December 2023
Fulshear Living monthly
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Contents & Staff Fulshear Living monthly
December 2023
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CHAIRMAN, EDITOR & PUBLISHER Clyde King cking@hartmannews.com
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6 FEATURE STORY 10 TALK OF THE Phase Two of the Fort Bend Hope Tree is complete due to Fulshear artist and volunteer art teacher Eugenia Garcia. And through art, like this unique tree mural, is how Eugenia promotes creativity and growth among her students.
TOWN
Fulshear Mayor Aaron Groff will provide updates on the city during the 'Future of Fulshear' event.
16 12 GARDENING
'Picnic for the Park’ fundraiser raises $80K for a park conservancy. Plus a look at this year's winning park contest photos.
MANAGING EDITOR Marquita Griffin mgriffin@fbherald.com ADVERTISING Stefanie Bartlett sbartlett@fbherald.com Ruby Polichino ruby@fbherald.com
WRITERS & CONTRIBUTORS Marquita Griffin Brandon Norvell
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Melinda Maya mmaya@fbherald.com Rachel Cavazos rcavazos@fbherald.com
TO ADVERTISE: If you are interested in advertising in the Fulshear Living Monthly, please call The Herald at 281-342-4474 for rates, information and deadlines. PHOTO & ARTICLE SUBMISSIONS: We are looking for fresh story ideas and enjoy publishing your articles in Fulshear Living Monthly. If you have a story idea or photo to publish, please send your information to mgriffin@fbherald.com with “Fulshear Living” in the subject line. ©2023 Fulshear Living Monthly. All Rights Reserved. Fulshear Living Monthly is a sister publication of Pecan Grove Monthly, Greatwood Monthly and West Fort Bend Living and is a publication of the Fort Bend Herald. Our publishing headquarters is 1902 S. Fourth St., Rosenberg, Texas 77471.
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Eugenia Garcia promotes growth through art by MARQUITA GRIFFIN | mgriffin@fbherald.com
L
ast month, a Fulshear artist drove into Rosenberg, aiming for the charming and quaint downtown area to deliver something precious — 10 painted canvases — to 927 Third Street. When looked at separately, there is a clear sense that each canvas, while intriguing on its own, is a part of a whole. With hues of blues and dark and light reds, greens and lighter pigments throughout, these 12x12 canvases are a continuation of a distinctive art panel project that hangs on the walls of the Fort Bend Hope Center, a local education-based nonprofit in Fort Bend County. In recent years, the nonprofit further developed its involvement with and support of the community by improving its range of free programs, including, the After-School and Kids Club programs. And within the latter programs, the students the nonprofit serves were introduced to a concept in the fall of 2021, that led to the unique mural at the nonprofit’s headquarters. The symbolic artwork is called the Fort Bend Hope Tree. The tree mural grew from an art lesson taught by Fulshear artist EuABOVE: The Fort Bend Tree of Hope genia Algaze Garcia, who was rethat hangs on the wall at the Fort cruited to become a volunteer art Bend Hope Center in Rosenberg teacher at Fort Bend Hope in the has grown from eight panels to 18. BELOW: Phase One of the tree. summer of 2021. Garcia said her initial volunteer Proceeds from the sale of the note cards depicting Phase One, and experience was exhilarating and smaller poster prints of Phase Two gratifying because the students will be donated to Fort Bend Hope. Purchase the note cards or prints at were unmistakably eager to learn art the Fort Bend Art Center. skills Garcia knew would serve them well into their futures, so she seized the opportunity to broaden their creative inclinations by suggesting an art project that resulted in the Fort Bend Hope Tree. Much like some contemporary artwork seen online and in galleries, the Fort Bend Hope Tree is a mural formed by individual painted canvases that complete the image. After revealing the art project to the public, Garcia explained that the Fort Bend Hope Tree wasn’t 100 percent complete; only Phase One, the first eight panels, was finished. The mural, Garcia explained, was designed to grow, allowing for more layers of roots, leaves and branches. To develop the tree, Garcia asked her students what they thought a
6 • Fulshear Living Monthly • December 2023
tree that embodied love would look like, and each student sketched their ideas and presented them to Garcia, who then took their concepts and helped the students bring their ideas to fruition. For example, the leaves on the tree are leaf prints each student made using patterned scissors and watercolor. In a 2022 interview following the reveal of Phase One, Garcia drew focus to enigmas within the Fort Bend Hope Tree mural: hidden words and messages. In the grass area of the painted canvases, viewers can find the words “Fort Bend;” the leaves include the names of the children and volunteers; and intertwined in the roots is one word: “Hope.” The ‘o,’ however, is painted in the shape of a heart. “When you talk about love, there has to be hope, too,” Garcia said during that interview before emphasizing that the tree symbolizes Fort Bend Hope. Just