UpClose Magazine - April 2026

There’s a Seat at the Table for

As National Plumbers Day Nears,

We Celebrate the Pros Who Keep Life Flowing

by Alisha McMillen

It’s National Plumbers Day on April 25th! We’d like to recognize the experienced and dependable plumbers at Alan’s Plumbing as their day approaches. Here are Alan’s Plumbing’s main guys – these are the faces you see in your homes fixing your plumbing.

Luke

Years of Experience: Being one of Alan’s sons, he’s been in plumbing his whole life, but he’s been with Alan’s Plumbing for 14 years.

Plumbing License: Master Plumber.

Expertise: Replacing main risers (this is what you use to shut the water off to your home).

What he says about working at Alan’s Plumbing: “I love seeing the same families my dad used to call upon. You don’t realize how special a family business is until you’re a part of it … you just don’t understand the family legacy.”

Beau

Years of Experience: Another one of Alan’s sons, he’s been plumbing since birth, but officially employed with Alan’s Plumbing for 13 years.

Plumbing License: Journeyman.

Expertise: Water Softeners.

What he says about working at Alan’s Plumbing: “I love our team. Everyone at Alan’s Plumbing has deep respect and care not only for the company and the work we do, but we also have respect for each other. We work as a unit and that’s something rare that I will forever cherish!”

Chris

Years of Experience: Chris has been around plumbing his entire life, starting as a kid with his brothers Alan and Brian. But he’s been employed at Alan’s Plumbing for 17 years.

Plumbing License: Master Plumber.

Expertise: Remodeling jobs.

What he says about working at Alan’s Plumbing: “I really enjoy working alongside my nephews, Beau and Luke, and helping train the next generation in the plumbing industry.”

Jaime

Years of Experience: Ten years with Alan’s Plumbing

Plumbing License: Journeyman.

Expertise: Jobs that involve digging, such as repairing or replacing main sewer and water lines.

What he says about working at Alan’s Plumbing: “I tell my daughters that not all heroes wear capes, and my favorite thing about my job is being able to help people.”

Christian

Years of Experience: Five years with Alan’s Plumbing.

Plumbing License: Tradesman.

Expertise: Sewer line repairs and tankless water heater installations.

One thing he wishes people knew about their plumbing: “Everyone should know how to turn their main water off. It’s super important!”

Anthony

Years of Experience: Five years with Alan’s Plumbing.

Plumbing License: Tradesman.

Expertise: Tankless water heater installations. One thing he wishes people knew about their plumbing: “Please don’t pour grease down your kitchen drain! It can cause a lot of problems.”

First Impressions Matter: Staging Secrets to Sell Your Home Faster

Ialways tell people the two biggest priorities are decluttering (which also includes depersonalizing) and making sure everything is spotlessly clean. Buyers today want homes that feel move-in ready and are willing to pay top dollar for a home that has been updated and presents a clean, fresh, and well-maintained feel.

Decluttering and depersonalizing help buyers picture themselves living in the home. We want prospective buyers to focus on the architecture and features of the house and envision themselves living there, which can be difficult if the space is filled with family photos, collections, and personal items. The goal is to highlight the house itself – because that’s what people are buying – not your belongings.

Some people think they can wait to get rid of things until after they have a buyer and are preparing to move out, but the reality is that they may lose thousands of dollars on the

sale that they could have earned if they had taken the time to properly prepare the home.

Less is more. If you’re not sure whether to keep something – like an old couch that shows a lot of wear or decorative pillows with stains – it’s usually best to let it go. It’s better to have furnishings that are in good condition and present well. Chances are, if something is worn, you’ve already gotten your money’s worth out of it. Preparing your home for sale is the perfect time to clean house and keep only the best of the best.

everything, and even small things, like seeing other people’s toiletries, can be a real turnoff. It’s also important to keep the home light and bright by removing dated curtains, old blinds, and even window screens if they block natural light. Bright, open spaces always show better.

Another key step is making necessary repairs. It’s almost always less expensive to address issues before an inspector discovers them, and it helps the entire sales process go much more smoothly.

