Sienna Plantation News

DECEMBER 2013

TEACHING KIDS 'TIS BETTER TO GIVE A Message from Houston's First Baptist Church

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Ten Holiday Happenings Close to Home

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HAPPY HOLIDAYS ISSUE

CONTENTS FEATURES

08

Teaching Kids 'Tis Better to Give

12

Ten Holiday Happenings Close to Home

A Message from Houston's First Baptist Church

MONTHLY DEPARTMENTS 05

Community Profiles Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Breaks Ground for Emergency Care Center

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Pet Corner Sponsored By The WellPet Center Veterinary Hospital

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Dear Doctor Sponsored By UT Physicians at Sienna Village

ON THE COVER: Top: FREE FAMILY MOVIE MATINEE for winter break at the Sienna Branch Library, on Friday, January 3, beginning at 1:00 pm, in the Meeting Room of the library. The special feature is a fantasy adventure film, released in 2013, starring James Franco as Oscar Diggs, a small-time circus magician with dubious ethics. Putting his magical talents to use through illusion, ingenuity, and even a bit of wizardry, Diggs transforms himself not only into a great and

Jason and Laura Seifert teach their children, Beth and Ben, about the importance of giving by serving together at Second Mile Mission Center.

powerful leader of the land, but into a better man as well. This film is rated PG. Bottom: FREE ACT practice test at Sienna Branch Library on Saturday, January 11, from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm, in the

Sienna Plantation News is an advertiser-supported publication wholly owned by Community Magazines

Meeting Room of the library. Students are encouraged to bring two #2 pencils and a non-graphing calculator. Seating

LLC, publishers of custom pubblications for narrowly focused audiences. There is no affiliation with Sienna

is limited and reservations are required. To register online at the library’s website (www.fortbend.lib.tx.us), click on

Plantation Residential Association Inc. or Johnson Development.

“Calendar,” select “Sienna Branch Library,” and find the program. Participants may also register by calling the library

Send correspondence to: Community Magazines LLC, 2245 Texas Drive, Suite 300, Sugar Land, Texas 77479

at (281) 238-2900, or by visiting the library.

To advertise in Sienna Plantation News, contact Denise Williams: (281)566-2527 or communitynews@entouch.net

www.siennaplantationnews.com

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Houston’s First Baptist Church is now in

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7401 KATY FWY

Life Bible Studies @ 9:30 & 11a Worship Services @ 9:30 & 11a Houston’s First The Loop

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Campus Pastor Jeff Rees

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COMMUNITY PROFILE

Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital breaks ground for emergency care center

Emre Ozcan, General Manager Linbeck Group, LLC; Mike Smith, Director of Facility Planning; Lowell Stanton, Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital CFO; Scott Stover, Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Emergency Department Director; Scott Rivenes, M.D., Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Emergency Department Medical Director; Chris Siebenaler, Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital CEO; Janet Leatherwood, Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital CNO and Craig Fredrickson, Vice President Linbeck Group, LLC.

Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital began groundbreaking on a new 9,600-square-foot emergency care center on Highway 6 in Missouri City, between the Sienna Plantation and Riverstone communities—signifying their first development in Missouri City. The facility is scheduled to open in summer 2014, and will house 10 treatment rooms and the latest technology in diagnostic imaging equipment.

The opening of the emergency care center will improve access to emergent care for Missouri City residents while also offering the latest and most sophisticated services and technology posDr. Sonhui Chung & the staff of Eye Connection would like to invite you and your family to our sible. The new center will also offer resioffice to meet Dr. Chung and the staff; you will dents faster access to inpatient care at the also receive special savings on eyewear & main hospital campus, if needed. eyecare products!

“This is an exciting development because it gives us a physical presence in the heart of the fast-growing Missouri City community,” said Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital CEO Chris Siebenaler. “The Glasses • Contact Lenses • LASIK Co-Management • Pediatrics new emergency care center will give Missouri City residents a first-class Sienna Office medical facility within minutes of their 8880 Hwy 6, Suite 200 homes.”

