The Fort Bend Star's Guide - Fall 2021

GUIDE LEARN MORE ON

PAGES 2 & 25

FALL 2021 ISSUE

85th Anniversary

Sept 24TH - Oct 3RD buy ticks online fortbendcountyfair.com

★ FORT BEND STAR FALL GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 2021

2

★ FORT BEND STAR FALL GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 2021

3

★ FORT BEND STAR FALL GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 2021

4

3 generations of Quality Service, Integrity & Honesty

See what Fort Bend has to offer

I

t’s been a tough last 18 months for many in Fort Bend County with Stefan the COVID-19 pandemic.

Modrich But that doesn’t mean the area has lost its vibrancy or resiliency, which is what we’ll celebrate inside on these pages.

Some things have not changed and will likely be here for some time still, such as the coronavirus, which is still circulating as thousands of Fort Bend ISD and Stafford MSD students make their way back to school for in-person instruction. But while obstacles still exist, there is plenty to be excited about in Fort Bend County, much of which will be detailed on these pages.

Inside this second edition of “The Guide” for 2021, you’ll find a plethora of helpful information and tips as we prepare for the fall and winter seasons.

High school sports are officially back in swing, with volleyball and football seasons kicking off last month in preparation of a (hopefully) full slate of games and matches. Meanwhile, the Sugar Land Skeeters are currently in first place in the East division of Triple-A West in their first season as the Houston Astros’ Triple-A affiliate, bringing even more excitement to a community that had already fallen in love with the minor league franchise.

Seasons in Texas can be fleeting and hard to pin down – so as we prepare for the fall and winter, we’ve got some information on local hardware, gardening and home improvement stores in the area that can help you get ready for those potentially harsh days and nights.

Commercial development has not stopped, with multiple local shopping centers continuing to undergo renovations or facelifts.

Neither has the effort of Fort Bend’s interfaith communities. The area is driven by a sense of multiculturalism and a deep appreciation for ethnic and religious diversity, which has not been deterred despite obstacles presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The area’s parks still offer wonderful backdrops and walking trails for residents to explore – though as winter approaches, you may need to bundle up. Parks around the area are suitable both for adults and the younger generations – as well as some of our favorite four-legged and furry friends.

Fort Bend’s food scene, which continues to evolve every day and be a microcosm of the county’s melting pot of cultural inspirations, has something for everyone. From the pickiest eaters to the most adventurous, to those in search of a frozen treat, warm drink or daring food offering, Fort Bend is the spot.

Some things are back to normal in Fort Bend County, while some things may never completely return to their previous states. One thing that doesn’t need to “go back” to normal, however, is our staff’s love for this county and its people, which is the whole reason we put this edition together.

Through wind or rain, sleet or snow, or Texas heat – as even our winters can bring 80-degree days – it is our mission to bring you the best information we can in order to showcase the best services that Fort Bend has to offer.

We’re grateful for your consistent support, and we hope you enjoy this fall and winter edition of “The Guide.”

Family Owned and Operated in Fort Bend County

Since 1951 Chuck Charlton of Charlton Auto Body in Stafford understands customers and treats them like family.

The foundation for the success of Charlton Auto Body has always been focused on the customer, and it’s been that way for three generations.

“My grandfather, E.C. Charlton, moved to Stafford in 1950, and opened up the business in 1951, and later named the company Charlton’s Garage and Auto Sales. In 1970 my dad, Johnny Mack, took over the company. When he retired in 1982, I took over,” Charlton said.

Chuck kept the same phone number and business name, and built “Charlton Auto Body into what it is today.”

It’s been 24 years in a very active auto business focusing on collision and insurance work.

“If you wreck your car, that’s the kinda work we do – fix any damage. We’ve repaired them clear up to the value of the cars, so we’ve seen it all. And we work on all vehicles,” he said.

As a successful small businessman in Stafford, Charlton is firmly established in the industry, yet has no plans for expanding the business.

“I like to keep the business small so I can keep an eye on all aspects of the company,” he said.

Charlton is candid about car tips after a collision.

Then

“Number one, insurance companies try and get you to go to shops that work for them. I tell everybody you don’t have to work with shops that work with insurance companies. Most are so big, and they don’t have the hands-on experience we have here at Charlton’s. I tell people you have the right to choose the body shop of your choice.

We have a great customer data base and a lot of customers, and most of our work is word of mouth,” he said.

He stays away from cars during the weekend, but talks to customers over the phone if they need him. After discussing any damage issues, Charlton said, “I really don’t recommend customers take the car to the storage lot. Tow it to the house and I’ll get it out the next morning.”

Not a tinkerer of cars in his spare time, Charlton does like his trips to Mexico. It’s one of his favorite fast vacation getaways.

“We can get there in two hours,” he said.

He’s happy to note that customer satisfaction is the key to success of the family business of Charlton’s Auto Body.

“Our customers are not just a name and a number here, you know. We become friends with them, too,” he said.

“Bring your car to Charlton’s. Where you’re treated as family and not just another customer,” he said.

* Autos fo re * Vehicle ign and domestic + RV deta iling

Now

Charlton’s Garage & Station & A in Stafford uto Sales , Texas, 19 51-1970.

Owned by E.C. Charlto n.

Current ga rage at ire & Fifth St. Stafford , Texa

Staffordsh

Still the Same Great Service!

s.

Monday – Friday, 7am-6pm

281-499-1126 • Staffordshire Rd at 5th Street Stafford, TX 77477 • www.Charltonsbodyrepair.com

(4522 Trammell Fresno Rd.) and The Huntington at Missouri City (2424 FM 1092 in Missouri City).

Another one of those serFew populations in Fort Bend vices is You Are Not Alone County have witnessed the social (YANA), a local nonprofit orisolation of the coronavirus pan- The Primary Care YOU Deserve ganization geared at providing demic moreso than the elderly, VIP healthcare for seniors. Y’ALL COME. Está a unirse unoofde nuestros eventos VIP a para recibir un recorrido Youinvitado are invited to join aONE our VIP events to receive personalized, aidmédicos. and comfort to seniors who especially those living alone. personalizado de nuestras instalaciones y conocer a nuestros Cada one-on-one tour of our new facility and meet our doctors.

Each senior Luckily for them, Fort Bendpersona mayor paquete deplus bienvenida, regalos yare rifas. disabled and/or living alone. will receive onerecibirá specialun care package, door prizes and giveaways. seguridad esand nuestra Cada visita y paquete de bienvenida serán packages toursprioridad. will be scheduled by appointment only The organization is looking for County offers seniors an abun-SuCare to ensure a VIPcita experience.

We will only allow a limited number of se admitirá un con previa, para mantener la distancia social. Solo more volunteers to help some dance of services geared towardsolamente seniorslimitado each day.de personas mayores cada día. número of the county’s most vulnerable safely making their golden years es Monday through Friday from residents. YANA was founded especially enjoyable. From food Mon., Sep 13p.m. at 12 locations Non-perishable, food items with the in 2018 and partnered 9 a.m.-12:30 service to assisted living centers Grocery Day Mon., Sep 20 to help stock your pantry M in Fort Bend municipalities such Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Ofand more, there are numerous fice (FBCSO), using trained as Rosenberg (1330 Band Rd.), options for elderly residents and Key items to keep its you Citizens safe Tues., Sep 14 volunteers from PoKendleton (109 Emergency Guess Ave.), their loved ones.

Tues., Sep 21 in case of an emergency T Preparedness Day lice Academy to assist senior Richmond (911 Thompson Rd.), Fort Bend County Senior members by phone and to make Stafford (3110 5th St.) and Sugar Meals on Wheels serves senior Essentialsvisits to keepatyou Sep 15 Austin Parkway). the request of LandWed., (3300 citizens age 60 and older living in Beat the Heat Day in-person W Wed., Sep 22 cool during hot days There are also services provided Fort Bend and Waller counties. at The Huntington at Sienna The organization provides servic55+ CONTINUES ON PAGE 21

By Landan Kuhlmann

VIP Two-Week Grand Opening Event!

LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Mary Lou Grizzle, right, delivers food to a local senior as part of Fort Bend’s “You Are Not Alone” program. (Contributed photo)

VIP Two-Week Grand Opening Gift Card Day T Event!

Thu., Sep 16 Thu., Sep 23

Shop for the supplies you need with a $10 gift card

Receive a voucher good for

Shopping up to 10 items. Choose from The Primary Care YOU F Fri., Sep household items to goodies Spree Day Deserve VIP healthcare for24seniors.

Y’ALL COME. Fri., Sep 17

VIP Two-Week Two-Week Grand Grand Opening Opening Event!

Event!

The Primary Care Deserve The Primary Care YOU YOU Deserve VIP healthcare for Y’ALL COME. VIP healthcare forseniors. seniors.

Y’ALL COME. Está invitado a unirse a uno de nuestros eventos VIP para recibir un recorrido

You invitado are invited to join ONE ofde ournuestros VIP events to receive personalized, Está a unirse uno eventos VIPaa para recibir un recorrido You are invited join aONE of our VIP events to receive personalized, personalizado detonuestras instalaciones y conocer a nuestros médicos. Cada one-on-one tour our new facility and meet our doctors.

Each senior personalizado de of nuestras instalaciones y conocer a nuestros médicos. Cada one-on-one tour of our new facility and meet our doctors.

Each senior persona mayor paquete deplus bienvenida, regalos y rifas. will receive onerecibirá specialun care package, door prizes and giveaways. persona mayor recibirá un paquete de bienvenida, regalos y rifas. will receive one special care package, plus door prizes and giveaways.

SuCare seguridad esand nuestra Cada visita y paquete de bienvenida serán packages toursprioridad. will be scheduled by appointment only Su seguridad esexperience. nuestra Cada visita y paquete de bienvenida serán Care packages and toursprioridad. will scheduled byaappointment only to ensure a VIPcita Webe will only allow limited number of se admitirá un solamente con previa, para mantener la distancia social. Solo to ensure a VIP experience.

We will only allow a limited number of se admitirá un solamente con cita previa, para mantener la distancia social. Solo seniors each day. número personas mayores cada día. seniorslimitado each day.de número limitado de personas mayores cada día.

M M

Mon., Sep 13 Mon.,Sep Sep20 13 Mon., Mon., Sep 20

Grocery Day Grocery Day

Non-perishable, food items Non-perishable, items to help stock yourfood pantry to help stock your pantry

T T

Tues., Sep 14 Tues.,Sep Sep21 14 Tues., Tues., Sep 21

Emergency Emergency Day Preparedness Preparedness Day

Key items to keep you safe items toemergency keep you safe inKey case of an in case of an emergency

W W

Wed., Sep 15 Wed.,Sep Sep22 15 Wed., Wed., Sep 22

Beat the Heat Day Beat the Heat Day

Essentials to keep you Essentials cool during to hotkeep daysyou cool during hot days

Thu., Sep 16 Thu.,Sep Sep23 16 Thu., Thu., Sep 23

Gift Card Day Gift Card Day

Shop for the supplies you Shopwith for the supplies you need a $10 gift card need with a $10 gift card

Shopping Shopping Spree Day

Receive a voucher good for Receive a voucher good for up to 10 items.

Choose from up to 10 items. from household itemsChoose to goodies

T T F

Fri., Sep 17 Fri.,Sep Sep24 17 Fri.,

and treats just for you.

Está a unirse unoofde nuestros eventos VIP a para recibir un recorrido Youinvitado are invited to join aONE our VIP events to receive personalized, personalizado de nuestras y be conocer a9:00 nuestros médicos.

Cada Allinstalaciones events will from am senior to 5:00 pm one-on-one tour of our new facility and meet our doctors.

Each persona mayor paquete deplus bienvenida, regalos y rifas. will receive onerecibirá specialun care package, door prizes and giveaways.

8411 W. Bellfort Blvd.

SuCare seguridad esand nuestra Cada visita y paquete de bienvenida serán packages toursprioridad. will be scheduled by appointment only TXallow 77071 to ensure a VIPcita experience.

We will only a limited number of se admitirá un solamente con previa,Houston, para mantener la distancia social. Solo seniorslimitado each day.de personas mayores cada día. número

Reserve your time slot! Call (346) 274-4528

M

Promotional value is nominal. Offer good while supplies Sepcare 13 package per senior. Restrictions and last. Mon., Limit one Grocery Day Mon., Sep 20 limitations may apply.

