2013 ISSUE - Sugar Land Newcomer Guide

Sugar Land

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2013 OFFICIAL NEWCOMER GUIDE

• History • Directories • Parks • Libraries

• Churches • Museums • Schools • Hospitals

• Elected Officials • Restaurants • Important Phone Numbers • Much more...

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2013 OFFICIAL NEWCOMER GUIDE

Sugar Land Newcomer Guide 2013 ISSUE Published by the Fort Bend Star 4655 Techniplex Dr., Suite 300 Stafford, Texas 77477 281-690-4200 TOLL FREE 1-888-430-7478 PUBLISHER Beverly Carter

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CONTENTS Welcome to Sugar Land.......................................................................... 4 The History of Sugar Land....................................................................... 6 Your Advocate: Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce ............................... 7

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Local Prison History Comes to an End.................................................12 Sugar Land Hospital Directory.............................................................14 The Fort Bend Museums Reflect our Colorful History........................18 Fort Bend Libraries...............................................................................20 Fort Bend Church Directory..................................................................28

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GENERAL MANAGER Michael Fredrickson EDITOR Sharon Wallingford MARKETING CONSULTANTS Jennifer Pappas-Blancas Mary Doetterl Becky Hall Elizabeth Steckler Diane Strehl Ann Sturrock CONTRIBUTORS Elsa Maxey John Whitmore ART DIRECTOR Joey Belleza Graphic Artist Carlo Arcillas

Warning to Newcomers: Hurricane Season Preparedness................31 Fort Bend Colleges & Universities........................................................32

ON THE COVER

FBISD Serves Sugar Land Students....................................................34 Historic Courthouse Slated for Renovation ........................................36

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Sugar Land Restaurants.......................................................................38 History of Politics in Fort Bend County................................................42 Important Numbers to Keep.................................................................43 Organizations, Associations, and Clubs...............................................44 Sugar Land Parks & Recreation Areas.................................................46

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Newcomer Advertisers Index...............................................................48

2013 • Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

Young Skeeters fans gather with “Moe” the mascot to throw balls at Constellation Field.

©2013 Sugar Land Newcomer Guide No material from this publication may be copied or in any way reproduced without written permission from the publisher.

Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory • 2013

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Welcome to Sugar Land Inclusive community with focus on diversified recreational, cultural and civic facility development

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ugar Land, an inclusive community, which is the guiding principle for its future, has earned prestigious awards for creative, innovative multicultural awareness programs presented as the U.S. Conference of Mayor’s Livability Award and the International City Management Association’s Community Sustainability Program Excellence Award. Three years after being named the nation’s first “Community of Respect,” the AntiDefamation League continues to recognize Sugar Land for its ongoing commitment to foster an inclusive and respectful community.

It is also on the top list of safest cities in Texas. In a weekly listing in November 2011, Sugar Land was at the top of the list of America’s safest cities of those having populations of 75,000 or more.

Many educational opportunities and enhanced communication tools for a greater understanding among citizens living in the city have led to increased participation in events that celebrate and unite Sugar Land, Texan and American traditions. By embracing a diverse, inclusive community, Sugar Land continues to connect citizens with their government and the community in which they reside. Master-planned communities, welcoming neighborhoods, outstanding schools, libraries, civic organizations and other resources have served to enhance residential home values and create a sense of belonging for those living in the sweet city.

Also inspiring the community’s pride in the city is the relatively new Sugar Land Heritage Foundation. It is about collecting, preserving, communicating, and celebrating the history of Sugar Land. Residents have a standing invitation to visit the Sugar Land history museum and to consider donating artifacts and photographs to further add to

the rich history of the community.

This year, Sugar Land opened the highly anticipated Constellation Field, a ball park that is home to the Sugar Land Skeeters, an independent Atlantic League team. The ball park is one of the Imperial Redevelopment districts that will transform Sugar Land at its original point of origin that once housed the Sugar Land Imperial Sugar Refinery and Distribution Center, which set the stage for what today has become Sugar Land.

Although those parts of the sugar factory were closed about 10 years ago, the city remains the historic landmark associated with the refinery and remains focal, especially after an implosion and clearing of the Imperial site that includes structures to be restored in an area that being revamped.

Sugar Land is the largest city in Fort Bend County and title holder of one of the most affluent cities in Texas with the most master planned communities in the county making other impressive lists as the Fittest City in Texas, receiving a 3rd ranking as one of the 100 Best Cities to Live in the United States by CNN/Money and Money magazine and Forbes’ selection as one of three Houston area “Top Suburbs To Live Well,” among so many others.

To support the acquisition and development of additional parks and civic facilities in Sugar Land for all of its residents, the city recently launched the Sugar Land Legacy Foundation. In partnership with the local city government and residents, the Sugar Land Legacy Foundation is aimed at impacting the overall community’s future on many projects that will be accomplished together to help finance capital projects for recreation, entertainment, sports and the arts.

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The History of Sugar Land

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or many years the city of Sugar Land was known as the “sweetest town in Texas” and while the towering antiquated sugar mill that once was the heartbeat of the little community is now undergoing transformation in a burgeoning and thriving metropolitan city, there is no disputing that Sugar Land is what it is due to the sugar industry.

Sugar Land--it wasn’t officially Sugar Land until some years after land granted to Samuel M. Williams in 1828 was sold to his brother and a plantation was built. Williams’ brother, Nathaniel, purchased the land in 1838 and with a third brother, Mathew, operated Oakland plantation growing cotton, corn and sugarcane.

The land in and about the City of Sugar Land was originally owned by the Mexican government and was granted to Samuel M. Williams through Stephen F. Austin. There were several factors which governed Williams receiving this grant, among them was the fact that he spoke Spanish, was well educated and wrote a fine Spencerian hand. Williams called this land “Oakland Plantation” because there The Hill - bottom right

were many different varieties of oaks on the land –– Pin Oak, Post Oak, Water Oak, Red Oak and Live Oak. During this period of time, land grants were measured from one oak to another. Sugar became a part of life in the area when S. M. Swinson, captain of a small freight boat, made a meandering journey along the United States coast from New York to Velasco. Along the journey, commodities were picked up at various points and dispensed of as the journey proceeded.

One of the stops was Cuba, and as it happened, it was during the height of sugar cane season. A small load of sugar cane stalks was taken on board and later delivered to Samuel M. Williams. The next time Swinson came to the area, he saw sugar cane growing “as high as a man on a horse” and immediately returned to Cuba to purchase more stalks. Soon after, a mill was built to squeeze the juice from the stalks.

Up until 2002, the present refinery was located approximately on the spot where the first mill was built. After the death of Samuel

Williams, the family attempted to keep the mill alive; however, this was not possible, and the mill was sold to Benjamin Franklin Terry and William Jefferson Kyle in 1853.

TERRY AND KYLE PURCHASED THE PLANTATION Terry is known for organizing Terry’s Texas Rangers during the Civil War and for naming the town. Kyle was born in Hawkins County, Tenn., in 1803, and Terry was born in Kentucky in 1821.

In 1849, both Kyle and Terry, who were living at the time in Brazoria, left Texas along with 20 or 30 others to go to the gold fields of California. By the time they reached California, they had increased in number and had approximately 60 wagons, two companies of pack mules and two sets of engineers.

Terry and Kyle prospected gold in California, making quite a fortune. continued on page 8

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce The Advocate for Business Excellence in Fort Bend County

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he Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce was established in 1972 to provide an important resource for all businesses in Fort Bend County.

In the early 1970’s, the county had a total population of slightly more than 15,000.

The incredible growth has led to the current population in excess of 600,000. The business community in the 1970’s consisted mainly of Imperial Sugar, Texas Instruments and a handful of grocery stores and auto dealers. The county now boasts a mecca for medical centers, hospitals, a private airport; headquarters for worldwide companies including Global Geophysical and Minute Maid, a mall, town square and many other destination retail outlets and a wide variety of restaurants.

“Back then the area had only a handful of lawyers, and I assisted several business minded citizens in getting off to the right start legally,” said Leonard Scarcella, the Mayor of Stafford.

“The Quail Valley and Sugar Creek residential areas had just begun to grow but there was still very limited commercial development and it has always been my position that you need a strong commercial component.”

“The chamber has been very active and has grown substantially over the years,” said Scarcella. “They now play a very prominent role and they do a good job promoting the commercial activities of all types of businesses in Fort Bend County. The Chamber has developed some very significant and interesting seminars, conferences, and programs that small and large businesses can take advantage of due to their excellent networking opportunities.”

One of the original businessmen involved in the creation of the Chamber of Commerce was John Null. He served on the board of directors from the Chamber’s inception until the mid-1980s, including a stint as the Director.

“The first 10 years or so, the Chamber was still in the informative stages, developing the membership and initiatives, a small business division, and economic development to

KERI CURTIS SCHMIDT Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce President & CEO

JOHN NULL Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Early Businessman

assist in bringing business to the community to have a facility where people could meet,” said Null. “In 1985, the old train depot was relocated to the site of the current Chamber location and is now a central place in the business community. The Chamber added leadership programs and expanded its services over time.”

According to Null, one of the Chamber’s biggest accomplishments has been building a relationship between the community and businesses, along with uniting people to create a synergy for our community that continues today and has expanded far beyond the chamber.

President and CEO Keri Curtis Schmidt says, “We understand that in order to have a strong economic environment, we must have a strong community that supports and encourages growth and innovative thinking.

We are truly fortunate to have leaders, business owners, educators, and a wealth of private citizens who recognize that we all share in the responsibility of creating economic stability and success which produces a healthy community environment for our future. As a community, we share the vision. We work, we volunteer, support and serve as we build on the successes of those who came before us to develop new and innovative strategies that will make our community even better.”

For the past 40 years, the Fort Bend Chamber has diligently fulfilled its mission as the advocate for business excellence in Fort Bend County. Driven to expanding employment opportunities and being an advocate and partner to its members, we create solutions for business and community issues.

Whether it’s through the Education Division, Infrastructure Planning, Community Resources, Business and Professional Development, Economic Development, Member Services, Youth in Philanthropy, Leadership Excellence for Not-for-Profits and the region’s premier Leadership Forum programs, the chamber is working to address the needs of its members. New initiatives like the Healthcare Division and the Chamber Young Professionals will ensure that the chamber is delivering value to the future leaders of Fort Bend County and the all new Chamber Partners help welcome and mentor new chamber members.

“I am honored and humbled to serve with an enthusiastic and impressive staff and an army of volunteers who work out-front, as well as behind the scenes to build an even stronger Fort Bend County. The unique diversity of our community and ability to merge cultures, ideas, and values represents our strength.” says Schmidt, “As we work together and support the efforts of all, we MAKE THINGS HAPPEN!”

Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory • 2013

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The History of Sugar Land continued from page 6 In 1853, they returned to Texas and with a portion of the fortune purchased the “Oakland Plantation” from the S. M. Williams family. The land, rich in sugar cane, was appropriately renamed “Sugar Land.”

The mill was operated using rollers and mule power and the open-kettle process.

Molasses was drained off in troughs to 1,000 pound hogsheads for shipment. The railroad from Stafford to Richmond was built by Kyle and Terry. Plans were to run the railroad from Stafford, where the timber met the prairie, direct to Richmond and would have missed Sugar Land; however, Kyle and Terry paid $25 per acre for 2,500 acres of land, paying $7,000 in cash, with the remaining balance due in a series of notes up to year 1858 at which time the notes were fully paid.

The big bend, which is currently in the railroad between Stafford and Sugar Land, is a result of this land purchase and Kyle and Terry’s desire to have the railroad run through Sugar Land.

In 1860, the Kyle and Terry properties were valued at $250,000.

Upon the deaths of Terry and Kyle, Colonel E. H. Cunningham bought the 12,500 acre plantation soon after the Civil War and developed the town around his sugar refining plant. The Sugar Land plantation passed through other hands in years to follow and was finally purchased from the bankrupt Colonel E. H. Cunningham interests by I. H. Kempner and W. T. Eldridge in 1907, at which time the sugar refining process was expanded to what is now known as Imperial Holly Corp. In 1907, the town of Sugar Land began growing at a rapid rate, with operating expenses amounting to around $50,000 per year. In the early 1900’s the refinery was sold and named Imperial Sugar.

Around the turn of the century, most of the sugar cane crops were destroyed by a harsh winter.

Now refineries import cane through the Port of Galveston. Until 1959, when it was incorporated, Sugar Land remained on company town. Today, Sugar Land has a diversified economic base. The city’s growth parallels the huge growth of Houston and Harris County with a strong commercial base and thriving master communities.

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Early aerial photo of Hull Field

A COMPANY TOWN Once the heart of the city was located at US 90-A and Brooks Street. There sat a tiny strip center, directly across from the “sugar factory” as everyone in town called it. In the center was a barber shop, a mercantile, a grocery store and a drug store with a coffee shop.

The majority of the town’s residents worked for the sugar factory and the company owned the strip center and stores, which served all of the needs of the workers and their families. In fact, locals say, company vouchers were used to buy goods and services at the center.

The noon whistle of the sugar factory sent workers home to nearby dwellings, also furnished by the company, for a hot lunch.

Housewives of that era, most traditional homemakers, would have lunch ready. Then, the women would do household chores waiting for “quitting time” where supper would be waiting, old-timers reflected. Laundry was hung out to dry but when a different series of “whistle sounds” came from the factory, the ladies would scurry outdoors to bring in the laundry and round up young children playing outdoors.

The whistle sounds meant a prisoner had escaped from the nearby state prison farm

2013 • Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

and the families would get inside and lock the doors, probably the only time the doors were locked in this simple, safe little company town.

Trains have always been the sound of Sugar Land. Rails are on the route of the oldest railroad in Texas. It went right through the middle of town by the sugar refinery and west of town, through the heart of what used to be known as the Imperial State Prison Farm.

Company-owned town no more In the fall of 1959, the heretofore company-owned town began the process of incorporation and on Dec. 15, 1959, T. E. Harman was elected the first Mayor of Sugar Land to serve with five Aldermen. The first City Council meeting was held on Jan. 19, 1960.

The City of Sugar Land was incorporated in 1959 as a “General Law” city and remained such from 1959 until Jan. 17, 1981, at which time a special city election was held for the purpose of establishing a “Home Rule” municipal government.

Voters approved the adoption of a home rule charter in accordance with the constitution and statutes of the state of Texas. The type of municipal government provided by this Charter was known as “mayor-council government,” and all powers of the City were invested in a Council composed of a mayor and five councilmen.

THE 50’s Driving down US 90A or Brooks Street today, the old “company houses” can be seen.

Many have been totally refurbished but still show the simplicity of the original architecture. As a company town from the 1910’s until 1959, Sugar Land was virtually self-contained.

