JANUARY/ FEBRUARY 2022
Meet Katy’s New Commissioner
Vincent Morales Fort Bend County, Precinct 1
On The Porch With Patti
Happy ! U O Y 0 202 STATE of the
CITY
{JAN 13th}
Y’S WATER
GE & STEAM
20% OFF Any cleaning or service
Y CARPETS KAT
10% OFF
C
NING EXPERTS
KAT
A AM
I love my new floors and I love clean floors A LE
D
Carpet l Wood l Tile l Natural Stone l Laminate l LVT l Granite Counter Tops l Back Splash
A $2,000 job
OR Y CARPETS KAT
Water Damage Air Duct Cleaning Upholstery Cleaning Restoration Services Tile & Grout Cleaning
24 Months No interest financing
For all your flooring needs . . . 281.829.2222
281.647.8100
angeliccarpetcleaning.com Family-Owned Offers Exceptional Service and Quality Care
katycarpets.com
2020 S. Fry Rd. #F Katy, Tx 77450 Glen & Angel Baney Owners
Discount cannot be combined with any other discounts or offers. Code: ABKAT • Expires: February 28, 2022
CONTRIBUTORS
Patti Parish-Kaminski Publisher Page 10
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022 VOLUME 19 | NUMBER 1
10
{COVER STORY}
6 MEET KATY’S NEW COMMISSIONER: VINCENT MORALES, FORT BEND COUNTY, PRECINCT 1
Commissioner Vincent Morales Fort Bend County, Precinct 1, and Regina Morales.
{Column} 10 ON THE PORCH WITH PATTI Life in The 20s: Happy 2020-YOU!
Fort Bend County Commissioner Vincent Morales’ tenure as a public servant has spanned over 10 years, and his family legacy of service to the community he loves has extended even longer – for nearly three decades. Now, that commitment to service has expanded to the Katy area, including Orchard, Simonton, Weston Lakes and Fulshear communities, where Commissioner Morales will now serve as Precinct 1’s new commissioner.
{Marketplace} 12 DINE • SIP • SHOP
16 OENOPHILE Great Value White,
Rosé and Red Wines
CITY OF KATY
State of the City January 13th
ON THE COVER:
Commissioner Vincent Morales Fort Bend County, Precinct 1, and his wife Regina Morales.
2
16
{Newsworthy}
5 NATIONAL CHARITY LEAGUE Azalea Chapter Honors Senior Class of 2022
9 NATIONAL CHARITY LEAGUE Star Chapter Recognizes Senior Class of 2022 for Achievements
12 KATY ISD ATHLETIC EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Inducted into Texas High School
Athletic Directors Association Hall of Honor
TEXAS STATE TECHNICAL COLLEGE
11 CANE ISLAND Expands Builder Lineup with Chesmar Homes
Denman Moody theadvanceoenophile.com Page 16
Announces Graduate Honor Rolls
17 THE FORT BEND COUNTY HOME & GARDEN SHOW Two Shows in One Coming
{Business Briefs}
14
14 AUTO REVIEW 2022 Toyota GR Supra
Steve Kursar Auto Enthusiast Page 14
to Fort Bend County Fairgrounds: Home & Garden Show + Winter Gift Market
{In Every Issue} 4 EXCLAMATION POINTS!
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2022 l TO ADVERTISE, EMAIL: kay@absolutelyfocusmedia.com
TRUST HOUSTON’S HIGHEST LEVEL OF STROKE CARE WHEN TIME MATTERS MOST
LARGEST NETWORK FOR RAPID STROKE DIAGNOSIS & SPECIALIZED TREATMENT. FASTER RECOVERY. When it comes to stroke care, speed and accuracy matter. Memorial Hermann Mischer Neurosciences offers the largest dedicated stroke network in Houston, providing highly specialized stroke care when and where you need it. With more Comprehensive Stroke Centers than any other Houston health system, we have the experience and technology to get you on the road to recovery sooner. And with our enhanced safety measures in place at all of our facilities, you can get the care you need with peace of mind.
Advancing health. Personalizing care.