Non-perishable, food items to help stock your pantry

T

Tues., Sep 14 Tues., Sep 21

Emergency Preparedness Day

Key items to keep you safe in case of an emergency

W

Wed., Sep 15 Wed., Sep 22

Beat the Heat Day

Essentials to keep you cool during hot days

T

Thu., Sep 16 Thu., Sep 23

Gift Card Day

Shop for the supplies you need with a $10 gift card

F

Fri., Sep 17 Fri., Sep 24

Shopping Spree Day

Receive a voucher good for up to 10 items. Choose from household items to goodies and treats just for you.

All events will be from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

8411 W. Bellfort Blvd.

Houston, TX 77071

Reserve your time slot! Call (346) 274-4528

H FORT BEND STAR FALL GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 2021

Senior services helping Fort Bend’s elderly

96256

55

+

5

★ FORT BEND STAR FALL GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 2021

6

HEAL

Residents, health systems rising to meet challenges

By Stefan Modrich SMODRICH@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

The coronavirus pandemic has dealt blows across industries and communities since it first reached the area in March 2020, but perhaps no other industry has been as regularly tested as the healthcare industry.

Fort Bend County residents are likely familiar with established healthcare providers like Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital, 17500 W Grand Parkway S., and Houston Methodist Sugar Land, 16655 Southwest Freeway, as well as OakBend Medical Center, 1705 Jackson St. in Richmond.

Houston Methodist Sugar Land was recently named to the annual Fortune/ IBM Watson Health 100 Top Hospitals list, according to a news release

Pictured is Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital. (Photo courtesy Memorial Hermann)

from the hospital.

One such innovation is the increased availability of virtual telehealth visits for patients who want to consult with their doctor from the comfort of their own home.

One highlight among Memorial Hermann Sugar Land’s 87 disciplines is its ability to rapidly diagnose and treat stroke victims, having been cerHEAL CONTINUES....

You don’t have to live a life in pain any longer Whether your pain is from arthritis, bad sitting posture or an old injury, you need to find a way to get your pain under control.

What's the best approach to do that?

The first step is scheduling an appointment with our doctor for a full, thorough consultation and examination to determine the cause of your pain. Once we have discovered the source of your pain, we can work to build an effective treatment plan to get the relief you need.

Dr.Surya Raghuthu

PAIN MANAGEMENT • PMR/PHYSIATRIST • PHYSICAL THERAPY www.acepain.com • 832-532-0050 • 1235 L ake Pointe Parkway, S uite 103, S ugar L and, Tx 77478

tified as a primary stroke center through The Joint Commission and the Texas Department of State Health Services.

Houston Methodist Sugar Land’s six “centers of excellence” include dedicated specialists on the cutting edge of their respective fields.

OakBend Medical Center has received accreditation by The Joint Commission and the CAP (College

of American Pathologists) Laboratory Accreditation Program, an internationally recognized laboratory inspection program, which uses multidisciplinary teams of laboratory professionals as inspectors.

In May, OakBend Medical Center’s campuses at 22003 Southwest Freeway and 1705 Jackson St. in Richmond were given “A” grades for achieving the highest national standards in patient safety in the Spring 2021 Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grades.

Texas Children’s Hospital, 15400 Southwest Freeway in Sugar Land, offers a wide range of services for infants, children and adolescents, including prenatal counseling, newborn and infant care, acute and chronic illness treatment, emergency care, immunizations, hearing and vision screenings, physicals and family counseling for behavioral issues.

St. Luke’s Health Sugar Land Hospital, 1317 Lake Pointe Parkway in Sugar Land, is affiliated with

Your Family Pharmacy with One-of-a Kind Service

Baylor College of Medicine and the Texas Heart Institute, one of the leaders in cardiovascular research.

The world-renowned MD Anderson Cancer Center also has a location in Sugar Land at 1327 Lake Pointe Pkwy.

There have also been several notable achievements for area residents and facilities in the interest of healthcare and research.

The Hope Biosciences Stem Cell Research Foundation (HBSCRF) in Sugar Land announced April 28

it had received authorization from the Food and Drug Administration for a Phase II clinical trial to assess the efficacy and safety of multiple intravenous (IV) infusions of stem cells in patients with Parkinson’s.

On July 9, Ridge Point students Julianna Jaasma and Drew Beckelman were named the Students of the Year runners up in the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) annual Students of the Year fundraising campaign after raising more than $111,000 for cancer research.

Specializing in Dentistry for Children and those with Special Needs

Ed's Pharmacy is an independent, locally owned company that provides a unique combination of patient services that most chain pharmacies cannot or do not offer.

Unit-Dosing Medical Supplies Respiratory Care Center Contract Postal Station Local Delivery (small fee applies)

Hours:

Monday – Friday: 9am to 7pm Saturday: 9am to 3pm Sunday: Closed

281-499-4555

3740 Cartwright Rd. Missouri City, TX 77459 www.edspharmacy.com

Ed’s Pharmacy

Diplomate of the American Board Of Pediatric Dentistry

Oral Health Education • Sealants • Intravenous Sedation High Speed Digital X-Rays • Laser Soft Tissue Removel • Accepting New Patients

281-565-5437 • larrycaldwelldds.com 15200 Southwest Freeway Suite 320 • Sugar Land, Texas 77478

BOOK YOUR TELEVISIT APPOINTMENT

ONLINE On the top banner of our website

PATIENT PORTAL Providing convenient 24/7 access from the comfort of your own home DETOX - WEIGHT LOSS - PREVENTIVE CARE - LIFESTYLE HEALTH

MEDWINFAMILY.COM

7 ★ FORT BEND STAR FALL GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 2021

...HEAL CONTINUED

H FORT BEND STAR FALL GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 2021

8

Feeling sick?

GET SAME DAY CARE

Houston Methodist offers safe, quick access to high-quality care — so you can feel better now.

Your safety and health are our top priority, so we want to reassure you that we are following every safety precaution at all of our primary care offices and Same Day Clinics. If you’re experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, you can speak to a Virtual Urgent Care provider 24/7. As always, we are here for you with a variety of ways to get care quickly, including:

VIRTUAL URGENT CARE 24/7 on-demand video visits through the MyMethodist app

SAME DAY CLINICS Same-day sick visits for many common health conditions

houstonmethodist.org/care-options 281.930.6639

PRIMARY CARE GROUP Quick access to primary care doctors for existing patients

ACCESSHEALTH MISSOURI CITY CLINIC 307 Texas Pkwy. Suite 100 Missouri City, TX 77489 281-342-4530

HOUSTON METHODIST SUGAR LAND HOSPITAL 16655 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-274-7000 ECOMPASS HEALTH 1325 Highway 6, Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-276-7574

BREAST CARE CENTER HOUSTON METHODIST SUGAR LAND HOSPITAL 16655 Southwest Fwy. Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-274-7170

M.D. ANDERSON REGIONAL CARE CENTER 1327 Lake Pointe Parkway Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-566-1800

CHI ST. LUKE’S SUGAR LAND HOSPITAL 1317 Lake Pointe Parkway Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-637-7000

MEMORIAL HERMANN SUGAR LAND HOSPITAL 17500 West Grand Parkway South Richmond, TX 77469 281-725-5000

FORT BEND MEDICAL & DIAGNOSTIC CENTER/ KELSEY SEYBOLD CLINIC 11555 University Blvd.

Sugar Land, TX 77478 713-442-9100 HEALTHSOUTH SUGAR LAND REHABILITATION HOSPITAL 1325 Highway 6 Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-276-7574

MEMORIAL HERMANN SURGICAL HOSPITAL 16906 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-243-1000 MENTAL HEALTH & ADDICTION TREATMENT - WEST PARK SPRINGS 6902 South Peek Rd. Richmond, TX 77407 832-535-2770

NEUROSCIENCE & SPINE CENTER - SUGAR LAND AT HOUSTON METHODIST SUGAR LAND HOSPITAL 16655 Southwest Frwy.

Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-274-7979 OAKBEND MEDICAL GROUP NEW TERRITORY 4911 Sandhill Dr. Sugar Land, TX, 77479 281-238-7870 OAKBEND MEDICAL GROUP JACKSON STREET CAMPUS 1705 Jackson St. Richmond, TX 77469 281-341-3000 OAKBEND MEDICAL GROUP RICHMOND 1601 Main St. Suite 108 Richmond, TX, 77469 281-342-9503 OAKBEND MEDICAL GROUP SUGAR LAND 6530 Highway 90A Suite 600 Sugar Land, TX 77498 281-265-7000 OAKBEND MEDICAL GROUP WILLIAMS WAY CAMPUS 22003 Southwest Fwy. Richmond, TX, 77469 281-341-2000

ST. MICHAEL’S 24 HOUR EMERGENCY CENTER SUGAR LAND 16062 Southwest Freeway 281-980-4357 SUGAR LAND CANCER CENTER 15500 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-274-8212 SUGAR LAND DIAGNOSTIC CENTER 15530 Southwest Freeway, Suite 200 Sugar Land, TX 7747 281-274-6600 TAYLOR RECOVERY CENTER 11352 Sugar Park Ln. Sugar Land, TX 77478 713-557-8573 TEXAS CHILDREN’S HEALTH CENTER 15400 Southwest Freeway, Suite 200 Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-494-7010 TEXAS ONCOLOGY CANCER CENTER 1350 First Colony Blvd.

Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-277-5200

Home • Auto • Business • Life • Toys

5610 W. Riverpark Dr., Ste. B Sugar Land, TX 77479 FocusWeightLossClub.com

832-363-1032

“Fastest Growing Agency in Texas.”

ANDREW HALEY

Risk Management Advisor

281-643-0996

4501 Cartwright Road, Ste 306 • Missouri City, TX 77459 gooseheadinsurance.com/andrew-haley-insurance

★ FORT BEND STAR FALL GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 2021

HOSPITALS, DIAGNOSTIC CENTERS, & ER DIRECTORY

9

H FORT BEND STAR FALL GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 2021

10

LEARN

Despite ongoing pandemic debates, local students and teachers shine

By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

A group of parents called for Fort Bend ISD to require masks on campuses leading up to the start of the 202122 school year. (Contributed photo)

Sarah Sutar reacts to being named Texas Teachers of Tomorrow Teacher of the Year on May 7. (Photo by Landan Kuhlmann)

The COVID-19 pandemic has cast a pall over local school districts this year, but that does not mean it is all that has taken place. Despite the struggles associated with dealing with the pandemic and debates over masks and virtual schooling, there have been a number of bright spots for individual teachers and students in the area.

From local educators being recognized for their work in the classroom and the area’s young people leaving their mark, to a district’s superintendent stepping down and the hurdles presented by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it has been a busy year in Fort Bend ISD and Stafford MSD. Educators, students making waves Amidst the struggles of the year, several of the area’s individual teachers and students shined.

Elkins High School’s Sherman Batiste was named Fort Bend ISD’s Secondary Teacher of the Year in April.

He was also named the Region IV teacher of the year in August.

And he wasn’t the only educator recognized for their work in the classroom. Colony Bend Elementary School teacher Rosa Castille was recognized as FBISD’s Elementary Teacher of the Year on April 13.

Education nonprofit organization Texas Teachers of Tomorrow (TTT) on May 7 presented Sienna Crossing Elementary fifth-grade teacher Sarah Sutar with a $5,000 check as the organization’s 2021 Teacher of the Year. Since 2016, Texas Teachers of Tomorrow has given the award to an educator nominated by a district official or school administrator.

For the 2020-21 school year, Sutar was chosen out of more than 500 statewide nominations as a finalist before online voting determined the winner.

The nominations were from more than 7,000 first-year teachers who are part of the TTT network around the state.

In May, Dulles High School senior Rana Duan won first prize in the

World of 7 Billion video contest for her 60-second animated video “Food (Deserts) for Thought” after receiving honorable mentions in 2019 and 2020.

School struggles As COVID-19 continued amidst the return to school in FBISD and SMSD, several legal and political battles have waged on. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott in late July signed an executive order that, among other things, reiterated that no public school district, governmental entity or entity that receives government funding can institute a mask mandate.

However, local districts such as FBISD have done so anyway, while SMSD has continued to “encourage” the wearing of face coverings as cases of the delta variant continue to rise throughout the region, while districts are also scrambling as demands rise for virtual schooling.

“It just feels like this whole mask mandate thing has gotten so politically influenced,” said Dinoo Wickramasinghe, a parent of two FBISD students and a supporter of a mask mandate. “It doesn’t seem like this is about children, it’s about pleasing one side versus the other.”

Others, however, disagreed.

“As far as mandates go, I feel that should be a choice of individuals about whether or not to wear a mask,” said Kellie Pope, who has four children, three of whom attend FBISD schools.

All of this also comes amidst the district’s search for a new superintendent.

