Explore Fulshear Magazine 2021

Explore

FULSHEAR

W W W. E X P L O R E F U LS H E A R . C O M

FIND YOUR Path

Enjoying the great outdoors and creating those special moments comes Naturally in Cross Creek Ranch where residents find a bounty of “life is great” opportunities.

• Highly acclaimed Lamar CISD schools within 2 miles of community

• Onsite Katy ISD schools • Multiple water parks, pools and playgrounds • 18-hole disc golf course and putting green • Tennis, basketball, pickleball, wall ball and sand volleyball courts

• Flewellen Creek Nature Preserve • More than 45 miles of trails • Catch and release fishing • On-site fitness center • On-site Italian Maid Café • Nearby shopping and dining, including an H-E-B

New Homes from the $200s to $1 Million+ *Pricing and availability subject to change without notice.

CrossCreekTexas.com

ENJOY THE breath-taking beauty & THE country lifestyle OF THE BRAZOS RIVER

Secluded in one of the scenic bends of the Brazos River, Laprada Landing offers an escape from the rigors of the city. Located 40 miles west of downtown Houston, Laprada Landing feels worlds away with dense stands of mature trees and sweeping vistas overlooking the Brazos.

The unspoiled, natural beauty of the tracts offers a pristine piece of the rural Texas countryside without having to sacrifice the amenities of city living. Laprada Landing, located just south of Fulshear, is easily accessible from Westpark Tollway and FM 1093.

Laprada Landing offers tracts ranging from ±60 - 105 acres, each with its own unhindered view of the Brazos River. With varying tree coverage, each tract has its own features that set it apart from the others with no two being exactly alike. There is ample opportunity to build and create your own sense of place.

N

HWY 99

Interstate 10

Westpark Tollway

FM 1093

FM 723

Stratman Rd

Laprada Trace

(Formerly Montgomery Rd)

r ive

sR zo

Bra

359 HWY

Bois D’Arc Ln

Winner Foster Rd

Secluded in one of the scenic bends of the Brazos River, Laprada Landing offers an escape from the rigors of the city. Located 40 miles west of downtown Houston, Laprada Landing feels worlds away with dense stands of mature trees and sweeping vistas overlooking the Brazos.

Beadle Ln

The unspoiled, natural beauty of the tracts offers a pristine F othe r mrural o r e Texas infor m at i o n cwithout o n t a chaving t piece of countryside to sacrifice the amenities of city living. Laprada Landing, ROLLER located just southMIKE of Fulshear, is easily accessible from 346-0222 Westpark Tollway and(281) FM 1093.

M I K E @ M OV E W E S T. N E T

PUB LISH ER LETTER

06

P ublisher LETTER FROM THE Jaclyn Ritter

TO OUR READERS,

We are back! Explore Fulshear, formally known as Fulshear Magazine, is excited to dive deeper into exploring the history, people, businesses, and beauty that is Fulshear, Texas. Whether you have lived here your whole life, or are new to the area, there is still so much to Explore.

My name is Jaclyn, and with the support of George Lane and Daniel McJunkin, I am excited to be the new publisher of Explore Fulshear Magazine. My family has lived in Fulshear for the past ten years and recently returned after almost two years living on the islands of Trinidad and Tobago, the southernmost dual island nation in the Caribbean. My time there, while short and limited due to Covid, was magical. With travel being restricted for so long, I thought it might be fun to feed your wanderlust soul and give you a quick tour on page 34 of the land of waves and hummingbirds – Trinidad and Tobago.

I have been with the magazine since its inception in 2014, and over the years have had the honor of getting to meet some pretty fantastic people. The best part is sharing these people and their stories with you, our readers. I look forward to continuing to produce the beautiful and quality product you have come to expect and appreciate, that introduces you to new people and businesses, informs you of opportunities in the community, and showcases beautiful photography of the place you have chosen to call home.

We are very excited about this issue of Explore Fulshear, and hope you enjoy flipping through its pages. As always, we could not have done it without the unwavering support of our loyal advertisers and avid readers. On behalf of all of us on the Explore team, we thank you!

Jaclyn

EX P LOR E.U S

Sincerely,

Photo by Rhonda Kuykendall

HOUSTON METHODIST KATY AND Leading Medicine in

in Katy and West Houston

WEST HOUSTON

290

10

WEST HOUSTON KATY

MEMORIAL CITY 8

KINGSLAND BLVD.

99

VOSS RD.

BINGLE RD.

HOUSTON METHODIST WEST HOSPITAL

MEMORIAL GREEN

6

WESTHE IMER RD.

MEMORIAL

PRIMARY CARE

CINCO RANCH

1093 WAY WESTPAR K TOLL

PRIMARY AND SPECIALTY CARE EMERGENCY CARE

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 and labs • 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.

Find a Location

NEAR YOU

MAGAZINE STAFF JACLYN RITTER Publisher

KATIE MECHAM Art Director

AUDREY LANE

Associate Publisher

RHONDA KUYKENDALL Staff Photographer

DANIEL MCJUNKIN Publisher Emeritas & Co-Founder

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS TOMMY KUYKENDALL CJ MCDANIEL JACLYN RITTER

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS CHUCK DUPLANT CAROLYN FANNON T. KIBODEAUX GREG LAVATY CJ MCDANIEL DON PINE JACLYN RITTER

EXPLORE AMERICA, LLC GEORGE LANE Chariman & CEO

EXPLORE FULSHEAR MAGAZINE 281-973-0633

EXPLOREFULSHEAR.COM © Copyright 2021 - Explore America, LLC All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.

Cover & Contents Photo Credit: Rhonda Kuykendall

contents The Katy Prairie Preserve Is Closer Thank You Think ...

18 another lamar legacy in Morgan ELementary School

28 texas pride Local Second Grader Wins

34 trinidad & Tobago Wanderlust and Ready?

43 Big city media Moves Into the Country

44 in full bloom Local Florist Ace’s New Reality Show

52 Restoring Hope & independence Local Nonprofit is Making a Difference

58 flowers on parade Fulshear is Growing and Changing

64 from seafood to Service Pier 36 Has Been Cooking and Serving

68 Texian exchange club of Fulshear & Katy

74 Your Community Chamber of Commerce

78 Lemon Blueberry cake with Whipped Lemon Cream Frosting

your guide to Explore Fulshear

EX P LOR E.U S

12

09

S E RV I N G O V E R

500 TEXAS

C O M MU N I T I E S

EX P LOR E.U S

TH E K ATY PRA IRIE PRESERV E

12

The Katy Prairie Preserve

SUBMITTED BY

IS CLOSER THAN YOU THINK...

Imagine a place close by where families, hikers, birders, and nature lovers can enjoy a rich mosaic of natural wonders. Where shallow wetlands sustain huge flocks of birds, cypress-lined bayous shelter abundant wildlife, and fields of native grasses and wildflowers sway in the gentle Gulf breeze.

The Katy Prairie is such a place, and the Katy Prairie Conservancy is working to keep it that way, for all of you, forever.

It’s our region’s own BACKYARD, and it’s getting smaller every day.

Just 12 miles north of downtown Katy, and about 45 miles west of downtown Houston, the Katy Prairie is part of a larger coastal prairie that originally encompassed 9 million acres of land along the coasts of Texas and Louisiana.

This pristine paradise was a vast expanse of tall grasses, wildflowers, and wetlands. Today, the Katy Prairie is in danger of disappearing. Every 30 seconds America loses a football field of natural lands to roads, houses, pipelines, and other developments. Every year, Texas loses more farmland than any other state in the nation. Houston’s growth has resulted in the conversion of farms, fields, and prairies into strip malls, offices, parking lots, and proliferating suburbs, consuming thousands of acres of the coastal prairie, one of the most important and threatened ecosystems in North America. It is estimated that less than one percent of the coastal prairie remains, with another 15 to 20% in a degraded but restorable state. As the prairie goes, so too goes a rich Texas legacy of wildlife habitat, rice farming, cattle ranching, outdoor recreation, and native plants and animals.

century-old rice fields, shy bobcats prowl muddy bottomlands, and red-eared slider turtles lounge near fallen Cypress trunks. But the prairie is not just a home for wildlife. It is so much more. For our communities, coastal prairie conservation and restoration ensure healthier land, healthier watersheds, and healthier communities.

Prairie grasses absorb and hold back floodwaters while also sequestering carbon. Lands kept in agriculture produce local food.

Wetlands protect water quality and quantity. Adventure awaits on a walking trail or the wildlife viewing platform.

Protecting coastal prairie now means current and future generations will always receive the benefits of these wideopen spaces. We are working with you to preserve these natural spaces because we care about people and wildlife, and the prairie benefits both.

13

01

It’s the RIGHT prairie in the RIGHT place.

The Katy Prairie has been called an ecological treasure for good reason.

It supports more than 300 species of migratory waterfowl, shore birds, and song birds, more than 100 species of mammals, amphibians, and reptiles, and nearly 700 species of grasses and wildflowers. Bald eagles soar above

The Katy Prairie Conservancy watches the prairie like a hawk.

We have been acquiring land and conservation easements since 1997. As a nationally accredited 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and a trusted leader in local land conservation, the Katy Prairie Conservancy protects over 24,000 acres of coastal prairie in Texas, with nearly 18,500 of these protected acres being in the ecological heart of the Katy Prairie.

We are also working to expand coastal prairie conservation into other Texas counties towards the coast. We know our region’s growth will continue, but we also know that if we work today to protect large, connected pieces of coastal prairie, future generations will thank us. The Katy Prairie Conservancy’s ultimate goal is to conserve as many sizable pieces of coastal prairie as we can. The Katy Prairie Preserve will form a regional “central park” for our growing population that provides access to nature, both for people and wildlife.

EX P LOR E.U S

Our VISION for the future is open spaces for all.

14 TH E K ATY PRA IRIE PRESERV E

In addition to increasing protected coastal prairie lands, the Katy Prairie Conservancy is working to restore and enhance conserved lands, collaborate with other organizations to ensure a vibrant and resilient community, and connect the public with nature through public access, educational programming, and outreach.