as the nonprofit has grown over time, the Fort Bend Hope Tree is also meant to grow. So it wasn’t a surprise when she announced Phase Two of the mural was finished at the tail end of 2023. “Fort Bend Hope gives these kids hope for the future,” said Garcia of why she values her involvement with the nonprofit. “[It shows them how] the world can be a better place. “I feel this particular art project is significant to Fort Bend Hope and the people it serves because it is a tree, the Fort Bend Hope Tree, that grows from hope, love and faith. The kids, and everyone involved with the project, can see that they can make a difference and see how their contributions impact the outcome and that working together, we can make something beautiful.” PHASE TWO & THREE Art isn’t stagnant for Garcia, who said she learns something new with every project, and that benefits her not only as an artist but as a volunteer art teacher, too. “Some lessons have involved values as in a multicolored native corn on the cob watercolor/drawing activity we did last week. Other activities have been for awareness of how our emotions affect our art and some that are just fun activities to get over the fear of making art.” This is why the Fort Bend Hope Tree is a valuable art project for the students. “I have learned with this project that I enjoy the challenge of solving puzzles, of creating something artistic that [incorporates] students ideas as much as possible while also teaching valuable art lessons [that] transcend to other areas of life.” While making the Fort Bend Hope Tree artwork panels, Garcia said students learned how to create their own version of brown using nontoxic primary colored acrylics and then applied their personally created paint to the areas of the tree and dirt that required a brown. The same went for mixing colors for the blue sky. Phase Two, just like Phase One, is rootExamples of student ed in the students’ creativity and intencontributions to the mural. tions, she stressed.s “For this phase, I had the students
'The Fort Bend Hope Tree [..] grows from hope, love and faith' draw what they thought the tree should look like by filling in the new spaces with their concept. One of the drawings incorporated a squirrel so we had a lesson on drawing squirrels,” she said. “The leaves were a different lesson using acrylic paint to make leaf monoprints from real leaves onto green acid-free art paper in three different values.” Additionally, the students and volunteers again used their choice of shaped scissors to cut the shape of their own printed leaves after signing their names to them. Now, with the 10 newly added canvases currently installed and on display — bringing the mural to 18 total panels — Garcia is prepared for the next step: Phase Three. “It will begin soon in between holiday projects I’ve been requested to help with at Fort Bend Hope,” she said. “Phase 3 will explore which direction the tree will grow in next.” ART, ALL AROUND, EVERYWHERE In addition to volunteering for Fort Bend Hope, Eugenia Garcia volunteers twice a month for the Art League of Fort Bend at its Fort Bend Art Center, its art shows and events, and with its monthly teaching calendar showing the art classes offered at the art center. And of course, Garcia is creating art of her own. This year she’s participated at the Fulshear Art Market (“ART in the PARKing lot”) at the Fulshear Municipal Complex; helping her mother with a book-writing project in which Garcia is incorporating some of her artworks; adding to her egg series artworks; completing additional tree artworks; and her work “Ubuntu: I am because We Are” on display in Webster, Texas at the Webster Presbyterian Church visual Arts Exhibition “My Utmost for His Highest.” “Just last week I was invited to provide photos of my 40-plus tree series artworks so they can choose which ones they would like to include in a special physical art show,” Garcia said, adding that she will be the featured artist in this art show for the first 2024 quarter. During the Oct. 7 2023 Art League Fort Bend /LSAG Art Exhibition, judged by Ron Gordon, a few of Garcia’s works won awards. “In the professional artist division, the dog portrait I created in pastel earned a first place ribbon in the pastel category,” she said. And like with the Fort Bend Hope Tree, Garcia’s works also include hidden elements. In her award-winning dog portrait, other dogs and a cat were hidden in the work “if you knew where they were there,” she said. At that same contest her “What a Hoot! Eggs’actly A Dozen” watercolor artwork earned a second place, and the watercolor portrait she created for her y aunt and uncle’s 58th anniversary earned a third place. Each work has several hidden elements, “but I do not think the judge knew as I was successful in blending them into the artwork,” Garcia said. But no matter if her hidden messages are easily seen or swiftly overlooked, that’s her thing, and she’ll continue because it makes the work just a bit more special. “Every once in a while I take on a commission for a pet portrait,” she said, explaining that even for a profit, she likes to include hidden messages about topics the client requests. Her reasoning is simple: It makes “the portrait meaningful and special.”