I recommend starting early by sorting items into donate, sell, trash, give away, and keep. You can begin packing smaller decorative items, knickknacks, toys, and collections and storing the boxes in closets, attic space, or the garage.

Cleaning is just as critical. Buyers notice

These simple steps are proven to work. Don’t feel overwhelmed – just start early and spend an hour or two a day preparing, and it will make a big difference. Finally, it’s always helpful put yourself in the buyer’s shoes. Think back to what attracted you to the home when you first bought it. Chances are it felt clean, open, and inviting. Our goal is to recreate that same feeling for the next buyer.

Overall, I tell sellers that if they follow all the guidelines on our “Getting Your House Ready to Sell” checklist, they will be in great shape when it comes time to sell their home.

SUMMER NINJA CAMP Action-Packed Days, Flexible Care:

Fun, active summer program for the kids? Check. Flexibility for busy parents? Check. Convenient Sugar Land location? Check. Affordable Pricing? Check. Safety as a priority? Check.

Safety America’s Summer Ninja Camp checks all the boxes. Welcoming your children, ages four through 13, the program runs June 1st to August 11th from 9am - 3pm. Owner Bob Gifford has offered summer camp programs for 30 years, so he’s worked out the kinks to make the program exactly what kids (and parents!) want.

What Summer Ninja Camp Offers

The 9,200 square foot facility is located in the heart of Sugar Land, near Town Square. This huge area gives kids the space and activities that will keep them busy. And send them home tired!

“We are also very flexible with our registrations. Parents can sign their kids up for a day, a week, or the whole summer. Our early care and after care programs give parents options for busy days,” Bob says. “We even take late and day-of registrations, whenever the camp has space available.”

Another benefit – all camp participants receive a free class certificate for karate classes, gymnastics classes, or ninja warrior classes.

About Safety America

“I started Safety America in 1994 when there wasn’t anything out here in Sugar Land – the mall wasn’t even here yet. I had a ‘build it and they will come’ philosophy,” Bob explains.

In addition to summer camps, Safety America also has karate classes, ninja

by Alisha McMillen

warrior classes, and birthday parties, which are all offered year-round.

It is truly a family business. Bob expanded his youth-centered businesses 15 years ago to include Sugar Land Gymnastics and Dance, with Sienna Gymnastics and Karate opening shortly after. He recruited his three daughters to manage his three programs. Each program has been extremely popular with children from as young as 18 months old, all the way up to Olympic hopefuls.

Why Kids Love It

The ratio of teachers to students is small at 1:10. Mom Nikki says, “I have three kids attending camp. I’d have four, but one isn’t old enough yet. When I pick them up, they ask when they can come back. They always want more. They love the zipline, dodgeball games, and the parkour obstacle courses.”

Bob concludes, “I want to extend a big thank you to all of the people in Fort Bend County who have supported our business for 30 years. We love what we do and are excited to host your children again this summer.”

Registration is now open for all summer camps on the Safety America website. Some camp times fill up early, so sign up now!

Safety America Karate

281-980-3030 2595 Cordes Drive Sugar Land, TX 77479 karatesugarland.com

Fun activities at Summer Ninja Camp:

• Rock wall climbing

• Zipline

• Ninja equipment

• Rope swing

• Dodge ball

• Basketball

• Bounce house

• Warped walls

• Balance beam with Jedi Sword Fighting

• And more!

Zero Wait. Expert Care. Every Visit.

The St. Michael’s name has been trusted by its Fort Bend neighbors for nearly two decades. It’s known for 24/7 emergency care, VIPlevel care, and a no-wait policy. After a recent acquisition, all of those qualities are still true for the patients at St. Michael’s Elite Hospital.

“When people are experiencing a medical emergency, they want to be seen quickly by experienced medical professionals. They want to get in and out,” says Sean Johnson, CEO of St. Michael’s. “Our throughput and accessibility results in happy, repeat visitors who often see the same physicians who have helped them for years.”