Now you are probably thinking – how does the Katy Prairie Conservancy accomplish all this work? We certainly could not do it without the passionate and generous support of individuals like you. Every hour of volunteer work helps us advance restoration projects or host great events. Every donation made helps KPC preserve and enhance land and provide outdoor programming for children and adults. Every story shared gets the word out, so that more and more people hear about the work we are accomplishing together, and in turn they support our work, too.

If, as Jane Jacobs wrote, “big cities need real countryside close by,” the Katy Prairie is as real as it gets – a working landscape of farms and ranches intermingled with wildflowers, wetlands, and world-class wildlife habitat.

Your help can ensure it stays that way.

To learn more, or to join this effort by volunteering, visiting, or donating, go to our website at katyprairie.org.

EX P LOR E.U S

02

03 Houston Office: 5615 Kirby Drive, Suite 867 | Houston, TX 77005 Field Office: 31975 Hebert Road | Waller, TX 77484 713-523-6135 | KatyPrairie.org

Katy Prairie Photos

05

15

01 - Indiangrass Preserve - Don Pine 02 - Birding on the Prairie - Don Pine 03 - Katy Prairie Sky - Don Pine 04 - Bobwhite Quail - Greg Lavaty 05 - Black-necked Stilt - Greg Lavaty 06 - Black Swallowtail - Chuck Duplant 07 - Sunflowers on the Katy Prairie Don Pine

08 - Meadowlark - T. Kibodeaux 09 - Blue-winged Teal T. Kibodeaux

10 - Green Tree Frog on Sunflower Carolyn Fannon

11 - White-fronted Geese -

04

06

T. Kibodeaux

12 - Sandhill Crane - Don Pine 13 - Education Event on the Prairie Katy Prairie Conservancy

14 - Wildflowers in Bloom on the Katy Prairie - Chuck Duplant

15 - Red-tailed Hawk - T. Kibodeaux

07 09

10

11

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EX P LOR E.U S

08

GOLF IT’S NOT JUST A

SPORT

It’s A Li festyle

GATED COUNTRY CLUB COMMUNITY | GOLF | TENNIS | FITNESS | DINING | MEMBER EVENTS

Not Your Ordinary Community

Tucked behind the guarded entrance along FM 1093, the EXCLUSIVE 1,400-ACRE COMMUNITY of Weston Lakes remains one of the BEST KEPT SECRETS in the Fulshear area. Many long-time area residents drive right past it every day and don’t realize all that this community has to offer.

(281) 346-1967 | WESTONLAKES.NET | 32611 FM 1093 | FULSHEAR, TX 77441

EX P LOR E.U S

A N OTH ER LA M A R LEGA CY

18

19

Another LAMAR Legacy in

Morgan Elementary School WRITTEN BY JACLYN RITTER

BIG

IS COMING TO FULSHEAR IN THE NEW YEAR!

W

Building, staffing, and opening a new school is exciting.

No one is looking forward to opening day more than Brian Gibson, the school’s first principal. “I am really excited about building a legacy – history within the community,” says Principal Gibson. “It is essentially a blank slate. I love the newness of it all and the ability to build a strong sense of community right from the start.”

EX P LOR E.U S

SOMETHING

ith so much growth in the area, it is of no surprise that our much-loved Huggins Elementary is bursting at the seams. Since its opening in 1979, Huggins has served the community well, however it is currently housing 904 students in a building with a capacity of 650. Fletcher Morgan Jr. Elementary will open its doors to Fulshear area youth in January of 2022. Located on FM 1093 and directly in front of the Weston Lakes Community’s main entrance, the new facility will serve the western half of the Fulshear city area. For these students and their parents, the opening of Morgan Elementary School is much anticipated.

A N OTH ER LA M A R LEGA CY

20

Principal

Brian Gibson

EX P LOR E.U S

Photo Credit: Rhonda Kuykendall

Meet the

Principal Brian Gibson was born in Houston, Texas and attended Aldine ISD schools. After earning his bachelor’s degree from Sam Houston State University in 2001, he subsequently earned his master’s in Education Administration in 2007 from Prairie View A&M University. With 16 years of experience as an educator, Gibson was ready to take the next step into the role of principal, a role he proudly held from 2014 to 2021 at Velasquez Elementary in Richmond. Leaving Velasquez was bittersweet, but it was the opportunity to help build a school from the ground up that brought Gibson to Fulshear.

“I have always been accustomed to going above and beyond for the greater good,” says Principal Gibson.

“Any activity my administrators wanted me to do, from starting a club to volunteering for the talent show, I just embraced those opportunities.” Gibson’s former students and colleagues would be quick to note that he is not afraid to have fun while getting the work done. In fact, many acknowledge that his epic talent show entries are still talked about today.

“There are so many aspects of my job that I love, but at the end of the day, it’s the kids,” says Gibson. “They come in so authentic and genuine, and they see us for who we are, in that moment. They just want the best of you every day, and that is exactly what they deserve – the best.”

Principal Gibson’s passion for educating young minds and creating a loving and safe school environment is apparent to all who have had the privilege of entering his schools. He is also quick to note that it is a team effort.

When families and school staff work collaboratively, a strong and positive educational environment is formed, which leads to student success both in and out of the classroom.

21

What Goes into

Opening

the Doors?

Opening a new campus is no simple task. There are so many decisions that must be made, both big and small – all being equally important. Principal Gibson has been working with the district, project managers overseeing construction, the budgeting department, finance department, graphic arts department, and community relations since January 2021. The role of principal really changes when you have the honor of filling the position for a brand-new school. “What surprised me the most is the fact that I have had discretion on some of the small and fun details, like picking furniture and playground equipment,” says Gibson. “I get to think about how students will be using each space and what pieces will best help that space function the way we want it to function. I have really been able to dig deep and be a part of the process from day one.”

morgan elementary

EX P LOR E.U S

classroomS

A N OTH ER LA M A R LEGA CY

22

With the doors of Morgan Elementary not opening until January 2022, students will begin the school year at Huggins Elementary. “We will be two schools independently operating in one building,” notes Gibson. The campus will temporarily host two principals and two sets of staff and students. When teachers and students return from winter break, they will transition over to the Morgan Elementary campus where together they will walk the halls for the first time.

Even without a building, Principal Gibson already has the school spirit and excitement pumping. In April, families had the opportunity to tune in for a meeting about three potential mascots and their coordinating school colors. Parents and prospective students were then encouraged to discuss and persuade one another of their choices before casting their individual votes. Households were split and discussions were extensive, but ultimately over 250 votes were tallied, and the winner was announced. Get ready to sport your purple, gray, and white, and cheer on your Morgan Panthers.

How lucky are we to now have two fantastic elementary schools in the greater Fulshear area! Just as those first students of Huggins did in 1979, a new generation of students and staff will have the honor of being the first steps, faces, and voices of Morgan Elementary. Together, with Principal Brian Gibson leading the way, they will become a scholastic community built on new traditions as they shape their Board Approved Zones own legacy.

purple gray white

school

colors

2-18-21 Lama r C ISD - - Re zo nin g fo r M o rg an El eme nt ar y Board Approved Zones 2-18-21 Lama r C ISD - - Re zo nin g foapproved r M o rg an El eme nt ar y board

Ta m r r on a C ro s si n g

ZONES

mar ron TTaam r r on Pkawy C ro s si n g

Hunt Rd

Jo r

Huggins

FM

14

FM

89

n

s o

n

Dr

t

s o

McKin no n Rd

cFM 1093

McKin no n Rd

c

ois B Ln

Dr

FM 1093

Da r

t

Guyler Guyler

9

Huggins ois B Ln

lbroo k u lbroo k F Rd Rd

Rd r Rd Bo w se Bo w se r

e W

Fu

e W

35

9

Da r

Morgan

ar ron Tam Pkwyk ee Ln ss e k ee Ln ss e

FM 35 9 FM 35 9

FM

Morgan

35

Ja e s Ln m e s Ln

89

Rogers Rd

Jam

14

Pool Pool Hill Rd Hill Rd

FM

Rogers Rd

Fu l shear Fu l shear K a ty RdK a ty Rd

Hunt Rd

Jo r

Cro Cro B Cr B Cr n n d d

dan Rd dan Rd

2/18/21 - lamar cisd

Winner Rd Foster

0

1

2

4 Miles

0

1

2

4 Miles

**Planning Document Only** Board of Trustees has made no decisions about **Planning Document Only** attendance zones.

Board of Trustees has made no decisions about attendance zones.

Rd Stratman Rd Stratman

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Winner Rd Foster

Beadle Rd

Beadle Rd

“My father never told me how to live.

He just lived and let me watch him do it.”

23

Hard work was no stranger to Morgan. With a Bachelor of Science degree in vocational agriculture and a master’s degree in agriculture economics, Morgan worked long days and nights as a farmer and rancher.

Later, Morgan was hired by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) as County Supervisor, where he helped Fort Bend County residents obtain home ownership. He retired from the agency in 1986. Not only did Morgan serve his community, he also proudly served his country in World War II. After being discharged from the military, Morgan worked as an instructor and supervisor of Veterans in Agriculture.

Throughout his life, Morgan was a member of many professional and local organizations, such as The Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, chairperson for the Gulf Coast Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts and director of the Coastal Plains and Water Conservation District. A little closer to home, Morgan was also a member of the AME Church, 32nd Degree Mason, and lifetime member of Prairie View A&M University’s Alumni Association. Weekends were often spent enjoying the outdoors while volunteering at Brazos Bend State Park. Morgan’s service did not go unnoticed, as he received numerous awards and recognitions, including being named the first recipient of The Senator Walter M. Burton Award, which recognizes men and women who have served through politics and community affairs.

The name that will soon grace this much anticipated building is one of honor and strength. Fletcher Morgan Jr., born in Bay City on October 6, 1920, was a man of service and leadership.

Morgan was a family man. He and his wife, Alice Mae Riggins, enjoyed 63 beautiful years together until he passed in September 2009. Together they had three children: Nadine, Rita and Dennis.