DIRECTLY ABOVE & BELOW: Eugenia Algaze Garcia’s works have won awards, including first place in the 2023 Art League Fort Bend/LSAG Art Exhibition.
BELOW: In September, Eugenia gave a demo to Art League of Fort Bend members on the topic “Art as A Language” at the monthly members meeting. Here is Eugenia with artwork, “Windows of the Mind.” She is planning workshops in February at the Fort Bend Art Center, one of which will be around Valentine’s Day “for couples or individuals who want to explore what love means in an art-as-a-language exercise."
ABOVE: Eugenia's display “Letting Love Shine” series of acrylic artworks at the Fort Bend Art Center. The presentation itself even forms a smile. “I painted these because I feel like this world needs more love in it. The first flower is a little shy and there is a little fog. As the day progresses, the flower straightens and is joined by other flowers and pollinators and they all shine despite the darkness in the world around them.”
ABOVE LEFT: Eugenia’s booth during the Oct. 2023 Fulshear Art Market (ART in the PARKing lot) at the Fulshear Municipal Complex. ABOVE, RIGHT: Her work “Ubuntu: I am because We Are” is exhibiting in Webster, Texas.
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•7
DECE MBER
Continued on page 17
8 • Fulshear Living Monthly • December 2023
In & Around Fulshear
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The 'Future of Fulshear' set for Dec. 14
o provide an update on one of the fastest-growing cities in the Greater Houston region, the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce’s Governmental Relations Division will be hosting Mayor Aaron Groff for the Future of Fulshear. The Title Sponsor for this event, which will take place at Safari Texas Ranch on Dec. 14 from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., is Cross Creek Ranch and Cross Creek West. Additional sponsors for this event include Costello, Inc. (A Pape-Dawson Engineers Company), GFL Environmental, Kimley-Horn, and US Global Fuels. “Fulshear is determined to utilize strategies to ensure quality of life and a desire for bigger-city conveniences while retaining a small-town atmosphere,” the Fort Bend Chamber stated in a release. “They are focused on ensuring quality of life, fostering a vibrant business environment, expanding broadband, and improving transportation.” The Governmental Relations Division of the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce is under the leadership of Division Chair, Christopher Breaux, Fort Bend County. The Governmental Relations Division provides Chamber members with access to local, state and federal officials, promotes the understanding of current legislative issues and gives its membership the opportunity for input. This Division also provides a forum for discussion of relevant legislative matters, updates on key legislation, and provides leadership on legislation that is important to its members. During election years, the division conducts community candi-
date forums for municipal, primary, secondary and higher education, county, state and federal elections that provide a fair and unbiased opportunity for members to understand the qualifications and positions of the candidates as well as the key issues affecting an election.
Communities campaign aids charities
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he Fulshear communities of Cross Creek Ranch and Cross Creek West are hosting a joint Give Back, Build Hope campaign to benefit four local charities. The two communities will make a monetary donation to four Fort Bend charities for every home sold during November and December. The charities are Abigail’s Place, Family Hope, Fort Bend PAWS and Reining Strength. In addition, those purchasing a home in either community will have a chance at winning $3,000. “Expanding the Give Back, Build Hope campaign to include both Cross Creek West and Cross Creek Ranch led to us donating a record-breaking $35,000 to participating charities through the 2022 campaign,” said Rob Bamford, General Manager for Cross Creek Ranch and Cross Creek West. “We expect a strong showing this year, as well. We’re happy to support these essential Fort Bend charities.” In its fourth year, the Give Back, Build Hope campaign has donated $75,000 to participating charities. Richmond-based Abigail’s Place serves single mothers facing episodic homelessness, providing transitional housing and helping clients toward self-sufficiency. The charity’s transitional housing includes on-site shelter units, rental assistance, short-term hotel stays and security deposits. Family Hope specifically helps those in northern Fort Bend County with food and assistance with medical, rent and utility costs. Since 2020, Cross Creek Ranch has partnered with Family Hope to help them provide food for those in need.
