A Special Population Serves Exceptional Meals “Order’s Up” Texanaat Café 2022OCTOBERSEPTEMBER/ Friends of Cinco Ranch Branch Library absolutely! Katy CaresCommunityAbout PawsReturnsFest to LaCenterra
Find a Location NEAR YOU Convenient Locations — Close to Home Houston Methodist is growing to meet the needs of our community. We offer a full range of care across Katy and West Houston, including: • Primary and specialty physician offices, imaging, labs and physical therapy • Easy to access emergency care and transfer to Houston Methodist West Hospital, should you need it • A team of experts using the newest technologies • Personalized care tailored to your unique needs And, with enhanced safety measures in place, you can rest assured your safety is our priority. Visit houstonmethodist.org/katy-west to find a Houston Methodist doctor or location near you. KINGSLAND BLVD. WESTHEIMER RD. WESTPARK TOLLWAY RD.BINGLERD.VOSS HOUSTON METHODIST in Katy and West Houston 99 8 1093 290 10 6 290 699 PRIMARY CARE PRIMARY EMERGENCYSPECIALTYANDCARECARE KATY WEST HOUSTON MEMORIAL CITY MEMORIAL GREEN CINCO RANCH TOWNE LAKE MEMORIAL HOUSTON METHODIST WEST HOSPITAL EMERGENCY CARE
Cutting waste, unnecessary spending and lowering the tax burden on Fort Bend residents is a priority for Trever. As County Judge, he will use his experience managing county and corporate budgets to streamline expenses.
One hundred percent pro-business, Trever believes government should support businesses, the lifeblood of our economy. As County Judge, he will work directly with business to streamline burdensome government regulation and processes making Fort Bend a sought-after county to attract business growth and investment.
Pol. Ad. Pd. For by Supporters of Trever Nehls.
Early Voting: October 24th – November 4th www.TreverNehls.com
HHHHH Pro-Business
HHHHH
W
ith a life dedicated to service since the age of 19 in the US Army National Guard defending our freedom in Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait and protecting our citizens as a law enforcement professional in Fort Bend, Colonel Trever Nehls now stands ready to lead Fort Bend as County Judge.
Cutting Unnecessary Spending
HHHHH
A Safe, Secure Community Serving 30 years in law enforcement and as the former Fort Bend County Precinct 4 Constable, Trever knows what it takes to make Fort Bend County safe. As County Judge, he will use his decades of experience to make certain our law enforcement professionals have the resources they need to keep our community safe.
My goal is to unite Fort Bend residents and officials with an aim to work towards a Fort Bend future. It’s my extensive leadership experience that will bring that goal to fruition. We must work together in the best interest of Fort Bend County.”
ElectionDayNov8th
The Nehls family: Parker, Madison, Kerri, Trever and Wyatt.
2 SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2022 l TO ADVERTISE, EMAIL: kay@absolutelyfocusmedia.com SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2022 VOLUME 19 | NUMBER 5 CONTRIBUTORS {Feature} 8 absolutely! KATY CARES ABOUT COMMUNITY It’s back to fall fun in Katy, and we talked with some of our local nonprofits to see what is on their calendars for the next few months. We share their highlights and upcoming events, so get out your calendars and get ready to be out and about kickin’ in Katy! {Column} 16 AUTO REVIEW 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 17 SWEET LIFE GARDENER Peppermint 18 THE DRUNKEN CYCLIST Bringing the House Wine Home {Newsworthy} 7 PAWS FEST RETURNS LaCenterra Cinco Ranch for Second Year 19 FRIENDS OF CINCO RANCH BRANCH LIBRARY Host Fall Book Sale RYAN TO HEADLINE KATY ISD KEYS KICKOFF EVENT Annual Event Honors District Mentors {In Every Issue} 3 EXCLAMATION POINTS! {COVER STORY} 4 “ORDER’S UP” AT THE ExceptionalPopulationFULSHEAR:TEXANAPOPULARCAFÉINASpecialServesMeals New to the Fulshear community is a unique eatery that serves up tasty soups, salads, sandwiches and sweet treats by some unique individuals living with autism or intellectual disabilities. Through Texana Center’s vision for a resource to provide meaningful vocational training and employment, the Texana Café provides real world experience in restaurant and retail skills helping Café interns lead successful, substantive and happy lives all while providing a wonderful resource to the community. Texana Café staff: Caytlin Handley, Liz Arredondo, Rany Thommen, Amy Newton and Rie Buckle. Photo by Kelley Sweet Photography. ON THE COVER: Texana Café staff: Caytlin Handley, Liz Arredondo, Rany Thommen, Amy Newton and Rie Buckle. Photo by Kelley Sweet Photography. Steve Kursar Auto Enthusiast Page 16 16 Tanya Sterling PageContributor4 4 Jeffrey M. Kralik, Ph.D. Pagethedrunkencyclist.com18 18 Alisa Murray PageAlisaMurray.com17 17
permission
prohibited.
