The Fort Bend Star's Guide - Spring 2022

GUIDE SPRING 2022 ISSUE PHOTO BY LANDAN KUHLMANN

H FORT BEND STAR SPRING GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 2022

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If there were any overarching themes to be seen in the events of the last six or so months,

Matt deGrood

the biggest theme might be growth.

Perhaps it’s a cliché to say at this point in one of America’s fastest-growing counties,

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ty’s growth has still been something to marvel at.

You’re reading the spring edition of our Guide to Fort Bend County, after all, and what could be more fitting than thinking about the growth and change across the county?

And the effects of that growth haven’t been limited to the areas one typically considers – development and schools, for instance – but have made their pres-

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ence felt in each of the eight facets of community life featured in this edition.

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We take a look at local trends in healthcare, education, infrastructure, religion, the arts, sports and recreation, food and drink and, of course, the continued

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residential and commercial development in Fort Bend.

Within the pages of this Guide, you’ll learn about some of the hottest restaurants to visit and the biggest stories to come out of the county in recent months.

In fact, growth has been behind some of the county’s biggest disputes over the last six months, including the battle between the George Foundation and

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the county, about Stafford’s finances, and more.

More than anything, we hope this Guide gets you prepared for all that spring and change has to offer in Fort Bend. Baseball season will resume soon, which means residents can soon attend Sugar Land Space Cowboys games.

The future in Fort Bend is full of possibility, and everyone is busy trying to stake their claim to it. No doubt, growth will continue to be a major theme moving forward. So, we at the Fort Bend Star felt like it might be good to recap everything that has happened recently.

We hope you enjoy the final product before you - that it gives you ideas on where to eat, what to visit and makes you better understand the county you call home. Each week, the Fort Bend Star works to bring you the most important news and information. This is just our latest effort.

Let’s enjoy the spring, and we’ll see you again in the fall.

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H FORT BEND STAR SPRING GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 2022

Guide marks county’s growth

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HEAL

County’s health experts experience ups and downs

By Matt deGrood MDEGROOD@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

For the local medical community, the last few months have been a story of extremes.

On the one hand, Fort Bend County’s rapid population growth means it’s a prime location for expanded medical services. And several Houston-area hospitals and medical groups have taken advantage of that to announce major construction projects or open new facilities across the region.

But for all the positive development and growth, no story about health is complete without mentioning the ongoing battle with the coronavirus pandemic.

While case numbers have been on the decline in recent weeks, the virus has wreaked havoc on health facilities across the county and region, while also stirring up heated battles in schools and businesses about how far administrators should go in reducing peoples’ risk of exposure to the virus.

The virus resurges School administrators across Fort Bend County might have expected that 2021 would be the start of the first school year resembling something normal since the start of the pandemic.

But then the delta variant struck.

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Parents began the 2021-22 school year worried about outbreaks attributed to the delta variant, and whether local school districts would take steps in an attempt to protect children against the virus and slow its spread.

Trustees in Fort Bend ISD briefly instituted a mask mandate in response to rising numbers of coronavirus cases across the district. The special meeting to discuss the mandate drew about 50 people to speak – some in favor of a mandate and others against it.

But the mandate was short-lived, with the district rescinding it just a few days later in response to ongoing legal disputes at the state level.

Just a few months after the area recovered from the delta surge, local health experts began warning about the danger posed by the new omicron variant of the virus as it arrived in Fort Bend County.

Hospitals across the county changed their operating procedures amid an uptick in

coronavirus patients, and County Judge KP George again raised the county’s threat level.

Now, again, local officials seem less worried about the current state of the pandemic, with George again reducing the county’s threat level around the middle of March as the number of cases continued to decline.

Another uptick Separate from the pandemic, several local doctors in October noted that they’d seen an uptick in opioid numbers in the county.

The news came shortly after the state reached a settlement agreement with several major producers of opioids, including Johnson & Johnson, Cardinal Health and McKesson, among others. Several local communities opted in to that settlement.

Dr. Nisha Varghese, a doctor who works with a community health center with five medical clinics in Fort Bend and Waller

New facilities On the administrative side of the medical industry, it’s been a year of growth in Fort Bend County.

Houston-based KelseySeybold Clinic, for instance, announced in November that

it would build a new two-story, 33,000-square foot clinic at Stafford’s Grid, a 192-acre, mixed-use development built on the former Texas Instruments campus, according to the hospital. The new facility will be at 11211 Nexus Avenue, between Kirkwood Road and West Airport Drive, according to a news release.

The facility is scheduled to open sometime this year, according to a release.

The clinic will offer primary and specialty healthcare

for adults and children and will have space for 15 providers with the possibility of expanding to up to 27 providers in the future, according to a release.

And in January, Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital opened its Houston Methodist Comprehensive Care Center in the Grand at Aliana shopping center in Richmond. The facility offers primary care as well as various specialty care options, including orthopedics and

sports medicine, rheumatology and more, according to the hospital.

An agreement reached In a final bit of good news for Fort Bend County residents, Memorial Hermann Health System and BlueCross BlueShield of Texas announced March 11 they had reached a four-year contract renewal that will keep healthcare costs lower for their mutual customers.

The duo’s previous agree-

ment had expired March 1, which left some patients scrambling to find another provider or pay out-of-network costs to visit Memorial Hermann health providers.

But a spokesperson for the insurance company said there would be no lapse in coverage and that most claims filed before a new deal was done would be reprocessed.

The contract dispute featured the Houston region’s largest hospital system and Texas’ largest health insurer.

