2008 ISSUE - Sugar Land Newcomer Guide

Sugar Land 2008 / 2009 OFFICIAL NEWCOMER GUIDE

• History • Directories • Parks • Athletics • Churches • Shopping • Golf • Schools • Important Phone Numbers • Much more

Sugar Land Mayor David Wallace welcomes Newcomers to our City

Luxury Custom Home Builder Specializes in Customer Satisfaction

F teve Fuqua, president and founder of Steve Fuqua Homes, has been building luxury custom homes in the Sugar Land area since 1978. Realizing the huge potential for homebuilding in Fort Bend County and with Gerald Hines leading the way purchasing land in the area and establishing the First Colony Master Planned Community in Sugar Land, Steve did not hesitate to purchase lots and begin a custom home building company.

or 35 years, Steve has been specializing in building luxury custom homes. He describes himself as a “scratch builder”.

“We start from scratch, first trying to understand the expectations of our client, then locating a piece of property that suits their needs and assisting them in designing and building the home of their dreams.” Steve’s passion is being in on the design phase of a new home and contributing to the creation of a better product. “It’s important for us to constantly work to best utilize the property and its elements. Working with our clients to bring their visions to reality is an exciting and fun process for all of us.” Attention to detail, and superior quality are the keys to Steve Fuqua’s success in the luxury custom home market.

Whether first time clients or repeat customers, it’s the integrity, honesty, trustworthiness and quality craftsmanship that customers have come to rely on by selecting Steve Fuqua Homes to make their dreams a reality. It is the personal referrals from satisfied clients that have led to Steve Fuqua Homes being a leading builder in the custom home market in Fort Bend County. Responses from clients reflect this: “We express our gratitude for the wonderful product you have bestowed upon us.” “We thoroughly enjoyed the entire process, working with you and your team from site selection through completion.”

Dan Roth joined Fuqua’s team 28 years ago as a superintendent, bringing with him many years of experience in the building industry, starting by framing houses in Spring, Texas and ultimately as a partner building custom homes in the Memorial

area of Houston. Dan’s dedication and expertise in creating exceptionally high quality luxury custom homes led to Steve making him partner and vice president 13 years ago.

As a team, Steve and Dan have earned numerous awards including 2002 and 2003’s Best Custom Home of the Year by the Greater Houston Builders Association and 1999 and 2001’s Custom Home Builder of the Year by the Fort Bend Association of Realtors. Steve and Dan’s commitment to excellence in building luxury custom homes has proven to be a winning combination.

Personal attention to each client and a strong commitment to serve each client’s individual needs has led to hundreds of satisfied customers who are willing and eager to share their experiences with others. Spectacular examples of Steve Fuqua Homes can be seen in Sweetwater, Riverstone, Avalon, Sienna, and Memorial, selling from $500,000 to $4,000,000.

Look for Steve Fuqua Homes in the new developments: Alkire Lake, Lake Pointe, Lakes of Williams Ranch, The Orchard, Sienna, Soverign Shore and Sweetwater.

Steve and Dan invite you to visit them on the web at: www.stevefuquahomes.com. “Let us make your dream home a reality.”

Steve Fuqua Homes - 2277 Plaza Drive, Suite 190, Sugar Land, Texas 77479 steve@stevefuquahomes.com • 281-980-1010 • 281-980-5281 (fax) 281-705-0280 (cell) • www.stevefuquahomes.com Be sure to see our ads in Fort Bend Focus Magazine - March 2008 issue

ROAD TO SUGAR LAND

S5 S1

S2

S3 S6 S7

S3, S6 & S7 is further down Highway U.S. 59

S-1 S-1 Alkire Lakes:

5 - 1 1/2 acre lots available

S-2 S-2 Lake Point:

S-3 S-3 Lakes of Williams Ranch:

4 Garden Water Lots available 7 Interior lots available 1003 Creek View Ct. - under construction / sold 15611 Oyster Cove Dr. - under construction / sold 15402 Oyster Creek Lane - under construction / sold 1019 Vista Creek Dr. - under construction / sold 1019 Creek View Court - under construction / sold 5 Water Lots available 6 Interior Lots available 1111 Grand Estates Dr. - 5000 square foot single story home - under construction & available 5622 Lakeshore Vista Drive - under construction / sold

S4

S4 is further down Highway 6

S-4 S-4 Sienna Plantation

1 Golf Course lot available 26 Commanders Cove 7000 square foot two story home on water lot - under construction / available

S-5 S-5 The Orchard

1 - 1 acre Water Lot reserved 602 Orchard Lane - home under construction / sold

S-6 S-6 Sovereign Shores

54 Chevall - home under construction / sold

S-7 S-7 Sweetwater

6 Legend Park - home under construction / sold

Steve Fuqua Homes - 2277 Plaza Drive, Suite 190, Sugar Land, Texas 77479 steve@stevefuquahomes.com • 281-980-1010 • 281-980-5281 (fax) 281-705-0280 (cell) • www.stevefuquahomes.com Be sure to see our ads in Fort Bend Focus Magazine - March 2008 issue

Only one weekly newspaper gives you coverage throughout all Fort Bend 1 AD – 1 NEWSPAPER

60,000 circulation

THE ONLY OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER for the cities of Sugar Land - Missouri City - Stafford - Meadows Place

To get the advertising coverage your business needs, call

281-690-4200 2

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Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

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Care k nown around the world is now just around the block .

St. Luke’s is coming to Sugar Land. Our newest hospital provides the advanced health care you have come to trust from St. Luke’s, offering expertise and technology with our special brand of caring for the whole person. Houston’s fastest growing community will soon be home to some of the finest health care in the world.

1317 Lake Pointe Parkway (Northeast section of 59 South and Highway 6) www.stlukessugarland.com 4

MAY 2008

Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

Celebrating 17 Years and 150,000 vehicles serviced

Back Row - Left to right: Bruce Smith, Jim Pedersen & Rick De Leon. Front Row - Left to right: Chad Hanson, Mario Monsivias & Corky Raynor

Salutations to our highly trained ASE Master Certified professionals “A reputation built on your satisfaction”

1131 Dulles Ave. • Stafford, TX 77477 • Across from Riverbend Country Club

281-980-4440

TNRCC Emission Repair Approved

Check our website at www.colonyoneauto.com

FREE SHUTTLE SERVICE AVAILABLE COUNTY WIDE Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

MAY 2008

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2008 / 2009

CONTENTS

2008 / 2009 OFFICIAL NEWCOMER GUIDE Sugar Land Mayor welcomes you......................................................................................................... 10 The sweet history of Sugar Land........................................................................................................... 12 History of politics in Fort Bend County.................................................................................................. 14 Where can I find a library...................................................................................................................... 18 Sugar Land Hospital Directory............................................................................................................... 20 Enjoy the blast from the past in nearby Rosenberg............................................................................... 22 The city of Richmond offers glimpse to the past................................................................................... 23 Sugar Land Area Restaurants................................................................................................................ 24 Sugar Land Parks.................................................................................................................................. 28 Enjoy our colorful history at one of the many museums in the county......................................................................................................... 32 Christmas the old-fashioned way in Fort Bend..................................................................................... 38 Little League organizations encourages sportmanship that lasts a lifetime......................................................................................................... 42 Get to know your Chamber of Commerce.............................................................................................. 44 Sugar Land Fire Station tours available................................................................................................. 46 Keep Sugar Land Beautiful.................................................................................................................... 48 Blood Donation Center........................................................................................................................... 48 Church Directory.................................................................................................................................... 50 Info on the Arts/Entertainment.............................................................................................................. 52 Sugar Land - Sweet Land of Diversity................................................................................................... 54 Sugar Land - Temples............................................................................................................................ 55 Sugar Land Shops................................................................................................................................. 56 Does your family have an emergency preparedness plan..................................................................... 58 How do I get.......................................................................................................................................... 60 The Sugar Land Airport.......................................................................................................................... 61 Electricity... Your power to choose......................................................................................................... 62 Non-Profit Organizations - Clubs & Association.................................................................................... 64 Golf and Country Clubs.......................................................................................................................... 69 FBISD Serves Sugar Land Youngsters................................................................................................... 70 Public School Academies...................................................................................................................... 71 Sugar Land Area Private Schools........................................................................................................... 72

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

PUBLISHER Beverly Carter GENERAL MANAGER Michael Fredrickson EDITOR Jean Sandlin MARKETING CONSULTANTS Dottie Childs Jessica Kij Gigi Musachia Dena Perry Carolyn Reed Ann Sturrock Missy Vilas CONTRIBUTORS Wayne Chandler Mary Emenogu Barbara Fulenwider Cheryl Skinner Dori Wind ART DIRECTOR Joey Belleza GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Grace Belleza Amanda Chacon ON THE COVER Sugar Land Mayor and former city councilman David Wallace, opted to forego a final mayoral term and instead will hand over the gavel to one of three candidates after the May 10, 2008 election.

