Blog entries

The Lunar and Planetary Institute: Spring Educational Lectures

Scott Tran — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 01:33:30 +0100

According to former President Lyndon B. Johnson’s description in 1968 of the Lunar and Planetary Institute it is “a center of research where scientists working in the sciences of space cooperate to profoundly affect the community’s knowledge of the universe.”

Today, the Lunar and Planetary Institute, 3600 Bay Area Blvd. has expanded and developed into much more. It is a research center, a resource for education, families, the public, and it is a community for NASA and their affiliates. They offer several workshops for teachers as well as public lectures.

For information on the array of services offered from Family Space days, educator workshops, or their new Spring public education lectures visit their homepage or call (281) 486-2100.

There is even More to Love about West Ranch in February

Cheryl Perry — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 23:06:39 +0100

This month, new-home buyers in West Ranch can save thousands of dollars on their new home during the community’s “More To Love” sales event.

The event, which begins on February 1 and continues until February 29, includes special incentives from each of the community’s builders. Incentives vary by builder and information is available in builder sales offices.

Located in the City of Friendswood and Texas Education Agency Exemplary Friendswood Independent School District, West Ranch offers new homes priced from the $250,000s to the $800,000s by Partners In Building, Trendmaker Homes, Toll Brothers, Highland Homes, Village Builders and Coventry Homes.

Nine decorated model homes are now open daily in West Ranch, where everything from luxury patio homes to grand one- and two-story designs is now available.

Highland Homes recently opened its new model in West Ranch’s new Lakeside neighborhood, where home sites average 80 feet in width. The two-story model is one of Highland Homes’ newest designs. Next door, Partners In Building is completing its new model that is scheduled to open in late March.

Surrounded by the appealing small town surrounds of Friendswood, West Ranch offers a location that affords residents easy access to downtown, the Clear Lake/NASA area, Galveston and the Texas Medical Center.

Children in West Ranch attend Exemplary rated schools at all levels, including the new Friendswood Junior High that borders the community.

Mardi Gras Art Class at the Galveston Arts Center

Scott Tran — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 01:36:04 +0100

The Galveston Arts Center is hosting Mardi Gras mask-decorating workshops for children and adults Saturday, January 28th lead by artist Carolyn Vieau.

Incorporated in 1986, the Galveston Arts Center is an independent nonprofit organization that showcases innovative contemporary art in the 1878 First National Bank Building in Galveston’s Historic Strand District. It is temporarily located at 25th and Market St.

Their Art for All initiative promote the visual arts by bringing the community into the Arts Center through workshops, tours, and classes, as well as by taking art into the community in order to reach those who might not otherwise have access to visual arts programs.

The Mardi Gras art classes are Saturday January 28th from 9:30am to 11am for children and from noon until 2pm for adults. For more information visit The Galveston Arts Center online.

Friendswood High School Cheerleaders Raise Money for American Cancer Society

Scott Tran — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 02:32:24 +0100

The Friendswood High School Cheerleaders donated nearly $2,500 to the American Cancer Society, the official sponsor of birthdays.

The American Cancer Society encourages volunteerism from giving a cancer patient a ride to their doctor, participating in Relay for Life, or organizing a fundraiser. The cheerleaders collected money for the American Cancer Society by selling 500 t-shirts with the logo “I Cheer” on the front.

The Friendswood High School cheerleaders showed their spirit! They also demonstrated their compassion and team work through their charitable efforts. For more information on getting involved with the American Caner Society visit their homepage.

Coventry Homes Announces Red Tag Sales Event

Cheryl Perry — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 04:18:36 +0100

Coventry Homes has announced their Red Tag Sales Event. For a limited time, home buyers can take advantage of great Red Tag savings on all homes. Buyers will also receive up to 50% off many of Coventry's popular decorator packages including beautiful wood or tile flooring, name-brand appliances and more. As a finishing touch, now through the end of the month, Coventry Homes will add window blinds for your entire home.

Visit today to take advantage of RED TAG savings, this won't last long. Learn more at CoventryHomes.com/redtag.

Bay Area Cinderella Scholarship Pageant to be held at South Shore Harbor Hotel

Scott Tran — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 01:20:27 +0100

The fifth annual Cinderella Scholarship Pageant will be held on February 12th at the South Shore Harbor Hotel and Resort, 2500 South Shore Blvd. According to the director, Kelli Harvey “Cinderella is about family, friendships and fun and honest competition.”

The Texas pageant offers hundreds of youth every year to compete for a chance at thousands of dollars in college scholarships. Girls from 3 years to the age of 26 and boys age 6 and under are invited to participate in this natural, family friendly program and qualify to represent the Bay Area at next year’s state competition.

According to Frances Thompson, the pageants co-director the Cinderella Pageant is not what is seen on television. They emphasize natural beauty, poise, and talent. Fake hair, false teeth, and expensive clothing are discouraged.

For more information, email txbayareacinderella@gmail.com or visit their homepage.