The first stop on my list for some Fall fun is exceptional! The Texana Cafe’ is the perfect place to get away for a muchneeded girlfriend’s lunch to catch up on summer happenings and make plans for Fall festivities. Just a few miles away in Fulshear, the Texana Cafe’ serves up soups, salads, sandwiches and sweets. Operated by Texana’s clients, it’s a wonderful resource for the community that offers a great restaurant experience. Read all about what the Texana Cafe’ is serving up on page 4. Need some help working on your Fall calendar? We’ve got you covered. In our absolutely! Katy Cares About Community starting on page 8, we catch up with some local non-profits and see what they are doing for Fall. And let’s just say, they do not disappoint. From family fun at The George Ranch’s Great Pumpkin Round Up to the Rotary Club of Katy’s Wild West Brewfest to the Katy Area Chamber’s Annual Gala, there’s something for everyone in the coming months.
editorial submissions
ready for the
–
knowingly accept false
readers. PUBLISHER Patti Parish-Kaminski ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Kay GenaGarrettHorak ART DIRECTOR Grace Belleza WEB DESIGNER JOBpage Graphics SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER Natalee Moore CONTRIBUTORS Jeffrey M. Kralik, Ph.D. Steve Kursar Alisa Murray Tanya Sterling ADVERTISING INQUIRIES Kay@absolutelyfocusmedia.com EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Patti@absolutelyfocusmedia.com Free Subscription. Sign up at www.absolutelykaty.com Publishedby SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2022 l 3
and
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 is strictly absolutely! Brazos eZine does not or nor do the should such absolutely! Katy eZine welcomes from its
Tim Patti Kaminski gala Fall.
Fall Fun!
publishers assume responsibility
Don’t forget to take a moment and vote for your favs in our annual Readers’ Choice survey now online thru September 16th. Show your favorite Katy businesses some love by voting for your favorites in so many categories – entertainment, shopping, food – just click http://absolutelykaty.com/readers-choice-of-katys-favorites/ ! The best of the best will appear in our November/December 2022 issue. Enjoy the coming Fall season, though in Texas, regrettably our wardrobes really don’t change that much for the next few months. After all, you know it’s Fall in Texas when it’s 65 degrees in the morning and 95 degrees in the afternoon. Happy Fall Patti@absolutelyfocusmedia.comAbsolutelyy’all!yours, 281.728.1204
misleading advertising or editorial,
WWW.ABSOLUTELYKATY.COMabsolutely!focusmediaP.O.Box1253Richmond,Texas77406 Vol. 19 No. SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER5 2022
advertising or editorial appear.
Publisher, PATTI PARISH-KAMINSKI
EXCLAMATION POINTS!
The kids are back in school, we’ve finally unpacked all of those bags from summer adventures and cooler temperatures are right around the corner. Fall is finally here, and it’s time for some Fall fun in Katy!
4 SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2022 l TO ADVERTISE, EMAIL: kay@absolutelyfocusmedia.com
Historically, there has always been a plethora of services for younger children with special needs.
Why Texana Café Started
“We found that services for children were more robust, but once they graduate high school, there was not a lot of opportunities out in the community for them. There is a high percentage of high school graduates with special needs that are unemployed or underemployed,” explained JohnsonPatagoc. “Many are just sitting at home on their parent’s
Texana Café team member Caitlin Handley.
A Special Population Serves Exceptional Meals at the TexanaPopularCaféin Fulshear
“Order’s Up”“Order’s Up”
F ulshear, Texas, a tight-knit, welcoming community with a small-town ambiance in northwest Fort Bend County, was recently named as one of the “Best Places to Raise a Family in Texas” by niche.com. There are several reasons for that recognition with one of them, no doubt, being Texana Café.
How Texana Café Started
COVER STORY By Tanya Sterling Photos by Kelley Sweet Photography
Texana Café serves tasty and traditional items, such as soups, salads, sandwiches, coffee creations and sweet treats. What is not traditional is that these menu items are created by individuals with autism or intellectual disabilities.
“We had a soft opening from December 2021 through February 2022,” said Kate Johnson-Patagoc, Director of Specialized Services. “Our grand opening was this past March, and we have gradually expanded staff, hours and the menu. We are now open Monday thru Friday from 8 am to 3 pm with fantastic breakfasts, lunches, coffees and sweet treats. We also sell home decor and accessories made by people with special needs.”
Texana Café is the brainchild of the Texana Center, which is a nonprofit serving as a critical resource for mental healthcare, autism and developmental disabilities services to residents of a six-county area including Austin, Colorado, Fort Bend, Matagorda, Waller and Wharton Counties. Their mission is to deliver impactful, life-changing services to people with behavioral health issues and intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The Café has been a dream of Texana’s leadership team since 2015, and they have tirelessly worked to raise the funds, secure the location, and work with the Fulshear city officials to construct their building with the appropriate infrastructure and permits. They subsequently appointed and hired a team of experts, including their project lead, Senior Manager Beth Duncan, to get the project off the ground.
Texana Café executed a soft opening from December 2021 through February 2022. Their grand opening was in March, and they have methodically expanded staff, hours, plus the menu
people who have developmental disabilities, and those with related abilities.RanyThommen, a Board Certified and Licensed Behavior Analyst, who has a high level of expertise in teaching skills to people with special needs and has a background in running a bakery, manages the café. The business also has two highly skilled Café Coordinators, Liz Arredondo and Amy Newton, who came to Texana with backgrounds in the culinary industry and in training others. Together, these three managers have employed and trained nine Café Interns so far in the short time they have been open. These trainers have every skill broken down into easy trainable steps. All of the training is on-the-job as they are a restaurant in full operation.
Texana Center, a 501(c) 3 public, not for profit, organization, serves about 14,000 clients per year and is designated by the Texas Department of Aging and Disabilities Services as the Local Mental Retardation Authority and by the Texas Department of State Health Services as the Local Mental Health Authority. It is one the largest providers of Home and ServicesCommunity-basedin Texas.
“Our goal is to teach all of the interns as many of the skills possible for working in a restaurant or retail setting,” said Johnson-Patagoc. “That said, some interns acquire skills more quickly and are able to promptly move on to more technical services, such as working the cash register. Others take more time to master skills, such as sandwich making and dishwashing.”
SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2022 l 5 couch. The Café is intended to provide meaningful vocational training and employment. The Café provides real world experience in restaurant and retail skills to provide tools to help our Café interns lead successful, substantive and happy lives.”