Frequently Call Numbers....................................................................................................................... 74

14

22

50

71

Š 2008 Sugar Land Newcomer Guide No material from this publication may be copied or in any way reproduced without written permission from the publisher.

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MAY 2008

What if we could get our Emergency Center patients the care they need faster than ever?

From minor injuries to major trauma, count on Memorial Hermann Sugar Land to care for your family.

What if we could handle every level of emergency with the same high level of care? What if we offered the only Level IV trauma center in Sugar Land? At Memorial Hermann Sugar Land, we never stop asking what if.

Constantly asking what if is how we are able to lead the way with the most comprehensive emergency services in the Sugar Land area. As the only Level IV trauma center in Sugar Land, our Emergency Center is equipped to stabilize and transfer trauma patients, through the use of Life Flight ® , to Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital,

Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center and Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital. Our Emergency Center features a total of 16 rooms with some dedicated to minor emergencies and others dedicated to more traumatic injuries and illnesses, to provide you with the most patient-centered and efficient care possible. And as part of the largest hospital system of its kind in Texas, Memorial Hermann Sugar Land offers patients a direct connection to the region’s top specialists. It’s just another example of how we make breakthroughs — every day.

For faster admission when you need it, call 281.725.5900 today to pre-register your information.

17500 West Gr and Parkway South TEXAS MEDICAL CENTER • KATY •

MEMORIAL CITY •

NORTHEAST •

Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

NORTHWEST •

Sugar Land, TX 77479

281.725.5900

SOUTHEAST •

SUGAR LAND •

SOUTHWEST •

THE WOODLANDS •

CHILDREN’S •

TIRR

MAY 2008

7

OPEN 24 HOURS

WARNING! Using St. Michael’s in an emergency situation can lead to

sudden wellness and loss of pain. Some common side effects include euphoria associated with not having to wait long hours and the sudden desire for you and your family to frequent St. Michael’s emergency room.

“TELL YOUR DOCTOR THAT ST. MICHAEL’S IS RIGHT FOR YOU”

16062 SOUTHWEST FREEWAY AT HIGHWAY 6 (next to Lasik Plus)

281-980-HELP (4357) “IT’S THE ER WITHOUT THE LONG WAIT” n Treating all emergencies from major to minor, infant to adult. n Specialized pediatric & adult rooms. n All staff trained in emergency medicine. n All Physicians Board Certified.

St. Michael’s was n Average wait time is less than 5 minutes. recently awarded the “Keeping America n On-site laboratory/X-ray/CT scan Strong Award” and with immediate results. will be featured on William Shatner’s Television n Accepting all private insurance. program “Heartbeat of America” n Community Owned/Sugar Land’s 1st 24 Hour Free Standing Emergency Room

www.StMichaelsER.com

US. HWY 59 First Colony Mall

+

Earl of Sandwich

Williams Trace

Panera’s Lazy Boy

HWY 6

Super Target

Lake Side Plaza

Sweetwater Blvd.

Kensington Dr.

St. Michaels

We are NOT affiliated with the company called “24 HR Emergency Room.”

A Service Standard That is Anything But Standard

That's what you can expect when you're a Bank of Texas client. Although we have the resources of a multi-billion dollar financial services company, we are still known for the personal, responsive service we deliver to our clients.

Our business philosophy is simple: We believe in taking great care of our clients.

We value your time. We value your privacy. We value your business. We're responsive at every stage in the banking relationship. We are honored to have you as a client.

Learn more about Bank of Texas and the complete array of sophisticated financial services and creative financing solutions by contacting: LOCATIONS: Sugar Land Office 15245 Southwest Freeway (281) 693-8755 Monday - Thursday: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

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

Saturday: 9:00 a.m. - Noon Sweetwater Kroger 4825 Sweetwater Blvd.

(281) 693-8750 Monday - Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Sunday: Noon - 4:00 p.m.

First Colony Kroger 3665 Highway 6 (281) 693-8764 Monday - Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Sunday: Noon - 4:00 p.m.

Frank Yonish Chairman of Sugar Land and Fort Bend County (713) 578-3556

WWW.BANKOFTEXAS.COM

|

MEMBER FDIC

|

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY LENDER

Welcome to Sugar Land!

I

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

Sugar Land residents enjoy 18 neighborhood and community parks on 771 acres of parkland offering greenbelts, picnic areas, volleyball courts, playing fields, golf, tennis and swimming.

But don’t simply take my word for it, as we are an award-winning community with a nationally recognized quality of life. Sugar Land is one of the nation’s “Best Places to Live,” “Best Places to Raise a Family” and one of “America’s Best Places for Youth,” to name just a few of our national accolades.

Adding to the City’s many recreational and cultural amenities is Sugar Land Town Square, which has created a heart of the City where citizens work, live, shop and gather. Large and small cultural events and activities are held in Town Square’s plaza almost every weekend. Simply put, Town Square has created a sense of place and a source of community pride.

would like to take this opportunity to thank you for coming to one of “America’s Best” communities. We are a community that has a rich and diverse history and one that continues to prosper in so many ways.

We stand ready to assist you as you come to live, work and raise a family in Sugar Land.

It’s no secret that we’re one of the country’s most diverse cities, a fact often cited in the recognitions we receive for creating one the nation’s most inclusive environments. Just last year, the Anti Defamation League named Sugar Land the nation’s first “Community of Respect,” an accolade that recognized our success in creating a community where everyone can live, work and grow in a culture that appreciates values and celebrates individual differences.

One of Sugar Land’s core values is to promote a common vision, while welcoming a rich and diverse understanding and interaction. Our diversity is our strength, and together, we have successfully created a respectful and inclusive environment that provides support and the opportunity necessary for each member of the community to prosper and achieve.

We were named America’s Fifth Safest City, a distinction based on an analysis of FBI crime statistics. With an already low crime rate, the Sugar Land Police Department’s commitment to quality officers, training, technology and innovation resulted in a 20 percent decrease in crime during the past two years.

In addition to some of the state’s top performing public and private schools, the University of Houston System at Sugar Land continues to expand its presence in Sugar Land with the goal of providing associate, bachelor, and graduate-level programs.

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We have a strong, expanding economy, as evidenced by a number of major corporate relocations, and you don’t have to leave Sugar Land to benefit from the best of the world-renowned hospitals and medical care.

Sugar Land’s accomplishments are the product of a tenacious community spirit that seizes opportunity and melds it with a commitment to quality and service to others. We are a City with a vision of what we want to become and a plan to achieve our goals. We have an active, involved citizenry that is passionate about Sugar Land’s continued success.

Their hard work makes all of our accomplishments possible. And while it’s impossible to measure the extent of their contributions, I feel strongly that the gifts given to the community are rewards in and of themselves.

There are few things in life more satisfying than being able to put our talents and expertise to work for the betterment of our neighbors and community.

Yet with the talent, tolerance and an unbridled will to succeed, Sugar Land will continue to remain as one of the nation’s strongest communities. We truly are … “America’s Best” community.

David G. Wallace Sugar Land Mayor

Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

New Home New Neighbors New Schools

New Church?

New Friends New Family

New Beginning... ‘

Founding Pastors Randy & Renee Clark

Hello Neighbor, Welcome to Fort Bend County. You have chosen to live in one of the Finest Communities in America. We are glad you are here and look forward to meeting you personally.

We want to extend an open invitation for you to experience Triumph Church Sugar Land.

You will enjoy a “Spirit-Filled” environment that is certain to strengthen your relationship with Christ and minister to your entire family. In addition, you will find Up-Lifting Worship, Relevant Bible Teaching, Opportunities to Serve God, and Solutions to the Challenges of Life.

Triumph is Committed to Building People, Building Dreams, and Building Community.

Bring Your Family and Let Us Help Build Your Dreams.

Hwy 6

SUGAR LAND

Lakeview Drive

Hwy 90A

Come Experience the Excitement! triumphchurch.com

South

Fort Bend Baptist Academy Elementary Cafetorium 1201 Lakeview Dr. Sugar Land TX 77478 Phone 281-975-1504

Eldridge

Fort Bend Baptist Academy 1201 Lakeview Dr

Hwy 59

N

Worship Services Sunday 10:30 am

The sweet history of Sugar Land

F

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

Sugar Land, although it wasn’t officially Sugar Land until some years after land granted to Samuel M. Williams in 1828 was sold to his brother and a plantation was built. Williams’ brother, Nathaniel, purchased the land in 1838 and with a third brother, Mathew, operated Oakland plantation growing cotton, corn and sugarcane. In 1853, Benjamin Terry and William J. Kyle purchased the plantation. Terry is known for organizing Terry’s Texas Rangers during the Civil War and for naming the town. Upon the deaths of Terry and Kyle, Colonel E. H. Cunningham bought the 12,500 acre plantation soon after the Civil War and developed the town around his sugar refining plant. In the early 1900’s the refinery was sold and named Imperial Sugar. Around the turn of the century, most of the sugar cane crops were destroyed by a harsh winter. Now refineries import cane through the Port of Galveston. Sugar Land remained a company town until incorporated in 1959.