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thanked Meals on Wheels volunteers for their delivery. “We are deeply honored to have reached this incredible milestone of serving our seven millionth meal to Mr. Meals on Wheels delivered their seven millionth meal to Fort Bend County resident Jesus Tupaz. From the Tupaz,” Executive left is Destinie Ramirez, Steve Macko, Meals on Wheels Director of Fort Bend FBS Executive Director Doug Simpson, and Jesus Tupaz. Seniors Meals on Wheels, Doug Simpson said. During the delivery, Tupaz expressed his gratitude towards otary InternaMeals on Wheels and tional declared discussed how he October 24 as looks forward to their World Polio Day and From left are David Howard, Staff Force CEO, deliveries. This milethe City of Fulshear anBeckyWatts, FBS, Jennifer Herrera, Staff Force Director nounced a proclamastone coincides with of Sales, Kristie Phillips, FBS, Dan Howard, Staff Force tion in recognition of it. Fulshear Mayor Aaron Groff delivered a proclamation the organization’s President and Doug Simpson, FBS Executive Director. Rotary International honoring Rotary International and the Brazos River 50th anniversary. was a founding part- Rotary Club to local members who attended the “As we approach our 50th year, we are more determined than ever meeting: Patrick Powers, Ron Duncan, Kathy Shelden, ner of the Global Polio and Kaye Kahlich. to continue making a positive impact in the lives of our senior neighEradication Project with bors,” said Simpson. their first vaccination project undertaken in 1979, and since then, millions of Rotarians have The organization’s commitment is to combat the critical issue of contributed more than $2 billion and countless volunteer hours to protect hunger among older adults in Fort Bend and Waller counties. nearly three billion children in 122 countries from this paralyzing disease. SPAZMATICS DELIVERS HIGH-ENERGY RESULTS In recognition of these efforts, the City of Fulshear declared a procStaff Force Personnel Services, a family-owned staffing agency lamation at its Oct. 17 City Council to honor Rotary International and based in Katy, presented Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels with the Brazos River Rotary Club. the proceeds from The Spazmatics Fundraiser, an annual charitable concert produced by the staffing company. The event, held on Oct. 7 at Dry Creek Social Club, celebrated its third year by raising almost $62,000 in support of critical programs that provide essential services to local area senior citizens. Staff Force organized the fundraiser to support Meals on Wheels, by BRANDON NORVELL | bnorvell@fbherald.com a nonprofit organization dedicated to delivering nutritious meals and friendly visits to homebound seniors in Fort Bend and Waller Couneals on Wheels served its seven millionth meal to a Fort Bend County senior and it celebrated the milestone by deties. Attendees were treated to a performance by The Spazmatics, a Jackson R. livering the meal with balloons to Jesus Tupaz. renowned band from Austin, known for their high-energy, entertaining Reed 1980s themed shows. Tupaz, an 85-year-old retired Navy pilot, received the meal and Travis B. Terry “We are incredibly grateful to Staff Force Personnel Services and everyone who contributed to the success of the 3rd Annual Spazmatics Fundraiser,” said Doug Simpson, Executive Director of Fort Bend ACCIDENT AND INJURY LAW Seniors Meals on Wheels. “This generous contribution will enable us to continue providing nutritious meals and vital human connections to Office@reedterrylaw.com our senior neighbors, improving their quality of life and keeping them www.reedterrylaw.com in their own homes for as long as possible.” David Howard, CEO at Staff Force Personnel Services also expressed gratitude. “It’s inspiring to witness the power of community coming together for a shared cause. We are proud to support our local Meals on - FREE CONSULTATION Wheels and are committed to making a difference in the lives of older NO RECOVERY, NO FEE adults,” Howard said. “The success of this fundraiser underscores the compassion and generosity of our community, and we look forJackson R. Reed Travis B. Terry Est. 1994 - Richmond, Sugar Land and Katy Offices ward to continuing our partnership with this vital organization.” 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 serves adults and children ages 2 and older who have physical, cognitive, social or emotional needs by providing equine-assisted services. The two communities are also taking donations of items such as office supplies, canned pet food, toiletries, non-perishable foods, paper towels, gift cards and more to give to the charities. Items can be dropped off at the Cross Creek Ranch Welcome Center, 6450 Cross Creek Bend Lane, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday as well as 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday. A full list of requested items per charity can be found at www.crosscreektexas.com/giveback.
