Blog entries

Friendswood to Have a New Animal Shelter

Daphne Hager — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 02:47:09 +0100

Last week, the Friendswood City Council unanimously voted FOR the FM 528/Moore Road site as the new home of the city’s animal shelter.

The new Moore Road facility will be built at a cost of no more than $1 million, and will replace the current shelter located on Deepwood. The current shelter’s history of flooding was a key factor in the citizen argument against a remodel and an obvious consideration by all council members.

“A lot of work has gone into this and it’s time we make a decision,” council member Mike Barker said before council voted 6-0 for the FM 528 site.

Deepwood’s condition and accessibility issues were also mentioned because, although it had passed their last state inspection conditionally, the state had an understanding that the city was going to take action and build an up-to-date facility.

“What really causes the problems down there is the creek flooding,” Friendswood Police Chief Robert Weiners said.

Vickie Glenn of Friendswood Animal Advocates asserts that “The selection needs to move forward as soon as possible.” The new facility will have easy access and will not have the devastating flooding issues experienced in the passed.

The Friendswood Animal Shelter is sure to be more visible to the community which will keep their services top-of-mind for area residents and hopefully allow more animals to be saved and/or adopted. A definite Win-Win for pets and pet lovers alike!

$6.5 million FISD Natatorium Set to Open

Daphne Hager — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 00:05:41 +0100

Friendswood Independent School District held a public grand opening for their new $6.5 million dollar Natatorium on Monday, July 5 after the 115th Annual Fourth of July parade.

“It’s been a while coming,” said George Rodgers, FISD Assistant Superintendent for Business Services. “We expected it a little bit sooner than this, but we’re going to have a quality facility once it is turned over to us and that’s just the first step of trying to get everything at the high school done. So, we’re excited.” “It’s what they call a stretched 25. It’s 40 yards long and 25 yards wide.”

“You can have divers practicing on the short end of the pool and swimmers swimming on the other end,” he said. “It’s a very nice facility. It’s got men’s and women’s dressing areas and the nice lobby out front. It’s got seating for probably 250 in the raised area and then on the opposite side is where the competitors will have some bleachers.”

The district plans to provide lifeguards and cap the number of swimmers accordingly.

But, in the meantime, Patricia Hanks, District Superintendent, is in discussion with the City of Friendswood to see if they will assist with the costs of hiring these lifeguards.

The construction of Friendswood High Schools new state-of-the-art facility was financed by the school bond issue passed by voters three years ago and is sure to be well utilized by students and residents alike!

Village Builders announces 48-hours of unprecedented savings

Cheryl Perry — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 23:59:53 +0100

This weekend, Lennar and Village Builders are keeping America moving with the 48-Hour Summer Blowout sales event!

This Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 7 pm, Lennar and Village Builders nationwide will be hosting one of their biggest home sales events ever. Savings even bigger than the homebuyer tax credit!

The homebuilders are providing 48 hours of spectacular savings with $4,000 towards closing costs, 4 free upgrades and 4% (4.59% APR) fixed for life though Universal American Mortgage Company at Lennar and Village Builders communities throughout the Houston area. Plus, arrive early for the opportunity to take advantage of the limited sale homes available.
With more than 60 communities throughout the Houston area, Lennar and Village Builders have homes for first time and move-up buyers that offer the most desired features and upgrades. Their commitment to superior design and construction is equaled only by their pledge to homebuyers for complete satisfaction before, during and long after move in.

Lennar is one of the nation’s leading homebuilders with more than 55 years of experience building homes and communities all across the country.
Village Builders, part of the Lennar Family of Builders, has enjoyed the distinction of being Houston’s luxury builder for more than 3 decades. The Village Builders brand is synonymous with excellence and is founded on a tradition of quality craftsmanship and innovative design. Recently, Village Builders was awarded the 2009 Highest Ranking for Customer Satisfaction (in a tie) in the Houston area by leading global marketing information services company, J.D. Power and Associates.

For more information on Lennar and Village Builders Communities visit Lennar.com or call (866) 203-6386.