Former superintendent Charles Dupre announced in November 2020 he planned to resign by December 2021.

He ended up stepping down earlier this summer.

Diana Sayavedra has been serving as the acting superintendent since Dupre left, but the school board announced Aug. 26 that former FBISD administrator Christie Whitbeck had been named the lone finalist to succeed Dupre.

SCHOOLS DIRECTORY HOUSTON Blue Ridge Elementary

6241 McHard Rd. Phone: 281-634-4520 Fleming Elementary 14850 Bissonnet St. Phone: 281-634-4600 Hodges Bend Middle School 16510 Bissonnet St. Phone: 281-634-3000 Holley Elementary 16655 Bissonnet St. Phone: 281-634-3850 McAuliffe Middle School 16650 South Post Oak Rd. Phone: 281-634-3360 Mission Bend Elementary 16200 Beechnut St. Phone: 281-634-4240 Mission Glen Elementary 16053 Mission Glen Rd. Phone: 281-634-4280 Mission West Elementary 7325 Clodine Rd. Phone: 281-634-4320 Willowridge High School 16301 Chimney Rock Rd. Phone: 281-634-2450 MEADOWS PLACE Meadows Elementary 12037 Pender Ln. Phone: 281-634-4720 MISSOURI CITY Armstrong Elementary 3440 Independence Blvd.

Phone: 281-634-9410 Baines Middle School 9000 Sienna Ranch Rd. Phone: 281-634-6870 Briargate Elementary 15817 Blue Ridge Rd. Phone: 281-634-4560 LEARN CONTINUES....

Divine Savior Academy 770 Waters Lake Blvd.

Phone: 281-778-3003 E.A. Jones Elementary 302 Martin Ln. Phone: 281-634-4960 Elkins High School 7007 Knights Ct. Phone: 281-634-2600 Excel Adventist Academy 7950 W. Fuqua St. Phone: 281-835-0770 Glover Elementary 1510 Columbia Blue Dr. Phone: 281-634-4920 Hightower High School 3333 Hurricane Ln. Phone: 281-634-5240 Hunters Glen Elementary 695 Independence Blvd.

Phone: 281-634-4640 International Preparatory School 1717 Dulles Ave. Phone: 281-208-1403 Lake Olympia Middle School 3100 Lake Olympia Pkwy.

Phone: 281-634-3520 Lantern Lane Elementary 3323 Mission Valley Dr. Phone: 281-634-4680 Leonetti Elementary 1757 Waters Lake Blvd.

Phone: 281-327-3190 Lexington Creek Elementary 2335 Dulles Ave. Phone: 281-634-5000 Marshall High School 1220 Buffalo Run Phone: 281-634-6630 Missouri City Middle School 202 Martin Ln. Phone: 281-634-3440

Palmer Elementary 4208 Crow Valley Dr. Phone: 281-634-4760

Phone: 281-327-6200 Briscoe Junior High 4300 FM 723 Phone: 832-223-4000

Phone: 832-223-2800 Meyer Elementary 1930 J. Meyer Rd. Phone: 832-223-2000

Bush High School 6707 FM 1464 Phone: 281-634-6060

Pink Elementary 1001 Collins Rd. Phone: 832-223-2100

Calvary Episcopal Preparatory 1201 Austin St. Phone: 281-342-3161

Neill Elementary 3830 Harvest Corner Dr. Phone: 281-327-3760

Carter Elementary 8500 A. Meyers Rd. Phone: 832-223-5500

Oakland Elementary 4455 Waterside Estates Dr. Phone: 281-634-3730

Crockett Middle School 19001 Beechnut St. Phone: 281-634-6380

Reading Junior High 8101 FM 762 Phone: 832-223-4400

Foster High School 4400 FM 723 Phone: 832-223-3800

Ryon Middle School 7901 FM 762 Phone: 832-223-4500

Frost Elementary 3306 Skinner Lane Phone: 832-223-1500

Seguin Elementary 7817 Grand Mission Blvd.

Phone: 281-634-9850

Hubenak Elementary 11344 Rancho Bella Pkwy.

Phone: 832-223-2900

Smith Elementary 2014 Lamar Dr. Phone: 832-223-2300

Hutchison Elementary 3602 Williams Way Blvd.

Phone: 832-223-1700

Thomas Elementary 6822 Irby Cobb Blvd.

Phone: 832-223-4600

George Ranch High School 8181 FM 762 Phone: 832-223-4200

Travis High School 11111 Harlem Rd. Phone: 281-634-7000

Arredondo Elementary 6110 August Green Dr. Phone: 832-223-4800

Jordan Elementary 17800 West Oaks Village Dr. Phone: 281-634-2800

Velasquez Elementary 402 Macek Rd. Phone: 832-223-2600

Austin Elementary 1630 Pitts Rd. Phone: 832-223-1000

Long Elementary 907 Main St. Phone: 832-223-1900

Williams Elementary 5111 FM 762 Phone: 832-223-2700

Bentley Elementary 10166 FM 359 Phone: 832-223-4900

Madden Elementary 17727 Abermore Ln. Phone: 281-327-2740

Westlake Preparatory Academy 23300 Bellaire Blvd.

Phone: 281-341-9910

Bowie Elementary 2304 Bamore Rd. Phone: 832-223-1200

Malala Elementary 11770 W. Aliana Trace Phone: 281-327-5700

Bowie Middle School 700 Plantation Dr.

McNeil Elementary 7300 S. Mason Rd.

ROSENBERG B.F. Terry High School 5500 Ave. N Phone: 832-223-3400

Quail Valley Elementary 3500 Quail Village Dr. Phone: 281-634-5040 Quail Valley Middle School 3019 FM 1092 Phone: 281-634-3600 Ridge Point High School 500 Waters Lake Blvd.

Phone: 281-327-5200 Scanlan Oaks Elementary 9000 Camp Sienna Trail Phone: 281-634-3950 Schiff Elementary 7400 Discovery Ln. Phone: 281-634-9450 Sienna Crossing Elementary 10011 Steep Bank Trace Phone: 281-634-3680 Thornton Middle School 1909 Waters Lake Blvd.

Phone: 281-327-3870 WIDE School 2777 Dulles Ave. Phone: 281-208-9545 RICHMOND Adolphus Elementary 7910 Winston Ranch Pkwy.

Phone: 832-223-4700

LEARN CONTINUES ON PAGE 22

11 H FORT BEND STAR FALL GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 2021

LEARN CONTINUES....

H FORT BEND STAR FALL GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 2021

12

FORT BEND COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES University of Houston System at Sugar Land 832-842-2900 http://www.sugarland.uh.edu

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

Texas State Technical College 832-595-8734 http://www.tstc.edu

Houston Community College www.hccs.edu

Complete your bachelor’s, earn your master’s or obtain a certification locally.

The University of Houston 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, call 281-275-3300.

Wharton County Junior College (WCJC) has campuses in Wharton, Sugar Land, Richmond and Bay City, and at other offsite locations. Students will be able to access learning 24/7 in a virtual campus to complete certificate and degree programs online.

WCJC 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.

In partnership with Wharton County Junior College, Texas State Technical College (TSTC) provides the technical instruction and WCJC provides academic instruction.

With tremendous support from the local community leaders, to help fill the skills gaps and train local workers for job opportunities in the Greater Houston area, TSTC offers programs in Fort Bend County including industrial maintenance technology, cyber security, telecommunications convergence technology and welding technology.

The new technologies are offered via Competency Based Education.

Texas State Technical College in Fort Bend County sits on 80 acres on the north side of Highway 59 between FM Road 2218 and Highway 36 in Rosenberg, approximately 1.5 miles east of Highway 36.

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 at 10041 Cash Rd. and less than five miles away and across from Missouri City Hall at 1600 Texas Parkway. The latter is a $21 million, 9,340-square foot campus that is home to the HCC Center for Entrepreneurship, Technology, and Health. HCC offers academic courses for associates degrees, and for transfers to four-year institutions in the core curriculum in more than 70 fields of work, also in continuing education, for non-degree options and corporate training.

For more information, visit the HCC website at www.hccs.edu or call about its programs and locations at 713-7182000 locally or 877-422-6111 for those outside Houston area.

Curbside Hours of Operation Mon. 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Tues. 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

2121 Austin Parkway Wed. 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Sugar Land, TX 77479 Thurs. 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

281-238-2800 Fri. 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

281-265-4440 FAX Sat. 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Sun. CLOSED

FIRST COLONY BRANCH LIBRARY

GEORGE MEMORIAL LIBRARY (MAIN) 1001 Golfview Drive Richmond, TX 77469 281-342-4455 281-341-2689 FAX; Adult Services

Hours of Operation Mon. 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Tues. 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Wed. 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Thurs. 9:00 am - 6:00 p.m.

Fri. 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Sat. 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Sun. CLOSED

1422 Eugene Heimann Hours of Operation Circle, Rm 30298 Mon. - Fri. 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Richmond, TX 77469 Sat. & Sun. CLOSED 281-341-3718 281-342-0734 FAX

1530 Texas Parkway Missouri City, TX 77489 281-238-2100 281-261-5829 FAX

SIENNA BRANCH LIBRARY 8411 Sienna Springs Dr. Missouri City, TX 77459-7113 281-238-2900 281-238-2901 FAX

BOB LUTTS FULSHEAR/SIMONTON BRANCH LIBRARY

Curbside Hours of Operation Mon. 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Tues. 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

8100 FM 359 South Wed. 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

P.O. Box 907 Thurs. 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Fulshear, TX 77441-0907 Fri. 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

281-633-4675 Sat. 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

281-346-1265 FAX Sun. CLOSED

Hours of Operation Mon. 9:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Tues. 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

2620 Commercial Center Blvd. Wed. 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Thurs. 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Katy, TX 77494-6407 Fri. 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

281-395-1311 Sat. 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

281-395-6377 FAX Sun. CLOSED

Hours of Operation Mon. 9:00 p.m - 6:00 p.m.

Tues. 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Wed. 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Thurs. 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Fri. 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Sat. 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Sun. CLOSED

MAMIE GEORGE BRANCH LIBRARY

Hours of Operation Mon. 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Tues. 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Wed. 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Thurs. 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Friday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Sat. 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Sun. CLOSED

UNIVERSITY BRANCH LIBRARY

Curbside Hours of Operation Mon. 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Tues. 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

550 Eldridge Rd. Wed. 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Sugar Land, TX 77478 Thurs. 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

281-238-2140 Fri. 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

281-277-8945 FAX Sat. 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Sun. CLOSED

SUGAR LAND BRANCH LIBRARY

9230 Gene Street Needville, TX 77461 281-238-2850 281-342-5992 FAX

CINCO RANCH LIBRARY

FORT BEND COUNTY LAW LIBRARY

MISSOURI CITY BRANCH LIBRARY

ALBERT GEORGE BRANCH LIBRARY

Curbside Hours of Operation Mon. 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Tues. 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Wed. 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Thurs. 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Fri. 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Sat. 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Sun. CLOSED

320 Dulles Avenue Stafford, TX 77477 281-238-2880 281-242-5793 FAX `

Curbside Hours of Operation Mon. 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Tues. 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Wed. 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Thurs. 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Fri. 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Sat. 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Sun. CLOSED

Hours of Operation Mon. 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Tues. 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Wed. 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

14010 University Blvd.

Thurs. 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Sugar Land, TX 77479-4295 Fri. 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

281-633-5100 Sat. 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

281-313-4928 FAX Sun. CLOSED

Hours of Operation Mon. 9:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Tues. 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Wed. 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

8421 Addicks Clodine Rd Thurs. 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Fri. 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Houston, TX 77083 Sat. 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

832-471-5900 Sun. CLOSED 832-471-2457 FAX

MISSION BEND BRANCH LIBRARY

13 ★ FORT BEND STAR FALL GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 2021

FORT BEND LIBRARIES GET MORE INFORMATION AT WWW.FORTBEND.LIB.TX.US

★ FORT BEND STAR FALL GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 2021

14

Returning To Tradition Barbara Magana Robertson Magana Media

Fort Bend County Fair is celebrating 85 years of being part of the community. The family fun begins on Sept.

24 and runs through Oct. 3.

(Bill Robertson - Magana Media)

Student Fun Day is just one of many activities for kids to enjoy.

The family fun is endless during fair days.

(Bill Robertson - Magana Media)

There will be 374 livestock exhibitors showing their projects during the fair’s 10-day run.