One of those friendly, familiar faces is Dr. Karen Richardson, who started her St. Michael’s journey in 2007. She had to scale down her work for several years, so she left the ER, but happily returned to

St. Michael’s Elite Hospital in 2022. “Patients get a lot of hands-on care that is fast but thorough,” Dr. Richardson says. “You get great, experienced doctors who genuinely care about their patients.”

Those doctors will personally call patients the day after their visit to inquire about how they’re feeling. The hospital itself is a surprisingly calm and quiet environment, especially compared to typical hospital emergency rooms. “Patients often ask if they’re the only patient in the building because it’s so calm,” says Tonya Metz, the hospital’s director of nursing. “We may be full, but patients would never know it.”

St. Michael’s Elite Hospital is proud to be an integral part of the community.

“We are focusing on big outreach projects within our community,” says Lauren Stai, marketing liaison for St. Michael’s Elite Hospital.

“We want to be pillars of the community, supporting our local organizations.”

Yvonne Kimani, marketing associate, adds, “We’re always here for our hometown heroes

– our first responders and our educators – and their families.” No wait. Exceptional clinicians. Calm and quiet. 24/7. VIP-level care. Immersed in the community. There are so many reasons to come to St. Michael’s Elite Hospital. “We set ourselves apart with our patientcentered approach,” says David Ortiz, director of marketing for ProCare Health, the company that acquired the hospital. “We always do what’s best for the patient first.”

St. Michaels Elite Hospital 281-980-4357

16000 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land, TX 77479 24hrer.com

Medicare plans change each year. Don’t assume your current coverage is still your best choice. Review your current plan, costs and health needs, then see how other plan options compare.

Yesterday’s Students, Today’s Parents

More than 55 years ago, the School for Little Children, established by Sugar Land Methodist Church, couldn’t have known the legacy they were building right here in Sugar Land. Parents started sending their children to the school in 1969. And what followed is remarkable. Kids who started out at the school are now sending their own kids to their preschool alma mater decades later.

Meet two families whose kids and grandkids have all attended the School for Little Children. Find out what makes them keep coming back.

The

Sullivan Family

Johnny and Kelli Sullivan sent all four of their kids to the School for Little Children. “My grandparents attended church here and my mom taught Sunday School in one of the school’s buildings,” Johnny says. “I became a church member when I was in 2nd grade.”

It was a natural progression for the Sullivans to send Courtney, twins James and John, and Kendall to the school. And when it came time for James and his wife, Amy, to pick a preschool for their own two daughters, the progression continued.

“There’s no better place for my kids to grow up,” James said. “My siblings attended here, my friends attended here. It all made sense. The teachers here are the best. My daughter learns a lot and is excited to come to school every day. She loves her teachers and shows progress every single day.”

“I love the people and fellowship in our church and the school is an extension of that,” Johnny explains. “The longevity of the teachers –some of the teachers that taught my kids are still teaching today – says a lot about how great the school is. If they’d had elementary or middle school, our kids would have continued their education here too.”

The Dumas Family

For Philip and Marilyn Dumas, the progression was also natural. “We

by Alisha McMillen

were introduced to the School for Little Children in 1984 when our oldest son, Nathan, started attending a three-year-old class. Our other two children, Brooke and Chase, followed,” Marilyn explains. “I think it’s wonderful that my children have such good memories that they want their own kids here.”

Nathan and wife, Candice, and Brooke and husband, Kevin, all decided to send their children to their former preschool. “We had a great experience when we were kids here,” Brooke says. “It was just a great school for us. And our own children were welcomed with open arms and are truly loved by their teachers.”

“My oldest had some of the same teachers Nathan did,” Candice said. “My youngest just started school here. I have a comfort with him in this school that I didn’t feel in other environments. It takes a village to raise our children, and he’s been a different (happier) little boy since he started here.”

The school has programs for ages one through Kindergarten. Kinder is new for the 2026-2027 school year! Registration for all classes is open now. Start your legacy this year at the School for Little Children.