Imperial Sugar Company not only provided housing for the workers, the company encouraged construction of schools, built a hospital for the workers wellbeing, and, as previously noted, provided businesses to meet the workers needs.

Many of the original homes built by the Imperial Sugar Company remain today in The Hill area and Mayfield Park of Sugar Land and have been passed down through generations of family members. During the 1950s, Imperial Sugar wanted to expand the town by building more houses. This led to the creation of the new subdivision of Venetian Estates. The subdivision featured water front homesites fronting Oyster Creek and other manmade lakes. `In the early 1960s, a new subdivision development introduced contemporary affordable housing in Sugar Land for the first time called Covington Woods. However, the subdivision was practically in the country with no signs of the dozens of businesses that today line Eldridge Road.

OTHER NEW SUBDIVISIONS The Imperial Cattle Ranch sold about 1,200 acres to a developer to create what became Sugar Creek in 1968. As a masterplanned community, Sugar Creek introduced country club living with two golf courses and country club, swimming pools, and security.

Encouraged by the success of Sugar Creek, First Colony, a new master-planned community encompassing 10,000 acres set out to create a new standard in development in Sugar Land. Development began in 1977 by Sugarland Properties Inc. and would follow for the next 30 years. The master-planned community offered homebuyers formal landscaping, neighborhoods segmented by price range, extensive greenbelts, a golf course and coun-

The Flats

try club, lakes and boulevards, neighborhood amenities and shopping.

Around the same time of First Colony, another masterplanned community development started in northern portion of Sugar Land called Sugar Mill. Sugar Mill offered traditional, lakefront, and estate lots.

Sugar Land began attracting the attention of major corporations throughout the 1980s, and many chose to make the city their home.

Fluor, Schlumberger, and others offered their employees the opportunity to work within minutes of their home. This resulted in a 40/60 ratio of residential to commercial tax base within the city.

Building entrance to Sugar Creek

BECOMING A HOME RULE CITY In 1981, a special city election was held for the purpose of establishing a home rule municipal government. Voters approved the adoption of a home rule charter. The type of municipal government provided by this Charter was known as “mayor-council government,” and all powers of the City were invested in a Council composed of a mayor and five councilmen.

A special city election was held Aug. 9, 1986, to submit the proposed changes to the electorate for consideration. By a majority of the voters, amendments to the Charter were approved which provided for a change in the City’s form of government from that of “mayor-council” (strong mayor) to that of a “council-manager” form of government. Sugar Land annexed the master-planned Sugar Creek community in 1986 with the community being almost built-out. This was the first of several large annexations that will follow later on.

Also, that same year, the city extended its extraterritorial jurisdiction to New Territory, and across the Brazos River to what would later cover the 2,050 acre master-planned community of Greatwood. continued on page 10

Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory • 2013

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The History of Sugar Land TEN MAYORS IN SUGAR LAND’S HISTORY

James Thompson 2009-Present

David Wallace 2002-2008

Dean Hrbacek 1996-2002

continued from page 9 In 1986, Sugar Land organized the largest celebration in its history— The Texas Sesquicentennial Celebration, celebrating 150 years of Texan independence from Mexican rule.

THE 90’s An Amendment on May 5, 1990, changed the composition of the City Council to a Mayor, four council members to be elected by single-member districts and two council members by at-large position. Throughout much of the 1990s, an abundance of commercial growth, with numerous low-rise office buildings, banks and high-class restaurants popping up, could be seen along both U.S. Highway 59 and Texas Highway 6, two of the six main traffic arteries in the city.

Sugar Land tremendously increased its tax base with the opening of First Colony Mall in 1996. The over one million square foot mall was the first in Fort Bend County and located at the busiest intersection of the city: U.S. Highway 59 and Texas Highway 6. The mall was named after the 10,000 acre masterplanned First Colony community.

On a late November night at 11:59 p.m. in 1997, Sugar Land annexed the remaining Municipal Utility Districts (MUDs) of the 10,000 acre First Colony master-planned community, bringing the population to almost reaching 60,000. This was Sugar Land’s largest annexation to date.

Later in 1998, a new 428 acre masterplanned community of Avalon offered lakeside living with estate and lakefront home sites, similar to that of the built-out Sugar Lakes masterplanned community, which was developed by the same developer.

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Lee Duggan 1986-1996

Walter McMeans 1981-1996

Roy Cordes 1972-1981

Sugar Land boasted the highest growth among Texas’ largest cities per the U.S. Census 2000 with a population of 63,328 and a 2004 estimate at 73,721. In 2003, Sugar Land became a “principle” city as the title changed to Houston–Sugar Land– Baytown metropolitan area. Sugar Land replaced Galveston as the second most important city in the metropolitan area, after Houston, as the title used to be Houston–Galveston–Brazoria.

The new millennium also saw the need of higher education facility expansion located within the city. In 2002, the University of Houston System at Fort Bend, a multi-institution teaching center for the four universities within the University of Houston System, moved to its new 250 acre campus located off of University Blvd and U.S. Highway 59 intersection. The city of Sugar Land helped fund the Albert and Mamie George Building and as a result, the multi institution teaching center was renamed to the University of Houston System at Sugar Land.

Sugar Land approved a general land plan for a new masterplanned community south of Commonwealth and First Colony and east of Avalon, named Riverstone (formerly referred to as Sugar Land Ranch) in 2002. Riverstone contains 2,800 acres with a wooded 2,300 acres located in the extraterritorial jurisdiction of Sugar Land. The community will feature a golf course, country club, and a 500 acre park along the Brazos River.

In 2003, the Imperial Sugar Company refinery plant and distribution center was taken out of operation, but its effect on the local economy was minimal, if at all, since Sugar Land today has much more of a reputation as an affluent Houston suburb than the bluecollar, agriculture-dependent town it once was a generation ago.

The Texas Department of Transportation

2013 • Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

C.E. McFadden 1968-1972

Bill Little 1961-1964

T.E. Harman 1959-1961 1964-1968

sold 2,018 acres of prison land in the western portion of Sugar Land to Newland Communities, a developer, by bid in 2003. The developer announced building master-planned community in this prime location with homes by early 2006. In July 2004, Sugar Land annexed all 2,018 acres of this land into the city limits to control the quality of development, extending the city limits westward. This was unusual since Sugar Land only annexed builtout areas in the past, not areas prior to development.

TODAY Sugar Land Town Square in First Colony is now officially the center of Sugar Land.

However, for most of the original inhabitants and the generations of families with ties to the sugar factory, the city’s heartbeat remains in the little area that was once the city.

With the redevelopment of the Imperial Sugar Factory site and its adjacent areas totaling some 700 acres, it looks like this original part of the city will once again be a destination point. The city’s heartbeat will also be felt at its origin of development already undergoing improvement and evolution taking it to another point in time. One of the eight developing districts, where Constellation Field is located and where the first game was played April 2012. The Farmer’s Market launched in the Fall of 2011 is a mainstay in the city.

In the Imperial ballpark district next to the minor league baseball stadium, the development of high-end residential units and possibly others in the historic district near the old sugar mill are proposed.

The Imperial Redevelopment project will be a mix of retail, commercial, restaurants, office, and a residential component and the ballpark.

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Local Prison History Comes to an End

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he historic Sugar Land prison system that was made famous in a song, Midnight Special, closed its doors in 2011. The 102-year-old Texas Department of Criminal Justice Central Unit’s closure was authorized by state legislators to save the State of Texas about $12.5 million a year. The 325 to 330 acre property near SH 6 and U.S. 90A was transferred into the hands of the Texas General Land Office. Upon notice, the City of Sugar Land alerted the State of their interest in buying it.

Prior to the closure, inmates and staff of the 1909 established prison unit were transferred to other prisons.

Although the prison closure is a part of history now, much as the closed Imperial Sugar refinery, it too, will give way and the property will be used for newer developments in the evolving city that has gained so much national acclaim and commendation in the recent past. City plans call for turning the prison area into a business park that will help generate revenue with possibly a small portion of the acreage being dedicated to the airport for its use.

Just about a mile away from the central prison unit used to be the central prison farm.

It housed inmates since 1939, and it is now the Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land after the city made efforts to save the historic building. And history is what the prison unit has made memorialized forever in song. “The Midnight Special” is actually a real train and it is best known as a song performed by Huddie “Lead Belly” Ledbetter, an inmate at

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the Central Unit. Also, the group Creedence Clearwater Revival popularized a version of the song.

As the story goes, prisoners lying awake could hear the sound of a train going down the tracks alongside U.S. 90A. If the ‘everlovin’ light’ from the engine’s headlight would shine through the barred prison windows and be cast on an inmate, legend has it that the man would soon go free. The light of the train was the light of salvation and the train represented what could take a prisoner away from incarceration.

Catching a glimpse of men clad in white working in unison along U.S. 90A became a regular sight in this area as were the “Prison Area, Do Not Pick Up Hitchhikers” signs.

Sometimes the men were seen in chains hooked up to one another as others were watched from horseback. A chain gang, they were prisoners confined to do time at a prison farm, part of the operations of the Texas Department of Corrections, which operates the state’s prison system.

The central state prison farm’s roots began in this area¬†and can be traced to the late 1870’s, when the acreage of the sugar plantation was worked by convict labor. The state contracted large numbers of Texas prisoners to private employers and here, many of them worked at Sartartia, now part of New Territory, but then it was a sugar plantation.

Also, some of the contract labor leases took place when two railroad companies in the state hired prison inmates to help construct their roadbeds. Persistent shortages of funds in the state treasury gave way to the lease

2013 • Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

arrangements as a viable option for prison officials to house and care for those sentenced to the penitentiary. They also worked the prison lands in the geographic area where the Sugar Land museum is now, the airport, and also where Constellation Field stadium was constructed in 2012.

History accounts indicate that in the 19th and early 20th centuries, public sentiment supported a self-sustaining prison system and prison labor was leased from the state until the 1910s. Plantation and mill operations were bought by the Imperial Sugar Company in 1907, then the state bought the plantation in 1908 and renamed it Imperial State Prison Farm. In the late 1920s, the Texas Legislature agreed to economic reform measures for prison industrial operations leading to the classification of convicts based on rehabilitative theory and improved convict living conditions. In 1930, construction for Central State Prison Farm facilities began at this site. Today, this area is part of Region III of the Texas Department of Corrections, and it’s home to inmates in two Jester Units, and Vance, and the Central Unit, all part of the state farm prison system located in Fort Bend County. The Central Unit is gone in Sugar Land, and the Jester Units and Vance are in Richmond. On those properties, among the Picture of the old central prison dormitory for the Central State Farm Prison. It has now been turned into the Sugar Land museum of Natural Science.

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Design Fees Apply The Jester State Prison Farm, formerly known as the Harlem Prison Farm, Harlem, or Harlem Plantation, was exemplary as it was profitably worked by convict labor. Documentation indicates the state purchased the property in 1885. R. J. Ransom was placed in charge of the facility Please visit our website and oversaw its operation. In an 1890 report, the Penitentiary Board www.SugarLandRainGutters.com stated that the system was out of debt and that Harlem Plantation was valued at $200,000. The project was so successful that more prison farms followed.

Ad Proofs: Clients are allowed a total of three ad proofs. A fee of $3 In 1925, Harlem covered 5,005 acres and a spur track off the Southwestproof Realtorsrequested. is your source for residential, may for each additional Galveston, Harrisburg and San Antonio Railway was established to applycommercial, land and investment properties in the Fort Bend County area! load and transport sugarcane cultivated on the grounds, but the line At RE/MAX Southwest Realtors, we combine the strength of the RE/MAX was abandoned in 1929. In addition to raising cane, prisoners also operfamily with the local expertise of our agents to make your move into or out ated a brick plant. In the 1950s the name of the facility was changed to of the Fort Bend County area as hassle-free as possible. When you combine the experience and local knowledge of our agents and staff with the national Jester State Prison Farm for Governor Beauford H. Jester, and it began power of RE/MAX you know that you areby receiving the finest in real estateare propert Ad usage: Advertisments designed our art department operations under the direction of the Texas Department of Corrections. services. So sit back, relax, and enjoy your trip through the world of Sugar During the convict lease period, the state entered into share-cropof MulitMedia Mavens.

Ad forward rightsto may for a one time fe Land real estate. We look hearingbe frompurchased you soon! ping arrangements with private farm owners. The state also began to equivalent to the cost of the ad placement. MulitMediA MAvens purchase large plantations for commercial agricultural production. After it acquired the 2,500-acre Harlem Farm on Oyster Creek, later known as Jester State Prison Farm, it then expanded it by purchasing adjoining lands--the 5,527-acre Clemens Farm in Brazoria County during 1899, and its adjoining plantation that increased the size of Clemens to 8,212 acres. During 1908, the state bought Imperial Farm, a 5,235-acre tract from the Imperial Sugar Company in the same year the prison system acquired the 7,762 acre Ramsey Farm in Rosharon; then, by 1911, officials had placed women prisoners on the 1,000-acre farm near Huntsville. The state also purchased Blue Ridge Farm, 5,416 acres, in Fort Bend County next to developing Missouri City. It was later sold in 1958 to private developers.

Much of the prison farm land was used for cultivation of sugar cane, cotton, corn, feed crops, and vegetables.

The year 1912 marked the end for convict work leases in Texas and new laws were passed for prison system revamping; however, the prisoners were to remain working within the state-owned farms or on 14905 SW Freeway • Sugar Land, TX 77478 SOUTHWEST private property held by the state. www.rmswhomes.com Each Office Independently Owned and Operated

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Sugar Land Hospital Directory Texas Oncology Cancer Center 1350 First Colony Boulevard Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-277-5200

Kindred Hospital Sugar Land 1550 First Colony Boulevard 281-275-6000 Our long-term acute care (LTAC) hospital is known for its advanced technologies, innovative treatment protocols, and compassionate care.

Sugar Land is becoming known statewide and nationally for its growing and diverse medical community and Kindred Hospital Sugar Land is pleased to be an integral part of it. We are a free standing hospital that consists of an 18-bed Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and 87 medical/surgical beds. We have an on-site hemodialysis suite to allow for dual patient dialysis; hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) chamber for complicated wound cases; CT plus radiology/fluoroscopy suite; 24-hour in house physician coverage and the full complement of clinical ancillary services.

Sugar Land Diagnostic Center 15300 Southwest Freeway 281-274-6600 The Sugar Land Diagnostic Center is located in the Sugar Land Medical Center building and on the same campus as the Sugar Land Cancer Center. Diagnostic testing, imaging and lab services are provided.

The center is a department of West Houston Medical Center. Same day testing is available on a work-in basis.