Texana’s Fulshear Location
Texana Café has an interview process to determine basic skills, but their intention is to provide the training needed in the actual restaurant and retail environment. No previous experience is required. They specialize in teaching new skills to people with varying abilities. That said, not everyone is interested or ready to work in the Texana Café, so there are other programs available, such as social skills groups and individual Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy.
On-the-Job-Training
Theitems.restaurant has a Café Manager and two Café Coordinators who lead the team and help teach all of the Café Interns the restaurant and retail skills. The Café Intern positions are perfect for people on the autism spectrum, Texana Café staff: Caytlin Handley, Liz Arredondo, Rany Thommen, Amy Newton and Rie Buckle.
The Interview and Hiring Process
The Texana Café is part of a portfolio of services, including the Texana Center for Advancement, a program that provides vocational and related classes also located in their Fulshear building.“Both of these new programs help meet the needs of young adults graduating high school and desiring an opportunity to develop skills toward their future goals,” said JohnsonPatagoc.Texana
Center purchased the 14.5-acre tract of land located on FM 359 and Wallis Street in Fulshear following a long search for an appropriate building to operate an additional campus as the need for services was significant. The planned campus will be developed in three phases with the layout taking advantage of the existing oak trees to provide shade and a picturesque setting for the population andAlongprograms.with the Café, there are two programs providing services in the back half of the building. It includes the third location of Texana’s Children Center for Autism, where Texana staff Michele Donnelly with Devin Godley.
Texana Café is open Monday thru Friday from 8 am to 3 pm and is located at 7440 FM 359 South in Fulshear. For more information, visit www.TexanaCafe.com. Liam Havelka and staff Julia Situ.
Hiring Café Interns
“I decided to treat myself to a delicious lunch by the Texana Café. I ordered the turkey sandwich, roasted red pepper soup and cookie. They were delicious! I even ordered more to go because I just had to take some home to my husband. The staff were welcoming, warm and helpful throughout my entire meal. The ambiance was comfortable and kid friendly. Personally, and most of all, I loved the meaning behind the Café. It was rewarding to see exceptional individuals shine in their roles at the Café. I will definitely be coming back here and supporting the Texana Café!” Texana Café 7440 FM 359 South Fulshear, TX 77441 (346) www.texanacafe.com/menu707-1684
Scratch-made menu items include a variety of sandwiches, soups, tasty salads, coffee creations, plus baked goods, such as cakes, cookies and candies. Breakfast and lunch are created by individuals with autism or intellectual disabilities.
“We had the turkey sandwich and the chicken salad sandwich. Both were fantastic! Also get the passion fruit soda! Employees are very friendly, and the place is immaculate.”
Serving Up the Details on
Texana Café is hiring Café interns to work as a part of the restaurant team with daily supervision. Café interns provide hospitality services to customers dining in the restaurant or shopping for retail items. This includes providing exceptional customer service, preparing food, serving food, packaging food, completing cleaning routines and assisting customers with retail items. Training for this position consists of skill acquisition for communication, social skills and other vocational skills necessary to complete job duties in the community setting. Training includes specific training in essential duties related to food preparation, food serving and retail sales, as well as training in accepting and responding to feedback from supervisors.
“Because our emphasis is on training people with special needs, our hours work around training staff availability. We always leave open the possibility of weekend hours and expanded hours in the future,” said Kate Johnson-Patagoc, Director of Specialized Services, Texana Center.
“The city of Fulshear has been extremely supportive,” said Johnson-Patagoc. “The residents seem to love Texana Café. We have many regulars who come in daily or weekly, but we can always have more business! Opening the Texana Café has been a dream come true for me. I hope it is also a dream come true for the wonderful staff and interns we have the privilege to employ.”
one-to-one applied behavior analysis treatment is provided to children thru age eight. The second program is the new Center for Advancement geared to prepare teens and adults for life after high school whether that is for competitive employment or basic life skills. Currently, this program is offering a Social Connections Club twice a week, and a virtual Computer Class, art class and dance/exercise class all once a week. Many of the classes are available thanks to collaborations with wonderful community partners, such as Unite and Inspire, Cookie Joe’s Dancin’ School and Rustic Brush. Several new classes are also in the works with the goal to eventually have a college-like schedule offering a full array of classes. Inquiries about classes can be sent to classes@texanacenter.com
.
“Food is delicious, staff is friendly – Texana Café is everything you need. The perfect lunch spot if you are looking for soups, sandwiches and the coffee is amazing. Not to mention you will be supporting a great cause.”
The reviews are in, and the recently opened Texana Café is a success!
LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch, an out door lifestyle shopping center, is mak ing a big splash at Paws Fest 2022 – the premier canine festival of Katy, present ed by Circle B Veterinary Hospital. The event is set to be held on Saturday, Sep tember 17th from 11 am – 4 pm. As a dog-friendly shopping center with various canine-centric amenities, LaCenterra is thrilled to host the ultimate entertainment experience for dog enthu siasts, local businesses and pet parents for its second year. The premier event at traction, DockDogs® – the independent governing and sanctioning body for dock jumping and dock diving canine perfor mance sports – is also returning this year with more high-flying canine action.
• Onsite Registration/Practice – 10 am • Big Air Wave #2 – 11 am • Speed Retrieve (All-in-one Finals) –1 pm
• Dog costume parade at 2 pm benefitting Best Friends Animal Society and Houston Humane Society • Sit Means Sit obedience demo at 3 pm
• Multiple local canine vendors, non-profit organizations and adoption trucks.
Alongside the activities happening during the festival, multiple local canine businesses, non-profit organizations and adoption trucks will be on-site. Guests can quench their pup thirst throughout the day at one of our four dog drinking fountains located through out the center. LaCenterra also has two pet waste stations on-site located by Perry’s Steakhouse and Torchy’s Tacos.