Today Sugar Land has a diversified economic base. The city’s growth parallels the huge growth of Houston and Harris County with a strong commercial base and thriving master communities.

Once the heart of the city was located at 90-A and Brooks Street. There sat a tiny strip center, directly across from the “sugar factory” as everyone in town called it. In the center was a barber shop, a mercantile, a grocery store and a drug store with a coffee shop. The majority of the town’s residents worked for the sugar factory and the company owned the strip center and stores, which served all of the needs of the workers and

12 MAY 2008

their families. In fact, locals say, company vouchers were used to buy goods and services at the center.

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

The whistle sounds meant a prisoner had escaped from the nearby state prison farm and the families would get inside and lock the doors, probably the only time the doors were locked in this simple, safe little company town.

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

Driving down 90A or Brooks Street today, the old “company houses” can be seen. Many have been totally refurbished but still show the simplicity of the original architecture. As a company town from the 1910’s until 1959, Sugar Land was virtually self-contained. Imperial Sugar Company not only provided housing for the workers, the company encouraged construction of schools, built a hospital for the workers wellbeing, and, as previously noted, provided businesses to meet the workers needs. Many of the original homes built by the Imperial Sugar Company remain today in The Hill area and Mayfield Park of Sugar Land and have been passed down through generations of family members. continued on page 16

Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

• Full-service banking • 2 convenient Sugar Land area locations • 42 area locations and growing!

www.ibc.com

713-285-2200

713-285-2286

West Airport Branch-Kroger 11565 Hwy 6 South

Woodbridge Branch 10570 Hwy 6 South

Family values drives Charlton’s Wishing you a Prosperous 2008 Body Repair to the top

Chuck Charlton, owner of we won’t do it,” says Chuck. the Charlton’s Body Repair, has Specializing in collision repair, accomplished success thru his Charlton’s Body Repair shop family owned business dating back comes with a written warranty three generations of guaranteed since the late 1950’s satisfaction. and is very grateful “Our main priority for all of his loyal is to humbly serve customers.

Stafford and Fort Bend “My biggest County, with quality motivation is being service. We have able to help people good relationships that really appreciate with all insurance it, they show me what companies and handle it’s all about,” said all insurance claims.

Charlton.

We’ll take care of you For Chuck, his Chuck Charlton and his at Charlton’s Body greatest achievement wife Marla K. Charlton Repair,” he said. is being able to know Through the his customers on a personal level history of the Charlton family line and being able to assist them in they as a team of workers have their car needs. learned the vitality of hard work “My life long dream has been and sincere integrity. Three of to help people. I like to see a Chuck’s family members work finished product that customers alongside him in the business; are satisfied with. I’m driven by his mother, aunt and sister, Pam my honesty. If you don’t need it, Heathcock.

Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

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History of politics in Fort Bend County Fort Bend County was once a stronghold for the Democratic Party. In fact, so few Republicans resided in Fort Bend County at one time that in 1960, the county’s Republican chair at the time once received a letter with the nickname “Mr. Republican” in lieu of his name.

However, as master-planned communities in the eastern and northern portions of the county began to develop, the Houston area’s historically strong Republican base on the west side of Houston began to expand into Fort Bend County, and beginning in 1978, Republicans began to win several offices within the county.

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

Another key Republican elected during this time was future Congressman and House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, who was elected to represent the county’s only seat in the Texas House of Representatives. By 1982, several county-level positions were taken over by Republicans. In 1984, DeLay succeeded Paul in Congress after the latter ran for an unsuccessful U.S. Senate campaign; the seat was won by the Republican primary winner, Phil Gramm.

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

Today, every elected countywide office in Fort Bend County is held by Republicans, who also control a majority of precinctbased positions (County Commissioners, Constables, Justices of the Peace, etc.). No Democrat has carried Fort Bend County in the presidential election since 1964, when Lyndon B. Johnson of Texas won his second term.

But things may be changing if the recent primary election is any indication of things to come. Democrats voted in record numbers.

If the momentum continues, as many say it will, in the November General Election, the face of Fort Bend County could be changing, politically speaking.

For the last few years, despite Fort Bend being a Republican stronghold, Democrats continue to show strength in a handful of areas within the county. In 2004, George W. Bush won 57 percent of the vote compared to 42 percent for John Kerry, compared to 60 percent for Bush and 39 percent for Al Gore (as well as 2% for Green Party candidate Ralph Nader) in 2000, and Bill Clinton lost the county by only 12 percent in 1992 (to incumbent George Bush, whom Clinton defeated nationally) and 1996 (when Clinton defeated Bob Dole in the national election). Also, in 2006, Democrat Nick Lampson defeated Republican write-in candidate Shelley Sekula-Gibbs for the congressional seat in Texas’ 22nd congressional district that was vacated by Tom DeLay after he resigned from Congress. While Lampson won all four counties that cover the district (Fort Bend, Harris, Brazoria and Galveston), Fort Bend gave Lampson his smallest winning margin of the four 14 MAY 2008

The Fort Bend County Courthouse, built in 1908, is one of the historic places of visit. The exterior features a silver dome and cornices of copper while the interiors display mosaic tile floors and three-story rotunda. The courthouse still is the center of Fort Bend County’s judicial branch and is used to house the judges, have grand jury meetings and hold trials, both civil and criminal.

counties, at 6.4% percent, compared to 6.92% for Harris County, 7.23% for Brazoria County, and more than 45 percent in Galveston County (whose Democratic base is considered the most active in the state outside of Austin).

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

Among the four Commissioners’ Court precincts, Democrats are strongest in Precinct 2, which covers much of Missouri City and eastern areas of Stafford and is home to most of the county’s black residents — a traditionally Democratic voting bloc. This is considered the prime Democratic stronghold in the district, as all of its elected officials are Democrats. The other three precincts are heavily Republican. Precinct 1 covers the southern portions of the county and the cities of Richmond and Rosenberg, as well as areas of Sugar Land south of the Brazos River, while Precinct 3 is situated in the northern part of the county, which includes its share of the Katy area and all of north Sugar Land, and Precinct 4 consists of the heavily Republican southern areas of Sugar Land and Missouri City, as well as several western portions of Sugar Land’s extraterritorial jurisdiction.

Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

DO YOU KNOW YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS Commissioners’ Court

Name Party First Elected Judge Bob Hebert Republican 2002 Pct.1 Tom Stavinoha Republican 2000

Pct 2 Grady Prestage Democrat 1990 Pct. 3 Andy Meyers Republican 1996 Pct. 4 James Patterson Republican 1998

Communities Represented Countywide Arcola, Beasley, Fairchilds, Fresno, Greatwood, Needville, Orchard, Richmond, Rosenberg, Sienna Plantation Eastern Stafford, most of Missouri City east of FM 1092 Cinco Ranch, Fulshear, Mission Bend, Pecan Grove, Simonton, north Sugar Land Missouri City west of FM 1092, New Territory, Western and Southern areas of Sugar Land (including the planned development of First Colony)

United States Congress

Senate Class 1 Kay Bailey Hutchison—Republican—elected in 1993—senior Senator Senate Class 2 John Cornyn—Republican—first elected in 2002—junior Senator

United States Representatives

District 9 Al Green—Democrat—first elected in 2004—area represented includes—Mission Bend, Eastern portion of Stafford, Northern

and Eastern portions of Missouri City, county’s entire share of Houston District 14 Ron Paul—Republican—first elected in 1996 (also served 1976-1977 and 1979-1985)—areas served far Northern and

Western areas District 22 Nick Lampson—Democrat—first elected in 2006 (also served 1997-2005)—represents Sugar Land, Rosenberg,

Western and Southern portions of Missouri City and surrounding counties.