Missouri City, TX 77459 The emergency care center is Phone: 281.778.2020 just one of five major projects planned between now and summer 2014 that will expand the hospital’s physical footprint, significantly enhance its ability to serve patients across Fort Bend and surrounding counties and add a number To learn more about Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, please visit houstonmethodist.org/sugarland, and visit our Facebook page at FB.com/methodistsugarland for the latest news, events and information. of new jobs.

We focus on you, so you can focus on the more important things...

EYE CONNECTION for you and your family

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call 281.208.3322 to schedule an appointment.

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Singers Join Fort Bend Symphony To Spread Christmas Cheer

Fort Bend Symphony musicians, joyously preparing for the Sunday, Dec. 8 Deck the Halls Christmas concert, include John Gearhart, harp; Patricia Guzman, cello; Aimee Peterson, co-concertmistress; and Chelsea Keaton, bass clarinet.

This year’s Deck the Halls concert, presented by the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra, will be more magical than ever as the St. Laurence Chamber Singers join the orchestra in this special holiday presentation. This popular concert begins at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 8 at the Stafford Centre.

Some of the seasonal favorites on the program include Sleigh Ride, The Christmas Song, Frosty the Snowman and Christmas Fantasia. FBSO will accompany the St. Laurence Singers as they sing Hallelujah Chorus, Carol of the Bells and several additional selections.

The concert also features an audience sing-along to We Wish You A Merry Christmas. Other special guests include Stafford Mayor Leonard Scarcella narrating Twas the Night Before Christmas, plus photo opportunities with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus.

This year’s concert is under the direction of associate conductor Dr. Dominique Royem. Beginning at 1:30 p.m., she will share some programming notes during an informal time called “Beyond the Baton.”

For best seats, purchase tickets early at fbso.org or call (281) 276-9642. Reserved seats for adults begin at $12 with discounts for adults 55 and over, students, military and groups of 10 or more. Children 12 and under are free with a reserved ticket.

The Stafford Centre is located at 10505 Cash Road in Stafford.

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TEACHING KIDS 'TIS BETTER TO GIVE A Message from Houston's First Baptist Church

For starters, parents should not limit their definition of giving to only gestures that involve money. While financial contributions are appreciated, some children may not have money to donate themselves. And if the parent is writing the check, the child may not learn the lesson.

“Teaching children about the importance of giving can be fun for them and their parents,” says Katie Walker with the Children’s Ministry at the Sienna Campus of Houston’s First Baptist Church.

“One of the most important things to do is to choose something where the child can be actively involved and — ideally — where they can see how their giving makes a difference.”

Local Charities Fort Bend County has numerous charities and churches that offer opportunities for volunteers to pitch in and help – either for a onetime event or on an on-going basis. Jason and Laura Seifert have enjoyed taking their children to serve in the food pantry at Second Mile Mission Center (secondmile.org).

As Christmas nears, children’s wish lists seem to grow longer by the day as new commercials and catalogs promote the latest “must have” items. For parents, it can be a dizzying effort to keep up with the wishes, to find the items, and to budget accordingly.

A recent national survey said parents planned to spend an average of $271 for Christmas gifts per child. One in 10 parents planned to spend over $500 — double the national average. The amount varies from family to family based on the ages and numbers of children.

Regardless, the fact remains that Americans spend a lot of their money — and time — on gifts for kids at Christmas.

But at some point during the Christmas season as the receipts pile up, each parent experiences that moment when they stop and ask themselves, “Is this what it’s all about?” While fighting traffic, standing in line, or searching for “sold out” items online, moms and dads wonder if all the presents under the tree are sending the right message.

It’s true that Christmas is about giving — but why are our children usually only on the receiving end of the holiday? What can parents do to teach them about giving?

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For over 20 years, Second Mile has provided food, clothing, household items, spiritual counseling, and health care for needy residents of Fort Bend County. The Seiferts give back together as a family by spending some time sorting out donations, stocking shelves, and doing other tasks to support the mission.

“It’s an eye-opener for our kids to know that there are people right here in our community who need help,” says Laura. “They get to see and touch the food that will go to people in need.”

“Since they’re kids, they still have their list of wishes and wants, and that’s OK,” Jason adds, “but our prayer is that by serving at Second Mile they would understand that it’s more important to help others than to just get more stuff for ourselves.”