Texas Children’s Hospital 15400 Southwest Freeway, Ste 200, Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-494-7010 St. Luke’s Sugar Land Hospital has teamed up with Texas Children’s Hospital to provide quality care in Fort Bend County, eliminating the need for families to travel to the Texas Medical Center to receive care for many illnesses. The same Baylor College of Medicine neonatal specialists and pediatric emergency physicians who care for patients at Texas Children’s Hospital in the Texas Medical Center also provide on-site coverage at St. Luke’s Sugar Land Hospital. Pediatric care is managed by Texas Children’s Hospital for the neonatal intensive care unit, the emergency department, and the pediatric observation unit.

While St. Luke’s Sugar Land Hospital provides emergency services to children 24 hours a day, 7 days per week, currently Texas Children’s Hospital provides care daily from 11 am to 11 pm.

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2013 • Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

The medical services of this center, which opened in Sugar Land in October 2003, include oncology, hematology, radiation oncology, chemotherapy, diagnostic imaging, laboratory services, a full-service pharmacy and participation in clinical trials of the latest new therapies.

Patients also have a wide range of support services to help them with the emotional, psychological, nutritional and financial challenges they may have. Diagnostic technologies used at the center include computed tomography (CT) imaging. They also offer modulated radiation therapy.

The center is part of the nation’s largest independent oncology practice and part of the US Oncology network, headquartered in Houston.

Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital 17500 West Grand Parkway South Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-725-5000 Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital is tops in patient satisfaction. Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital is making quite an impression on its patients – enough to rank it in the top 5 percent of hospitals nationwide in patient satisfaction. Memorial Hermann Sugar Land CEO Jim Brown attributes the high scores to the hospital’s culture of quality and compassion, plus its responsiveness to patients and community needs. The center recently opened Childrens Emergency Center that features an onsite, board-certified pediatrician from 5 to 11 p.m. daily. Also available is a full-time Child Life Specialist to help children cope with medical procedures through age-appropriate play.

If a higher level of care is required, Memorial Hermann Life Flight® air ambulance and its highly trained medical personnel can rapidly transport patients from its base in Sugar Land to our Southwest or Texas Medical Center hospitals. To learn more, visit memorialhermann.org.

Texas State Healthcare 2601-G Cartwright Rd. Missouri City, Texas 77459 281-208-4344 We’re here, right in your community, with local nurses, therapists, social workers and home health aides to assist you with your medical needs. Texas State Healthcare provides services to the folks who are homebound and are in need of care by licensed and certified skilled professionals. We pride ourselves in our Wound Care, Diabetic Care, Infusion Care, Lab Services, PT/INR Monitoring, the teaching of patients and caregivers on the disease process and medication regimen, safety and much, much more. We are proud to be associates of Wound Care Professionals of America and Performa Care.

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We do not take lightly the trust that our Patients and their Physicians give to our Agency and to our clinical staff, as we all partner together in overseeing their healthcare. We certainly hope you will remember and give us a call when we can help. We wish you all GOOD HEALTH! 281-208-4344. www.txstatehealthcare.com. “Hometown Nurses Helping Hometown People”

Brazos Dialysis is a new state of the art facility. We have a team of highly skilled and dedicated professionals ready to serve you. We specialize in meeting the needs of hemodialysis & peritoneal dialysis patients. Full – Service Peritoneal Dialysis Program.

Hours for Rosenberg Monday,Wednesday, Friday 5:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Hours for Sugar Land Monday, Wednesday, Friday 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday 5:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

St. Michael’s Emergency Center Sugar Land 16062 Southwest Freeway @ Hwy. 6 281-980-4357 St. Michael’s opened in March 2007 and provides emergency services 24/7. The facility contains 10 treatment rooms and has six emergency physicians. The emergency center has full labs and provides CT scans and X-rays.

Fort Bend Medical and Diagnostic Center 11555 University Boulevard @ Hwy. 6 S Sugar Land, TX 77478 713-442-9100 Kelsey-Seybold Clinic, Houston’s largest community-based physician group, opened a new facility in Fort Bend County in 2005. The 75,000 square-foot medical facility offers a wide range of primary care and specialty care doctors, as well as an expanded pharmacy with drive-thru services and enhanced diagnostic services such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computerized Tomography (CT), mammography and X-ray. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday - Friday, open on Saturday for pediatric visits. Closed Sunday.

Sugar Land Cancer Center 15500 Southwest Freeway 281-274-8200 April 2003 marked the opening of the $8.6 million Sugar Land Cancer Center, which is located next to the Sugar Land Medical Center.

The comprehensive multi disciplinary cancer center was the first outpatient radiation center built in Fort Bend County. It offers radiation therapy and has research-based diagnostic abilities for treating more than 150 cancers.

OakBend Medical Center 1705 Jackson Street 22003 Southwest Freeway 4911 Sand Hill Drive 281-341-3000 • 281-341-2000 With two hospital locations and several other physician and specialty locations to serve your family’s healthcare needs, and a continuously expanding scope of services, OakBend Medical center is your community hospital.

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Sugar Land Hospital Directory

The hospital boasts Fort Bend’s only accredited Advanced Trauma Center with hospital-based air ambulance service. Handling over 26,000 visits annually, the 24-hour Emergency Care Center also offers a Quick Care program for less serious emergencies averaging a turnaround time of 70 minutes. OakBend is the first and only Designated Primary Stroke Center in the county. Board certified physicians with decades of combined experience bring the latest technology and advanced diagnostic tools to OakBend. OakBend Medical Center recently received accreditation for its cancer program and is still the only accredited cancer program in Fort Bend County.

OakBend is one of only 500 hospitals across the U.S. to be awarded the American Association for Respiratory Care’s Quality Respiratory Care Recognition. As the first hospital in the county to have a Level II Neonatal Intensive Care unit with 24-hour neonatology coverage, OakBend is staffed and equipped to care for premature infants as early as 28 weeks gestation. The philosophy of care at OakBend is to ensure that patients have easy access to physicians in convenient locations. The OakBend Medical Group has practices in Richmond, Rosenberg, and Sugar Land. For more information visit www.oakbendmedcenter.org.

Sugar Land Surgical Hospital 1211 Hwy. 6 @ Brooks 281-243-1000 This hospital performs surgeries and procedures for the ear, nose and throat; general surgery, gynecology; pain management; orthopedics, pediatric surgery; plastic surgery and podiatry. There are more than 50 physicians on staff and the surgical hospital is affiliated with United Surgical Partners International, a company that partners with local physicians. The facility has four operating rooms and two endoscopy rooms.

Methodist Sugar Land Hospital 16655 Southwest Freeway 281-274-7000 At Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, we’ve redefined what it means to be a community hospital. For more than a decade, Fort Bend residents have trusted us to deliver leading medicine—with the same high-quality level of care and service once found only at The Methodist Hospital in the Texas Medical Center. Now, following the opening of our $300 million expansion, we’re providing a greater

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2013 • Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

breadth of services than ever before, with centers of excellence in a wide range of medical specialties including cardiology, neurosciences, oncology, orthopedics, urology and women’s services.

Methodist Sugar Land Hospital offers: • Outstanding physicians and experienced medical professionals • The most advanced diagnostic and treatment technology • Values-based, compassionate care for all individuals When you need the best possible care and personal, healing service, stay close to home; choose Methodist Sugar Land Hospital.

For more information on Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, visit www.

MethodistSugarLand.com or call 281-274-7000 for a physician referral.

Texas Children’s Patient Care Center 15400 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land, Texas 77478 281-494-7010 This center is staffed by specialists from Texas Children’s Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine to give families more convenient access to non-emergency care provided by specialists trained to treat children and adolescents close to home. It proves services in the areas of cardiology, dermatology, diabetes, diagnostic imaging, occupational therapy, pediatric surgery, speech pathology, ultra sound, etc.

Richmond Bone & Joint Clinic Memorial Hermann Medical Group 15035 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land , Texas 77478 281-344-1715 Richmond Bone & Joint Clinic is a group of over twenty physicians serving four locations with state of the art facilities, imaging services, physical therapy, and surgical services and a staff devoted to the care of our patients. Our physicians have developed reputations for being accomplished and progressive. They’ve been recognized for their academic and medical achievements. They cover the entire range of orthopedic care including general orthopedics, pediatric orthopedics, spine surgery, sports medicine, pain management, hand, foot and ankle, and joint replacement. Richmond Bone & Joint Clinic has become a large multi-specialty clinic while still maintaining our focus on musculoskeletal conditions and we strive every day to improve the care we provide to our patients and our community.

St. Luke’s Sugar Land Hospital 1317 Lake Pointe Parkway Sugar Land, Texas 77478 281-637-7000

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The Fort Bend Museums reflect our colorful history Museums all over the world serve as the safe keepers of history. Fort Bend County is no exception. The Museum of Fort Bend County, the Museum of Natural Science, the George Observatory, the George Ranch Historical Park, the Rosenberg Railroad Museum, the Museum of Southern History, Kendleton Heritage Museum, and the Sugar Land Heritage Museum are located strategically throughout the county for local residents, families, students and tourists to tour and enjoy the local heritage of America.

The Museum of Fort Bend County celebrates 175 years of legacy during 201213 by hosting numerous events. These include several activities throughout the year: Texian Market Days Festival October 26 (School Day) & October 27, 2012 (Public) www.texianmarketdays. com. Bring the entire family and all your friends to explore more than 100 years of history. Texian Market Days is a living history festival that includes many handson activities, Civil War camps, and battle reenactments, historic home tours, foods and crafts and live entertainment. Tickets can be pre purchased. Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children five through 15.

Texian Golf Classic, a fundraiser for the George Ranch educational programs, is set for November 19, 2012, www.fortbendmuseum.org/annual-events/golf/ Thanksgiving Feasts (George Ranch) November 17 and November 24, 2012 – http://www.georgeranch.org/annual-events/Thanksgiving.

Candlelight Tours Begin the Christmas season at the John M. Moore home. Complimentary cookies and wassail are served while guests await Santa’s appearance. Admission by ticket only. November 30 & December 1, 2012 www.fortbendmuseum.org/annualevents/candlelight-tour.

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Christmas in the Park (George Ranch) – December 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 - http://www. georgeranch.org/annual-events/Christmas/ Campfire Christmas December 14, 15, 21, 22 - http:// www.georgeranch.org/annual-events/ Campfire%20Christmas/ Enjoy a progressive holiday celebration with dinner, music, hay ride, and tours of decorated homes.

Complete the evening with dessert by the campfire.

Children’s Campfire Christmas December 20 - http://www.georgeranch.org/annual-events/childmas Tales of Texas (at George Ranch) February 28, 2013 (Home School Day) & March 1, 2013 (School Day) – A one of a kind field trip for Grades 2-5, with curriculum that celebrates our unique, independent Texas spirit. The programs focus on Texas colonization and independence, the stories behind many Texas icons and what it means to be a citizen of this great state. Book and obtain tickets early to secure admission.

Lone Star Stomp XXIV April 20, 2013 - http://www.fortbendmuseum.org/annual-events/stomp/ (will be updating website soon) A lively, Westernthemed party that will let your inner star shine! Get gussied up (don’t forget the bling!) and join us for a great evening of dining, dancing and socializing in the transformed George Ranch Covered Arena. Come shine like the star that you are!

2013 • Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

The Lone Star Stomp is the Fort Bend County Museum Association’s major fundraising event, and all proceeds benefit our educational programs and preservation efforts. Please support the Stomp any way you can. It’ s an evening you won‚Äôt soon forget! Sponsorships are available at $5,000, $3,000, and $1,500. Reserved tables begin at $520 for a table of eight. Individual tickets are $65 per person.

Runaway Scrape Join us at the 1830s Jones Stock Farm for an exciting re-creation of the Runaway Scrape, the fleeing of the Texians from Santa Anna’s army marching east towards San Jacinto. See the Texians in action as they battle for independence. Try your hand at muster and musket handling while running from cannon fire and advancing soldados.

Watch these historical events unfold leading up to the Battle of San Jacinto on the Texas Independence Trail.

Fourth of July 2013 Spend a historical Independence Day at the George Ranch Historical Park. In addition to enjoying our regular programming, enlist to become a member of the vintage base ball team! Guests are encour-

through many events aged to come out and learn to play base ball by the 1860s rules. For more information, call (281) 343-0218 or e-mail info@georgeranch.org for details.

The Sugar Land Heritage Foundation and Museum The Sugar Land Heritage Foundation and Museum began as a coalition of citizens working to preserve the historical artifacts, documents, and photographs that traced the evolution of their community from its early days as a sugarcane plantation into its modern era as one of the fastest growing cities in Texas. Today, they’re working with Sugar Land companies and residents to assemble, document, and exhibit a collection of Sugar Land’s remarkable history for generations to come.

Sugar Land Museum of Natural Science Home to frogs, minerals, a planetarium and Tyrannosaurus Rex. Located at University and New Territory Boulevards, this museum is the first step in a city initiative to create a cultural and entertainment district for Sugar Land. Open 9 am to 5 pm, Monday - Friday and 9 am to 6 pm on Saturday and Sunday Visit www.hmns.org for additional information.

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Rosenberg Railroad Museum Named after Galveston banker and railroad entrepreneur Henry Rosenberg, this museum offers a look at the historical significance of railroads in Fort Bend County. Located in historic downtown Rosenberg, a city situated west of Sugar Land on US 59 and known as the “hub” of the Gulf Coast because of the three major highways and railroads which cross it. The museum is on the corner of Avenue F and Third Street and offers public tours, school tours, private birthday parties, camps and educational programs, and senior festivities.

Call 281.633.2846 or click www.rosenbergrrmuseum.org. Closed Mondays.

Kendleton Heritage Museum The museum is located at 630 Charlie Roberts Lane in Kendleton, south on US 59. The collection of history that you will never forget identifies the contributions made by Black Americans.

Photos, maps, and artifacts identify these numerous historic moments in history. If you have any photographs or items you would like to donate please call the museum at 979-531-8694 or city hall at 979532-8240.

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Fort Bend Libraries

G

eorge Memorial Library, the main library in the system, has the largest collection of materials in the Fort Bend County Libraries system-approximately 700,000. It has a particular focus on large-print books, parenting, Spanishlanguage books, teen materials, literacy materials, and text books from LCISD and FBISD. The library also houses the Genealogy and Local History Department on the second floor of the building; the department’s resources focus on the southeastern United States and includes materials relating to the history of the South, federal censuses, genealogy, and the Civil War. The Joe Grillo Science Center is located in the Children’s Department on the first floor.

WiFi Access George Memorial Library provides free WiFi access to the public throughout the building. Contact the Adult Reference Department at George Memorial for more information and connection instructions to use your personal laptop at the library.

