The 2023 Edition of The Fort Bend GUIDE

GU I DE 2023 ISSUE

H FORT BEND STAR GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 2023

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It’s been about six months since we at the Fort Bend Star produced Ken the last edition of the Guide. By coincidence, that’s just about the Fountain time I came aboard as Managing Editor.

And just as previous editions MANAGING EDITOR have noted, the big story in Fort Bend continues to be its growth, coupled with its incredible diversity.

As we and others have been saying practically ad nauseam, Fort Bend is both one of the fastest-growing counties in the nation and one of, if not THE, most ethnically diverse.

As I’ve noted in earlier columns, I grew up in Alief, pretty close to Fort Bend but far enough away that I didn’t have a distinct impression of the place. My first memory of Fort Bend, in fact, was going to see a movie in the ‘80s with family friends at a small theater in Sugar Land, and feeling like it was an awfully small town.

However, I’ve had a family connection to Fort Bend since the mid-90s, and in that time I have seen it grow from a still-sleepy bedroom community to one of the most bustling spots in the greater Houston region. With that growth and demographic change has come some controversy, as is usually the case.

You’ll be reading a lot about that growth and the challenges and opportunities that come with it in the following pages. With the Guide, we try to provide a snapshot of the stories and themes we’ve been covering for the past several months.

How are officials at the county and municipal levels thinking about embracing and planning for this growth? What kind of infrastructure projects are seen as critical for helping Fort Bend transition into a place with an estimated population of more than 2 million by 2030?

How are the school districts planning for this anticipated growth, as they deal with aging facilities and plan to build new ones, all while dealing with the ever-changing financial picture. Are charter schools meeting a need that the public school districts aren’t? How are hospitals and other healthcare facilities planning to meet the demand that Fort Bend’s growth will bring? These are important questions, and we touch on them here in these pages.

But fear not, the Guide isn’t all about eating your vegetables.

We’ll be drawing your attention to some of the most fun, interesting, and exciting aspects of living in Fort Bend County.

Speaking of eating, we’ll take a look at Fort Bend’s increasingly diverse culinary scene, as we take in restaurants offering food inspired by places near and far. The arts and entertainment scene is another aspect of Fort Bend’s increasingly cosmopolitan vibe, and we’ll be telling you about some of the latest offerings, plus a few venerable ones.

And what would a spring edition of the Guide be without a look at the sports and recreation scene in Fort Bend. We’ll be taking a look at the great opportunities residents have to get outdoors, plus a preview of the sports seasons, including the one just getting underway with our hometown Space Cowboys. So without further ado, here’s our Spring edition of the Fort Bend Guide.

On the cover: “There were more than just kites at the International Art & Kite Festival this year, with performances, arts and crafts, art cars and fun for the whole family.”

(Photos by Ken Fountain)

H FORT BEND STAR GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 2023

We hope you enjoy our Spring Guide

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H FORT BEND STAR GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 2023

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Healthcare still growing, just like county

By Ken Fountain KFOUNTAIN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Healthcare continues to be a growing industry, especially in fast-growing Fort Bend County.

With the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic seemingly past, area hospitals, clinics and other facilities have rebounded and continue to complete new projects and announce new ones.

The winter coronavirus surge that many health professionals had feared didn’t quite happen, and most of the signs have been good in recent months. In the weekly COVID monitoring metrics from the Texas Medical Center published on March 28,

the 7-day average COVID-19 testing positivity rate for the previous week was 4.6 percent for TMC hospital systems and TMC admitted 66 new COVID-19 patients per day in TMC hospital institutions. During that week, on average, the wastewater viral load (a leading indicator of the virus’s spread) was 166 percent of the baseline established in July 2020.

Of course, while the worst of the pandemic seems to be past, there remains a need for vigilance. Likewise, the MPOX and RSV outbreaks of last year seem to have dissipated.

Fort Bend, once a seemingly far-flung and sleepy suburb of Houston, is now one of the fastest-growing

counties in the United States, and former small towns and rural areas are where some of the most intense population is happening.

With all of the growth, the need for healthcare services is going to grow as well. And hospital systems and others are planning for it.

Last November, KelseySeybold Clinic, the Houston-based private group practice, broke ground on a 135,000-square-foot facility next to an existing clinic that will, when completed later this year, create a central campus in Fort Bend County. The new campus will house an ambulatory surgery center, a cancer center and other amenities. The two structures will connect

through an interior walkway and the 200,000 square-feet of combined space will host up to 75 providers across several specialties, according the clinic.

The Fort Bend campus is part of Kelsey-Seybold’s expansion plans calling for seven locations across the southwest region of the greater Houston region. In

early January, Kelsey-Seybold opened its new two-story, 33,000-square-foot clinic in The Grid, a 192-acre, mixeduse development at the site of the former Texas Instru-

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HEALTH

unit.

The project will also expand catheterization lab capacity as well as key outpatient areas, including emergency department rooms, operating rooms, endoscopy suites, CT and Xray capabilities, key ancillary areas, and parking capacity.

This latest expansion builds upon current projects previously approved for Memorial Hermann Sugar Land, including a $10 million operating room expansion, which is already underway with an anticipated completion date of spring 2023.

“This is such an exciting time for our campus and also for Fort Bend County,” Malisha Patel, SVP and CEO of Memorial Hermann Sugar Land and Southwest Hospitals, said in a news release when the project was announced. “With the growth of the Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital campus, we continue to seek to positively impact our Fort Bend County community beyond our walls.”

Meanwhile, Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit announced in December it had received the Neonatal Level III designation of their Neonatal Intensive Care from the State of Texas, the first NICU in Fort Bend County to achieve that distinction.

According to the state, a hospital that earns Neonatal Level III designation provides care for mothers and comprehensive care for infants of all ages with mild to critical illness or those on life support; offers consultation with pediatric medical and surgical specialists that can perform

major surgery, whether on-site or at an appropriate facility; has skilled medical staff and personnel that are specially trained and competent in caring for this vulnerable patient population; assists in transports, and provides educational outreach to lower level designated facilities.

It’s not just the big clinics and hospital systems that are flourishing in Fort Bend County.

In November, Aurum Wellness, a clinic specializing in care and wellness for seniors, opened the doors on Texas Parkway in Missouri City. The 10,600 square-foot clinic has 10 exam rooms and an X-ray room on one side of the facility known as the Med Care portion, according to a news release from the clinic, and offers an in-house comprehensive lab and health coaching.

It also offers annual wellness exams, management of acute or chronic health conditions, immunizations/vaccinations, longer appointment times, and access to support services.

Serenity Mental Health Centers in November opened a new clinic in the Sugar Land area located in the Three Sugar Creek Center just off Highway 59 and Highway 90 Alternate.

It is Serenity’s third location in Texas, and its 14th clinic overall, according to the company.

The range of services includes new healthcare technology such as TMS and ketamine therapy to provide patients with a customizable treatment plans and a higher chance of success, even in cases of treatment-resistant mental illness, according to the company.

5 H FORT BEND STAR GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 2023

ments facility in Stafford.

The clinic has room for up to 15 providers and offers adult and pediatric primary and specialty healthcare, including Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, and Pulmonary Medicine, and OB/GYN, according to Kelsey-Seybold.

Additional specialties planned for the location include Behavioral Health, Podiatry, Orthopedics – Sports Medicine, Endocrinology, Dermatology, Neurology, Cardiology, and Allergy.

Kelsey-Seybold Clinic – Stafford also offers on-site imaging, including routine X-ray, ultrasound, 3D mammography, DEXA bone density scan, and the capability for mobile MRI and CT. Other diagnostic and ancillary services include cardiac stress testing, echocardiography, laboratory services, and an onsite Kelsey Pharmacy.

“This new location offers comprehensive, quality healthcare that is close to home and work and we share the community’s excitement to have a beautiful new facility with trusted providers nearby,” Warren Redfearn, D.O., managing physician of KelseySeybold’s Stafford Clinic, said in a news release when the facility opened. “We are proud to be part of the dynamic Stafford community.”