All dog-related amenities are presented by PUCCI Café – a new LaCenterra tenant offering high-end pet accesso ries and serving high-quality third-wave coffees, teas and tasty treats as well as specialty beers, wines and campaigns. Visit https://www.lacenterra.com/
The DockDogs competitions tak ing place during Paws Fest will serve as their only “National Sportsmen’s Se ries” event to be held in Texas this year. Guests can watch the series of high-fly ing canine contests in front of the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema. Contests are set to be held at the following times:
• Big Air Finals (Pro, Semi-Pro, Contender and Amateur Finals) –3 pm In addition to DocksDogs competi tions, Paws Fest will encompass vari ous other activities for pet parents and their furry friends to take part in.
SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2022 l 7 NEWSWORTHY
Paws Fest Returns to LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch for Second Year
• Dock Dogs competitions • Live music provided by Aspire Healthy Energy • Dog-friendly drink and lounge area with Bar Louie & Tito’s Vodka
ADVERTORIAL 8 SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2022 l TO ADVERTISE, EMAIL: kay@absolutelyfocusmedia.com F
all means back to school and back to fall fun with community events. So, what’s happening with our valued community organizations this fall? What are their plans for the coming months, and what fun things can we add to our fall calendar? We reached out to several local organizations to find out what fun and fabulous activities are on their fall calendars, and most importantly, how we as a community can support their efforts. In this special feature, absolutely! Katy Cares About Community, we highlight several local non-profits and share a calendar of upcoming events. We hope to see you out and about in Katy doing what we all do best – supporting our community while having a great time!
Reining Strength is a nonprofit in Fort Bend County and a Premier Accredited Center through the Pro fessional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International. They provide therapeutic horsemanship programs for people ages two through adults, who have physical, cognitive, social, or emotional needs. There are a wide variety of people who can benefit from therapeutic horsemanship. They include, but are not limited to, indi viduals with a diagnosis of Anxiety, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, CVA or Stroke, Down Syndrome, Intellectual Disabilities, Learning Dis abilities, Multiple Sclerosis, PTSD, Spina Bifida, Traumatic Brain Injury, and various Genetic Syndromes.
ADVERTORIAL SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2022 l 9
@absolutelykaty
Reining Strength offers group and private riding lessons. Client lessons are taught by a Certified PATH Inter national Instructor and are available Monday thru Friday. The fall session starts September 12, 2022. Reining Strength loves volunteers! They are the backbone of Reining Strength. You’ll never find a more re warding volunteer opportunity. There are so many ways to help – volunteer during lessons, help in the office or join the Derby Day Party commit tee. The best way to learn about what RSTH does is to come see them in ac tion. Schedule a tour at the Reining Strength facility, located at 7126 FM 359 Road in Richmond, Texas, 77406, or visit the RSTH website (or more in formation on touring, giving, or volun teering at www.reiningstrength.org or call 832-451-6874. See ad on page 11.
By partnering with horses, Rein ing Strength Therapeutic Horsemanship (RSTH) helps people re alize their individual potential through customized equine assisted services.
ReiningHorsemanshipTherapeuticStrength
Hands-On, Minds-On Learning Opportunities Onsite and Beyond
amed “2019 Best Local Museum” by Fort Bend Star and listed as one of Sugar Land’s top attractions by TripAdvisor, Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center – A Very Special Project of Children’s Museum Houston, is a Playground for Your Mind™. It is dedicated to trans forming communities through innovative, child-centered learning.Converting the historic Imperial Sugar mill into a museum for the community, the Discovery Center serves families with children ages 12 and younger by present ing a wide array of learning opportunities through ex hibits and special events all year round. Last year, the Discovery Center welcomed more than 60,000 visitors of whom more than 6,600 received free admission through the “Open Doors” program, which ensures access to lowincome families. The Discovery Center also served an ad ditional 6,400 people through its extensive afterschool and parenting outreach programs delivered in schools, com munity centers and events all around Fort Bend. The Discovery Center houses five exhibits which use Building Blocks for Learning rubric, ensuring alignment with national learning standards and 21st century skills.
10 SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2022 l TO ADVERTISE, EMAIL: kay@absolutelyfocusmedia.com
Kidtropolis, USA focuses on civic engagement, economics, math and literacy; How Does it Work? explores physics and simple machines; Amazingly Immature, based on the best-selling KLUTZ® book series, fosters STEM learning through quirky challenges; Cum Yah Gullah, created in partnership with Penn Center, explores African American culture of the Sea Islands of Georgia and South Carolina; and Tot*Spot provides developmentally appropriate expe riences for infants and toddlers. Get involved by visiting www.childrensdiscoveryfb.org Support the Discovery Center by donating, volunteering or becoming a member. See ad on page 9.
ADVERTORIAL
Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center Enriches Fort Bend Families with
N
S erving local businesses and com munity prosperity through advo cacy, access to leaders, economic de velopment, connectivity, and business education is the mission of The Katy Area Chamber of Commerce. As your premier source in Katy, TX, the Katy Area Chamber offers a variety of bene fits and opportunities for building your business.Since 1962, The Katy Area Cham ber has existed with the purpose of seeing that our local small businesses survive and thrive. If you’re a business owner looking to get your venture off the ground or grow your business, The Katy Area Chamber will help you ad vocate, connect and grow with our va riety of professional services. We host monthly business and social network ing events, professional development opportunities and numerous special events throughout the year to offer numerous marketing opportunities for our members. Katy Area Chamber events include: • Business After Hours Events • Chamber Luncheons • New Business Ribbon Cuttings • Small Business Educational Series • Business Networking Breakfasts We collaborate with the cities of Katy and Fulshear, Fort Bend County, Harris County, Waller County and area government and civic organizations in an effort to play our part in important business and community improvement matters.Putyour best foot forward in ad vancing your business with the help of The Katy Area Chamber of Commerce. Stop by the office at 814 East Ave suite G in Katy, visit www.katychamber.com or call us at 281-391-5289 to get the helping hand your business needs. See ad on page 14.
