Issue 43 July 2015

In This Issue

Board of Directors

Recreation

Programs

Stand Up Paddle

Boarding

Pool Season Pool

Tags

Interested in

Becoming an FCCA

Board Candidate?

Kayak Fun

Vehicles Parked

Blocking Sidewalk

Fast Pitch Softball

Free -Movie in the

Park

Office Hours

Visit Our Website

Dear Austin Park Resident, Welcome to the

First Colony Community Association

E-Newsletter

FCCA Board of Directors

2015 FCCA Board of Directors: Rick Conley - President Sandy Denton - Vice-President Hillary Goldstein - Secretary Noel Mascarenhas- Treasurer Chris Goodrich Eleanor Blain Phyllis Murray Board e-mail: board@firstcolony.org Board Meetings are scheduled for the 4th Thursday of the month starting at 5:00 pm. FCCA members are invited to speak to the Board regarding any matters related to Association business. During all regularly scheduled Board Meetings, membership input is set at 5:30 pm. Any member wishing to speak must sign in and will be allotted a maximum of three minutes to speak. Members must be present and signed in no later than 5:30 pm.

Note: Board Meeting - Thursday, July 23, 2015

Recreation Programs Summer Classes & Camps -

It's Not to late to Register!

First Colony residents enjoy an active lifestyle with many choices of leisure opportunities. FCCA enjoys offering the members many classes and programs. To register call 281-634-9555. EDUCATIONAL

iKids Summer Camp

Join iKids Camp this summer for an exciting adventure exploring technology! Every fun-filled camp theme has a learning focus plus creative activities, educational enrichment, recreation time and more! Small camp size with excellent camper to staff ratios! Please bring a snack and drink each camp day. www.ikidsinc.com Little iKids Camp (ages 3-7): Around the Weebot World Tour the world on an international expedition exploring LEGO® robotics! From soccer bots of Brazil to wild animal bots of South Africa! Have fun building castles in Europe, igloos in Alaska, and more! Enjoy sightseeing and taking pictures of your travels too! This LEGO® trip is complete with creative souvenirs, cultural experiences, geography activities, and a digital photo book to remember this exciting trek around the globe! Days: Monday - Thursday Location: Heritage Colony Clubhouse Session: July 20 - 23 Times: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Ages: 3 - 7 Fee: $175.00/week Please bring a snack and drink. Big iKids (ages 7-12): Land of the Lost Bots Travel through time and space on a fascinating journey to a mysterious land filled with animal encounters and mythical beings! Experiment with LEGO® robotics using the latest technology building dinosaurs, creatures, humanoids, time machines and more. Have fun with scientific discoveries, teamwork, problem-solving and basic computer programming concepts. Days: Monday - Thursday Location: Heritage Colony Clubhouse Session: July 20 - 23 Times: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Ages: 7-12 Fee: $175.00/week Please bring a snack and drink

Building Brains - Lego I Pre K Engineering (ages 3-5) Trained instructors use LEGO Duplo and K'NEX educational kits to BUILD math and science skills. Our specially designed building kits have gears, levers and pulleys. Students build simple machines that really work, while BUILDING fine motor skills and confidence. Classes are designed to reinforce classroom curriculum. Students use colors, sizes and shapes to build simple machines and then perform scientific experiments to see how they work. Several new and exciting machines are built each day. Literacy skills are improved by memorizing poems with hand motions for gears, levers and pulleys that reinforce how they work and what they do. Days: Monday - Friday Location: Aquatic Center Session II: July 27 - 31 Session III: August 10 - 14 Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Ages: 3-5 Instructor: Building Brains Fee: $180.00 - 4 day, half day $225.00 - 5 day, half day Building Brains - Lego II Elementary Engineering (ages 6-12)

Students BUILD simple machines using gears, levers and pulleys and then MOTORIZE them using LEGO and K'NEX educational kits and curriculum while BUILDING math and science skills. Using the newest LEGO educational kit, students challenge one another to create, build and test the best design. Students will learn why a machine works and how to manipulate a machine to go faster or slower. Fine motor skills, critical thinking skills, imagination and confidence will increase in this fun-filled camp atmosphere. We teach division using gear ratios.