The School for Little Children 281-242-5437 431 Eldridge Rd. Sugar Land, TX 77478 schoolforlittlechildren.com

Filling Bowls, Feeding Hope:

17th Annual Fort Bend Empty Bowls

by Alisha McMillen

More than 18,000 Fort Bend children did not go hungry in 2025. East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry (EFBHNM) made sure of that, with its efficient food pantry, its huge resale shop, and by providing financial assistance to those in crisis. Last year, the food pantry provided $2,455,291 worth of supplemental groceries. And it’s all funded by individual donors, grants, events, and fundraisers.

“At EFBHNM, we serve the basic human needs of families in our community in a temporary financial crisis. We see new families each week, and it’s often not who you would expect. So many of our neighbors are affected by job loss, a change in family dynamics, and other unexpected situations that leave them in need of assistance,” says Executive Director Stacey Williams.

“We are an interfaith food pantry and resale shop working with local churches to cover the needs of our community,” says Development Director Megan Leonhardt. “Getting groceries here can save a family money to use for other essential items. It can free up their funds to pay a utility or medical bill.”

EFBHNM’s biggest fundraiser of the year is Fort Bend Empty Bowls, being held this year on June 12th at the Houston Marriott Sugar Land. Empty Bowls is a grassroots effort by artists and craftspeople in cities and towns across the country to feed the hungry in their communities.

With last year’s earnings and the help of 29,057 volunteer hours, EFBHNM was able to: Provide relief to 9,090 families

•Prevent food insecurity for 21,851 adults and 18,326 kids

bread, and various soups provided by 10 local restaurants. And don’t leave early – you’ll miss the tasty late-night snack as you walk out the door.

“In 2025, the event raised more than $307,000,” says Megan. “Last year, 680 guests enjoyed soup provided by nine Fort Bend County restaurants. This year, we are anticipating 700 guests will attend who will get to sample soups from Fort Bend restaurants. Our goal is to raise $350,000 this year to support our mission.”

Guests can contribute to the goal by purchasing beautiful, one-ofa-kind ceramic bowls painted by generous community members, buying something at the spirits and wine pull, participating in the dessert auction, bidding on exciting silent auction items, and raising their voices to purchase extravagant live auction items.

•Gift 524 families with holiday baskets

•Distribute 7,400 Kid Sacks

•Ensure 427 children got to celebrate their birthdays

This year’s Fort Bend Empty Bowls Title Sponsor is Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. Now in its 17th year, the dinner provided at Fort Bend Empty Bowls includes a simple, but delicious, meal of appetizers, salad,

“You never know who may be experiencing a financial crisis or food insecurity. It be your next door neighbor, a family at church, your child’s gradeschool friend,” Megan says. “We help our neighbors in need, when they need it. Since 1990, we’ve awarded more than $3 million in financial assistance.”

EFBHNM has been helping its Fort Bend neighbors for more than 35 years. Join them by purchasing Fort Bend Empty Bowls tickets, available at www.humanneeds.org/emptybowls. Various sponsorships are still available.

17th

ANNUAL

FORT BEND EMPTY BOWLS

June 12, 2026

Houston Marriott Sugar Land

Tickets: $125 per individual seat (table sponsorships available)

Live Entertainment provided by Danny Ray & the Atlantic Street Band

Sponsors:

Title Sponsor – Houston Methodist Sugar Land

Cordon Bleu – Houston Federal Credit Union

Spirits Pull Underwriters – Hunting Energy and The Newton Group, Remax Wine Pull Underwriter – Karla Arjona Real Estate Services

Paddles Up Underwriter – Megan Harraman Interior Design

Photobooth Underwriter – Johnson Development (Harvest Green & Sienna)

Chef de Cuisine – Early, McClintic & McMillan

Chef’s Delight – Fishers of Men Lutheran Church, St. Laurence Social Concerns, Sugar Land Baptist Church

Valued In Kind Sponsor – HEB

SOS-ASAP

Pet waste often contains harmful bacteria and parasites, including: E. coli, Salmonella, Roundworms (especially dangerous for children), and Hookworms. Leaving pet waste in your yard can create real health, environmental, and lifestyle risks— especially for families, kids, and pets who spend time outdoors. SOS-ASAP can help!