ADVERTORIALThe Katy AtChamberAreaofCommerce:YourService
Fort Bend Junior Service League and Sponsors “Jingle All the Way” to the 2022 Sugar Plum Market T he Fort Bend Junior Service League (FBJSL) and Memorial Hermann Sugar Land (MHSL) invite the community to join them as they “Jingle All the Way” into the holiday season during the 2022 Sugar Plum Market. This year’s market will again be held at the Stafford Centre Performing Arts Theatre and Convention Center, November 3rd – 5th, with a special preview night to be held the evening of November 2nd.
FBJSL is grateful to the community for supporting their charitable efforts through the Market. In addition to their title sponsor MHSL, FBJSL is pleased to recognize other notable sponsors, including: the City of Stafford, Sterling McCall Toyota Fort Bend, Amy & Gary Becker Foundation, Kendra Scott, H-E-B, The Sansone Group at RE/MAX Fine Properties, The Audra O’Neal Team, Trustmark National Bank, PB&J Pavement Marketing, Inc., Stewart Title, Allen Boone Humphries Robinson LLP, Sugar Land Town Square, Cardinal Realty Manage ment, J Squared Interior Designs, Legacy Ford, Molson Coors Beverage Company, and Pamela Printing.
Last year’s Sugar Plum Market raised a record-breaking $375,000, which ben efited 30 charitable organizations in Fort Bend County. Sponsorship and underwriting opportunities for the Market are still available to both businesses and individuals. The Market is also seeking donations for their Premium Raffle. Please visit www.sugarplummarket.com for more information. For the latest news and updates, follow @sugarplummarket on Facebook and Ins tagram. See ad on page 13.
SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2022 l 11
ADVERTORIAL 2022 Wild West Brewfest!
he George Ranch is a great place for families to visit anytime of the year, but there’s something very spe cial about the Historical Park when the weather turns a bit cooler. That fall feeling is captured in a picturesque way when two semi truckloads of pump kins, gourds and squash arrive from Floydada, Texas, to create the Great Pumpkin Round Up at the ranch. Inspired by the eighteen-year tradi tion at the Dallas Arboretum, local de signer Lucas Chavez creates a magical pumpkin display that will take your breath away. Last year, Chavez de buted the Great Pumpkin Round Up by creating a unique design surrounding the George Ranch House that included a western chuck wagon, training car riage and antique plows, and this year, there’s even more pumpkin fabulous to enjoy in his original fall-inspired cre ation.The perfect place for visitors of all ages to take that unforgettable fall pho to surrounded by pumpkins that climb structures and cascade to the ground in whimsical designs, the Great Pumpkin Round Up debuts October 15th and is available for visitors to enjoy every Sat urday this fall through November 26th. The experience requires purchase of a regular admission ticket to the George Ranch Historical Park and includes the added fun of children’s games at the Ranch House. Come for the photos and awe and stay for a day of outdoor fun. Bring a picnic, tour the historic homes and explore what life on the prairie was like decades ago. To purchase tick ets, visit www.georgeranch.org See ad on page 8. kay@absolutelyfocusmedia.com
It’s only two months until the 2022 Wild West Brewfest (WWBF)! Thursday, November 3rd kicks off the multi-day event with the K-Town Throw down, followed by the Launch Party on Friday, November 4th. The official WWBF will be on Saturday, November 5th. The weekend of events will be hosted at Typhoon Texas in Katy. The new and improved venue will offer a great experience for the 9,000 patrons expected to at tend. One hundred plus brewers will be featured and over 750 different types of beers will be flowing. Along with excellent liquids, WWBF guests get to experience multiple activation zones, and cabanas will even be available for rental as an added feature.TheWWBF also boasts a lineup of live music throughout the day, and back by popular demand, the Queen Legacy Band will close the night on Saturday. It’s a show you will not want to miss!
The Rotary Club of Katy founded the WWBF on the principal of giving back, and since its inception, almost $1 million has been distributed to local schools, organi zations and charities. The event is 100% volunteer-led and volunteer-run, and the Rotary Club of Katy takes zero fees from the money contributed. That’s right, every dollar of net proceeds is given back. It’s a great time, all for a great cause.
T
The Great Pumpkin Round Up: Fall Fun at The George Ranch
Advance tickets are on sale now at www.wildwestbrewfest.com, along with vol unteer opportunities to the 2022 WWBF. The event is quickly approaching so se cure your entry today! Price will be higher for tickets purchased at the door. See ad on page 10.
12 SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2022 l TO ADVERTISE, EMAIL:
SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2022 l 13
Texian Market Days ReturnsOctoberSaturday,22nd
C lang, Clang – All Aboard! The Rosenberg Railroad Museum (RRRM) is busy getting ready for an amazing fall festival season! There are so many cool things to see and do at the museum! Whether you are a train fan or just looking for a fun and educational outing, the museum has some thing for everyone. Check out their upcoming events planned for the fall as well as some new exhibit improvements.
What are you doing on October 22nd? Bring the entire family to “The Ranch” and make it a Saturday to re member. To learn more or to purchase tickets, visit www.georgeranch.org.