memorialhermann.org/stroke
EXCLAMATION POINTS! Publisher, PATTI PARISH-KAMINSKI
What’s New in 2022? It’s finally here – a new year. I for one thought 2021 would never be in our rearview mirror, but I am certainly glad that it is! While we were – and still are – dealing with serious issues on a global scale, I feel optimistic that we are indeed making progress. We are wiser. We are seasoned. We are better prepared. Preparedness has been key over the past year, and it remains at the forefront of our business community as preparedness leads to progress. That’s Patti and Tim Kaminski: Cheers to progress in 2022! what keeps me as a business owner, community servant, mother and wife hopeful – our ability to make progress. Here at absolutely! focus media, we are making progress despite challenges beyond our control. As you have likely noticed, the paper that we have been printing on for the past few months has not been reflective of the quality that our advertisers and readers are accustomed to. The supply chain issue regarding paper has hit us hard, and we have been forced to print on paper that is frankly not up to our standards. Our costs have increased over 40%, and we are paying much more for much less quality, quality that is not in keeping with our company’s mission. The good news is we were prepared. Over the past year, we have significantly increased our digital footprint by launching multiple campaigns to increase our website views, social media followers and our digital subscriber base. The best news of all? It’s working. Beginning in 2022, we will bring you the people, places and more of the happenings than ever before with our new eZines – Fort Bend Focus, absolutely! Brazos and absolutely! Katy – digital versions of our award-winning community magazines. And yes, our subscriptions will remain free to our community along with all content being available on all of our websites and our Facebook pages. Simply sign up at www.absolutelykaty.com or on www.facebook.com/absolutelykaty, and we will send absolutely! Katy or any of our eZines directly to your inbox. While our digital presence will be significant, we will be out and about more than ever before to bring our readers timely community news. And, instead of printed magazines, you will see our plexiglass stands with accessible QR codes in lobbies throughout our community. We look forward to continuing to come into your homes via your computers, tablets and cell phones much more than once a month with the news you need and want to know about your community. That’s what’s new in 2022 with us. What’s new with you in 2022? Let us know – we want to hear from you. Happy New Year, and cheers to a year filled with health, prosperity and progress.
Vol. 19 No. 1 January/February 2022 WWW.ABSOLUTELYKATY.COM absolutely! focus media P. O. Box 1253 Richmond, Texas 77406
PUBLISHER Patti Parish-Kaminski AC C OUNT EXECUTIVES Kay Garrett Gena Horak A RT D I R E C T O R Grace Belleza WEB DESIGNER JOBpage Graphics S O C IA L M E D IA M A NA G E R Natalee Moore I T S U P P O RT A D M I N I S T R AT I V E / S A L E S A S S I S TA N T Kolton W. Kaminski CONTRIBUTORS Steve Kursar Denman Moody Pete Olson A D V E RT I S I N G I N Q U I R I E S Kay@absolutelyfocusmedia.com E D I T O R IA L S U B M I S S I O N S Patti@absolutelyfocusmedia.com
Published by
Absolutely yours, Free Subscription. Sign up at www.absolutelykaty.com.
Patti@absolutelyfocusmedia.com absolutely! Brazos eZine is published by absolutely! focus media, P. O. Box 1253, Richmond, Texas 77406. Copyright © 2022 by absolutely! focus media. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited. absolutely! Brazos eZine does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertising or editorial, nor do the publishers assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial appear. absolutely! Katy eZine welcomes editorial submissions from its readers.
4
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2022
NEWSWORTHY
National Charity League Azalea Chapter Honors Senior Class of 2022 The Azalea Chapter of National Charity League (NCL) will honor its graduating seniors at its upcoming annual senior presentation in early January at the Marriott Sugar Land. Chapter members will celebrate the accomplishments of each of the 19 girls in the Azalea Class of 2022 and recognize her contributions to the community during her years of service, in the six-year NCL program. The seniors are students at four area high schools, including Cinco Ranch, Katy, Seven Lakes and Taylor. The Azalea Class of 2022 members have served over 4,600 volunteer hours in support of 25 charitable organizations in Katy such as Katy Christian Ministries, Krause Center, The Ballard House and Kidz Club. Caitlin Knight, Katherine Dial, Emma Shugart, Morgan Lane, Ashley Daiker, Ada Shaffer, Grace Mabray, Kristin Tuttle, Sarah Savage, Abigail Roup, Ava Conroy, Brooklyn Matthews, Zoe Pickard, Sage Araya, Emilia Pickard, Peyton York, Jordan Angel, Lara Adams and Riley Severin.
The Texana Cafe is a retail-training center, created by Texana, with the goal to make and serve exceptional food while supporting meaningful employment for individuals with autism or intellectual disabilities.
SERVING EXCEPTIONAL FOOD
SOUPS ▪ SALADS ▪ SANDWICHES COFFEE CREATIONS ▪ SWEET TREATS Created by exceptional people
Check out our menu and more details at
texanacafe.com
7440 FM 359 S, Fulshear, TX 77441 ▪ 1 mile North of Downtown Fulshear JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2022 l
5
Photo by Terry Blackburn.