Meanwhile, Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital announced in November a $231 million investment expansion project includes a large build-out of one of the existing towers on campus, adding new medical/surgical beds, new universal beds, and a new neonatal intensive care

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P 346-901-0194 Pictured is the impending new Kelsey-Seybold campus in Sugar Land. (Contributed photo)

H FORT BEND STAR GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 2023

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HOSPITALS, DIAGNOSTIC CENTERS, & ER DIRECTORY ACCESSHEALTH

HOUSTON METHODIST

MEMORIAL HERMANN

ST. MICHAEL’S 24 HOUR

MISSOURI CITY CLINIC

SUGAR LAND HOSPITAL

SURGICAL HOSPITAL

EMERGENCY CENTER

307 Texas Pkwy. Suite 100

16655 Southwest Freeway

16906 Southwest Freeway

SUGAR LAND

Missouri City, TX 77489

Sugar Land, TX 77479

Sugar Land, TX 77479

16062 Southwest Freeway

281-243-1000

281-980-4357

281-342-4530

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

281-274-7000

MENTAL HEALTH & ECOMPASS HEALTH

ADDICTION TREATMENT -

1325 Highway 6,

WEST PARK SPRINGS

Sugar Land, TX 77479

6902 South Peek Rd.

281-276-7574

Richmond, TX 77407 832-535-2770

281-274-7170 LEGACY COMMUNITY HEALTH – CHI ST. LUKE’S

STAFFORD FOUNTAINS

SUGAR LAND HOSPITAL

12540 Sugardale Dr.

1317 Lake Pointe Parkway

Stafford, TX 77477

Sugar Land, TX 77478

713-814-3655

281-637-7000 M.D. ANDERSON REGIONAL FORT BEND MEDICAL & DIAGNOSTIC CENTER/ KELSEY SEYBOLD CLINIC 11555 University Blvd.

Sugar Land, TX 77478

HEALTHSOUTH SUGAR LAND

Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-274-8212 SUGAR LAND 15530 Southwest Freeway, Suite 200

CENTER - SUGAR LAND AT

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HOUSTON METHODIST SUGAR

281-274-6600

LAND HOSPITAL 16655 Southwest Frwy.

TAYLOR RECOVERY CENTER

Sugar Land, TX 77479

11352 Sugar Park Ln.

281-274-7979

Sugar Land, TX 77478 832-780-7072

OAKBEND MEDICAL GROUP

Sugar Land, TX 77478

SUGAR LAND

281-566-1800

6350 Highway 90A, Ste. 600 Sugar Land, TX 77479

SUGAR LAND HOSPITAL

15500 Southwest Freeway

NEUROSCIENCE & SPINE

1327 Lake Pointe Parkway

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CANCER CENTER

DIAGNOSTIC CENTER

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713-442-9100

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281-265-7000

TEXAS CHILDREN’S HEALTH CENTER 15400 Southwest Freeway, Suite 200 Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-494-7010

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Sugar Land, TX 77478

Richmond, TX 77469

Richmond, TX 77469

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281-276-7574

281-725-5000

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H FORT BEND STAR GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 2023

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PRIMARY CARE Personalized to You

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Many of our practices: • Provide in-person and virtual visits with online scheduling

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• Offer same-day sick visits • Are conveniently located close to work or home • Accept most major insurance plans

houstonmethodist.org/pcg/southwest 713.441.7265

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6 Riverstone Sienna Sienna Plantation

H FORT BEND STAR GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 2023

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3 generations of Quality Service, Integrity & Honesty 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.

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Family-Owned · Serving Fort Bend County Since 1984

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Store & Service Hours M-F 9 am to 5 pm

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

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

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1118 E Hwy 90A, Richmond, TX 77406 www.Integrated-Pest.com TPCL 5887

2023 FORT BEND SCHOOLS FRESNO

MEADOWS PLACE

Burton Elementary 1625 Hunter Green Ln. Phone: 281-634-5080

Meadows Elementary 12037 Pender Ln. Phone: 281-634-4720

Goodman Elementary 1100 W. Sycamore Rd. Phone: 281-634-5985

MISSOURI CITY

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

International Preparatory School 1717 Dulles Ave. Phone: 281-208-1403

Armstrong Elementary 3440 Independence Blvd.

Phone: 281-634-9410

Lake Olympia Middle School 3100 Lake Olympia Pkwy.

Phone: 281-634-3520

Baines Middle School 9000 Sienna Ranch Rd. Phone: 281-634-6870

Lantern Lane Elementary 3323 Mission Valley Dr. Phone: 281-634-4680

Briargate Elementary 15817 Blue Ridge Rd. Phone: 281-634-4560

Leonetti Elementary 1757 Waters Lake Blvd.

Phone: 281-327-3190

Divine Savior Academy 770 Waters Lake Blvd.

Phone: 281-778-3003

Lexington Creek Elementary 2335 Dulles Ave. Phone: 281-634-5000

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

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 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

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

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

Schiff Elementary 7400 Discovery Ln. Phone: 281-634-9450

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

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

Sienna Crossing Elementary 10011 Steep Bank Trace Phone: 281-634-3680

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

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

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 Arredondo Elementary 6110 August Green Dr. Phone: 832-223-4800 Austin Elementary 1630 Pitts Rd. Phone: 832-223-1000 Bentley Elementary 10166 FM 359 Phone: 832-223-4900 Bowie Elementary 2304 Bamore Rd. Phone: 832-223-1200 Bowie Middle School 700 Plantation Dr. Phone: 281-327-6200

Carter Elementary 8500 A. Meyers Rd. Phone: 832-223-5500 Crockett Middle School 19001 Beechnut St. Phone: 281-634-6380 Foster High School 4400 FM 723 Phone: 832-223-3800 Frost Elementary 3306 Skinner Lane Phone: 832-223-1500 Hubenak Elementary 11344 Rancho Bella Pkwy.

Phone: 832-223-2900 Hutchison Elementary 3602 Williams Way Blvd.

Phone: 832-223-1700 George Ranch High School 8181 FM 762 Phone: 832-223-4200 Jordan Elementary 17800 West Oaks Village Dr. Phone: 281-634-2800

McNeil Elementary 7300 S. Mason Rd. Phone: 832-223-2800 Meyer Elementary 1930 J. Meyer Rd. Phone: 832-223-2000 Pink Elementary 1001 Collins Rd. Phone: 832-223-2100 Neill Elementary 3830 Harvest Corner Dr. Phone: 281-327-3760 Oakland Elementary 4455 Waterside Estates Dr. Phone: 281-634-3730 Reading Junior High 8101 FM 762 Phone: 832-223-4400 Ryon Middle School 7901 FM 762 Phone: 832-223-4500 Seguin Elementary 7817 Grand Mission Blvd.

Phone: 281-634-9850 Smith Elementary 2014 Lamar Dr. Phone: 832-223-2300

H FORT BEND STAR GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 2023

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H FORT BEND STAR GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 2023

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2023 FORT BEND SCHOOLS Thomas Elementary 6822 Irby Cobb Blvd.

Phone: 832-223-4600 Travis High School 11111 Harlem Rd. Phone: 281-634-7000 Velasquez Elementary 402 Macek Rd. Phone: 832-223-2600 Williams Elementary 5111 FM 762 Phone: 832-223-2700 Westlake Preparatory Academy 23300 Bellaire Blvd.

Phone: 281-341-9910 Rosenberg B.F. Terry High School 5500 Ave. N Phone: 832-223-3400

Lamar Consolidated High School 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 832-223-2500 Wertheimer Middle School 4240 FM 723 Phone: 832-223-4100

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

Wessendorf Middle School 5201 Mustang Ave. Phone: 832-223-3300

Culver Elementary 3131 Learning Tree Ln. Phone: 832-223-5600

ROSHARON

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

Heritage Rose Elementary 636 Glendale Lakes Ln. Phone: 281-327-5400

STAFFORD Everest Academy 610 Brand Ln. Phone: 281-261-3030 Stafford Elementary 1250 Constitution Ave. Phone: 281-261-9229 Stafford Intermediate School 1350 Constitution Ave.

Phone: 281-208-6100 Stafford High School 1625 Staffordshire Rd. Phone: 281-261-9239

SUGAR LAND Austin High School 3434 Pheasant Creek Dr. Phone: 281-634-2000 Austin Parkway Elementary 4400 Austin Pkwy.

Phone: 281-634-4001 Barrington Place Elementary 2100 Squire Dobbins Ln. Phone: 281-634-4040

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.

Phone: 832-223-1400 Drabek Elementary 11325 Lake Woodbridge Dr. Phone: 281-634-6570 Dulles Elementary 630 Dulles Ave. Phone: 281-634-5830

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

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

Campbell Elementary 1000 Shadow Bend Drive Phone: 832-223-1300

Dulles Middle School 500 Dulles Ave. Phone: 281-634-5750

Clements High School 4200 Elkins Rd. Phone: 281-634-2150

Fellowship Christian Academy 16355 Old Richmond Rd./Dora Ln. Phone: 281-495-1814

Colony Bend Elementary 2720 Planters St. 281-634-4080 Colony Meadows Elementary 4510 Sweetwater Blvd.