(Bill Robertson - Magana Media)

Fry up the funnel cakes, batter up the corndogs, bring on the bulls, and grab your hat; the 2021 Fort Bend County Fair will celebrate 85 years from September 24 to October 3, 2021, at the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds in Rosenberg, Texas. The Fair’s 10-day run is returning to tradition with livestock shows, rodeo action, live music, and much more.

The family-fun event is a tradition in Fort Bend County and was significantly modified last year due to COVID-19. From the bonejarring action of the bull riding to the lifelong memories being made in the livestock show arena, the Fair’s board, staff, health officials, and community stakeholders have been working together to make this year come to fruition. “We look forward to being able to have the Fair for our community, especially our youth. My family and I have been part of the Fair just like many other families for generations, and I look forward to doing my part to make it happen,” says Brian Graeber, 2021 Fort Bend County Fair President. For 40 years, Brian has been involved with the Fort Bend County Fair, having volunteered at the Jaycees’ food booth to co-chairing the Fair’s BBQ cookoff. “Being able to safely return to the tradition of supporting agriculture, western lifestyle, culinary competitions, and top of my list- the kids, that is what it is all about.”

A total of ten livestock shows are scheduled including, swine, lamb, goat, turkey, broiler, roaster, steer, rabbit, commercial heifer, and pen of two heifers. Three hundred seventy-four exhibitors representing 4H and FFA organizations will be showing over 500 livestock entries. “Our kids

have been working all summer and then some on their livestock projects. Their hard work, days in the barn, early mornings and late nights, all to prepare for their moment in the show arena is a memory they will never forget,” says Jennifer Williams, Fort Bend County Fair Co-director in Charge of Livestock.

The Fort Bend County Fair gives back through its scholarship program and the auctions held during Fair Days. For 2021 the Fair awarded $185,000.00 worth of scholarships to Fort Bend County students. Forty-four of those scholarships were for scholastic achievement. In addition, Jr Livestock Auction, Commercial Heifer Auction, Student Art Auction, and Freezer Sale generate funds directly for our youth exhibitors. In 2020, due to COVID-19 limitations, only the Jr Livestock Auction, Commercial Heifer Auction, and the Freezer Sale were held and combined total for over $801,000.00, a remarkable community effort during the midst of the pandemic.

Nine young ladies are running for 2021 Fort Bend County Fair Queen. The candidates are Taylor Rich, who attends Foster High School and lives in Richmond,

Tabitha Webster, who attends Foster High School and lives in Richmond, Lilly Fiser, attends Foster High School and lives in Richmond, Valeria Salazar, attends Tompkins High School and lives in Fulshear, Skylin Bromonsky, attends Needville High School and lives in Needville, Delayna Zepeda, attends BF Terry High School and lives in Richmond, Tristen Drury, attends Needville High School and lives in Needville, Meadow Votis, attends Elkins High School and lives in Missouri City, and Christie Koerth, attends George Ranch High School and lives in Missouri City. The candidate that is crowned queen will serve as an ambassador throughout the Fair’s 10-day run. She will attend receptions, livestock shows, and auctions as part of her duties. In addition, the Fair Queen will represent the Fort Bend County Fair at community events, luncheons, holiday gatherings, and other fair activities throughout the year.

Creative art competitions are seeking entries for youth and 4H departments, BBQ cookoff teams are already making culinary plans, and an assortment of wines are being selected for the Grapes on the Brazos wine room as all the Fair

crowd into a roar. The crowd favorite – Mutton’ Bustin – will keep rodeo fans cheering. The voice of the Fort Bend County Fair, Boyd Polhamus, will be returning to call the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) rodeo action.

There are plenty of activities for every family to enjoy. Ag-Tivity Barn and the Petting Zoo are daily exhibits to get up close to agricultural and a real live animal experience. Lil Wranglers BBQ contest, Student Fun Day, Pet Show, and Stick Horse Rodeo are just a few events that our youngest fairgoers can compete and get involved.

For 2021, the Fort Bend County Fair honorees are the mom and son extraordinaire duo of Renee Butler and Nicholas Maresh. As we return to the tradition of Fair Days, Renee and

Nicholas are a hidden treasure among the many supporters of the Fort Bend County Fair. Their work has spanned over decades of catering Fair functions, creating elaborate feasts, and most importantly, feeding the extended fair family on countless occasions. Their commitment to events, fair activities, and committees such as the Expectational Rodeo, are beyond appreciated.

Renee is the owner/operator of Another Time Soda Fountain and Café.

Nicholas is a trained Chef who has a passion for pastry creations. It is a welldeserved honor that is being served up to these culinary artists and fair supporters.

This year’s entertainment lineup is still being finalized but includes musical acts representing Texas Music, Traditional Country, and Tejano. Your

gate admission will include the concert, rodeo action, and access to the food and shopping vendors. Carnival ride tickets and wristbands will also be available onsite for purchase.

The 2021 Fort Bend County Fair will run from

September 24 - October 3, 2021.

See you at the Fair!

Make plans to return to tradition at the Fair.

For a full schedule of events, kid events, or sponsorship information, visit our website at

FortBendCountyFair.com

Trick riding action entertains the Exceptional Rodeo’s contestants and volunteers in 2019. All rodeo events will return for 2021. (Bill Robertson - Magana Media)

15 H FORT BEND STAR FALL GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 2021

committees are already working toward fair days. Over 50 committees made up of 1,500 plus volunteers work together to put on the Fort Bend County Fair.

“Every year, it is a team effort. This year is no different; we are working hard to have our fair. Our committees are working not only together within their own members, but we are working with other committees and their members to meet protocols and make this year as smooth as possible,” says Cindy Schmidt, Fair Manager, Fort Bend County Fair Association.

Get ready to cheer on your favorite Cowboy or Cowgirl. Rodeo action will return to the O.D. Tucker arena every night during the Fair’s run. From homegrown to professional cowboys and cowgirls of all ages, we will bring the best rodeo action and send the

H FORT BEND STAR FALL GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 2021

16

PRAY

Fort Bend faith community has adapted, served during pandemic

By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Members of Crossbridge Church are honored by Fort Bend County Commissioners. The church helped forgive almost $2 million in debt for nearly 700 individuals in Fort Bend this year. (Contributed photo)

Places of worship such as churches, mosques and temples can be found in abundance in Fort Bend County.

In a typical year, residents would be able to showcase their cultural and spiritual diversity through festivals and commemorations of holidays and other significant events.

And, though the coronavirus pandemic has forced the area’s faith institutions to adapt their services to protect members, they are still out in force.

Lockdowns and other restrictions forced many to bring their services online and adapt to the technology demands of the faithful in the 21st century during the last 18 months – leading to an unprecedented ques-

Attendees at Horizon Baptist Church in Missouri City hold signs to attract community members. The church’s leaders say they have gone to great lengths to see what younger people want in a faith community. (Contributed photo)

tion as some in-person gatherings have since returned.

Only 47 percent of Americans reported belonging to a church, synagogue or mosque in 2020, the first time that number dropped below 50 percent and a sizeable decline from 70 percent that did in 1999, according to a March 2021 Gallup poll.

However, a June study by Ihsan Bagby in the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding found mosques in the United States increased about 31 percent from the 2010 count of 2,106, up to 2,769 mosques. Similarly, attendance at Sikh temple Gurdwara Sahib of Southwest Houston has remained strong in recent years, with about 300-350 attendees, according to Bhupinder Singh, an active member.

Fort Bend is the most ethnically diverse county in the country, according to a 2018 Kinder Institute study.

At that time, county residents were 34 percent white, 24 percent Latino, 22 percent Black and 20 percent Asian.

The area’s melting pot of residents practice a wide range of faiths, from Christianity, Judaism and Hinduism to Islam and Sikhism.

One of the most noteworthy expressions of the county’s religious and spiritual diversity is the annual Interfaith Thanksgiving, hosted by the Fort Bend Interfaith Council (FBIC) at a local place of worship each November.

And even though it was virtual in 2020 and may be partly virtual in its next incarnation in 2021, it still is viewed as one of the epitomes of Fort Bend County’s blend of religious and ethnic backgrounds.

The county’s faith institutions have demonstrated that mantra during the pandemic.

In May, Crossbridge Church at 1049 Eldridge Rd. in Sugar Land partnered with RIP Medical Debt, a New York-based nonprofit, for a second straight year to purchase and forgive $1.9 million in medical debt for nearly 700 individuals in Fort Bend County

who earn less than twice the federal poverty level, or $26,500.

The average amount of medical debt forgiven per person was $3,000.

Crossbridge began the program in May 2020, when it forgave $1.1 million in medical debt to 471 recipients.

In Fort Bend Houston, $295,024.46 in medical debt was eliminated for 109 residents this year, and $284,512.07 was forgiven for 95 residents in 2020.

Richmond had 106 residents see $293,624.12 in medical debt alleviated this year, compared to $314,002.64 for 59 recipients last year.

In Rosenberg, 37 patients had $102,188.51 in medical debt forgiven, up from $17,085.53 for 16 recipients last year. Stafford residents assisted

by Crossbridge earlier this year had $181,967.03 in total medical debt forgiven for 38 people, an increase from last year’s figures of $45,939.57 for 31 people.

In Sugar Land, $220,642.37 in medical debt was wiped out for 76 recipients this year, also an increase from last year’s amount of $78,473.78 that was eliminated for 35 people.

The Fort Bend Interfaith Council also sponsored a Love Your Neighbor Prayer Vigil in April, where leaders from 12 different faith communities spoke about their faith’s call for love and kindness toward all people of the world. Among the speakers were Kaemerz Dotiwalla of the Zoroastrian Community, Imam Ahmed of the Maryam Islamic Center, Ghasem Bayat of the Baha’is of Sugar Land, Singh with the Sikh Community, Rev. Michelle Hall of Christ Church Sugar Land, Thara Narasimhan with the Hindus of Greater Houston, Pastor David Sincere with Fort Bend Transformation Church, Deacon Tom Ruck with St. Laurence Catholic Church and others.

So, no matter their creed or the struggles they’ve faced since March 2020, the area’s faith communities have continued to share a common thread of compassion.

FORT BEND FAITH DIRECTORY ALL SAINTS EPISCOPAL CHURCH 281-499-9602 605 Dulles Ave. Stafford, TX 77477 www.allsaintsstafford.org

CONGREGATION BETH EL 281-499-5066 3900 Raoul Wallenberg Lane Missouri City, TX 77459

ARABIC CHURCH OF HOUSTON 281-403-0434 3403 Cartwright Road Missouri City, TX 77459 www.achouston.org CHINMAYA MISSION HOUSTON 281-568-9520 10353 Synott Road Sugar Land, TX 77498 www.chinmayahouston.org

CROSS BRIDGE COMMUNITY CHURCH 281-313-8300 1049 Eldridge Road Sugar Land, TX 77478 www.crossbridge.cc

GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH 281-277-2200 12000 FM 1464 Richmond, TX 77407 www.grandparkway.org

RIVER POINTE COMMUNITY CHURCH 281-277-6767 21000 Southwest Freeway Richmond, TX 77469 www.riverpointe.org

HERITAGE BAPTIST CHURCH 281-403-4994 2223 FM 1092 Missouri City, TX 77459 www.hbctx.org

FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH 281-242-7729 800 Brooks Street Sugar Land, TX 77478 www.flcsl.org

HOLY CROSS EPISCOPAL 281-633-2000 5653 West River Park Drive Sugar Land, TX 77479 www.holycrosschurch.com

SOUTHMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 281-499-2310 4200 Cartwright Rd. Missouri City, TX 77459 www.southminpres.org

FAMILY LIFE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP 281-879-5433 16425 Old Richmond Road Sugar Land, TX 77498 www.flcf.com

LA PUERTA ABIERTA CHURCH 281-494-4111 126 Avenue F Sugar Land TX, 77498 www.iglesialapuertaabierta.com

FIRST COLONY BIBLE CHAPEL 281-265-3411 3610 Austin Parkway Sugar Land, TX 77479 www.firstcolonybible.org

MASJID SABIREEN 832-909-3307 610 Brand Lane Stafford, TX 77477 www.masjidsabireen.org

FIRST COLONY CHURCH OF CHRIST 281-980-7070 2140 First Colony Blvd.

Sugar Land, TX 77479 www.firstcolonychurch.org

MISSOURI CITY CHURCH OF CHRIST 281-261-8944 2019 Bright Meadows Dr. Missouri City, Tx 77489 www.mocitycoc.org

CHRIST CHURCH, UNITED METHODIST 281-980-6888 3300 Austin Parkway Sugar Land, TX 77479 www.cumcsl.org

FIRST COLONY CHRISTIAN CHURCH AND COMMUNITY CENTER 281-980-4141 4141 Sweetwater Blvd.