COVER STORY
A Legacy of Leadership
Meet Katy’s New Commissioner:
Vincent Morales,
Photo by Memories by Elvia
Fort Bend County, Precinct 1
When you meet the Morales family, one thing becomes clear: their dedication to service. Matriarch Regina Klingle Morales was born in Fort Bend, and her great uncle, Ervin Muegge, served as Fort Bend County Commissioner Precinct 1 for 12 years in the 1950’s and 1960’s. “As a child, my parents instilled in me the value of community,” shared Regina. “Your neighbors were your lifelines, and community meant more than just the place where you live. It was the place where you lived, worked and raised your children. Community was something that you nurtured and valued, and for our family, it still is today.” That legacy of public service that began with Regina’s ancestors is alive and well today, as both Regina and Vincent remain active working for their community. For Commissioner Vincent Morales, that work has become even more important as a public servant. “I have always been active in our community as a business owner supporting local organizations and serving non-profits to help in whatever capacity I could,” said Commissioner Morales. “Both Regina and I have been engaged in economic development and philanthropic activities for years. And
F
or nearly three decades, Commissioner Vincent Morales, Fort Bend County, Precinct 1, has been serving the community he loves, the community he calls home, and the community where he and his wife, Regina, have raised their family and built their business. However, serving first as Mayor and then as County Commissioner didn’t just begin with Commissioner Morales’ tenure as a public servant for the past 10 years. The Morales family, with Vincent and Regina at the helm, have built a legacy of service through commitment, consistent leadership and caring for the community they love for nearly three decades. And now, that commitment to service has expanded to the Katy area, including Orchard, Simonton, Weston Lakes and Fulshear communities. 6
Commissioner Vincent Morales, Fort Bend County, Precinct 1, and his wife, Regina Morales.
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2022 l TO ADVERTISE, EMAIL: kay@absolutelyfocusmedia.com
Meet the Morales Family now, I have the privilege of representing the constituents of Precinct 1 by being their voice to address concerns and create solutions to better our quality of life. I believe in putting people over politics, and I plan to continue to do just that for my Katy constituents.”
Experienced Leadership As an elected official, Commissioner Morales’ track record of leadership is evident in the projects that he has moved forward. He was part of the team that secured a Texas State Technical College campus in Fort Bend, and he secured cost-effective and long-term sustainable potable water for the city of Rosenberg through his work with the Brazosport Water Authority. His track record of public service includes several major milestones in economic development, including several companies relocating or expanding their headquarters, the installation of two new business parks and several new retail developments to a region known as “The Hub of the Gulf Coast.” “Business expansion and relocation means more jobs,” said Morales. “Building a local economy with less unemployment than the rest of our state enhances our community and quality of life. As commissioner, I have been able to continue with projects that secure our future with vast economic opportunities and a reliable infrastructure.” The Fort Bend County EpiCenter project, a 230,000 square foot facility on a 51.75-acre site near the southwest corner of US 59/ I-69 and State Highway 36 that will be built utilizing a public private partnership, is just such a project. “Commissioner’s court commissioned a study that was completed in 2018 that showed that market demand exists to support the facility,” said Morales of the venue designed to host a variety of event types, including public/consumer shows, graduations, sports and recreation, spectator events, community/civic events, agriculture/livestock/equestrian shows, festivals and fairs and conferences. The EpiCenter will also serve as an operations center and emergency evacuation shelter for hurricanes or other disasters. An investment for the future with multiple economic opportunities including jobs, the county will lease the EpiCenter property to a private entity to construct the project and lease the building back to the county. The county will retain ownership of the land providing a long-term asset for the area.
C
ommissioner Vincent Morales’ wife, Regina, shares the commitment and vision for community service of her husband of 43 years. Regina’s focus is on community development; her economic development career started with the Greater Fort Bend Economic Development Council. She has served as president of the Central Fort Bend Chamber and as the Economic Development Director for the City Regina Morales with grandchildren Madelyn, of Sugar Land. During her William and Parker Morales. tenure for the City of Sugar Land, Regina helped bring Constellation Field, Sugar Land Town Square and Minute Maid to the community. Her last project before stepping down after nine years from the City of Sugar Land was the Smart Financial Centre. Regina is currently part of the leadership team serving as CEO / President of GreenScape Associates, LLC, the Morales’ family business that they started in 2004. The Morales’ have two sons: Chris and Justin. A former practicing attorney in Fort Bend with a guiding philosophy of providing service, in November of 2014, Chris was elected as Judge of County Court at Law Number 1, where he is currently on the bench. “Chris