Lakemont, Lakes of Savannah & West Ranch Open House Events This Weekend

Cheryl Perry — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 22:31:35 +0100

Three Friendswood Development Company communities are among the newest to host open house weekends, when visitors can tour new and resale homes.

Lakes of Savannah, located just two miles from SH 288 in the Pearland area, Lakemont, located Westpark Tollway and Mason Road; and West Ranch located in the City of Friendswood - will all showcase a variety of new homes ready for move-in, decorated models and resale homes open with Realtors on site to answer questions.

The event, which began in Fairfield and has continued for years, is popular among residents and home shoppers because it gives them the opportunity to see the wide variety of homes available, talk to Realtors and new home sales professionals, and often talk to residents and find out why they are making these Friendswood Development Co. communities their home.

The open house event will take place on Saturday July 10 and Sunday July 11. New homes are open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and noon to 7 p.m. Sunday. Resale homes are open from 1- p.m. until 4 p.m. on Sunday. Each community will have maps and information on all available homes and directions to new home sales offices.

Sno Beach a Hot Spot in Friendswood

Daphne Hager — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 23:49:28 +0100

On any given sizzling day in Friendswood, the ever popular Sno Beach is easily one of the most crowded businesses in town. Located in an un-obscure, but high traffic, little building situated across from the Friends Church Cemetery in the Perry's Grill parking lot, the line can often be 20 people deep!

Sno Beach features one of the largest varieties of snow cone flavors, which are rumored to be hand mixed by the owner, and can be enjoyed at one of their many thatched roof picnic tables. No tables available? Now they feature a large “umbrella bucket” full of oversized umbrellas to shade their loyal overflow patrons!

The flavors are truly delicious, include a large variety of sugar-free options, and actually taste like their namesakes. Having a hard time deciding? No problem… they will allow you to mix and match!

The next time you are out running errands on Friendswood Drive, make it a point to stop by - there’s no better treat on a hot sunny day!

Friendswood to “Get Tough” on Elementary and Intermediate School “Part of Day” Absence

Daphne Hager — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 20:39:32 +0100

Friendswood Independent School District is making some attendance policy changes for the 2010-2011 Student Handbooks.

“The biggest changes are for elementary and intermediate,” Deputy Superintendent Sherry Green said at the FISD Board meeting on Tuesday, June 8.

“High school and junior high take attendance by period and elementary and intermediate don’t do that,” Green said. “What we’ve done is we’ve added a part of day attendance procedure that is going to be brand new that we know we’ll get phone calls on.”

The changes boil down to tougher part of day absence rules, which according to both teachers and administration, are out of hand. The students will now only be allowed three parts of day absences per semester (9 week period) and on the fourth part of day absence, lunch or after school detention will be given to the student.

“Part of the day absence is coming 20 minutes after the tardy bell rings, or picking your child up 20 minutes before the end of the day. These are un-excused,” Green said. “Doctor’s appointments, being sick, those things don’t count. These are un-excused personal business.”

“When we talked about this, it was like, yes, we’re punishing the child and we realize that. I understand that’s going to make some mommas real upset, but that’s OK,” said Green. “The child’s not driving, but yet we have principals say we have fourth and fifth graders that walk in [late to class] carrying Starbucks!”

It may take a little getting used to for those parents who are less than morning people, but with our children’s education and futures on the line, there isn't much room to complain. So, get ready to set your alarms a few minutes earlier this fall and ensure the prompt arrival of your kids!

Toll Brothers Joins Builder Team in West Ranch

Cheryl Perry — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 02:06:57 +0100

Toll Brothers will soon offer its innovative designs in West Ranch. This nationally known builder will feature a variety of one- and two-story home designs in Creekside starting in the high $300,000s.

For more than 40 years, Toll Brothers has been building luxury designs in prime locations throughout the country, and West Ranch is the company’s newest Houston location.

Toll Brothers has been honored with some of the housing industry’s most coveted awards including America’s Best Builder, National Builder of the Year and the National Housing Quality Award.

