If you are interested in advertising in the Pecan Grove, please call 281-3424474 and ask for Stefanie Bartlett or Ruby Sebesta. We’ll be happy to send rates, and deadline information to you.
PHOTO & ARTICLE SUBMISSIONS
We are looking for story ideas and enjoy publishing your articles in the Pecan Grove. If you have an story idea or photo to publish please send your information to mgriffin@fbherald.com with “West Fort Bend Living” in the subject line.
Food Distribution | A Fort Bend food distribution event will be held April 1, 3, 8, 10 and 15 at Catholic Charities' Mamie George Community Center, 1111 Collins Rd in Richmond. Two time slots are available: 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 5-7 p.m.Register by texting HFBPS to 855-788-3663, then select Catholic Charities — Richmond. catholiccharities.org 4
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Monthly Bird Walks | The Texas Master Naturalist Coastal Prairie Chapter will host its monthly bird walks led by experienced birders from 8 a.m. - 10 a.m. Future hikes: May 7, Oct 1, Nov 5, Dec 3. txmn. org/coastal
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Richmond’s Farmers Market | Find the freshest local produce, homemade treats, and unique gifts at the Richmond Farm-
er’s Market which will run from 3-7 p.m. at 402 Morton Street in Richmond. richmondtxfarmersmarket.com
Movie Night at Wessendorff | Head out to Wessendorff Park at 500 Preston Street in Richmond and enjoy the animated hit “Moana 2” for free with the family. Hosted by the City of Richmond, the Movie Night events at the park are held on the first Friday of the month. Future shows are May 2 (A Greyhound of a Girl, 2024); June 6 (Migration, 2023); Aug. 1 (Under the Boardwalk, 2023); Sept. 5 (Hotel Transylvania 3, 2018); Oct. 3 (The Canterville Ghost, 2023); Nov. 7 (Pad-
dington in Peru, 2024); and Dec. 5 (Glisten and the Merry Mission, 2023). richmondtx. gov
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Art in the Bend | Get ready for talented artists, cars, pet contests (Bark in the Park), live music, food, kids activities and one good time at Art in The Bend, the Historic Richmond Association’s one-day art festival from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. in Downtown Richmond. facebook.com/hra.tx
Spring Vendors Market | Local artisans and vendors will be celebrated at The Red Potato Market’s free 2025 Spring Vendors Market at 4716 FM 359 in Richmond. Featuring live music and the Easter Bunny from 11a.m.-noon. redpotatomarket. com
Wiener Dog Races & Doggie Fashion Show | Scotty's Saloon
In Richmond will host a Wiener Dog Races & Doggie Fashion Show from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. benefitting the Shelter Pets Advocacy Network for FT Bend County. scottyssaloon.com
Farmers and Artisan Market |Don’t miss out on all the options at the Pecan Grove Farmers and Artisan Market which is open every Sunday from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Future markets on April 13, 20 and 27. facebook.com/pecangrovefm
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Joint Pain Seminar | Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital is hosting a free, in-person joint pain seminar at 6 p.m. in the Brazos Pavilion Conference Center where a panel of Orthopedic specialists will be covering the latest treatment options to manage and relieve joint pain. join.houstonmethodist.org/jointpain-sl
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Hike for Hope Fort Bend | American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
- Southeast Texas Chapter will hold its Hike for Hope event — a hiking spin on the Out of the Darkness Walks, which are opportunities to bring people together to generate awareness for the cause, along with raising funds for suicide prevention in the local community. The Hike for Hope Fort Bend will run 8-11 a.m. at Brazos River Park in Sugar Land. afsp.org
The Rodeo Sweethearts | Save the date for the Fort Bend County Rodeo Sweethearts’ annual Barrel Race at 8 .m. at the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds. Get ready for a day full of excitement, competition, and community fun — all in support of the
Fort Bend County Fair and Rodeo Association. Activities include, Exhibitions, Lead Line, Barrel Race and Ride a Buck. facebook.com/RodeoSweethearts
Night in the Garden | Steve Onstad will be honored at the Fort Bend Musuem’s A Night in the Garden event that will be held at 6 p.m. at the museum. The evening will feature live music from Soul Wagon, catered dinner by Café Natalie, silent & live auction, dessert auction, wine & whiskey pull, raffle for trip to Costa Rica or Belize and more. fbhistory.org
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Paddles for a Purpose | To offer hope to homeless teenagers, Parks Youth Ranch
will host its Paddles for a Purpose pickleball tournament at the Pickleball Country Club from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Presented by the Fred and Mable R Parks Foundation,
the tournament will include an open bar, T-shirts and a swag bag. The fee for teams is $100 and sponsorships start at $250. parksyouthranch.org
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Black Cowboy Museum | Celebrate the 2025 class of inductees at Larry Callies’ 4th Annual Black Cowboy Museum Induction Ceremony & Banquet which will be held from 5 - 10 p.m. at the Rosenberg Civic Center. The Black Cowboy Museum preserves the legacy of America’s Black Cowboys who shaped the history of the West and the ones who shape the future. blackcowboymuseum.com
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A PLACE OF pause
SEABOURNE CREEK NATURE PARK offers preservation, education & restoration
Spring is in full bloom, and one of the best places to experience it is Seabourne Creek Nature Park.