Computer Lab George Memorial Library houses a new computer lab with 18 computers and an instructor’s computer, as well as a large screen to show computer/Internet screens, video tapes and satellite downlinks. When the lab is not being used for training purposes, it is open to the public.

Patrons may reserve some of the computers at this branch.

The George Memorial Library in Richmond is the main library in the county. Branch libraries in Sugar Land are also available and offer a wide variety of services, free classes and wonderful displays.

This facility is scheduled for renovation providing more space as the administrative offices will be moved to a new building. The new building will be an adjacent parcel of land recently acquired from the Fort Bend Country Club.

History Of George Memorial Library George Memorial Library is the central library of the Fort Bend County Libraries system, and houses the administrative offices for the entire system. This building opened in 1986, when the main library moved from its original location in Rosenberg, Texas, by Polly Ryon hospital.

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2013 • Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

George Memorial Library Fort Bend County Law Library Sugar Land Branch Library

Then County Judge Jodie E. Stavinoha, who worked closely with The George Foundation, was very instrumental in bringing the new building to fruition. Because the county had, at that time, no cultural arts center, the planners wanted the library building to include a gallery on the bottom level for exhibitions and an amphitheater for performing arts events, to provide the community with free, cultural arts programming opportunities. The plaza adjacent to the amphitheater has a fountain as a focal piece; in 1991, a water sculpture designed and created by local kinetic artist Jaroslav Belik was donated by former library director Lillian Stavinoha Humpola in memory of her late husband, Cyril Humpola.

The amphitheater was named the Jodie E. Stavinoha Amphitheater for the judge in 1997, and the gallery was named the Bohachevsky Gallery, in honor of long-time county librarian Roman Bohachevsky, when he retired in 2000.

Fort Bend County Libraries helps students excel with Online Homework Help Fort Bend County Libraries’ HelpNow (Homework Tutoring) program enables the library system to provide online homework assistance in a broad range of subjects in English and Spanish for students in grades 3 through 12, free of charge.

This tutoring program is an Internet-based service that provides library patrons with live, on-demand homework help, seven days a week, from 3:00 to 11:00 pm. Certified tutors are experienced in Math, Science, Social Studies, and English/Language Arts. If live, real-time assistance is not needed, students may also submit questions any time of the day or night, and emailed responses will arrive within 24 hours.

Math tutors assist with basic skills, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus, while Science tutors are versed in biology, chemistry, physics, and earth-science subjects. Social Studies tutors cover American history, world history, and political science. English/Language arts instructors provide help with writing, reading comprehension, grammar, and vocabulary skills, as well as help in English literature. Tutors are also able to assist with Advanced Placement (AP) subjects and introductory college courses.

The program includes a 24-hour writing lab, which allows students to submit papers to trained writing instructors online at any time; students receive feedback within 24 hours. Writing experts evaluate the submitted paper and provide constructive comments with the aim of helping students become better writers.

Besides homework help, the homework tutoring program offers a Skills Building section in which students may receive additional exercises to help them master the concepts being taught in their homework lessons.

Students may access this resource from any computer – whether at home, school, or at the library – by going to the library’s website, www. fortbend.lib.tx.us. Click on the “Homework Tutoring” link on the main webpage or the “Live Homework Tutoring” link in the Youth Pages section, and then enter the Homework Help area or the Skills Building area. There is no time limit to the sessions.

Mamie George Branch Library

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The first time patrons utilize the service from home, they may receive a prompt requesting that they install ActiveX software from the Brainfuse website. Patrons may also be asked to complete an optional registration form. Completing this registration allows the user to submit papers for feedback, to receive emailed responses, or to review old sessions. While an email address is needed if the user wishes to submit questions or receive feedback, it is not necessary to have an email address to take advantage of the live homework help during the scheduled hours that the service is available.

Library Cards Now Available Online Fort Bend County citizens may now sign up online for a free Fort Bend County Libraries (FBCL) library card and begin accessing many of the libraries’ resources immediately. Applicants are assigned a temporary library card number, which is good for 30 days.

With this temporary card number, the user is able to place holds or reserve up to three books, DVDs or CDs from the library catalog.

The temporary card number will also enable the user to access some of the library’s online databases.

To get a free, permanent library card, applicants should bring a government-issued picture ID and proof of Texas residency (such as a utility bill) to any FBCL branch within 30 days after applying for the temporary card number. For applicants under the age of 18, a parent or guardian must be present with a government-issued picture ID and

proof of residency to receive the minor’s permanent card.

To apply online, simply go to the libraries’ website—www.fortbend.lib.tx.us—and click on the “Online Library Card Application” link on the left-hand side of the page. You will be asked to enter your name, mailing address, and email address, and to select a password.

“We are very pleased to be able to make our library card application available online,” says library director Clara Russell. “The process is very easy, and we look forward to welcoming many new library users.”

To learn about the many things that a library card can do, visit the library’s FAQ webpage at http://www.fortbend.lib.tx.us/aboutus/ librarycard.html.

For more information, call the libraries’ Public Information Office at 281-341-2677.

Library now offers downloadable audiobooks for Macs & Ipods Fort Bend County Libraries announces the addition of downloadable audiobooks for Apple® Macintosh computers to its online digital library collection. Mac users can now download the library’s audiobooks in the MP3 format, and transfer titles to Apple® devices, including iPod® Classic, iPod Touch, iPod Nano, iPhone™, iPod Shuffle, and virtually any MP3 player for listening on-the-go. Previously, only Continued on page 22

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Fort Bend Libraries

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Call for Information • 281-498-8270 www.amsds.com 22

PC-users could download the audiobooks because the format was not compatible with iPod® devices. Now Mac-users can enjoy the same benefits of the downloadable audiobook collection that the PC-users have come to love.

Not all downloadable audiobook titles are available in both formats, however. To learn if the book selection is compatible with a particular electronic device, patrons should refer to the “Plays on” graphic that is displayed with each title, which alerts the patron of the various format(s) in which the audiobook is available.

Other new features of the downloadable audiobook collection include a “Wish List” for books to be checked out at a later date, the ability to search for titles by the awards they have won, and full-text searching, which allows the patron to search the entire catalog record of the book for specific keywords. Another new feature provides the patron with suggestions of other titles the reader may like, based on their current book selection.

Library patrons can browse the virtual library shelves by clicking on the OverDrive link on the library’s webpage www.fortbend.lib.tx.us.

The first time patrons download a book, they will be asked to install the free Overdrive Media Console software from the library website; subsequent downloads do not require software installation. Patrons may browse through the collection and make their selections, enter their library card number and check out the titles that they want. For those new to digital downloading, thorough instructions are included on the site.

Patrons may check out up to five downloadable books at any given time, and may place holds on up to five titles. When a reserved title becomes available, the patron will be sent an email notification, and will have three days to download the selection. The system also eliminates late fees through an automatic return feature. At the end of the 2-week lending period, the files automatically expire and are immediately available for the next patron.

For more information, call the library’s Public Information Office at 281-341-2677.

2013 • Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

The official opening of the ICAN Center at Fort Bend County Libraries’ Missouri City Branch Library was celebrated on Saturday, October 2. The library is located at 1530 Texas Parkway.

The ICAN (Information, Careers and Networking) Center provides eight additional computers, printers, and traditional print resources that are specifically intended to assist job hunters or anyone considering a career change. Individuals such as high school students, college graduates, senior adults, or people with limited English-speaking abilities will find resources that will assist them in career planning, jobskills exam preparation, college selection and financial aid, and current career information.

For more information, call the branch library at 281-499-4100 or the library’s Public Information Office at 281-341-2677.

University Branch Library just opened Fort Bend County library system’s newest addition – the University Branch Library is located at 14010 University Blvd in Sugar Land, on the campus of the University of Houston System at Sugar Land. The library is a county partnership with the University of Houston System at Sugar Land, and will be the second joint-use facility in the Fort Bend County library system.

The 2-story building is approximately 40,193 square feet in size.

The library is part of a $130-million bond referendum approved by voters in May 2006, which included $24.5 million for three county library projects: the Sienna Branch Library in partnership with Houston Community College; the University Branch Library in partnership with the University of Houston campus in Sugar Land and Wharton County Junior College; and renovations at George Memorial Library in Richmond.

Sienna Branch Library Located at 8411 Sienna Springs Blvd. in Missouri City, the Sienna Branch Library is a joint project between Fort Bend County and Houston Community College.

Located at 8411 Sienna Springs Boulevard, the library sits on a 4.5-acre site adjacent to the new Houston Community College campus which opened last fall. The new library, designed by Stoa/ Golemon/Bolullo Architects, is a two-story building, with 44,989 square feet, making it the second largest library in the system. On opening day, the library will employ 21 full-time staff and 18 parttime staff.

The library was designed to be family-friendly, with individual areas for children, teens, and adults. The general library areas on the first and second floors are enhanced by natural light from a series of glazed windows framing spectacular views of the neighborhood and community college.

The library includes community meeting rooms, study rooms, a puppet theater, and a computer lab for technology classes and general public use. An additional 36 computers will be available for public use outside of the computer lab. The library has free WiFi access for individuals wishing to bring their own laptop computers to the library.

Continued on page 26

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2013 • Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

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Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory • 2013

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Continued from page 23

The Youth Services department will have a full range of children’s programs, including Mother Goose Time for infants, Toddler Time for babies from 12 to 36 months of age, Story Time for 3 to 6-year-old children, and school-aged programs for children in grades 1 through 5. Programs designed for teens in grades 6 through 8 will also be available.

The library offers introductory computer classes for adults.

Patrons may learn computer basics such as how to use a computer, how to search the Internet, and how to use Microsoft Office programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

A wide variety of books for children and adults are available for recreational reading and research. Magazines, newspapers, and audiovisual materials are also on hand. The library offers audio books that can be downloaded from home, as well as a generous assortment of databases that patrons may access in the library or from home.

The Sienna Branch Library is the first library in the system to utilize Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology in its

check-out system. This new feature is built in to the outside and inside book drops, and enables items to be automatically checked in as they are returned in the book drop. The Sienna library has six self-check machines with RFID technology – four in the Circulation (check-out) department, one in the Adult Services department, and one in the Youth Services department.

“The Sienna Branch Library is the first county library/college partnership in the Fort Bend County library system,” says Library Director Clara Russell. “Part of our library mission is to provide an environment of lifelong learning and enrichment for the entire, diverse community, and this new venture just reinforces our commitment to providing a continuum of service for people of all ages. We hope the residents in the area will find the new library a pleasant and enjoyable place where they can study or just relax with a good book.”

The hours of operation for the new branch library will be as follows: Monday-Thursday, 7:30 am - 9:00 pm; Friday, 7:30 am - 5:00 pm; and Saturday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm. The library will be closed on Sundays.

Albert George Branch Library

First Colony Branch Library

9230 Gene Street Needville, Texas 77461 281-238-2850 979-793-4270 281-342-5992 FAX 979-793-3672 TTY

Hours of Operation: Mon 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm, Tues10:00 am - 8:00 pm, Wed, Thurs 10:00 am - 6:00 pm, Fri 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm, Sat 9:00 am - 1:00 pm, Sun CLOSED

Bob Lutts Fulshear/Simonton Branch Library 8100 FM 359 South P. O. Box 907 Fulshear, Texas 77441-0907 281-633-4675 281-346-1432 281-346-1265 FAX 281-346-1281 TTY

Hours of Operation: Mon 12:00 pm -8:00 pm, Tue, Wed 10:00 am - 6:00 pm, Thurs 10:00 am - 8:00 pm, Fri 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm, Sat 10:00 pm - 5:00 pm, Sun CLOSED

Cinco Ranch Branch Library 2620 Commercial Center Blvd.

Katy, Texas 77494-6407 281-395-1311 281-395-6377 FAX 281-693-7845 TTY

Hours of Operation: Mon 12:00 pm - 9:00 pm, Tues Thurs 10:00 am - 9:00 pm, Wed 10:00 am - 6:00 pm, Fri 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm, Sat 10:00 am - 5:00 pm, Sun CLOSED

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2013 • Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

2121 Austin Parkway Sugar Land, Texas 77479 281-238-2800 281-265-4440 FAX 281-565-0798 TTY

Hours of Operation: Mon 12:00 pm - 9:00 pm, Tues-Thurs 10:00 am - 9:00 pm, Fri 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm, Sat 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, Sun CLOSED

George Memorial Library (MAIN) 1001 Golfview Drive Richmond, Texas 77469 281-342-4455 281-341-2688 FAX: Administration 281-341-2689 FAX: Adult Services 281-341-2669 TTY

Hours of Operation: Mon-Thurs 9:00 am - 9:00 pm, Fri, Sat 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, Sun 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Law Library of Fort Bend County 401 Jackson, Rm 302 Richmond, Texas 77469 281-341-3718 281-342-0734 FAX

Hours of Operation: Mon-Fri 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, Sat, Sun CLOSED

JENNIFER WEAVER

Mamie George Branch Library

281-207-5037

320 Dulles Avenue Stafford, Texas 77477 281-238-2880 281-242-5793 FAX 281-242-5793 TTY Hours of Operation: Mon 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm, Tues, Thurs 10:00 am - 6:00 pm, Fri 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm, Sat, Sun CLOSED

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Missouri City Branch Library 1530 Texas Parkway Missouri City, Texas 77489 281-238-2100 281-261-5829 FAX 281-261-5944 TTY

Hours of Operation: Mon 12:00 pm - 9:00 pm, Tues, Wed 10:00 am - 9:00 pm, Thurs 10:00 am - 6:00 pm, Fri 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm, Sa 10:00 am - 5:00 pm, Sun CLOSED

Sienna Branch Library

8411 Sienna Springs Blvd.

Missouri City, Texas 77459-7119 281-238-2900 281-238-2901 FAX 281-778-3657 TTY Hours of Operation: Mon-Thurs 7:30 am - 9:00 pm, Fri 7:30 am - 5:00 pm, Sat 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, Sun CLOSED

Sugar Land Branch Library 550 Eldridge Sugar Land, Texas 77478 281-238-2140 281-277-8945 FAX 281-277-8963 TTY

Hours of Operation: Mon 12:00 pm - 9:00 pm, Tues, Thurs 10:00 am - 9:00 pm, Wed 10:00 am - 6:00 pm, Fri 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm, Sat 10:00 am - 5:00 pm, Sun CLOSED

University Branch Library 14010 University Boulevard Sugar Land, Texas 77478 281-633-5100

Hours of Operation: Mon 12:00 pm - 9:00 pm, Tues, Thurs 10:00 am - 9:00 pm, Wed 10:00 am - 6:00 pm, Fri 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm, Sat 10:00 am - 5:00 pm, Sun CLOSED

Houston Restoration Services 5757 Westheimer # 252 • Houston, TX 77057

281-850-4393 713-783-3734

Residential Roofing Contractor Services Include: • Metal roofs • Shingle roofs 800-243-6268 fax • Asphalt roofs and more Commercial Roof Repair 24-Hour Emergency Service Services Available For: • Metal roofs • Flat roofs • Single-ply roofing

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Adam Pisani Agency Principal

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www.allstateagencies.com/AdamPisani/Welcome Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory • 2013

27

Fort Bend Church Directory Christ United Methodist 281-980-6888 3300 Austin Parkway Sugar Land www.cumcsl.org

Faith Lutheran Church 281-242-7729 800 Brooks Street Sugar Land www.flcsl.org

Friendship Missionary Baptist Church 281-277-5014 16138 Boss Gaston Road Sugar Land

Church of Christ/ Sugar Land 281-561-0881 15590 Voss Road Sugar Land

First Colony Bible Chapel 281-265-3411 3610 Austin Parkway Sugar Land www.firstcolonybible.org

Friendship Church 281-341-1300 4640 Richmond Foster Road Richmond www.friendshipchurch.cc

Church of God Sugar Land 281-242-2424 1715 Eldridge Road Sugar Land

First Colony Church of Christ 281-980-7070 2140 First Colony Blvd.