A Fortune 1000 company, Toll Brothers, Inc. is the successor to three generations of home builders and is a publicly owned company.

A sales office is planned to open this summer in West Ranch. For more information, call 281-992-2770 or visit www.tollbrothers.com.

Partners in Building Joins West Ranch Builder Line-up

Cheryl Perry — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 02:05:41 +0100

Partners in Building will soon be offering its luxury home designs in West Ranch. A temporary sales office will open in early July and a decorated model is planned to open this fall. Known for its innovative designs, Partners in Building is one of the largest custom home builders in Texas.

Homes by Partners in Building in West Ranch will be priced from the mid $400,000s and include a variety of spacious one- and two-story designs that will be built in the Estates on some of the largest home sites in the community.

An impressive selection of floor plans will be available to custom buyers in West Ranch, where they can choose from existing designs or create one of their own.

Home buyers will also benefit from the company’s more than 50 years of success in home building and a team of experienced professionals who will assist them in every aspect of the home building process.

Partners in Building, known for its flexibility in working with each buyer to personalize his or her home, is also known for offering a vast array of design choices and some sought after features that buyers can consider adding to a home such as:

·         Secret spaces, hidden passages, rooms and safes
·         Wine grottos, hobby rooms, prayer rooms and mud rooms
·         Feng Shui interior designs
·         Pass-through 'car-wash' showers & custom closet systems
·         Media rooms and custom theatre rooms
·         Outdoor living spaces, summer kitchens, outdoor fireplaces
·         Elegant stone, stucco or brick exteriors; patios & balconies
·         Custom ceiling treatments, third- story lofts, guest suites

For more information on Partners In Building in West Ranch, call 281-482-4600.

115th Annual Friendswoood Fourth of July Celebration

Daphne Hager — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 23:41:30 +0100

This year's 4th of July Celebration, "Red, White and Blue Go Green, Keep Friendswood Beautiful" will be a two day event! The celebration will be jam-packed with entertainment, food and fun for the entire family.

The celebration will kick off Sunday night with the concert and fireworks extravaganza beginning at 7 p.m. at Friendswood's Centennial Park. Popular entertainer Rick Trevino will headline the evening’s entertainment. The fireworks will light up the sky beginning at approximately 9:20 p.m. “The fireworks will be choreographed to patriotic music and are guaranteed to be one of the best fireworks displays in the Houston area,” state public officials.

Public parking will not be available at Centennial Park for the Evening Program. Free shuttle service will be available from Clear Brook High School and from Friendswood Community Church, on 2821 Parkwood Ave. Shuttle services will begin running at 6:30 p.m.

On Monday, July 5th The Grand Parade will travel down Friendswood Drive. The parade will begin at 10 a.m., at the corner of FM 518 and Heritage Drive, and will feature over 100 entries from Friendswood and around the State of Texas. The parade will conclude at Stevenson Park where rides, games, food, live entertainment and fun for the entire family will take place. The Zydeco Dots will be the featured entertainment along with a variety of patriotic performances throughout the day. The activities will begin shortly after the conclusion of the parade.

Friendswood High School Ranked Among America's Best High Schools by Newsweek Magazine

Cheryl Perry — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 18:40:23 +0100

The Friendswood Independent School District is again earning attention for its outstanding schools with the most recent focus on Friendswood High School, just ranked among Newsweek magazine’s list of America’s Best High Schools 2010.

Newsweek selects the best high schools in the country each year, based on the hard work of school staffs and their challenge to students with advanced placement college level course and tests. This year, just over 1,600 schools – only 6 percent of all public schools in the United States made the list.

Friendswood High School was developing its AP program less than 10 years ago, and today, according to the magazine, the percentage of students enrolled in the AP courses compared to the number of seniors, earned the school its coveted ranking.

The Friendswood Independent School District reports that what Newsweek did not measure that is equally important, is how well students perform on the exams.

An impressive 77.4 percent of the total of Friendswood High School AP test takers (831) earned a 3 or better on the AP exams, thus qualifying to place out of college level classes.