Some believe nature exists in a balance, and should people spend enough time in it, they might rediscover something that may have been missing from their lives.
At least, that’s what many have said about Seabourne, that it’s an ideal place for someone to feel revitalized without much effort.
Seven years ago, when we first showcased the park as a quiet spot where weary souls, exhausted by the daily trappings of life can visit to recollect their thoughts, bask in the sunlight, go for a walk and reconnect with the living, breathing, growing world around them, Seabourne was still considered a bit of a secret county gem; a progressing project that would undoubtedly turn into a respected and appealing attraction in as the years progressed. It hasn’t been a secret for a long time now.
If you visit this season, you’ll understand the reason.
by MARQUITA GRIFFIN | mgriffin@fbherald.com
BELOW THE SURFACE, A PARTNERSHIP
The park’s origins began more than thirty years ago when the City of Rosenberg acquired the land, and the following year, through an outdoor recreation grant, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department funded the park’s lake and infrastructure.
Then, for fifteen years, nothing happened until, through a partnership with the City of Rosenberg, the Coastal Prairie Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalist organization decided to turn parts of the 164-acre park into a nature and wetlands preserve, calling it Seabourne Creek Nature Park. With the funds from the city, the chapter began implementing improvements to the park’s natural beauty.
As members of the Texas Master Naturalist Program, Coastal Prairie Chapter naturalists offer consistent and frequent education and services to manage the area’s natural resources, and it is due to their work that community-based conservation efforts — notably, such as the Seabourne Creek Nature Park — thrive and progress.
In its own words, The Texas Master Naturalist Program is “designed to develop a corps of well-informed volunteers who provide education, outreach, and service dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas within their communities for the State of Texas.” Additionally, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension serve as sponsors for the program.
On top of its public events and educational programs, Coastal Prairie master naturalists visit the park at least six days each month to avidly volunteer time improving and maintaining the park.
“A vast majority of the improvements at the park since that date were put in by our chapter’s volunteers using the funds from our City of Rosenberg agreement,” said Susan Walther, the president of the Texas Master Naturalist Coastal Prairie Chapter.
Such improvements include a stone archway, informational and directional signage, Additional trails, irrigation, Reconstruction of the wetlands area — “So that it holds water year-round, not only after a heavy rain,” Walther clarified — multiple pergolas, floating docks, and wooden fencing and ongoing native-prairie restoration work on 20 acres.
“In 2022-23 we applied for and won a $50,000 grant from the Niagara Perk Your Park Project, using the money to install trees, irrigation, pathways, and signage in the Arboretum area north of Seabourne Lake,” Walther added. “With the covered picnic tables being added by the City of Rosenberg, this
NATURE DAY EVENTS
Highlighting different areas of the park, each event will include themed activities, crafts and speakers. The next Nature Day will be Nov. 1 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Seabourne Native Plant Garden and Prairie Demo Gardens.
newly developed area should become a favorite picnic spot for park visitors.”
THE COASTAL PRAIRIE EXPERIENCE
As part of a twenty-year vision for native prairie restoration, the 164-acre Seabourne Creek Nature Park features seven restored environments that provide habitats for native Texas flora and fauna. These areas, while alluring and serene, serve as a classroom of sorts for visitors who want to learn about various plants as well as the wildlife attracted to those distinct areas.