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LEGACY COMMUNITY HEALTH – STAFFORD FOUNTAINS 12540 Sugardale Dr. Stafford, TX 77477 713-814-3655 M.D. ANDERSON REGIONAL CARE CENTER 1327 Lake Pointe Parkway Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-566-1800 MEMORIAL HERMANN SUGAR LAND HOSPITAL 17500 West Grand Parkway South Richmond, TX 77469 281-725-5000 MEMORIAL HERMANN SURGICAL HOSPITAL 16906 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-243-1000

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

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counties, told the Fort Bend Star that when she first started two years ago, she saw about 10 patients on medically-assisted treatment. But that number has since jumped to between 30 to 40 people, she said.

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H FORT BEND STAR SPRING GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 2022

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H FORT BEND STAR SPRING GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 2022

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OCTOBER 12, 2022

THE FORT BEND STAR

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October 12, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. • Stafford Centre

he expo is a one day event designed to provide seniors in our community information and services that are needed, and you are invited!

Over 50 local businesses will be assembled in the Stafford Centre to provide answers to questions that are important to you.

Throughout the day there will also be speakers explaining health care issues, medicare, finances, legal concerns and other areas of interest.

This is not ALL serious business!! Breakfast snacks will be provided in the morning and lunch in the afternoon. There will be games and activities going on all day with prize giveaways from the attending businesses.

The best part of this day is that it is all FREE to you!

See you at the expo!!!

What to expect at the 2022 Senior Expo: • FREE Admission • FREE Food & Drinks • Gifts and drawings • Games and activities • Educational information on health, finances and legal concerns • A chance to meet experts who will offer free advice on a number of senior issues • An opportunity to mingle with friends

To register, contact John Sazma at JSazma@fortbendstar.com

By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

As things slowly begin to return to normal amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the last few months have seen a number of the area’s schoolchildren thriving in multiple areas. They have also seen some turmoil at the governance level, with both local public school districts encountering some conflicts.

However, one of the districts also celebrated an accomplishment that was years in the making.

From the groundbreaking of the Sugar Land 95 exhibit in Fort Bend County meant to honor

and memorialize the people found buried on Fort Bend ISD property more than four years ago, to local students earning statewide/national honors and some conflict at the local level, local school districts have seen a plethora of events on both ends of the spectrum.

Sugar Land 95 exhibit breaks ground Nearly four years after the remains of the Sugar Land 95 were discovered during the construction of FBISD’s James Reese Career and Technical Center in 2018, they are being honored by the district. In February, FBISD unveiled its new exhibit dedicated to the Sugar Land 95, who are

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believed to be African Americans who were part of the state’s convict leasing system in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

The $170,000 exhibit was the result of more than a year of work. Officials most praised the work of Reginald Moore, a Fort Bend County resident who died in 2020 and was instrumental in bringing the history of convict leasing to light prior to his death, according to district officials.

Work was set to begin in early March on the second phase of the Sugar Land 95 memorialization project, which will include building an outdoor learning plaza and a revitalized cemetery.

LEARN CONTINUES ON PAGE 8

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Local school districts seeing highs and lows

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Students shine As area students returned to in-person classes and events for the 2021-22 school year, a large number of them achieved high marks and honors. In January, more than 50 FBISD students from eight high schools earned allstate music honors in band, orchestra and choir to perform during the 2022 Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) Clinic/Convention in February. They were among 1,875 students chosen from around the state out of more than 70,000 who auditioned.

Just a couple of months later, there were academic honors as well. Dulles High’s Academic Decathlon team won its sixth straight championship and sent four individual students to the DECA International Career Development Conference (ICDC), which will take place April 23-26. As a whole, FBISD is sending 75 students from Austin, Clements, Dulles, Elkins, Kempner, Ridge Point and Travis high schools to represent the district at the competition.

The Dulles High School academic decathlon team won the state championship earlier this year, its sixth straight state title. (Photo courtesy of Fort Bend ISD)

Ridge Point senior Zion Alexander – who is one of the school’s students headed to the national decathlon – earned a national honor for service in February. U.S. Rep. Troy Nehls presented Alexander with both the gold

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certificate and bronze medal for the Youth Congressional Award, which is given to high school and college students between ages 14 and 24.

Conflicts arise The last few months were not without incident or conflict, though. In February, Stafford MSD hired an outside law firm to investigate Superintendent Robert Bostic’s contract as well as a Level 3 grievance filed by the district’s chief financial officer. Board members voted 5-1 to hire Austinbased firm Sara Leon & Associates, PLLC to investigate the contract and grievance. The school district and its board members declined to comment at the time.

Per the terms of the superintendent’s contract signed in February 2021, Bostic earns a yearly salary of $296,700.44 as well as $10,000 bonuses for each campus that receives an A rating in state performance standards, retirement benefits and a longevity pay increase of $2,555.14 per month every year of service, according to the document. A Level 3 grievance is the highest grievance that takes place directly before a district’s board of trustees, according to the Texas Education Agency.

Last October, the Fort Bend ISD board of trustees had some turmoil of its own. The trustees in a 6-1 vote approved a resolution denouncing board member Denetta Williams, and

called on her to resign amidst accusations of fabricating emails about an investigation and making racist comments, among other charges. A former employee filed a complaint against Williams in June, asserting she created a hostile and threatening environment, defamed him, called for his firing and mistreated him because of his gender and race, according to a report of the investigation filed by attorney Phillip Sharp of Baker Donelson law firm.

Williams was the lone vote against the resolution, and spoke out strongly against the measure.

“You can call me a whole lot of things, but how dare you as a board stand up and call me racist,” she said before the vote.

Williams remains on the FBISD board, with her term expiring in 2023.

New superintendent takes reins When former Bryan ISD superintendent Christie Whitbeck took over as FBISD’s new leader on Oct. 6, it was a homecoming of sorts – she had previously served for four years as the district’s deputy superintendent. She took over for former superintendent Charles Dupre, who resigned from the district last June.