“My father was a hard worker, loyal to our family, and dedicated to his community and service to others,” says Morgan’s daughter, Rita Miller. “He had a concern for young people and truly believed in the value of education.” Rita feels that a quote by Clarence Budington sums up her father’s parenting style best.

The first time Morgan’s daughter submitted his name for upcoming schools it was not selected. In 2017, after a rather rough year, Rita submitted his name again. “I had to try again,” says Rita. “For him and for me.”

Rita Miller is so excited to see her father’s name permanently placed on a building he so passionately believed in; a building dedicated to educating youth. “Sometimes I ride out to the construction site and just sit there. I am so proud, and I know he would be too!”

The name Fletcher Morgan Jr. will now not only hold a special place for those who knew him, but also for many young students who have the honor of seeing his name each day on the walls of their school. His memory will live on and inspire for generations to come.

EX P LOR E.U S

Fletcher Morgan Jr.

EX PLORE FULSH EA R

24

Explore

FULSHEAR

EX P LOR E.U S

Photography by Rhonda Kuykendall

salazar ranch

old foster community museum

local hummingbird

harveigh the calf

old foster community museum

EX P LOR E.U S

TEX A S PRIDE

28

Photo Credit: Rhonda Kuykendall

Texas Pride

29

L o c a l s ec o nd grader w ins w rit ing cont es t and bo o s t s T ex as pride at t he s am e t im e WRITTEN BY JACLYN RITTER

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s™ Trailblazer Committee hit the jackpot when they talked Texas pride with state-wide second graders. This spring, in the committee’s ongoing efforts to promote reading literacy in schools, they invited all Texas second graders, in person or homeschooled, to participate in their inaugural writing competition. The theme for this year was, “Why I am Proud to Live in Texas.”

The Trailblazer Committee was thrilled to receive over 300 entries in their first year of the competition from so many enthusiastic young writers and thinkers. The entries received were judged on the following criteria: 60% creativity, 30% organization, and 10% correctness of style. Entries submitted by second grade Texans did not disappoint. The students’ words made the judges laugh, cry, and even strengthen their own pride in being a Texan. But ultimately it was the submission by Fulshear resident, Claire Pumphrey that won their hearts.

Huggins Elementary student, Claire Pumphrey, is an avid reader and budding writer. “Claire has a great imagination and loves to write creative stories,” says Claire’s mom, Leigh Pumphrey. “She often spends her

quiet time writing stories and songs. She has quite a collection started already!” Claire responds by saying, “I enjoy writing because you can make up your own story with your own characters, plot, and setting. You can make anything happen. I like to make it funny and exciting!”

In her entry, Claire writes about playing with her brother at the family farm and picking pecans to bake into scrumptious pies. “Due to the word count, I had to cut out one of my favorite parts,” says Claire. “My dog Lucy joins us when we pick pecans. She likes to eat them.”

It was Claire’s opening paragraphs that struck the hearts of not only the judges, but her family as well. “She wrote about us back in February sitting in our cold home, with no power or water, looking out onto our yard covered in snow,” says Leigh Pumphrey. “How Claire turned that difficult time into a story about why she is proud to live in Texas just amazes me. I am so proud of her.” Claire is proof that kids see the best in even the hardest times.

Through their new writing competition, the Trailblazer Committee is helping encourage creativity and writing skill development in Texas youth.

Fulshear’s own, Claire Pumphrey, is proud to be the first winner of such a great contest. However, it is everyone who read her entry that are the real winners. Claire’s words help remind us that even during the difficult times, Texans help one another. For that, our Texas pride just grew larger than our ten-gallon hats.

Want to know more about the Trailblazer Committee’s writing contest through the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo? Visit https://www.rodeohouston.com/Get-Involved/Exhibitors-Participants/Writing-Competition

EX P LOR E.U S

If

there is one thing that Texans have, it is pride in being a Texan. We are known for it across the country and around the world. Cross any state line into the Lone Star State and you will be met with Texas shaped food, Texas edition trucks, and Texas stars adorning ranch gates and neighborhood doors. This deep and unwavering pride may look different for everyone, but it is the common thread that binds every Texan together – even kids.

CLAIRE’S ENTRY TEX A S PRIDE

30

I n

Eagle M y

B a c k y a r d

WRITTEN BY CLAIRE PUMPHREY

I was sitting next to the fire, huddled under thick warm blankets. The power was out, and water was dripping into our sinks. Wind howled down our chimney and snow made a blanket of white outside. Suddenly a big black-brown and white bird swooped down over the snow covered trees, “Look a bald eagle!” I heard my dad say.

This made me think of why I am proud to live in Texas.

Whenever there is a natural disaster like this snowstorm, I know that Texans look out for one another. Texans help each other find food, shelter, water and gas. My mom knows she can always count on HEB to get water and food to people. My dad always loads up his truck with tools and a generator to help people fix flooded homes or burst pipes. It makes me proud to see him help others.

Many people in Texas like raising cows. At my family’s land, we have cows and lots of baby calves. My brother and I like to go to the farm. We climb on hay barrels and play. In spring, bluebonnets bloom and butterflies fly all around. I love how it feels each time we pull into the gate at our farm.

EX P LOR E.U S

Every fall, my family likes to go pecan picking. We take bags and our wagon out in search of pecans. We walk along my neighborhood’s trails, crunching on fallen leaves until we find the pecan trees. My brother and I have contests to see who can find the most pecans. My dad cracks them and my mom bakes them into yummy pecan pies.

This year I am most thankful to live in Texas because I can go to school. I love seeing my friends face to face and not on a computer screen. It makes me feel important to have a place to go every day and a classroom full of friends to laugh and learn with.

I went back to staring at the eagle. I am SO proud to live in Texas!

EX P LOR E.U S

31

Photo Credit: iStock.com/gjohnstonphoto

to join the

Explore Fulshear

team?

We are looking for

Freelance W riters

eager to meet the fantastic people of fulshear and share their stories. If interested, please email jaclyn at

Jaclyn@explore.us with your resume and two examples of your writing.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Hey Fulshear!

Photo by Rhonda Kuykendall

Want

SA LES • INS TA LL • SER V ICE

C learly the Best (281) 750-6091 • 3902 FM 723 Road, Suite D • Rosenberg, TX

www.milestonewindows.com

TRIN IDA D A N D TOB A GO

34

Join me on a tour of these magical Caribbean islands

EX P LOR E.U S

WRITTEN & PHOTOGRAPHED BY JACLYN RITTER

Photo Credit: iStock.com/pabst_ell

A

Having been transferred only months prior, my family and I rode out the height of Covid-19 far from the security of life in Fulshear – far from home. We uprooted to the tropical oasis of Trinidad and Tobago, the southernmost islands of the Caribbean chain. With the country’s borders closed, we soon felt a bit like Gilligan and his crew, stranded on a beautiful island with our hearts longing for home. Finding ourselves in such an enviable predicament, we seized the opportunity to explore every inch of the tropical dual island nation that we now called home.

35 This 12,000-acre swamp, just a stone’s throw away from the country’s capital city, is a popular ecotourism destination in the western part of Trinidad. A wide array of plants and animals find themselves at home in this remote paradise amongst the fresh and saltwater marshes, mangroves, and saline lagoons.

We had the privilege of experiencing this natural splendor by boat. With binoculars glued to their faces, my kids scanned the banks of the water looking for caiman alligators. Lucky for us, we were able to spot one only briefly at the beginning of the tour before he was scared off by the sounds of the boat’s motor. After winding through the tight mangroves, we approached a large clearing. The flamingos caught our eyes – beautiful pink creatures statuesque in the water. We were informed that flamingos are not native to Trinidad. In fact, they only began migrating from Venezuela to the swamp a few years ago.

Then came the main attraction, a bird that is easily recognized by its brilliant red hue that comes from carotene in their diet – the scarlet ibis. As the sun set, these striking red birds began to fly over our heads and land on

EX P LOR E.U S

nyone else having flashbacks to the days when we could follow our wanderlust dreams and book an airplane ticket to just about anywhere without a thought? In the days of Covid-19 lockdowns we have resorted to looking back at our old photo albums and taking virtual tours of exotic places that now seem even further out of our reach.

TRIN IDA D A N D TOB A GO

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Photo Credit: iStock.com/MattCuda

a small island in front of our boat. After many years of being hunted for food and for their feathers, which were often used in elaborate Carnival costumes, the country of Trinidad and Tobago has declared the scarlet ibis their national bird. The sight of a forest of trees speckled with vibrant red feathers, that appear to be dancing through the leaves, is a sight like no other.

EX P LOR E.U S

Located on the northeastern tip of Trinidad, Grande Riviere is known as a nesting ground for the world’s largest sea turtles – leatherbacks. Weighing in at 500 pounds and up, and about six feet in length, they are truly magnificent. We were told by local Trinis that Grande Riviere was the place to see them, and our experience certainly proved them right.

The beach at Grande Riviere is not like most of the other beaches we visited in Trinidad. Here, the sand is heavier and coarser. In fact, the waves wash up large rocks instead of shells, so be sure to guard your ankles!

The beach is closed from 6pm to 6am daily during

nesting season to allow the leatherback turtles to safely lay their eggs, bury them, and return to the sea before morning. We were fortunate enough to acquire a permit that allowed us to venture onto the beach with a local guide in the middle of the night to see these magnificent creatures up close.

Did you know that leatherback turtles return to the same beach they are born to lay their own eggs? They can travel as far as Africa and New Zealand for foraging, but find their way back to Trinidad, as well as other places in the tropics, to lay their eggs. This gives new meaning to generational legacy - Remarkable!

Another fun fact, leatherbacks lay anywhere from 80-120 eggs at a time. However, the last eggs laid are yolk-less.

This provides a layer of safety from birds and animals for the eggs below.

We were fortunate enough to venture to Grande Riviere to see the leatherback turtles on two separate occasions during our time in Trinidad. Each time, these majestic giants of the sea took my breath away. Knowing that they travel such great lengths, but always find their way home, truly resonated with me.