Identification signs sharing facts about plant and wildlife species are found throughout the park; since their planting in 2018 hundreds of native trees have continuously grown; bird-watching fans can try out the clearings that are ideal for covered observing; and the lake is alive with a variety of ascetic aquatic life.
Speaking of the park’s aquatic life, the chapter now also offers Nature Days, and the most recent one held last month focused on “aquatic adventures.” Featuring handson activities that included, aquatic-themed crafts, lessons that covered the impact of people’s actions on the ecosystem, water safety tips, responsible fishing guidelines, and even a scavenger hunt, March’s Nature Day gave visitors a four-hour experience that allowed them to enjoy nature and learn about fishing.
More Coastal Prairie Chapter outreach efforts include bird hikes, weekend nature walks, and insect and plant walks, all of which provide visitors with an engaging park experience and further support and bring awareness to the area's natural ecosystem.
For an experience of how Seabourne Creek offers an atmosphere fit for the entire community, visit on April 5, which is when the City of Rosenberg will host its annual FISH-tastic Children’s Fishing Tournament, from 8-11 a.m. at Seabourne Creek Nature Park.
Children ages 4-16 are invited to visit the lake in beautiful Seabourne Creek Nature Park, where they can fish the 4-acre stocked lake for a winner.
Trophies for Biggest Fish and Most Fish Caught are given in numerous age divisions along with door prizes. Parents must attend, but can only supervise; the children must do all the fishing.
The event is free and open to the public, but you must bring fishing supplies. For more information, call 832-5953520 or visit rosenbergtx.gov.
NATURE WALKS
Tour the Butterfly Garden, Seabourne Lake, Wetlands Area, Native Plants Garden, Wetlands Demo Garden, Prairie Restoration Area, and Woodlands Bird Sanctuary — in other words, the best areas of the park. The walks are held on the third Sunday of each month.
BECOME A MASTER NATURALIST IN 3 STEPS
If studying, preserving and appreciating nature feels like a calling, consider enrolling in the naturalist program’s training course; it only takes three steps.
No. 1Although the Spring 2025 session is full, the Coastal Prairie Chapter offers two training courses per year — the spring session is reserved for daytime classes and the fall one for evening classes.
Each training course lasts about 8-10 weeks and 14 sessions. Classes (in-person and/or virtual) are held on Tuesdays and field sessions on Saturdays. The classes cover Texas ecology, birds, insects, mam-
BIRD HIKES
Experienced birders will lead participants, and both novice and experienced birders are welcome. Binoculars and weather-appropriate clothing and footwear are recommended. The hikes are held every first Wednesday from 8-10:30 a.m. October through May.
INSECT HIKES
Experienced entomology enthusiasts and often an extension agency entomologist will lead participants. All ages and experience levels welcome, bring phones and/or cameras. The hikes are held every fourth Thursday (except Thanksgiving) from 9- 11 a.m.
mals, geology, climate and weather, nature interpretation, native plants, archeology, and more. Local experts teach various sections of the course, and lectures incorporate the Texas Master Naturalist Curriculum textbook which is included with the registration fee.
No.
2Following the initial training, trainees have a full year to fulfill the eight hours of advanced training and forty hours of volunteer service required to become a Certified Master Naturalist.
No.3
Lastly, once initial certification is reached, a master naturalist must remain current on
PLANT WALKS
Take a two-hour walk with botany enthusiast Susie Doe and learn about local flora. The walks are held on the second Saturday of each month.
Visit txmn.org/coastal
their yearly dues of $25 and complete the expected annual forty volunteer hours and eight-hour advanced training by attending monthly chapter programs, monthly meetings of other environmental groups, webinars and local and statewide workshops.
“An increasing number of people in our area are discovering the beauty of this city park,” Walther said, hopeful for more exposure to the park or the Texas Master Naturalist program. That attention, she stressed, “will bring in more families to discover it for the first time and begin enjoying all it has to offer.”