And she was not shy about the challenges that were present in the district at the time of her hiring. Between a return to in-person classes and the district’s financial troubles resulting from an expected enrollment shortage, Whitbeck entered the district at a tumultuous time, though she said FBISD should be able to navigate the $18 million budget shortfall from the decline in attendance in the short-term.

Another challenge facing the district was staffing as FBISD had about 120 vacancies as of December 2021. Whitbeck cited a need to continue working to maintain high teacher pay to recruit high-quality candidates. The average beginning salary is around $58,000.

However, at the time of her appointment, Whitbeck expressed her hope for the future in a place she knows well.

“It feels great to be back in Fort Bend ISD where I made such strong connections and collaborated with so many talented colleagues during my previous time here as deputy superintendent,” she said.

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

E.A. Jones Elementary 302 Martin Ln. Phone: 281-634-4960

Quail Valley Elementary 3500 Quail Village Dr. Phone: 281-634-5040

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

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

Elkins High School 7007 Knights Ct. Phone: 281-634-2600

Quail Valley Middle School 3019 FM 1092 Phone: 281-634-3600

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

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

Excel Adventist Academy 7950 W. Fuqua St. Phone: 281-835-0770

Ridge Point High School 500 Waters Lake Blvd.

Phone: 281-327-5200

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

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

Glover Elementary 1510 Columbia Blue Dr. Phone: 281-634-4920

Scanlan Oaks Elementary 9000 Camp Sienna Trail Phone: 281-634-3950

McNeil Elementary 7300 S. Mason Rd. Phone: 832-223-2800

Hightower High School 3333 Hurricane Ln. Phone: 281-634-5240

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

Bowie Middle School 700 Plantation Dr. Phone: 281-327-6200 Briscoe Junior High 4300 FM 723 Phone: 832-223-4000

Hunters Glen Elementary 695 Independence Blvd.

Phone: 281-634-4640

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

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

Thornton Middle School 1909 Waters Lake Blvd.

Phone: 281-327-3870

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

WIDE School 2777 Dulles Ave. Phone: 281-208-9545

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

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

NEEDVILLE Needville Elementary 3600 Margaret St. 979-793-4241

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

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

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

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

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

Seguin Elementary 7817 Grand Mission Blvd.

Phone: 281-634-9850

Hubenak Elementary 11344 Rancho Bella Pkwy.

Phone: 832-223-2900

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

Hutchison Elementary 3602 Williams Way Blvd.

Phone: 832-223-1700

Thomas Elementary 6822 Irby Cobb Blvd.

Phone: 832-223-4600

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

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

Mission West Elementary 7325 Clodine Rd. Phone: 281-634-4320

Lake Olympia Middle School 3100 Lake Olympia Pkwy.

Phone: 281-634-3520

Willowridge High School 16301 Chimney Rock Rd. Phone: 281-634-2450

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

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

Leonetti Elementary 1757 Waters Lake Blvd.

Phone: 281-327-3190

MISSOURI CITY Armstrong Elementary 3440 Independence Blvd.

Phone: 281-634-9410 Baines Middle School 9000 Sienna Ranch Rd. Phone: 281-634-6870

Lexington Creek Elementary 2335 Dulles Ave. Phone: 281-634-5000 Marshall High School 1220 Buffalo Run Phone: 281-634-6630

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

Missouri City MiddleSchool 202 Martin Ln. Phone: 281-634-3440

Divine Savior Academy 770 Waters Lake Blvd.

Phone: 281-778-3003

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

Needville Middle School 16411 Fritzella Rd. 979-793-3027 Needville Junior High 16413 Fritzella Rd. 979-793-4250 Needville High School 16400 Fritzella Rd. 979-793-4158 RICHMOND Adolphus Elementary 7910 Winston Ranch Pkwy.

Phone: 832-223-4700 Arredondo Elementary 6110 August Green Dr. Phone: 832-223-4800

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

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

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

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SCHOOLS DIRECTORY HOUSTON Blue Ridge Elementary 6241 McHard Rd. Phone: 281-634-4520

H FORT BEND STAR SPRING GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 2022

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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 Bowie Elementary 2304 Bamore Rd. Phone: 832-223-1200 Culver Elementary 3131 Learning Tree Ln. Phone: 832-223-5600 George Junior High 4601 Airport Ave. Phone: 832-223-3600 Jackson Elementary 301 3rd St. Phone: 832-223-1800 Lamar Junior High 4814 Mustang Ave. Phone: 832-223-3200 Lamar Consolidated High School 4606 Mustang Ave. Phone: 832-223-3000 Living Water Christian School 4808 Airport Ave. Phone: 281-238-8946 Navarro Middle School 4700 Ave. N Phone: 832-223-3700

Taylor Ray Elementary 2611 Ave. N Phone: 281-341-3350 Travis Elementary 2700 Ave. K Phone: 832-223-2500 Wertheimer Middle School 4240 FM 723 Phone: 832-223-4100 Wessendorf Middle School 5201 Mustang Ave. Phone: 832-223-3300 ROSHARON Heritage Rose Elementary 636 Glendale Lakes Ln. Phone: 281-327-5400 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

Cambridge Montessori School 6380 Highway 90A Phone: 281-491-2223 Campbell Elementary 1000 Shadow Bend Drive Phone: 832-223-1300 Clements High School 4200 Elkins Rd. Phone: 281-634-2150 Colony Bend Elementary 2720 Planters St. Phone: 281-634-4080 Colony Meadows Elementary 4510 Sweetwater Blvd.

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

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

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

Phone: 832-223-1400 Drabek Elementary 11325 Lake Woodbridge Dr. Phone: 281-634-6570 Dulles Elementary 630 Dulles Ave. Phone: 281-634-5830 Dulles High School 550 Dulles Ave. Phone: 281-634-5600

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

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

See you soon IN THE FALL GUIDE 2022

OUN CR

P DU

SEE LIBRARIES IN YOUR AREA ON PAGE 15

SEC

VISIT YOUR LOCAL FORT BEND LIBRARY Saturday, April 30, 2022 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. ¡Hablamos español!