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Fulshear recognizes World Polio Day
Meals on Wheels celebrates milestones and a victorious fundraiser
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Gardening
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‘Picnic for the Park’ fundraiser raises $80K for a park conservancy
ollowing its annual fundraiser, the Cullinan Park Conservancy announced the effort raised $80,000. The eighth annual fundraiser, Picnic for the Park, held on Oct. 20 was presented by Memorial Hermann Hospital,attracted more than 200 participants and featured guest speaker Dr. Cullen Geiselman Muse,bPhD, a conservationist, philanthropist and bat researcher. Dedicated to conserving bat species and the habitats they need to thrive, Muse shared that the Houston area has as many as 12 bat species with a lifespan of up to 40 years and strong immune systems. She also focuses on preserving and expanding green space to benefit people and nature. Her most recent book, One Health Meets the Exposome: Human, Wildlife, and Ecosystem Health, discusses the interconnections among humans, wildlife and our shared environment with the goal of optimizing health outcomes for all. “We are so grateful to our many sponsors and donors who attended our event and continue to support our mission – to preserve and protect Cullinan Park’s natural resources and promote conservation and education of its vegetation and wildlife,” said Cullinan Park Conservancy Board Chair, Keith Borgfeldt. “Proceeds will be used to complete the transformation of Cullinan Park, including expanding trails, and creating an outdoor classroom experience called LEAP (Learn, Explore & Play), which will be accessible to all children.” THE NINA CULLINAN AWARD This year, the Cullinan Park Conservancy recognized and presented the Nina Cullinan Award to Sugar Land Mayor Joe Zimmerman, who, through his dedicated leadership, has continued the legacy of preserving Cullinan Park’s
beauty and nature. “We attribute the ongoing improvements and success of the park to Mayor Zimmerman’s perseverance, and we’re truly grateful for his dedication to making it a vibrant and cherished part of our community,” said Borgfeldt. THE CULLINAN GREEN AWARD New to the program was the addition of the Cullinan Green Award, designed to recognize and promote an environmentally conscious business and/or organization in Sugar Land. “We’re excited to honor Storm Water Solutions as the first-ever recipient of this award for their contribution to environmental improvements, encouraging efficient resource use, promoting sustainability, and contributing to healthier and more livable communities,” said Borgfeldt. “We’ve seen firsthand their dedication to the environment and green-based practices.” 2023 PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS An element of the fundraiser is photo contest focused on Cullinan’s 754acre nature park, and the winners are announced at the fundraiser and posted on the organization’s website. Again sponsored by Oxbow Advisors, LLC, amateur and professional photographers submitted up to three total photos in designated categories. Serving as judges this year were three talented local photographers James Eastham being one of them. Each winner from the five photography categories received a $50 gift card. First Place Entries in Respective Categories: Flora category: “Spiderwort in the Morning” by Victoria Pfeifer Bird category: “We Are Family” by Vivian Vu Wildlife category: “Blue Swallowtail and Texas Purple Thistle” by Roger Hutchison
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Landscape category: “After the Rain” by Roger Hutchison Cell Phone category: “Red Gully Sunset” by Kristi Norman People’s Choice category: “Reflections” by Katy Lagunes For more information, visit www.cullinanparkconservancy.org.