•Offering clean up, deodorization, and sanitization of grassy areas

•Great use of HOA funds for common areas that benefit everyone

•LIMITED TIME OFFER: For every HOA that buys a bag stand, get a little library book storage unit with a bench!

Take back your space from mosquitoes, fleas, ticks, and other intruders with customized pest control services from the pros at Mosquito Joe. They have proven solutions to Catch All Stinging Insects including spiders, ants, and wasps too!

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“I live on a creek, which is a mosquito breeding ground. My neighbor recommended the Mosquito Joe service to take care of them and I began enjoying my backyard again.”

- Craig, longtime Sugar Land resident

of projects are from happy repeat

and

DENTAL Health: Pro Tips for Parents

Game On, Guard Up: Protecting Young Smiles

by Nicole Grace

The grass is green and the flowers are blooming. It’s officially spring, which means it’s time for kids to get outdoors and play. Spring brings youth sports like baseball, softball, soccer, volleyball, lacrosse, flag football, and more. And with spring sports, the chances of a child injuring their mouth and teeth increases.

“We’re proud to sponsor Lamar Little League, the premier youth baseball league in our area that’s been around for more than 70 years,” says Dr. Faisal Khan, founder and owner of Grand Parkway Pediatric and owner of Memorial Pediatric Dentistry. “Many of our young patients play for Lamar Little League and we do our best to help them protect their mouths, jaws, and faces during play.”

Whether playing baseball or another popular spring sport, the most important way to protect little teeth is by wearing mouthguards. “They can prevent tooth fractures, dislocations, and soft tissue injuries during contact sports,” Dr. Khan explains. “Custom-fitted, dentist-made mouthguards provide superior protection and comfort, though the common ones you find at the athletic also often used.”

The American Dental Association estimates mouthguards prevent over 200,000 ries annually. Helmets and face shields masks can also help protect the face, and teeth from direct impact. Protecting teeth also reduces injuries to kids’ lips, tongues, and jaws.

“Mouthguards should be replaced when they show wear or become uncomfort able,” Dr. Khan adds. “And they should be cleaned with cool water and soap, and kept in a ventilated case.”

What should you do if the worst happens? If a tooth comes out, “First and foremost, stay calm and don’t panic. Put the tooth in a liquid medium, preferably milk, and rush to the dentist,” Dr. Khan explains. “Control the bleeding in your child’s mouth by using light pressure with a cold compress. Take your child for emergency dental care immediately following the incident.”

Dr. Priyanshi Ritwik, Dr. Khadija Khan, and Dr. Anna Feng, as well as an oral surgeon and an anesthesiologist, join Dr. Khan at Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental to provide all aspects of pediatric dentistry, special needs dentistry, and minor orthodontics, while Dr. David Tang supports him at Memorial Pediatric Dentistry. “We always strive to help children grow up with healthy teeth,” Dr. Khan continues. “Taking care of little teeth early is truly worth the effort.”

Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental

Dr. Khan, Dr. Ritwik, Dr. Khadija, Dr. Feng 832-579-0960

7910 W. Grand Parkway S., Suite 100 Richmond, TX 77406 grandparkwaypediatricdental.com

Memorial Pediatric Dental

Dr. Khan, Dr. Tang 281-822-6600

791 Town & Country Blvd., Suite 210 Houston, TX 77024 memorialpediatricdds.com

13 Years, Multiple Keys,

One Trusted Name: Classic Chevrolet

by Alisha McMillen

“We settled in Fort Bend County in 2011 when our kids were little,” says Celso Pacheco. “I bought my first vehicle from Classic Chevrolet just two years later. And I’ve been coming back ever since.”

Celso and his wife have a 21-year-old son and a 19-year-old daughter, so they’ve been through many family vehicles and their kids’ first car experiences, all with Classic Chevy playing a big part. “My son still drives the Tahoe I bought in 2013! I’ve bought the Tahoe, two trucks, and a Camaro,” Ceslo says. “I’ve purchased four vehicles and made countless referrals and recommendations.”