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Long before we even moved to Trinidad, we had heard about the famous glass bottom boat tours on its sister island of Tobago. London may have the famous double decker bus, but Tobago allows visitors to tour the island by way of a double decker boat. From above, you have sweeping views of the Caribbean Sea with waves breaking in the distance at the reef, while below, you can look through the glass bottom at the colorful fish and coral. Insider tip – as I learned the hard way, it is best to take quick glances down at the water to avoid getting seasick in record time.

Following our tour of No Man’s Land, we ventured to Nylon Pool, a sand bank located in the middle of the sea that is shallow enough to walk on. Naturally, this was my favorite stop because my feet could touch the bottom. It was a surreal feeling to find myself standing in the middle of the sea, miles away from shore in any direction!

Whether it is chocolate cake, chocolate pudding, chocolate chip cookies, chocolate souffle, or even chocolate covered pretzels, without going too Forrest Gump on you, let’s just say that I love chocolate. That is why I really loved visiting the Ortinola Cocoa Estate.

Tucked in the lush green rainforest of Trinidad’s northern range sits 430 acres of paradise known as Ortinola Estate.

EX P LOR E.U S

One stop on the tour is to No Man’s Land, a small uninhabited peninsula. Uninhabited that is until the tour boats pull up and the party begins. The boats supply the soca music, while the locals supply the food – fresh crab legs.

EX P LOR E.U S

TRIN IDA D A N D TOB A GO

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The Great House, the estate’s main building, is a beautiful ode to its rich history, dating back to the 1890’s. With ornate filigree around the arches and doorways, rich and hardy wood, and ceilings that stretch to the treetops, it is no wonder people travel great lengths to visit.

As a family we got to push the cocoa house roof back, exposing the beans to the sun, and allowing them to slowly dry out. My kids then got to “dance the cocoa,” a process in which you shuffle your feet on the solid wood planks, turning the beans over in a dance-like motion.

We took a tour of the estate, learning about the history of the property and the chocolate making process. As we walked through rows and rows of their Trinitario cocoa trees, we took note of the five different colors of cocoa pods. These pods grow and change in color as they ripen.

Inside of each cocoa pod is a sweet white pulp encasing anywhere from 30 to 50 beans. These beans are what is used to make chocolate and cocoa powder. However, it is important to note that one cocoa pod only produces about one chocolate bar!

Back inside the Great House, we had the privilege of making our own chocolate. After learning how to temper the chocolate correctly, we filled the molds and decorated with an array of toppings. You can bet there was a lot of taste testing!

The big take away from this experience was just how intricate and demanding chocolate making really is.

While Switzerland and Belgium are often thought of when it comes to quality chocolate, it is interesting to note that they source their cocoa from the tropics. The best cocoa

is grown in the tropical regions close to the equator, like Trinidad and Tobago, with each region having their own unique flavor profiles. The hot and humid climate lends itself to producing the best cocoa trees, and therefore, the best cocoa pods and beans. I will never look at chocolate the same way again!

horsemanship, meaning that Veronika and Lennon give their horses room to be, well, horses. No mouth bits, saddles, or stirrups are used on their daily rides to the beach and back.

In 2010, Veronika and Lennon LaFortune created Healing with Horses, a non-profit organization that offers camps and classes for differently abled children on the island of Tobago. The kids learn to groom, care for, and ride horses, in addition to other fun activities like yoga, nature walks, and creative gardening.

Our horse riding experience was straight out of a fairy tale! My family and I walked our horses along the beach and straight into the Caribbean Sea. Seeing how happy my horse was in the refreshing water made my heart happy. He was slow and cautious on land, due to a past leg injury, but in the water, he was so strong and graceful.

He pushed through the water with ease, his lips pulled back, and a big toothy grin exposed. Waist-deep in the serene blue Caribbean water, atop a beautiful horse free from a saddle, and me, free of life’s stresses – it was the most carefree and relaxed I have ever been.

What a pleasure it was meeting this super cool, horse whispering couple and their 12 horses. Their motto, “Happy Horses Have Happy Riders,” was apparent from the moment we arrived. They live and teach natural

At Healing with Horses, the horse chooses the rider. That is right, they open the horse stalls and let the horses take their picking. Veronika strongly believes that horses have a good sense of connection and know when someone is a good fit.

Photo Credit: Lennon LaFortune

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Photo Credit: Lennon LaFortune

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Photo Credit: Lennon LaFortune

below. Instantly the water around me began to glisten and sparkle. Even my toes five feet below the surface of the water lit up. My kids tried to cup their hands together, desperately trying to capture the glistening specs, only the sparkle always had a way of escaping their grips. Our guide said it best, the bioluminescent plankton really is “the aurora borealis of the sea.”

TRIN IDA D A N D TOB A GO

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Photo Credit: iStock.com/PawelGPhoto

Located in the hills of Bunsee Trace, down south, sits the L’Eau Michel Mud Volcano. What an unexpected thrill this experience was!

Dinoflagellates plankton – who knew something microscopic to the eye could put on such a big show – be so magical?

Aboard kayaks, we ventured into Bon Accord lagoon where we were greeted by sea cucumbers, puffer fish, manta rays, and more. However, the real star of our water safari adventure were the microscopic bioluminescent plankton.

The water, without even the soft glow from the moon, was dark and still. That is until we touched it! One touch and the water lit up like pixie dust. Disturbed by movement, the plankton glow as a defense mechanism to scare away like-size creatures. One foot, then the next, and then all at once, I fell off the kayak into the water

At first glance, it looks like nothing more than a large mud puddle. But this mud puddle is actually miles deep!

“Is there anyone in the group who cannot swim?” asked our guide. A few hands in the group sheepishly raised up.

“No problem, you can’t sink, so hop on it!” Wait, what?

That is right, the mud is so dense that you physically cannot sink. In fact, you float! The mud is rather warm in temperature, and somewhat oily, but felt good on my skin. The only attribute ruining the spa-like experience was the smell. Imagine a fresh farm smell interrupted by the strong stench of sulfur bubbling up to the surface.

But, no one cared about the smell once we all noticed the mud slide! Mud covered and laughing, we all felt like kids again.

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Carnival, celebrated on the Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday every year, is known as the biggest street party on earth. It is a lifestyle in Trinidad. People live and breathe it. I would argue that there are only two seasons on the island – participating in Carnival or preparing for Carnival.

My favorite fete was Soaka. From 3am to 9am all my five senses were tested to the extreme. Soca music blared from large speakers, crowds of people were singing, jumping, and dancing to the music, all while colorful paint was sprayed throughout the crowd. It was sensory overload, but in the best kind of way.

I am convinced Carnival is the heartbeat of the country – it runs in the nation’s blood. From 8am to 5pm people “chip” through the streets of Port of Spain (best described as walking with a bit of a spring in your step), being greeted by thousands of spectators from all over the world. I found myself surrounded by feathers, wind machines, glitter, paint, water cannons, drink trucks, soca music, and great friends – it was an experience like no other.

Carnival is amazing! I laughed harder, danced freer, and sang louder than ever before.

At the end of the day, it is the people that make Trinidad and Tobago the paradise it is. Trinis are authentically themselves. They are as vibrant as the prints they wear, and as delightful as the fun colors they paint their homes.

They welcome you like family and help transition you to their carefree, island time lifestyle.

I hope one day this photo tour can become a very real and magical adventure for you and your family. Trinidad and Tobago is the hidden gem of the Caribbean.

EX P LOR E.U S

For the entire month leading up to Carnival, there are fetes (parties) held all around the city of Port of Spain.

Some have themes or require specific attire, but they all involve food, drinks, and soca music.

laying the foundation for tomorrow, today

281.232.7777 | 34507 FM 1093, SIMONTON, TX 77476 | mscearthwork.com

Big City

Media Moves Into The

Country!

Let’s face it, Texas is huge!

With so many unique and fun cities to explore, it sure would be nice if the travel research was already done for you and was just a mouse click away.

Fort Bend County resident, Graham McKernan, and his company Gow Media, has done exactly that. “Gow Media is the largest privately owned media company in the state of Texas,” says Graham. “You may be more familiar with our other brands like ESPN Radio 97.5, 92.5 FM, and Sports Map, but we are excited to now expand and promote Culture Map, our user-friendly information guide for all things Texas.” Culture Map is the largest social media website in Texas, and is THE authority on where to eat, stay, explore, and live.

Although Graham, and his wife Angie, have lived most their lives in big cities, they are now enjoying the more relaxed pace of Fulshear, Texas. However, they still like to stay informed on the latest restaurant openings and entertainment happenings. This is why Gow Media is excited to expand Culture Map beyond the city. When Fulshear and Katy residents are looking to explore other towns and cities, checkout Culture Map – the leading source for all things travel, lifestyle, and fun in the state of Texas.

Want to know more? Email Graham McKernan at graham.mckernan@gowmedia.com.

Graham + Angie McKernan

IN FULL B LOOM

44

Bloom In F ull

WRITTEN BY JACLYN RITTER, PHOTOGRAPHY BY RHONDA KUYKENDALL

Local Florist

Ace’s

New Reality Show

F

or so many, dreams remain dreams. For one Fort Bend County resident, his dream not only became reality – it led him to reality tv!

For years, Ace Berry worked a nine to five job in the oil and gas industry. Sadly, he was laid off in 2007, during an industry downtown. Looking back, the whole event became a blessing in disguise.

For anyone who knows Ace Berry, it is hard to picture him doing anything but floral design. In fact, people travel from all over the Houston area to purchase his arrangements.

This is because Ace has a way of turning everyday flowers, into works of art. Size, depth, functionality, structure, durability, texture, and the delicate mixture of contrasting and complimenting colors come so naturally to Ace. Flowers are his second language.