Days: Monday - Friday Location: Aquatic Center Session II: July 27 - 31 Session III: August 10 - 14 Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm (Sessions II & III) 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm (All sessions) 9:00 am - 4:00 pm (Sessions II & III) Ages: 6-12 Instructor: Building Brains Fee: $180.00 - 4 day, half day $225.00 - 5 day, half day $350.00 - 5 day, full day

LANGUAGE CLASSES

Spanish Club for Kids Your children will learn Spanish in a natural manner through play, games, music, and conversation. Children learn to communicate through dialogues, phrases, expressions and, drills that they can use with friends, other people and family "EN ESPAÑOL". Let them learn a second language the fun, natural way! Day: Monday Time: 4:45 pm - 5:30 pm Ages: 3 - 5 5:30 pm - 6:15 pm Grades: 1 - 8 Location: Heritage Colony Clubhouse Session: On-going monthly class Instructor: Adriana Gutierrez Fee: $64.00/month or $16.00/class

INDIVIDUAL SPORTS Youth Tennis Lessons Classes offered weekday afternoons, evenings and Saturday mornings. The tennis schedule can be accessed at www.firstcolony.org. SPECIALITY CAMP Kids Robotic Academy - Theme: Recycle Based on scientists research reports, its proven that the world is facing natural disasters faster than in the past. Our planet faces disasters and workers have had to use much different equipment to pick up and transfer items which can be reused. Using autonomous robotics and computer technology, students will build many different projects that help recycle and keep our world clean. Students will also learn about bowing the rocket ships with their own created rockets. Students learn STEM along with great level of team work, literacy, numeracy, character building, arts, and story building skills. Days: Monday - Friday Location: Aquatic Center Session I: July 20 - 24 Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm or 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Ages: 4 - 10+ Fee: $195.00 /week Call 713-667-6268 or visit www.kidsroboticacademy.com to register or for

additional information. Kids Paddle Camp Stand Up Paddle Boarding is gaining popularity around the world. Kids will learn the basics of Stand Up Paddle Boarding, proper techniques and water safety. We will have a guided tour around the lake and end the week with a SUP race! Child must know how

to swim. July 20-24th, 9:00am-10:15am, $125. Limited to first 6 registered.

And More!! Mr. John's Art Class For registration information call John Rodak 832-466-5807 English, 832-466-5239 Chinese Day: Wednesday Time: 4:15 pm - 6:00 pm Location: Aquatic Center Session: April 1 - May 27 Day: Saturday Time: 1:30 pm - 5:30 pm Location: Aquatic Center Session: April 4 - May 30 Fencing Instruction in basic fencing through advanced tactical techniques. Instruction includes footwork, blade work, and bouthing strategies. Days: Tuesday & Thursday Times: 5:00 - 7:00 pm; Beginners Ages: 7 and up Location: Aquatic Center Instructor: Manuel Rodriguez Fee: $120.00/month for twice a week class $ 85.00/month for once a week class American Style Karate Karate is an excellent activity for developing self-confidence along with learning self -defense. Child must be at least 5 years old. Day: Tuesday Location: Lost Creek Center Session: Jun9- August 11 Time: 6:30 -7:30 pm Ages 5 -12 7:30 - 8:30 pm Ages 13 - 70 Instructor: Bill Gray Fee: $50.00 Uniform required: $30.00 (payable 1st day of class: no checks) Awakened Yoga Stand UP Paddle Board Classes are held on Saturdays and Sundays at the First Colony Aquatic Center Lake. For the full schedule, visit website at www.awakenenedyogastudio.com/AYSUP OR SUP@awakenedyogastudio.com. Space is limited. You must pre-register online or in studio to reserve your spot.

Yoga / Meditation: Designed for Stress Relief A 60 minutes of warm, slow moving, stress relieving class, perfect for the end of a hectic work week day. Designed for those who want to slow it down, come back to the SELF or "Home" in subtle body practice. The class incorporates breath, meditation, slow movement and restorative postures. All levels welcome!" Days: Monday & Wednesday Session1: September 9 - October 14 Session II: October 26 - December 9 Location: Heritage Colony Clubhouse Time: 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm Instructor: Maya Mehta Each session is $70. Discount of $10.00 for each additional member of the family. Cancer patients and Veterans are $45.00 per session. Adult Strength and Performance Class

Functional Strength and Conditioning class that will accommodate the needs of a triathlete, swimmer, or individual wanting to gain fitness and strength. The class is circuit based class so it is a great fit for you no matter what your age or level of fitness. From someone trying to lose a significant amount of weight, to a very competitive triathlete, this class will help you meet your goals. If you are dropping-in, you must register prior to each class. Mature Teens are allowed, must be approved ahead of time.