On Saturday, October 8th, RRRM will host their ever-popular Fall Fun Fest, an annual fall fundraiser benefiting the museum. Rounding out the month of October, RRRM will have a Halloween Family Fun Day on Saturday October 29th. New this year, the Caboose exhibit has undergone some serious changes. Start ing in February, the museum had contractors out to help renovate and restore the car’s interior. From the freshly painted walls and floors to the reupholstered furni ture, the 1972 Caboose looks almost brand new. The exhibit now has interpretive signs and will celebrate its completion in December, also marking its 50th birthday. The Education Station offers a large model train exhibit room, children’s play room, a classroom for Scout Merit Badge classes, Wig-Wag Fridays for preschool ers, and exhibit enrichment classes. School field trips and group tours are always welcome by appointment. The Rosenberg Railroad Museum is a hidden gem nestled in Historic Downtown Rosenberg. For more information, visit www.rosenbergrrmuseum.org or call 281633-2846 to learn more. See ad on page 12.
The Rosenberg Railroad Museum
Kicking off their fall season on September 10th is Discovery Day, where every one receives free admission.
at The George Ranch Historical Park T exas is known for wide-open spac es and the equally wide-open way its residents celebrate their heritage. Here in Fort Bend County, those two ideas will come together once again during Texian Market Days, held at the 23,000-acre George Ranch Histori cal Park, Saturday, October 22nd from 9 am to 5 pm. When an authentic working ranch plans a celebration, the result is a uniquely wide-ranging event where visitors young and old can all find some thing to embrace. History, food, crafts and demonstrations come together in a day-long celebration of what makes Texans, well, Texans. Food trucks, craft vendors and en tertainment will be on site in addition to visitors being able to venture out to explore the ranch. Activities of all types will unfold throughout the day – old-time games, historic home tours, riding team shooting demonstrations, plus cowboy roping and wrangling. Fo cus on one or two activities, or sample them all as the day unfolds and you travel through Texas time.
ADVERTORIAL
The George Ranch Historical Park is located at 10215 FM 762 in Richmond, TX, 77469. See ad on page 8.
ADVERTORIAL 14 SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2022 l TO ADVERTISE, EMAIL: kay@absolutelyfocusmedia.com
SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2022 l 15
ADVERTORIAL
Preview Night Tickets $75; General Admission and Pre-Sale $12; At the Door $15.
October 22nd • 9 AM to 5 PM George Ranch Historical Park 10215 FM 762 Richmond, TX 77469
Reining Strength’s primary fundraiser, Derby Day chaired by Noell Myska and Alicen Swift continues to focus efforts on raising much needed funds to ensure that resources are available to help clients make great strides. For tickets or sponsorships, info@reiningstrength.org; 832-451-6874
Sugarwww.ReiningStrength.orgPlumMarket
October 2022 May
Join the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce for their annual gala and awards ceremony. Sponsorships are available and individual tickets are $150. ashley@katychamber.com; 281.391.5289 www.KatyChamber.com Derby Day Benefitting Reining Strength Therapeutic Horsemanship May 6th • 3:30 PM Marriott Sugar Land Town Square 16090 City Walk, Sugar Land TX 77479
Events Events
NovemberJanuary202320232022
BenefittingWildwww.SugarPlumMarket.cominfo@sugarplummarket.comWestBrewfestTheRotaryClubof Katy November 5th • 2 PM Typhoon Texas 555 Katy Fort Bend Rd., Katy TX 77494
Katy Area Chamber Annual Gala Benefitting Katy Area Chamber Friday, January 27th • 6:30 PM Embassy Suites Houston West-Kay 16435 Katy Fwy, Houston, TX 77094
Benefitting Fort Bend County Non-Profit Organizations and Agencies
Preview Night: Wednesday, November 2nd Market: Thursday, November 3rd to Saturday, November 5th Stafford Centre Performing Theatre & Convention Center 10505 Cash Road, Stafford, TX 77477 Chairs Cherie Lyne Bouterie, Monica Hasty, Leah Henley, Michelle Monterroso, Chelsi Oestreich and Ashley Stephens continue to focus their efforts on raising much needed funds for agencies and programs serving the needs of Fort Bend County through the Sugar Plum Market as the Fort Bend Junior Service League (FBJSL) enters its 22nd year. Since its inception, FBJSL has raised over $3.7 million for area non-profits. Sponsor information is available at sponsors@sugarplummarket.com.
Voted #1 Brewfest in North America! Over 100 brewers, 500 beers, food trucks, wine grotto, bands, craft beer tasting, awesome VIP serving over 40 taps. Get tickets at www.WildWestBrewfest.comtickets-292124862327www.eventbrite.com/e/the-wild-west-brewfest-2022-
Benefitting Fort Bend History Association
Benefitting Rosenberg Railroad Museum October 8th • 10 AM to 4 PM Rosenberg Railroad Museum 1921 Ave F, Rosenberg, TX 77471 Family fun with bounce houses, train rides, face painting, model train layouts, games and prizes. Food trucks and vendors will also be on site. General Admission $10; Children under 2 free. info@rrm.org; Thewww.RosenbergRRmuseum.org281-633-2846GreatPumpkinRoundUp
Community Community
Fall Fun Fest – May The Steam Be With You
Saturdays October 15th – November 26th • 9 AM to 5 PM George Ranch Historical Park 10215 FM 762 Richmond, TX 77469
A fabulous professionally designed display of fall pumpkins, gourds and plants. The perfect backdrop for photos and a great way to welcome autumn! Included with Park Admission –Adults $15; Children $10; Children under 4 Free Info@georgeranch.org; 281-343-0218 Texianwww.GeorgeRanch.orgMarketDays
Benefitting Fort Bend History Association
A great outdoor event featuring cowboys, cannons, history and fun! Imagine life 200 years ago with a special roping and cattle shows, hands-on activities, battle re-enactments home tours and more. Admission Adults $20; Children $15; Children under 4 free. Info@georgeranch.org; 281-343-0218 www.GeorgeRanch.org
The first-ever Silverado ZR2 was developed after competing on some of the most grueling, toughest off-road courses to of fer race-proven off-road performance that customers can buy right from the showroom floor. Powered by a standard 420 hp, 6.2L V-8 engine mated with a 10-speed automatic transmis sion, the ZR2 sits on a lifted suspension designed specifically for this truck. The new ZR2 is distinguished by several aesthet ic cues, including a new black hood insert, a unique grille with integrated lighting, ZR2 badges, and off-road 18-inch wheels.