Sugar Land www.firstcolonychurch.org

Grace Church 281-778-1104 4309 Sienna Parkway Missouri City www.experiencehisgrace.com

Congregation Beth El 281-499-5066 3900 Raoul Wallenberg Lane Missouri City www.cbefortbendtx.org Cornerstone Assembly of God 281-491-3614 2515 Eldridge Road Sugar Land www.cornerstonesugarland.com Cross Bridge Community Church 281-313-8300 1049 Eldrige Road Sugar Land www.crossbridge.cc Eldridge Rd. Church of Christ 281-494-7106 410 Eldridge Road Sugar Land

First Colony Christian Church and Community Center 281-980-4141 4141 Sweetwater Blvd.

Sugar Land www.fcccdoc.org

Grand Parkway Baptist Church 281-277-2200 1200 FM 1464 Sugar Land Heritage Baptist Church 281-403-4994 2223 FM 1092 Missouri City www.hbctx.org

First Presbyterian Church 281-240-3195 502 Eldridge Road Sugar Land www.fpcsl.org

Holy Cross Episcopal 281-633-2000 5653 West River Park Drive Sugar Land www.holycrosschurch.com

Fishers of Men Lutheran Church 281-242-7711 2011-2011-2012 Austin Parkway Sugar Land www.fishersofmen.org

Jehovah’s Witnesses 281-568-7446 9811 Howell Road Sugar Land www.watchtower.org

Freedom Church 281-565-4406 3301 S Town Center Blvd.

Sugar Land www.freedomchurchintl.com

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2013 • Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

Mt Pleasant Baptist Church 281-494-3826 127 Avenue E Sugar Land

Oak Lake Baptist Church 281-568-7220 15555 West Airport Blvd.

Sugar Land www.oaklakebaptist.org Family Life Christian Fellowship 281-879-Life (5433) 16425 Old Richmond Rd. Sugar Land www.flcf.com New Bethel Baptist Church 281-531-5683 14820 Branch Forest Dr. Houston www.nbbcofalief.org Parkway United Methodist Church 281-494-5050 5801 New Territory Blvd.

Sugar Land www.parkwayumc.org

Providence Christian Church 281-495-8151 8727 Gaines Road Sugar Land www.providencechristianchurch.com

St. Thomas Aquinas 281-240-6721 12627 West Bellfort Avenue Sugar Land www.stthomasaquinas.info

Providence Presbyterian Church 281-980-2522 3510 Austin Parkway Sugar Land www.providencepresbyterian.org

Sugar Creek Baptist Church 281-242-2858 13333 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land www.sugarcreek.net

River Pointe Community Church 281-277-6767 5000 Ransom Rd. Richmond www.riverpointe.org Southminster Presbyterian Church 281-499-2310 4200 Cartwright Rd. Missiouri City www.southminpres.org St. Laurence Catholic Parish 281-980-9812 30100 Sweetwater Blvd.

Sugar Land www.stlaurence.com St. Martins Lutheran Church 281-980-0695 1123 Burney Road www.stmartinslc.org St. Theresa Church 281-494-1156 115 7th Street Sugar Land www.sttheresasugarland.org

Sugar Land Chinese Church 281-491-9137 2565 Eldridge Road Sugar Land Sugar Grove Church of Christ 281-530-9651 11600 West Airport Meadows Place www.sugargrove.org Sugar Land Bible Church 281-491-7773 401 Matlage Way Sugar Land www.slbc.org

a place to call home Schedule of Services SUNDAY Sunday School.................. 9:30am Sunday AM Worship...... 10:45am Bible Classes.................... 6:05 pm Sunday PM Worship...... 7:00 pm WEDNESDAY Bible Study....................... 7:00pm Awana Bible Clubs........... 7:00pm

Sugar Land Family Church 281-313-1110 1110 Burney Road Sugar Land www.slfconline.com Sugar Land Baptist Church 281-980-4431 16755 SW Freeway Sugar Land www.wtbc.org Sugar Land First United Methodist 281-491-6041 431 Eldridge Road Sugar Land www.sugarlandmethodist.org

Dr. Charles A. Murphy, Sr. Pastor

281-403-4994 www.hbctx.org 2223 FM 1092 Missouri City, Texas 77459

Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory • 2013

29

Fort Bend Church Directory

Sugar Land Vineyard 281-240-VINE (8463) 5015 Grove West Stafford www.slvineyard.org The Bridge Fellowship 281-494-3036 802 Brooks Street Sugar Land www.thebridgefellowship.org

C

The Freedom Center 281-499-0594 2303 FM 1092 Missouri City www.freedomcenterchurch.com

Thompson Chapel Baptist Church 281-565-0254 419 Sartartia Road Sugar Land

The Fort Bend Church 281-980-8322 1900 Eldridge Road Sugar Land www.thebend.org

Thoreau Unitarian Universalist Congregation 281-277-8882 3945 Greenbriar, Ste. D&E Stafford www.tuuc.org

The Epicenter Church 281-491-0000 13867 SW Frwy Sugar Land www.epicenter-church.com

Trinity Baptist Church 281-980-8822 4411 Wickford Circle Sugar Land www.trinitybaptistfb.org

Triumph Christian Center 281-242-5109 13100 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land Triumph Church Sugar Land 281975-1504 10555 W. Airport Blvd.

Stafford www.triumphchurch.com

d a y! o t s u all

281.243.2300

www.KenWoodPC.com One Sugar Creek Center Blvd. Suite 300 • Sugar Land, TX 77478 30

2013 • Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

Warning to Newcomers: Do not take hurricane warnings lightly

W

hile Sugar Land is somewhat removed from the beach, newcomers to the area should not take the annual hurricane warnings lightly. Just this past year Hurricane Ike skirted the Fort Bend County area doing millions upon millions of dollars in

damage.

Hurricanes are severe tropical storms that form in the southern Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico and in the eastern Pacific Ocean. While scientists can now predict hurricanes, it is not without surprises. And those in emergency management say the time to prepare for a hurricane is now, before the threat is imminent.

Some of the suggestions include:

Get A Kit / “To-Go Bag” Get an Emergency Supply Kit, which includes items like nonperishable food, water, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra flashlights and batteries. You may want to prepare a portable kit and keep it in your car. This kit should include: Copies of prescription medications and medical supplies; Bedding and clothing, including sleeping bags and pillows; Bottled water, a battery-operated radio and extra batteries, a first aid kit, a flashlight; Copies of important documents: driver’s license, Social Security card, proof of residence, insurance policies, wills, deeds, birth and marriage certificates, tax records, proof of residence, pictures of your family including pets, and comfortable clothing and blankets; etc.

Make sure you have a “to-go bag” ready in case you need to evacuate. When it comes to pets, now is the time to purchase the right size kennel cage and familiarize your pet with being confined. Also, put copies of rabies vaccination and medications.

During Hurricane Katrina many islanders and coastal residents refused to evacuate because they would have to leave beloved pets behind and most shelters were not allowing pets in with evacuees. Due to the number of tragic stories, most shelters either accommodate pets or supply an alternative location to temporarily house your pet. Most hotels and motels also now allow pets. However, most require they be vaccinated, kenneled or on a leash.

Make a Plan-Prepare your family Make a Family Emergency Plan. Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to know how you will contact one another, how you will get back together and what you will do in case of an emergency Plan places where your family will meet, both within and outside of your immediate neighborhood.

It may be easier to make a long-distance phone call than to call across town, so an out-of-town contact may be in a better position to communicate among separated family members.

You may also want to inquire about emergency plans at places where your family spends time: work, daycare and school. If no plans exist, consider volunteering to help create one.

If you do not have a car, plan alternate means of evacuating.

If you have a car, keep a half tank of gas in it at all times in case you need to evacuate.

Take your Emergency Supply Kit. Be Informed Familiarize yourself with the terms that are used to identify a hurricane.

A hurricane watch means a hurricane is possible in your area. Be prepared to evacuate. Monitor local radio and television news outlets or listen to NOAA Weather Radio for the latest developments. Local governmental entities, including the city and county have websites devoted to information during disasters, including hurricanes and tropical storms. However when a storm hits, the internet may not be available.

A hurricane warning is when a hurricane is expected in your area. If local authorities advise you to evacuate, leave immediately.

Hurricanes are classified into five categories based on their wind speed, central pressure, and damage potential. Category Three and higher hurricanes are considered major hurricanes, though Categories One and Two are still extremely dangerous and warrant your full attention.

If flooding and heavy rain is expected, there are a number of preventative measures you can take to minimize the damage.

Cover all of your home’s windows with pre-cut ply wood or hurricane shutters to protect your windows from high winds.

Plan to bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans and anything else that is not tied down.

Keep all trees and shrubs well trimmed so they are more wind resistant.

Turn off utilities as instructed.

Otherwise, turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed.

Turn off propane tanks.

Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purposes such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and other large containers with water.

Prepare Your Business Plan to stay in business, talk to your employees, and protect your investment.

Carefully assess how your company functions, both internally and externally, to determine which staff, materials, procedures and equipment are absolutely necessary to keep the business operating.

Identify operations critical to survival and recovery.

Plan what you will do if your building, plant or store is not accessible.

Consider if you can run the business from a different location or from your home.

Develop relationships with other companies to use their facilities in case a disaster makes your location unusable.

Learn about programs, services, and resources at U.S. Small Business Administration.

Listen to Local Officials Learn about the emergency plans that have been established in your area by your state and local government. In any emergency, always listen to the instructions given by local emergency management officials.

Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory • 2013

31

Fort Bend Colleges & Universities

University of Houston System at Sugar Land (UHSSL) http://www.sugarland.uh.edu Complete your bachelor’s, earn your master’s or obtain a certification locally. The UH System at Sugar Land (UHSSL) located just northeast of the Brazos River offers the combined UH System resources—University of Houston, UH-Clear Lake, and UH-Victoria and through these programs, the institutions offer junior, senior, and graduate courses for more than 20 bachelor’s and master’s degrees in applied arts and sciences, biology, business administration, computer

science, criminal justice, and education.

The UHSSL is part of the four UH universities in the system that includes a public broadcast educational television station and the largest university distance learning program in Texas. Each degree at UHSSL is sponsored by one of three universities. The UHSSL also partners with Houston Community College, Wharton County Junior College, and other area community colleges. For more information, 281-275-3300.

Wharton County Junior College http://www.wcjc.edu

Houston Community College http://nwc.hccs.cc.tx.us

Wharton County Junior College (WCJC) has four campuses in Wharton, Sugar Land, Richmond and Bay City, and at other off-site locations, students will be able to access learning 24/7 in a virtual campus to complete certificate and degree programs online. WCCJ offers an associate in arts degree for transfers to a four-year institution, associate of arts in teaching degree, associate in applied science degrees, and certificate programs. Web-based and interactive television distance education courses are also available.

For more information about programs or registration, call 800.561.9252 or 979.532.4560 for the Wharton campus, 281.243.8447 for the Sugar Land campus, or 281.239.1500 for the WCJC Fort Bend Technical Center. The college also offers classes at the Bay City campus.

Houston Community College (HCC) System has many college campuses and is the fourth-largest community college system in the United States, HCC-Southwest has college campuses in Stafford on Cash Road and in Missouri City at Sienna Plantation.

It offer academic courses for associate’s degrees, terminal degrees, certification and for transfers to four-year institutions in core curriculum in more than 70 fields of work, also in continuing education, for non-degree options and corporate training.

For more information about programs or registration, visit HCC’s website or call 713-718-2000 (Local) or (877)422-6111 (Outside Houston Area).

32

2013 • Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

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SUGAR LAND COMPOUNDING PHARMACY 281-302-6080 • Fax: 281-201-8259 14891 SW Frwy, Sugar Land, TX 77478

Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory • 2013

33

FBISD serves Sugar Land students

W

hen you establish residence in Sugar Land and your youngsters are going to public school, you’ll be served by the Fort Bend Independent School District.

Important information included on the district’s web page can assist parents and students in their preparations for the start of each new school year.

If you are new to Fort Bend ISD or if you have moved and your child is zoned to a new school, you will register your child at the school in which you are zoned.

• There are attendance zones. Since FBISD is located in one of the fastest growing districts in the nation (families from around the world move here daily), there may be changes, but these are the current Sugar Land school zones: • For your Sugar Land high school student (9th,10th,11th, 12th grades) he or she will go to one of high schools: Austin at 3434

Pheasant Creek Drive; Clements at 4200 Elkins Drive; Dulles at 550 Dulles Avenue, Kempner at 14777 Voss Road or Travis High School at 11111 Harlem Road. There also is a Technical Education Center at 540 Dulles Avenue, and an M.R. at 138 Avenue F • Middle school students (6th, 7th,8th grades): Dulles at 500 Dulles Avenue; First Colony at 3225 Austin Parkway; Fort Settlement at 5440 Elkins Road; Garcia at 18550 Old Richmond Road; Hodges Bend at 16510 Bissonnet; Sartartia at 8125 Homeward Way, or Sugar Land at 321 Seventh Street.

• Elementary school students (Kindergarten through 5th grades): Austin Parkway at 4400 Austin Parkway; Barrington Place at 21100 Squire Dobbins Drive; Brazos Bend at 621 Cunningham Creek Boulevard; Colony Bend at 22720 Planters Street; Colony Meadows at 4510 Sweetwater Boulevard; Commonwealth at 4909 Commonwealth Boulevard; Cornerstone at 1800 Chatham Avenue; Drabek at 11325 Lake Woodbridge Drive; Dulles at 630 Dulles Avenue; Highlands at 2022 Colonist Park Drive; Lakeview at 314 Lakeview Drive; Oyster Creek at 16425 Mellow Oaks Lane; Settlers Way at 3015 Settlers Way; Sugar Mill at 13707 Jess Pirtle; Townewest at 13927 Old Richmond Road, or Walker Station at 6200 Homeward Way. • The FBISD Administration Building is at 16431 Lexington Boulevard in Sugar Land.