Admittedly, Classic Chevy is not the closest dealership to the Pachecos’ Fulshear home, but Celso still tells everyone to make the trip to Sugar Land because of the way they treat their customers. “I still take all of our vehicles to the Classic service center. I just trust the folks at Classic. They are honest, they educate you, and get you back on the road quickly,” Celso explains. “And I know I can count on Ray

(Aguilar) to support our community. He steps up for car washes, supporting veterans’ needs, sponsoring youth sports, and more.”

Celso shares the story from when he was part of several veterans organizations in Fort Bend. “They were looking for partnerships to honor a World War II veteran, and Ray said, ‘just tell me what you need.’ Ray and Classic Chevy always step up to help.”

He also credits the Classic culture for making the processes so calm and easy. “You don’t get that anxious feeling when you walk in the door,” he explains. “You get treated differently than you do at other dealerships. You just don’t see these types of strong relationships being built anywhere else.”

Ray Aguilar, Manager

“Our owners, the Durant family, are dedicated to treating both employees and customers in such a way that makes us feel like one big family,” says Ray. “The Classic family is here to welcome our customers, and we treat them like we would our own family members. We know car buyers have many choices when buying a car, so

we appreciate our clients who continue to trust us year after year to serve them.” Celso is one of those returning customers. He says, “Everyone at Classic Chevy gives you the service you deserve. They treat you like they would one of their own friends or family members.”

Classic Chevy Sugar Land

13115 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land, TX 77478

281-491-9000

classicchevysugarland.com

Classic Chevy

8100 HWY 6 South Houston, TX 77083

281-983-9807

classicchevyhwy6.com

Personal Sanctuary Global Inspiration,

by Nicole Grace

Did you know?

The Re-Modelista provides three hours of design services by a professional designer on every project at no charge!

Whether you’re struggling with design, or you have a great idea that you’re just not sure how to complete, complimentary design services will bring your remodel to life in a way you're sure to love

Patricia and Wayne moved frequently in their earlier years. Out of all of the places they lived, the place that spoke to them most was South Africa, where they lived and raised their two sons for more than five years. Married for 45 years, Patricia and Wayne also have three grandchildren.

“We love South Africa, but Houston is home,” Patricia says. Specifically Missouri City, where they’ve been for almost 25 years. “This is the home my 18-year-old granddaughter knows. It’s one of her favorite gathering spots.”

That means they’re staying put in the 30-year-old home, which also means it’s time for some updating. They chose the Re-Modelista, Teri Gilberg, to update their primary bathroom, creating a sanctuary that reminds them of their beloved South Africa.

“Our shower was horrible. I didn’t even like stepping into it. And the jacuzzi tub was just too big,” Patricia explains. Teri and her team fixed both of those issues. “We enlarged the shower and replaced the old jacuzzi tub with a big, rectangular soaking tub. In the shower, I finally got my bench I’ve wanted for 40-something years! That bench is probably my favorite part of the bathroom.”

“My wife did a fabulous job of bringing the room to life,” says Wayne,

who recommended the shelves to add their personal style to the room. “Patricia has an eye for contrast. She brought in the South African influence and we love it.”

The homeowners decided to keep the black and tan flooring and work the rest of the room around it. Everything else – cabinets, counters, mirrors, light fix tures, faucets, shower, and bathtub – was completely remodeled. “Because I kept the floor, I wanted to bring in some darker colors of faucets that leaned darker or black to coordinate,” Patricia explains.

“Teri’s team was great. Her crew was all very neat and they stuck to the deadline,” Patricia says of the Re-Modelista. “Her communication was fantastic and we didn’t have any surprises. The knowledge she brought to the project was so appreciated. The three hours of interior design services really helped – it gave me someone to bounce ideas off of.”

The Re-Modelista Your Home Renovation Specialist

Serving Fort Bend County For More Than 10 Years

OFFICE LOCATION

in Feather & Nest Interiors 3711 Raoul Wallenberg Lane

Missouri City, TX 77459

832-731-3191 theremodelista.com

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