T he 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 light-duty pickup en tered the new model year with a significantly updated version that offers buyers more choices, more technol ogy and more premium touches. The new Silverado features an elevated exterior design and a new, expressive interior with enhanced technology. The iconic pickup is still as capable as it’s ever been, but for the 2022 model year, buyers have the opportunity to choose exactly what they want their truck to be. The new interior features a redesigned, sweeping horizontal instrument panel that makes the cabin feel more spacious, along with a new, more functional center console. The 13.4-inch-di agonal color touchscreen and new 12.3-inch-diagonal configu rable digital instrument cluster brings the new Silverado interior on a par with most luxury vehicles costing much more than the new pickup. Both Google Assistant, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capabilities are now standard giving the driver seam less connectivity with their smartphone. Every trim features a new front fascia, which emphasizes the truck’s stability and strength with a wide, planted stance while new daytime running lamps have been programmed with animated walk-up and walk-away functions. But, the two most impressive available trims are the luxurious High Coun try equipped with the new Super Cruise technology and the all-new ZR2 designed from the ground up to take you rockcrawling and desert racing.
16 SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2022 l TO ADVERTISE, EMAIL:
The new Silverado is still a great truck with even more choic es for buyers. It’s a fun time to visit a Chevrolet dealer show room. kay@absolutelyfocusmedia.com
By Steve Kursar
2022 CHEVROLET SILVERADO AUTOabsolutelyREVIEW
Along with leather seats and real wood inserts, the Silverado High Country is the only Chevrolet pickup to offer GM’s new Super Cruise technology, the industry’s first true hands-free driver-assistance technology that can be used on more than 200,000 miles of compatible roads in the U.S. and Canada. Su per Cruise allows the pickup to drive itself down the highway, to even change lanes hands-free, although the driver must con tinue to stay alert and keep their eyes on the road ahead.
Peppermint is one of the oldest herbs we have. It has been found in the pyramids in Egypt and apparently deemed useful not only for the living, but for the dead as well. Mint was also used as a trading commodity. The word “mint” traces back to the actual minting of money. The herb Biblically is mentioned in Luke as being used to pay tithe and taxes. In Greek mythology, it was Persephone, Hade’s wife, that turned Minte into the plant out of retaliation for sleeping with her husband. Multiple philosophers have boasted the use of peppermint through the years giving it kudos from ailing nausea to promoting healing to even boosting libido.
Peppermint is a great herb to have in the garden and has many uses that I think you’ll find valuable on hand for tummy troubles and for refreshing teas. It is definitely one of my most asked for herbs for cuttings from my friends, as everyone it seems wants to grab an handful to take home and enjoy!
Peppermint
Peppermint has a long history of use for treating many ail ments, in particular stomach issues and pain. Because of it’s refreshing qualities, it has not surprisingly been commercialized for use in toothpastes, teas and candies. This herb also, as you might guess, has a multitude of culinary uses. I love using pep permint in sauces that have a Mediterranean flair, as well as adding the crushed leaves to make ice cubes with lemonade for my summer poolside drinks. Of course, there’s also that mojito, lest we not forget to mention, a very nice use of the herb for sure.When planting peppermint, or any mint for that matter, it is imperative that you do not plant it in the ground. This stuff likes to spread out and take over, and it is one mistake that I have made in the Sweet Life Garden as I now have hedges of it that must be cut back regularly. I have ripped it up by the roots, and it still comes back strong, so be warned and keep in a pot! In the garden to ward off pests, I regularly add peppermint oil to neem oil as a spray for aphids. They do not appreciate the powerful smell of either the neem and the peppermint, and for those who have an organic garden, we all know neem doesn’t smell nice, so adding the peppermint helps on the human side of taking care of the garden.
By Alisa www.alisamurray.comMurray
Keep on Growing! SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2022 l 17
Here are a few suggestions to bring the House Wine concept into your home. They are all good, relatively inexpensive and widely available in Texas.
NV Nino Franco Valdobbiadene Prosecco Su periore Rustico, Veneto, Italy: Retail $25 (~$20 OTS). 100% Glera. A step up from your parent’s prosecco, this has green apple a go-go, a bit of hazelnut and just an ever-so-slight touch of sweet ness. It will recenter your notion of Prosecco. 91 Pts. 2021 Mezzacorona Pinot Grigio, Trentino, Italy: Retail $15 ($8 OTS). I really don’t like about 80% of the Pinot Grigio out there, but this one, at un der ten bucks, consistently knocks my socks off. I have told the makers that it is way underpriced, but they have not listened to me, yet. 92 Pts.
2021 Chalk Hill Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast, CA: Retail $25 (~$16 OTS). This Chard is far from an oak monster but one for those who don’t mind a little oak in their wine. Creamy, lemony and delicious, always con sistently good. 90 Pts.
M ost of the month of August, I spent in France, split between perusing the capital, Paris and pedaling my way through the vineyards of the Loire Valley. There are a few elements about being in France I find particularly an noying: it seems every outdoor café is packed with smokers, the French seem to believe the best place for a discussion is smack-dab in the middle of a doorway, and just about every where I go, I am the tallest person for miles and get treated as a bit of a circus freak (although I am only 6’4”).