281-634-4120 Commonwealth Elementary 4909 Commonwealth Blvd.

281-634-5120

First Colony Middle School 3225 Austin Pkwy.

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

Fort Settlement Middle School 5440 Elkins Rd. Phone: 281-634-6440 Garcia Middle School 18550 Old Richmond Rd. Phone: 281-634-3160 Highlands Elementary 2022 Colonist Park Dr. Phone: 281-634-4160 Honor Roll School 4111 Sweetwater Blvd.

Phone: 281-265-7888 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. 281-565-6467 Oyster Creek Elementary 16425 Mellow Oaks Ln. Phone: 281-634-5910 Riverbend Montessori School 4225 Elkins Rd. Phone: 281-980-4123 Sartartia Middle School 8125 Homeward Way Phone: 281-634-6310 Settlers Way Elementary 3015 Settlers Way Blvd.

Phone: 281-634-4360

St. Laurence Catholic School 2630 Austin Pkwy.

Phone: 281-980-0500 St. Theresa Catholic School 705B St. Theresa Blvd.

Phone: 281-494-1157 Sugar Creek Montessori School 615 Dulles Ave. Phone: 281-261-1000 Sugar Land Middle School 321 7th St. Phone: 281-634-3080 Sugar Mill Elementary 13707 Jess Pirtle Blvd.

Phone: 281-634-4440 Sullivan Elementary 17828 Winding Waters Ln. Phone: 281-327-2860 Townewest Elementary 13927 Old Richmond Rd. Phone: 281-634-4480 Walker Station Elementary 6200 Homeward Way Blvd.

Phone: 281-634-4400 Walden School 16103 Lexington Blvd.

Phone: 281-980-0022

2023

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aCrOss

1. Cut into cubes 5. Food flavorings 11. Longest tenured “Tonight Show” host 14. One being educated 15. British conservatives 18. End without completion 19. Boater 21. Indicated horsepower (abbr.)

23. Protects the chest 24. Expresses pleasure 28. Stiff hair, bristle 29. Blood type 31. Taxis 33. Ribbed material 34. Young female socialite 36. Game cube 37. Priest’s liturgical vestment 40. 2.1 km tributary of the river Seille 42. The golden state 43. Powder mineral 45. Coat with plaster 47. Far East housemaid 48. Digital audiotape 51. Merchandising

54. Libreville is the capital 58. Incapable of flexibility 60. Language of Andorra 62. Repeat in concise form 64. Dark areas 65. Enough (archaic)

dOwn

1. Disk jockeys 2. 9th Greek letter 3. Fish of the carp family 4. Medical prefix for within 5. Short for synthesizer 6. What part of (abbr.)

7. Farm state 8. Thermionic vacuum tube 9. Employee stock ownership plan 10. A crane 12. Filippo __, Saint 13. One below tens 16. Impatiently desirous 17. Inflict a heavy blow 20. As fast as can be done (abbr.)

22. Ma’s partner 25. Carrier’s inven-

tion 26. Possessed 27. Invests in little enterprises 29. Summate 30. Rosary part 32. A large body of water 35. Woman’s undergarment 37. Essential oil obtained from flowers 38. Cripples 39. An explosion 41. Of, French 44. Fish of the genus Salvelinus 46. Bahrain dinar 49. Banded calcedony 50. Giant armadillo 52. In place of 53. Electronic counter-countermeasures 55. Large package of cotton 56. 3564 m French Alp 57. European defense organization 59. Check 60. Former OSS 61. Not old 63. Goodwill promotion

WORD SCRAMBLE

281-377-6907 281-377-6907

H FORT BEND STAR GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 2023

BUSINESS CARD LISTINGS

11

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JEANNE GREGORY REALTOR, CRS, GRI, ABR S O U T H W E ST

Each Office Independently Owned & Operated

“Servicing the community for over 30 years “

713-854-0923

www.jeannegregory.com jeanne@jeannegregory.com

281-242-9070 James Cox, DVM www.sugarcreekanimalclinic.com 14015 SW FREEWAY, BLDG. 2, SUGAR LAND, TEXAS 77478

Home • Auto • Business • Life • Toys

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

“Fastest Growing Agency in Texas.”

ANDREW HALEY

Risk Management Advisor

281-643-0996

4501 Cartwright Road, Ste 306 • Missouri City, TX 77459

LISA N. SIMS, AGENT

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

gooseheadinsurance.com/andrew-haley-insurance

Keep up with the latest news in Fort Bend County

Sign up for our weekday newsletter

502 Eldridge Road Sugar Land TX 77478 281-240-3195

713-851-7523

Jennifer@JenniferWeaver.com WWW.JenniferWeaver.com

SUNDAY WORSHIP 8:30 AM AND 11:00 AM Sunday School for All Ages 9:30 AM

My pledge to you: Honesty.

Professionalism. Dedication.

Put my 40+ years experience to work for you!

Visit us at fpcsl.org • Follow us on Facebook

AN AFFORDABLE CHOICE

FOLLOW YOUR INTEREST

• Highest transfer rate in the Gulf Coast – third highest transfer rate in Texas* • WCJC costs less ($3,110 per semester) than the average University in the state (9,844 per semester)* • Our students graduate with less debt ($13,248) than the average community college student in the state of Texas ($15,625)* • Installment plans to spread payments out over time • Discounted tuition and fees for students taking more than 13 hours of academic transfer courses per semester • 35 plus quality programs of study including courses that transfer • Associate of Arts/Science, Associate of Applied Science, and Certificate Programs • Small class sizes and personal attention * Source: Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Almanac 2021

May Mini Term Begins May 15 | Summer I Classes Begin June 5 | Summer II Classes Begin July 10 Plan. Achieve. Transfer or Work.

WHARTON | SUGAR LAND | RICHMOND | BAY CITY

wcjc.edu | 1.800.561.WCJC

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13 H FORT BEND STAR GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 2023

Jennifer Weaver realtor

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF SUGAR LAND

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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 four campuses in Wharton, Sugar Land, Richmond and Bay City, and at other off-site locations. Students will be able to access learning 24/7 in a virtual campus to complete certificate and degree programs online. WCCJ offers an associate in arts degree for transfers to a four-year institution, associate of arts in teaching degree, associate in applied science degrees, and certificate programs. Webbased 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, 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 Road 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 their website at www.hccs.edu or call about their programs and locations at 713718-2000 local or 877-422-6111 outside Houston area.

FIRST COLONY BRANCH LIBRARY 2121 Austin Parkway Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-238-2800

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

Hours of Operation Mon: 12-9 p.m.

Tuesday: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

Wednesday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Thursday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Friday: 12-5 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sunday: CLOSED

ALBERT GEORGE BRANCH LIBRARY

Hours of Operation Monday: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

Tuesday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Wednesday: 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.

Thursday: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

Friday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sunday: CLOSED

BOB LUTTS FULSHEAR/SIMONTON BRANCH LIBRARY

FORT BEND COUNTY WILLIE MELTON LAW LIBRARY 1422 Eugene Heimann Circle, Rm 30298 Richmond, TX 77469 281-341-3718

MISSOURI CITY BRANCH LIBRARY 1530 Texas Parkway Missouri City, TX 77489 281-238-2100

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

SUGAR LAND BRANCH LIBRARY 550 Eldridge Rd. Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-238-2140

Hours of Operation Monday-Friday: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sat.& Sunday: CLOSED

9230 Gene Street Needville, TX 77461 281-238-2850

8100 FM 359 South P.O. Box 907 Fulshear, TX 77441-0907 281-633-4675

Hours of Operation Monday: 12-8 p.m.

Tuesday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Wednesday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Thursday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Friday: 12-5 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Sunday: CLOSED Hours of Operation Monday: 12-8 p.m.

Tuesday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Wednesday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Thursday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Friday: 12-5 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Sunday: CLOSED

Hours of Operation Monday: 12-9 p.m.

Tuesday: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

2620 Commercial Center Blvd. Wednesday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Katy, TX 77494-6407 Thursday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

281-395-1311 Friday: 12-5 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sunday: CLOSED

CINCO RANCH LIBRARY

Hours of Operation Monday: 12-9 p.m.

Tuesday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Wednesday: 10 a.m.- 9 p.m.

Thursday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Friday: 12-5 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sunday: CLOSED

MAMIE GEORGE BRANCH LIBRARY

Hours of Operation Monday: 12-9 p.m.