Look Next Door An opportunity for your child to give of their time and service may be as close as a neighbor on your street. Is there an elderly person for whom you could run an errand? Someone who needs help with yard work? A single mom who would appreciate a free babysitter?

Parents and children should go together and approach neighbors about any potential ways they can help them.

If the idea of doing yard work doesn’t inspire your child, consider inviting other parents and their children to serve with you. Ask your child whom he or she would want to join in on the project then reach out to that family. When the work is done, you can go get ice cream and offer words of encouragement to the kids for the work they did.

In addition to doing chores for others, you and your child could surprise neighbors with an unexpected treat. For example, take a wagon loaded with cold bottles of water and snacks around your neighborhood and hand them out to people as they work in their yards — even to the hired lawn care workers, too! Ask your children what other ideas they have and allow them to “own” the project.

Long-Term Commitments If you want the act of giving to extend beyond seasonal opportunities or moments when a neighbor has a need, consider making a long-term commitment to giving as a family. One such option is to sponsor a child through Compassion International.

As a family, go to the Compassion website (compassion.com) and search for a child you want to sponsor. Allow your child to search for a child by their location in the world, gender, age range, or birthday. They can also search for children with special needs, ones who have been orphaned, and those affected by HIV/AIDS. A monthly donation of less than $50 provides your sponsored child with food and water, medical care, educational opportunities, and life-skills training. To get your children involved, place a jar in a visible spot in your home with your sponsored child’s picture attached.

Encourage your children to put their change or a portion of their allowance money in the jar throughout the month. (Mom and Dad might have to make up the difference!)

Once your sponsorship is established, you’ll be able to exchange letters and photos with the child. Your children will see the impact their contributions are making. Having a sponsored child may teach them to think of others, illustrate how a small amount can go a long way, and introduce them to needs around the world.

“Teaching your children to give can be an uphill battle if all they ever do is receive,” says Jeff Rees, Campus Pastor of the Sienna Campus of Houston’s First Baptist Church. “Parents will see their children ‘get it’ if they model what it means to give of their time and talents and include their children along the way. They’ll see their children experience the joy that comes from giving.”

LAY A FOUNDATION The Sienna Campus of Houston’s First Baptist Church offers Life Bible Studies and other programs for kids from birth through 12th grade that can provide a foundation for a lifetime of giving.

Sienna Campus of Houston’s First Baptist Church 4309 Sienna Parkway Missouri City, TX 77459 Sundays Life Bible Studies @ 9:30a & 11a Worship Services @ 9:30a & 11a HoustonsFirst.org/Sienna

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PET CORNER Sponsored by

Dental Disease in Dogs and Cats Dental disease is one of the most common medical conditions seen by veterinarians. A large percentage of dogs and cats over the age of three are estimated to have some form of periodontal or dental disease.

Periodontal disease means there is an infection or inflammation of the gums surrounding the affected tooth. If left untreated, the infection spreads deep into the tooth socket, weakening the bone and causing the tooth to loosen and fall out. As the oral infection progresses, infections of the heart valves kidneys and/or liver can occur.

The best way to prevent tartar build-up is regular home care, such as tooth brushing and dental treats. The best thing for your pet is to buy pet safe toothpaste. You cannot use human tooth paste as most of them contain contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener, which is highly toxic to pets.

If you are noticing bad breath, tarter on your pet’s teeth, and/ or red and inflamed gums, a visit with your family veterinarian is recommended.

Jessica Rivera, DVM · The WellPet Center 8790 Highway 6, Suite 100 · Sienna Plantation, Texas 77459 · (281) 201-1879 www.thewellpetcentersienna.com

Keep Pets Safe During The Holidays Below is a list of holiday items and the symptoms they may cause if ingested by your pet.

Chocolate Dependent on amount ingested, can cause vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, hyperactivity, increased thirst and urination, and increased heart rate.

Alcohol Can cause a pet to go into a coma, possibly resulting in death from respiratory failure.

Source: ASPCA

Aluminum Foil & Cellophane Can cause vomiting and intestinal blockage.

Poinsettas Might cause mild vomiting or nausea.

Christmas Tree Water May contain fertilizers that upset pet’s stomach. Can be bacteria breeding ground.

WE PROVIDE Q UALITY PET CARE FOR DOG S AND CATS.