has seen his mom and I work countless hours to provide for our family and our community,” said Commissioner Morales. “His commitment to helping those who in need regardless of their ability to pay in his law practice is now being translated into providing justice for all. Regina and I are very proud to call our son Judge.” Chris is married to his high school sweetheart Vanessa Morales, a CPA with Cloud, Syzdek & Co, P.C. They have two children. Justin Morales is Vice President and General Manager of GreenScape Associates, LLC, and Commissioner Morales credits Justin for taking GreenScape from a small family business to a major landscape contractor – all while still following in the family footsteps of service. Justin has volunteered for numerous community organizations, including the Lamar Education Awards Foundation, Behind the Badge Charities, the Young Professionals Division of the Central Fort Bend Chamber and the Rosenberg Railroad Museum. In 2012, Justin received the Young Professional of the Year Award from the chamber for his leadership of the organization. “Justin’s hard work and commitment to our family philosophy of service is something Regina and I are very proud of,” said Commissioner Morales. Justin is married to Brooke Morales, and they have one daughter. “Our hearts are in Fort Bend,” said Regina. “We live here, we work here, we have raised our sons here, and now, our grandchildren are being raised here. The Morales family commitment to community through our service, our business and Vincent’s responsibility as Commissioner of Precinct 1 is here to stay.” JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2022 l
7
Flood Control and Mobility While managed economic growth and the creation of new jobs is at the forefront of Commissioner Morales’ concerns, he believes that two of the most vital concerns affecting Precinct 1 are flood control and mobility. “Since 1950 when records began being kept, the most intense weather events experienced in our area have been in the last eight years.” With Commissioner Morales’ support Fort Bend Commissioner’s Court has invested in an ongoing county-wide watershed study that provided a comprehensive review on how the Fort Bend drainage systems function as a whole. “I believe our drainage system needs to be reviewed as one comprehensive system instead of parts of multiple drainage systems. We have a flooding issue throughout Precinct 1, not just in one area, and the problem needs to be addressed as a whole.” According to Commissioner Morales, traffic is the other vital concern affecting Precinct 1. “Everyone who lives in this area is affected daily by cumbersome commutes over short distances,” said Morales, who plans to focus his efforts on the Grand Parkway or TX-99. “My goal is to get the TX99 project started and completed ahead of schedule to help alleviate some of our severe traffic issues through Precinct 1, along with reviewing all road projects to make certain they are a top priority.”
Proud grandparents Vincent and Regina with Parker, Madelyn and William Morales. neuter services, heartworm treatment and for increasing the number of pet adoptions along with improving the conditions of the facilities during the animals stay at FBCAS in other matching funding resources. “Our pets are our family members,” said Morales. “During the past year, pets have played an even more important role in our lives as so many have been both working and going to school from home struggling with social isolation. Taking care of our pets is an investment in our community’s future, and it’s just the right thing to do.”
People Over Politics
Fort Bend PAWS
Photo by Mary Meyer
Protecting and representing all residents of Precinct 1 is vital to Commissioner Morales, including the four-legged residents. In 2017, Commissioner Morales saw firsthand the needs of our county’s animals and animal shelter. He, along with several community leaders, formed Fort Bend Pets Are Worth Saving (PAWS), a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization in 2018 that raises funds and awareness in support of Fort Bend County Animal Services (FBCAS). To date through the generosity of many donors, Fort Bend PAWS has raised over $100,000 to fund programs for spay and
Whether it’s pets or people, Commissioner Morales is passionate about serving and putting people ahead of politics. “The new Precinct 1 will continue to be well-served by having an experienced and accomplished representative on the Commissioner’s Court,” said Constable Chad Norvell, Fort Bend County, Precinct 1. “Issues most important to our communities like flooding, mobility and public safety are well-established priorities for Commissioner Morales. I look forward to working with him to continue serving the people of Precinct 1.” “Being out in our precinct, supporting our friends and neighbors, and most importantly being accessible, listening and responding to my constituents is the most important aspect of my job,” said Commissioner Morales. “I look forward to the future of Precinct 1 and meeting even more of the amazing people of Precinct 1. I truly believe in putting people over politics, and I look forward to serving my new constituents.” To reach Commissioner Vincent Morales, Fort Bend County Precinct 1, call 281.344.9400, e-mail commpct1@fortbendcountytx.gov or visit the Precinct 1 office, located at 22333 Grand Corner Drive Katy, TX 77494.
Fort Bend County Map Precinct 1
Adopted Map Precinct 1 Effective January 1, 2022
Effective January 1, 2022, the map of Precinct 1 now includes Katy. To confirm your precinct, click on https://fbcgis.maps.arcgis. com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=ca00328a8901400c9b36 6cc5b72c7715 and enter your address.