This event is for Stafford residents only.

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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 832-471-2454 FAX

GEORGE MEMORIAL LIBRARY (MAIN) 1001 Golfview Drive Richmond, TX 77469 281-342-4455 832-471-2450 FAX; 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

MISSOURI CITY BRANCH LIBRARY 1530 Texas Parkway Missouri City, TX 77489 281-238-2100 832-471-2458 FAX

SIENNA BRANCH LIBRARY 8411 Sienna Springs Dr. Missouri City, TX 77459-7113 281-238-2900 832-471-2459 FAX

SUGAR LAND BRANCH LIBRARY 550 Eldridge Rd. Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-238-2140 832-471-2460 FAX

8100 FM 359 South P.O. Box 907 Fulshear, TX 77441-0907 281-633-4675 832-471-2452 FAX

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.

832-471-2453 FAX Saturday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sunday: CLOSED

CINCO RANCH LIBRARY

FORT BEND COUNTY LAW LIBRARY 1422 Eugene Heimann Circle, Rm 30298 Richmond, TX 77469 281-341-3718 832-471-2455 FAX

9230 Gene Street Needville, TX 77461 281-238-2850 832-471-2451 FAX

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-Friday: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sat.& Sunday: CLOSED

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 832-471-2456 FAX `

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.

832-471-2461 FAX 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.

832-471-2457 FAX Sunday: CLOSED

15 H FORT BEND STAR SPRING GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 2022

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

H FORT BEND STAR SPRING GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 2022

16

PRAY

Fort Bend’s diverse mix of faith communities standing together

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.

In its religious practices, at least, culturally diverse Fort Bend County continues to stand together for the betterment of its people, no matter their faith.

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.

County residents of different faiths have demonstrated a desire to be respectful of each other while also looking out for each other.

In December, county leaders denounced the anti-Semitic flyers that were distributed in driveways and yards in Missouri City.

“Discrimination and harassment of individuals or groups based on race, religion, ancestry, place of origin, ethnic origin, citizenship or any other identity are intolerable,” County Judge KP George wrote.

“As county judge of one of the most ethnically diverse counties in the country, I want to make clear that we all stand together and condemn racism, antisemitism and discrimination in all forms.”

There were more than 80 of the flyers, according to Lt. Russell Terry of the Missouri City Police Department.

“The one thing we want everyone in Fort Bend County to know is that this is an extremely diverse community,” Terry said. “We want

Devotees celebrated Diwali in November at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Stafford.

Community members participate in a vigil for Ukraine held March 2 in Sugar Land.

everyone to feel safe and welcome here.”

The county’s faith institutions also have demonstrated their love for others during the last few months.

Religious leaders from multiple faiths were out during a prayer and candlelight vigil in solidarity with Ukraine in early March, joining the community as dozens of people gathered to lift up the Ukrainian people – who remain under attack from Russia.

The Fort Bend Interfaith Community also had members send in a prayer video for the Ukrainian people that were posted to the community’s Facebook page. Those such as the Jain Society of Houston

and Unitarian Universalist Church, among others, submitted videos praying for peace in the country.

“We would love to show the world that our loving, diverse county stands together for peace in Ukraine,” the community wrote on Facebook.

One of the most noteworthy expressions of the county’s religious and spiritual diversity was the annual Interfaith Thanksgiving, hosted by the Fort Bend Interfaith Council (FBIC) at a local place of worship each November. And even though it was virtual once again this year, it still is viewed as one of the epitomes of Fort Bend County’s blend of religious and ethnic backgrounds.

The annual celebration brought 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.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sugar Land, TX 77479 www.firstcolonychurch.org

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

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

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

Sugar Land, TX 77479 www.fcccdoc.org

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

H FORT BEND STAR SPRING GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 2022

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H FORT BEND STAR SPRING GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 2022

18

EAT

Plethora of dining options offers wide range of flavors

By Matt deGrood MDEGROOD@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Do you want to visit the newest, trendiesDo you want to visit the newest, trendiest restaurant in Fort Bend County? Or maybe you’re searching for a reliable favorite?

No matter the style, type or price, Fort Bend County’s food scene has something for any type of eater.

Under-the-radar Fresh & Savory in Stafford is about the closest the Fort Bend Star has come to a New York-style deli in the area. Try the turkey muffuletta or a reliable BLT if you visit.

Elsewhere, Mimi’s New Orleans Café out in Richmond offers some unforgettable entrees, such as chicken and sausage jambalaya, in a fine dining experience.

And Lasbela in Sugar Land serves

reliably solid Pakistani food in a simple setting.

From Micheaux’s new, upscale location in Missouri City to Chez Beignets in Sugar Land, there’s something here for any type of food you’re searching for.

Below is a list of top-rated restaurants in their respective categories: AMERICAN Chunk’s Burger 411 Dulles Ave, Stafford, TX 77477 (832) 539-1784 Jupiter Pizza & Waffle Co. 16135 City Walk, Sugar Land, TX 77479 (281) 313-1008 Live Oak Grill 12935 Dairy Ashford Road, Sugar Land, TX 77478

(281) 491-5253 Tornado Burger 505 Murphy Road, Stafford, TX 77477 (281) 403-3278 Trill Taco 2887 Dulles Avenue, Missouri City, TX 77459 (281) 969-7460 Whiskey Cake Kitchen & Bar 12575 Highway 59, Stafford, TX 77477 (281) 729-8333 ASIAN Aki Steak and Sushi 510 Highway 6 Suite #180, Sugar Land, TX 77479 (281) 565-1110

Buy one entree at regular price and receive

$

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off second entrée (with coupon)