The positives, however, far outweigh the negatives: it is re ally hard to eat poorly in France, the bike riding is among the best in the world, and nearly every bar, café and restaurant has their own “house” wine, and it is usually really good (and inex pensive). Sit down at the local café, the corner restaurant, or the neighborhood bar and order a “carafe de rosé” (or “blanc” or “rouge”), and you will soon be staring down a half liter pichet of a perfectly agreeable if not delightful unknown wine, for a fraction of what a labeled bottle would cost.
18 SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2022 l TO ADVERTISE, EMAIL: kay@absolutelyfocusmedia.com
For some odd reason, the purveyors of these establishments keep the identities of their house wines rather close to the vest. I have asked a number of times for the producer of the lovely elixir in the carafe only to rebuffed with a smile, a laugh or even a waved finger (think Dikembe Mutumbo).
I have long hoped that proprietors in the U.S. would take up this model as there are times when I go out to eat, and I don’t want to have to think about the wine. It may be a burger, a pizza
By Jeffrey M. Kralik, www.thedrunkencyclist.comPh.D. or even a homestyle pasta place where, let’s face it, no one is looking to put down three figures for a bottle of wine. Since I am no longer holding my breath for that to hap pen, I suggest that you adopt at least the spirit of the concept at home: have a house white, a house red, and heck, even a house sparkling wine to have on hand when you order in pizza, have burger night, or even when your Uncle Cletus drops in unexpectedly.
the drunkencyclist
Bringing the House Wine Home
NV Gruet Winery Brut, New Mexico: Retail $15 (~$12 On The Shelf – OTS). 75% Chardon nay, 25% Pinot Noir. Long one of our go-to house sparklers, this has all you would want (zingy fruit, a touch of yeast, fine sparkle) for a fraction of the fancy French stuff. 89 Pts.
Annual Event Honors District Mentors Reid Ryan
2019 Pasqua Passimento Rosso, Romeo & Ju liet, Veneto, Italy: Retail $18 (~$13 OTS). 40% Merlot, 30% Corvina, 30% Croatina. A bit of a curve ball here, but I really love this wine as it is juicy, fruity and fun. An ideal BBQ wine. 92 Pts.
2018 Rodney Strong Cabernet Sau vignon Estate Vineyards, Alexander Valley, CA: Re tail $30 (~$21 OTS). This Estate wine is only a few bucks more than their Son oma County Cab, but boy is it a whole bunch better, rich without being chewy, I dare you to find me a ribeye this won’t love. 91 Pts.
The KEYS Mentoring program, a Katy ISD Partners in Education program, matches a caring adult with a student one hour, once a week during the school year to build a relationship, trust, confident and more.
Membership applications will be available for people who would like to join the Friends of Cinco Ranch Branch Library.
Ryan to Headline Katy ISD KEYS Kickoff Event on Friday, September 16th
NEWSWORTHY
2020 Stoller Chardonnay, Dundee Hills, OR: Retail $25 (~$18 OTS). An unoaked Chard that I can really get behind. Tree and citrus fruit abound with plenty of tartness to hold it together. 89 Pts.
SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2022 l 19
Donations of used books, DVDs and CDs are always welcome, and may be tak en to the library during regular business hours. All contributions are tax-deductible.
Houston’s own Reid Ryan will headline Katy ISD’s KEYS Kickoff event, an annual salute to those who mentor Katy ISD students through the district’s KEYS Mentoring Program. The event is slated for Friday, September 16, 2022. 8 - 9:30 AM in the Leonard E. Merrell Center. Honored guests include the district’s KEYS mentors who dedicate one hour per week to a Katy ISD student on the brink of success. Doors open and check in begins at 7:45 AM. Guests will be entertained by the Morton Ranch Junior High Jazz Band upon arrival. Reid Ryan is a sports executive that has worked extensively in professional baseball for over 20 years. Ryan currently serves as the CEO of Ryan Sanders Baseball after rejoining the organization that he founded following a successful seven-year tenure as President of Business Operations for the Houston Astros. He enjoys giving back and has served on numerous non-profit boards and has helped raise more than $1,000,000 for charity. Ryan and his wife, Nicole, are proud parents of one son, Jackson, and two daughters, Victoria, and Ella. The community is welcome to attend and join the KEYS mentor family for a morning of networking and encouragement. RSVP at bit.ly/KEYSKICKOFF22RSVP by September 12th or by visiting the Partners in Education webpage under the “Community” tab at www.katyisd.org. For more information about this event or the KEYS Mentoring program please contact cydneyjwright@katyisd.org
People who love books, people who love bargains, and people who need to get rid of some spare change will find a lot in common at the book sale, where they will discover adult and children’s books, all at prices that are hard to beat. Most items are available for $1.00 or less. Cash or checks are accepted.
The Friends of the Cinco Ranch Branch Library will host a Fall Book Sale on Saturday, September 10th, from 9 am to 2 pm, in the Meeting Room of the library, which is located at 2620 Commercial Center Blvd in Katy.
The Friends of the Cinco Ranch Branch Library organization is instrumental in funding library programs such as the children’s Summer Reading Club. Proceeds from the book sale and annual membership dues also help to underwrite the costs of special programming and various cultural events at the Cinco Ranch Branch Library.Visit www.fortbend.lib.tx.us or call the Cinco Ranch Branch Library at 281-3951311 for more information.
Friends of Cinco Ranch Branch Library Host Fall Book Sale
To Advertise: 281.798.4910 • kay@absolutelyfocusmedia.com Holiday Entertaining & Dining • Bakeries • Caterers • Restaurants • Boutiques • Gift Shops • Retail • Contractors • Home Décor • Interior Designers • Home Improvement • Furniture • Garden • Florists • Photographers • Event Venues • Entertainers 'Tis The Season Deadline: October 15th Community Community Story & Ad Click Thru to Client Website Special Advertising Rates PLUS A Free Story Advertise Your Business In Our Special Holiday Issue Coming November/December 2022