In-house Laboratory / Digital X-Ray Medicine / Surgery / Ultrasound 6

TEXAS

(281) 201-187 9

8790 Hwy 6 South, Ste. 100 Mem ori Herm al ann

HOURS M-F - 7 AM - 6 PM SAT 8 AM -12 NOON

Scan For More Info!

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www.thewellpetcentersienna.com

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Sienna Park way

8790 Hwy. 6 South, Ste. #100 Missouri City, TX 77459

UT Physici ans

HEB

DEAR DOCTOR Sponsored by

Dear Doctor: It’s December; is it too late for my child to get the flu vaccine?

We treat dogs and cats and offer the folloWing services

Dear Reader: It’s not too late. The flu, also called influenza, is a viral infection in the nose, throat and lungs. Flu season typically occurs between the months of October and March.

All children are susceptible and have the highest rates of infection. Most people know that children with chronic diseases such as asthma and diabetes can suffer complications such as pneumonia or even death; however, all children are susceptible to these adverse effects.

The vaccine is recommended for all children starting at age 6 months. Children 8 and under should receive two doses of the vaccine, given one month apart, the first year they are immunized.

For healthy children age 2 and up, there is a nasal form of the vaccine available that is just as effective as the shot.

Children will not get the flu from the vaccine and it may save their life. But, since there are various flu viruses, it is possible to get the flu after vaccination. However, flu symptoms would be milder than if your child did not get vaccinated.

So if your child has not yet been immunized against the flu, call your pediatrician today and make an appointment to do so.

Immunizations and Wellness care Heartworm and Flea Preventatives In-house Laboratory Services On-site Pharmacy Veterinary Diets X-ray Diagnostics Animal Dentistry Internal Medicine Surgery Services Microchipping Boarding

9212 Sienna Ranch Road Missouri City, TX 77459

(281) 778-5244

www.siennaplantationanimalclinic.vetsuite.com

Victoria Regan, M.D. is a pediatric doctor for Fannin Pediatrics, PA. She provides pediatric patient care at UT Physicians at Sienna Village. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call (713) 486-1200

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Ten Holiday Happenings Close to Home SNOWFEST PARADE Saturday, December 7, 9 to 11 am

LIVE NATIVITY Saturday, December 21, 6 to 8:30 pm

Cartwright Road and Murphy Road, Missouri City

Sienna Plantation Train Depot/Amphitheater

ANNUAL SIENNA LIGHTS CELEBRATION Saturday, December 7, 4:30 – 5:45 pm Corner of Waters Lake Blvd and Sienna Parkway

FORT BEND BOYS CHOIR CHRISTMAS MUSICALE Saturday, December 7, 7:00 pm Sugar Land Baptist Church

FORT BEND SYMPHONY, DECK THE HALLS Sunday, December 8, 2:00pm Stafford Centre

CASA CHRISTMAS HOME TOUR Friday and Saturday, December 13, 14, 10 am to 4 pm Candlelight tour on Friday from 6 to 9pm

PHOTOS WITH SANTA Sunday, December 22, 1 to 5:00 pm

SNOW BLAST Saturday, January 11, 10 am to noon

Sugar Land Town Square

Sienna Plantation Train Depot/Amphitheater

Various locations

Excellence in Christian Care and Education Now ng i ! ept Acc llment o Enr

HOLIDAYS IN THE PLAZA – TRAVIS HIGH SCHOOL ORCHESTRA Friday, December 13, 7 to 9:00 pm Sugar Land Town Square

FORT BEND HOLIDAY BOWL VII Fort Bend County Sheriff’s “Enforcers” vs Sugar Land Police Dept. “Chargers” Saturday, December 14, 2:00 pm Fort Bend Christian Academy’s Eagle Field 12 |

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Serving children 6 weeks to 12 years Morning & After School Programs Private Kindergarten

CARING

SUCCESS

Hours: 6:00AM - 6:30PM www.colonykids.org 7555 Highway 6 South Missouri City, Tx 77459 281-499-2454

In Your Neighborhood. In Your Network.