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SOUTHWEST FREEWAY 281.240.3060 12821 LasHaciendasGrill.com

Cooking Girl 636 Highway 6 Suite #100, Sugar Land, 77478 (281) 242-1131 Japaneiro’s 2168 Texas Dr., Sugar Land, TX 77479 (281) 242-1121 Mama Le 5400 Pointe W. Circle Ste. 180, Richmond, TX 77469 (832) 604-7083 Singapore Cafe 3149 Highway 6, Sugar Land, TX 77478 (832) 532-6277 Sozo Japanese Steakhouse 222 State Highway 6 Ste. 100, Sugar Land, TX 77498 (281) 201-8851 Vietwich 203 Dulles Ave. Suite #100, Stafford, TX 77477 (832) 539-1642 CAJUN / SOUTHERN Crab Heads Cajun Boil 2899 Dulles Ave, Missouri City, TX 77459 (346) 304-2660 Floyd’s Seafood 16549 Southwest Fwy, Sugar Land, TX 77479 (281) 240-3474

souri City, TX 77489 (281) 499-4680

The Rouxpour 2298 Texas Dr, Sugar Land, TX 77479 (281) 240-7689

Ghazal India Cafe 435 FM 1092 Road, Stafford, TX 77477 (281) 969-7177

Sugar’s Cajun Cuisine & Bar 3424 FM 1092 Road #290, Missouri City, TX 77459 (832) 987-1797

Indian Coffee House 508 Murphy Road, Stafford, TX 77477 (281) 208-7147

State Fare Kitchen & Bar 15930 City Walk, Sugar Land, TX 77479 (713) 234-1405 BAKERIES Ashcraft / European Bakery 220 Murphy Road, Stafford, TX 77477 (281) 403-5040 Jambeto’s Bakery & Cafe 609 Dulles Ave. Suite 750, Stafford, TX 77477 (281) 201-2477 la Madeleine French Bakery & Cafe 2675 Town Center Blvd N, Sugar Land, TX 77479 (281) 494-4400 Rustika Cafe and Bakery 3227 Highway 6, Sugar Land, TX 77478 (281) 494-4230 Sugar Land Gluten Free 635 Winston Ln, Sugar Land, TX 77479 (832) 517-4766 BARBECUE Boogie’s Chicago Style BBQ 1767 Texas Pkwy, Missouri City, TX 77489 (281) 969-8626 Harlem Road Texas BBQ 9823 Harlem Road, Richmond, TX 77407 (832) 278-2101

A couple toasts at The Rouxpour in Sugar Land.

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 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

Boiled Crawfish every Sunday from 3pm-6pm UNTIL JUNE

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

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, Mis-

Mai Colachi Indo/Pak Cuisine 15425 Southwest Fwy, Sugar Land, TX 77478 (281) 240-0786 Nirmanz Food Boutique 16338 Kensington Dr Suite #160, Sugar Land, TX 77479 (832) 532-0699 Stafford Kabab & Grill 4133 S Main St, Stafford, TX 77477 (281) 575-6666 LATIN AMERICAN Charlie’s Tacos 12408 S. Kirkwood Road, Stafford, TX 77477 (346) 404-2767 Fernando’s 14135 Southwest Fwy, Sugar Land, TX 77478 (281) 494-9087 Larry’s Original Mexican Restaurant 116 E Hwy 90 Alt #3720, Richmond, TX 77406 (281) 342-2881 Pupuseria Lazo #2 1110 Farm-To-Market Road 2234, Stafford, TX 77477 (281) 969-7227 Raizes Mexican Kitchen 345 Dulles Ave., Stafford, TX 77477 (281) 969-5211 TJ’s Birria Y Mas 716 Murphy Road., Stafford, TX 77477 (281) 342-2881 Tornado Taco 2461 FM 1092 Road, Missouri City, TX 77459 (281) 342-2881

19 H FORT BEND STAR SPRING GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 2022

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

H FORT BEND STAR SPRING GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 2022

20

PLAY

Baseball franchise rebranding highlights local sports scene

By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Things are starting to get back to normal even though COVID-19 is still hanging around. Many Fort Bend County residents have taken to outdoor spaces, of which there are a plethora of options.

It is also time for spring sports, some of which have already gotten under way.

Perhaps the most intriguing storyline in the local sports scene is the evolution of Fort Bend County’s minor league baseball team. The Sugar Land Skeeters, who became the Houston Astros’ Triple-A affiliate prior to last season, have been rebranded as the Sugar Land Space Cowboys. They were scheduled to begin their 2022 season on April 5 on the road against the Sacramento River Cats, with their first home game at Constellation Field scheduled for April 12 against the Round Rock Express.

The Space Cowboys are not the only avenue through which residents can get their sports or recreational fix. Whatever their fancy, there is no shortage of outdoor space or sports teams to support.

Options continue to abound for residents of Sugar Land, Missouri City, Stafford and other towns in Fort Bend as we get deeper into 2022.

In top and middle photos, a new name, new mascot and new uniforms were unveiled earlier this year for the Sugar Land Space Cowboys, previously the Skeeters. In bottom photo, Craig Ledet of Dulles High School throws a pitch.

Skeeters no more For more than a decade, Constellation Field was home to the Sugar Land Skeeters – but that mascot and moniker is no more. On Jan. 29, the Astros organization unveiled the team’s new name, Space Cowboys, along with new logos, uniforms and a mascot for the upcoming season.

Social media reaction on the change tended to veer on the negative side of the rebranding, but when speaking to county residents and longtime fans of the club, it was a bit more of a mixed bag.

Some loved it, saying the new name gives the franchise a fresh start. D-Jay Sustaita had been attending Skeeters games since 2012, and said the Space Cowboys name had a certain ring to it.