Since 2016, Ace has owned Fulshear Floral Design, located just off Main Street in downtown Fulshear. He has always been a bit of a local celebrity, only now, he is recognized nationwide. During the summer of 2020, Ace, along with nine other florists from around the country, competed in HBO Max’s first season of Full Bloom for a chance to win $100,000. Ace not only won the hearts of the judges, but his viewers too. While he was there to compete, the audience could not help but notice Ace’s kindness toward his fellow competitors. He motivated, supported, and encouraged each contestant to do their absolute best. Ace made Texas proud, bringing home a second-place win for the show’s inaugural season.

Question

When I was in high school, I worked delivering flowers for a small floral shop. That is when I feel I first got bit by the flower bug. I love how even at someone’s lowest time, they still have a smile on their face when you drop off a beautiful floral arrangement. It just kind of stuck with me how flowers struck peoples’ emotions. So, when I got laid off from the oil and gas industry, I was on my way to my girlfriend’s house, now my wife, and I passed a sign that said, “Houston School of Floral Design.” When I got to her house I told her, “I think I am going to do flowers.” I called the school and started taking classes right away. The rest is history. I realized that if I was not able to gamble on myself, none of this would have been possible. My wife, Andrea, has been my rock through all of this. She gave me the ability to live my dream. I cannot imagine my life without flowers. Even on my worst day, I still get a smile on my face when I go to work. I still love what I do!

How did you become a contestant on the HBO Max show, Full Bloom

45

?

A: It was because of Rachel Reyes with Reyes Greenhouse in Simonton. The show’s casting company put out a post on Instagram saying they were looking for contestants for their new show, and Rachel was tagged in it. Rachel then tagged me! The casting company then started calling me and sending me messages. I was ignoring them because, honestly, I thought it was a scam. Then I noticed that florists around the country started talking about this new show, Full Bloom. After receiving about five messages, I finally called them back. A man by the name of Benjamin Baldwin, with Mystic Art Pictures asked me if I was interested in applying to be a contestant. I remember that he called me a unicorn, saying that men like me, over 300 pounds and covered in tattoos, don’t typically do flowers. Honestly, I know I do not fit the mold.

People assume I play football or some other sport.

After a career in oil and gas, what led you toward flowers

?

A: When I got laid off from the oil field, it was February of 2007, and I actually went to another oil and gas company for about six months and got laid off again.

EX P LOR E.U S

Question

Ace’s love and passion for flowers is contagious. For this reason, we thought we would let him tell his story in his own words.

I think the shock and awe of my appearance intrigued the casting crew. I decided to go ahead and apply, and two weeks later I was asked to do a video of myself putting together a floral arrangement for the casting crew. I was then asked to fly out to LA for a casting event on February 10, 2020. I hopped on a plane, met with a bunch of people, showed them what I could do, and took the redeye home because it was Valentine’s Day weekend, our busiest time of the year. I could not be away from my shop during that time. In fact, I almost backed out for that reason. I owe it to my team. Without them I could not have taken that day off to fly out to LA.

Question

IN FULL B LOOM

46

What was filming like

?

I got a call in June asking me to return for filming, only I was surprised because we were going to start the season all over. Those two and a half episodes we shot in March never aired. Our days were long, with very few breaks.

It was a lot of hurry up and wait, repeating things to get different camera angles. It was surreal. But from the very beginning I looked at the experience as a job. I looked at it like they were paying me to make pretty stuff and I have a chance to make $100,000. I was going to have fun and give it my best shot. It was such an amazing opportunity, and I knew that it was a rare one. This was the longest time I had ever been away from my wife. In my mind, in order to justify being away from her for so long, I had to make it to the end. So, I told myself I was going to make my family proud, I was going to make my state proud, I was going to make the city of Fulshear proud. I was there for a job and I was hired to do what I do best, make beautiful floral arrangements.

Question

Photos from Ace’s time on “Full Bloom.” Creator HBO Max

EX P LOR E.U S

A: We filmed in Simi Valley, California. We actually filmed two and a half episodes in March, then Covid hit and we were sent home. We were left wondering if we were going to resume filming or not. During that time, I got to thinking about what I wanted to change when and if we returned to filming. Cynthia Jackson, a local pen artist, had come into my store for floral design classes, and I started carrying her business cards at the store. So, when I came back at the end of March between filming, I reached out to her and asked her to make me a shirt that I could wear on the show. She came back with a design featuring my face with a floral beard. I loved it! I also wore another shirt on the show that is from another friend’s business. It read, “be a good human.” It was simple but spoke volumes. I believe in small businesses. I believe that they need chances. So, when I returned to the show in June, I made it my mission to make beautiful things, while also promoting small business through my clothing.

What was your favorite challenge on the show

?

A: My two favorites are for two different reasons, but they are both close to my heart. The first one I really liked was in episode 4, and it was the Baroque era challenge. I

“I took a chance, changed professions entirely, and lived my dream.”

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- Ace Berry -

Ace’s Awards & Accolades

EX P LOR E.U S

• 2019 Texas Floral Designer of the year • 2017 Houston designer of the year • Finalist on HBO Max TV show “Full Bloom” • Runner up for the Jim Johnson cup • Inducted into the American Institute of Floral Designers in 2015 • Inducted into the Professional of Floral Communicators International in 2019 • Honored at the Texas capital, on the floor of the Texas legislation in 2019 • Asked to do floral for events at the White House in 2015, 2016, and 2018 • Assisted with floral in the Rose Parade in Pasadena, California • Participated in the Philadelphia floral Show in 2018

came in not wanting people to see the softer side of me.

I wanted to be strong and tough. During this challenge I really learned how to be more vulnerable. Allowing myself to be more vulnerable helped me grow as a florist and a person. The second one is really a tie. It is either my final piece, where I decorated an entire room in flowers, or episode one’s Van Gough challenge where we replicated one of his paintings with flowers. I had such a fantastic team for the Van Gough challenge, and we operated like a well-oiled machine. It was so much fun!

Question

IN FULL B LOOM

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Did what we see as viewers accurately depict the real picture? What did we miss

?

A: What I will say about reality tv is you can only fake it for so long before everyone sees who you really and truly are on the inside. They cast you because of who you are.

And who I am and how I am on tv, is who I am and how I am out on the street. I am far too old to change who I am. I think they depicted me accurately.

Question

However, I do not think the show depicted the floral industry how it really is. When you sign up for a reality floral show, it is not made for florists. Just like if you sign up for a reality baking show, it is not made for bakers. It is made to entertain the general public. So no, it did not depict the floral industry how it truly is. In fact, I think it made the industry look better and more glamorous than it really is.

Our daily job involves a lot of cleaning buckets, cutting flowers, getting thorns stuck in our hands, swollen ankles, carpel tunnel, and lots more unglamorous stuff. Think about a wedding. The happy couple and the guests only see the beautiful, finished product. No one sees the eighteen-hour days without sitting or the hundreds of phone calls that go into making it happen. It is a lot of pressure, but nothing beats the feeling when you see the bride’s face the first time she sees her bouquet and you know you knocked it out of the park.

How have you grown as a florist since the show? As a person

?

EX P LOR E.U S

A: I am a very structured, architectural designer by trade.

It is what I am more comfortable with. Things like big tropical high style arrangements are my forte. Since the show, I have experimented with being a more organic designer. The show really broadened my floral language.

Before the show, I was confident in what I knew, I saw no need to expand beyond that. I was not trying new things.

If it is not broke, why fix it? After returning from the show, I now have a desire and fire to learn new techniques and designs. It gave me a greater passion for the job I already love.

I was blessed with a chance to be on a reality tv show, and with that comes a big responsibility. I was given a platform where I can talk to people about my experience.

I want to use this platform to inspire others, to inspire them

Local Collaborations

49

Ace meets regularly with Becca Speed of Humble Grounds Coffeehouse, Cynthia Jackson of Dash Blossoms, and Jenn Hartley of Madewell Mercantile. Together they look for ways they can help and support one another’s businesses. “We are stronger together,” says Ace Berry.

Question

to live their dreams. What stops you from doing what you love? At the end of the day, did you do what you love or do what you need to get by? Get rid of plan B and C, and put every egg in that one basket, because if you do, you will never let yourself fail. You will work ten times harder for something that you love. That is what I have taken from this whole experience, and it has made me a better person. I took a chance, changed professions entirely, and lived my dream. Since returning from the show, I honor my wife, Andrea, every day by putting my all into my job. I know that if it were not for her love and support, I would not have the life I have now – I would not have put all my eggs in one basket.

What is next for you

?

Ace wore this shirt, designed by local artist, Cynthia Jackson of Dash Blossoms, several times during the filming of “Full Bloom.”

A: I want to create something I have decided to call, “Flowers for the People.” I want to put flowers on busy street corners to brighten peoples’ day. Flowers strike emotion. Flowers have the ability to turn a bad day into a good one. I do not want to make money doing this.

I simply want to make people happy, and when others are happy, my heart is happy.

I have also collaborated with my friend Patience Pickner, to create Inspire Designs. Together we host retreats around the country providing education for other florists on topics like business management, how to network, managing orders, updating arrangement designs, and managing social media accounts. We have a retreat coming up in June in Austin, Texas, and another one in August in South Dakota.

Ace loves working at the shop with his dog, Gus.

(281) 533-9468 8528 FM 359, SUITE 105 FULSHEAR, TX

www.frankiespizzakitchen.com

Italian Pizzeria Restaurant

(281) 346-8405 6420 FARM TO MARKET 1463, 100 FULSHEAR, TX 77441

Restoring

p o

H

Hope

and

Independence WRITTEN BY JACLYN RITTER, PHOTOGRAPHY BY RHONDA KUYKENDALL

Local nonprofit is making a

difference for displaced single mothers in Fort Bend

53

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT Mett Carroll, Nina Davis, Brandi Barnett, Aaron Groff, John Kelly, Mary Charles Carroll, Brad Whatley.

BOARD NOT PICTURED Missy Lyons, John Tankersley, Jennifer Parent ADVISORY BOARD Sommer Cotton

Isiah, Serenity & Jordyn

Jordyn RESTORIN G H OPE

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We have all experienced those times when life takes an unexpected turn and leaves us a little shaken. But what happens when that shake resembles more of an earthquake, and you just cannot get back up on your feet? Episodic homelessness due to eviction, domestic violence, divorce, illness, or loss of a job, is not often readily visible in Fort Bend County, but sadly it is still very much a problem to be solved.