For the past two years, more than 75 percent of FHS students graduated from high school with at least 12 hours of college credit completed.

This latest ranking is a part of a long list of honors and awards earned by Friendswood Independent School District schools, students and teachers and one of the many reasons for the continued success of West Ranch. Friendswood High School and all schools in the Friendswood ISD which serves students in West Ranch are ranked Exemplary by the Texas Education Agency.

Friendswood Public Library offers Cool Summer Programs for the Whole Family

Daphne Hager — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 20:00:18 +0100

Throughout the year, the Friendswood Public Library has activities and story time for children. During the hot summer months, they offer an extensive schedule of FREE programs for children, teens and adults that include craft classes, movies, music and movement as well as reading clubs and more. Here are just a few of the activities for June:

June 15, 16 and 18

Toddlertime for babies from birth to 3 years

Time: 10:10 a.m. (every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from June 1 – July 30)

June 15, 16 and 18

Preschool Story time for ages 3-6 Time: 10:45 a.m. (every Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Friday from June 1 – July 30)

June 26

New Family Story time for all ages

Time: 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. (4th Saturday of the month)

*Verify dates and times with Children's desk All of the Friendswood Public Library programs start promptly, so it is advisable to arrive a few minutes early to ensure a seat before they begin. Once the program begins, no further entry is allowed. Some events require a ticket (free), so check their website at Friendswood.Lib.TX.US for full details and a complete summer schedule!

Debut and Dedication Ceremony held for Friendswood Veterans Memorial

Daphne Hager — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 00:47:13 +0100

The recently completed Veterans Memorial was unveiled in a morning ceremony last Monday on Memorial Day. This newest addition to the beautiful community areas, including Stevenson Park and Friendswood City Hall, includes an eight by sixteen foot steel flag, created by local resident Jay Horecky, in honor of the sacrifices so graciously made by Friendswood veterans.

The granite base of the flag is inscribed “Honor, Gratitude, Respect and Remembrance to the Men and Women who served in the Armed Forces of the United States”. And, the flag is elegantly flanked by two stately columns, etched with the three military branch insignias, topped by an eagle statue and a large world globe.

A small meditation area is set up around the memorial including benches, lighting, serene landscaping for those seeking a moment of silence or prayer area.

To make a tax deductible donation, you may mail contributions to the Friendswood Memorial Fund at 304 Sunset, Friendswood, TX 77546 or you can visit the website at FriendswoodVeteransMemorial.com for more details about the memorial.

Friendswood JH Artist Placed in "Doodle 4 Google" Top 40

Daphne Hager — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 22:01:24 +0100

Friendswood Junior High artist, Brooke Bartholomew has been named as a named a regional finalist for her entry into this year’s “Doodle 4 Google” contest. Making it to the Top 40 isn’t too shabby for a nationwide contest with more than 33,000 entries!

Doodle 4 Google is a competition open to K-12 students of US schools to create their own Google doodle inspired by the theme, ”If I could do anything, I would…” Bartholomew’s theme is “…Repair All the Worlds Breaks”.

Google simultaneously announced the regional winners across the 40 locations of their finalists. To win the contest, the artists must receive online votes. From May 18-25 the public can vote online for their favorite doodle.

Her Top 40 status was announced in an FJH assembly hosted by a Google representative who explained the importance and many uses of the internet. Google also handed out shirts to the students with their classmates winning doodle and presented Brooke with a life-size copy of her design.

As a finalist, Brooke has won a trip to New York on May 26 where the winner will be announced. She also receives a tee shirt printed with her doodle and a trip to the Smithsonian’s Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum to see the top doodles displayed in a national exhibit.

The National winner will be the recipient of a $15,000 college scholarship (to be used at the school of their choice), a laptop computer, a Wacom digital design tablet, and more. And, the winner’s school will receive a $25,000 grant towards the establishment or improvement of a computer lab.

Way to doodle Brooke!