“I really like the new name,” he said in January. “I think it’s fun, creative, and maybe a little bit cheesy – but it’s a fun and memorable name.”

Others, however, were sad to see the Skeeters go. “(My kids) were so disappointed when I told them there would be no more Skeeters or Swatson,” Sugar Land resident Amy Barnhill said. “I just honestly can’t imagine a better name or mascot.”

Regardless, the future is now for a new era of Sugar Land baseball, and the season is fixing to get under way. So if baseball is your cup of tea, pay a visit to Constellation Field starting in April to see players who might be the Astros’ future stars.

Spring sports in full swing It’s time to play ball at the high school level, too, as all of the area’s high school baseball and softball squads kicked off their seasons in February.

Traditional area powers such as Ridge Point and Travis are off to strong starts in both sports, while Hightower’s baseball team is also making some waves early on.

On the pitch, many of the area’s boys and girls soccer teams were beginning their playoff runs during the second-tolast week in March. Ridge Point’s girls team had some unfinished business following a second straight undefeated district title, while the Bush boys were riding high off their first district title in seven years.

So get on out there and support our local teams as they strive to make their mark among the state’s best.

Local parks offer abundance of open-air options Even if sports aren’t your thing, there are plenty of reliable options for recreation. Fort Bend County is teeming with community, residential and educational parks that offer residents numerous avenues for fun.

Brazos Bend State Park, located at 21901 FM 762 in Needville, continues

to be one of Fort Bend County’s most prized parks. For nearly four decades, it has been a go-to spot to walk, run or play.

This jewel has offered residents and visitors hike-and-bike trails, on-site observatories and more. The 4,900-square foot park has a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from more than 3,800 Google Reviews, so it appears its visitors are still enjoying it.

Sugar Land Memorial Park is another hot spot in the area. The 150-acre park at 15300 University Blvd. offers riverfront green space with 2.5 miles of bike and walking trails plus a playground, dog park and picnic areas. This spot has a rating of 4.6 stars from more than 1,400 reviews.

In Missouri City, 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.

If you want a little more education along with the fresh air, George Ranch Historical Park also offers good fun.

Located on 20,000 acres at 10215 FM 762 in Richmond, the park is divided into four time periods (1830s, 1860s, 1890s and 1930s) and features historic home tours along with costumed interpreters and practical, hands-on demonstrations.

The city of Stafford also has six parks totaling more than 30 acres for residents to enjoy, all of which can be found at staffordtx.gov/departments/ public-works/parks.html.

So whether it be for their own wellness, a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, or in support of a friend or loved one, there are plenty of ways by which Fort Bend residents can get out and play.

CREATE

By Matt deGrood MDEGROOD@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Whether you’re literarily inclined or prefer more active pursuits, Fort Bend County has a plethora of arts and entertainment activities to suit any personality.

If you miss the water and want a nautical activity to participate in, maybe some paddle boarding group lessons

by SurfSUPTX are just your speed.

The group hosts group lessons at Sugar Land’s Brooks Lake.

Beau Brown spends most of his time near the Oyster Creek Boathouse, 15910 Creekbend Drive.

Lessons for ages 7-65 are offered from 9-10:30 a.m., 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. or 1-2:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday and cost $50 per person.

Not far from Brooks Lake, residents could also pay a visit to the Houston Museum of Natural Science’s Sugar Land campus, 13016 University Blvd., where attendees have the chance to learn about dinosaurs as they walk among skeletons and through various science exhibits.

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

Thursday-Sunday. Tickets are $13 for adults and $10 for children.

The museum has also hosted unique, one-time events before, such as a sensory-friendly experience for children who might be sensitive to overstimulation and bright lights. Check out the museum’s website, https://www.hmns. org/hmns-at-sugar-land/, for specific details on some of those events.

Also nearby, residents with a passion for art might enjoy paying a visit to Sugar Land Town Square, where Art Museum TX, 16165 City Walk, is working to make a name for itself as a destination for creative people and art lovers who have flocked to the gallery to see some of the best local art in the region.

The gallery’s website, artmuseumtx. org, describes it as an “art museum with a big sense of community.”

A music class is conducted outside at Sugar Land Town Square. (Staff photo)

The museum also has a second location in Katy’s Cinco Ranch subdivision at 2717 Commercial Center Blvd., which has programming for children.

Both museum campuses showcase the work of artists based in Fort Bend and Harris counties, including high-end paintings and sculptures and leather goods for sale.

The museum is free for standard gallery viewing, but charges fees for some programs and events.

Art Museum TX is open 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday.

While you’re at Sugar Land Town Square, music instructors at Vivaldi Music Academy teach classes in the square each Thursday for young children. The classes introduce children to basic language and science concepts in open settings, for children ages 1-5 from 10 a.m.-10:45 a.m. each Thursday.

If you have children, maybe the Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center in Sugar Land is the place for you.

The center is open from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday.

Fulshear’s Cross Creek Ranch subdivision is also hosting an art market and home tour in late April that might pique the interest of some residents.

The event is set for 11 a.m.-3 p.m. April 23 at the neighborhood’s welcome center, 6450 Cross Creek Bend Lane, Fulshear.

Driving a bit north, those with a passion for the outdoors could also pay a visit to Stafford’s bevy of neighborhood parks.

Stafford has 33 acres of city parks in seven square miles.

The city of Stafford’s website, https://www.staffordtx.gov/, has a helpful list of city parks broken down into categories: pocket parks (less than 5 acres), neighborhood parks (between 5-10 acres) and community parks (about 20 acres).

Elsewhere in Stafford, Golem’s Gate Gaming & Geekdom, 4645 S. Main St., offers residents a wide variety of roleplaying and card games, giving visitors the chance to pretend to be a knight or mage, among other choices. For more information on upcoming events, visit meetup.com/ GolemsGate/ or call 281-265-6050.

