Blog entries - November 2009

A Million and Counting

Greg Rivera — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 02:44:14 +0100

Lamar Education Awards Foundation (L.E.A.F.) has reached a milestone in grant giving to the Lamar Consolidated Independent School District. The nonprofit organization, established just 9 years ago in 2000, has been fulfilling its purpose of raising money to disperse throughout the LCISD for the benefit of teachers and students, and on Friday November 13 they hit the million dollar mark. The sentiments of many that day were of excitement and gratitude. “It’s one of those figures you think you’ll never reach. It’s an overwhelming feeling, knowing what we’ve accomplished,” shared Janice Knight, executive director of L.E.A.F.

Friday was not just a day to celebrate a milestone that had been reached in the past, it was a day where a step was taken and the mark was made. Twenty-six campuses received a total of 109 grants that day, with Huggins Elementary receiving the largest donation of 9 grants totaling $21,483. The funds raised by L.E.A.F. go to fund programs and needs that would exceed the district’s budget. These include fine arts programs, scholarships for students and LCISD employees, as well as teaching materials. They are able to raise the money by hosting small events throughout the year and by holding three major fundraisers: Surf’s Up, Men Who Cook, and New Teacher’s Dinner.

The first year of L.E.A.F. a total of $35,000 in grant money was awarded, and this year the organization was able to award $184,329. For some of the schools the money comes by way of the Grant Express where L.E.A.F. board members surprise the school unannounced, bursting through their front doors with whistles, balloons and cheering. The ensuing excitement on both ends cannot be contained; Huggins Elementary Principal Veronica Williams screamed and danced at the generosity and care shown to the school district. “Having reached the milestone in less than a decade says something about the LCISD community. It knows how important L.E.A.F. is and values its presence in the district,” Knight said. “We live in such a wonderful community with wonderful people.”

“Every year we outdo the year before,” Knight continued. Knowing the importance of education to area residents this organization will keep on chugging as the Grant Express rolls into more schools throughout the years, benefitting both teachers and students. Both LCISD and L.E.A.F. are looking to the future to see what the next decade will hold, and what milestones will be reached in coming years.

Source: www.fbherald.com

Convoy of Hope – A Carnival for Hope

Greg Rivera — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:42:10 +0100

Fort Bend County churches, businesses, and community service agencies are working together to reach out to the community by providing service to the Fort Bend Convoy of Hope. On Saturday, November 21, over 700 volunteers and 60 organizations will be donating their time and resources toward the event.

Convoy of Hope coordinator, Rev. Deborah Prihoda says, “With the economy the way it is, we’re hoping to be able to reach out to a lot more people,” referring to the previous event held in 2007, when 3,000 people were reached by the program.

With high hopes of reaching around 5,000 locals, the “carnival-like event” will have 40,000 pounds of food, medical services, parenting classes, a job fair, and other free personal development opportunities. Additionally, there will be family music and entertainment, giveaways, family portraits and free hair-cuts.

No identification is necessary and the event will continue regardless of weather.

For Lakemont residents looking to join the effort, visit www.fortbendconvoyofhope.com or call Prihoda at 281-342-3801.

Santa Claus is Coming to Lakemont

Cheryl Boe — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:13:55 +0100

Christmas is just around the corner and Santa Claus will be visiting Lakemont residents! The Lakemont Homeowner’s Association’s Events Committee has invited Santa Claus to visit the Lakemont community on Sunday December 13th from 1pm-4pm at the Lakehouse. This fun filled event is for Lakemont residents only.

Mrs. Clause will be telling christmas stories, the children will be decorating Christmas cookies and a photographer will be on hand for photos with Santa. This is just another reason living in Lakemont is so much fun!

Lennar's Year-End-Savings (YES) Promotion

Cheryl Boe — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 06:00:00 +0100

A TAX CREDIT FOR EVERYONE!

Up to $8,000 for first-time buyers†

Extended until April 2010!

Plus, up to $6,500 for current homeowners‡

Lennar says Y.E.S to:
THE BEST DEALS OF THE YEAR

3.99% (4.46% APR) FIXED THROUGH UAMC*

UP TO $40,000 OFF SELECT HOMES**

HOMES AVAILABLE FOR IMMEDIATE MOVE-IN

For more information, call 888-671-8175

*Offer available on select homes as determined by Lennar, for purchase agreements written 11/2/09 -11/20/09 and closing must occur no later than 11/30/2009. Limited funds are available; this offer may change upon exhaustion of funds. Rates may change or not be available at the time of loan commitment, lock-in or closing if funds are exhausted. Not an offer to enter into an interest rate or discount point agreement and any such agreement may only be made in writing signed by both the borrower and the lender. Specific terms apply and buyer is subject to qualification that includes, but not limited to, a minimum of 10% down, a minimum credit score of 700, owner occupancy requirements and/or any changes in investor guidelines or programs. Maximum loan amount cannot exceed $417,000. Offers available only to qualified buyers financing through Universal American Mortgage Company and closing at designated closing agent. **Select homes as determined by Lennar sold 11/2/09 - 11/30/09 and closing by 11/30/09 will offer savings of up to $40,000 off the home price. Incentives will vary per community and per home. Any costs associated with offers will be taken from total discretion. †First-time homebuyer is any individual (excluding a non-resident alien) who has not owned a principal residence during the past three years and is purchasing the new home as their primary residence. Credit is subject to 3-year ownership requirement. ‡To be eligible to claim the $6,500 credit, buyers who have owned and resided in a home for any 5-consecutive year period during the last 8 years, must close after the date of enactment (11/6/09), and prior to 7/1/10. Tax Credit is subject to eligibility requirements. Lennar cannot provide guarantees of actual savings and does not guarantee the homebuyers’ qualification for the federal tax credit. Not tax advice; homebuyers should consult with their tax advisor. Tax laws are subject to change. Copyright © 2009 Lennar Corporation. Lennar, the Lennar logo, Universal American Mortgage Company and the UAMC logo are registered service marks or service marks of Lennar Corporation and/or its subsidiaries. 11/09

Amnesty Food Drive – Donations to help Others and a Chance to Waive Your Fines

Greg Rivera — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 06:00:00 +0100

Fort Bend County Libraries is hosting an Amnesty Food drive from November 2-15 to benefit local food pantries, and provide library patrons an opportunity to get their fines cleared by returning their late materials along with a nonperishable food item.

Late fees for overdue books will be waived during the two week period if the materials are returned. “We’re aware that some patrons might not return overdue items because of fines, especially if they have accumulated over a period of time,” FBC Library Director Clara Russell commented. “Amnesty gives them an opportunity to clear their fees for overdue books and get a fresh start with the library.”

The donations will be collected by the Youth in Philanthropy program, and will be distributed to Second Mile Mission Center, East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministries, Rosenberg-Richmond Helping Hands and Katy Christian Ministries. As the holiday season approaches the food banks will see a growing need, and the donations couldn’t come at a better time. “Food banks are always in need, even in the best of times, but we know the demands are greater in tough economic times,” said Russell.

The FBC Library System holds an Amnesty food drive every 2-3 years, which is generally very successful in getting library materials returned and collecting nonperishable items. The program assists the library by getting materials returned, relieves library patrons by getting fines cleared, and helps people in need by providing an essential need - food. In sum, it is a benefit for the Richmond community and Fort Bend County as a whole.

If you’d like to take part, you can find your local library and business hours at www.fortbend.lib.tx.us Charges for lost or damaged items will NOT be waived during the amnesty period.

Source: www.hcnonline.com/fort_bend_sun