Highland Homes Grand Opening and New Model in West Ranch

Cheryl Perry — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 02:44:16 +0100

Highland Homes is celebrating their grand opening in West Ranch, Friendswood Development Company’s master-planned community located just off FM 518 in the exemplary rated Friendswood Independent School District. Their newly decorated model home is now open daily.

This two-story model is one of the newest designs for Highland Homes and is one of many innovative new plans now offered in Creekside at West Ranch, where Highland’s homes are priced from the $340,000s.

Highland Homes’ one- and two-story home designs in West Ranch range in size from 2,690 to nearly 4,400 square feet and offer two- and three-car garages, and all are built on extra large home sites.

Highland Homes joins Trendmaker Homes and Village Builders in West Ranch, where new sections are now open. New homes are priced from the $290,000s to the $700,000s and students attend exemplary rated schools at all grade levels.

Sales offices and model homes are open daily.

"I'm the Mayor and I Pray!"

Daphne Hager — Wed, 26 May 2010 02:18:48 +0100

Thank God for our great community who still practices the faith that our city was founded on!

Friendswood was among many towns across our great nation that celebrated the National Day of Prayer on Thursday, May 6, 2010, led by Mayor David Smith. The ceremonies were held at Friendswood’s Stevenson Park Pavilion and included prayer and scripture reading. Music was performed by Sound Principle under the direction of Ellen Cullins, from Bay Area Christian School.

The Continental Congress established the National Day of Prayer in 1775 and the annual event was signed into law by President Harry S. Truman in 1952 through a joint resolution of the United States Congress. President Ronald Reagan amended the Day of Prayer in 1988 by designating it as the first Thursday of May each year.

The Friendswood Journal stated the community “joined in prayer for our nation and our leaders, to thank God for His blessings upon this land and our city, to seek God’s intervention in the problems we face, and seek His guidance for our nation’s and city’s government and community leaders.”

Source: HCN

Want to Win a Ford F-150?

Greg Rivera — Tue, 18 May 2010 20:33:58 +0100

This year’s Fourth of July festivities include the raffling of a new Ford F-150 pick-up truck. The long standing tradition of a truck raffle is generously underwritten by local “super dealership” Ron Carter.

The truck will be on display for viewing at local businesses such as Stevenson Park, Shell on Fm2351 AND Fm 518 and McDonalds on FM 518 and FM 528. Raffle tickets are available for purchase at these locations as well as the Friendswood Chamber of Commerce.

Following the 115th Red White and Blue Go Green parade on Monday, July 5, the winner will be announced and keys will be awarded at Stevenson Park. Don’t miss out any of the activities in store for Friendswood residents this year including the fireworks and concert to be held at Centennial Park on Sunday evening, July 4.

Time Again For the Friendswood Concert in the Park Series

Greg Rivera — Wed, 12 May 2010 02:51:19 +0100

Spring is in full bloom and the nights are cool, so plan on bringing the whole family out for the 2010 Friendswood Concert in the Park Series which runs from May through June. This year is sure to be a crowd pleaser with a grand kick-off sponsored by Radio Disney AM 1590 and underwritten by Mitch and Artha to be held May 7. Radio Disney on-air personalities will be on hand from 6 to 7 p.m. to play songs, host games, and give away prizes.

After a short intermission, the Friendswood High School Jazz Combo Band and the Clear Brook High School Jazz Band will perform from 7 to 9 p.m. A short break with more prizes will be held between band acts, and is sure to be an evening filled with fun, family entertainment.

The full lineup of performers is as follows:

MAY 7FRIENDSWOOD & CLEARBROOK HIGH SCHOOL DJ JAZZ BANDS
MAY 14 TX BLUES BROTHERS - TRIBUTE BAND/ROCK VARIETY
MAY 21ABBEY RODE/ALREADY GONE BEATLES/EAGLES - TRIBUTE ROCK
MAY 28ROUTE 66 - CLASSIC ROCK
JUNE 4MARK MAY - TEXAS BLUES
JUNE 11RADIO LONDON - POP/CONTEMPORARY
JUNE 18GREEN ONIONS - ROCK/BLUES
JUNE 25HWY 59 - REQUEST BAND

The event is sponsored by the City of Friendswood Community Services Department and is free to the public. Concerts will take place at Stevenson Park, 1100 S. Friendswood Drive, in the Gazebo. You are welcome to bring blankets, lawn chairs, food and drinks. Don’t forget your insect repellent and remember…no glass bottles are allowed in the park!