Freeman Branch Library to Host Health Information Program

Scott Tran — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 21:33:52 +0100

At one point or another everyone looks for a doctor, health center, or organization to help with health care needs and questions. The Freeman Branch Library, 16616 Diana Lane and the University Houston at Clear Lake will host an information session on “Finding Reliable Health Information” this Friday January 6th.

The program will be lead by Dr. Jerah Thomas from M.D. Anderson beginning at 10:30am in the Community Room. According to Joyce Dubow, a senior adviser in the office of policy and strategy at AARP, “The truth of the matter is that people are hard pressed to make well-informed decisions when they choose a doctor, and they’re doing it blind. We don’t have objective data, so we use family and friends. And that’s not objective.”

To Learn more about the program, call the library at (281) 488-1906 or visit their homepage.

Celebrate New Year's Eve Family Style at Kemah Boardwalk

Scott Tran — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 02:58:26 +0100

Everyone can have a New Year’s Rockin’ Eve at Kemah Boardwalk beginning at 6pm on Saturday December 31, 2011.

This plush family event will feature live music from the Velvet Punch. The boardwalk will offer a BOGO Pass, buy one get one free pass for all day rides for $19.99. Fireworks will be set off after midnight. The Cadillac Bar will host a Cadillac Countdown Party and the Mexican Restaurant will host Fuzzy Side Up starting at 8 p.m. and ending at midnight.

The events at Kemah Boardwalk are free to the public, however reservations are encouraged. For New Years Eve 2012 reservations call 281-334-9049. For all other inquires including more information, call Kemah Boardwalk at 281-334-9880.

The Annual Galveston County Science & Engineering Fair is Just Weeks Away

Ken Hooper — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 02:43:40 +0100

The annual Galveston County Science & Engineering Fair is only a few weeks away and will be held Saturday, February 4, 2012 at the Moody Gardens Convention Center, Seven Hope Blvd.

The Galveston County Science & Engineering Fair allow kids to learn not only the scientific method, but many other life skills including self-discipline, time management, project management, and written, verbal and visual communication skills. This can be an exciting time for them to investigate, tinker and satiate their curiosity about the world around them.

Last year, Friendswood High School students placed well at the Galveston County Science & Engineering Fair winning over $1,850 in cash and prizes and $2,500 in scholarships. Sponsoring organizations include Galveston College, Texas A&M University at Galveston and the University of Texas Medical Branch with generous corporate donations coming from many Galveston-area businesses.

Practice for the SAT and Benefit Friendswood ISD Education Foundation

Scott Tran — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 02:22:25 +0100

Ready for the SAT? Looking for a charity this holiday season? Sit for a practice SAT exam and benefit the Friendswood ISD Education Foundation, 3205 E. Broadway St. in Pearland.

This pre-test includes a full length SAT test in a similar testing environment. The fee is $50 and all proceeds benefit the Friendswood ISD Education Foundation. Students will need to bring their own calculator, two No. 2 pencils and eraser and, if they want, a wristwatch with no audible sounds and extra calculator batteries.

To register for this or any PSAT, call Diane Myers at (281) 482-3413, ext. 278.

Christmas Boat Parade in Kemah, Where the Fun Never Ends!

Scott Tran — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 22:19:58 +0100

This Saturday, December 10th the Kemah Boat Parade will take place beginning at 6:30pm. There will be hundreds of boats decked out for the season cruising the Galveston bay! The earlier the better, do not be fashionably late if you want a good seat!

According to their website, “The Kemah Boardwalk is open daily providing fun for everyone! Located just 20 miles from downtown Houston, the Kemah Boardwalk is home to fabulous waterfront restaurants, amusements, charming retail stores, festivals and seaside shows every day”.

For more information regarding the Holiday Boat Parade or any Kemah event visit their homepage or call (281) 334-9880 for details.

Clear Lake Regional Medical Center First to Acquire Latest Surgical System

Scott Tran — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 02:54:24 +0100

The Friendswood community has access to the Clear Lake Regional Medical Center, which is the first hospital in the region to acquire the new Da Vinci Surgical System. It is the cutting edge in surgical technology and will utilize the Si for cardiovascular, gynecological and urological robotic surgery.

According to the hospital’s website, “The all new Si offers features such as enhanced 3D, high-definition vision of the operative field, superior visual clarity of tissue and anatomy, and surgical dexterity and precision far greater than the human hand.” This technology will give surgeons at Clear Lake Regional Hospital unparalleled ability in complex surgical procedures.

To learn more visit the Clear Lake Regional Medical Center homepage.

Happy Homemade Holidays Gifts and Ideas

Scott Tran — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 02:48:14 +0100

This holiday season make homemade gifts for those unexpected guests or last minute holiday parties. Fruitcake is not the answer this year. Instead, opt for bourbon soaked cherries, vermouth soaked olives, or if feeling very creative a homemade flavor infused vodka. Wrap that up with some homemade sweet and salty snack mix and be the envy of the neighborhood.

For friends and family with a sweet tooth, Christmas Candy is just the thing! Chocolate, Orange Hazelnut bark will delight everyone who eats it and it only takes 15 minutes to make. Perfect for the frenzy of the holidays.