• Parental involvement in all of these schools is appreciated by the district. There’s a Community Conference for Volunteers each

2012-13 School Year Calendar August 16, 17...................District Professional Development 20-23.......Campus Professional Development/District Focus 24................................................................ Teacher Work Day 27............................................................... First Day of School September 3..............................................Holiday/Labor Day October 11.......................Elem Parent Conf. & Early Release 19.................................................... .End of Nine Week Period November 21 - 23..................... Holiday/Thanksgiving Break December 18 - 21........................................................Exams 20, 21............................Early Release - MS/HS students only 21...........................................................End of First Semester 24 - 31....................................................Holiday/Winter Break January 1 - 4 .......................................Holiday/Winter Break 7 .......................Campus Staff Development/Student Holiday 8......................................................... First Day 2nd Semester 21...................................................Holiday/Martin L. King Day

34

February 1.......................Elem Parent Conf. & Early Release 18........................................................Holiday/President’s Day March 11 - 15.......................................Holiday/Spring Break 22......................................................End of Nine Week Period 29............................................................. Holiday/Good Friday May 27.................................................Holiday/Memorial Day June 3-6........................................................................Exams 5................................... Early Release - MS/HS Students only 6....................................................................Last Student Day Early Release - All Students 7.................................................................. Teacher Work Day 7, 8.......................................................................... Graduation (Pending Toyota Center availability based on NBA Playoff Schedule) July 4......................................................... Independence Day

2013 • Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

October; a VIPs Salute for major contributors, and a Community Partnerships Appreciation Luncheon each April. Some examples of parent group successes in Sugar Land: • Fort Settlement Middle School’s Cultural Arts Committee, comprised of 10 parents each year since the school opened in 2001, has created projects to help students appreciate the differences in culture, color, race, religion and physical appearance. It has sent a message of coexistence and tolerance.

• Dulles High School VIKE (Vikings Invested in Kids’ Education) has been led by parents, in partnership with the school administration, to provide supervised activities, offer parent education opportunities and eliminate destructive behaviors by students.

• Partnerships abound, with businesses, services clubs and church organizations being heavily involved in Sugar Land schools in all areas, particularly in social, academic and athletic activities.

NEED TO HIRE AN ATTORNEY? Contact a Fort Bend County Bar Association Member at www.fortbendbar.com Our 450+ members practice in most areas of the law, such as family law, criminal law, personal injury, estate planning, bankruptcy, and business disputes in Fort Bend County, Harris County, and adjacent counties.

Kay Decker

Avon Independent Consultant

Offering a thank you for your Avon purchases through me.

Join the Fort Bend County Bar Association a www.fortbendbar.com

For every $25 spent, you will receive 1 square.

Collect 10 squares and receive $50 in Avon merchandise FREE!

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WANT TO BE A BETTER ATTORNEY?

Listing on www.fortbendbar.com, which averages 300+ hits a week!

New website with search module to find your practice is under construction.Your individual page will feature your professional profile and a direct link to your firm’s website.

Annual membership directory in binder with Fort Bend County Court System information, followed by annual refill pages Bar website advertised in local publications Annual golf tournament Free attendance at bench-bar socials Lower member price at 10 monthly luncheons featuring one hour of CLE Opportunities to donate pro bono services to the citizens of Fort Bend County For more information call 281-565-3634 or email us at fortbendbar@comcast.net.

The Andreason Law Firm Now you don’t have to drive to Houston for experienced Estate Planning.

Kurt M. Andreason, Attorney-at-Law Board Certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in Estate Planing, Probate Law and Commercial Real Estate.

4840 Sweetwater Blvd, Suite B (at rear), Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-265-1561 • www.andreasonlawfirm.com

Selected as a Texas Super Lawyer for the past 10 years

Call me for more details!

281-768-0972 www.youravon.com/kdecker

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Everybody & Every Body – Get Yours FREE! Tastes like cake mix!

Kay Decker 281.768.0972 www.Beferky1.myvi.net

USPA & BBB

Angels Helping Seniors OFFERING SERVICES TO SENIORS

• Cleaning/Laundry • Maintenance

• Running Errands • Shopping

Insured/Bonded • Call 281-236-9597 Every Senior Needs An Angel Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory • 2013

35

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www.southwest-storage.com Top Quality self-storage at competitive prices serving Sugar Land, Meadows Place and Stafford since 1999.

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(281) 242 3222 JANE PENAN SPELLMAN, CIC, LUTCF

101 Southwestern Blvd. Suite #135 SUGAR LAND janespellman@allstate.com

Feature is optional and subject to terms, conditions and availability. Safe Driving Bonus won’t apply after an accident. Patent pending. Allstate Fire and Casualty Insurance Company: Northbrook, IL. © 2009 Allstate Insurance Company

36

2013 • Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

Historic Downtown 1908 courthouse slated for renovation

I

n 1908 Fort Bend County built its fifth courthouse. Today, that Courthouse is known as the Old Courthouse and sits proudly in the 400 block of Jackson Street on US Highway 90A in Richmond, the county seat of Fort Bend County.

With the construction of the new Fort Bend Justice Center, the old courthouse, updated with additions in 1935 and 1957, is now slated to be restored back to its original footprint and early grandeur. The additions will be removed and the courtrooms will be returned to their original expanse. County officials have sought millions in federal and state grant monies to refurbish the County’s Grand Dame. Once completed, this Old Courthouse is slated to be used as offices of the County Judge and the County Attorney as well as over flowcourts and historical records storage.

The original cost to build the Old Courthouse in 1908 was $75,000 for construction with another $6,750 going for the purchase of the land. The expected cost to refurbish the building back to the original 1909 stateliness is expected to cost upwards of five million dollars.

Elissa R. Wedemeyer O.D., FCOVD, FAAO

Therapeutic/Optometric Glaucoma Specialist Board Certified in Vision Therapy Reading/Visual Skills Program • Medical Management of Eye Diseases • Children’s Visual Perceptual Testing and Therapy • Co-Management of Laser Surgery • Contact Lenses • Complete Line of Fashion & Professional Frames • SPORTS WEAR: Swimming Goggles, Sunglasses & High Tech Sports Glasses

For the past 21 years, Dr. Wedemeyer has been dedicated to providing the best possible care to every patient, and places a strong emphasis on individual attention and quality time to meet patient needs.

281-499-2600

6026 Highway 6 Missouri City, TX 77459 www.drwedemeyer.com

Like us on Facebook!

Safari Texas Ranch

Special Events Facility - Galas & Weddings 11627 FM 1464 Richmond TX 77407 Phone 281-277-7888 Fax 281-277-9788 events@safaritexasballroom.com

Texas Green Electronic Recycling Company 281-760-3681 10225 Mula Road, Suite 110 • Stafford, Texas 77477 Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory • 2013

37

Sugar Land Restaurants INDIAN Bombay to Beijing 14025 SWFwy #501 281-242-4242 Café India 2319 Williams Trace Blvd 281-565-5881 India Chat & Sweets 2452 Settlers Way 281-313-0484 Madras Pavilion 16260 Kensington 281-491-3672 Mantra Fine Indian Cuisine 15295 Southwest Fwy 281-325-0071

Nizam’s Kitchen Indian Cuisine 5211 Hwy 6 South • Suite F Missouri City, Tx 77549 832-284-7007 Shiva Indian Restaurant 2130 Lone Star Dr. 281-494-2981 Udipi Café 3559 Highway 6 S. 281-313-2700 Zaika Indo-Pak Restaurant 16556 Southwest Fwy 281-313-0123

ASIAN Azuma on the Lake 15830 SW Frwy., Ste 100 281-313-0518

We only serve Zabihah Halal Meats

Indian Cuisine www.nizamskitchen.net

Combining the very best of two vibrant South Asian cities, Hyderabadi in India and Karachi in Pakistan, you will be treated like ROYALTY when you step into Nizam’s Kitchen.

832-284-7007 5211 HWY 6 SOUTH • SUITE F MISSOURI CITY, TX 77549 (Across from LA Fitness)

38

2013 • Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

Alings Haka Chinese Cuisine 15425 SW Freeway 281-242-0432

Js Café 5838 New Territory Blvd 281-494-4848

Benihana Grill 2579 Town Center Blvd N. 281-565-8888

Kona Grill 16535 Southwest Fwy 281-242-7000 Mori Sushi 4502 Highway 6 281-325-0628

Blue Fish House II 2735 C Town Center Blvd. N. 281-295-0707 Café East Chinese Buffet 4645 Highway 6 S. 281-491-8181

Old Place Café 4555 Highway 6 S., Ste R 281-277-8008

Orient Express Café Goo Goo Yen 4779 Sweetwater Blvd 1730 Williams Trace Blvd, Ste L 281-313-8800 281-277-8383 P.F. Chang’s China Bistro Chang’s Chinese Restaurant 2120 Lone Star Dr. 16100 Kensington Blvd., #200 281-313-8650 281-325-0176 www.changs-online.com Panda Express 1401 Highway 6 S. China King 281-277-0856 3338 Highway 6 281-980-8887 Panda Garden 1043 Eldridge Road Coco’s Café 281-242-7728 4565 Highway 6 S. 281-491-7868 Panda Garden 3563 Highway 6 S. Dynasty Buffet 281-265-0303 13849 Southwest Fwy 281-980-3333 Pearl Dynasty Cuisine 19828 Southwest Fwy Famous Wok 281-238-5800 16535 Southwest Fwy 281-565-3599 Pei Wei Asian Diner 16101 Kensington Dr. Ichiban Sushi & Tapioca 281-240-1931 16200 Kensington Dr., Ste 300 281-265-1669 Pho Mai Vietnamese Noodle House Jade Café 16200 Kensington Dr., Ste 100 2565 Eldridge Road 281-491-1528 281-277-1899 Jade Garden 4555 Highway 6 S., Ste C 281-265-8868 Japaneiro’s Sushi Bar & Latin Grill 2168 Texas Dr. 281-242-1121

Pho Saigon Vietnamese Noodle House 4645 Highway 6 S., Ste L 281-491-2988 Pho Thanh Vietnamese Noodle House 1221 Eldridge Rd 281-265-1669 Sabai Thai Café 2705 Town Center Blvd N. 281-325-1007 Sarku Japan 16535 Southwest Fwy 281-242-0403 Spicy China 4555 Highway 6 281-494-8888 Swen Chinese Café 4526 Highway 6 S. 281-265-8300

Taisho Japanese Bar & Grill 16100 City Walk 281-313-0158

Chipotle 2280 Lone Star Dr. 281-980-6622

Lupe Tortilla 15801 Southwest Fwy 281-265-7500

Thai Cottage II 4723 Sweetwater Blvd 281-313-0707

Escalantes 15933 City Walk Blvd.

281-242-1100

Lupita’s Mexican Restaurant 3121 Highway 6 S. 281-265-6556

Tony’s Grill 12240 Murphy Road, Ste F 281-564-4022

La Fonda Dona Maria 13134 Dairy Ashford Road, Ste 600 281-277-0338

Pappasito’s Cantina 13750 Southwest Fwy 281-565-9797

MEXICAN

Las Haciendas Restaurant 12821 Southwest Freeway 281-240-3050

Berryhill Tamales 13703 Southwest Fwy 281-313-8226 Bravos Mexican Restaurant 4514 Highway 6 S. 281-494-3340 Café Adobe 2329 Highway 6 S. 281-277-1700

Los Gallitos Mexican Café 3385 Highway 6 281-313-1401

Ruthie’s Mexican Café 5022 Highway 90A 281-491-7884 Zorro’s Mexican Diner 6560 Greatwood Parkway, Ste. 500 281-545-1861

Los Tios Mexican Restaurant 3308 Highway 6 S. 281-980-1313

Continues...

of Sugar Land

Simply Italian, Simply Tasty!

281.240.5000 Sugar Land at First Colony Mall 16535 SW Freeway Suite 2510 Sugar Land TX 77479 Monday - Thursday 11 am -10 pm Friday and Saturday - 11 am -11 pm Sunday 10:30 am - 10 pm

Featuring: MONDAY - Happy Hour 4pm to close on the Patio and at the Bar TUESDAY - 50% off Select Bottled Wines WEDNESDAY - Ladies Night: Happy Hour Drinks for the Ladies on the Patio and at the Bar! THURSDAY - Steak Night: 3 course meal only $29.95/person FRIDAY - Happy Hour 3pm to 7pm on the Patio and Bar Area SATURDAY - Martini Madness! All Mia Bella Signature Martinis $7

Offering Mia Bella’s Award Winning Brunch Saturday 11:00 am -2:00 pm and Sunday 10:30 am - 2:00 pm

Online reservations available at wwww.MiaBellaRestaurants.com Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory • 2013

39

Sugar Land Restaurants ITALIAN Amici’s 16089 City Walk Blvd.

281-242-2800 Carino’s Italian 5750 Highway 6, Missouri City, TX 77459 281-261-2630 Carraba’s Italian Grill 2335 Highway 6 S. 281-980-4433 Corelli’s Italian Café 3229 Highway 6 S. 281-491-8900 La Magia Cafe & Pizza 3699 Highway 6 281-565-0366

Molto Bene Restaurant 8817 Hwy 6 • Suite 200 Missouri City, TX 7759 www.moltobenerestaurant.com 281-778-1474 Pappa La Rosa Flying Pizza 16227 Lexington Blvd 281-313-3500 Sbarro 16535 Southwest Fwy 281-265-4447

CASUAL DINING Another Time Soda Fountain & Cafe 800 Third St. Richmond 281-232-2999 Baker Street Pub & Grill 15970 City Walk Blvd.