Tuesday: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

Wednesday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Thursday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Friday: 12-5 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sunday: CLOSED

UNIVERSITY BRANCH LIBRARY

Hours of Operation Monday: 12-9 p.m.

Tuesday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Wednesday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Thursday: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

Friday: 12-5 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sunday: CLOSED

MISSION BEND BRANCH LIBRARY

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

Hours of Operation Monday: 12-8 p.m.

Tuesday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Wednesday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Thursday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Friday: 12-5 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Sunday: CLOSED

Hours of Operation Monday: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

Tuesday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

14010 University Blvd.

Wednesday: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

Sugar Land, TX 77479-4295 Thursday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

281-633-5100 Friday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sunday: CLOSED

Hours of Operation Monday: 12-9 p.m.

Tuesday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

8421 Addicks Clodine Rd Wednesday: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

Thursday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Houston, TX 77083 Friday: 12-5 p.m.

832-471-5900 Saturday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sunday: CLOSED

15 H FORT BEND STAR GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 2023

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

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16

County’s faiths continue to unite, inspire

By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

There is so much that can be divisive going on in the world today, such as national politics and the issue of social justice.

But as far as its religious practices go, at least, the culturally diverse Fort Bend County continues to come together for the betterment and fellowship of its people, no matter their faith or religious practices. Places of worship such as churches, mosques and temples can be found in abundance in Fort Bend County. The residents of the county practice a wide range of faiths, from Christianity, Judaism and Hinduism to Islam and Sikhism.

It’s a place where traditional Christian holidays such as Christmas and Easter are celebrated as well as traditional Hindu holidays such as Diwali – which commemorates the Hindu New Year – and Eid al-Adha, a Muslim holiday that revolves around the concept of sacrifice. County residents of different faiths have demonstrated a desire to be respectful of each other while also looking out for each other. Countless institutions of faith do everything in their power to unite the community through inclusive events that serve as unifying in nature.

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 though it is not for about seven months, it is certainly viewed as one of the epitomes of Fort Bend County’s blend of religious and ethnic backgrounds. The annual celebration brings together representatives from 12 different faith communities in the county such as Christ Church Sugar Land, Congregation Beth El in Missouri City, Ismaili Council for the Southwestern United States, Hindus of Greater Houston and Sikh Community of Fort Bend County.

The Fort Bend Interfaith Community says the organization “seeks to build opportunities for meaningful relationships, rooted in trust, respect, and shared values, between members of diverse religious and cultural backgrounds.”

And as a part of it, the organization holds an annual Martin Luther King Day of Service each year, where more than 100 teenagers of many diverse faiths and backgrounds came together at Christ Church Sugar Land this past January.

Projects included packing up sack lunches for unhoused people served at Fort Bend Family Promise and other locations (sponsored by Hindus of Greater Houston); putting together “Manna Bags” containing toiletries and other items that can be passed out to people in need (Christ Church Sugar Land); making “plarn,” or plastic yarn, out of plastic bags to be used by people in impoverished circumstances in

Uganda (Horizon Baptist Church); creating toys out of various materials for animals at the Fort Bend County, Rosenberg and Missouri City animal shelters (Thoreau Unitarian Universalist Congregation); putting together hygiene packets and decorating bags for the Lunches of Love program serving underprivileged students in Fort Bend ISD and Lamar CISD (Maryam Islamic Center ISGH and Congreation Beth El); and constructing wooden bed frames for use by children being served by Children’s Protective Services.

“We must invest in you,” Fort Bend Transformation Church pastor David Lee Sincere said, speaking on behalf of the older generation.

“You have the power to change our society and make America a better place. You have it in you to make the world a better place.”

Sugar Land’s Holy Cross Episcopal Church

holds the title as Fort Bend County’s largest annual pumpkin patch, and returned this past October on the church grounds at 5653 W. River Park Dr. for the first time since 2019 after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since 2007 – the year before he took over as pastor – pastor Scott Thompson said the church has hosted the event as a way to bring the community members of Sugar Land and surrounding areas together. And that fellowship, he said was set to be all the more special last October because gathering was at a premium for the better part of two years.

“It’s an opportunity to be with people from surrounding areas and just be people with them,” he said. “We believe everybody is created in the image and likeness of God, so whoever you are we see God in you. It makes for some interesting conversations sometimes.”

The annual Fort Bend Interfaith Thanksgiving is one of the most promindent expressions of the county’s religious and spiritual diversity. (Photos by Ken Fountain)

The Pumpkin Patch at Sugar Land’s Holy Cross Episcopal Church, pictured, is billed as the largest such gathering in the county. It returned this past year. (Contributed photo)

PRAY

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

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

CHINMAYA MISSION HOUSTON 281-568-9520 10353 Synott Road Sugar Land, TX 77498 www.chinmayahouston.org

FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH 281-242-7729 800 Brooks Street Sugar Land, TX 77478 www.flcsl.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 CHRIST CHURCH, UNITED METHODIST 281-980-6888 3300 Austin Parkway Sugar Land, TX 77479 www.cumcsl.org CHRISTIAN FAMILY CENTER 281-340-2400 11000 Dairy Ashford Road Sugar Land, TX 77478 www.cfcbilingualacademy.com CHRISTIAN LIFE CHURCH OF SUGAR LAND 11122 S. Highway 6 Sugar Land, Tx 77498 281-495-7688 www.clcsugarland.com CHURCH OF CHRIST SUGAR LAND 281-561-0881 15590 Voss Road Sugar Land, TX 77498 CHURCH OF GOD SUGAR LAND 281-242-2424 1715 Eldridge Road Sugar Land, TX 77478

FAMILY LIFE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP 281-879-5433 16425 Old Richmond Road Sugar Land, TX 77498 www.flcf.com FIRST COLONY BIBLE CHAPEL 281-265-3411 3610 Austin Parkway Sugar Land, TX 77479 www.firstcolonybible.org FIRST COLONY CHURCH OF CHRIST 281-980-7070 2140 First Colony Blvd.

Sugar Land, TX 77479 www.firstcolonychurch.org FIRST COLONY CHRISTIAN CHURCH AND COMMUNITY CENTER 281-980-4141 4141 Sweetwater Blvd.

Sugar Land, TX 77479 www.fcccdoc.org FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 281-240-3195 502 Eldridge Road Sugar Land, TX 77478 www.fpcsl.org FISHERS OF MEN LUTHERAN CHURCH 281-242-7711 2011 Austin Parkway Sugar Land, TX 77479 www.fishersofmen.org FRIENDSHIP MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH 281-277-5014 16138 W. Bellfort Sugar Land, TX 77498 www.fannersoftheflame.org GRACE CHINESE BAPTIST CHURCH 832-382-3316 16755 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land, TX 77479

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

Sugar Land, TX 77478 www.slbc.org SUGAR LAND CHINESE BAPTIST CHURCH 281-499-1763 10408 Cash Road Stafford, TX 77477 www.slcbc.org

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

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

SUGAR LAND FAMILY CHURCH 281-313-1110 1110 Burney Road Sugar Land, TX 77498 www.slfconline.com

STAFFORD CHURCH OF CHRIST 281-499-2507 402 Stafford Run Rd. Stafford, TX 77477 www.staffordchurchofchrist.org

SUGAR LAND BAPTIST CHURCH 281-980-4431 16755 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land, TX 77479 www.sugarlandbaptist.org

www.slcbc.org

HOLY CROSS EPISCOPAL 281-633-2000 5653 West River Park Drive Sugar Land, TX 77479 www.holycrosschurch.com LA PUERTA ABIERTA CHURCH 281-494-4111 126 Avenue F Sugar Land TX, 77498 www.iglesialapuertaabierta.com MASJID SABIREEN 832-909-3307 610 Brand Lane Stafford, TX 77477 www.masjidsabireen.org MISSOURI CITY CHURCH OF CHRIST 281-261-8944 2019 Bright Meadows Dr. Missouri City, Tx 77489 www.mocitycoc.org MT. PLEASANT BAPTIST CHURCH 281-494-3826 127 Avenue E Sugar Land, TX 77498 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

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 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

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County remains a food destination

By Ken Fountain

When your faithful correspondent took on the role of editor and primary reporter for the Fort Bend Star, he was especially nervous about one aspect of the job: writing restaurant reviews.

As I wrote in my very first such review, I’ve never been what one might call a foodie.

“To clarify: I like to eat. I like trying new kinds of food.” I wrote. “But I don’t claim to have a highly refined palate (I even just made sure to get the correct spelling of that word). I’m not sure I ever watched a full episode of the late Anthony Bordain’s show (although I know it’s highly regarded, even by non-foodies), and I don’t watch the chef competition shows.”