Sugar Land, TX 77479 www.fcccdoc.org

MT. PLEASANT BAPTIST CHURCH 281-494-3826 127 Avenue E Sugar Land, TX 77498

CHRISTIAN FAMILY CENTER 281-340-2400 11000 Dairy Ashford Road Sugar Land, TX 77478 www.cfcbilingualacademy.com

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 281-240-3195 502 Eldridge Road Sugar Land, TX 77478 www.fpcsl.org

CHRISTIAN LIFE CHURCH OF SUGAR LAND 11122 S. Highway 6 Sugar Land, Tx 77498 281-495-7688 www.clcsugarland.com

FISHERS OF MEN LUTHERAN CHURCH 281-242-7711 2011 Austin Parkway Sugar Land, TX 77479 www.fishersofmen.org

CHURCH OF CHRIST SUGAR LAND 281-561-0881 15590 Voss Road Sugar Land, TX 77498

FRIENDSHIP MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH 281-277-5014 16138 W. Bellfort Sugar Land, TX 77498 www.fannersoftheflame.org

DARUL ULOOM TEXAS MASJID 832-781-8244 11920 Hwy 6 #1400 Sugar Land,TX 77498 www.dutx.org ISGH MARYAM ISLAMIC CENTER 281-715-3500 504 Sartartia Road Sugar Land, TX 77479 www.maryammasjid.org ISGH MASJID ATTAQWA 281-236-2989 10415 Synott Road Sugar Land, TX 77498 www.masjidattaqwa.com

CHURCH OF GOD SUGAR LAND 281-242-2424 1715 Eldridge Road Sugar Land, TX 77478

GRACE CHINESE BAPTIST CHURCH 832-382-3316 16755 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land, TX 77479 www.slcbc.org

MURPHY ROAD CHURCH OF CHRIST 281-261-5216 2025 FM 1092 Missouri City, TX 77459 www.murphyroadchurch.org PARKWAY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 281-494-5050 5801 New Territory Blvd.

Sugar Land, TX 77479 www.parkwayumc.org REIGNING GLORY CHURCH 713-355-4567 8727 Gaines Road Sugar Land, TX 77498 www.rgchurch.com PROVIDENCE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 281-980-2522 3510 Austin Parkway Sugar Land, TX 77479 www.providence presbyterian.org

STAFFORD CHURCH OF CHRIST 281-499-2507 402 Stafford Run Rd. Stafford, TX 77477 www.staffordchurchofchrist.org ST. CATHERINE OF SIENNA 281-778-2046 4747 Sienna Parkway Missouri City, TX 77459 www.siennachurch.org ST. LAURENCE CATHOLIC 281-980-9812 3100 Sweetwater Blvd.

Sugar Land, TX 77479 www.stlaurence.org ST. MARTINS EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 281-980-0695 1123 Burney Road Sugar Land, TX 77498 www.stmartinslc.org ST. THERESA CATHOLIC CHURCH 281-494-1156 705 St. Theresa Blvd.

Sugar Land, TX 77498 www.sttheresasugarland.org ST. THOMAS AQUINAS CATHOLIC CHURCH 281-240-6721 12627 West Bellfort Avenue Sugar Land, TX 77478 www.stasugarland.com SUGAR CREEK BAPTIST CHURCH 281-242-2858 13333 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land, TX 77478 www.sugarcreek.net SUGAR GROVE CHURCH OF CHRIST 281-530-9651 11600 West Airport Blvd.

Meadows Place, TX 77477 www.sugargrove.org SUGAR LAND BIBLE CHURCH 281-491-7773 401 Matlage Way Sugar Land, TX 77478 www.slbc.org

SUGAR LAND CHINESE BAPTIST CHURCH 281-499-1763 10408 Cash Road Stafford, TX 77477 www.slcbc.org SUGAR LAND FAMILY CHURCH 281-313-1110 1110 Burney Road Sugar Land, TX 77498 www.slfconline.com SUGAR LAND BAPTIST CHURCH 281-980-4431 16755 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land, TX 77479 www.sugarlandbaptist.org SUGAR LAND VINEYARD 281-240-8463 5015 Grove West Blvd.

Stafford, TX 77477 www.slvineyard.org THE EPICENTER CHURCH 281-491-0000 7320 Hwy. 90A, Suite 270 Sugar Land, TX 77478 www.epicenter.life THE FREEDOM CENTER CHURCH 281-499-0594 2303 FM 1092 Missouri City, TX 77459 www.freedomcentechurch.com THE FORT BEND CHURCH 281-980-8322 1900 Eldridge Road Sugar Land, TX 77478 www.thebend.org TRIUMPH CHURCH SUGAR LAND/ STAFFORD 281-416-4771 10555 West Airport Blvd.

Stafford, TX 77477 www.triumphchurch.com ZUN NURAIN MASJID 832-607-3594 16305 Kensington Drive #210 Sugar Land, TX 77479

★ FORT BEND STAR FALL GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 2021

17

H FORT BEND STAR FALL GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 2021

18

PLAY

Fall back into recreation, play in Fort Bend County

By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Furry friends can also play in Fort Bend. (Photo by Stefan Modrich)

Sugar Land’s Brett Conine releases a pitch during a game.

(Photo by Landan Kuhlmannn)

In the 18 months since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic in Texas, Fort Bend County residents have been spending more and more time outside.

Luckily, Fort Bend County has a plethora of options for residents to enjoy some socially-distanced fun in the sun. You can take in a professional baseball game, make your way out to a high school football game, go to a local park and throw a football around, play on the swing set or just stroll around that walking trail near your home and breathe in the fresh air.

Relaxing options abound for residents of Sugar Land, Missouri City, Stafford and other towns in Fort Bend.

High school sports underway The seasons have kicked off for high school sports in Fort Bend County, bringing some intriguing storylines.

Will the Ridge Point Panthers’ football team build on last season’s Class 6A regional quarterfinal playoff appearance - the best run in school history? Or will the Marshall Buffalos make a third trip to the Class 5A state title game in four seasons? Can the Stafford Spartans build on 2020?

Come on out to Hall Stadium in Missouri City, Sugar Land’s Mercer Stadium, or Stafford High School for

a game to find out for yourself.

You can also shoot on over to Missouri City’s Hopson Field House or your chosen local high school for a volleyball match.

Streaking Skeeters In February, the Sugar Land Skeeters became the Houston Astros’ Triple-A affiliate, joining Double-A Corpus Christi, High-A Fayetteville and Low-A Asheville in the Astros’ farm system.

Sugar Land is playing in the East Division of Triple-A West, with divisional opponents including the Albuquerque Isotopes (Colorado Rockies affiliate), El Paso Chihuahuas (San Diego Padres), Oklahoma City Dodgers (Los Angeles Dodgers) and Round Rock Express (Texas Rangers).

As of publication, the Skeeters were in first place in Triple-A West’s East Division with a record of 55-42, 5.5 games ahead of the second-place Oklahoma City Dodgers.

Plenty of exciting games remain as the team comes down the home stretch of the regular season, so be sure to make your way on out to Constellation Field.

Local parks offer abundance of open-air options Fort Bend County is teeming with community, residential and educational parks that offer residents numerous avenues for fun.

One of the most recognizable spots is Brazos Bend State Park, located

at 21901 FM 762 in Needville. For nearly 40 years, this jewel has offered residents and visitors hike-and-bike trails, on-site observatories and more.

The 4,900-square foot park has a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from more than 3,000 Google Reviews, so it appears its visitors are still enjoying it.

Sugar Land Memorial Park is another hot spot. The 150-acre park at 15300 University Blvd. offers riverfront green space with 2.5 miles of bike and walking trails plus a playground, dog park and picnic areas.

This spot has a rating of 4.6 stars from more than 1,400 reviews.

In Missouri City, Buffalo Run Park is quaintly set upon 95 acres at 1122 Buffalo Run. This park offers nearly 2 miles of walking trails along with a playground, community garden, three covered pavilions and a unique observation tower.

If you want a little more education along with the fresh air, George Ranch Historical Park also offers good fun. Located on 20,000 acres at 10215 FM 762 Rd. in Richmond, the park is divided into four time periods (1830s, 1860s, 1890s and 1930s) and features historic home tours along with costumed interpreters and practical, hands-on demonstrations.

So, whatever strikes a resident’s entertainment or nature interest, there are plenty of options to take in the sights and sounds of Fort Bend County while they unwind.

Sugar Land’s Oyster Creek Park is one of the numerous area parks that are available for residents in which to walk, run, and play this fall. (Photo by Stefan Modrich)

EAT

By Stefan Modrich SMODRICH@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Whether you’re dining formally or on the go, there are few places in the Houston area that can boast a range of restaurant options as diverse and as exciting as Fort Bend County.

Looking to expand your palate? Seeking the comforts of a familiar favorite? Either way, you’ll find a variety of options to satisfy your taste buds at any given moment.

Newly-opened Sozo Japanese Steakhouse in Sugar Land offers delicious protein bowls and classic dole whips for dessert.

You can even pick up your order through a drive-through.

If you want excellent traditional Mexican food, you can’t go wrong with Raizes Mexican Kitchen in Stafford or Larry’s Original Mexican Restaurant in Richmond.

For a uniquely Houstonian take on tacos, head to Trill Taco in Missouri City.

Whether you’re craving barbecue from Harlem Road Texas BBQ in Richmond, Indian food from Nirmanz Food Boutique or sushi from Japaneiro’s, there’s a wide array of great choices at your fingertips.

Below is a list of the top-rated restaurants in their respective categories, according to Google reviewer.

AMERICAN Chunk’s Burger 411 Dulles Ave, Stafford, TX 77477 (832) 539-1784 Jupiter Pizza & Waffle Co. 16135 City Walk, Sugar Land, TX 77479 (281) 313-1008

There are a plethora of barbecue options in Fort Bend County.

(Photo by Stefan Modrich)

Live Oak Grill 12935 Dairy Ashford Road, Sugar Land, TX 77478 (281) 491-5253 Tornado Burger 505 Murphy Road, Stafford, TX 77477 (281) 403-3278 Trill Taco 2887 Dulles Avenue, Missouri City, TX 77459 (281) 969-7460 Whiskey Cake Kitchen & Bar 12575 Highway 59, Stafford, TX 77477 (281) 729-8333 ASIAN Aki Steak and Sushi 510 Highway 6 Suite #180, Sugar Land, TX 77479 (281) 565-1110 Bar Kada 9009 Sienna Crossing Drive, Missouri City, TX 77459 (713) 227-5232 Cooking Girl 636 Highway 6 Suite #100,

Sugar Land, 77478 (281) 242-1131 Japaneiro’s 2168 Texas Dr., Sugar Land, TX 77479 (281) 242-1121 Mama Le 5400 Pointe W. Circle Ste. 180, Richmond, TX 77469 (832) 604-7083 Singapore Cafe 3149 Highway 6, Sugar Land, TX 77478 (832) 532-6277 Sozo Japanese Steakhouse 222 State Highway 6 Ste. 100, Sugar Land, TX 77498 (281) 201-8851 Vietwich 203 Dulles Ave. Suite #100, Stafford, TX 77477 (832) 539-1642 CAJUN / SOUTHERN Crab Heads Cajun Boil 2899 Dulles Ave, Missouri City, TX 77459 (346) 304-2660 Floyd’s Seafood

Japaniero’s sushi is one of the delicacies available in the area. (Photo by Stefan Modrich)

16549 Southwest Fwy, Sugar Land, TX 77479 (281) 240-3474 The Rouxpour 2298 Texas Dr, Sugar Land, TX 77479 (281) 240-7689 Sugar’s Cajun Cuisine & Bar 3424 FM 1092 Road #290, Missouri City, TX 77459 (832) 987-1797 State Fare Kitchen & Bar 15930 City Walk, Sugar Land, TX 77479 (713) 234-1405 BAKERIES Ashcraft / European Bakery 220 Murphy Road, Stafford, TX 77477 (281) 403-5040 EAT CONTINUES ON PAGE 20

H FORT BEND STAR FALL GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 2021

Appealing choices abound in vibrant local food scene

19

★ FORT BEND STAR FALL GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 2021

20

EAT CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

Jambeto’s Bakery & Cafe 609 Dulles Ave. Suite 750, Stafford, TX 77477 (281) 201-2477 la Madeleine French Bakery & Cafe 2675 Town Center Blvd N, Sugar Land, TX 77479 (281) 494-4400 Rustika Cafe and Bakery 3227 Highway 6, Sugar Land, TX

