Dr. Harris offers chiropractic care, pain relief, spinal decompression, rehabilitation and so much more. If your body is not improving with age, let Dr. Steve Harris of Sugar Land Health Center see what he can do for you! SUGAR LAND HEALTH CENTER
3425 Highway 6, Suite 101 | Sugar Land, TX 77478 | 281-980-1050 www.sugarlandhealthcenter.com www.youtube.com/DrSteveHarrisDC
www.facebook.com/sugarlandhealth
@sugarlandhealthcenter
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