My concern was that I just didn’t have the vocabulary to do justice to the role. But after my early

forays into the form, I learned that it’s really not that hard to write about something that is such an essential part of our lives, especially in a place like Fort Bend County.

As we’ve noted elsewhere, Fort Bend is considered one of the most diverse places in the entire United States. And with that demographic diversity and an increasingly cosmopolitan vibe, Fort Bend is beginning to make a name for itself as a food destination, much like our more famous neighbor to the northeast.

Whether it’s the ethnically driven foods from the wide range of immigrant cultures who call this place home to down-home-style Texas cookin’, you can find it here in Fort Bend County.

Just in the relatively short time I’ve been doing these reviews. I’ve taken readers on a culinary journey from the Mediterranean (Cava in Sugar Land Town Square), China (Juicy Seafood Buffet,

Shrimp Po’Poy, LA Crawfish (Photos by Ken Fountain)

Keeper’s Salmon Teriyaki

KFOUNTAIN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

EAT

Madras Uranndi, Mahesh’s Kitchen

Sugar Land), Italy (Alex’s Kitchen, Missouri City and B.B. Italia, Sugar Land Town Square), India (Mahesh’s Kitchen, Sugar Land Town Square), Japan (Keeper’s Japanese Restaurant & Bar, Sugar Land), Louisiana (LA Crawfish, Missouri City), Mexico (Johnny Tamales) and the Texas Hill Country (Texas Biergarten, Missouri City).

And there are some fine establishments I’ve visited but not written reviews of, such as Dave’s Hot Chicken (Missouri City) the Lazy Dog (The Grid in Stafford) and the Vietwich sandwich shop (Stafford), which was listed in Yelp’s “Top 100 Texas Restaurants” list for 2023. Although I didn’t write full reviews, I can attest they are all excellent.

The restaurants I’ve listed above are just a small sampling of the wonderful diversity of food experiences that Fort Bend has to offer. I’m excited to try more. I’ll bet you will be too, so get out there!

Balsamic Chicken Bowl, CAVA

Chicken Marsala, Alex’s Kitchen

AMERICAN

ASIAN

BAKERIES

Chunk’s Burger 411 Dulles Ave Stafford, TX 77477 (832) 539-1784

Aki Steak and Sushi 510 Highway 6 Suite #180, Sugar Land, TX 77479 (281) 565-1110

Ashcraft / European Bakery 220 Murphy Road Stafford, TX 77477 (281) 403-5040

Bar Kada 9009 Sienna Crossing Missouri City, TX 77459 (713) 227-5232

Jambeto’s Bakery & Cafe 609 Dulles Ave. Suite 750 Stafford, TX 77477 (281) 201-2477

Jupiter Pizza & Waffle Co. 16135 City Walk, Sugar Land, TX 77479 (281) 313-1008 Live Oak Grill 12935 Dairy Ashford Sugar Land, TX 77478 (281) 491-5253 Tornado Burger 505 Murphy Road, Stafford, TX 77477 (281) 403-3278 Whiskey Cake Kitchen & Bar 12575 Highway 59, Stafford, TX 77477 (281) 729-8333

Goo Goo Yen 730 Williams Trace Blvd Suite L Sugar Land, TX 77478 (281) 277-8383 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

la Madeleine French Bakery & Cafe 2675 Town Center Blvd N, Sugar Land, TX 77479 (281) 494-4400

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 King’s BBQ 9920 US-90 ALT Ste D120 Sugar Land, TX 77478 (832) 532-7816 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 B.B. Italia 16250 City Walk Sugar Land, TX 77479 713-424-7876 Brandani’s Restaurant & Wine Bar 3340 FM 1092 Road #160 Missouri City, TX 77459 (832) 987-1313 Corelli’s Italian Cafe 3229 Hwy 6 Sugar Land, TX 77478 (281) 491-8900 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 (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 Fernando’s 14135 Southwest Fwy, Sugar Land, TX 77478 (281) 494-9087

MEXICAN Charlie’s Tacos 12408 S. Kirkwood Road Stafford, TX 77477 (346) 404-2767 Larry’s Origina Mexican Restaurant 116 E Hwy 90 Alt #3720 Richmond, TX 77406 (281) 342-2881 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

SALVADORAN Pupuseria Lazo #2 1110 Farm-To-Market Rd Stafford, TX 77477 (281) 969-7227

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Sports, recreation bring unifying presence to county

By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Sports and recreation, I feel, is a strong microcosm of what Fort Bend County represents as a whole. The concept has always had an innate power to bring people together. Something like the Olympics represent it on a national scale, but that same power exists right here in Fort Bend County as well.

It doesn’t matter where we come from, playing sports or jumping on the jungle gym or running around one of the county’s abundant trails and parks is one of the most unifying things in the world. In sports, we are all one people. And that is Fort Bend County in a nutshell on every level.

There’s the Sugar Land Space Cowboys, now gearing up for their second full season as the Houston Astros’ TripleA affiliate, while the high school baseball, softball, and track and field seasons are beginning to heat up as well.

And even if organized sports don’t strike a person’s fancy, there are plenty of parks, trails, and more for recreation and play.

Space Cowboys season now underway Sugar Land was set to host their parent club the Houston Astros in an exhibition game Monday night at Constellation Field, and are primed to begin the Triple-A season with a two-game road series against the El Paso Chihuahuas this Saturday and Sunday. The Space Cowboys ’ home slate was set to begin with a six-game series against the Round Rock Express April 49.

The Space Cowboys are coming off a 73-75 season in 2022, a season during which they finished in fourth place in the Pacific Coast League’s East Division.

But despite the results last season maybe not quite being where they wanted, Fort Bend County fans have plenty of exciting chances to see the Astros’ potential future stars in their own backyard this season.

Among the players likely to begin the season with Sugar Land are six of the Astros’ top 30 prospects as rated by MLB Pipeline – catcher Korey Lee (No. 7) 2B/ OF Pedro Leon (No. 8), outfielder Justin Dirden (No. 9) pitcher Misael Tamarez (No. 13), infielder Will Wagner (No. 14),

PLAY

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, Kitty Hollow Park is set on 190 acres of space at 9555 Hwy. 6 with several different ways for residents to recreate. Operated by the Fort Bend County Parks and Recreation Department, Kitty Hollow offers amenities such as four pavilions, a fitness trail, three play areas, grills, covered spaces, a baseball field, picnic tables, a lake and fishing pier and two soccer fields. The spot has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars based on nearly 1,300 Google reviews.

JJ Matijevic and Corey Julks celebrate for the Sugar Land Space Cowboys after a home run last season.

If you want a little more The pair figure to be key pieces to the Space Cowboys again this season (Photo from Twitter) education along with the fresh air, George Ranch Historical Park also offers good fun. Located on 3B/OF Joe Perez (No. 16), pitcher Forrest concert.

20,000 acres at 10215 FM 762 in RichWhitley (No. 21), and pitcher Shawn DuFor a complete list of upcoming probin (No. 25). motions during the 2023 season, visit the mond, the park is divided into four time As is always the case, the 2023 camteam’s website at slspacecowboys.com. periods (1830s, 1860s, 1890s and 1930s) Local parks offer and features historic home tours along paign is also chock-full of promotions abundance of open-air options with costumed interpreters and practical, and giveaways for fans to enjoy at ConEven if sports aren’t your thing, there hands-on demonstrations. stellation Field all season long, and I’ll are plenty of reliable options for recreThe city of Stafford also has six parks preview a few of them here. There will be totaling more than 30 acres for residents replica World Series ring giveaways at the ation. Fort Bend County is teeming with to enjoy, all of which can be found at staffirst five Friday home games of the seacommunity, residential and educational parks that offer residents numerous avson, according to the team – replica rings fordtx.gov/departments/public-works/ of Jeremy Pena (April 7), Yordan Alvarez parks.html. enues for fun.

(April 21), Jose Altuve (May 12), FramSo whether it be for their own wellBrazos Bend State Park, located at 21901 FM 762 in Needville, continues to ber Valdez (May 26), and manager Dusty ness, a break from the hustle and bustle be one of Fort Bend County’s most prized Baker (June 16). Also included will be a of everyday life, or in support of a friend parks. For nearly four decades, it has replica Lance McCullers Jr. Space Cowor loved one, there ar plenty of ways by been a go-to spot to walk, run or play. which Fort Bend residents can get out boys jersey on April 8 and a postgame This jewel has offered residents and visand play.