In Texas, springtime brings the promise of harvesting blackberries, strawberries and, of course, the ever-popular peaches. Whether the dish is sweet or savory, peaches are often a springtime favorite because of their versatility. Consider grilled cheese, a beloved comfort food that can be enjoyed any time of the day. Although there isn’t much that needs to be added to cheese to make it delicious, the inclusion of tart strawberries and blackberries in this recipe titled “The Sweet Sheep Grilled Cheese” from The Reading Terminal Market Cookbook by Ann Hazan and Irina Smith. This outstanding berry grilled cheese recipe pushes this sandwich over the edge of deliciousness. An additional cookie butter spread and chocolate chips makes this grilled cheese much more dessert than lunch, and can be an indulgent treat anyone can enjoy.
Pecan Grove Monthly
Congressional Art Competition is open
The annual Congressional Art Competition for high school students in Texas’ Seventh Congressional District is underway.
The Congressional Art Competition began in 1982 to provide an opportunity for members of Congress to encourage and recognize the artistic talents of their young constituents. Since then, more than 650,000 high school students have been involved with the nationwide competition. Each entry must be original in concept, design, and execution.
The artwork submissions are due to Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher’s Houston Office by 5 p.m. April 11. For more information visit fletcher.house.gov/forms/submitartwork
Each year, members of the U.S. House of Representatives hold the Congressional Art Competition, a nationwide high school art competition that recognizes and encourages the artistic talent of students in each congressional district. The Congressional Art Competition is open to all high school students who live in Texas’ Seventh Congressional District. The winner’s r art will be displayed in the US Capitol for one year and will be awarded two plane tickets to travel to Washington, D.C. for the awards ceremony.
CCulinary Crawl returns April 26
ross Creek West invites people to come hungry and leave inspired during the 2nd annual Culinary Crawl Home Tour, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 26, at the community’s model home park, 4803 Garden Crest Lane in Fulshear.
During the event, each model will serve up small bites from local restaurants, including Doziers BBQ, Molina’s Cantina, Anthonie’s Market Grill, The Rouxpour, Local Table, Pier 36 Seafood & Oyster Bar, TJ’s Catering and Grammys Cookie Jar. Tunes spun by a DJ will accompany the food. Guests can enter to win gift cards from the restaurants as well as a $500 grand prize. For more information and to RSVP, visit www.crosscreekwesttx. com/crawl.
Give Back, Build Hope campaign raises $15,000 for charities
The Johnson Development communities of Cross Creek Ranch and Cross Creek West have gifted $15,000 to three local charities through their annual Give Back, Build Hope campaign.
Fort Bend PAWS, Reining Strength and Sky High for Kids received $5,000 each through the campaign, with the communities making a monetary donation for each home sold during November and December.
“There were 90 homes sold in both communities during the last two months of 2024, so we rounded up our donations to $5,000 each,” said Stephen Brovarone, General Manager of Cross Creek Ranch and Cross Creek West. “This totals $114,000 in donations to local charities from the five years we’ve hosted the campaign. We’re happy to support the efforts of these important organizations.”
With offices in Richmond, Texas, Sky High for Kids raises funds for hospitals and research centers that treat and study childhood cancer. A priority initiative is helping to support the first and only pediatric cancer immunotherapy center at Texas Children’s
Barbara Tatum Law: A Shepherd, Not an Attack Dog
Johnson Development’s Lauren Smith, left, and Stephen Brovarone present Reining Strength owner Heather Hernandez with a $5,000 check.
The Johnson Development communities of Cross Creek Ranch and Cross Creek West recently donated $5,000 to Sky High for Kids as part of the communities’ Give Back, Build Hope campaign. Shown here, left to right, are Mia Duplechien, Megan Biesiada, Victoria Jones, Lauren Smith and Joe Kern.
Cancer and Hematology Center in Houston. The organization is also helping fund the building of three training facilities in sub-Saharan Africa with Texas Children’s Hospital’s Global HOPE Program to allow more medical care for the region’s 100,000 children battling cancer and blood disorders.
Fort Bend PAWS (Pets Are Worth Saving) raises funds and awareness for Fort Bend County Animal Services to help them maintain a high save rate as well as provide heartworm treatment and preventative and low-cost spay and neuter events.
Reining Strength Therapeutic Horsemanship, located in Richmond, Texas, has been a program beneficiary since 2021. The organization serves adults and children ages 2 and older who have physical, cognitive, social or emotional needs by providing equine-assisted services such as therapeutic horsemanship and equine-assisted learning.