Texas Legislature Texas Senate

13—Rodney Ellis—Democrat—first elected in 1990—serves Northern portions of Missouri City, Stafford, county’s share of Houston 17—Kyle Janek—Republican—first elected in 2002—serves Sugar Land and Southern Missouri City 18—Glenn Hegar—Republican—first elected in 2006—serves Richmond, Rosenberg, Katy

Texas House of Representatives 26—Charlie Howard—Republican—first elected in 1994—represents Sugar Land 27—Dora Olivo—Democrat—first elected in 1996—represents Rosenberg, most of Missouri City, county’s portion of Houston 28—John Zerwas—Republican—first elected in 2006—represents far Northern and Western areas of the county

Voting information for forthcoming elections: May 10, 2008 - Uniform Election Date Last Day to Register to Vote: April 10, 2008 First Day of Early Voting: April 28, 2008 Last Day to Apply for Ballot by Mail (received not postmarked) May 2, 2008 Last Day of Early Voting: May 6, 2008 November 4, 2008 - Uniform Election **First Day to File for Place on General Election Ballot (for cities and schools ONLY) (filing deadline for other political subdivisions may vary) July 27, 2008 Last Day to Order General Election: August 26, 2008 **Last Day to File for Place on General Election Ballot (for local political subdivisions ONLY) August 26, 2008 Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

First Day to Apply for Ballot by Mail: September 5, 2008 Last Day to Register to Vote: October 6, 2008 First Day of Early Voting: October 20, 2008 Last Day to Apply for Ballot by Mail: October 28, 2008 (must be received, not postmarked) Last Day of Early Voting: October 31, 2008 For additional information on voting in Fort Bend County, contact the Fort Bend County Elections office.

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The sweet history of Sugar Land continued from page 12 During the 1950s, Imperial Sugar wanted to expand the town by building more houses. This led to the creation of a new subdivision of Venetian Estates. The subdivision featured water front homesites fronting Oyster Creek and other manmade lakes.

As the company town expanded, so did the interest of establishing a municipal government. It resulted in Sugar Land becoming a general law city in 1959 by voters. T. E. Harman became the first mayor of Sugar Land.

In the early 1960s, a new subdivision development introduced contemporary affordable housing in Sugar Land for the first time called Covington Woods. However, the subdivision was practically in the country with no signs of the dozens of businesses that today line Eldridge Road.

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

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

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

Sugar Land began attracting the attention of major corporations throughout the 1980s, and many chose to make the city their home. Fluor, Schlumberger, Unocal and others offered their employees the opportunity to work within minutes of their home. This resulted in a 40/60 ratio of residential to commercial tax base within the city.

In 1981, a special city election was held for the purpose of establishing a home rule municipal government. Voters

16 MAY 2008

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

A special city election was held Aug. 9, 1986, to submit the proposed changes to the electorate for consideration. By a majority of the voters, amendments to the Charter were approved which provided for a change in the City’s form of government from that of “mayor-council” (strong mayor) to that of a “council-manager” form of government which provides that the city manager be the chief administrative officer of the city. Approval of this amendment provided for the mayor to become a voting member of Council, in addition to performing duties as presiding officer of the Council.

Sugar Land annexed the master-planned Sugar Creek community in 1986 with the community being almost built-out. This was the first of several large annexations that will follow later on. Also, that same year, the city extended its extraterritorial jurisdiction across the Brazos River to what would later cover the 2,050 acre (8.3 km2) master-planned community of Greatwood.

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

An Amendment on May 5, 1990, changed the composition of the City Council to a Mayor, four council members to be elected by single-member districts and two council members by at-large position. Throughout much of the 1990s, Sugar Land was considered one of the fastest-growing communities in the nation and the majority of Sugar Landers are whitecollar, and college-educated working in Houston’s renowned energy industry. An abundance of commercial growth, with numerous low-rise office buildings, banks and high-class restaurants popping up, can be seen along both U.S. Highway 59 and Texas Highway 6, two of the six main traffic arteries in the city.

Sugar Land tremendously increased its tax base with the opening of First Colony Mall in 1996. The over one million square foot mall was the first in Fort Bend County and

Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

located at the busiest intersection of the city: U.S. Highway 59 and Texas Highway 6. The mall was named after the 10,000 acre master-planned First Colony community and is located in the community as well.

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

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

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

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

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

In 2003, the Imperial Sugar Company refinery plant and

Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

distribution center was put out of operation, but its effect on the local economy was minimal, if at all, since Sugar Land today has much more of a reputation as an affluent Houston suburb than the blue-collar, agriculture-dependent town it once was a generation ago.

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

On December 1, 2005 at 12:01 a.m., Sugar Land annexed the recently built-out master-planned community of Avalon and four sections of Brazos Landing subdivision into the city limits adding approximately 4,000 residents. Sugar Land is currently negotiating with the communities of Greatwood, New Territory, and River Park, along with the subdivisions of Tara Colony and Tara Plantation to annex in the near future.

This annexation will be the largest, surpassing the annexation of First Colony back in 1992 and 1997, which will bring the city proper’s population to approximately 120,000.

The Town Square, in First Colony, is now officially the center of Sugar Land. However, for most of the original inhabitants and the generations that have ties to the sugar factory, the heartbeat of the city remains in the little area that once was the city. On a quiet day, with the breeze blowing, you can almost visualize the simple and proud heritage of the hardworking families that remains the core of the city from which today’s Sugar Land evolved.

MAY 2008

17

Where can I find a library?

Sugar Land Branch Library

550 Eldridge Sugar Land 281-277-8934 Located in Sugar Land, Texas, at the corner of Eldridge and 7th Street.

• Technology Classes The staff of the Fort Bend County library system conducts entrylevel classes on computer software, on a variable basis. Examples include “Microsoft Word Survival Basics” and “Mouse Practice for Scaredy-cats.”

Classes are not available at all library locations. For the current classes available, check under Computer/Tech type programs on the calendar.

• Computer Lab Sugar Land Branch Library has a computer lab with 10 student computers and 1 instructor’s computer, for training purposes. When the lab is not being used for training, it is open to the public. Free computer classes at various levels and on various topics are taught on a regular basis by library staff.

• Displays and Exhibits Sugar Land Branch Library has three permanent displays in the building.

The Freedom Shrine, donated by the Sugar Land Exchange Club, includes replications of important American historical documents, including such items as the Declaration of Independence, The Bill of Rights, the Constitution of the United States, Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, the Monroe Doctrine, the 19th Amendment, and many more.

These documents are displayed in the Conference Room.

The Sugar Land History Wall, located in the branch’s Meeting Room, is a four-panel display that provides information on the city’s history: “In the Beginning,” “Company Town,” “The City of Sugar Land,” and “People of Sugar Land.” Three cases along the entrance to the Meeting room display themes: Sugar Land’s goals, aerial photos to discover where you live, and planning for tomorrow, indicating what’s in the city’s future.

The Butterfly Garden, donated by the Sugar Land Garden Club, is located in the center atrium area of the library. The plantings have an emphasis on native plants, and were chosen both to attract butterflies and to provide year-round color and interest. The Garden may be viewed from several areas inside the library as well as from the street.

Most of the branches also feature changing displays and exhibits in their display cases. Check the calendar for the current displays.

• Literacy and English as a Second Language Literacy is important to community growth and an adaptable, diverse workforce. Partnering with the Literacy Council of Fort 18 MAY 2008

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

Bend County, Sugar Land Branch Library provides facilities for persons wishing to learn to read or to learn English as a second language. Please call 281-341-2652 for more details.

First Colony Branch Library

2121 Austin Parkway Sugar Land 281-265-4444 Located in Sugar Land, Texas, at the corner of Austin Parkway and Grants Lake.

George Memorial Library

1001 Golfview Drive Richmond 281-342-4455 Located in Richmond, Texas, at the corner of Golfview and FM 762 (Thompson Rd.) George Memorial Library (GML), the main library in the system, has the largest collection of materials in the Fort Bend County Libraries system approximately 700,000. GML has a particular focus on large-print books, parenting, Spanish-language books, teen materials, literacy materials, and text books from LCISD and FBISD. GML also houses the Genealogy and Local History Department on the second floor of the building; the department’s resources focus on the southeastern United States and includes materials relating to the history of the South, federal censuses, genealogy, and the Civil War. The Joe Grillo Science Center is located in the Children’s Department on the first floor.

Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

The Jodie E. Stavinoha Amphitheater, located at the back of the library, was named for the late, beloved county judge, Jodie E. Stavinoha. It is the venue for various cultural- arts performances provided free to the Fort Bend Community. Its longest-running event is the annual Shakespeare-by-the-Book Festival, presented by Houston Community College - Southwest and cosponsored by the library the Friends of Fort Bend County Libraries. The amphitheater is also used for concerts and special events.

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

• Computer Lab George Memorial Library houses a new computer lab with 18 computers and an instructor’s computer, as well as a large screen to show computer/Internet screens, video tapes and satellite downlinks.

When the lab is not being used for training purposes, it is open to the public. Patrons may reserve some of the computers at this branch.

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

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

Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

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

Fort Bend County Law Library

401 Jackson, Rm 302 Richmond 281-341-3718 Located in Richmond, Texas, on the third floor of the old courthouse.

Fort Bend County Law Library has a good working collection of basic legal materials, for in-library use only. Most of the library’s print collection consists of reference sources on Texas statutes and case law; federal case law and statutes; a wide selection of Texas practice guides and forms manuals; and other research materials, including American Law Reports, legal encyclopedias, and state and federal case-law digests. In addition to the library’s print collection, a number of legal research resources are available online and on CD-ROM.