Days: Tuesday and Thursday Session: Runs monthly during summer Location: Aquatic Center Classroom Time: 5:30-6:20 am Registration Fee: $10 one time annually Cost: $12/class drop-in rate, $75/monthly (non-refundable) Instructor: Markell Lyng To register email coachmarkell@swimfcst.com

Aquatics Water Aerobics Water aerobics is a great way to gain cardiovascular fitness and strength in a low impact manner. Water aerobics places less stress on the joints than land based aerobics classes. This class is good for all fitness levels. Water weights are optional. Day: Tuesday and Thursday Location: Crescent Lakes Pool

Session I: June 9 - August 13 (runs monthly) Times/Ages: 12:00 pm - 12:50 pm Instructor: Markell Lyng Fee: $95.00/month or $16.00/class drop-in rate To register email coachmarkell@swimfcst.com ORGANIZATION WORKSHOP SERIES BY CLEAN SLATE - LIFE ORGANIZED

Organizing your Genealogy This one-hour workshop presents an organization system for your genealogical records. Genealogical records such as birth, death and marriage certificates have true intrinsic and sentimental value. This workshop will teach methodologies for safely preserving those valuable records as well as how to organize them for efficient use in family history work. Saturday, July 25th 10am-11am, $20 per person, Heritage Colony Clubhouse.

Adult Tennis Lessons: The tennis schedule can be accessed at www.firstcolony.org. To see complete list of classes and descriptions visit www.firstcolony.org under Parks & Recreation. For questions or to register call 281-634-9555.

STAND UP PADDLE BOARDING (SUP) NOW AT THE FIRST COLONY AQUATIC CENTER LAKE Learn the basics with the Intro to SUP class on Tuesdays at 6:15PM. Cost is $30 a class and includes board, paddle and pfd. Class is limited to 6 students. Call First Colony Community Association at 281-634-9555 to register. Classes start on May 26th. Paddle Board Rentals Rent a paddle board by the hour on Saturdays at the lake from 1pm-6pm. Rental rate is $25 per hour or $40 for 2 hours. Rental includes board, paddle and pfd. No reservation necessary, just stop by and give it a try!

Kids Paddle Camp Stand Up Paddle Boarding is gaining popularity around the world. Kids will learn the basics of Stand Up Paddle Boarding, proper techniques and water safety. We will

have a guided tour around the lake and end the week with a SUP race! Child must know how to swim. July 20-24th, 9:00am-10:15am, $125. Limited to first 6 registered. Call 281-634-9555 to register.

Pool Season and Pool Tags

The 2015 pool season is here! To enter FCCA pools you will need to show your pool tag. Bring

your driver's license, or a current utility bill as proof of residency. There is a maximum of four (4) pool tags per household. Each pool tag admits one (1) member and one (1) guest only. Our office hours are Monday - Friday from 8 am - 5 pm.

The Aquatic Center Leisure pool opening is delayed due to damages received from flooding during the recent storms.

There are extended hours at Heritage Colony pool to accommodate earlier hours for residents until the leisure pool reopens. Please check the website for the most current updates.

FCCA Summer Pool Tour 2015 First Colony Community Association (FCCA) is hosting the FCCA Summer Pool Tour 2015 to help familiarize members with all the pools in the Association and to promote family fun. Pick up your pool tags beginning April 13th at the FCCA office located at 4350 Austin Parkway, Sugar Land and ask for your "Summer Pool Tour Passport". There is a limit of 1 passport per FCCA household. Visit each FCCA pool (excludes the Aquatic Center Lap Pool) during the season from May 2rd to Labor Day; swim one lap, jump in & get wet or stay wet all day. The Lifeguard at the pool entrance will officially stamp your "Summer Pool Tour Passport". When you have completed your pool tour of all 10 of FCCA's pools and have had your passport officially stamped, bring it back to the FCCA office during office hours. The First 400 passports that are completed, officially stamped, and returned to FCCA, will receive an "I swam them all" FCCA Summer Pool Tour Beach Bag Cooler. Limit one (1) Beach Bag Cooler per FCCA household. If you lose your passport you must get a new one and start over. Come enjoy the pools and win a great prize while having fun! Bark Lice

We have received several calls from homeowners who are alarmed about the appearance of mysterious webbing on the trunks of their oak

trees! And, they generally want to know what pesticide can be used to get rid of the problem. Fortunately, the webbing is not caused by webworms nor tent caterpillars, but by a harmless insect commonly known as bark lice. Rest assured that they are a beneficial insect that are there to clean the tree of fungi, algae, dead bark and other undesirables. They remain there until the tree is clean and then leave. No control measures are recommended for these insects.Treatment is not recommended as the bark lice are providing a beneficial service by helping Mother Nature to keep the bark clean and tidy!