Coastal Prairie Conservancy receives $100K from Baker Hughes Foundation
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he Coastal Prairie Conservancy is focused on ensuring a vibrant and resilient community and connecting the public with nature through public access, educational programming, and outreach, and recently it announced a $100,000 grant from the Baker Hughes Foundation to support the preservation of coastal prairies, wetlands, farms, and ranches to benefit people and wildlife in Texas. The grant was announced at the grand opening of Baker Hughes’ new headquarters in Houston’s Energy Corridor, with Coastal Prairie Conservancy representatives in attendance for a check presentation. This grant, in addition to $150,000 of previous support from the Baker Hughes Foundation, will support priority habitat restoration in the Texas Gulf Coast region. Much of this investment has been in the Indiangrass Preserve, part of the greater Katy Prairie Preserve that is home to more than 300 resident and migratory birds; 110 species of mammals, amphibians, and reptiles; 700 species of wildflowers and grasses, and thousands of terrestrial insects and aquatic invertebrates. This third-year grant will continue efforts to support the restoration and enhancement of this 2,800-acre preserve that is open for the public to enjoy. “Thriving natural ecosystems are essential for maintaining rich bio-
diversity, and we are committed to conserve and protect our natural resources,” said Allyson Book, chief sustainability officer at Baker Hughes. “Coastal Prairie Conservancy preserves and safeguards the ecosystems in the Greater Houston area, and we are proud to partner with them.” The Coastal Prairie Conservancy is one of the largest local land conservation organizations in southeast Texas, preserving nearly 31,000 acres of coastal prairie, which includes conserved lands near Baker Hughes’ new headquarters that stretch from Katy to the Gulf Coast. Formerly known as the Katy Prairie Conservancy, the Coastal Prairie Conservancy signifies the broader, regional reach of the organization. “We are so grateful for this generous donation and meaningful partnership with the Baker Hughes Foundation. Not only will this funding allow the Coastal Prairie Conservancy to safeguard plants and animals and provide healthy grasslands and wetlands as homes, it also benefits people,” said Coastal Prairie Conservancy president and CEO Mary Anne Piacentini. “Coastal prairie conservation and enhancement provide the public with access to nature, enhanced health and wellness, regional flood control, increased carbon capture, improved water quality, and climate resilience. We are proud to partner with the Baker Hughes Foundation to ensure healthy lands, healthy wildlife, and healthy communities.” The Coastal Prairie Conservancy’s Indiangrass Preserve is a permanently protected, fully restored coastal prairie natural area with three walking trails and is the hub of the organization’s activities. The preserve is open to the public three days a week for individuals and families to enjoy. For more information, visit coastalprairieconservancy.org.
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Arts & Entertainment Artists wanted for annual arts festival
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he Sugar Land Cultural Arts Foundation is calling for artists to participate in the 2024 Sugar Land Arts Fest, a two-day festival highlighting the cultural and artistic diversity of Fort Bend County and beyond. Created by the Sugar Land Cultural Arts Foundation and presented by Primeway Federal The Sugar Land Cultural Arts Foundation’s mission is to promote, connect, and empower arts and culture Credit Union, the throughout our diverse community. For more information, Sugar Land Arts visit www.slcaf.org. Fest is open to all professional and amateur artists specializing in 14 mediums, including calligraphy, ceramic/pottery, photography, painting, drawing, mixed media, and more. “Attendance at the Sugar Land Arts Fest continues to grow each year with participation by local, regional, national, and international artists. The Arts Fest committee works diligently to create an atmosphere that promotes and honors professional and amateur artists for their talent and creativity,” said Debra Jan, Artist Committee Chair for the Sugar Land Arts Fest. The cultivated festival, now entering its third year, features a variety of art, including painting, sculpture, photography, mixed media, glass art, woodworking, and jewelry. Attendees can also enjoy a wine and beer garden, cuisine from local restaurants, and live music during the festivities. Proceeds from the festival benefit the Sugar Land Cultural Arts Foundation. “As a participating artist, I highly recommend and encourage artists to participate,” Jan said. A NEW TRADITION To kick off the 2024 Sugar Land Arts Fest, however, the Sugar Land Cultural Arts Foundation took a different approach this year by unveiling murals painted by local artists during the 2023 Sugar Land Arts Fest that will hang in the lobby of Smart Financial Centre for a year. The honored local artists are Sylvia Blanca, Craig Carter, Jessica Guerra, and Stephanie Noe. Next summer, the Smart Financial Centre will hang a new set of murals from the 2024 Sugar Land Arts Fest. The Sugar Land Cultural Arts Foundation said it looks forward to the murals becoming an annual tradition as a way to showcase work by local artists. The 2023 muralists were given the topic of “music” as their inspiration during the arts festival. The murals depict each artist’s interpretation of the theme and are visible to all who enter the Smart Financial Centre for concerts and other events. “The Sugar Land Cultural Arts Foundation is grateful to partner with the Smart Financial Centre, allowing our local artists to share their talent and creativity with the Sugar Land community and beyond,” said Tim Stubenrouch, President of Sugar Land Cultural Arts Foundation. The 2024 Sugar Land Arts Fest is set for Saturday, April 27, and Sunday, April 28, 2024, at Smart Financial Centre in Sugar Land. Artists’ applications will be accepted through March 1, 2024. For more information about the categories and fees, and to access the registration application, visit www.sugarlandartsfest.com.