8
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2022 l TO ADVERTISE, EMAIL: kay@absolutelyfocusmedia.com
NEWSWORTHY
National Charity League, Inc., Star Chapter Recognizes Senior Class of 2022 for Achievements On Sunday, January 16th, 2022, National Charity League (NCL), Inc., Star Chapter will present the Senior Class of 2022 at its annual Senior Recognition Ceremony. This formal event includes family and friends, dinner and dancing and will take place at the Sugar Land Marriott, Town Square at 7 pm. The evening honors each of the 23 members of the graduating class for their accomplishments and their contributions to our community. “The Class of 2022 has completed a six-year program designed to foster the mother-daughter relationship and empower today’s girls to become tomorrow’s leaders,” said Jill Sweeney, NCL, Inc., Star Chapter President. Over the past six years, these young ladies, alongside their mothers, have contributed over 9,394.75 volunteer hours at 29 local charities, including The Westview School, Neighborhood KidZ Club, Citizens for Animal Protection (CAP), Interfaith Ministries (Meals on Wheels), The Ballard House, Katy Christian Ministries (KCM), Fort Bend Women’s Center, The Krause Center, The Monty Ballard YMCA, Brookwood, Willow River Farms, and Texas Children’s Hospital. In addition to serving their community through volunteering, these young ladies were honing their leadership skills by holding various board or liaison posi-
Jasmine Xu, Sophia Reilly, Casey Ray Willingham, Sofía Leos González, Kayla Smith, Ainsley Robinson, Eve Alvarez, McClaine Daigle, Kathryn Lefevers, Piper Paratore, Grace Jorden, Angelica Nava-Perez, Alex Kainer, Ally McCollam, Jayden Polk, Brooke Alvarez, Taylor Chapman, Emma Reuber, Emma Davis, Sophia Martinez, Jensen Vann and Sadie Prothro. tions within the chapter, organizing class retreats as well as planning and leading annual chapter-wide social and philanthropy events, including: Holiday Philanthropy Fair, Mother-Daughter Tea and even hosting last year’s Senior Recognition of the Class of 2021. They have also been expanding their cultural awareness by attending the ballet, the symphony, the opera and musical theater. “It has been a pleasure to watch the girls grow into confident, young adults
High Net Worth Individuals Only For large, permanent life insurance policies • $5,000,000 plus for estate planning / legacy / charitable / business buy-sell agreements • Dramatically lower cost • Utilizing leverage and the time value of money
ready to embrace the world. We are very proud of them and who they have become. Whatever they choose to do, we know they will be prepared to serve, lead, and be successful,” said Jill Sweeney, NCL, Inc. Star Chapter President. The seniors to be honored are: Brooke Alvarez, Eve Alvarez, Taylor Chapman, Daniella Chetta, McClaine Daigle, Emma Davis, Grace Jorden, Alexandra Kainer, Kathryn Lefevers, Sofia Leos, Sophia Martinez, Ally McCollam, Angelica Nava-Perez, Piper Paratore, Jayden Polk, Sadie Prothro, Sophia Reilly, Emma Reuber, Ainsley Robinson, Kayla Smith, Jensen Vann, Casey Rae Willingham, Jasmine Xu. The Star Chapter wishes these accomplished young women great success in their future endeavors!
Please call for a complimentary consultation:
Denman Moody Jr, J.D. • 713.202.5229 Chartered Life Underwriter, Chartered Financial Consultant Former Senior Vice President & Trust Officer of a major Houston bank.
Submit newsworthy items to Patti@absolutelyfocusmedia.com
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2022 l
9
By Patti Parish-Kaminski, Publisher
Life in The 20s: Happy 2020-YOU! ust the other day Kassidi asked me about how I was – how my life was – in my twenties. Since she is in her twenties now, I felt that was fair game and that I could answer honestly without reservation. I spent my twenties in the mid 1980s and early 1990s, so Kassidi had grand visions of debauchery of this time period, primarily thanks to 80s movies and unfortunate pop culture television retrospectives. I’m afraid my answers were a disappointment based on what she knew as depicted by The Breakfast Club, stories from Studio 54, which was still happening in the 1980s, and various tragic life stories of the 80s Brat Pack. My twenties weren’t a time infused with crazed nightclubs on the daily, scandalous misadventures, $300 a day cocaine habits and lost weekends. Sure, I had acquaintances who lived that life, but I had issues spending money on anything I couldn’t wear, drive or live in. Mr. Kaminski can attest to that since I had to build out an entire room as a closet in the first high-rise apartment we lived in together to house my wardrobe. My dollars went to Neiman Marcus, Tootsie’s, Mercedes Benz and such.
Patti and Kassidi enjoying the twenties – 20 degree weather in Colorado! Heck, as a female, I didn’t even have to pay to get into clubs, and I certainly didn’t have to spend money on drinks. It was the 80s after all back when ladies appreciated being treated as ladies with no strings attached.
Fast forward to today, and both of my babies are living their twenties in the worst of the twenties: 2020, 2021 and now, 2022. And I’m over it. One year ago, I started On the Porch with Patti because I was done talking about the Rona or anything remotely negative – I was done with the bad and knew we all were headed back to the days when Corona meant beer. As I sit here on my porch one year later, the dreaded “C” word still rears its ugly head daily and now has reproduced! The twenties that my babies are experiencing today are a double dose of disaster. They are twenty-somethings living through the terrible twenties. And here we are on the eve of a new year that is 2022 – a double dose of twenties. I personally think the coming year needs an entirely new identity – a fresh start sans the dreaded twenty reference yet again. There’s just too much bad mojo. You know, kind of like when Coke decided to become New Coke. Well, now that I think about it, that didn’t work out so well. In my world, the coming year will not be referred to as 2022. It will absolutely be a more positive 2020-YOU! Why? Because I want the new year to be all about you – making you the best possible you that you can be! And that’s the message that I’m imparting to my twenty-something babies. Despite what’s going on in the world, do your best, be your best and make the year a success for you. Happy 2020-YOU! See y’all next week – on the porch!