Go to http://www.fortbend.lib.tx.us/

MAY 2008

19

Sugar Land Hospital Directory Oak Bend Medical Center 4906 Sandhill Dr. 281-491-7100

Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital 17500 W Grand Pkwy S 281-725-5000 The hospital includes heart and vascular services, maternity services, a sports medicine center, emergency center, operating rooms and private rooms. The only Level IV trauma center in Sugar Land, the emergency center is equipped to stabilize and transfer major trauma patients, including Life Flight helicopter access to Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center and Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital.

The facility offers 12 beds, including four “fast track” beds for minor injuries or conditions that require no or minimal diagnostic testing, two rooms for triage and medical screening, coverage 24/7 by boardcertified emergency physicians, a child life specialist to provide emotional support for children, full-body scanning equipment (CT scan) and portable radiology equipment for diagnosis and treatment.

Methodist Sugar Land Hospital 16655 Southwest Freeway 713-790-3333 Methodist Sugar Land Hospital opened in 1998 with 51 beds and offers state-ofthe-art technology, the latest advances in diagnoses and treatment and physicians from the community and the Texas Medical Center. Services includes outpatient surgery, inpatient procedures, complete laboratory and diagnostic testing capabilities, 24/7 emergency services, intensive care unit/clinical decision and treatment unit (ICU/CDTU), labor and delivery and more. The hospital uses nearly 100 different nuclear medicine imaging procedures to diagnose a variety of conditions including stroke, Alzheimer’s disease and blood cell disorders.

20 MAY 2008

Oak Bend’s signature services include treating patients with cancer, heart disease, stroke and women’s health. The center’s radiation treatment center is operated by M. D. Anderson Cancer Center faculty and staff.

Oak Bend offers the latest technologies in noninvasive cardiac and vascular diagnosis and its special women’s services include an imaging center, birth center and Level II nursery.

St. Luke’s Sugar Land Hospital U.S. Hwy 59 & Hwy 6 in Lake Pointe Town Center 832-355-1000 Will open a 100-bed hospital in Sugar Land this summer. The 200,000-square-foot hospital will include eight operating rooms, 60 private rooms with acute care beds, 20 private rooms for women’s services, neonatal intensive care services, a 16-bed intensive care unit and comprehensive diagnostic and imaging services. The hospital and adjacent medical office building are being built on 12 acres at Lake Pointe Town Center at U.S. 59 and Hwy. 6.

St. Luke’s Sugar Land Urgent Care Center 1211 Hwy. 6 S, Suite 40 281-494-7773 St. Luke’s Sugar Land Urgent Care Center you can receive immediate medical treatment.

Open 365 days, the Urgent Center is targeted to getting you back on your feet speedily. Most private and managed care insurance plans are accepted.

St. Michael’s Emergency Center Sugar Land 16061 Southwest Freeway @ Hwy. 6 281-201-6076 St. Michael’s opened in March 2007 and provides emergency services 24/7. The facility contains 10 treatment rooms and has six emergency physicians. The emergency center has full labs and provides CT scans and Xrays.

Sugar Land Minor Emergency Center 4415 Hwy. 6 S @ Frost Pass 281-494-9000 open 7 days a week Sugar Land Minor Emergency Center provides most services found in an emergency department including x-rays, laboratory, stitches and temporary casting of broken bones. The center is affiliated with a broad range of medical and surgical specialists who are immediately available for a variety of conditions. Personnel will send a report to the patient’s doctor of the findings and treatment. The providers are also excellent at detecting whether a patient may have a medical emergency. Services include minor emergencies, flu vaccinations, occupational health, sports physicals, drug screens.

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

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

Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

Texas Children’s Patient Care Center Williams Trace @ U.S. 59 281-494-7010

Triumph Hospital Southwest 1550 First Colony Boulevard 281-275-6000

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

This hospital specializes in providing services to medically complex patients for whom short-term hospital care is no longer appropriate or cost effective for ongoing care. The hospital is an 85-bed facility with 14 beds in its intensive care unit. It offers diagnostic services for laboratory, endoscopy and radiology, including a CT on-site. An inhouse physician is available 24/7. It also has an outpatient wound care program that provides advanced therapies. Triumph HealthCare is privately owned and headquartered in Houston.

Texas Oncology Cancer Center 1350 First Colony Boulevard 281-277-5200 Sugar Land Diagnostic Center 15300 Southwest Freeway 281-274-6600 The Sugar Land Diagnostic Center is located in the Sugar Land Medical Center building and on the same campus as the Sugar Land Cancer Center. Diagnostic testing, imaging and lab services are provided.

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

Sugar Land Surgical Hospital 1211 Hwy. 6 @ First Colony Boulevard 281-243-1000

The medical services of this center, which opened in Sugar Land in October 2003, include oncology, hematology, radiation oncology, chemotherapy, diagnostic imaging, laboratory services, a full-service pharmacy and participation in clinical trials of the latest new therapies. Patients also have a wide range of support services to help them with the emotional, psychological, nutritional and financial challenges they may have. Diagnostic technologies used at the center include computed tomography (CT) imaging. They also offer modulated radiation therapy. The center is part of the nation’s largest independent oncology practice and part of the US Oncology network, headquartered in Houston.

Fort Bend Medical and Diagnostic Center 11555 University Boulevard @ Hwy. 6 S 713-442-9100 Kelsey-Seybold Clinic, Houston’s largest community-based physician group, opened a new facility in Fort Bend County in 2005.

The 75,000 square-foot medical facility offers a wide range of primary care and specialty care doctors, as well as an expanded pharmacy with drive-thru services and enhanced diagnostic services such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computerized Tomography (CT), mammography and X-ray. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday - Friday, open on Saturday for pediatric visits. Closed Sunday.

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

Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

MAY 2008

21

Enjoy a blast from the past in nearby Rosenberg

T

ake a walk down memory lane in Rosenberg: The old downtown area of Rosenberg has come to life for a second time with the revitalization of historic buildings that offer visitors the opportunity to shop for antiques, browse a bookstore, enjoy a leisurely meal and last, but not least, experience a blast from the past and go to an old fashioned soda shop for a malted milkshake or a double scoop of ice cream.

Take a ride to Rosenberg for the Annual Summer Jam Car Show/Craft Show. All cars, trucks, motorcycles, antique tractors are invited. $20 entry fee. Cash awards for the top 3 Car Clubs with the most entrants.

Or just plan to go and view these fantastic vehicles from our past. For more information, contact Raymond Horelica, Jr. at 281.633.1637 or visit the website at www.summerjamcarshow.blogspot.com.

Family 4th Celebration Sponsored by the Rosenberg Convention and Visitors Bureau. This free annual event includes a concert by Fort Bend County’s premier entertainers, The Triumphs, and the Best Fireworks Display West of the Brazos!

HOT Summer Concerts Sponsored by the Rosenberg Convention and Visitors Bureau, music fills the streets of Historic Downtown Rosenberg each Friday evening in July.

Christmas in Rosenberg Sponsored by the Rosenberg Convention and Visitors Bureau,

Even the smaller members of the family can see relics of the past at the annual Rosenberg Antique Car Show.

22 MAY 2008

Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

guests celebrate their Christmas on the Brazos the first Saturday each December. This free event includes children’s activities, food, craft, and gift vendors, live entertainment, visits to Santa and Mrs. Claus and much, much more.

Rosenberg City Parks Rosenberg’s municipal parklands feature a variety of recreational facilities and includes pavilions, picnicking, playgrounds, birding, swimming, tennis, softball, and other sports. The city’s largest municipal park, Seabourne Creek Park is a 164 acre ecologically rich passive park offering bird watching, a 700 foot boardwalk through the park’s wetland, hiking and biking trails, a 4 acre lake with fishing piers, the R. W. Lindsey Gazebo, parking, and restrooms. Located one-half mile west of U.S. 59 on Highway 36, the park is open daily dawn to dusk. Alcoholic beverages and pets are not permitted in the city’s municipal parks.

CAST Theatrical Company Located above Vogelsang Antiques at 1911 Avenue G in the Historic Downtown District, the CAST Theatrical Company welcomes 62 guests every Friday and Saturday night to the best in live repertory theater performances. Admission fee.

One of the popular events in Rosenberg that attracts visitors is the annual antique car show in the historic downtown area.

Historical Downtown A trip to Rosenberg just wouldn’t be complete without a stroll through the revitalized downtown area. One of the most popular places is Another Time Soda Fountain & Cafe at 800 Third Street where the offering is all American. Old fashioned meals in a hometown atmosphere allows patrons to step into the past and enjoy sandwiches, burgers, salads, and shakes.