281-494-0774

BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse 2231 Highway 6 S. 281-242-0400 Black Walnut Café 16535 Southwest Fwy 281-565-7800 Buffalo Wild Wings 1401 Highway 6 S. Building B 281-313-9464 Cheesecake Factory, The 16535 Southwest Fwy 281-313-9500 Chili’s 15355 Southwest Fwy 281-242-5444

Post Oak Grill 1550 Lake Pointe, Pkwy, Ste 500 281-491-2901 Ragin Cajun 16100 Kensington, Ste 400 281-277-0704 www.ragin-cajun.com

Chili’s 19940 Southwest Fwy 281-232-3438 Cindy’s Café 1 Sugar Creek Center, Ste 103 281-242-0052

Willie’s Grill and Ice House 945 Highway 6 S. 281-242-2252

Famous Cajun Grill 16535 Southwest Fwy 281-242-1102

Wing Stop 16525 Lexington Blvd #120 281-565-9464

Hoggs n’Chicks 8817 Hwy 6, Suite 900 Missouri City, TX 77459 (281)778-4644 www.hoggsnchicks.com

Wings-N-Things 3375 Highway 6 S. 281-242-2999

Mia Bella Trattoria 16535 Southwest Frwy (at First Colony-Sugar Land) 281-240-5000 Napa Grille Urban Wine Bar 14019 Southwest Frwy 281-277-2599 La Madeline French Bakery & Café 2675 Town Center Blvd N. 281-494-4400 2013 • Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

Loggia 2248 Texas Dr. 281-903-7324

Red Oak Grill 203 Century Square Blvd 281-491-2890 T.G.I. Fridays 2515 Town Center Blvd N. 281-494-8400

Kelley’s Country Cookin’ 11555 West Airport @ 59 Meadows Place 281-277-3367 www.kelleysrestaurant.com

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Live Oak Grill 12935 Dairy Ashford Road 281-491-5253

MEDITERRANEAN Aura 3340 FM 1092, #160 Missouri City, TX 77459 281-403-AURA (2872) Township Square www.aura-restaurant.com Nikoz Fusion Grill 16754 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land, TX www.nikozgrill.com

LATIN Fernando’s Restaurant 14135 Southwest Fwy 281-494-9087

HoneyBaked Ham STEAK HOUSE

SEAFOOD

Outback Steakhouse 15253 Southwest Fwy 281-980-4329

Fish City Grill 15980 City Walk Blvd.

281-494-3474

Perry’s Steakhouse and Grill 2115 Town Square Place 281-565-2727

Fish Place 3303 Highway 6 281-491-0003

Saltgrass Steak House 19720 Southwest Fwy 281-232-3502

Joe’s Crab Shack 19740 Southwest Fwy 281-344-2100

Red Lobster 2323 Highway 6 S. 281-313-2525

The Burning Pear 16090 City Walk Blvd 281-275-5925

2637 Town Center Blvd. N Sugar Land, TX 77479 Phone: (281) 565-7788

Mention this ad for

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• Old Fashioned Fountain Drinks and Floats • Daily Blue Plate Specials • Yummy Burgers • Decadent Desserts!

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ime back in time at Another T

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Wed-Thurs and Sun 11-5, Fri and Sat 11-8 Live acoustic music on Fridays from 6-8.

800 Third St. Downtown Rosenberg 281-232-2999 www.AnotherTimeSodaFountain.com

Molto Bene Restaurant Restaurant & Wine Bar

281-778-1474 8817 Hwy 6 • Suite 200 Missouri City, TX 7759 www.moltobenerestaurant.com Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory • 2013

41

History of politics in Fort Bend County

W

ith a long and colorful past, Fort Bend County is definitely filled with history. Some colorful, some tragic, but all captivating. Fort Bend County began as the Fort in the Bend of the Brazos when settlers coming from New Orleans were blown off course and came up the Brazos River thinking they were traversing the Colorado River in the early 1820’s.

The famed Jaybird-Woodpecker War was one of its most colorful events and occurred when the Jaybirds, who were wealthy, white, Democrats, sought to rid Fort Bend County of the Woodpecker government, put in by the Republicans during the Reconstruction. An armed battle which played out on the courthouse steps and city streets of Richmond resulted in several casualties followed by the shooting of two participants. The Woodpeckers were given 10 hours to leave town and many of them did. Order was restored by the governor and the Houston Light Guards, and Fort Bend remained Democratic for the next 100 years.

In those days, Fort Bend County was such a stronghold for the Democratic Party, because so few Republicans resided in the county.

In fact that in the 1960, the county’s Republican chair once received a letter with the nickname “Mr. Republican” in lieu of his name. It was properly delivered.

A changing of the guard However, as master-planned communities began to develop in the eastern and northern portions of the county began to develop, the historically strong Republican base on the west side of Houston began to expand into Fort Bend County. Beginning in 1978, Republicans began to win a few offices across the county.

Among the first Republicans elected was the fiscally conservative Dr. Ron Paul to the U.S. House of Representatives. He became known for his staunch opposition to the general platforms of both major parties earning the nickname “Dr. No” in the process.

Another key Republican elected during this time was future Congressman and House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, who was elected to represent the county’s only seat in the Texas House of Representatives.

By 1984, several county-level positions were taken over by Republicans.

In 1984, DeLay succeeded Paul in Congress after Paul ran an unsuccessful U.S. Senate campaign.

The 1994 takeover of the Commissioners’ Court by a Republican County Judge for the first time since Reconstruction solidified Fort Bend County’s perceived reputation as a Republican stronghold.

Today, every elected county wide office in Fort Bend County is held by Republicans, who also control a majority of precinct based positions (County Commissioners, Constables, Justices of the Peace, etc.).

Times may be changing But things may be changing if the recent general election of 2008 was any indication of things to come. Democrats voted in record numbers. If the momentum continues, as many say it will, the face of Fort Bend County could be changing, politically speaking.

For the last few years, despite Fort Bend being a Republican 42

2013 • Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

stronghold, Democrats continue to show strength in a handful of areas within the county. In 2006, Democrat Nick Lampson defeated Republican write-in candidate Shelley Sekula-Gibbs for the congressional seat in Texas’ 22nd congressional district that was vacated by Tom DeLay after he resigned from Congress. While Lampson won all four counties that cover the district (Fort Bend, Harris, Brazoria and Galveston), Fort Bend gave Lampson his smallest winning margin of the four counties, at 6.4% percent, compared to 6.92% for Harris County, 7.23% for Brazoria County, and more than 45 percent in Galveston County (whose Democratic base is considered the most active in the state outside of Austin). Lampson was later defeated by the Republican challenger Pete Olson.

Commissioners Court is the grass roots County politics in Fort Bend County, as with all counties in Texas, are centered around a Commissioners’ Court composed of four popularly elected County Commissioners, one representing each precinct drawn on the basis of population, and a county judge elected to represent the entire county. Other county officials include a Sheriff, District Attorney, Tax Assessor-Collector, County Clerk, District Clerk, County Treasurer, and County Attorney--all elected county-wide.

Among the four Commissioners’ Court precincts, Democrats are strongest in Precinct 2, which covers much of Missouri City and eastern areas of Stafford. A traditionally Democratic voting bloc. This is considered the prime Democratic stronghold in the district, as all of its elected officials are Democrats. The other three precincts are still considered heavily Republican, although the 2008 election year saw changes in all precincts that indicate the Democrats might be making a comeback in the county. One obvious change was in Precinct 1 where Democrat Richard Morrison defeated the Republican incumbent. His votes were from the traditionally Democrat votes that turned out in record numbers coupled with some subdivisions who were angry about roads.

Precinct 1 covers the southern portions of the county and the cities of Richmond and Rosenberg, as well as areas of Sugar Land south of the Brazos River, while Precinct 3 is situated in the northern part of the county, which includes its share of the Katy area and all of north Sugar Land, and Precinct 4 consists of the heavily Republican southern areas of Sugar Land and Missouri City, as well as several western portions of Sugar Land’s extraterritorial jurisdiction.

The 2012 Presidential election between President Barack Obama and Governor Mitt Romney has numerous federal, state, district and county candidates pushing for change and flagging the colors of both parties. Needless to say as a result, 2013 will be an interesting political year for resolve and solutions.

Important Numbers to Keep Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Contact the Chamber of Commerce for a Relocation Package. Includes a magazine with information on area housing, schools, churches, retail, restaurants and more. The Chamber also sells Fort Bend County street maps for $2.

445 Commerce Green Blvd.

(281) 491-0800 Web site: www.fortbendchamber.com Fort Bend Association of Realtors 713-335-4240 Contact the Fort Bend Association of Realtors for information on a Realtor in the Fort Bend County area. You also may want to request a copy of the association’s annual publication, Fort Bend County Houston’s Finest Address A Guide to Homes, Neighborhoods and Lifestyles Area School Districts Fort Bend ISD 16431 Lexington Blvd.

Sugar Land, TX 77479 phone: (281) 634-1000 Web site: www.fortbend.k12.tx.us Lamar CISD 3911 Avenue I Rosenberg, TX 77471 phone: (281) 341-3229 Web site: www.lcisd.org Fort Bend County Courthouse 309 South Fourth (street) 301 Jackson (mailing) Richmond, Texas 77469 (281) 342-3411 FaxBack Info. Line: (281) 243-8121 U.S. Post Office Sugar Land Main Post Office 225 Matlage Way (800) 275-8777 First Colony Branch 3130 Grants Lake Blvd.

(800) 275-8777 Fort Bend Central Appraisal District 2801 B. F. Terry Blvd.

Rosenberg, Texas 77471 (281) 344-8623 Driver’s License Dept. of Public Safety 5505 Avenue N (FM 2218 off U.S. 59) Rosenberg, TX (281) 232-4334 Cable Television Comcast 9920 Highway 90A (713) 341-1000 1-800-776-9993 Gas Service Centerpoint Energy 4011 Ave H, Rosenberg, TX 77469 (281) 342-6665

Electric Service Reliant Energy All Service Requests Handled via Phone (713) 207-7777 or Visit Texas Electric Choice, where you can choose the Retail Electric Provider that’s right for you.

Water Service City of Sugar Land Treasury Management 2700 Town Center Blvd. North (281) 275-2750

Jeanne

RE/MAX Southwest Each Office Independently Owned & Operated

GREGORY CRS, GRI, ABR

Re/Max Hall of Fame Re/Max Platinum Club

Over 600 Homes Sold.

But the most important homes I sell is yours!

Give me a call for all your Real Estate needs!

www.jeannegregory.com • jeannegregory@earthlink.net

713-854-0923 - cell • 281-207-5017 - office

Telephone WindStream Communications 8306 Highway 90 A 866.255.8356 (residential service) 800.843.9214 (business service) Social Security Social Security Administration 10703 Stancliff Houston, TX 77099 (800) 772-1213 http://www.ssa.gov Automobile Registration License Plates Fort Bend County Tax Assessor-Collector 12550 Emily Court Sugar Land Substation (281) 242-4311 The Richmond branch of the Fort Bend County Tax Office has moved to a new location.

Office hours and main phone number remain the same. Address: 1317 Eugene Heimann Circle (directly across from the Fort Bend County Jail), Richmond, TX 77469.

PREMIER SENIOR LIVING

Enhancing the lives of Seniors 55 and better.

Telephone: Property: 281-341-3710 Automobile: 281-341-3709 Fax: Property: 281-341-9267 Automobile: 281-238-3265 Email: steffhel@co.fort-bend.tx.us Office Hours: Monday- 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM Tuesday - Friday - 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Voter Registration Ask for a voter registration card at Sugar Land City Hall, a U.S. Post Office or a county office. Return the form to the Voter Registrar. Questions should be addressed to the Elections/Voter Registration Office at (281) 341-8670.

For viewing appointment

Call for Details

281.208.447

2815 Cypress Point Drive, Missouri City, TX 77459

Wedding Minister

Custom Wedding Ceremonies Your Way • Performing traditional • Civil • Inter-faith, or commitment...

• Home • Garden • Park • Event locations, etc.

Jan Leonard • 281-342-8846 Jleonard.wedding@gmail.com Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory • 2013

43

Organizations, Associations, and Clubs Sugar Land Garden Club Phone: 281 491 9609.

Third Tuesday of the month at the Sugar Land Community Center, 226 Matlage Way in Sugar Land, refreshments at 9:30- program begins at 10am www.sugarlandgardenclub.org Women’s Pregnancy Center Phone: 713-774-0126 www.wpchouston.com Alzheimer’s Association Phone: 713-314-1342| www.alz.org/texas Fort Bend YMCA Technique Swim group ages 5-17yrs. M-Thurs.

Masters Swim- Ages 18yrs. and up Tues/Thurs.

281-499-9622 Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra Sugar Land 281-276-9642 Founded in 1992, the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra enriches the lives of Fort Bend residents and those from surrounding areas. FBSO has distinguished itself through its focus on presenting affordable, fun concerts that include pops and classical music and oftentimes, guest performers. For more information visit www.fbso.org The MOMS Club www.momsclub.org Beta Sigma Phi Phone: 281 499-0732 Meetings: 2nd Thursday of the month at Oasis on Airport Lions Club of Sugar Land Phone: 281 980-3734 Meetings: 6:45 Wednesday, Hilton Garden Inn Hotel 700 Bonaventure Way, Sugar Land www.fortbendrotary.org 44

Fort Bend Astronomy Club Open to anyone with an interest in astronomy and love of the night sky. Regular meetings third Friday of each month except October and December Houston Community College Southwest campus 10141 Cash Rd. in Stafford, Scarcella Center #7 lecture hall, rooms W102/W104. www.fbac.org Sugar Land Democrats Club Phone: 281 467 9545 Meetings – 2nd Saturday of each month. Time: 10:30am to 12noon, First Colony Library at 2121 Austin Parkway, Sugar Land, Facebook Page : Sugar Land Democrats Club www.fbcdp.org. antonioargote1780@gmail.com 281-841-0829 qimam@yahoo.com DivorceCare Sunday nights from, 5pm to 7pm 2140 First Colony Blvd. in Sugar Land. First Colony Church of Christ 281 980-7070 Child Advocates of Fort Bend County Phone: 281 341-9955 Meetings: 1505 Liberty in Richmond, TX 77469 www.cafb.org Exchange Club of Quail Valley Meetings: 2nd and 4th Friday of the month at the Quail Valley Comm.

Center at 7am Fort Bend Friends and Neighbors E-mail: publicity@fbfn.org www.fbfn.org

2013 • Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry Connie Esposito Phone: 281 261-1006 Meetings: Volunteers come freely www.humanneeds.org

The Fort Bend County Women’s Center Phone: 281 344-5750 Meetings: 14141 Southwest Freeway, Suite 1300, Sugar Land, TX 77478 www.fortbendwomenscenter.org

Fort Bend Corp Phone: 281 313-2677 www.fbcorps.org

American Association of Retired Persons Missouri City Phone: 281 499-0074 Meetings: 2nd Mon. of the month, at 11:30AM at Missouri City community center

Fort Bend Junior Service League An organization of women committed to developing the potential of women and to improving the community www.fbjsl.com Impact A Hero Publicity Manager: W. James Hoelker, COB Address: 707 Ave E, Stafford, Texas 77477 Phone: 713 829-9698 Emotional, financial and career support to military severely wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan www.impactahero.org National Alliance on Mental Illness of Fort Bend County Publicity Manager: Bev Davis Phone: 281 494-5193 Meetings: First Thursday of each month and support group meetings for caregivers each 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Thursday.