Stay Informed . . . Stay Engaged . . . Stay Focused . . .
SIGN UP
www.AbsolutelyKaty.com FREE Subscription Emailed To Your Mailbox
BUSINESS BRIEFS
Cane Island Expands Builder Lineup With Chesmar Homes
The Katy community of Cane Island, with several new sections open and move-in ready homes at or near completion, has added Chesmar Homes to its roster of homebuilders.
Chesmar will bring new homes to Cane Island’s gated section of 60-foot homesites with plans featuring a gourmet island kitchen, expansive family room, home/office space, dedicated media room, formal dining and oversized garage. Personalized design features also will be available. Chesmar joins current Cane Island builders Coventry Homes, David Weekley Homes, Highland Homes, Perry Homes and Shea Homes. Starting in the $400s, new Cane Island homes are available on homesites ranging from 55 to 80 feet in width. Model homes open daily. A limited number of homesites also are available on premium, halfacre properties in The Estates, Cane Island’s custom home neighborhood. Along with its new sections, Cane Island will soon boast an onsite Katy ISD elementary, currently under construction and scheduled to open in August 2022, providing residents with a new school within walking distance of their neighborhoods. Families also attend nearby Katy Junior High and Katy High School. In the community’s Cane Quarter, residents enjoy a twostory fitness center, yoga studio with on-demand classes, lap pool, lagoon-style family pool and cabanas, children’s water playground and central lawn. The resort-style setting also is home to The Oaks Kitchen & Bar, open daily for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. A full-time onsite Lifestyle Director plans movie nights, outdoor concerts, seasonal shopping events and other gatherings. To reach the Katy community of new homes, take the Cane Island Parkway exit off Interstate 10 minutes west of the Grand Parkway. Head north on Cane Island Parkway and take the roadway directly into the community. Visit www.CaneIsland.com to learn more about the Katy community of homes.
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2022 l
11
NEWSWORTHY
Katy ISD Athletic Executive Director to be Inducted into Texas High School Athletic Directors Association Hall of Honor Katy Independent School District’s Executive Director for Athletics, Debbie Decker, will soon join some of the finest leaders in athletics across Texas as one of four inductees to the Texas High School Athletic Directors Association (THSADA) Hall of Honor. “This is a tremendous honor and one that I attribute to the many athletes, coaches and administrators with whom I have worked with throughout my career,” said Debbie Decker, Executive Director of the Katy Debbie Decker. ISD Athletics Department. “THSADA is an outstanding organization and serves a vital role in its support of athletics throughout the state of Texas. I am fortunate to be a part of this association and am humbled and appreciative of this great honor,” added Decker.
Between 2017 and 2018, Decker served as the president of THSADA where she oversaw the day-to-day business of the association, which included leading committees and its members, serving in special events, expanding on professional development and leadership training opportunities, among other tasks. THSADA exists to promote, facilitate and recognize athletic administrators who have dedicated countless hours in their profession to ensure opportunities for students, coaches and other athletic personnel. The recognition will take place at the PBK Sports THSADA Hall of Honor Ceremony on Sunday, June 12th at the Kalahari Resort and Convention Center in Round Rock, Texas.
Texas State Technical College Announces Graduate Honor Rolls Texas State Technical College (TSTC) has announced its Board of Regents Honor Roll members and honor graduates from the Fort Bend County campus who were recognized during its fall 2021 commencement ceremony. Board of Regents Honor Roll members have a cumulative grade-point average of 4.0. Those graduates are: • Rodrigo M. Alanis, Rosenberg • Jose Martinez, Rosenberg • Simon Mendoza, Sugar Land
• Josue E. Martinez, Rosenberg • Medardo Martinez, Fresno • Declan S. Mortimer, Sugar Land • Brandon Noyola, Rosenberg • Hector I. Portillo, Needville • Brian A. Salinas, Katy • Austin Stassen, Katy For more information on Texas State Technical College, go to www.tstc.edu.
Honor graduates have maintained a grade-point average of 3.5 or higher. Those graduates are: • Idowu Adegoju, Rosenberg • Israel Alvarado, Richmond • Cleveland Crockett Jr., Kendleton • Andres Escobar, Rosenberg • Julian Flores, Richmond • Cameron Haley, Richmond • Colley Hester, Needville • Fabian Izaguirre, Needville • Cody P. Kainer, Richmond • Bruno F. Martinez, Sugar Land
12
About 100 TSTC students walked across the stage to become TSTC graduates, December 14th, 2021, at the Stafford Centre. (Photo courtesy of TSTC.)