“We also collected a tremendous number of items requested by the charities,” Brovarone said. “The generosity of our residents and the surrounding community is incredible.”
Inside Out “All the Feelings” Gala will be a night of color, creativity, and connection’
Said to be an exclusive evening bringing the beloved world of the Inside Out universe to life, the Child Advocates of Fort Bend Inside Out “All the Feelings” Gala is set for Saturday, April 26, 2025, at the Houston Marriott Sugar Land and will be a evening of “colorful emotions and boundless creativity.”
Inspired by Disney-Pixar’s film Inside Out, the gala invites guests to immerse themselves in a whirlwind of joy, sadness, anger, fear, and anxiety, some of the core emotions that shape the human experience. The night will feature strolling characters, a whimsical dance performance by students of Cookie Joe’s Dancin’ School, live and silent auctions, raffle, wine, spirits and gift card pulls, dinner and dancing to the tunes
of DJ Love. Michele Fisher will emcee for the 12th year. Exchange Club of Sugar Land and OCuSOFT, Inc. are the presenting sponsors. Attire for the evening is elegant with black tie and themed attire optional.
Sponsorships of $2,500 - $15,000 are available. Individual reservations are $200. For more information about the Gala or to sponsor contact Tarina Sheridan at 281-344-5109 or tsheridan@cafb.org. To learn about Child Advocates of Fort Bend’s wraparound services for children who have experienced abuse, visit cafb.org.
Local
scouting volunteers honored for
‘dedication, leadership, and service’
The Coastal Plains District of the Sam Houston Area Council and Scouting America celebrated the dedication, leadership, and service of its volunteers, community partners, and outstanding Scouts during the 4th Annual Coastal Plains District Awards Dinner. The event, held last month at Fort Bend Knights of Columbus 2801 Hall in Rosenberg, recognized individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to Scouting and youth development in the region.
“Our volunteers are the heart of Scouting,” said the Coastal Plains District Chair Andrew Van Chau. “Their tireless dedication ensures
Front row, from left: Kay Carlin, Cynthia Barratt, Rosemary Martinez. Middle row (L to R) are Jamie Lenard and Bridget Jones. Back row (L to R) are: Ron Love, Jacque Davis, Romeo Crisologo, Sree Vadlamudi, Mike Hardison
Stephen Brovarone, right, presents PAWS Director Rene Vasquez, left, and Fort Bend County Commissioner Precinct 1 Vincent Morales with a $5,000 check that was part of the Give Back, Build Hope campaign.
that young people in our communities can access life-changing opportunities in leadership, adventure, and service. It’s an honor to recognize those who go above and beyond.”
Among the night’s top honors was the Walter Lamar Evans Lifetime Service Award, presented to Zig Werlla of Troop 368 in El Campo for his decades of service to Scouting. Werlla has served as a District Chairman, Scout Leader, Camp Inspector, and mentor, leaving a lasting legacy in the Coastal Plains District.
The Family of the Year Award was presented to the Walker family, recognizing Barrett and Erika Walker’s extensive contributions to Scouting in Coastal Plains District. The Walkers have taken on leadership roles in Pack 10 and Troop 1880 of Richmond and district-wide events such as Twilight Camp and fundraising efforts.
Andrew Van Chau and Curtis Baade (Troop 1880 of Richmond) received the District Award of Merit, the highest honor a district can bestow upon a volunteer. Both have played instrumental roles in district operations, leadership training, and mentoring Scouts and adult volunteers.
The Jerry Vyvial Gator Award, a unique tradition in the district since 1991, was given to three recipients this year: Barrett Walker, Ed Payne from Troop 45 of Bay City, and Ryan Dunsmore from Pack 133 in Richmond. The Gator Award recognizes volunteers who have gone above and beyond in supporting local Scouting programs.
Patrick McRea of Troop 941 in Fulshear received the Eagle Scout Project of the Year Award. This award recognizes his outstanding service project, which demonstrated leadership, community impact, and a commitment to service.
The Cub Scout of the Year Award was presented to Grayson Foster of Pack 133. Foster was recognized for his enthusiasm, service, and dedication to the Scouting program.