For a glimpse of this unique historical building.

The city of Richmond offers glimpse to the past

A

family outing wouldn’t be complete without a short drive to the city of Richmond, county seat of Fort Bend County and only 12 miles from Sugar Land.

Richmond has a rich and colorful history and the city and various organizations have gone to great lengths to preserve this history for generations to come.

The creation of the Richmond Historic District was the first step in revitalizing the old downtown area of the city, as well as the many other historical buildings in town. As a first step in creating a Richmond Historic District, the Fort Bend Museum Association and the City of Richmond traded properties in 1995. Following the trade of the 1896 Fort Bend County Jail from the Museum to the City of Richmond, and the trade of the 1880’s McFarlane Home from the City to the Museum, several efforts to develop a historic district began in 1996.

Instead of opting for a new modern law enforcement facility, the city decided to use the antique jail building and with some reviSugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

talization turned it into the Richmond Police Department. While serving the needs of the city, the modernization of the building did not impact the historical architecture that made this antique building unique. Rumors of ghosts haunting the building, near the area where prisoners were executed by hanging, still abound.

The City and the Museum continued the successful partnership to develop a historic district through preservation planning, park development, and promotion of business in the area.

The old downtown historic district encompasses a six-square block district bordered on the north by Morton Cemetery, the south by Houston Street, the west by Seventh Street and the east by the Brazos River.

Some of the structures included in the Richmond Historic District are the Richmond Police Department, The Fort Bend Museum Complex, the Fort Bend County Courthouse, Decker Park, and the downtown business district. continued on page 36 MAY 2008

23

Sugar Land Area Restaurants

Amici Cuisine: Italian 16089 City Walk (281) 242- 2800 www.amicitownsquare.com Daily 11a.m. - 11p.m.

Catering Services, Children’s Menu, Online Menu, Patio, Takeout Available, Free Valet Baker Street Pub & Grill Cuisine: American 15970 City Walk (281) 494- 0774 www.sherlockspubco.com Open Daily 11a.m. - 2a.m.

Wi-fi is Available Becks Prime Cuisine: American 1822 Highway 6 (281) 242- 6300 www.becksprime.com Sun-Thur 11a.m. - 10 p.m.

Fri- Sat 11a.m. - 11p.m.

Benihana Cuisine: Japanese Steakhouse 2579 Town Center Blvd. N (281) 565- 8888 www.benihana.com Sun 12p.m. - 9p.m.

Mon-Thur 11:30a.m. - 2p.m. 5p.m. - 9p.m.

Fri 11:30a.m. - 2p.m. 5p.m. - 10p.m.

Sat 12p.m. - 10p.m.

Berryhill Tamales & Tacos Cuisine: Mexican 13703 Southwest Fwy (281) 313- 8226 www.berryhilltamales.com Sun-Thur 9a.m. - 10p.m.

Fri-Sat 9a.m. - 11p.m.

Catering Services, Delivery Available, Online Menu, Patio seating 24 MAY 2008

BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse Cuisine: American 2231 Highway 6 (281) 242- 0400 www.bjsbrewhouse.com Sun-Wed 1 a.m. - 12a.m.

Thur-Sat 11a.m. - 1a.m.

Full bar, Happy hour specials, Catering, Take-out, Delivery, Curbside services Black Walnut Cafe Cuisine: American 16535 Southwest Fwy (281) 565- 7800 Mon-Thur 10:27a.m. - 10:03p.m.

Fri 10:27a.m. - 10:30p.m.

Sat 7:57a.m. - 10:33p.m.

Sun 7:57a.m. - 9:03p.m.

Blimpie Subs & Salads Cuisine: Deli, Sandwiches, & wraps 13875 Southwest Fwy (281) 242- 3322 www.blimpie.com Mon-Fri 10a.m.- 7p.m.

Sat 10a.m. - 6p.m.

Sun 11a.m. - 4p.m.

Boston Market Cuisine: American 2410 Highway 6 (281) 277- 1666 www.bostonmarket.com Open Daily 11a.m. - 10p.m.

Bravos Mexican Restaurant Cuisine: Mexican 4514 Highway 6 (281) 494- 3340 Monday 11:00a.m. - 9:00p.m.

Tuesday-Thursday 11:00a.m. - 10:00p.m.

Friday 11:00a.m. - 11:00p.m.

Saturday 8:00a.m. - 11:00p.m.

Sunday 8:00a.m. - 10:00p.m.

Brookstreet Barbecue Cuisine: American 3229 Highway 6 (281) 313- 4000 www.brookstreetbbq.com Closed on Sunday Mon-Thur 11a.m. - 9p.m.

Fri-Sat 11a.m. - 9:30p.m.

Catering Services are provided Burning Pear Cuisine: American 16090 City Walk (281) 275- 5925 www.theburningpear.com Mon-Fri 6a.m. - 10:30p.m.

Sat-Sun 7a.m. - 10:30p.m.

Breakfast/Brunch, Children’s Menu, Patio, Private Room Available, Takeout Available Cafe Adobe Cuisine: Mexican 2329 S Highway 6 (281) 277- 1700 www.restauranteur.com Weekdays 11a.m. - 10p.m.

Weekends 11a.m.- 11p.m.

Has Private Dining, Patio dining and Catering services Cafe East Chinese Restaurant Cuisine: Chinese 4645 Highway 6 (281) 491- 8181 Mon-Wed 11:30a.m. - 9:30p.m.

Thur-Fri 11:30a.m. - 10p.m.

Sat-Sun 11:30a.m. - 9:30p.m.

Cafe Express Cuisine: Mediterranean 15930 City Walk (281) 980- 9222 www.cafe-express.com Open Daily 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

Cafe Goo Goo Yen Cuisine: Chinese 1730 Williams Trace Blvd # L (281) 277- 8383 www.cafegoogooyen.com Mon-Fri 11 a.m.-10p.m.

Sat-Sun 11:30 a.m.- 9:30 p.m.

Free Delivery Cafe India Cuisine: Indian 2319 Williams Trace Blvd (281) 565- 5881 Open Daily 11a.m. - 3p.m.

5:30p.m. - 9:30p.m.

Carrabba’s Italian Grill Cuisine: Italian 2335 Highway 6 (281) 980- 4433 www.carabbas.com Sun 11a.m. - 9p.m.

Mon-Thur 4:30p.m. - 10p.m.

Fri 4:30p.m. - 11p.m.

Sat 3p.m. - 11p.m.

Catering Services, Children’s Menu, Online Menu, Open Kitchen, Takeout Available

Cheesecake Factory Cuisine: American #2000 First Colony Mall, 16535 SW Fwy (281) 313- 9500 www.thecheesecakefactory.com Sun 10a.m. - 11p.m.

Mon-Thur 11a.m. - 11a.m.

Fri-Sat 11a.m. - 12:30a.m.

Chili’s Grill and Bar Cuisine: American 15355 Southwest Fwy (281) 242- 5444 www.chilis.com Sun-Thur 11a.m. - 11p.m.

Fri-Sat 11a.m. - 12 a.m.

Chipotle Mexican Grill Cuisine: Mexican 2280 Lone Star Dr (281) 980- 6622 www.chipotle.com Open Daily 11a.m. - 10p.m.

Cici’s Pizza Cuisine: American 4127 Highway 6 (281) 265- 0099 www.cicispizza.com Sun-Thur 11a.m. - 10p.m.

Fri-Sat 11a.m.-11p.m.

Coco’s Cafe Cuisine: Taiwanese 4565- Highway 6 # F (281) 491- 7868 Open Daily 11a.m. - 9p.m.

Corelli’s Italian Cafe Cuisine: Italian 3229 Highway 6 (281) 491- 8900 www.corellis.com Closed Sunday Mon-Wed 11a.m. - 9:30p.m.; Thurs 11a.m. - 9p.m.; Fri 11a.m. - 10p.m.; Sat 5p.m. - 10p.m.

Dimassi Mediterranean Buffet Cuisine: Mediterranean 4654 Highway 6 (281) 277- 2184 www.dimasssisbuffet.com Sun-Thur 11a.m. - 9p.m.

Fri-Sat 11a.m. - 10p.m.

Double Dave’s Pizzaworks Cuisine: Italian 4506 Highway 6 (281) 980-3283 www.doubledaves.com Sun-Fri 10 a.m.- 10 p.m.

Sat 10a.m.- 11p.m.

Dynasty Buffet Cuisine: Chinese 13849 Southwest Fwy (281) 980- 3333 Sun- 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Mon-Sat 11 a.m. - 10p.m.

Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

Earl of Sandwich Cuisine: Deli 1930 S Highway 6 (281) 240- 1762 Sun 7a.m. - 8 p.m.