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2022 l TO ADVERTISE, EMAIL: kay@absolutelyfocusmedia.com
Marketplace DINE • SIP • SHOP
Open Wednesday - Saturday
Designs in Fine Jewelry, LLC
Rosenberg’s Finest Wine Room
Current Museum hours: Wed-Fri. 10 am - 3 pm Sat. 10 am - 4 pm • Sun. 1 pm - 4 pm Located in Historic DownTown Rosenberg 1921 Avenue F • Rosenberg, Texas 77471 281-633- 2846 w w w. R o s e n b e r g R R m u s e u m . o r g
Boutique Wines Craft Beer
Wine Club
“Your Hometown Jeweler”
1st Tuesday every month
1917 Avenue G, Historic Downtown Rosenberg 77471 • www.BRvino.com
(281) 762-0900 Check Facebook for events!
Advertise your business
Chris Dostal, Owner
281-342-2112 • dostalsjewelry.com 940 Third St., Rosenberg, TX 77471
New Gallery Exhibit Plus House Tours
for only
125
$
per issue
1883 Historic Moore Home
MUSEUM OPEN
Tuesday - Saturday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Contact Kay Garrett
281.798.4910 Ad Size: 2.5” x 4.5” vertical
Buy your tickets online: FortBendMuseum.org 410 S. Fifth Street Richmond, Texas L e t ’s g e t s o c i a l !
absolutely AUTO REVIEW By Steve Kursar
2022 TOYOTA GR SUPRA
T
he 2022 Toyota GR Supra is a fast, two-seater sports car with an unique exterior designed to stand out in a crowd. Launched in model year 2020, this fifthgeneration Supra is Toyota’s attempt to revive a nameplate that many older drivers remember with great fondness. If you loved driving the early Supras, you’re probably going to really love driving the newest one. The very first Supra appeared on the floors of Toyota dealerships back in the late 1970s. Designed to take on the very popular Datsun (now called Nissan) Z-cars, the Supras caught on with buyers looking for a real Toyota sports car. Although relatively slow by today’s standards, the Supra quickly gained a loyal following. It’s not unusual to occasionally spot a vintage Supra cruising down a Houston highway. A base 2022 Toyota GR Supra brings a $43,190 MSRP price tag. There are three trims offered, each delivering more performance than the last. The base Supra has a 255 hp, 2.0 liter turbocharged in-line four cylinder engine under the hood. Mated to the standard eight-speed automatic transmission, the Supra 2.0 delivers EPA estimated fuel economy of 25 mpg in
14
the city and 32 mpg on the highway. The Supra is such a small and light car that even the base 2.0 liter engine feels awfully peppy.
The Supra 3.0 comes with a 382 hp, 3.0 liter turbocharged in-line six cylinder engine under its hood. Also equipped with the eight-speed transmission, the more powerful Supra will get you 22 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. It’s about $8,000 more than the 2.0 liter and it’s a big step up in performance. New for 2022 is the GR Supra A91-CF (Carbon Fiber) Edition. The A91-CF is designed to give the feel of a street legal race car with carbon fiber accents and a duckbill spoiler. The production run is limited to only 600 vehicles and the entire allocation will probably be sold by the time you read this. The Supra is a true two-seater with a cramped cockpit, so if you might be claustrophobic, this is not the car for you. Also, the roofline is so low that you have to be careful not to bang your head. But, once inside, the ride can only be described as exhilarating. This is a car that wants to move fast, so just get in and enjoy the drive.
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2022 l TO ADVERTISE, EMAIL: kay@absolutelyfocusmedia.com
Distribution
Digital Delivery
Community
Social Media
2022
And constantly
growing!
Website
20,400+ DIGITAL VIEWS ANNUALLY
1,700+
absolutelyKaty.com Monthly Digital Views
2,453+ 3,300+ Social Media Followers
Digital Subscribers
29,430+ SOCIAL MEDIA FOLLOWERS ANNUALLY
+ Lobby Distribution
Safe, timely lobby distribution for multiplereads throughout hospitals, business offices and other waiting areas with our two-sided plexiglass frames featuring eZine mastheads with QR codes allowing readers direct access to our digital publications.
Grow your business with us
DIGITAL ISSUE SENT 2X MONTHLY =
72,200+ DIGITAL DELIVERY ANNUALLY
Free Subscription Readers opt-in for e-mail delivery absolutely free!