Interested in Becoming an FCCA Board Candidate? The First Colony Community Association (FCCA) Board of Directors governs the affairs of the Association and operates under FCCA Governance Policies. The Board of Directors is a group of seven members, with two (2) positions up for election this year. The term is three (3) years, beginning January 1, 2016. The Board, in conjunction with staff, is responsible for participating in long range planning and developing goals for the Association. Some other primary duties include:

Determining an annual assessment Preparing and adopting the budget Development of Association policy Hiring/assessing Executive Director

FCCA recognizes that volunteering time for a Board position is a major decision. This is another excellent opportunity to become involved with the community and share in the decision making processes of First Colony. Members interested in becoming a Board candidate can Click here to obtain a Board member application. Deadline for application is 5:00 p.m. on Friday, August 28, 2015.

IT'S HUMMER TIME

By Cheryl Conley, TWRC Wildlife Center

It's time to start preparing for the arrival of the beautiful hummingbirds as they migrate south. There are three species that typically show up in August in the Houston area. They are the Ruby Throated, Black Chinned and the Rufous. Hummingbirds live on a combination of flower nectar and small insects.If you'd like to supplement the hummingbird's diet with a feeder, there are some important things to know. Make sure to purchase one that is easy to clean and clean it often. Because of Houston's heat and humidity, mold can develop which is harmful to the birds. It's easy to make the nectar for the feeder and is cheaper than buying it. Just mix 4 parts water to 1 part sugar. Make sure to fully dissolve the sugar. DO NOT USE FOOD COLORING. It is harmful to the birds. Place your feeder where it gets afternoon shade. It's also helpful if it's near a shrub or tree where the birds can rest. Since hummingbirds can be a little aggressive in protecting a feeder, you may want to provide several small feeders spaced throughout a large area. Although it's too late for this year, consider plants that hummingbirds are attracted to for next year. Plants are the natural and preferred method for attracting the birds. There are many to pick from but here are just a few. Check the internet for more suggestions.

Firebush

Butterfly weed

Esperanza

Turk's Cap

Honeysuckles

If you find a hummingbird in need of help, place them in a container with air holes. You may use tissue or paper towels to support them if they cannot stand on their own but DO NOT use any type of fabric or mesh. Their brushy tipped tongues can get stuck to the fabric.

Keep them warm, dry and in a quiet location until you can get them to TWRC. It is important that you get them to us as soon as possible. TWRC Wildlife Center is located at 10801 Hammerly Boulevard in Houston. If you have questions, call 713-468-TWRC. Kayak Fun on Brooks Lake

Come have fun on Brooks Lake by checking-out a kayak at the Oyster Creek Boathouse. The boathouse is open Saturdays and Sundays through October 25th. Hours of operations are:

Saturdays: 10 am - 7 pm

Sundays: 1 pm - 6 pm

Labor Day: 10 am - 6 pm

You must be 21 years of age or older to check-out a kayak. Rowers under 21 must be accompanied by an adult. There is no cost to check-out a kayak for First Colony Community Association (FCCA) members. You must have a current FCCA pool tag as proof of residency. Pool tags are available to members at the FCCA office located at 4350 Austin Parkway, Sugar Land. Office hours are Monday - Friday from 8 am - 5 pm

You will need to show proof of residency to receive a pool tag by providing your driver's license or a current utility bill. At kayak check-out you will be required to leave a driver's license and sign a liability form. Non-residents may check-out a kayak by purchasing a pass at the FCCA office. One use pass is $10.00 per person. You can also purchase a season pass for a cost of $50.00 per person. Non-members must show driver's license and leave a credit card number as a deposit. Reservations are not accepted, as kayaks are checked out on a first come, first served basis. Kayaking experience is not necessary (though it is a good idea to have a general knowledge of rowing). In addition, life preservers are provided to all participants. Don't forget to bring along sun block and drinking water. The boathouse is located at 15910 Creekbend Dr. Sugar Land. Check out the website at www.firstcolony.org under Parks and Recreation

to see all the details including a kayak trail map of the area, liability form, and Kayak 101. For more information call (281) 634-9555.

Vehicles Parked Blocking the

Sidewalk Enforced by the Missouri City Police Department and City Code Enforcement, Transportation Code 545.302 states, an operator may not stop, stand, or park a

vehicle on a sidewalk. When residents park vehicles in their driveways, they are required to keep the sidewalk clear. Even though it may run across a property owner's driveway, the sidewalk is the public right of way, or a path on a person's land that other people have a legal right to use. For a complete listing of Missouri City Code of Ordinances, visit the City's website at www.missouricitytx.gov.