77478 (281) 494-4230 Sugar Land Gluten Free 635 Winston Ln, Sugar Land, TX 77479 (832) 517-4766 BARBECUE Boogie’s Chicago Style BBQ 1767 Texas Pkwy, Missouri City, TX 77489 (281) 969-8626

Harlem Road Texas BBQ 9823 Harlem Road, Richmond, TX 77407 (832) 278-2101

Brandani’s Restaurant & Wine Bar 3340 FM 1092 Road #160, Missouri City, TX 77459 (832) 987-1313

King’s BBQ 9920 US-90 ALT Ste D120, Sugar Land, TX 77478 (832) 532-7816

Corelli’s Italian Cafe 3229 Hwy 6, Sugar Land, TX 77478 (281) 491-8900

Old Hickory Inn Barbecue 3334 FM 1092, Missouri City, TX 77459 (281) 499-8904 The Swinging Door 3818 FM 359, Richmond, TX 77406 (281) 342-4758 Witt Pit BBQ 2516 1st Street, Rosenberg, TX 77471 (832) 759-5182 ITALIAN Alex’s Kitchen 2601 Cartwright Road Ste. E, Missouri City, TX 77459 (832) 987-1705

281-498-3410 • 11720 Wilcrest Dr. HTX. 77099

Lomonte’s Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria 815 Plantation Dr #180, Richmond, TX 77406 (281) 232-8290 Piada Italian Street Food 1930 Hwy 6, Sugar Land, TX 77478 (281) 491-0603 INDIAN Chettinad Indian Cuisine 2127 U.S. 90 Alternate, Present St, Missouri City, TX 77489 (281) 499-4680 Ghazal India Cafe 435 FM 1092 Road, Stafford, TX 77477 EAT CONTINUES ON PAGE 21

Buy one entree at regular price and receive

$

6 OFF

off second entrée (with coupon)

HAPPY HOUR

MONDAY-FRIDAY 11AM-7PM

LUNCH SPECIALS HOME MADE TAMALES & TORTILLAS

18 years family owned & operated

Order Online Curbside Service

Catering & Party Room available

$

6.99

& UP

s ’ a t i r a g r a M

To-Go

SOUTHWEST FREEWAY 281.240.3060 12821 LasHaciendasGrill.com

(281) 969-7177 Indian Coffee House 508 Murphy Road, Stafford, TX 77477 (281) 208-7147 Mai Colachi Indo/Pak Cuisine 15425 Southwest Fwy, Sugar Land, TX 77478 (281) 240-0786 Nirmanz Food Boutique 16338 Kensington Dr Suite #160, Sugar Land, TX 77479 (832) 532-0699 Stafford Kabab & Grill 4133 S Main St, Stafford, TX 77477 (281) 575-6666 LATIN AMERICAN Charlie’s Tacos 12408 S. Kirkwood Road, Stafford, TX 77477 (346) 404-2767

Fernando’s 14135 Southwest Fwy, Sugar Land, TX 77478 (281) 494-9087 Larry’s Original Mexican Restaurant 116 E Hwy 90 Alt #3720, Richmond, TX 77406 (281) 342-2881 Pupuseria Lazo #2 1110 Farm-To-Market Road 2234, Stafford, TX 77477 (281) 969-7227 Raizes Mexican Kitchen 345 Dulles Ave., Stafford, TX 77477 (281) 969-5211 TJ’s Birria Y Mas 716 Murphy Road., Stafford, TX 77477 (281) 342-2881 Tornado Taco 2461 FM 1092 Road, Missouri City, TX 77459 (281) 342-2881

Family Owned & Operated

55+ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

a member or in the event the member does not answer three attempted phone calls.

Those who would like to receive visits from YANA volunteers can apply at fortbendcountytx.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/53962/637515143293800000 or call 281-341-9262 for more information.

There are also several assisted-living facilities in the county. In Missouri City, the Avenues of Fort Bend Assisted Living is at 3505 FM 1092, while Golden Splendor Assisted Living offers similar services at 8610 Quail Vista Dr. Inspired Living Sugar Land at 6400 Oilfield Rd. in Sugar Land offers 24-hour emergency maintenance, laundry, all-day dining, transportation and dedicated concierge service to its residents.

Closer to Stafford, The Hampton at Meadows Place, 11919 W. Airport Blvd., offers assisted living and memory care.

Local seniors looking to venture out

BUY 1 ENTRÉE RECEIVE

$5

OFF

With Coupon

and enjoy some activities can visit the Pinnacle Senior Center, 5525 Hobby St., in the Houston portion of Fort Bend County. It is a joint project between the City of Houston and Fort Bend County and is meant to be “a symbol of progress, growth and concern among city and county leadership for the areas’ aging population,” according to the county’s website. It is free for Fort Bend residents age 50 or older and offers residents WiFi, an aquatic fitness center, ping pong, dance classes and a standard fitness center. Pinnacle is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. and Saturday from 8-11 a.m.

For seniors and their loved ones who are seeking guidance about assistedliving facilities in the area, Assisted Living Locators of Southwest Houston is located at 1421 Georgina St. in Rosenberg. Assisted Living Locators is a nationwide network of “highly trained senior care advisors” who work together to help families and their seniors provide the healthy and safe environment that will allow seniors to thrive, according to its website.

Free

Mimosas

SECOND ENTRÉE

DAIQUIRIS COMING SOON

HOME OF THE

BOURBON STREET FIX

WE OFFER CATERING & PARTIES 713-851-4128 13134 Dairy Ashford, Suite 800 Sugar Land, TX 77489 See Our Menu Online

www.facebook.com/Ds-Cajun-Eats-103909254654614 instagram @DSCAJUNEATS

$10

Lunch S

LS

MONDAY- SUNDAY 11AM-8PM

PECIA

21 ★ FORT BEND STAR FALL GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 2021

EAT CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20

★ FORT BEND STAR FALL GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 2021

22

CREATE

Express yourself through creative outlets in county

By Stefan Modrich SMODRICH@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Sisters Stephanie Oldmixon, left, and Christin Geiselman craft gifts at CraftWorx in Richmond. (Photo by Stefan Modrich)

Fort Bend County’s cultural diversity is reflected across the area’s arts and entertainment landscape.

If you are creatively inclined or just looking to try something new, head to Fire It Up Pottery & Art Studio at 13817 Southwest Fwy. in Sugar Land for classes on ready-to-paint pottery, jewelry making, and glass fusing. Fire It Up also offers take-home kits to enjoy from the safety and comfort of your own space.

Not far away in Sugar Land is PaintDrops Art Classes at 2011 Richland Ct. Classes are available for kids age 6-12 and adults. Hajra Syed-Rahman, the owner of PaintDrops, has helped write and create projects for Fort Bend ISD’s art curriculum and her studio offers a home-school art curriculum for stu-

$5 OFF

your pottery purchase Can not be used with any other offer.

Not valid on parties, camps, events or classes.

DROP IN FOR A RELAXING & CREATIVE EXPERIENCE. WE OFFER CLASSES & EVENTS FOR KIDS & ADULTS POTTERY PAINTING GLASS FUSING CLAY SCULPTING POTTERY WHEEL

AFTER SCHOOL ART CLASSES KIDS NIGHT OUT BYOB LADIES NIGHT KIDS & ADULT BIRTHDAY PARTIES TEAM BUILDING SUMMER CAMPS

WALK-INS

ALWAYS

WELCOME! fireitup-pottery.com • 713-234-7789 •13817 Southwest Fwy. Sugar Land, TX 77478

dents.

In Richmond, CraftWorx, 11135 Harlem Road Suite 220, offers do-ityourself projects ranging from painting and knitting to string art.

Zeljko Pavlovic’s Vivaldi Music Academy in Sugar Land Town Square offers music classes and private lessons for all ages.

Pavlovic said they have been mostly held via Zoom since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

“The thing that distinguishes us from other music academies or places you can take lessons is I wanted to create something special for our students,” Pavlovic said.

In addition to holding private music lessons for children age 4 and up in cello, drum, flute, clarinet, guitar, piano, viola, violin and voice, VMA also conducts early childhood music classes, group guitar classes, and children’s choir courses.

“It is open for all levels, ages, and abilities,” Pavlovic said. “I wanted to make it accessible to all of our students.”

LEARN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

Bowie Elementary 2304 Bamore Rd. Phone: 832-223-1200 Culver Elementary 3131 Learning Tree Ln. Phone: 832-223-5600 George Junior High 4601 Airport Ave. Phone: 832-223-3600 Jackson Elementary 301 3rd St. Phone: 832-223-1800 Lamar Junior High 4814 Mustang Ave. Phone: 832-223-3200 Lamar Consolidated High School

In Missouri City, The Academy for Arts & Education at 2200 FM 1092 Road Suite F offers private and group music lessons for piano, violin, guitar, voice, drums and band instruments.

Live music venues in Fort Bend County have been dormant throughout much of the pandemic. But Smart Financial Centre in Sugar Land has 34 events on its calendar between Aug.28Dec. 26, including Erykah Badu on Oct. 7. Ticket prices range from $44.50$134.50.

Another major local venue, Stafford Centre, has 11 events scheduled between Sept. 4 and Dec. 17,, including The Alan Parsons Live Project on Sept. 5. Ticket prices range between $49.50-$99.50.

According to Stafford Centre’s website, tickets for all previous dates of shows postponed due to COVID-19 will be honored and an email will be sent to ticket holders for previous performances with additional information.

Customers can email info@staffordcentre.com or 281-208-6900 with questions.

4606 Mustang Ave. Phone: 832-223-3000 Living Water Christian School 4808 Airport Ave. Phone: 281-238-8946 Navarro Middle School 4700 Ave. N Phone: 832-223-3700 Taylor Ray Elementary 2611 Ave. N Phone: 281-341-3350 Travis Elementary 2700 Ave. K Phone: 832-223-2500 Wertheimer Middle School 4240 FM 723 LEARN CONTINUES ON PAGE 23

2-1-1 TEXAS/UNITED WAY HELPLINE Information and referral service with a free confidential helpline operated by the United Way of Greater Houston 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Trained helpline specialists connect those in need with critical social services. United Way of Greater Houston-Fort Bend has a trained specialist on site 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

2-1-1 or 281-207-2300 ACHIEVE FORT BEND COUNTY Achieve Fort Bend County is a diverse group of business, community and education leaders throughout the county whose focus is to provide an interconnected system of sources to reduce dropout rates and provide opportunities for those citizens without high school diplomas.

314 S. Belknap Sugar Land, TX 77487 281-243-4804 www.achievefortbendcounty.org AID TO VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC ABUSE Provides free information on the legal system, safety planning, protective orders, custody and other services to all victims of domestic violence in Fort Bend and Harris County.

713-224-9911 avda-tx.org/ ARC OF FORT BEND COUNTY Advocacy and support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

123 Brooks Street Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-494-5959 info@arcoffortbend.org arcoffortbend.org

LEARN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22

Phone: 832-223-4100 Wessendorf Middle School 5201 Mustang Ave. Phone: 832-223-3300 ROSHARON Heritage Rose Elementary 636 Glendale Lakes Ln. Phone: 281-327-5400

ATTACK POVERTY Empower people to attack poverty in their life and community by strengthening under-resourced communities through spiritual growth, education, revitalization and basic needs.

3727 Greenbriar Drive, #100 Stafford TX, 77477 832-847-4379 attackpoverty.org BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS Provides meaningful monitored matches between adult volunteers and youth to develop positive relationships. Outings focus on development of academic and social skills through exposure to a variety of enrichment opportunities.

281-207-2330 www.bbstx.org CAREER AND RECOVERY RESOURCES Helps overcome barriers to employment.

Supportive services for veterans and families including assistance with security and utility deposits, rent, moving expenses, financial literacy and housing counseling.

281-207-2300 www.careerandrecovery.org CHILD ADVOCATES OF FORT BEND Serving victims of sexual abuse, physical abuse and neglect.

5403 Ave. N. Rosenberg, TX 77471 281-341-9955 www.cafb.org FORT BEND CARES Giving disadvantaged children in Fort Bend County access to a better quality of life.

P.O. Box 17748 Sugar Land, TX 77496 832-819-2005

STAFFORD Everest Academy 610 Brand Ln. Phone: 281-261-3030

www.fortbendcares.org

www.ftbendliteracy.org

FORT BEND COUNTY ANIMAL SERVICES Providing love, care and attention to more than 3,500 animals.