St. Laurence Catholic Church at 7 PM. www.namifortbend.org Sugar Creek Garden Club Phone: 281 494-5065 Meetings: 3rd Thursday of the month, 9:30 am at Sugar Creek Country Club Oyster Creek Rotary Club www.oystercreekrotary.org

American Business Women’s Association Fort Bend Chapter Phone: 832 331-0300 Meetings: Sugar Creek Country Club 1st Thursday of the month at 7pm www.abwafortbend.org Fort Bend Boys Choir of Texas, Inc. William R. Adams Phone: 281 240-3800 Meetings: Thursday’s 6- 7p.m. at First United Methodist Church of Sugar Land Email: wra@fbbctx.org www.fbbctx.org Women’s Council of Women Fort Bend Meetings: 2nd Thursday, 11:30am of the month at Sugar Creek Country Club. www.wcrfortbend.org Fort Bend Exchange Club Address: PO Box 169 Sugar Land Meetings: every Wednesday, 11:45 am at Sweetwater Country Club www.fortbendexchange.org Sugar Land Rotary Club Meetings: Sweetwater Country Club Wednesday’s at 12:00pm www.sugarlandrotary.org

Fort Bend Master Gardeners Phone: 281 341-7068 Meetings: 3rd Thursdays of the month from 7:15-8:15 Green Thumb program is held 2nd Thursday from 7-9 pm www.fbmg.com Fort Bend Rotary Club Phone: 281 565-6013 Meetings: Sugar Creek Country Club 6:45pm every Wednesday www.fortbendrotary.org Meadows Place Home and Garden Club Phone: 281 933-8034 Meetings: Meadows Place Community Center, 2nd Tuesday September-May Fort Bend Women’s Tennis League Publicity Manager: Chuck Sanchelli Phone: 281 980-4219 Meetings: Various Tennis Courts Weeknights at 7:00 pm Ladies of Richmond Rosenberg Express Network ABWA LORREN Meetings: 2nd Wednesday of the month at the Pecan Grove Country Club. www.abwalorren.org Sugar Creek Country Club Woman’s Association Meetings: 1st Thursday of the month at the Sugar Creek CC at 11:30 am SW Area Professional Express Network SWAPEN Suzette Peoples Phone: 281 980-3322 Meetings: Meet for lunch at Sugar Creek Country Club on the 3rd Tuesday www.abwaswapen.org

The Exchange Club of Sugar Land Elizabeth Duff Phone: 281-341-1718 Wednesday, 7-8:15 a.m.

Sweetwater Country Club, 4400 Palm Royale Blvd., Sugar Land National Active & Retired Federal Employees Assoc.

(NARFE) President: Frances Luna 281-342-5949 Fort Bend Chapter #2030 of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE) meets at 11:30AM the second Wednesday of each month at the Fort Bend Country Club, 2627 FM 762, in Richmond. www.narfe.org

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Fort Bend Republican Club Rick Forlano 713-621-6611 Meets first Thursday every month, 7pm. www.fbcgop.org/ clubs/fortbend-republican-club/ AARP Sugar Land Chapter #4075 Sugar Land Senior Center 200 Matlage Way, Sugar Land www.senior@sugarlandtx.gov Sugar Land Tea Party An association of citizens united in support of the U.S. Constitution, the principles in the Bill of Rights and Declaration of Independence.

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Sugar Land Parks & Recreation Areas

R

ecreational opportunities abound from the finest golf courses to community soccer and baseball fields.

Sugar Land residents enjoy 18 neighborhood and community parks on 771.5 acres of parkland offering greenbelts, picnic areas, volleyball courts, playing fields, golf, tennis and swimming.

With the many community commons to enjoy and greenbelts to explore, there are acres and acres of undeveloped parkland. The city is developing 400 acres of parkland along the Brazos River corridor next to the new University of Houston campus. And a Parks and Recreation Open Space Master Plan has been adopted which will guide the City in developing the system for the next 20 years.

New Sugar Land Recreation Center The new 17,000 square foot Imperial Park Recreation Center opened in 2011, at 234 Matlage Way. It features a full gymnasium, an exercise room, two multipurpose rooms, a kitchen and a patio/garden area.

The center offers a variety of leisure classes, monthly special events, sports tournaments, adult and children leagues and many more activities are planned for the future. The annual facility fee is $10 for residents and $46 for non-residents. Facility tours are given anytime during normal hours of operation.

For more information, contact the Parks and Recreation Department at (281) 275-2885 or visit www.imperialparkrecreationcenter.org.

Events and Activities The Sugar Land Parks and Recreation Department is Sugar Land’s headquarters for fun, providing year-round recreational activities, classes, and upcoming events that might 46

interest youths and adults.

Concerts in the Park - What could be more fun than a lazy afternoon filled with music, laughter and a beautiful setting? Join us in the spring as the Concert in the Park series begins the new season.

EGGStravaganza Egg Hunt - This event has become one of the most popular for families in the Fort Bend/southwest Houston area. An estimated 5,000 youth and adults attend each year.

Red, White & Blue Fest - Come join in the fun and celebrate Independence Day. Halloween Town - Is sure to get those goose bumps going with a photo station, extreme face painting, haunted horse and carriage rides, pumpkin patch, and a movie under the stars.

Food Drive - As preparations begin for the holidays, it’s a great time to start packing up food items for donation to the annual Share Your Holiday Food Drive, where generous Sugar Land residents supply items for families in need.

Christmas Tree Lighting Event In The Plaza - This magical event will include a variety of holiday activities throughout the illuminated Town Square. Entertainment stages will be set up along City Walk Drive.

Families can enjoy a winter wonderland made up of 30,000 pounds of real snow.

Memorial Day Ceremony - The official memorial ceremony will include benedictions from various religious leaders, a 21 gun-salute, the presentation of colors and other tributes.

The Park Department also offers many other services: Leisure Classes - Learn to dance and

2013 • Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

stretch; train your dog to be a good canine citizen and much more!

Senior Citizens Calendar - The facility features a large multipurpose room with game tables, a kitchenette, lounge and a program room for activities during the week.

Sugar Land Office for Senior Citizens - Senior citizens looking for information on transportation, health and medical issues, recreation, meals, finances and more can now find the answers all in one place.

Sports Associations - Youth Baseball, Basketball, Football, Softball & Swimming; Youth and Adult Soccer, Tennis.

Recreation Bag Reservation Form - If you are planning an outdoor day of fun and games, we will be glad to supply you with the recreation equipment.

Trout Stocking at Eldridge Park - This annual event is supported by Texas Parks and Wildlife. Two thousand fish will be stocked

Parks has Senior Activities The Sugar Land Parks department has many activities for Senior Citizens including Art Class,Canasta, Shanghai, Dominoes, Pool, China Painting, Computer Buddy, .......

Crochet/Knitting, Mah Jongg, Mexican Train, English as a Second Language, Line Dancing Beginning - Intermediate- Advanced, Spanish, Salsa and More, Party Bridge, Tai Chi, Table Tennis, Sit & Be Fit, Senior Jazzercise, Zumba Gold. Non-residents will be charged a 25% increase on all fees.

Please email for additional information to seniors@sugarlandtx.gov for Senior Citizen Information or call at (281) 275-2885.

City Park 225 Seventh Street (77478) Imperial Park 230 Matlage Way (77478) Eldridge Park 2511 Eldridge Road (77478)

First Colony Park 3232 Austin Parkway (77479) Lost Creek Park 3703 Lost Creek Blvd. (77479) BMX Track 3703 Lost Creek Blvd. (77479)

in the lake and is always a highlight for area fishermen - from the smallest to the most senior.

Field Trips - This group offers special outings and day trips to explore the Texas Gulf Coast and beyond.

Sugar Land Memorial Park Located at the intersection of Commonwealth and University Boulevard, 15300 University Blvd., the first phase of Sugar Land Memorial Park, 150 acres, is open. The park hours are sunrise to sunset.

At the park are two and a half miles of 8-foot wide granite gravel walking/jogging/biking trails, a picnic pavilion, restroom building, parking areas, playground, open space for sports activities and a lake. Although the two windmills at the park are functional, the water level of the lake is dependant on rainfall.

Residents can Reserve Facilities The Parks and Recreation Department can meet your facility needs for private events, such as receptions, showers, parties, corporate functions, seminars and non-profit group meetings. These facilities are limited to individuals residing in Sugar Land. Significant lead-time will increase the chances of facility availability.

Peak Hours: Sugar Land Residents, Businesses and Organizations that have a onetime rental can reserve facilities one year in advance from the day a contract is filed.

Sugar Land Residents, Businesses and Organizations that have repetitive reservations, such as monthly meetings, can reserve facilities 6 months in advance from the day a contract or request is filed and are limited to 1 reservation per month.

Non-Sugar Land Residents, Businesses and Organizations can reserve facilities 3 months in advance from the day a contract is filed and are limited to 1 reservation per month.

Sugar Land and Non-Sugar Land Residents, Businesses and Organizations are allowed unlimited reservations 1 month in advance from the day a contract or request is filed.

Different rental agreement arrangement are available for Non-Peak Hours: All reservations must be made in person

Skate Park 225 Seventh Street (77478) Duhacsek Park 17034 Old Richmond Road (77478) Sugar Land Memorial Park 15300 University Blvd. (77479)

at the Parks and Recreation office located in the City Hall Annex Building, 200 Matlage Way. Payment is accepted in the following methods: American Express, Master Card, Visa, cash or checks. (We do not accept credit cards over the telephone).

Business hours are Monday - Friday 8 am - 6 pm Reservation/registration hours are Monday Friday 8 am - 5:30 pm In order to receive resident rental rates a valid (Sugar Land) Texas driver’s license and a City of Sugar Land water bill will be required to show proof of residency. Applicants that have Sugar Land as the city on their license but the address does not fall within the corporate city limits will not receive resident rates.

Applicants must be 21 years of age or older.

The person signing the application must handle all transactions, inquiries and changes.

As noted above, all reservations must be made in person at the Parks and Recreation office.

Non-residents will be charged a 25% increase in per hour fees.

• Lost Creek Center (Accommodates 40) | virtual tour • Lost Creek Pavilion (Accommodates 75) • Eldridge Park Center (Accommodates 65) virtual tour • Eldridge Park Pavilion (Accommodates 65) • First Colony Conference Center (Accommodates 100) virtual tour • Sugar Land Community Center (Accommodates up to 500) •Duhacsek Park (Accommodates 30) virtual tour • Duhacsek Park Pavilion (Accommodates 75) • Jim Cooper Meeting Room (Accommodates 30 ) • Sugar Land Memorial Park Pavilion (Accommodates 130) • Oyster Creek Park Amphitheater (Area A - Capacities: 1 to 250) (Area AB - Capacities: 500 to 1,000) Please email us or call Facility

Oyster Creek Park / Trail 4033 State Highway 6 South (77479) Brazos River Park 15300 University Blvd. (77479)

Reservations at (281) 275-2885 for more information.

Sugar Land Parks Offers Classes Sugar Land Parks and Recreation has many leisure classes offered to the public.

Non-residents will be charged a 25% increase on all fees. To reach the parks department,Email at parkrec@sugarlandtx.gov or call the Parks and Recreation Department at (281) 275-2885.

Leisure Classes Include Zumba, Zumba Gold, Tai Chi, Karate, Jazzercise, Jazzercise Lite, Duplicate Bridge, Tennis Lessons, Yoga For Everybody, Effortless Yoga, Fit Having Fun, Tai Ji, Play & Music Classes, Chinese Brush Painting, Zumbathon, And Tai Chi Classes are held in the Eldridge Park Conference Center, Sugar Land Community Center, Lost Creek Park Community Center and First Colony Community Center,

A schematic of Sugar Land’s newest park, Sugar Land Memorial Park, indicates all the activities available there.

Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory • 2013

47

Advertisers Index Aaron’s..................................................................45 Adam Pisani - Allstate Agent..................................27 All Star Storage......................................................33 Arlene Rolsen, CRS................................................... 5 Ann Moody Sill Dance Studio.................................22 Angels Helping Seniors..........................................35 Another Time Soda Fountain & Cafe........................41 Aquarius Home Service..........................................45 Barbara Sinkovec, GRI, ABR, Realtor.........................11 Body By Vi.............................................................35 Built-in Appliance Center.........................................11 Carino’s Italian.......................................................40 Castle Furniture.................................................. IBC Cornerstone Dentistry.............................................17 Dean Law Firm.......................................................19 Dr. Billie Martin, DC.................................................15 Dr. Eric R. Tepper....................................................15 Elissa R. Wedemeyer, O.D., FCOVD, FAAO...............37 Fogles Future Stars................................................23 First Community Bank............................................... 3 Fort Bend County Women’s Center ........................35 Fort Bend Democratic Party...................................33

Fort Bend County Association Bar..........................35 Fort Bend Christian Academy..................................21 Gastroenterology Consultants Southwest, LLP........33 Gary Greene..........................................................48 Honey Baked Ham..................................................41 Helfman Ford..........................................................19 Heritage Baptist Church.........................................29 Houston Restoration Services................................27 Hunan Garden............................................................ 1 Jan Leonard Wedding............................................43 Jane Penan Spellman, CIC, LUTCF - Allstate...........36 Jeanne Gregory, CRS, GRI, ABR..............................43 Jennifer Weaver.....................................................27 J. Loggins Jewelers.................................................11 KenWood & Associates..........................................30 Kay Decker............................................................35 Larry Caldwell, D.D.S and Associates.....................27 Lemke Orthodontics.................................................. 5 Leslie Little - Mary Kay..........................................35 Morrison Supply Company ....................................37 Molto Bene Restaurant ..........................................41 Nikos Fusion Grill - A Mediter-Asian Cuisine.... Back

Nizam’s Kitchen - Indian Cuisine............................38 Mia Bella Trattoria..................................................39 Penny Wise Resale Center......................................35 Plantation at Quail Valley........................................43 Remax Fine Properties............................................17 Remax Southwest...................................................13 Ragin Cajun............................................................41 Rio Brazos Hunting Preserve..................................33 Safari Texas Ranch................................................37 Smack Guitars.........................................................11 Studio 6 - Extended Stay.......................................33 Southwest Storage................................................36 Sugar Land Compounding Pharmacy.....................33 Sugar Land / Brazos Dialysis...................................15 Sugar Land Rain Gutters & Remodeling..................13 The Andreason Law Firm.......................................35 The Tutoring Center........................................ Back The Sweet Boutique................................................17 Texas Green Electronic Recycling Company...........37 Wells Fargo.......................................................... IFC The School for Little Children.................................22 Yellow Cab.............................................................43

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2013 • Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

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