Put the finishing touch on these homemade gifts with hand crafted art tags. For these and more ideas to delight friends and family this holiday season visit Martha Stewart’s homepage.

Bay Area Houston Ballet and Theater Presents the Nutcracker

Scott Tran — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 03:22:01 +0100

The Bay Area Houston Ballet & Theater presents the timeless story of The Nutcracker. It’s the story of a young girl named Clara who attends a holiday party with her family and is given a nutcracker doll my the mysterious, creepy Dr. Drosselmeyer.

“Bay Area Houston Ballet & Theater strives to enhance cultural awareness through performing arts and develop aspiring performers with diversified performing skills, as well as stimulate public participation and regional involvement.” They are wonderful company that provides cultural opportunities at a local level.

Join the Bay Area Houston Ballet & Theater in celebrating the season and make The Nutcracker part of your holiday tradition. Performances are December 2nd thru 4th and December 9th thru 11th. Performs are held at University of Houston Clear Lake, Bayou Theater Bayou Building, Second Floor, 2700 Bay Area Boulevard. For more ticket information visit their website.

An Afternoon of Fun and Learning at Friendswood Library

Scott Tran — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 04:14:59 +0100

The Friendswood Public Library invites parents of young children to come out on Saturdays for an afternoon of fun and learning. Each Saturday afternoon children ages five and up are invited to “Saturday Afternoon at the Movies” from 2 to 4 pm. Toddler Time,for children ages 0-3 is held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 10 am. Preschool Time, for children ages 3 to 6 is held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 10:45 am.

The Friendswood Library also hosts a number of other fun events through out the year such as craft time, clown shows, and holiday events. The library, located at 416 South Friendswood Drive, is open Monday though Friday 10 am to 9 pm and Saturday and Sundays 10 am to 6 pm. For more information on their programs and events, click here to visit them online.

Kemah Boardwalk Salutes Military Weekend

Scott Tran — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

The Kemah Boardwalk salutes our military this weekend November 4-6. All weekend military members will receive 50% off all rides and 25% off all retail stores. There will be an array of musical concerts and military displays. The US Army’s “Golden Knights” will parachute into the plaza November 5 at 6:15 PM.

Entrance to the boardwalk is free. However, to receive the discounts, a valid military ID must be presented. On Saturday night the celebration will continue with an amazing display of fireworks set to the music of the "Star Spangled Banner". For more details visit Kemah Boardwalk online and then click the “Salute to Military Service” icon.

The Boardwalk Inn will also be offering discounted room pricing in honor of the Kemah Boardwalk’s salute to the military.

Village Builders Homes for your Holidays

Cheryl Perry — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 19:18:11 +0100

Village Builders is offering special "seasonal savings" - ask a new home consultant today!

Haunted Happenings in the Sugar Land Area

Scott Tran — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 21:00:42 +0100

There is still time to plan a spooky Halloween for the family. Use this list to get into the spooktacular spirit and plan a stress free, last minute outing. This frighteningly fun Halloween check out these haunting happenings:

October 28th Pecan Grove Elementary will hold it’s annual Harvest festival

October 29th Missouri City’s Annual Boo in the Run

October 29th Casa De Bambini Annual Fall Festival

October 29th Sugar Mills Elementary Sparkler Festival

October 29th PLEX and TSMI Fall Festival

October 29th Ghost Tour of Richmond

October 29th FC3 Fall Festival

October 29th Dickinson Elementary Craft Show

October 30th Towne Square Family Halloween

October 30th Scare-free Fest

October 30th Boo Scarritory Spooktacular

October 31st City of Richmond Halloween Carnival

October 31st Riverfest 2011

With all these fun filled events the community is sure to have a fun and safe weekend to remember. For more details on the events listed above visit Sugar Land Magazine’s event postings. Happy Haunting!

Coventry Homes Announces Wrap it up! Sale

Cheryl Perry — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 02:16:42 +0100

With the Coventry Homes Wrap it up! sale, home buyers can get a $2,000 Best Buy gift card and shop till they drop when they purchase a new Coventry Home.
When you purchase a new Coventry Home between October 21 and December 31, 2011, you qualify for the $2,000 gift card. Some restrictions apply - see Sales Counselor for details. Visit coventryhomes.com

Green is the New Black this Fall

Scott Tran — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 23:57:39 +0100

Many companies are becoming aware that their investors and consumers are concerned with more than just the bottom line. A few modest investments can lead to huge savings. According to the Department of Energy, one third of all energy use comes from industrial sources.

The United Parcel Service, commonly known as UPS began adding hybrid vehicles to their fleet in 2006 and and now has over 20,000 low emissions vehicles. Managing fuel and energy consumption will give companies a huge competitive edge, while attracting consumers. According to General Electrics their Ecoimagination products will increase their profits to over $20 billion dollars and cut water use by 20 percent. Being green is not just for environmentalists, it raises revenue and top line growth.

The more consumers are concerned with ‘being green’, the more companies will invest in it and maintain market shares, leading to a happy healthy eco-friendly economy and way of life.