For additional information, please call (281) 996-3220. If you would like to be a sponsor and/or provide a door prize for one or more of the concerts, please contact James Toney at (281) 996-3220.

Friendswood Students Honored in Senior Division at Exxon Mobile Science Fair

Greg Rivera — Tue, 04 May 2010 19:27:28 +0100

Two Friendswood students were honored at the 2010 ExxonMobil Texas Science and Engineering Fair held in San Antonio at the Henry B Gonzalez Convention Center. Madeline Landon, a 10th grade student at Friendswood High School, received first place in her environmental sciences and analysis category and Gabriella Quintana, a ninth grade student received honorable mention in the same category.

With more than 1,100 entries, it was an honor to be selected to compete, but to achieve first place requires true skill and knowledge in their field. Senior division Grand Prize winners received all-expense paid trips to compete at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair May 9–14 in San Jose, Calif.

“For the past 10 years, we have valued this opportunity to recognize and encourage the brilliant minds of the future,” said Truman Bell, senior program officer for education and diversity, Exxon Mobil Corporation. “Whatever their professional aspirations may be, it is clear they will be celebrated leaders in their respective fields. We hope this event serves as an exciting stepping stone to their bright future.”

Congratulations Madeline and Gabriella!

Bales and Windsong Earn Food Service Gold Ribbon Awards

Greg Rivera — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 01:47:07 +0100

Exemplary Friendswood ISD intermediate schools were recognized on April 8, as Galveston County Health District observed National Public Health Week and National Immunization Week.

Bales and Windsong Intermediate cafeteria staffs were honored with the Gold Ribbon Award for Excellent Food Service Operators during a ceremony at the Wayne Johnson community center in La Marque. Galveston county commissioners Stephen Holmes and Brian Lamb were present to congratulate the 66 award recipients.

According to the Health District, Gold ribbon award criteria includes the following: the establishment must actually prepare food, maintain a record of satisfactory food temperatures, must have no confirmed food borne illness complaints, must have at least one certified food service manager employed, must have no significant number of demerits from inspections, must have a good cleaning and maintenance program, have evidence of staff discussions or training, and show special effort to comply with the rules by the use of food safety aids.

Health district sanitarians inspect more than 1,500 licensed food service operations in Galveston County to assure food safety and protect the health of consumers. Food service inspection scores and a complete list of 2010 gold ribbon award winners can be found on the district’s web site at Gchd.org. For full details regarding the award and to see photos of the special staff that serve our children so well each school day, visit the FISD web site at Fisdk12.net.

To help better support our food service staff and make suggestions to improve our children’s meal experiences at school, you can participate in a food services survey online. The survey will also be used to help build menus, food station concepts. Visit www.studentvp.com/friendswood to take the survey and earn a free cookie!

Construction Begins on New Highland Homes Model in West Ranch

Cheryl Perry — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 23:38:17 +0100

Construction is underway for Highland Homes’ new model in West Ranch, Friendswood Development Company’s master-planned community located just off FM 518 in the exemplary rated Friendswood Independent School District.

The two-story model is one of the newest designs for Highland Homes and is one of many innovative new plans now offered in Creekside at West Ranch, where Highland’s homes are priced from the $340,000s.

Plan 615A is a two-story home with more than 3,700 square feet, four bedrooms, three full baths and two half baths, and a three-car garage. It is priced from the $420,000s and is planned to open in May, although sales are now underway. For more information on Highland Homes in West Ranch, contact John Crawford at 281-844-1854.

Highland Homes’ one- and two-story home designs in West Ranch range in size from 2,690 to nearly 4,400 square feet and offer two- and three-car garages, and all are built on extra large home sites.

Sales offices and model homes are open daily.