For the Love of Dance Summer Dance Session June 14-July 21 Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical/Contemporary, Leaps/Hip Hop, Musical Theatre. Theatre Camp & Choreography Camp. Register at www.robindancestudio.com Celebrating 49 years of excellence in dance education!

281-499-3921

Ballet ♥ Tap ♥ Jazz ♥ Pointe ♥ Hip Hop ♥ Lyrical ♥ Leaps & Turns 3643 Glenn Lakes Lane ♥ Highway 6 ♥ Missouri City

H FORT BEND STAR SPRING GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 2022

Fort Bend full of arts and entertainment activities

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H FORT BEND STAR SPRING GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 2022

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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 education leaders throughout the county whose focus is to provide an interconnected system of sources to reduce dropout rates and provide opportunities for those citizens without high school diplomas.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Contact John Sazma for advertising rates

281-690-4200 • jsazma@fortbendstar.com

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

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

281-499-9622 www.ymcahouston.org

FORT BEND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Sugar Land, Texas 77478 281-491-0800 www.fortbendchamber.com Contact the Chamber of Commerce for a Relocation Package. Includes a magazine with information on area housing, schools, churches, retail, restaurants and more.

The Chamber also sells Fort Bend County street maps for $2. 445 Commerce Green Blvd.

FORT BEND ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS 713-335-4240 Contact the Fort Bend Association of Realtors for information on a Realtor in the Fort Bend County area. You also may want to request a copy of the association’s annual publication. Fort Bend County Houston’s Finest Address A Guide to Homes, Neighborhoods and Lifestyles.

FORT BEND ISD 16431 Lexington Blvd.

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

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

COMCAST-XFINITY STORE 13540 University Blvd.

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

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

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

VOTER REGISTRATION Ask for a voter registration card at Sugar Land CIty Hall, a U.S. Post Office or a county office. Return the form to the Voter Registrar. Questions should be addressed to the Elections/VOter Registration Office at 281-341-8670.

FORT BEND COUNTY RECYCLING & ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER 1200 Blume Road.

Rosenberg, Texas 77471 281-633-7581 281-633-+7527 (Recording) ELECTED OFFICIALS CONTACT INFO FORT BEND COUNTY JUDGE KP GEORGE 401 Jackson St., 281-341-8608 Richmond, TX 77469 FBC.Judge@fortbendcountytx.gov COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

U.S. CONGRESS, TEXAS DISTRICT 22 – TROY NEHLS 1117 FM 359 Suite 210, Richmond, TX 77406 346-762-6600 TEXAS HOUSE DISTRICT 26 – JACEY JETTON 77 Sugar Creek Blvd., Suite 600, Sugar Land, TX 77478 512-463-0710 (Austin office) TEXAS HOUSE DISTRICT 27 – RON REYNOLDS 2440 Texas Parkway, Suite 102, Missouri City, Texas 77489 281-208-3574 (district office); 512-463-0494 (Austin) TEXAS HOUSE DISTRICT 28 – GARY GATES 2205 Avenue I, Rosenberg, TX 77471 512-463-0657 (Austin) TEXAS HOUSE DISTRICT 85 – PHIL STEPHENSON 834 Third St., Rosenberg, TX 77471 281-232-7900 (district office); 512-463-0604 (Austin) SUGAR LAND MAYOR JOE ZIMMERMAN 2700 Town Center Blvd. North, Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-275-2313 jzimmerman@sugarlandtx.gov MISSOURI CITY MAYOR ROBIN ELACKATT 1522 Texas Pkwy., Missouri City, TX 77489 281-403-8500

SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION 10703 Stancliff Houston, Texas 77099 800-772-1213 www.ssa.gov

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

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

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

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

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

MEADOWS PLACE MAYOR CHARLES JESSUP One Troyan Dr., Meadows Place, TX 77477 281-983-2950 Email: mayor@cityofmeadowsplace.org

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

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

RICHMOND MAYOR REBECCA HAAS 402 Morton St., Richmond, TX 77469 281-342-5456 ROSENBERG MAYOR KEVIN RAINES 2110 Fourth St., Rosenberg, TX 77471 832-595-3300 kraines@rosenbergtx.gov

H FORT BEND STAR SPRING GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 2022

IMPORTANT NUMBERS TO KNOW

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2021

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EMERALD ELITE

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By Matt deGrood MDEGROOD@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

As neighborhoods spring up across Fort Bend County seemingly overnight and more and more businesses call the county home, elected leaders and administrators in communities across the county spent the last year trying to keep pace with the growth.

In Missouri City, that meant asking voters to approve a large bond referendum meant to pay for mobility, facility and parks and recreation projects across the city.

Meanwhile, in Stafford, longtime residents and elected leaders began to discuss whether the community’s longstanding practice of not having a municipal property tax could sustain the city moving forward.

Elsewhere, in Sugar Land, city crews continued work on a series of drainage projects approved through a November 2019 bond referendum.

And across Fort Bend County, residents and experts wondered whether communities have done enough to prepare for future floods and growth amid a changing climate.

The county has grown to more than 900,000 people as of 2021, according to the Fort Bend Economic Development Council’s website, and is the second fastest-growing county in the country.

Bond projects Voters in Missouri City in November signed off by wide margins on three ballot propositions totaling $85 million.

Proposition A includes more than $51.6 million for streets, bridges and sidewalk improvements, according to the city. Proposition B includes $11.2 million for public facilities, and Proposition C includes $23 million for parks and recreation projects, according to the city.

City officials under the behest of new City Manager Charles “Tink” Jackson have already begun work planning some of those projects, according to the city.

The parks and recreation department, for instance, plans to use some of the $23 million to tear down and redevelop a sports complex to become a multi-use sports complex as well as build a new park across the street from the city’s Freedom Tree Park, according to city officials.