Fulshear mayor, pastor, and business owner Aaron Groff proudly serves as executive director of Abigail’s Place. As a nonprofit 501(c)(3), this important organization aims to serve single mothers in Fort Bend County who are facing episodic homelessness, meaning that circumstances beyond their control have left them without a place to live. Abigail’s Place is there to help these moms restore their lives and become self-sufficient and independent once again.

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“The greatest need in Fort Bend County is affordable housing it just does not exist here.”

- M ay o r G r o f f -

Empowering Mothers Former Fort Bend County resident, Shereen Sampson, acknowledged the dire need for emergency housing assistance for displaced single mothers in Fort Bend. In January 2016, Shereen founded Abigail’s Place to help meet the needs of these often overlooked families. After a few years, and many success stories later, she passed the title to Fulshear mayor, Aaron Groff. “As a pastor,” says Mayor Groff, “what Shereen created and achieved struck my heart. I knew I had to be involved.”

“Our mission is to empower displaced mothers and their children by providing transitional housing, resources, and advocacy,” says Groff. “Our incredible team of seven board members, director of operations (Brandi Barnett), local volunteers, and myself work to house, feed, and support these women in an effort to get them back on their feet.”

3. MUST HAVE RELIABLE TRANSPORTATION 4. MUST HAVE CHILDREN IN THEIR CARE 5. MUST HAVE A PLAN FOR SELF-SUSTAINABILITY

EX P LOR E.U S

2. MUST HAVE A JOB

Criteria

1. MUST LIVE IN, WORK IN, OR WISH TO LIVE IN FORT BEND COUNTY

Angelia

The criteria to be accepted into the program are fairly straight-forward:

Mothers looking for support can go to the nonprofit’s website and fill out an application. The Operations Director will then look through the applications to see if all criteria are met and make a recommendation to proceed with appropriate assistance. If an applicant does not meet the five criteria, the Abigail’s Place team will assist them in the form of resources to either help them meet the criteria or meet their needs.

RESTORIN G H OPE

56

Photo Courtesy of Abigail’s Place

“If you give yourself to the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then your light will rise in the darkness.”

EX P LOR E.U S

Isaiah 58:10

Currently, the nonprofit owns three housing units, a duplex and a single-family home, each about 1,000sqft in size. Still there are many times when the need for housing is greater than the space available. During the interim period, while clients are waiting for an opening, the organization may help with hotel or rental fees, as well as other resources like food and clothing.

Often, the need goes beyond housing, food, and clothing. The team at Abigail’s Place assists mothers with their financial planning, increasing their income potential, and pointing them in the directions of other organizations and nonprofits that might help fill other gaps. “We are a resource, a bridge toward another chance at selfsustainability,” says Mayor Groff.

After clients complete the program, Abigail’s Place keeps in contact with them to make sure their basic needs are being met and that they are in a safe place. “We want to continue to advocate for them and help them thrive.”

Looking Ahead In order for Abigail’s Place to help more mothers and their children, the organization needs more housing units. With only three units currently, the group’s assistance is a bit limited. “In our five-year plan, we would like to build an additional 20 units,” notes Mayor Groff. This would make a huge impact on the number of families the nonprofit can support each year.

Abigail’s Place is partnering with other local non-profits to meet future needs. With the help of Attack Poverty and Home Aid, the group is currently raising capital to fund

Photo Courtesy of Abigail’s Place

four more housing units. Home Aid, the charitable arm of The Greater Houston Area Homebuilders Association, has chosen Abigail’s Place as their 2021 project. Together they are working to build four 3-bedroom housing units at a fraction of the cost. Attack Poverty, another local nonprofit, is providing some of their land in Richmond to house these four new units. This partnering is proof that we can all make a splash, but it takes a team to make a wave. Abigail’s Place is fighting to make waves of a difference in these mothers’ lives.

57

How Can You Help?

On average, Abigail’s Place assists single mother families for three to four months. It costs roughly $500 a unit per month to house each family. So where does the money come from? “About a third of our funding comes from foundations, a third comes from our annual gala, and a third comes from additional donations,” says Mayor Groff. As the Abigail’s Place team sees it, whether people donate time or money, any little bit goes a long way in helping these mothers through their difficult time.

The Abigail’s Place annual gala is always a big hit. This year’s event took place on April 17 at Safari Texas Ranch and featured a roaring 20’s theme. With over 260 people in attendance, the nonprofit exceeded their goals and raised over $90,000. One fun night out changed the lives of single mother families all over Fort Bend County.

Through all their dedicated efforts and successful outcomes,

Abigail ’ s Place

is making waves for displaced single mothers in Fort Bend County.

“It is such rewarding work,” says Mayor Aaron Groff. “The look on these moms’ faces when they walk into one of our units – it’s a look of hope. You can almost see the weight lifting off their shoulders. There are tears of joy, and tears of relief, because they feel as though they have finally found a safe space.” Mayor Groff makes it clear that the feeling of relief only intensifies when these families move out of the program and into a place of their very own. Through the cooperative work of so many, Abigail’s Place is doing their part to help local displaced mothers find something so many others often take for granted – independence. Even more than that, they help them find hope.

Photo Courtesy of Abigail’s Place

www.abigailsplace.org

How can you help?

Visit our website for ways to donate or volunteer 503 FM 359 | Suite 130, #200 Richmond, Texas 77406

​

info@abigailsplace.org (832) 945-1461 EX P LOR E.U S

Abigail’s Place is heavily dependent on capital. Financial donations are needed not only for the buildings or renovations, but more so for things like utilities and maintenance. To offset maintenance costs, the group welcomes volunteers who are willing and able to aid in landscaping, power washing, clearing gutters, and cleaning. Like any house, these units require maintenance, and maintenance costs money.

Flowers

FLOW ERS ON PA RA DE

58

on Parade F

WRITTEN BY JACLYN RITTER, PHOTOGRAPHY BY RHONDA KUYKENDALL

ulshear is growing and changing at such a rapid rate, it sometimes feels like the main stretch of FM 1093 looks different every week. But this spring there was one change that had everyone smiling – the flush of beautiful wildflowers.

Who is responsible for making a big and busy stretch of road look more like an untouched and picturesque countryside? There were so many minds in the mix, but one man truly made the idea take root and bloom.

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A Beautiful Welcome to Fulsh ear

“Some of the most beautiful places I have ever been are golf courses,” says Fulshear resident, CJ McDaniel.

“The best ones are the ones tucked on a practically untouched piece of God’s land.” CJ, a kind and humble man who has travelled the world thanks to the sport of golf, is probably best known for his relationship with

Ben Crenshaw in working with Coore and Crenshaw in designing some of the county’s best golf courses. “I think that it is important that we preserve and enhance as much of the native flora and fauna as possible.”

Now semi-retired, CJ shares his love of nature while volunteering with the Texas Master Naturalist program and helping create a colorful masterpiece that all can enjoy as they enter the city of Fulshear for years to come.

“Three years ago, just before the FM1093 tollway extension project was complete, Fulshear Police Chief Kenny Seymour, approached me,” says CJ. “He wanted to brainstorm ideas on how we could beautify the medians coming into the city.” Chief Seymour’s question was the seed that led to where we are today.

CJ then turned to remembering his friendship with Robert Dedman, the founder of ClubCorp and former Chairman of the Texas Department of Transportation. Mr. Dedman was largely responsible for the planting of wildflowers in the Texas Interstate medians. He had worked with Lady Bird Johnson on her initiative to plant wildflowers throughout the state of Texas. “Mr. Dedman informed me that while the flowers add beauty to the

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“Wh ere fLowers bloom,

so does hope”

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- Lady Bird Johnson

FLOW ERS ON PA RA DE

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highways, they also serve another purpose,” notes CJ. “I learned that the wildflowers also save the state millions of dollars each year, because between the months of March and May, the miles long stretch of medians do not need to be mowed.” With this new information, CJ was more encouraged to pursue the idea of wildflowers for the Fulshear medians. He then put together a plan and budget for the project and presented it to the County Commissioner, Department of Transportation, Fulshear Economic Development Corporations, City Manager and the Fulshear Mayor. Everyone loved the idea! “We then had to get a state permit to plant the flowers, but a permit cannot be held by an individual.” CJ adds, “So I approached the Fulshear-Katy Area Chamber of Commerce and they were kind enough to become the permit holder for the project.”

The City of Fulshear funded everything, from the seeds to labor and equipment, but asked that CJ oversee the project. In no time at all CJ had a plan in place. The planting date was set, seeds were selected and ordered, a contractor with a tractor and seeder was hired, and CJ quickly got to work.

Everything was done in a thoughtful and strategic way.

In fact, a few days prior to planting, CJ walked the entire stretch of the median, flagging low areas that held water and would drown the seeds and slopes where seeds might not embed. With quality wildflower seeds being so expensive, and over 1,200 pounds of seeds being used on this project, CJ let nothing go to waste.

The medians were done in two phases. Phase one was planted between FM1463 and the Cross Creek Ranch entrance in October of 2019, and consists of 14 different native wildflowers, 12 percent of which are Texas bluebonnets. Phase two, planted in October of 2020, stretches from the Cross Creek Ranch entrance all the way into downtown Fulshear, and consists of 11 different native wildflowers, 29 percent of which are Texas bluebonnets.

The hard work has already paid off. Thanks to CJ, the Chief of Police, the Chamber of Commerce, and the City of Fulshear, people will be able to enjoy a magnificent spring sight for many years to come.

Do you love taking wildflower pictures with your family and pets every year? Planting wildflowers is not as daunting as it may seem. CJ is sharing his tips and tricks for growing your own patch.

First, it is important to start with a quality product. “We want our wildflowers the way we want a lot of things – Texas made,” says CJ. “That requires native seeds, which can be hard to find because they occur in areas with little human intervention.” Wildflower seeds are in high demand because they are a great drought-resistant landscaping option, yet they are not sold at many plant nurseries. Native American Seed and Wildseed Farms are two reputable companies that regularly test their seed quality, something that makes a big difference in the success of your garden.