When it comes to health care costs, can you afford a hospital that’s not in your health plan’s network? By choosing a provider that’s in your network, you’re choosing to lower your out-of-pocket costs. Sugar Land Surgical Hospital accepts most insurance health plans, which means you’ll enjoy peace of mind with in-network costs – and the peace of mind in choosing a name you trust.

EMERGENCY ROOM SERVICES

• • • •

Specifically designed to treat minor emergencies Emergency physicians on site 24/7 Door to physician visit - 5 minutes or less X-rays and CT scans on site

16906 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-243-1000 • MemorialHermannFirstColony.com

IMAGING SERVICES

• OASIS™ high-field open MRI system, delivering the comfortable exam you prefer • Friendly, accommodating MRI system design • Advanced technology for fast, easy exams • Spacious and comfortable imaging suite Accredited by The Joint Commission

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BUSINESS DIRECTORY Business Reviews

SugarLandNetwork.com chris@sugarlandnetwork.com Child Care Colony Kids 7555 Highway 6 South, Missouri City (281) 499-2454 Churches Houston’s First Baptist Church 4309 Sienna Parkway, Missouri City www.houstonsfirst.org Dance Instruction Sienna Dance mszondria@aol.com Dance Works www.majestics.net danceworks@windstream.net Education Southminster School 4200 Cartwright Blvd, Missouri City (281) 261-8872 Eye Care Eye Connection 8880 Highway 6, Suite 200 Missouri City - (281) 778-2020

Home Theater/Audio/Video Installation

Residential Audio Visual Angel Herrera – (713) 894-5724 www.residentialaudiovideo.com BUSINESS DIRECTORY ADVERTISING Denise R Williams, Publisher communitynews@entouch.net (281) 778-9782 www.siennaplantationnews.com

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Healthcare Providers

Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital

16651 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land (713) 772-1200 Memorial Hermann Southwest (713) 456-500 memorialhermann.org Sugar Land Surgical Hospital 16906 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land SugarLandSurgicalHospital.com UT Physicians at Sienna Village 8810 Highway 6, Suite 100 Missouri City – (713) 486-1200 www.UTPhysicians.com Insurance State Farm Insurance - Shaffer Agency 6705 Highway 6, Missouri City www.robertshaffer.com Montessori Schools Grace Montessori – (281) 499-5656 3639 Glenn Lakes Ln, Missouri City www.mygracemontessori.com Office Suites Town Square Office Suites 2527 Texas Drive, Suite 300 Sugar Land - (281) 566-2500 Psychiatry (Adult, Child, Adolescent) Kevin Simmons, MD 4501 Cartwright Road, Suite 505 Missouri City - (281) 849-8079

Support local business

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Real Estate Robert Cobb - Century 21 www.C21Sienna.com (713) 205-7778

Jenny Ferguson–Keller Williams Realty SW

(832) 512-0358 jimjenferg@yahoo.com Jeff Sadler – RE/MAX Executives M: (713) 628-4487 O: (281) 778-4487 jeffsdlr@aol.com Pet Care/Lodging Meadow Lake Pet Resort 13500 Furman Road, Houston (713) 413-1633 Sienna Plantation Animal Hospital See listing under Veterinary Care Pilates Scoop Pilates & Personal Training 8817 Highway 6, Suite 470 Missouri City - (281) 778-6801 Speech Therapy Speech and Learning Center LLP www.speechandlearning.com (281) 403-2600 Veterinary Care Sienna Plantation Animal Hospital 9212 Sienna Ranch Road (281) 778-5244 Well Pet Center Veterinary Hospital 8790 Highway 6, Suite 100 (281) 201-1879 Water Softening and Purification Systems R&S Water Service (281) 416-9353 www.rswaterservice.com

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Christmas Home Tour

December 13 + 14, 2013

Purchase your tickets online today!

For more information, tickets or to become a sponsor go to http://www.cafb.org/Events/Home-Tour/ or contact Lisa Moore at 281-344-5108.

www.cafb.org

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When you choose UT Physicians, you are selecting

individualized care from a team of more than 900 physicians ready to meet your medical needs.

UT Physicians offers advanced technologies with a personalized touch at our flagship location in the

Texas Medical Center and a growing number of sites throughout the greater Houston area.

The faculty of The University of Texas Medical School at Houston

www.UTPhysicians.com 713-486-1200