In addition to these top honors, the district recognized numerous volunteers and community organizations for their contributions. Certificates of Volunteering Excellence were presented to individuals who have dedicated their time and talents to local Scout units and district events. The Unit Service Award honored volunteers whose leadership has strengthened their local Scouting programs.
Certificates of Appreciation were awarded to community organizations, businesses, and civic groups that have provided outstanding support to Scouting. Honorees included American Legion Post 226, Fort Bend County Parks Department, Cora Thomas Elementary PTO, Holy Cross Episcopal Church, and Wallis Lions Club.
The Coastal Plains District serves youth in Austin, Fort Bend, and Matagorda Counties, including areas from Bay City to Wharton, including Fort Bend, Lamar, and more. It provides programs that help develop future leaders through adventure, skill-building, and community service.
Zig Werlla of Troop 368 in El Campo is honored with the Walter Lamar Evans Lifetime Service Award for his decades of dedicated service to Scouting. Werlla, a former District Chairman, Scout Leader, and Camp Inspector, is pictured with Coastal Plains District Chair Andrew Van Chau and District Program Director Jacob Lilley.
Andrew Van Chau and Curtis Baade (Troop 1880 of Richmond) receive the District Award of Merit, the highest honor a district can bestow upon a volunteer, for their outstanding contributions to district operations, leadership training, and mentoring Scouts and adult volunteers.
Sugar Land Arts & Music Fest | The 2025 Sugar Land Arts & Music Fest is a two-day festival running 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. April 26 and 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. April 27. It’s a celebration of artistic diversity and is open to all professional and amateur artists specializing in 14 different mediums, including calligraphy, ceramic/pottery, photography, painting, drawing, mixed media, and much more. sugarlandartsfest. com
Family Bingo Night | The Butterfly Project is planning on an unforgettable evening of excitement with a night of laughter, community fun and games at its Family Bingo Night at 5 p.m. at Friends of North Rosenberg, 1908 Ave. E in Rosenberg. The evening will feature snacks, bingo games, raffles and prizes. thebutterflyprojectinc.org
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Cinco de Mayo Fundraiser | Don’t miss out on the 18th Annual Cinco de Mayo Fundraiser by Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels at La Cocina Mexican Restaurant in Richmond. Presented by H-E-B, the evening will feature delicious food, live music, great drinks, auction, raffles and more fun for a cause. fortbendseniors.org
RNLL Fun Day 2025|
The Rosenberg National Little League will hold its Fun Day at 9 a.m. at the Seabourne Creek Sports Complex. This baseball and community celebration will feature a parade, vendors, games and more. rosenbergnationallittleleague.net
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GiGi’s Playhouse | The ever-popular BeYOU-tiful Fashion Show by Gigi’s Playouse Sugar Land returns at 11 a.m. at the Sugar Creek Country Club to elebrate the beauty of individuals with Down syndrome and raise vital funds for GiGi’s Playhouse Sugar Land. gigisplayhouse.org/sugarland
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Lemonade Day | The Juicy Lemon Lemonade Stand will be at Enchanted Gardens in Richmond for the Central Fort Bend County Chamber of Commerce’s Lemonade Day from 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. Follow The Juicy Lemon Lemonade Stand on Facebook. Visit lemonadeday.org/central-fort-bend
SKILLED TALENTED
and a bit of a perfectionist meet Dave Hall of Texas Custom Woodwork
There are days when Dave Hall repairs sentimental pieces, ranging from cabinet drawers to furniture or heirlooms.
Then there are days when he builds work wrapped in invisible heartstrings, such as the job in which a client wanted a shotgun holder he recalled his grandmother having on her wall in his youth.
Dave replicated that shotgun holder, plucking a memory from long ago and bringing it into reality with cutting, sanding and oiling.
“Sometimes I fix sentimental pieces, sometimes I make them,” Dave said.
For the past decade, Dave has owned Texas Custom Woodwork in Rosenberg, offering a trio of services based on the philosophy that “there is no job too small” for his interest.
Dave, 64, is the fuel powering Texas Custom Woodwork. With a kind demeanor and lively exuberance, it’s easy to understand why his custom-furniture customers return to him repeatedly.