CJ EMPHASIZES

THAT EVERYTHING IS ABOUT

TIMING AND WEATHER WHEN IT COMES TO WILDFLOWERS.

The best time to plant your seeds is in the fall, ideally just before a light rain to aid in germination. Start by choosing an area that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight. Next,

Breakdown of Phase Two 61 Fulsh ear Mix

Bl ack-Eyed Susan 8% Cl asping Coneflower 8% Indian Bl anket 8% L emon Mint 8% Mexican Hat 7% Pr airie Coneflower 7% Purpl e Coneflower 10% Pl ains Coreopsis 9% Texas Bluebonnets 29% Indian Paintbrush 1% Drummond Phlox 5%

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Join in the Fun

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FLOW ERS ON PA RA DE

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?

Is it illegal to pick

bl ueb onne t s

There was a law created in 1933 nicknamed the “Wildflower Protection Act,” which would fine individuals $1 to $10 for picking or pulling any plant on public or private land. That law was erased in 1973 so technically no it is not illegal to pick bluebonnets. That being said, it is still illegal to damage property on state public lands, which includes picking or damaging plants like bluebonnets. When in doubt, just leave it be so that it can reseed and continue to be enjoyed by others.

clear the area and loosen up the soil. Once your space is prepared, mix the wildflower seeds with a “carrier” like sand or potting soil to ensure even distribution. As you scatter the mixture, make sure the seeds make direct contact with bare earth. Lastly, walk across the flower patch to press the seeds into the ground. If there is no rain forecasted for the near future, be sure to give the seeds a light watering daily until they establish.

Expect to begin seeing seedlings sprout in early fall, slowly growing and gaining strength in preparation to begin flowering in March. After the flowers have come and gone you may be eager to mow. Not so fast though! Bluebonnets are annuals and need to reseed, so it is particularly important that you wait for the plants to dry out and the seeds to fall back to the ground. This process can take several weeks. However, once this has happened, it is ok to mow on the mulch setting, roughly four or six inches off the ground. The clippings help cover the freshly fallen seeds and protect them from hungry birds.

“From there, the cycle begins all over again with minimal effort from you,” says CJ. “The area will provide you with free seeds into perpetuity. All you have to do is get it started.”

“The biggest decision of all concerns our highways, the greatest public works program of any civilization … our challenge is to see that these highways are not only superbly functional, but also in harmony with our landscape and a pleasant asset to our lives.”

- Lady Bird Johnson Thanks to CJ McDaniel, Police Chief Seymour, and the city of Fulshear, Fulshear is following in Lady Bird Johnson’s footsteps. Our city’s medians are a colorful mural already, but with fall fast approaching, maybe it is time to plant some seeds of your own to bring the masterpiece into your backyard next.

Lady Bird’s

L eg a cy

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Native American Seed and the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center have partnered to create “Lady Bird’s Legacy,” a seed packet comprised of nine wildflower species, including Indian blanket, Black-eyed Susan, annual winecup, purple coneflower, and Texas bluebonnet. A percentage of sales benefit “Seed Grants” for K-12 schools in Texas that are working to spread wildflowers throughout their community or for use in educational projects. For more information, go to wildflower.org/seed-grants.

Native American Seed Junction, Texas www.seedsourc e.com

Curious about the

Texas Master Naturalist program?

Visit https://txmn.org/coastal/ to learn more.

Fredericksburg, Texas www.wil dseedfarms.com

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Pay it Forward

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FROM SEA FOOD TO SERV ICE

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Jimmy & Ann Cantu, and Jimmy’s mother Olga Cantu

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Pier 36 has been cooking for and serving Fort Bend for 24 years

from

SEAFOOD to service

WRITTEN BY JACLYN RITTER, PHOTOGRAPHY BY RHONDA KUYKENDALL

W

hen you are craving fresh, mouthwatering seafood, leave the cooking to the professionals at Pier 36 Seafood Restaurant and Oyster Bar. Located in the heart of Fulshear, at the corner of Main and 1st Street, Pier 36 is your one stop shop for Texas style fresh gulf coast seafood.

With their reputation for great food, hospitality, and service, Pier 36, and the family behind this treasure, have been feeding happy customers in Fort Bend County for over forty years.

FOOD

Jimmy Cantu, owner of Pier 36, loves introducing people to great seafood. Serving his customers has become a family tradition. Family and food, two magical ingredients, were the basis of Jimmy’s childhood. “When I was seven or eight years old, my parents, Pete and Olga

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& FAMILY

FROM SEA FOOD TO SERV ICE

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Cantu, got into the seafood business with a relative,” says Jimmy. “The restaurant became kind of my daycare. I used to help bus tables and play around in the kitchen while my parents worked.” While Jimmy was in college, Pete and Olga went on to open their own restaurant, Pier 36, in 1997 in the city of Needville, Texas. Looking back, Jimmy attributes those early years to the foundation of his love of restaurants and cooking.

Experience is often a great teacher. In his early years Jimmy learned the finer points of the restaurant business from some of the most respected names in seafood.

Through his experience working with Pappas Restaurants, Inc. and then Churrascos Restaurant Group, Jimmy seized the opportunity to hone his skills as his passion for food grew.

In the year 2000, Jimmy rejoined the family business, this time as the owner. As the word spread about Pier 36, Jimmy helped open a Richmond location and leased out the Needville location. In 2018, Jimmy expanded the family restaurant into Fulshear. “This is such a vibrant and fast-growing community,” says Jimmy, “I felt it would make a great next location for Pier 36.”

SEAFOOD

DONE RIGHT Preparing the various varieties of seafood can be tricky, but when it is done right, it sure hits the spot. Two factors play a big part in the deliciousness that is Pier 36’s food: tried and true recipes and quality products.

Cantu family recipes have been developed, refined, and passed down through the years – it’s the fine details that make all the difference. From spices to the proper sear, Pier 36 guests know their meals have been made with generations of love. Jimmy takes pride in continuing his parent’s legacy one dish at a time.

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The Cantu family also knows that when it comes to seafood, recipes are only as good as the product quality.

Pier 36 sources local products as much as possible, from farm raised domestic catfish, to gulf shrimp. Fresh food is the key to great taste.

Pier 36 has something for everyone. “We are not just about fried food,” notes Jimmy. “We do our best to bring in two or three different kinds of fish each week, like red snapper, sea bass, red fish on the half shell, and fresh whole flounder.” He continues, “We pair them with different toppings and sides that enhance the fish’s natural flavor.”

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The oyster bar, serving up fresh oysters and a perfectly paired drink, is a hit at both the Richmond and Fulshear locations. Jimmy also encourages customers to try his favorite dish on the menu, their gumbo. They make their own roux daily - something that takes a lot of time and patience to get just right.

PAYING IT

FORWARD Always one to give back, Jimmy is well known throughout Fort Bend County for his kindness and generosity. He serves on the board of many worthy foundations, like Access Health, a lower income health care provider in Fort Bend country. On top of it all, Jimmy and his Pier 36 team can often be seen donating food to local hospitals, schools, police and fire departments, and even the Fort Bend County Fair.

During the pandemic, a time when restaurants have been hit hard, many of those who were on the receiving end of the restaurant’s kindness chose to pay it forward.

“We shut down the dining room and prepared for a flow of to go orders. We had assembly lines at both locations, scrambled to find the supplies we needed to go from in house to take away, and hoped people would come,” says Jimmy. “We got through this past year thanks to the incredible support of our customers who stuck by us through thick and thin.”

With live music every Friday night, a nice outdoor patio to enjoy the weather, happy hour Monday through Friday, and a relaxed and welcoming dining room environment, Pier 36 is the perfect place to catch a sports game or have a nice family meal out. So, whether you dine at the Richmond location or the Fulshear location, customers of Pier 36 are treated like family. If you are lucky, you will run into Jimmy’s mom Olga who still pops in now and then to walk the dining room and mingle with guests.

pier36seafood.com

8502 FM 359 • FULSHEAR, TX 77441

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Family and food are always a magical combination. With family comes love, and with love comes soulful cooking.

The Cantu family has been loyal to the people of Fort Bend County through both seafood and service since 1997.

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TEXIAN CLUB OF FULSHEAR-KATY WRITTEN BY TOMMY KUYKENDALL, PHOTOGRAPHY BY RHONDA KUYKENDALL

T

he Texian Exchange Club of Fulshear-Katy, with its motto of “Unity for Service,” was chartered on April 22, 2021. As the Fulshear-Katy area continues its rapid expansion and growth, the service needs and service opportunities within the community continue to grow.

Charles A. Berkey is credited with the founding of the Exchange Club. At his suggestion, the name “Exchange” was selected because the group wanted to exchange ideas and information with like-minded individuals about how to better serve their communities.

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The first local Exchange Club was formed in Detroit, Michigan, in 1911. The second was the Exchange Club of Toledo, Ohio, formed in 1913. Subsequently, two others were organized in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Cleveland, Ohio. These four clubs were the first to be chartered by The National Exchange Club after it was organized as a nonprofit, educational organization in 1917. The chartering of the Texian Exchange Club occurred some 110 years after the first Exchange Club in Detroit, Michigan.

Exchange Clubs sponsor activities and projects under the organization’s Programs of Service – Americanism, Youth Programs, and Community Service – as well as its National Project, the prevention of child abuse. Each year, communities’ benefit from the promotion of pride in

our great country, college scholarships, youth mentoring, service to the underprivileged, and other services tailored to serve the needs of its citizens.

In addition to these programs, The National Exchange Club has been at the forefront of significant developments in American history, including the early days of aviation progress. The spirit of patriotism paved the way for what has become known as the “Americanism” Program of Service. Americanism promotes pride in our country, appreciation for the freedoms granted to American citizens, and gratitude to our first responders and the men and women who serve, and have served, in the Armed Forces. Americanism celebrates our country’s rich, unique heritage and inspires unity from coast-tocoast.