14 • Fulshear Living Monthly • December 2023
Libraries’ video-streaming service provides instant access to films and more
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re you looking for a new film or video series to watch, but do not want to pay for another subscription service? Fort Bend County Libraries will have demonstrations in December on Access Video On Demand, a video-streaming service offered free through the libraries’ online eLibrary collection of digital resources. The demonstrations will take place at two library locations, but those interested may also inquire about the service at any time at any FBCL location. The schedule of demonstrations is as follows: First Colony Branch Library, Monday, Dec. 11, at 2 p.m. and Sienna Branch Library, Tuesday, Dec. 12, at 2 p.m. With Access Video On Demand, library patrons have instant, unlimited, 24/7 access to thousands of world-class documentaries, award-winning educational films, independent movies, and helpful instructional videos covering a wide range of subjects. This video-streaming service includes two collections -- “Access Video on Demand: Master Collection” for adults and “Access Video On Demand: Just for Kids.” From arts and humanities to science, technology, and math, Access Video On Demand (AVOD) provides instant access to a wide range of subjects for library patrons of all ages. In the AVOD: Master Collection, producers such as the History Channel, HBO, BBC, Nova, A&E, and Ken Burns provide documentaries on topics like business, career planning, health, history, travel, and more! Library patrons can watch a Bob Dylan concert, go on a trip with Rick Steves, learn to bake with Julia Child, or work out with Jeanette Jenkins! AVOD: Just for Kids provides thousands of age-appropriate, advertisement-free videos that children, parents, and caregivers will love. Sesame Street, Reading Rainbow, PBS, and The Electric Company are a few of the many offerings that are available. Interactive games, puzzles, and quizzes are sure to entertain, educate, and inspire young library patrons on this kid-safe media platform. Looking for homework help? AVOD: Just for Kids includes educational, historical, and popular content, with full transcripts of programs, a citation builder for bibliographies, and video-clipping tools that help the user embed the video in a presentation. Completely browser-based and mobile-friendly, the streaming videos can be viewed on PCs, Macs, iPads, smart TVs, and other internet-enabled mobile devices. No app or special software is required. While not required, it is possible to create an account with AVOD and create playlists for videos to be watched in the future. With an account, patrons may also pause videos and resume at a later time. All videos come with public performance rights for classroom or other public use, and new videos are added monthly. To browse the AVOD collection of films, go to the FBCL website, www.fortbend.lib.tx.us, click on “eLibrary,” and scroll down to Access Video on Demand. There are no check-out limits, waitlists, or overdue fines. A valid FBCL card (or eCard) is required to access the service. Library cards are free to all Texas residents. To apply for a library card, please visit any FBCL location during business hours. You must provide a valid photo ID that is not expired (government-issued photo ID, passport from any country, or any state driver’s license) and a document showing a current address if it is not shown on the photo ID.