1210 Blume Road Rosenberg, TX 281-342-1512 www.fbchhs.org/animal-services

LUNCHES OF LOVE Helping end childhood hunger in Fort Bend County by providing a free nutritious sack lunch during extended school holidays and weekends.

1416 Radio Ln., Rosenberg, TX 7747 832-586-6995 lunchesoflove.net

FORT BEND SENIOR MEALS ON WHEELS Helping seniors maintain independence through service and resources.

1330 Band Road Rosenberg, TX 77471 281-633-7049 fortbendseniors.org

SECOND MILE MISSION CENTER Second Mile exists to love our neighbors by meeting physical needs and equipping them to lead a responsible life in Christ.

1135 Highway 90A, Missouri City, TX 77489 281-261-9199 volunteer@secondmile.org www.secondmile.org

FORT BEND WOMEN’S CENTER Bringing healing and hope to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault since 1980.

501 E Hwy 90 A Richmond, TX 77406 281-344-5750 www.fbwc.org HOPE FOR THREE Advocacy group providing awareness, outreach, education, resources and financial support to families living with autism spectrum disorder.

12808 W. Airport Blvd. Suite 375 Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-245-0640 www.hopeforthree.org LITERACY COUNCIL OF FORT BEND COUNTY Improve family, community and professional lives through literacy 12530 Emily Court Sugar Land, TX 77478

UNITED WAY OF GREATER HOUSTON Transforming individual lives, bringing long-lasting systemic change to tough issues like family instability and academic success.

12300 Parc Crest Drive Stafford, TX 77477 281-207-2300 www.unitedwayhouston.org YMCA OF GREATER HOUSTON Provides programs that promote youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Includes after school programs, swim lessons, teen leadership, summer day camps and activities for older adults.

281-499-9622 www.ymcahouston.org

Stafford High School 1625 Staffordshire Rd. Phone: 281-261-9239

Barrington Place Elementary 2100 Squire Dobbins Ln. Phone: 281-634-4040

Stafford Elementary 1250 Constitution Ave. Phone: 281-261-9229

SUGAR LAND Austin High School 3434 Pheasant Creek Dr. Phone: 281-634-2000

Cambridge Montessori School 6380 Highway 90A Phone: 281-491-2223

Stafford Intermediate School 1350 Constitution Ave. Phone: 281-208-6100

Austin Parkway Elementary 4400 Austin Pkwy.

Phone: 281-634-4001

Campbell Elementary 1000 Shadow Bend Drive Phone: 832-223-1300 LEARN CONTINUES ON PAGE 27

H FORT BEND STAR FALL GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 2021

FORT BEND COUNTY NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS

23

H FORT BEND STAR FALL GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 2021

24

IMPORTANT NUMBERS TO KNOW FORT BEND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Sugar Land, Texas 77478 281-491-0800 www.fortbendchamber.com 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.

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.

FORT BEND ISD 16431 Lexington Blvd.

Sugar Land, Texas 77479 www.fortbendisd.com 281-634-1000 LAMAR CISD 3911 Avenue I Rosenberg, Texas 77471 832-223-0330 www.lcisd.org STAFFORD MSD 1633 Staffordshire Rd., Stafford, TX 77477, 281-261-9200, staffordmsd.org FORT BEND COUNTY COURTHOUSE 309 South Fourth Street Richmond, Texas 77469 (Mailing Address) 301 Jackson 281-342-3411 Richmond, Texas 77479 Court Coordinator Fax Number 281-341-4426 www.fortbendcountytx.gov FORT BEND CENTRAL APPRAISAL DISTRICT 2801 B.F. Terry Blvd.

Rosenberg, Texas 77471 281-344-8623 www.fbcad.org TEXAS DEPT. OF PUBLIC SAFETY (Driver’s License) 28000 Southwest Freeway Rosenberg, Texas 77471 281-517-1630 www.dps.texas.gov

COMCAST-XFINITY STORE 13540 University Blvd.

Sugar Land, Texas 77479 800-934-6489 U.S. POST OFFICE SUGAR LAND MAIN POST OFFICE 225 Matlage Way Sugar Land, Texas 77478-3273 281-494-0013 FIRST COLONY BRANCH 3130 Grants Lake Blvd.

Sugar Land, Texas 77479 800-275-8777 CENTERPOINT ENERGY 800-752-8036 www.centerpointenergy.com RELIANT ENERGY All Service Requests Handled via phone 713-207-7243 www.powertochoose.org (this is where you can choose y our electric provider) CITY OF SUGAR LAND TREASURY MANAGEMENT 2700 Town Center Blvd. North Sugar Land, Texas 77479 281-275-2750 WINDSTREAM COMMUNICATIONS 800-347-1991 www.windstream.com AT&T 800-288-2020 SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION 10703 Stancliff Houston, Texas 77099 800-772-1213 www.ssa.gov

Richmond, Texas 77469 281-341-3709 5855 Sienna Springs Way Missouri City, TX 77459 832-471-4140 DMV PHONE NUMBER 281-341-3710 fax 281-238-3265 fbauto@co.fort-bend.tx.us www.co.fort-bend.tx.us Also, online auto registration renewal; visit TxDMV Vehicle Registration Renewal for eligibility requirements.

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.

FORT BEND COUNTY RECYCLING & ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER 1200 Blume Road.

Rosenberg, Texas 77471 281-633-7581 281-633-+7527 (Recording) ELECTED OFFICIALS CONTACT INFO FORT BEND COUNTY JUDGE KP GEORGE 401 Jackson St., 281-341-8608 Richmond, TX 77469 FBC.Judge@fortbendcountytx.gov COUNTY COMMISSIONERS VINCENT MORALES, PRECINCT 1 1517 Eugene Heimann Circle, Richmond, TX 77469 281-344-9400 commpct1@fortbendcountytx.gov

FORT BEND COUNTY TAX ASSESSOR-COLLECTOR 12550 Emily Court Sugar Land Substation 281-341-3710

GRADY PRESTAGE, PRECINCT 2 303 Texas Parkway, Ste. 213, Missouri City, TX 77489 281-403-8000 james.prestage@fortbendcountytx.gov

FORT BEND AUTO REGISTRATION 1317 Eugene Heimann Circle Richmond, Texas 77469 281-341-3709

ANDY MEYERS, PRECINCT 3 22333 Grand Circle Dr., Katy, TX 77494 281-238-1400 Andy.Meyers@fortbendcountytx.gov

FORT BEND COUNTY REGISTRATION & TITLING Mailing Address: (FB Co Tax Office) 1317 Eugene Heimann Circle

KEN DEMERCHANT, PRECINCT 4 12919 Dairy Ashford Road, Ste. 200, Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-980-2235 commpct4@fortbendcountytx.gov

U.S. CONGRESS, TEXAS DISTRICT 22 – TROY NEHLS 1117 FM 359 Suite 210, Richmond, TX 77406 346-762-6600 TEXAS HOUSE DISTRICT 26 – JACEY JETTON 77 Sugar Creek Blvd., Suite 600, Sugar Land, TX 77478 512-463-0710 (Austin office) TEXAS HOUSE DISTRICT 27 – RON REYNOLDS 2440 Texas Parkway, Suite 102, Missouri City, Texas 77489 281-208-3574 (district office); 512-463-0494 (Austin) TEXAS HOUSE DISTRICT 28 – GARY GATES 2205 Avenue I, Rosenberg, TX 77471 512-463-0657 (Austin) TEXAS HOUSE DISTRICT 85 – PHIL STEPHENSON 834 Third St., Rosenberg, TX 77471 281-232-7900 (district office); 512-463-0604 (Austin) SUGAR LAND MAYOR JOE ZIMMERMAN 2700 Town Center Blvd. North, Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-275-2313 jzimmerman@sugarlandtx.gov MISSOURI CITY MAYOR ROBIN ELACKATT 1522 Texas Pkwy., Missouri City, TX 77489 281-403-8500 STAFFORD MAYOR CECIL WILLIS 2610 South Main St., Stafford, TX 77477 281-261-3901 cwillis@staffordtx.gov MEADOWS PLACE MAYOR CHARLES JESSUP One Troyan Dr., Meadows Place, TX 77477 281-983-2950 Email: mayor@cityofmeadowsplace.org RICHMOND MAYOR REBECCA HAAS 402 Morton St., Richmond, TX 77469 281-342-5456 ROSENBERG MAYOR WILLIAM BENTON 2110 Fourth St., Rosenberg, TX 77471 832-595-3300 William.benton@rosenbergtx.gov

★ FORT BEND STAR FALL GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 2021

25

★ FORT BEND STAR FALL GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 2021

26

IMPROVE

Protect your home from elements this fall, winter

By Stefan Modrich SMODRICH@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Leaves will soon start falling and the weather is bound to get colder.

So why not spruce your home up and protect is against the elements while you’re at it?

Whether you’re looking to add variety to your garden, remodel a kitchen or repair pipes, roofing, or siding, or looking for the best way to rake in those falling leaves and protect the pipes, you can find a contractor or a store in Fort Bend County that can help you get the job done.

According to ratings from Google reviewers, the following are some of the best businesses in the area for home improvements and repairs: In the Four Corners neighborhood of Sugar Land, a Houston Garden Centers location, 9811 Penton Drive,

can help give your home more curb appeal with its stock of vines, palms and ferns. You can also get your fix of soil, mulch and decorative stones.

Lowe’s, 16510 Southwest Freeway in Sugar Land, offers window replacement and installation and fence installation, as well as shelving, cabinet hardware, kitchen and laundry appliances. It also has frost blankets and other methods to keep those aforementioned gardens or plants from succumbing to the winter temperatures.

The Missouri City Lowe’s at 3807 FM 1092 has a similar selection of products and services.

Home Depot has two locations in Sugar Land: 15505 Southwest Freeway and 10419 S. State Highway 6.

Both locations offer tool and truck rental and curbside pickup for online orders.

In the case of power outages or anything else during the winter, Home Depot carries generators, insulation, weather-stripping thermostats and additional HVAC supplies for any issues that may arise.

If you’ve got a job for a professional contractor to help “winterize” your home, J Hernandez General Contracting will likely be able to handle it. At 13393 Murphy Road in Stafford, J Hernandez does interior and exterior painting, steam cleaning and water extraction, custom cabinetry, floor installations and commercial housekeeping.

If you need to fix a clogged drain or have broken pipes in the event of the weather getting to them, you can find Graham Plumbing Services at 12819 Mula Lane in Stafford.

IMPROVE CONTINUES...

Tree Trimming & removal • landscape design • professional planTing

Free

at home consultation for landscaping design. ($99 Value)

H&HEscobarPropertyServices.com | 832•641•8600

Full House Remodeling, 2602 Bridge Hampton Way in Sugar Land, specializes in home remodeling and can help give your bathroom, kitchen, or living space a new look. They also install countertops, flooring and custom closets. Full House also serves the Missouri City and Richmond markets.

If you need new flooring, head to 3665 State Highway 6 in Sugar Land, where you’ll find Floor & Decor and its selection of tile, vinyl and laminate flooring materials.

Not far from where State Highway 90 meets State Highway 6, Cornelius Nursery, 6720 US-90 ALT, Sugar Land has an extensive inventory of houseplants, trees, shrubs, flowers, fertilizers and resources for birding enthusiasts. It also offers landscaping services.

Allsource Electrical has a location at 12807 Christina Court in Missouri City, but it also services Stafford, Sugar Land, Richmond, and Rosenberg. Allsource offers residential and commercial services, including panel replacement, underground wiring, electrical wiring, surge protection and a variety of light remodeling services, including LED and security lighting.

LEARN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23

Clements High School 4200 Elkins Rd. Phone: 281-634-2150 Colony Bend Elementary 2720 Planters St. Phone: 281-634-4080 Colony Meadows Elementary 4510 Sweetwater Blvd.

Phone: 281-634-4120 Commonwealth Elementary 4909 Commonwealth Blvd.

Phone: 281-634-5120 Cornerstone Elementary 1800 Chatham Ave. Phone: 281-634-6400 Cornerstone Christian Academy 2140 First Colony Blvd.

Phone: 281-980-0842 Dickinson Elementary 7110 Greatwood Pkwy.

27

Phone: 832-223-1400

Fort Settlement Middle School 5440 Elkins Rd. Phone: 281-634-6440

Drabek Elementary 11325 Lake Woodbridge Dr. Phone: 281-634-6570

Garcia Middle School 18550 Old Richmond Rd. Phone: 281-634-3160

Dulles Elementary 630 Dulles Ave. Phone: 281-634-5830

Highlands Elementary 2022 Colonist Park Dr. Phone: 281-634-4160

Dulles High School 550 Dulles Ave. Phone: 281-634-5600

Honor Roll School 4111 Sweetwater Blvd.