The inaugural Texian Exchange Club Board members include Tommy Kuykendall (President), Henry Dibrell (President-Elect), Terri Stuart (Secretary), Jeanne Wallace (Treasurer), and Rhonda Kuykendall (Board Member).

“The Exchange Club’s motto of Unity for Service really stood out and attracted me to help form a club in our area,” says Board Secretary Terri Stuart. “After a year filled with so many challenges, I feel it is time to come together as a community. We are proud of our country,

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(Above) First meeting of the TEC at Spring Creek BBQ on May 13, 2021 (Below) President Tommy Kuykendall presiding over the first meeting at Spring Creek BBQ in Fulshear

UNITY FOR

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SERVICE

Club meeting at the Firehouse delivering food to firefighters before the Social Hour at Pier 36 in Fulshear

Board members with Fulshear Simonton Fire Chief Herc Meier - (Left to Right) President Elect Henry Dibrell, Board member Rhonda Kuykendall, Fire Chief Herc Meier, Secretary Terri Stuart and President Tommy Kuykendall

The Texian Exchange Club of Fulshear-Katy held its first official meeting on May 13, 2021. On May 27th, 2021, the club participated in their first service project where they prepared and delivered a home-cooked meal of lasagna and spaghetti to the Fulshear-Simonton Fire Department. Following the delivery, the group met at Pier 36 in downtown Fulshear. This struck at the heart of Americanism and supporting first responders. Next, the club plans to develop a program with local schools for the Exchange Club’s ACE’s program. This acronym stands for Accepting the Challenge of Excellence. The ACE program recognizes high school students who have made a dramatic change in their attitude and performance during their high school years. These changes have enabled the students to overcome adversities and better prepare for graduation. The Texian Exchange Club plans also include hosting fundraisers, where local non-profit organizations will be the beneficiaries of these efforts. A big push will be made every April to highlight the club’s goal of preventing child abuse. Unfortunately,

“WE ARE PROUD OF OUR COUNTRY, AND THAT IS WHY WE AIM TO SUPPORT OUR YOUTH AND WORK TOWARD BUILDING STRONG COMMUNITIES IN AND AROUND THE STATE OF TEXAS.” - TERRI STUART B O A R D S E C R E TA RY

child abuse knows no geographic or socio-economic boundaries. Children are the club’s highest priority.

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The Texian Exchange Club invites anyone interested to attend one of their upcoming meetings as a guest.

They hope those visiting get a chance to witness the comradery, the fun, and the good they do within the community. The Club has a very diverse make-up of members, from business owners to non-profit organization leaders, to community activists. We welcome all backgrounds, experience, and expertise.

The Texian Exchange Club meets the 2nd and 4th Thursday of every month.

To find out more information about the club and future meetings, visit their Facebook Page at: https://www.facebook.com/texianexchangeclub/ or email them at: texianexchange@gmail.com

EXCHANGE CLUB COVENANT OF SERVICE Accepting the divine privilege of single and collective responsibility as life’s noblest gift, I covenant with my fellow Exchange Club members: • To consecrate my best energies to the uplifting of Social, Religious, Political, and Business Ideals • To discharge the debt I owe to those of high and low estate who have served and sacrificed that the heritage of American Citizenship might be mine • To honor and respect law, to serve my fellowmen and to uphold the ideals and institutions of my country • To implant the life-giving, society-building spirit of Service and Comradeship in my social and business relationships • To serve in unity with those seeking better conditions, better understandings, and greater opportunities for all

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and that is why we aim to support our youth and work toward building strong communities in and around the state of Texas.”

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Your Community WRITTEN BY JACLYN RITTER

T

he Fulshear-Katy Area Chamber of Commerce (FKACC) invests in its members by providing quality education opportunities, increasing business visibility, providing its members a voice within the community, establishing networking opportunities, and protecting the credibility and image of its businesses. The almost 600 members are a direct reflection of the chamber’s highly involved and invested staff and volunteer directors. But did you know that the FKACC is so much more than just a chamber of commerce?

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It has often been a preconceived notion that chambers are solely for business owners. The FKACC proves time and again that they are so much more – their door is always open to the community.

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Chamber of Commerce

Going to Call?

When you know what you need but cannot find it, or need to hire someone for a specific job but do not know where to start, call the Fulshear-Katy Area Chamber of Commerce. Chamber President, Don McCoy, and his team can point you in the right direction. “Whether you need a roofer, plumber, or realtor, you want to go with a business that is established within the community, not a ‘here today, gone tomorrow’ kind of business,” says Don. “That is where we come in. Call the Chamber or visit our Business Directory on our website at FulshearKaty.com!

We would recommend every one of our businesses, and therefore, we know we have just the right store or person for your needs.”

It does not stop there. The FKACC loves to hear about the service you received at a Chamber member’s business.

Were you happy with the service? Is there room for improvement? “Help us help our businesses be the best they can be.” Don adds, “The more we can improve as a Chamber and as businesses in the community, the more the community will choose to shop and hire locally – which is always a good thing.”

“The Chamber should be a source of information and comfort to our businesses and our community,” says Don. “You can always count on us to advocate for you and find you answers.”

Come One, Come All It is not all work and no play at the Fulshear-Katy Area Chamber. In fact, they are known for organizing some of the most talked about events and activities in town! From rope cuttings to parades, the chamber has provided free, fun, family entertainment in and around town for many years.

Get your red, white, and blue ready for the most anticipated event of the year – the Fulshear Freedom Fest. After a year of cancelled events, the FKACC is ready to get the community together for a much-earned evening of fun.

This year’s festivities will take place on July 3rd from 6-9:30pm. Park behind Fulshear High School and walk toward the fun that will take place on Charger Way, the

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Who Ya

YOUR COM M UN ITY CH A M B ER

76

street directly in front of Leaman Junior High and Fulshear High School. The street will be closed and patrolled by the Fulshear Police Department, allowing for a safe and family friendly event.

With approximately 50 vendors, numerous food trucks, and a much-anticipated performance by the Spazmatics, the Fulshear Freedom Fest is sure to be a hit.

That being said, all safety measures will be taken. “We will have hand washing and sanitizing stations at the event near the portable facilities,” notes Don. “We simply ask everyone to be Fulshear friendly and respect the space of those around you so that we can make it a fun and safe event. Let’s come together as a community and celebrate our great country!”

So Much More

Than a Chamber The FKACC team are devoted to the success and future of the community. The key word there is “community.”

While some chambers focus exclusively on the success of businesses, the Fulshear-Katy Area Chamber of Commerce knows that to have successful businesses, you must have happy consumers. In addition, the FKACC prides themselves with being a one-stop-shop for information. Next time you have a problem or question, give the Fulshear-Katy Area Chamber of Commerce a call and watch them work their magic!

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Just some of the great information available on the FKACC website!

www. FulshearKaty. com - Job Postings - Chamber Business Directory - Links to County Emergency Management Alerts - Links to Registration for Covid Vaccinations - Links to Covid Testing Sites - Press Releases from the Governor - Business Resource Tool Kit -

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LEM ON B LUEB ERRY CA K E

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Lemon

BLUEBERRY CAKE with

Whipped Lemon Cream Frosting

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WRITTEN & PHOTOGRAPHED BY JACLYN RITTER

N

othing says spring like the refreshing burst of flavor from lemons and blueberries – a delicious duo that makes the tastebuds dance and sing. I must admit, I am a little late to the game when it comes to this harmonious combo, but now I cannot get enough of it! In search of the perfect lemon and blueberry cake, I came across Mel’s Kitchen Café online (melskitchencafe.com). Mel’s recipe fit the bill perfectly. Her thorough step by step instructions made this “wanna-be baker” look like a pro!

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When it comes to this recipe, timing is key.

Take the time to zest and squeeze your own lemons.

The fresh lemon taste is undeniably the best part about this cake. Do not spend too much time overmixing. I am always guilty of this! Be sure to stop as soon as the ingredients are combined to aid in a light and fluffy sponge.

If you enjoy this recipe and want to show off your super awesome baking skills, email jaclyn@explore.us with a picture of your showstopper for a chance to be featured on our Facebook page.

CAKE: • 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened to room temperature • 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest • 4 large eggs, room temperature • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour • 2 teaspoons baking powder • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 1 cup buttermilk • 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (from about 3 lemons) • 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries (do not thaw if frozen) • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

WHIPPED LEMON CREAM CHEESE FROSTING: • 12 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature • 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened to room temperature • 4 1/2 cups powdered sugar • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice • 2 tablespoons heavy cream

GARNISH: • Fresh lemon slices • Fresh blueberries

Instructions 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line two 9-inch round cake pans (with at least 2-inch sides) with parchment paper. Set aside.

2. In a large bowl, using a mixer, cream together the butter, sugar and lemon zest until light and fluffy, 4-5 minutes.

3. Add the eggs and vanilla, mix for 2 minutes, scraping the sides of the bowl when needed.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mix on low till just combined. Don’t over mix.

5. Fold in the buttermilk and lemon juice by hand, till just combined.

6. In another bowl, toss the blueberries with 2 tablespoons flour. Fold in the blueberry flour mixture to the batter by hand with a spatula until combined. Important to not over mix during this step.

7. Evenly distribute the batter into your two 9-inch round pans and bake for roughly 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

8. Let the cakes cool for 5-10 minutes, then remove them from pans and place on a cooling rack to cool completely.

9. For the frosting, use a handheld mixer to whip the cream cheese and butter together for 2-3 minutes. Slowly add powdered sugar, lemon zest and lemon juice and mix on low speed until combined. Once the ingredients have combined, increase the speed to medium and mix until creamy, 1-2 minutes. Add the heavy cream and whip the frosting till it is light and fluffy.

10. When the cake has cooled completely, place one round on a platter or plate and spread the top evenly with frosting. Place the other round upside down on the frosting and continue frosting until the cake is evenly frosted. Garnish as desired.

11. Enjoy!

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Ingredients

HOME OF THE

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