Easter Egg hunt for fans age 12 and under on April 12 during Easter Weekend. itors hike-and-bike trails, Also among the festivities will be on-site observatories and Memorial Day weekend featuring a JJ more. The 4,900-square Matijevic Bat Flip bobblehead on May 27, foot park has a rating of followed by a Space Cowboys ‘Flying For4.8 out of 5 stars from more than 3,800 Google tress’ Military Jersey giveaway on May 28.

Reviews, so it appears its There will also be a Pride Night on June visitors are still enjoying 29 followed by a Marvel’s Defender of it. the Diamond Night on June 30 featuring Sugar Land Memorial custom Marvel-themed on-field hats and Park is another hot spot jerseys. Fourth of July weekend will feain the area. The 150-acre ture 90s Night on July 1, including a Space park at 15300 University High school baseball and softball seasons are heating up in Cowboys and Astros Reversible Bucket Blvd. offers riverfront Fort Bend County. (Photo by Landan Kuhlmann) Hat giveaway and a postgame Zoodust

Creative options abound in Fort Bend County

By Ken Fountain

chor sites of Sugar Land Town Square is the California-based company’s first brick-and-mortar location.

Fort Bend County in recent years The Dept. of Wonder had been has gained a nationwide reputation planned for opening early in 2022, but for its incredible diversity, with some that was pushed back to the fall due to measures placing the county among supply-chain disruptions (or, as a sign the most diverse in the nation. Along on the door read, “cosmic forces bewith that diversity, Fort Bend has also yond our control”). Since then, lines of become one of the most cosmopolitan people waiting for the experience have areas in the greater Houston area and frequently been seen outside. in the state.

The plaza area of Sugar Land Town Once a largely rural county with a Square itself is the scene of numerstrong suburban presence, its tremenous entertainment events throughout dous growth has attracted thousands the year, from concerts by local and of new residents who like being away regional acts, movie nights, and fesfrom the big city, but still want the tivals of various kinds. Similarly, The kind of arts and entertainment options Lawn at nearby First Colony Mall also that the more urban areas have to ofhosts family-oriented movies and other fer. events.

Thankfully, those options are bounAnother new entry to the entertaintiful, and more are coming all the time. ment scene is the Go Ape Zipline & One of the newest and splashiest ofAdventure Park that the Marylandferings is the Dept. of Wonder, a 10,000 based company, in conjunction with square-foot venue that provides what the City of Sugar Land Parks and Recit calls a “pioneering location-based reation Department, opened at Brazos entertainment concept” that combines River Park in early March. interactive theater with emerging techGo Ape offers three activities for nologies to create an immersive fantasy guests to explore the beautiful Braexperience. The venue at one of the anzos River Park, including the Treetop Adventure, a 3-hour high-ropes course featuring spectacular views.

The experience includes 70 aerial crossings and obstacles, a massive Tarzan swing, and multiple ziplines up to 1000 feet, the longest in the Houston area. The Treetop Journey course is 1-hour experience including more than 20 obstacles and two ziplines, 20 feet above the ground. Safety systems ensure participants stay attached the entire time they are on either course.

The adventure park also include an Outdoor Axe Throwing range where The Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center and Fort Bend participants can throw Museum are just two of the creative options available to hatchets at targets and residents of Fort Bend County. (Photos from Facebook) KFOUNTAIN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

The Houston Museum of Natural Science in Sugar Land offers residents a taste of the area’s history all in one place and close to home. (Photo from Facebook)

compete with in various games and challenges.

Aside from these new opportunities, there are many mainstays in Fort Bend for all kinds of fun and family-friendly entertainment.

The Houston Museum of Natural Science’s Sugar Land campus, 13016 University Blvd., is back to full operations following the worst phases of the pandemic. The museum’s permanent exhibits features replica skeletons of a Tyrannosaurus rex replica and other dinosaurs and other wonders of natural history.

On view through May 14 is “Ocean Bound,” which educates visitors on the value of water and where it comes from to foster a deeper sense of connection and stewardship for our natural environment. Exhibit stations will include displays on watersheds that provide details on where our water comes from; a water conservation station where visitors can learn how to ensure we have enough water today and for future generations through indoor water conservation; and a water utility station that explores utility roles and the standards that are set to ensure high quality water for public consumption and use.

The museum has also recently reopened its Dig Pit, where young scientists can explore for cast fossil di-

nosaurs. The museum is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday-Sunday. Tickets are $13 for adults and $10 for children. Visit the website at www.hmns.org/hmnsat-sugar-land for information about specific exhibits and to purchase tickets.

The museum is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Thursday-Sunday. Tickets are $13 for adults and $10 for children. Visit the website at www.hmns.org/hmnsat-sugar-land for information about specific exhibits and to purchase tickets.

The spacious Fort Bend Museum, 410 Jackson Street, Richmond, continues its “Skill and Grit: A Black Cowboy Pop-Up Exhibition” through April 15. Visitors will learn how Black Cowboys in Texas were integral to the cattle industry and emerged from earlier western influences. The exhibit features historic ranching tools in the museum gallery.

The museum also offers historic house tours, walking tours, and more. For more information, visit the website at fortbendmuseum.org.

Over at the Rosenberg Railroad Museum, 1921 Avenue F, Rosenberg, the exhibition “Railroads and American Popular Music” continues through the end of October. The unique exhibiMUSEUMS CONTINUES ON PAGE 23

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FORT BEND COUNTY NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS 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 educational leaders who focus on providing books to outgoing first grade students from high-poverty communities to read over the summer. The ACHIEVE Summer Reading program is designed to prevent the reading loss that occurs over the summer in outgoing first-grade students, providing a better educational foundation and a greater probability for graduation. 713-478-3831 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/ 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 LONE STAR 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.

888-867-BIGS https://bbst.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 281-344-5100 www.cafb.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 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

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

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.

4771 Sweetwater Blvd., #358, Sugar Land, TX 77479 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 281-240-8181 www.ftbendliteracy.org 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 77471 832-586-6995 lunchesoflove.net 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 info@secondmile.org https://secondmile.org

T H E M O N T H LY BUSINESS MAGAZINE Digital Version on Fortbendstar.com

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281-690-4200 • jsazma@fortbendstar.com

THE 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 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 https://ymcahouston.org

tion examines the various ways that railroads have shaped American popular music. One panel tells the story of folk singer-songwriter Huddie Ledbetter’s experience with railroads in Fort Bend County leading to the creation of the classic American song “Midnight Special”. The final part of the exhibition consists of 16 small panels detailing the TV show Soul Train along with 15 railroad themed American songs.

Of course, the museum, next to the railroad tracks in downtown Rosenberg, tells the story of the importance of trains writ large, and includes scale layouts of railroads, historical railroad artifacts and a fully restored 1859 railcar. The museum is open 10:00 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Saturday, and 1-4 p.m. Sunday. Visit the website at www.rosenbergrrmuseum. org.

The museum is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Thursday-Sunday. Tickets are $13 for adults and $10 for children. Visit the website at www.hmns.org/hmns-at-sugar-land for information about specific exhibits and to purchase tickets.

For art enthusiasts, Art Museum TX is going strong at 16165 City Walk in Sugar Land Town Square since opening a couple of years ago. The museum/art gallery features contemporary art from

artists in Fort Bend and Harris Counties. A new exhibition will open with an artists’ reception on Thursday, April 13 from 5-7 p.m. Some events and programs entail a fee.

Art Museum TX is open for viewing, free of charge, from 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Wednesday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Friday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, and 15 p.m. Sunday. The museum has also recently reopened its location in LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch, 2717 Commercial Center Blvd., which includes programming for children. Visit the website at artmuseumtx.org.

The Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center, 198 Kempner St., Sugar Land, a project of the Children’s Museum of Houston, has a mission of mission of “transforming communities through innovative, child-centered learning”. The 12,000-square-foot restored building in the former Imperial Sugar complex, features five separate children’s exhibits that offer interactive experiences.

The Center is open 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Tuesday–Saturday. Visit the website at www.childrensdiscoveryfb.org.

If you’re a classical music fan, the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra and Chorus has got you covered. Founded in 1992, the ensemble uses, according to this website, “multi-genre programming to create cultural conversations of value while appealing to a diverse swath of

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people.” Comprised of volunteer musicians from throughout the community, the Orchestra performs several concerts throughout its season at the Stafford Center. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the website at www.fbso.org.

Its upcoming Mothers’ Day concert

on May 14 will feature the winner of a piano concerto competition. The Chorus also performs separately, and their next performance will take place April 30 at 3: p.m. at Christ Church Sugar Land, 3300 Austin Parkway. Admission is free, with a suggested donation of $10 at the door.

The Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center and Fort Bend Museum are just two of the creative options available to residents of Fort Bend County. (Photos from Facebook)

April 15, 2023 at MKT Distillery 5373 1st St. Katy 77493

Family event 1-5 pm Adult event 6-10 pm Fundraising Event for Fort Bend County You Are Not Alone (YANA) and Project Lifesaver What is YANA & Project Lifesaver?

You Are Not Alone is a telephone reassurance program sponsored by the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office for seniors or disabled citizens of Fort bend County who live alone. YANA funds the Project Lifesaver program, a free wearable locating device for those with cognitive disabilities who wander. YANA is 501c3 nonprofit

23 H FORT BEND STAR GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 2023

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As county keeps growing, development continues in droves

By Ken Fountain KFOUNTAIN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

In case you haven’t noticed, Fort Bend County is booming. Bursting at the seams, more like.

The once-sleepy suburb of the big city has in recent years come into its own, and is now one of the fastest-growing counties in Texas and in the nation, with a current population of 883,000.

In a recent “Fort Bend Forward” event hosted

by Fort Bend County Judge KP George, Carlos Guzman, the county’s first-ever full-time director of economic opportunity and development, noted that if Fort Bend County was a state, it would rank higher in population than North Dakota, Alaska, Vermont, and Wyoming.

And that growth is only projected to continue, with an estimated population of 1.1 million by 2030 and more than 2 million by 2055, according to the Washington, D.C.-based firm Woods & Poole, as quoted by Guzman.

Most of Fort Bend’s population is concentrated in the northeast region, with more than half of the county’s land still undeveloped. In his presentation, Guzman said the county’s future growth, driven by such factors as quality of life and its proximity to the Port of Freeport, major highways and the confluence of rail lines in Rosenberg, increasingly be in the central and western portions.

Even so, the area encompassing Sugar Land, Missouri City, Stafford, and Meadows Place has shown little signs of slowing, with new developments, retails centers, and subdivisions popping up all over.

Sugar Land, whose land is nearly fully developed, has been making a concerted effort to revitalize not just its image, but its physical building stock. With an eye toward attracting more younger professionals to live in the area, officials in recent months have made several moves that they hope will keep the city on a path toward growth and not stagnation.

“Life is short and we only get one chance at success,” Mayor Zimmerman said in the recent “State of the City” event, “which is why we are obsessed with being a city that is creating community and legacy in our city, in our neighborhoods, and in our lives.”

In perhaps the most public display of this attitude, the Sugar Land City Council in February

BUIL D

approve an amendment to the city’s Land Use Plan that will allow for the construction of up to 660 multi-family units in the Imperial Market District, one of the linchpins of a Houston developer’s proposal to redevelop the area. In doing so, the Council overturned a tie vote by the city’s Planning & Zoning Commission, which amounted to a rejection, in the face of concerted opposition by people who live in the area near perhaps the city’s most iconic property.

Houston based PUMA Development has developed a proposal that would transform the Imperial Char House, perhaps the city’s most iconic building, into an office building with retail and food-and-beverage components. The primary tenant of the building will be The Ion, a coworking space with PUMA CEO Mark Toom is also involved in. The Char House would be the first phase of the redevelopment of the entire 40-acre Imperial Market district, which was originally the site of the Imperial Sugar Company, which gave the city its name.

The Council in January voted to provide up to $5 million in reimbursements to PUMA, in prescribed phases, toward completing the project.

In March, the Planning & Zoning Commission considered a proposed final development for a development called The Pearl at Lake Point.

The proposal consists of approximately 6.5 acres located along Creek Bend Drive just south of the Fluor Corporation building.

The Pearl at Lake Pointe project comprises a mix of multi-family and live/work units with a structured parking garage. The proposal is for 370 multi-family units and 5 live/work units. Unlike with the Imperial development proposal, The Pearl project received no opposition, either from the public or the P&Z members. In fact, many residents of the area immediately surrounding the proposed development spoke about their excitement about the project.

And it’s not just splashy new developments that Sugar Land is working on. Earlier this year, City Council approved a new residential reinvestment initiative that would allow qualifying homeowners to invest in a re-envisioned exterior home design.

Under the Design program, a $500 rebate may be available for homeowners who substantially implement at least one qualifying exterior improvement on their home within six months of receiving a design through the program.

Photo by Ken Fountatin

Through the Update program, homeowners may be eligible for a reimbursement of up to $10,000 for a portion of their exterior home improvement costs.

Photo courtesy Habitat for Humanity Neighboring Missouri City, meanwhile, continues its work sprucing up the Texas Parkway corridor, which had fallen into decline in recent years. The project, which began in 2021, The project includes enhancements on Texas Parkway going southbound to Turtle Creek, and on Cartwright Road from Murphy Road to Texas Parkway.

The city has also offered incentives to retail landowners to make improvements to their properties, and at least one strip center on Texas Parkway has been undergoing a months-long renovation of its facades.

Likewise, the city is offering incentives to restaurant owners to set up shop on Texas Parkway with an eye toward restoring the once-thriving thoroughfare to some of its former glory.

Also underway is Arcadia, a new single-family home development by Taylor Morrison at the intersection of Texas Parkway and Cartwright Road. Projected for completion later this year, the development In the Richmond/Rosenberg area, work continues apace toward the completion of the Epicenter, expected to open in the fall.

In that same “Fort Bend Forward” event, Kevin Matocha, president of Stonehenge Holdings LLC, the primary developer of the Epicenter, gave an update on its progress.

The 176,000-square-foot, 10,450-seat center will play host to graduation ceremonies for the county’s school districts, concerts, and sporting events, and will also serve as an emergency shelter during events such as hurricanes and the like, which Matocha said was one of the leading criteria among county officials’ criteria for the complex.

Matocha said the Epicenter will play a major role in the county’s bid to attract the growing “sports tourism” industry, which is expected to bring visitors from around the country and beyond to Fort Bend.

The Epicenter will join the City of Sugar Land-owned Smart Financial Center, the 200,000-square-foot entertainment venue (with seating capacity up to 64,00) along U.S. 59, and the venerable 100,000-square-foot Stafford Centre on Cash Road in Stafford as focal points for Fort Bend County’s increasingly cosmopolitan image.

FORT BEND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Sugar Land, Texas 77478 281-491-0800 https//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 832-223-0000 https//lcisd.org STAFFORD MSD 1633 Staffordshire Rd., Stafford, TX 77477, 281-261-9200 www.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 POST OFFICE 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 POWER TO CHOOSE www.powertochoose.org (this is where you can choose your 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 FORT BEND COUNTY TAX ASSESSOR-COLLECTOR 12550 Emily Court Sugar Land Substation 281-341-3710 FORT BEND AUTO REGISTRATION 1317 Eugene Heimann Circle Richmond, Texas 77469 281-341-3710 FORT BEND COUNTY REGISTRATION & TITLING Mailing Address:

(FB Co Tax Office) 1317 Eugene Heimann Circle Richmond, Texas 77469 281-341-3710 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

ELECTED OFFICIALS CONTACT INFO FORT BEND COUNTY JUDGE KP GEORGE 401 Jackson St., 281-341-8608 Richmond, TX 77469 FBC.Judge@fortbendcountytx.gov

U.S. CONGRESS, TEXAS DISTRICT 9 – AL GREEN 2440 Texas Parkway Suite 115, Missouri City, TX 77489 713-383-9234 U.S. CONGRESS, TEXAS DISTRICT 22 – TROY NEHLS 1117 FM 359 Suite 210, Richmond, TX 77406 346-762-6600 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 REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT 76 – SULEMAN LULANI PHONE: 512-463-0596 EMAIL: suleman.lalani@house.texas.gov SUGAR LAND MAYOR JOE ZIMMERMAN 2700 Town Center Blvd. North, Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-275-2313 jzimmerman@sugarlandtx.gov

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

MISSOURI CITY MAYOR ROBIN ELACKATT 1522 Texas Pkwy., Missouri City, TX 77489 281-403-8500

VINCENT MORALES, PRECINCT 1 1517 Eugene Heimann Circle, Richmond, TX 77469 281-344-9400 commpct1@fortbendcountytx.gov

STAFFORD MAYOR CECIL WILLIS 2610 South Main St., Stafford, TX 77477 281-261-3901 cwillis@staffordtx.gov

GRADY PRESTAGE, PRECINCT 2 303 Texas Parkway, Ste. 213, Missouri City, TX 77489 281-403-8000 commpct2@fortbendcountytx.gov