As he fiercely but cheerfully labors in his workshop, a little rundown spot at 5608 TX Highway 36 next door to Dybala Automotive, Dave embodies the small business owners people latch their affections onto.
He’s direct but considerate, laughs effortlessly, and listens to what a person says so well that he can hear what they don’t say.
His personality alone pulls people in; his work, however, is what makes them stick around.
No matter the complexity or simplicity of a job, Dave pulls from decades of experience to produce or repair something treasured.
“I’m a perfectionist,” he said, explaining his goal is “to
story
& photography
by MARQUITA GRIFFIN | mgriffin@fbherald.com
make it look like it was never broken.”
That doesn’t mean he unquestionably believes he can fix anything.
Dave is frank about his limitations but confident about finding satisfactory solutions for his customers, and that’s because he’s a carpenter who doesn’t shy away from complications.
“I have a problem keeping projects simple,” he said, smiling unapologetically. “I have to complicate it. I have to make it a challenge.”
Dave is a beacon for customers needing an expert with particular talents or critical thinking skills.
Sitting comfortably atop one of his worktables, Dave suggests a scenario of a broken kitchen drawer: “It’s not like you can just run to the store and buy a replacement drawer that same day,” he said.
But you could bring it to him for a snappy fix, he said, and for a far more agreeable fee than ordering a
new one. He adds a wink, underscoring his meaning light-heartedly.
However, in the humor, there is a truth. For some time, customers have opted to replace instead of repair. Dave is a reminder the repair option remains.
His background in woodworking is as sturdy and varied as the material he works with, and in his beloved workshop, smelling of sawdust, stains and ingenuity, his abilities reign supreme.
It’s not a place with modern structures and scenery. It smells like work, feels like energy and looks authentic.
And sometimes, Dave interjected, an unanticipated guest comes by, such as the baby raccoon he found hiding in the corner of his shop.
Tools of different shapes, sizes and functions line the walls of his shop, which is divided into two spaces — the front room, which Dave said he tries to keep tidy and clean for visitors and clients, and the back room, where the so-called brilliant madness happens.
That room, he admitted sheepishly, doesn’t get cleaned as often.
But that’s where one of his current projects rests — an eye-catching, walnut, custom-made desk. The other two custom pieces sat in the front room: an extensive table with a subtle grain pattern meant to be aesthetically appealing to the eye and an end table with a seamlessly hidden drawer and removable shelf.
And each feature on that end table meets the individual desires of the couple commissioning the furniture.
Custom means custom, with Dave.
His approach begins with unpretentious conversations with his customers, during which he spends most of his time listening and absorbing.
Admittedly, some jobs take less effort than others but that doesn’t mean the conversation matters less, he emphasized quickly.
Aside from creating custom work, Dave likes helping people, especially budding creators, by cutting wood for their projects. He’s aware that people can head to the big-box improvement stores for that service, but with Dave, a customer receives his perfectionist approach. He understands the need for meticulous measurements for a precise job.
“It’s about time, talent and tools,” he said.
A person may have the time and may also have the talent, but if the tools aren’t right, that creator can nosedive into discouragement, he said.
“You’d be amazed how being off by this much,” — he indicates with a barely visible length — “will throw off the entire project. And if that keeps happening [especially if the builder doesn’t understand the equipment is the problem], discouragement comes in real quick —”
“Give a good carpenter any tool — good or bad — and the job will get done because of how long they’ve been doing what they do,” Dave said. “But if you’re just starting out, and you know you’re not that skilled yet, and you get some not-so-good cutting tools, you can get frustrated really fast at how your projects are turning out and you might quit.”
He doesn’t shame or critique anyone for not having a higher-quality collection of cutting tools, though; he understands life just fine.
Instead, Dave would rather help someone by being the last element of that “time, talent and tools” equation. At least, until his customers upgrade their appliances and don’t need his cutting services.
But until that moment, Dave Hall will be ably laboring away at his Texas Custom Woodwork shop, using his talent and skills that
“Sometimes I fix sentimental pieces, sometimes I make them.”
- Dave Hall
have taken him through adventures and projects over the years — all of which, he noted, lends to his perspective of woodwork.
“I’ve done it all,” Dave said with an easygoing smile. “I just want people to know I’m here. Come see me. Let me know what I can do for you.”