To advertise, call: 281.798-4910 • kay@absolutelyfocusmedia.com As of 11/15/21 Katy-Distribution
Oenophile By Denman Moody
Great Value White, Rosé and Red Wines There are great values in all price ranges. After tasting through over 200 wines in the last few months, the following are all highly recommended:
White Pine Ridge Viognier/Chenin Blanc California 2019 at $11.99 District 7 Estate Grown Chardonnay Monterey 2019 From certified sustainable vineyards at $17.95 Upshot White Wine Blend 2019 From Rodney Strong. Very cool label at $19.99 Scheid Estate Grown Sauvignon Blanc Monterey 2020 Winery powered by 100% sustainable wind energy at $22 Rodney Strong Chardonnay Sonoma County Chalk Hill Vineyard 2018 Ripe peaches and pears at $25 Quinta da Fonte Souto Branco (Portugal) 2019 75% Arinto, 25% Verdelho at $25 Panther Chardonnay Russian River Valley 2017 From the Hess Family at $35 Migration Chardonnay Sonoma Coast 2018 Aged in 100% French Oak 35% new) at $35 Ladera Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley 2019 Try with beet and goat cheese salad at $36
16
Rosé and Rosé Sparkling Corvo Rosa Rosé (Sicily) at $9.99 Brilla Prosecco Rosé Beautiful bottle and striking label at $14.99 Valdo Marca Oro Prosecco Rosé Glera and Pinot Noir at $14.99 Mulderbosch Cabernet Sauvignon Sparkling Rosé Western Cape Succulent fruit flavor at $18.99 Hampton Water Languedoc Rosé 2019 From Jon Bon Jovi and son. Excellent at $19.99 Diora La Belle Fete Rosé of Pinot Noir Monterey 2020 Added Grenache for a hint of strawberry and Chardonnay for depth and complexity at $20
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2022 l TO ADVERTISE, EMAIL: kay@absolutelyfocusmedia.com
Red
NEWSWORTHY
E. Guigal Cotes-du-Rhone 2017 at $15 Oberon Merlot Napa Valley 2019 Added spice and acidity from a touch of Syrah and Zinfandel at $23 Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley 2018 24 months in 50% new French Oak and from Hillside Vineyards at $25
Two Shows in One Coming to Fort Bend County Fairgrounds: Home & Garden Show + Winter Gift Market
Rodney Strong Old Vine Zinfandel Sonoma County 2018 18 months in 40% new French Oak at $25 Sosie Red Blend Sonoma County Cavedale Vineyard 2017 Surprising new find at $45 Migration Pinot Noir Russian River Valley Running Creek Vineyard 2018 Black cherries, plums and grilled mushrooms. Excellent balance of all components at $70 Paraduxx Red Wine Napa Valley Rector Creek Vineyard 2017 One of best blends of Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel ever. Perfect with beef tenderloin covered with sauteed onions, red peppers and mushrooms at $85 Goldeneye Pinot Noir Gowan Creek Vineyard 2017 Aged 16 months in French oak (60% new). Lucious with dark cherry and earth flavors at $86 Paraduxx X2 Estate Red Wine Napa Valley 2017 The best of the best from Paraduxx, valued member of the Duckhorn stable at $105 Brandlin Henry’s Keep Proprietary Red Wine Napa Valley Mt. Veeder 2018 Long growing season, very low yields, lovely, concentrated, delicious at $115 Duckhorn Merlot Napa Valley Three Palms Vineyard 2018 In 2017, the 2014 bottling was named the best wine in the world in the Wine Spectator Top 100. 2018 is arguably an even better vintage at $115 Duckhorn The Discussion Napa Valley 2017 The best of the best of the Duckhorn empire (which is now worth over a billion dollars). Hitting on all cylinders. Fabulous at $155
A new home show is coming to the Fort Bend County Fair Grounds, January 15th-16th, 2022. The Fort Bend County Home & Garden Show will feature everything dedicated to home improvement, decorating and interior design, landscapes and outdoor entertainment, plus it features a Winter Gift Market, beer and wine sampling, and an entire building filled with food samples. Two incredible shows in one location! Get ready to turn your design inspirations into a dream home at the Fort Bend Home & Garden Show, where hundreds of home design, renovation and trendsetting experts will present their ideas. Explore a slate of How-to seminars like the insta-worthy how to create a mouth-watering charcuterie board with The Cheese Chica. Plus, hundreds of experts ranging from windows, doors, floors, kitchens, baths, décor, outdoor living areas, landscape, spas, roofing, remodeling and much more. The Winter Gift Market will feature a wide range of specialty gifts and décor, including farmhouse décor; clothing, jewelry, monogram children accessories, handmade local crafts, including hand-blown glass and much more. Save the date and make plans to attend the first-ever Fort Bend Home & Garden Show January 15th-16th, 2022, located at the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds, 4310 TX-36 S in Rosenberg. Tickets are $7 for adults. Kids 12 and under are free. Hours are Saturday, January 15th from 10 am to 6 pm and Sunday, January 16th from 11 am to 5 pm. To register for a $250 shopping spree or for additional information, directions, seminar times and hours visit, www.ftbendhomeandgardenshow.com.
Cheers – on a budget! JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2022 l
17
What ’s new for
Coming directly to your inbox – the people, places and happenings of your community – now easier to access than ever before! Sign up to receive your community news
! e e r f y l e t u absol Subscribe to absolutely! Katy Community eZine today by clicking here: http://eepurl.com/hfgtjn