MEADOWS PLACE MAYOR CHARLES JESSUP One Troyan Dr., Meadows Place, TX 77477 281-983-3900 Email: mayor@cityofmeadowsplace.org

ANDY MEYERS, PRECINCT 3 13131 Dairy Ashford, #341, Sugar Land, 77478 281-238-1403 Andy.Meyers@fortbendcountytx.gov

RICHMOND MAYOR REBECCA HAAS 402 Morton St., Richmond, TX 77469 281-342-5456

DEXTER MCCOY, PRECINCT 4 1517 Eugene Heiman Circle, Richmond, TX 77409 281-980-2235 commpct4@fortbendcountytx.gov

ROSENBERG MAYOR KEVIN RAINES 2110 Fourth St., Rosenberg, TX 77471 832-595-3300 kraines@rosenbergtx.gov

H FORT BEND STAR GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 2023

IMPORTANT NUMBERS TO KNOW

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2022

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EMERALD ELITE

EMERALD ELITE FOUNDERS CLUB

SUGAR LAND OFFICE AWARD RECIPIENTS PLATINUM

JOANN GARZA GROUP

SARA NGUYEN MOIRA HOLDEN

GOLD

DEANNA DAWSON

SUSAN GREER GROUP

KATHRYN ANDERSON

FERYAL ABDULKADER

NELL OSBORN

DEBBIE MARCELL

CHARMAYNE LACEWELL

SILVER

THE SHERRI HORN TEAM

THE SIMMONS CORBIN TEAM

VIKI PELTIER

KIM TRUITT

ANN LETULLE

BROOKS SIMMONS

DAVID GOLDBERG

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STEPHANIE CASTILLO

ARLENE NOVAK

CINDY MCCOY

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Sugarland.garygreene.com

As local school districts prepare to wrap up the 2022-2023 school year, students and schools in Fort Bend ISD, Lamar Consolidated ISD and Stafford MSD have continued to perform.

Leading the most recent school news was Fort Bend ISD putting a significant bond up for vote on the May ballot that is designed to fund new construction as well as rebuild some campuses, as well as provide funding for long-deferred maintenance projects across the district.

There were also several local students winning awards from the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo art committee as well as a robotics team advancing to the state competition.

All in all, local districts have all continued to thrive as the school year winds to a close later this year, with things like the bond referendum proposed with an eye toward the future. Below are just a few of the notable events that have happened in Fort Bend County schools over the last six months.

Fort Bend ISD calls for $1.2 billion bond election Coming off a failed bond referendum in November 2022 that would have kept the then-tax rate in place, the Fort Bend ISD Board of Trustees in a special meeting earlier this year called a $1.2 billion bond referendum for the May 6 election.

The district has not had a bond in five years, and as a result some of its 82 campuses are rated as being in “critical condition” due to outdated plumbing, roofing, electrical and HVAC systems, according to a FBISD news release.

“The board of trustees is mindful of its responsibility as stewards of taxpayer dollars, and it carefully considered the different bond options,” FBISD Board President Kristen Malone said in the release. “I am excited the board has taken the administration’s recommendation to bring a $1.2 billion bond to voters. This bond will fund rebuilding, renovations, and upgrades at schools across the district.”

Projects included in the bond are rebuilding older schools, constructing new campuses, and making major repairs at existing campuses, plus replacing older buses and adding a Smart Tag System to allow parents to track bus riders. The bond also includes IT systems and devices, campus security and a natatorium in the southeast area of the district.

“I am grateful to our board for taking action that will provide the voters with the opportunity to

consider improvements to campuses, classrooms, playgrounds, technology and buses throughout the district,” FBISD Superintendent Dr. Christie Whitbeck said in the release.

Approval of the bond would result in an estimated impact of $2.50 per month on the average home valued at $300,000. Homeowners who qualify and properly file for an exemption because of their age (65 and over) or a disability, may be granted an exemption that freezes the taxes on their residence homestead. For these homeowners, the approval of the bond will not result in an increase in taxes above the frozen amount.

A local robotics team made it to the state competition in mid-March. (Photo courtesy Fort Bend ISD) “We learned that our community appreciates lots of information before Liu was selected along with 72 other students spark others to embrace the culture of FIRST they go to the polls,” Whitbeck said. “We intend to out of 4,000 entries to advance to the Grand share bond details early and often using various Champion and Reserve Champion level of judging, Area students win big with rodeo art awards communication methods between now and Elecwhich was held on March 12-13. She ranked 25th Mia Huckman, a senior at Lamar CISD’s Foster tion Day so that voters are informed when they out of the 72. Joana and FBCA art teacher Ryan High School, was named the 2023 Houston Livecast their ballots.”

Baptiste attended the HLSR School Art Program stock Show & Rodeo School Art Grand Champion Awards Ceremony on February 11. in February. This was Huckman’s fourth time to Local robotics team goes to state have artwork in the HLSR’s School In mid-March, a community team made up Art Auction and the first time she of students from Sartartia and Fort Settlement has placed first, according to a middle schools and Elkins High School advanced news release. She received this to the state level of the FIRST Tech Challenge year’s honor at the HLSR’s School (FTC), a robotics competition for secondary stuArt Awards Ceremony on Feb. 11. dents, which took place late last month in Belton, Her painting, “Our Last Round according to a Fort Bend ISD online story.

Up,” was ranked first out of 72 Team members included Sartartia’s Abhiram auction lots and 4,500 artwork Pavuluri, Maanav Pinapala and Neil Vellanki, Fort pieces entered from school disSettlement’s Pranav Tammana and Elkins’s Suhas tricts from across Southeast Texas.

Vemuri.

Three other Lamar CISD stuThe team earned the following awards in the dent artists also had artwork in regional competition: the auction including Foster High • 1st Place in Design – Given to teams that best School juniors Mia Caycedo and incorporate industrial and functional design into Hannah Horton, as well as Fulstheir robot hear High School junior Trina Ha. • 2nd Place in Inspire – Given to the strongest Fort Bend Christian Academy ambassador of FIRST programs and the team that Junior Joana Liu was also named best performed across all judged categories a ‘Top Young Artist,’ and her piece • 2nd Place in Connect – Given to the team “The Last Haul” was awarded as a most connected to their STEM community ‘Top Work of Art’ by the Houston • 2nd Place in Control – Celebrates innovative Livestock Show and Rodeo School Foster High School student Mia Huckman is shown with thinking in the control system to solve game chalArt Program, according to a news her Grand Champion art piece from the HLSR. (Contributed lenges release.

• 3rd Place in Motivate – Given to teams that photo)

LEARN

H FORT BEND STAR GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 2023

Area districts thriving, eying future as year winds down

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ADVERTISERS INDEX AQUARIUS HOME SERVICES..................................................... 12

JENNIFER WEAVER, REALTOR................................................... 13

B.B. ITALIA................................................................................. 2

JH POWER WASHING............................................................... 11

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN PLUMBING................................11 & 24

LEGACY COMMUNITY HEALTH..................................................... 4

BETTER HOMES AND GARDEN REAL ESTATE GARY GREENE...... 28

LISA SIMS-STATE FARM........................................................... 12

BIO HOME HEALTH..................................................................... 5

MEDWIN FAMILY MEDICINE & REHAB....................................... 30

CASTLE FURNITURE................................................................. 32

HOUSTON METHODIST SUGAR LAND HOSPITAL........................... 7

CHARLTON BODY REPAIR............................................................ 8

PILLCRAFT PHARMACY............................................................ 11

EXCHANGE CLUB OF SUGAR LAND........................................... 25

ROBIN’S DANCE STUDIO.......................................................... 24

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF SUGAR LAND...................... 13

SUGAR CREEK ANIMAL CLINIC................................................. 12

FORT BEND CHRISTIAN ACADEMY............................................... 3

SUGAR LAND ROTARY CLUB.................................................... 30

GOOSEHEAD INSURANCE......................................................... 12

T2 BOOKKEEPING & TAX SERVICES.......................................... 11

HARVEST GREEN MONTESSORI SCHOOL..................................... 8

TAURUS MECHANICAL............................................................. 25

INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT.............................................. 8

TRACY WALKER - STATE FARM................................................ 25

JACK’S NEIGHBORHOOD PUB.................................................. 11

WHARTON COUNTY JUNIOR COLLEGE...................................... 13

JEANNE GREGORY, REALTOR - RE/MAX SOUTHWEST................ 12

YANA - COLOR FOR AUTISM..................................................... 23

H FORT BEND STAR GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 2023

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