Sugar Land Skeeters present National Pro Fast pitch Softball Camp

August 3rd or 4th at Constellation Field. Click here for more information and registration.

Fast Pitch Softball Come to the National Pro Fast Pitch Softball game at Constellation Field on August 3rd & 4th. Games start at 7:05 pm. Click here for more information on how to get tickets.

Project Walk Fun Run Roll

On Saturday, September 19th, join "Project Walk Fun Run Roll" at 8:00 am. Free Pancake breakfast for all participants at the end of the race. Click here for more details and how to register.

Residential Compliance Inspection Schedule

First Colony Community Association (FCCA) strives to provide quality service while encouraging residents to take pride in their home. Deed restriction enforcement helps to maintain property value and to improve the overall appearance of the community. Inspections are done on a quarterly basis but may vary due to vacation and holiday schedules. If you have any questions for your inspector, please call 281-634-9500. Neighborhoods due for inspections in the upcoming month are: August: Alcorn Bend, Colony Woods, Enclave at Cartwright, Hall Lake, Heritage Colony, Lakes of Austin Park, Lexington Colony, Plantation Creek, Plantation Settlement, Stephens Grant, Sweetwater Section 1 - 10, Sweetwater Estates, Sweetwater Court T/H, Travis Park, Villas of Sweetwater and Woodstream.

Note: Schedules vary due to weather, holidays or vacations. An application must be submitted for approval prior to the commencement of any type of exterior change or construction on the property. Texas Master Gardener ClassesStart October 8, 2015!

The Fort Bend County Master Gardener Training class, a program offered by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, begins Thursday, October 8, 2015. Classes are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9am - 3:30 p.m. during the month of October through November 10, 2015. The cost of the class is $200 ($353 for couples). The fall class is limited in size.

Classes are taught by Texas A&M University specialists in their field

in classes such as vegetables, fruits & nuts, soils, landscape design, pathology, propagation, rainwater harvesting and more.

Everyone who has a desire to increase their knowledge of gardening, then sharing their knowledge with others through community service in support of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, and becoming a Certified Texas Master Gardener is invited. Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis so, Hurry! Get your application in now! The deadline is September 28, 2015. If you wait any longer, your spot could be filled by someone else!

For information on the Fort Bend County Master Gardener Class and to obtain an application for the fall class, visit http://www.fbmg.org/become-a-master-gardener/ or you can call Margo "Mac" McDowell at 281-633-7033.

Missouri City Police Golf Scramble

Join Missouri City Police Officers Association for their Invitational Golf Scramble on September 11th. Proceeds from the tournament support college scholarships, Adopt-a-family, Bethel Ministries, Boy Scouts, Special Olympics, crime prevention and financial assistance for Missouri City officers, first responders and their families. Click here to find out more and to register.

Mark Your Calendars: Free Movie in the Park-Oct. 3 Bring your family, friends, lawn

chairs and blankets to the Aquatic Center Park located at 4350 Austin Parkway, Sugar Land 77479 (near intersection of Cross Lakes and Double Lake) to enjoy a FREE movie featuring Home on Saturday, October 3rd presented by Texas Community Referral Network and First Colony Community Association. After a hive-minded alien race called the Boov conquer the Earth, they relocate the planet's human population -- all except for a little girl named Tip who's managed to hide from the aliens. When Tip meets a fugitive Boov called Oh there's mutual distrust. However, Oh is not like his comrades; he craves friendship and fun. As their distrust fades, the pair set out together to find Tip's mother, but, unbeknown to them,

the Gorg -- enemies of the Boov -- are en route. Rated PG; show begins at dusk (approximately 7:15 pm) on a fully HD outdoor theater system with a 30 foot inflatable screen. Come early (6 pm) and enjoy free face painting! There will be plenty of concessions during the movie for only $1. Proceeds benefit Child Advocates of Fort Bend. You don't want to miss the fun! Invite your friends and be our guest for our community movie night.

The Office is open Monday - Friday from 8 am - 5 pm.

There is a drop box for after hour business such as payments, Property Improvement forms, etc.

FCCA

4350 Austin Parkway

Sugar Land, TX 77479

281-634-9500

First Colony Community Association is excited to bring you yet another way to receive current information on our community. If you would like to submit a news item, please email alicef@firstcolony.org.

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