Phone: 281-265-7888

Dulles Middle School 500 Dulles Ave. Phone: 281-634-5750 Fellowship Christian Academy 16355 Old Richmond Rd./Dora Ln. Phone: 281-495-1814 First Colony Middle School 3225 Austin Pkwy.

Phone: 281-634-3240 Fort Bend Christian Academy 1250 7th St. Phone: 281-263-9175

Kempner High School 14777 Voss Rd. Phone: 281-634-2300 Lakeview Elementary 314 Lakeview Dr. Phone: 281-634-4200 Logos Preparatory Academy 13303 Southwest Fwy. LEARN CONTINUES ON PAGE 30

TAURUS MECHANICAL INC. A/C & HEATING SPECIALIST RESIDENTIAL

• Air Conditioning & Design • Heating

832.731.5256

LICENSE # TACLB18036E

www.HoustonHeatandCooling.com

★ FORT BEND STAR FALL GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 2021

... IMPROVE CONTINUED

★ FORT BEND STAR FALL GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 2021

28

DEVELOP

Fort Bend flexing development muscles

By Landan Kuhlmann

will have over 50,000 square feet of entertainment space, 200,000 square feet of retail and 50,000 square feet of restaurants, according to the release.

As Fort Bend County’s residential NewQuest said 14-screen Cinemark and business population continues theater will be the anchor for Phase to grow, so does commercial develII, which will eventually cover three opment. In fact, the coronavirus of the four corners of the intersection pandemic has not been able to slow of State Highway 6 and Fort Bend many major projects in one of Texas’ Parkway in Missouri City. fastest-growing counties.

NewQuest said it is scheduled to From commercial giants making open in the third quarter of 2023. inroads into the county to developers Missouri City’s Township Square of major shopping centers investing getting facelift in renovations, Fort Bend County A real estate company will soon has showcased its development chops begin work on a $4 million renovaover the last six months. tion of Missouri City’s Township Fort Bend Town Center expanSquare strip center, according to the sion begins Phase II company.

Houston-based KM ReDevelopers behind a massive retail alty has selected the Houston firm center have begun the second phase Identity Architects to design the of the project. NewQuest Properrenovations to the shopping center, ties on Aug. 5 broke ground on the first built in 1984, near the intersecsecond phase of Fort Bend Town tion of FM 1092 and Township Lane, Center, according to a news release according to the realty company. from the company.

The renovation will include a comThe 300,000-square foot phase pletely new exterior, according to KM Realty director of leasing and vice president of development Steve Stone. KM Realty will also provide new tenants with an improvement allowance to finish the interior part of the renovation, with a focus on outdoor accessibility.

Frito-Lay expands in Rosenberg ® One of Fort Bend County’s bigAs your local agent, I’m here to help life go right. gest employers, Frito-Lay, will add That’s why I take the time to get to know you and more than 100 jobs and invest more ® As your local agent, help life go right. understand whatI’m youhere reallytoneed. than $200 million after county com® to know you and That’s whyTALK I take the to get missioners in June signed off on a As your local agent, I’m here to help lifetime go right.

LET’S TODAY. tax abatement for the company’s understand what you really need.

LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Listening & Listening & Listening & understanding, understanding, understanding, available here.

Listening &here. available available here. understanding, available here.

That’s why I take the time to get to know you and LET’S TALK TODAY. understand what you really need.

LET’S TALK TODAY. Tracy Walker ChFC CLU CASL CPCU, Agent

15510 Lexington Blvd Ste P Sugar Land, TX 77478 Tracy ChFC CLU Bus:Walker 281-265-0711 15510www.agentwalker.com Lexington Blvd Ste P acy Walker ChFC CLU CASL CPCU, Sugar Land, TX 77478 Agent 510 Lexington Blvd Ste P Bus: 281-265-0711 ar Land, TX 77478 www.agentwalker.com : 281-265-0711 w.agentwalker.com

842

State Farm Bloomington, IL

713-851-7523

State Farm Bloomington, IL State Farm Bloomington, IL

1706842

Jennifer Weaver Jennifer@JenniferWeaver.com WWW.JenniferWeaver.com

CASL CPCU, Agent

1706842

facility in Rosenberg. Company officials are expanding the Rosenberg facility to add two manufacturing lines for Funyuns and tortilla chips as well as to increase the warehouse capacity and enable future growth, according to a company news release.

Solar farm coming to Fort Bend A Spanish-based renewable energy company has begun construction on a $258 million solar farm in Fort Bend County. Work on the farm in far west Fort Bend County, near Rosenberg, began in June.

The company will employ as many as 450 people in Fort Bend County during construction and the farm will create 12 full-time jobs to handle operations, according to a news release from Spanish conglomerate Acciona.

Large pillow manufacturer opens in Sugar Land One of the country’s major international pillow manufacturers has opened its second U.S. manufacturing facility in Sugar Land, the first step in a process that will eventually bring some 150 jobs to Fort Bend County, according to the company.

New York-based Soft-Tex International celebrated the grand opening of a new 170,000-square foot manufacturing facility at 1407 Gillingham Lane in August.

Over the rest of the year, Soft-Tex plans to add more production lines to the Sugar Land facility. Company officials hope to add all 150 jobs by the end of 2021.

My pledge to you: Honesty. Professionalism. Dedication.

Put my 40+ years experience to work for you!

By Stefan Modrich SMODRICH@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

One of the fastest-growing and most diverse counties in the U.S., Fort Bend County has been in good fiscal health despite the economic decline caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

And with an eye toward a future where mass gatherings and events can safely take place, the Fort Bend County Commissioners Court on Feb. 23 approved the spending of $120 million on a new event center called EpiCenter, a new multipurpose arena near the site of the county fairgrounds in Rosenberg.

The 230,000-square foot facility, situated on a 51.75-acre site near the the southwest corner of Highway 59 and State Highway 36, should be complete sometime in 2022, according to project organizers. It should cost about $120 million to construct, according to a news release from the county.

The county began considering an EpiCenter project as early as 2015 during early discussions of a facilities bond referendum.

The commissioners court authorized a feasibility study, completed in 2018, that “showed that market demand exists to support the facility,” according to a news release.

The project will be built utilizing a “public-private partnership delivery method often used for developing similar facilities,” according to a news release.

Under the agreement, the county will lease the property to a developer that will construct the project and lease the building back to the county. The county will retain ownership of the land and will own the building when its debt is paid.

In May, the Sugar Land City Council approved a contract to purchase materials for wireless communications upgrades as part of its capital improvement program (CIP), according to a news release from the city.

The city said its high site communication improvements project aims to improve the city’s wireless network to help in supporting citywide connectivity

for systems that support license plate recognition cameras, traffic signals, corridor timing and other communications among Sugar Land’s utility system and operators.

Funding for the roughly $2.33 million project will come from a combination of a federal loan awarded to the city and additional city funds. The loan will cover 80 percent of the project cost, or about $1.86 million, while the city will contribute about $466,143 for purchasing the materials, according to city spokesperson Doug Adolph.

The council approved another infrastructure improvement project in May aimed at reducing flooding within certain areas of the city.

According to a news release from the city, the council approved an engineering design contract to improve drainage in the Austin Park and Chimneystone subdivisions of Sugar Land.

The city said that the area’s drainage issues were a “top priority” identified by Sugar Land residents through the 2020 citizen satisfaction survey.

The project is part of Sugar Land’s 2019 general obligation (GO) bond program, according to the city, and will attempt to reduce structure flooding risks and reduce the ponding depths and durations during major rain events. It is scheduled to begin work in November 2022.

The project will cost about $16.5 million, according to the city. It will be paid for with a zero percent interest 30-year loan, with potential savings of more than $7.6 million based on the 30-year life of the loan and current interest rates, according to the city.

In June, the Landmark Community Center’s grand opening showcased a $4.6 million restoration of the building at 100 Louisiana St., which most recently housed Missouri City Middle School.

The Fort Bend County Commissioners Court is responsible for renovating the community center, which features a new lobby, new basketball court, sound stage, a fitness center, game center and a lounge with a coffee and juice bar.

BUILD

Also in June, the Texas General Land Office awarded $47.5 million in disaster mitigation funding to the City of Rosenberg to construct a detention pond and make other drainage improvements.

County officials have also received funding for transportation and recreational infrastructure.

County commissioners recently accepted a federal grant of about $4.5 million that will go toward purchasing 28 buses, according to an award letter. The buses will be used for the county’s Precinct 2 Commissioner Grady Prestage, center, helps cut new commuter service to downtown Houston, accord- the ribbon on the Landmark Community Center in Missouri City, which opened earlier this year. (Contributed photo) ing to the agreement.

Two proposed bonds — a mobility bond appearing on the ballot as lion to county park facilities in Fort Bend Proposition A and a parks bond appearing Houston, Sugar Land, Richmond and as Proposition B — were both supported Rosenberg, among others. by a majority of county voters last NoFort Bend County Precinct 4 Comvember. missioner Ken DeMerchant said the bond The mobility bond was approved by 75 election will not increase taxes for resipercent of voters and will issue more than dents. $218 million to 59 construction, mainteSome specific issues DeMerchant said nance and operations projects for county would be addressed by the mobility bond roads. were relieving congestion at the State The projects will be in Missouri City, Highway 6 intersections with Airport Meadows Place, Richmond, Rosenberg, Boulevard and Bellfort Boulevard.

Stafford and Sugar Land as well as KendThe bond will also include funding for leton, Fairchilds, Needville and Fulshear. substantial improvements and expansions The parks bond will devote $38.4 milto Precinct 4’s existing trail networks.

LOOKING TO

Two Moms

DOWNSIZE? ESTATE

SALES

TwoMomsEstateSales.com FULL SERVICE ESTATE LIQUIDATION

Serving Houston and surrounding areas since 2010

H FORT BEND STAR FALL GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 2021

County invests in infrastructure as population keeps booming

29

★ FORT BEND STAR FALL GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 2021

30

281-565-6467

Sugar Creek Montessori School 615 Dulles Ave. Phone: 281-261-1000

Oyster Creek Elementary 16425 Mellow Oaks Ln. Phone: 281-634-5910

Sugar Land Middle School 321 7th St. Phone: 281-634-3080

Riverbend Montessori School 4225 Elkins Rd. Phone: 281-980-4123

Sugar Mill Elementary 13707 Jess Pirtle Blvd.

Phone: 281-634-4440

Sartartia Middle School 8125 Homeward Way Phone: 281-634-6310

Sullivan Elementary 17828 Winding Waters Ln. Phone: 281-327-2860

Settlers Way Elementary 3015 Settlers Way Blvd.

Phone: 281-634-4360

Townewest Elementary 13927 Old Richmond Rd. Phone: 281-634-4480

St. Laurence Catholic School 2630 Austin Pkwy.

Phone: 281-980-0500

Walker Station Elementary 6200 Homeward Way Blvd.

Phone: 281-634-4400

St. Theresa Catholic School 705B St. Theresa Blvd.

Phone: 281-494-1157

Walden School 16103 Lexington Blvd.

Phone: 281-980-0022

LEARN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27

Thank You

FORT BEND for again voting us

Best Developer

JEANNE GREGORY

2021

READERS’ CHOICE

REALTOR, CRS, GRI, ABR SOUTHW EST

Each Office Independently Owned & Operated

713-854-0923

www.jeannegregory.com jeanne@jeannegregory.com Honored to be your choice for life insurance.

LISA N. SIMS, AGENT 11647 S Highway 6, Sugar Land, TX 77498 Toll Free: 281-201-2448 lisa@agentlisasims.com LISA N. SIMS, AGENT

Monday - Friday 9 - 6 Saturday 10 - 2 After hours by appointment

NOW OPEN WE SELL QUALITY PRODUCTS Lift Chairs • 3- & 4-Wheel Mobility Scooters • Power Chairs & More

Rentals Available for Mobility Scooters, Lift Chairs, Hospital Beds, Power Chairs and Wheelchairs. Mobile Service available.

ALL 3-WHEEL SCOOTERS $250 OFF MSRP

Cannot Be Combined with other offers. Expires 9.15.21

7746 Highway 6, Suite H, Missouri City, TX 77459 Mon - Fri 9-5, Sat 10-2 | (832) 539-6881 | MobilityCity.com/location/Sugarland-TX

H FORT BEND STAR FALL GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 2021

31

★ FORT BEND STAR FALL GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 2021

32