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Cuisine Corner
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hen cooked correctly, beef brisket is tender and delicious, and thanks to its density, brisket requires long cooking times at relatively low temperatures to produce a tender, boldly flavored beef dish. Brisket is best smoked or braised, which means simmered in a small amount of liquid. Most briskets will have a layer of fat on the surface. Try using brisket in place of a rump roast in this recipe and keep in mind that brisket will require long cooking times in a slow cooker and may need to be cut in half to fit into the pot.
½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon black pepper ¼ teaspoon ground cloves 1 beef rump roast or beef brisket (about 3 pounds) 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 cup dark rum, divided ½ cup beef broth 2 garlic cloves, minced 2 whole bay leaves, broken in half ½ cup packed dark brown sugar ¼ cup lime juice INSTRUCTIONS In a small bowl, combine allspice, salt, pepper, and cloves. Rub spices onto all sides of meat. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat until hot. Sear beef on all sides, turning as it browns. Transfer to Crock-Pot® slow cooker. Add 1⁄2 cup rum, broth, garlic, and bay leaves. Cover; cook on low 1 hour. In a small bowl, combine remaining 1⁄2 cup rum, brown sugar and lime juice, stirring well. Pour over roast. Continue cooking on low 4 to 6 hours for the rump roast (cook on high for 5 to 6 hours for brisket), or until beef is fork-tender. Baste beef occasionally with sauce. Remove and slice. Spoon sauce over beef to serve.
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Beef Roast With Dark Rum Sauce
Makes 6 servings INGREDIENTS 1 teaspoon ground allspice
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mall bites and finger foods are ideal when hosting a crowd because they allow individuals to pick and choose among several different offerings. These “Easy Salmon Cakes” can be served alone or with buns.
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Easy Salmon Cakes
Serves 4 INGREDIENTS 1 pound canned salmon, flaked ½ cup gluten-free bread crumbs 1 egg, beaten 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill, plus extra for garnish
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16 • Fulshear Living Monthly • December 2023
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Continued from page 16 ½ teaspoon sea salt ⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1 lemon, quartered, for garnish INSTRUCTIONS Preheat the oven to 375 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. In a large bowl, mix the salmon and bread crumbs. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, mustard, dill, salt, and pepper. Fold this into the salmon and bread crumbs. Form the salmon mixture into 4 patties and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 5 minutes, flip, and bake for 5 minutes more, until the patties are golden. Garnish with fresh dill and lemon. To make this GERD-friendly, omit the black pepper and reduce the mustard to 2 teaspoons.
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hile busy families often use them to prepare weeknight meals, slow cookers also can be used when cooking for crowds. This recipe utilizes a fully cooked, store-bought ham and some sweet and savory additions. The ham can be served on its own, or be used to create delicious sliders. Since it serves 12, it’s the perfect meal for a crowd.
OLD FASHION GINGERBREAD
Sweet Southern Slow-Cooker Ham
Serves 12 INGREDIENTS 1 bone-in fully cooked ham (about 5½ pounds) 1 cup apple cider ½ cup dark brown sugar ⅓ cup bourbon (preferably Kentucky) ¼ cup honey ¼ cup Dijon style mustard 4 sprigs fresh thyme INSTRUCTIONS Place the ham in a large slow cooker. Whisk the cider with the brown sugar, bourbon, honey, and mustard. Slowly pour over the ham. Scatter the thyme sprigs into the slow cooker. Cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 8 hours, or until very tender. Remove ham to rest on a cutting board. Pass the remaining cooking liquid through a fine mesh sieve into a saucepan. Simmer for 10 minutes or until slightly reduced. Cut the ham into chunks or slices. Brush the cut pieces with the cooking liquid before arranging on a platter. Serve warm or at room temperature.
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Prep: 25 m | Cook: 1 h | Ready In: 1 h 45 m INGREDIENTS ½ cup white sugar ½ cup butter 1 egg 1 cup molasses 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground ginger ½ teaspoon ground cloves ½ teaspoon salt 1 cup hot water DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9-inch square pan. In a large bowl, cream together the sugar and butter. Beat in the egg, and mix in the molasses. In a bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Blend into the creamed mixture. Stir in the hot water. Pour into the prepared pan. Bake 1 hour in the preheated oven, until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool in pan before serving.
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18 • Fulshear Living Monthly • December 2023
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20 • Fulshear Living Monthly • December 2023
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