Mon-Sat 7a.m. - 9p.m.

Jade Garden Chinese Cuisine: Cuisine: Chinese 4555 Highway 6 (281) 265- 8868 www.jadecafe2565.com Open Daily 11a.m. -9:30p.m.

Favorite Pizza Cuisine: American 13416 Greenway Dr (281) 242- 2277 Mon-Thur 4p.m. - 10p.m.

Fri 11a.m. - 11:15p.m.

Sat 11a.m. - 11p.m.

Sun 12a.m. - 10p.m.

Japaneiro’s Sushi Bistro & Latin Grill Cuisine: Japanese, Latin American 2186 Texas Dr (281) 242- 1121 www.japaneiro.com Mon-Wed 11a.m. - 10.p.m.

Thu 11a.m. - 12a.m.

Fri-Sat 11a.m. - 2a.m.

Sun 11a.m. - 9p.m.

Fernando’s Latin Cuisine Cuisine: Southern American 14135 Southwest Fwy (281) 494- 9087 www.fernandosrestaurants.com Weekdays 11a.m. - 2p.m., 5p.m. - 10p.m.

Sat 5p.m. - 10p.m.; Sun 5:30p.m. - 10p.m.

Fish City Grill Cuisine: American 15980- City Walk (281)494- 3474 www.fishcitgrill.com Sun-Thur 11a.m. - 10p.m.

Fri-Sat 11a.m - 11p.m.

Children’s Menu, Online Menu, Open Kitchen, Patio, Takeout Available Fortune Garden Cuisine: Chinese 11920 S Highway 6 (832) 328 1549 Mon-Fri 11a.m. - 10p.m.

Sat-Sun 12a.m. - 10:30p.m.

Hunan Empress Restaurant Cuisine: Chinese 15425 Southwest Fwy (281) 491- 0666 Daily 11a.m. - 10p.m.

Carry &Take out services available IHOP Cuisine: American 16530 Southwest Fwy (281) 494- 4334 www.ihop.com Open Daily 12a.m. - 12a.m.

Inchin’s Bamboo Garden Cuisine: Indian - Chinese 14025 Southwest Fwy # 501 (281) 265- 3400 www.bamboo-gardens.com Mon-Thur 11:30 a.m. - 10:30p.m.

Fri 1130 a.m. - 11:30p.m.

Sat 12 p.m.-11:30p.m., Sun 12p.m.-11p.m.

Jabour’s Steaks & Seafood Cuisine: American, French 14019 Southwest Fwy (281) 980-2130 Closed on Sunday Mon-Fri Lunch 11a.m. - 2p.m.

Dinner 5p.m. - 10p.m.

Sat Dinner 5p.m. - 10p.m.

Jason’s Deli Cuisine: American 15275- Southwest Fwy (281) 565- 3737 www.jasondeli.com Open Daily 10a.m. - 10p.m.

Catering Services, Delivery Joe’s Crab Shack Cuisine: American 19740 Southwest Fwy (281) 344- 2100 www.joescrabshack.com Sun 11a.m. - 10p.m.

Mon-Thur 11a.m. - 10p.m.

Fri-Sat 11a.m. - 11p.m.

Johnny Rockets Cuisine: American 16019 City Walk (281) 565- 0908 www.johnnyrockets.com Sun-Thur 11a.m. - 9p.m.

Fri-Sat 11a.m. - 11p.m.

Kona Grill Cuisine: Blend of Asian 16535 Southwest Fwy (281) 242- 7000 www.konagrill.com Sun-Thurs 11a.m. - 11p.m.

Fri- Sat 11a.m. - 12a.m.

La Madeleine Cuisine: French 2675 Town Center Blvd N. (281) 494- 4400 www.lamadeleine.com Sun-Thur 6:30a.m. - 10p.m.

Fri-Sat 6:30a.m. - 11p.m.

Leonardo’s Italian Bistro Cuisine: Italian 15295 Southwest Fwy (281) 565- 2949 www.leonardosbistro.com Closed on Sunday Mon-Fri 11a.m. - 10p.m.

Sat- 4:30p.m. - 11p.m.

Live Oak Grill Cuisine: American 12935 Diary Ashford Rd (281) 491- 5253 Mon-Thur 11a.m. - 9p.m.

Fri 11a.m - 10p.m. • Sat 11a.m. - 9:30p.m.

Sun 11a.m. - 8:30p.m.

Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

Los Tios Mexican Restaurant Cuisine: Mexican 3308 Highway 6 (281) 980-1313 www.restaurants.com Sun-Thur 11a.m. - 10p.m.

Fri- Sat 11a.m.- 11a.m.

Luby’s Cuisine: American 3434 Highway 6 (281) 980- 1696 www.lubys.com Open Daily 11a.m. - 8p.m.

Madras Pavilion Inc. Cuisine: Indian 16260 Kensington Blvd.

(281) 491- 3672 www.madraspavilion.us Lunch: Mon-Fri-11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Dinner Mon-Thur: 5:30p.m. to 9 p.m.; 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays; Sat-Sun11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Lunch, Online Menu, Online Reservations, Private Room Available, Takeout Available Murphy’s Deli Cuisine: American 2581 N Town Center Blvd (281) 313-6600 www.murphysdeli.com Closed Sunday Mon-Fri 10a.m. - 7p.m.

Sat 10a.m. - 5p.m.

New York Pizzeria Cuisine: Italian 403 Highway 6 # C (281) 494- 1114 www.nypizzeria.com Open Daily 11a.m. - 9p.m.

You can dine-in, carry out, or get it delivered Orient Express Cuisine: Chinese 4779 Sweetwater Blvd.

(281) 313- 8800 Open Daily 11a.m. - 9:30p.m.

Take out and Delivery only Outback Steakhouse Cuisine: Australian 15253 Southwest Fwy (281) 980-4329 www.outbacksteakhouse.com Sun- 11a.m. - 930p.m.

Mon-Fri 4p.m. - 10p.m.

Sat- 3p.m.- 11p.m.

Offers call-ahead seating and curbside take-away

Panda Garden Cuisine: Chinese 1043 Eldridge Road (281) 242- 7728 Sun 11:30a.m. - 10p.m.

Mon-Thur 11 a.m.- 10 p.m.

Fri- 11a.m. - 10:30 p.m.

Sat- 11:30 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.

Pappa La Rosa Flying Pizza Cuisine: American 16227 Lexington Blvd (281) 313- 3500 www.pappalarosa.com Closed Monday’s Tue-Thu 11a.m. - 9p.m.

Fri-Sat 11a.m. - 11p.m.

Sun 11a.m. - 9p.m.

Pappasito’s Cantina Cuisine: Mexican 13750 Southwest Fwy (281) 565- 9797 www.pappasitos.com Sun-Thurs 11a.m. - 10 p.m.

Fri - Sat 11a.m. - 11p.m.

Full-Service Catering Pei Wei Asian Diner Cuisine: Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Thai, Vietnamese 16101 Kensington Dr. (281)240- 1931 www.peiwei.com Sun-Thurs 10:30a.m.- 9p.m.

Fri- Sat 10:30 a.m.- 10p.m.

All day dining, Cafeteria style, and a Children Menu Perry’s Grill & Steak House Cuisine: American 2115 Town Square (281) 565- 2727 www.perrysrestaurants.com Sun- 11a.m. - 9p.m.

Mon-Fri 11 a.m. - 10p.m.

Sat- 12p.m.- 11p.m.

continued on page 26

Panda Express Cuisine: Chinese 1401 Highway 6 (281) 277- 0856 www.pandaexpress.com Sun-Thur 11a.m.- 9p.m.

Fri- Sat 11a.m.- 9:30p.m.

Drive-Thru Services

MAY 2008

25

Sugar Land Area Restaurants PF Chang’s China Bistro Cuisine: Chinese, Japanese 2120 Lone Star Dr (281) 313- 8650 www.pfchangs.com Sun-Thur 11a.m. - 11p.m.

Fri- Sat 11a.m. - 12p.m.

Child Friendly, Family Style Portions, Online Menu, Patio, Takeout Available Pico De Gallo Mexican Restaurant Cuisine: Mexican 3121 Highway 6 (281) 265- 6665 www.picodegallomexicanfood.com Sunday–Thursday 1 a.m. - 9p.m.

Friday–Saturday, 11a.m. - 10p.m.

Popeye’s Chicken & Biscuits Cuisine: American 1134 Eldridge Rd (281) 491- 7377 www.popeyes.com Open Daily 10:30a.m. - 10p.m.

Post Oak Grill Sugar Land Cuisine: American 4524 Highway 6 (281) 491- 2901 www.postoakgrillsugarland.com Mon-Thu 11a.m. - 9p.m.