Sugar Land, meanwhile, in March approved spending $359,400 on a study on a drainage project in the Covington Woods subdivision. It is the final drainage project included in a 2019 bond referendum featuring four propositions totaling about $90.76 million, said Doug Adolph, spokesperson for the city.

comes with existential questions that might shape the future of a Fort Bend County community.

In recent months, some businesses and residents have begun criticizing Stafford’s financial well-being, arguing city leaders accounted for the lack of property tax revenues by not spending on basic maintenance of city streets and infrastructure.

At least one business even left the city over the lack of maintenance, according to the owner.

City leaders, including Mayor Cecil Willis, dismissed criticism about the city’s finances, arguing it’s being stirred by people who want to run for office.

Some Stafford political candidates have estimated the city needs IMPROVE CONTINUES ON PAGE 26

Stafford’s finances Growth isn’t always completely positive, however. Sometimes it

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Local communities work to build infrastructure to sustain growth

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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.

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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 State Farm favorite fast vacation getaways. IL Bloomington, “We can get there in two hours,” he said.

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By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Fort Bend County remains one of the fastest-growing counties in the country, and its economic and residential development has continued to boom as builders and developers try to keep pace with the population explosion.

The county had grown to more than 900,000 people as of 2021, according to the Fort Bend Economic Development Council’s website. Fort Bend is the second fastest-growing county in the United States, according to one analysis by HireAHelper.

Projections have Fort Bend County’s population increasing to 960,690 by 2025, according to the EDC, and to more than 1.1 million by 2030. In response, the last six months have seen several developments take flight or near completion all around the county to help keep up with the growth.

Residential development The city of Sugar Land recently reached a legal settlement with a development company for a proposed subdivision near the city’s airport and railroad tracks.

In early March, the city council signed off on a settlement agreement with a development company called Benchmarks Ac-

quisitions LLC, under which the company will develop 130 acres of single-family lots and 30 net acres of industrial zoning. Under the terms of the settlement agreement, residential development will take place on the western side of the property and there will be a buffer of at least 160 feet between industrial and residential uses.

In late January, it was announced that construction would soon begin for one of the largest master-planned communities in Fort Bend County in more than 20 years. Austin Point is a massive development that, when complete, developers say will bring 14,000 homes and even more business space to the region. Construction crews are tentatively set to begin work in the second quarter of this year on the 4,700-acre development near the future intersection of the Grand Parkway and Fort Bend Parkway.

Also this year, Johnson Development announced the beginning of work on 410 homesites in Fulshear’s Cross Creek West development. When complete, Cross Creek West will include more than 3,000 homes, along with 5 acres of commercial development and new Lamar Consolidated ISD schools, according to Johnson Develop-

ment.

Last fall, the housing boom made its way to Richmond in the form of Mandola Farms, which had sold at least 50 homes as of late September. Once fully developed, the 85-acre development just east of downtown Richmond will feature more than 250 lots, lakes, trails, a community park and a splash pad, among other amenities. Meritage Homes and Coventry Homes are both offering homes in the development, according to Kyle Davison, division president for Meritage.

Commercial development Satya, a Houston-based real estate consulting firm, announced in December that it has planned a 37-acre mixed-use development with more than 300 apartments, retail, restaurants and more near the corner of State Highway 36 and State Highway 59 in Rosenberg. Construction on the mixed-use development is expected to begin this summer, with the project set to end in the fourth quarter of 2023, according to the company. It will feature a four-story apartment complex with 312 apartments along with 17 acres of retail, such as Starbucks, Harbor Freight, Whataburger and more, according to the news release.

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Drive for development continues as county keeps growing

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about $36 million in public works projects.

Willis argued the list wasn’t so extensive.

Despite some concern, businesses continued to move into the city’s Grid development, according to the city.

Future flooding Where many of the community’s biggest moves in infrastructure came on a municipal level, one thing all communities seemed concerned about was the issue of flooding. Hurricane Harvey struck the region in 2017 and caused some flooding.

But just two years after county voters approved $83 million in flood mitigation projects, about 40 percent of the 25 projects included in the bond have either been placed on pause or left unfunded, and county leaders acknowledged they were

frustrated about the lack of success securing federal flood mitigation grants.

Experts in talks with the Fort Bend Star said it would take creative solutions to prevent future flooding in the region, including additional funding on the federal level and stopping development in highrisk areas.

When Harvey struck the region, the local flood maps showing what buildings and residences fell within a floodplain were decades out of date, according to one expert. Prior to the storm, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration defined a 100-year rainfall as anything that included 13 inches of rain in a 24-hour period, the expert said. But when the administration updated that definition after Harvey using newer data, that increased to 18 inches in a 24-hour period.

BUILD CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25

Nearby, construction on the county’s 195,000-square foot EpiCenter arena began in November and could last up to 20 months, according to developers on that project.

Also beginning in November was work on an ongoing $19 million project to add two new industrial buildings to Stafford, a city known for its business development. Crews were at work on a project called Kirkwood Industrial, under which they are constructing two industrial shell buildings with a detention pond, according to Stafford city planner Tatyana Luttenschlager.

The county said last fall that a new $140 million solar facility called the

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Cutlass Solar project could go online in Fort Bend County starting with Phase 1 this summer. Advanced Power, a global developer of modern power projects, one day hopes to build a 140-megawatt electricgenerating facility on an 1,800-acre site in the far southwest part of Fort Bend County, near Fairchilds, that will begin commercial operations this summer, according to the company.

The second phase of the project, which was subject to the tax abatement revision, will begin construction in December and be complete by December 2023, according to county documents. Once complete, the facility will generate enough electricity to power more than 50,000 homes, according to Advanced Power.

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H FORT BEND STAR SPRING GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 2022

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