Fri-Sat 11a.m. - 10p.m.

continued from page 25

Red Lobster Cuisine: American 232-3 Highway 6 (281) 313- 2525 www.redlobstor.com Sun-Thur 11a.m. - 10p.m.

Fri-Sat 11a.m. - 11p.m.

Sbarro Cuisine: Italian 16535 Southwest Fwy (281) 265- 4447 www.sbarro.com Mon-Sat 10a.m. - 9p.m.

Sun 10a.m. - 7 p.m.

Ruby Tuesday Cuisine: American 16549 Southwest Fwy (281) 313- 7800 www.rubytuesday.com Mon-Fri 11a.m. - 10p.m.

Sat-Sun 11a.m. - 11p.m.

Shiva Indian Restaurant Cuisine: Indian 16556 Southwest Fwy (281) 494- 2981 www.shivarestaurant.com Sun-Thurs 1:30-10:00 p.m.

Sat 12 a.m.- 11 p.m.

Catering Services, Online Menu, Takeout Available Serves Dinner, Lunch

Sabai Thai Cafe Cuisine: Thai 2705 Town Center Blvd. N (281) 325- 1007 www.sabaithaicafe.com Closed Sunday Mon-Sat 11a.m. - 3 p.m. • 5p.m.- 8p.m.

Saltgrass Steak House Cuisine: American 19720 Southwest Fwy (281) 232- 3502 www.saltgrass.com Sun 11a.m. - 10p.m.

Mon-Thur 1:00a.m. - 10p.m.

Fri-Sat 11a.m. - 11p.m

Sicily Pizza and Pasta Cuisine: Italian 4565- Highway 6 (281) 240- 5555 www.sicilypizzasugarland.com Open Daily 11a.m. - 10p.m.

Skeeter’s Mesquite Grill Cuisine: American 15295 Southwest Fwy (281) 980- 0066 Sun 11a.m. - 9p.m.

Mon-Thur 11a.m. - 10p.m.

Fri-Sat 11a.m. - 11p.m.

Souper Salad Cuisine: American 2715 Town Center Blvd. N (281) 980- 5200 www.soupersalad.com Sun 11a.m. - 8:30p.m.

Mon-Thurs 10:30 a.m. - 9p.m.

Fri-Sat 10:30a.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Sweet Mesquite Cuisine: American 4849 Sweetwater Blvd.

(281) 313- 3100 www.restaurants.com Sun 11a.m. - 9p.m.

Mon-Thur 11a.m. - 10p.m.

Fri-Sat 11a.m. - 11p.m.

Catering Services provided

Ragin Cajun Cuisine: American 16100 Kensington Dr (281) 277- 0704 www.ragin-cajun.com Sun- 11a.m.- 9p.m.

Mon-Thurs 11a.m. - 10p.m.

Fri-Sat 11a.m.- 11p.m.

Patio Seating, Children’s Menu 26 MAY 2008

Sasu Sushi Bar & Grill Cuisine: Japanese 5854 New Territory Blvd (281) 313- 0075 www.sasusushi.net Closed on Sunday Mon-Thu 11a.m. -2p.m., 4p.m. -9p.m.; Fri-Sat 11a.m. - 2p.m., 4p.m. - 10p.m.

Tacone Flavor Grill Cuisine: American 2228 Texas Dr (281) 313- 2300 www.tacone.com Sun 12p.m. - 8p.m.

Mon-Sat 11a.m. - 9p.m.

Texan Grill Cuisine: American 1313-4 Dairy Ashford Rd (281) 491- 1131 www.texan-grill.org Closed on Sunday Mon-Fri 8a.m. - 7p.m.

Sat 11a.m. - 4p.m TGI Friday’s Cuisine: American 2515 Town Center Blvd. N (281) 494- 8400 www.fridays.com Sun-Thur 11a.m. - 12midnight Fri- Sat 11a.m. - 2a.m.

Thai Basil Cuisine: Thai 4526 Highway 6 (281) 265- 8300 www.thaibasiltexas.com Sun-Thur 11a.m. - 9:30p.m.

Fri-Sat 11a.m. - 10p.m. *Lunch Special- Mon-Fri 11a.m. - 3p.m.* Dine-In, Take-Out, and Catering Available Thai Cottage II Cuisine: Thai 4723 Sweetwater Blvd N. (281) 313- 0707 Mon - Thurs 11a.m. - 3 p.m.

5p.m. - 930p.m.

Fri - Sat 11a.m. - 3p.m.; 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Sun 11a.m. - 3p.m.; 5 p.m. - 8:30p.m.

Thai Siam Cuisine: Thai 11581 S Highway 6, #6 (281) 277 2001 www.thai-siam.com Lunch Hours Mon-Fri 11a.m. - 3p.m.

Sat 11:30a.m. - 3p.m.

Sun- 3:30p.m. - 9:00p.m.

Dinner Hours Mon-Thur 5p.m. - 10p.m.

Fri-Sat 5:30p.m. - 10:30p.m.

Tortuga Coastal Cantina Cuisine: Mexican 3385 Highway 6 (281) 265-1222 www.mexicanrestaurant.com Mon-Thur 11a.m. - 10p.m.

Fri-Sat 11a.m.- 11p.m.

Sun 11a.m. - 10p.m.

Udipi Cafe Cuisine: Indian Vegetarian 3559 Highway 6 (281) 313- 2700 Sun-Sat 11a.m. - 11p.m.

Closed Monday’s Lunch Buffet

Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

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Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

MAY 2008

27

Sugar Land Parks

R

ecreational opportunities abound from the finest golf courses to community soccer and baseball fields. Sugar Land residents enjoy 18 neighborhood and community parks on 771.5 acres of parkland offering greenbelts, picnic areas, volleyball courts, playing fields, golf, tennis

and swimming.

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

Events and Activities The Sugar Land Parks and Recreation Department is Sugar Land’s headquarters for fun, providing year-round recreational activities, classes and special events for all ages including: • Easter Egg Hunt • Red, White & Bluefest • Halloween Fun Night • Concerts In The Park • Skate Late • Town Square Holiday Tree Lighting Brazos River Park 15300 University Blvd.

The Brazos River flows through Sugar Land along a 9 mile corridor.

The City has acquired approximately 1200 acres of land along the banks of the river. Ultimately, the City hopes to own almost 3600 acres for parks, open space, and conservation along the corridor.

The Brazos River Park will be developed over many years. Multiple access points along the river will be developed and will be identified as a sub-park within the larger Brazos River Park. The park sites will provide access to trails, play areas, and the river as well as providing restrooms, and picnic facilities. The sub-parks will be connected along the corridor by trails and canoe access.

City Park 225 Seventh Street This 21-acre community park is at the corner of Wood Street and 7th Street, adjacent to the Sugar Land Middle School. Park facilities include a pool, five lighted baseball fields (1 t-ball, 3 little league-for boys, 1 pony for boys, 1 football practice area), a lighted and covered skate park pavilion with bleachers, benches and bike racks, four lighted tennis courts, a playground, batting cages, drinking fountain, grills, benches, picnic tables, restrooms, a sand volleyball area, horseshoe pits, covered picnic shelter, concession stands and meeting room. The pool is 25 yards long, ranges 3-12 feet in depth and has two 1-meter diving boards. Hike & Bike Trail continues through the park linking the Sugar Mill subdivision and the Hill subdivision to Sugar Land Middle School, Lakeview Elementary School and Lonnie Green Park.

28 MAY 2008

The new 150 acre Sugar Land Memorial Park is now open.

Duhacsek Park 17034 Old Richmond Road This 50 acre park site was donated to the City by the late Mr. Walter and Virginia Duhacsek.

This homestead is filled with huge hand-grafted pecan trees. It holds the third largest pecan tree in Texas. This facility is available for reservations for groups up to 40 people. Located at the intersection of Voss Road and Old Richmond Road. The facility consists of 20 parking spaces, 1 picnic table and 2 restrooms.

This park is being developed to accommodate activities of youth groups such as, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and the YMCA for day camp activities. It will also be an ideal setting for company or church picnics.

It has large open spaces for group gatherings as well as wooded areas for nature walks.

Eldridge Park 2511 Eldridge Road This 43-acre community park is located on Eldridge Road near the West Airport intersection. The park facilities include a community meeting room for 65 people, picnic pavilion, restrooms, grills, benches, continued on page 30 Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

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continued from page 28 picnic tables, .40 miles of trails, fishing pier, concession stand, playground, 10 soccer fields, five-acre pond and 500 car parking lot. The pond is stocked with an assortment of fish.

The park is the home of the Sugar Land Soccer Club and also hosts the Fun, Fair, Positive Soccer organization. Most of the soccer fields are reserved for league play; however, two fields are available for open play.

First Colony Park 3232 Austin Parkway This 22-acre park is the site of a 3,000 square foot conference center.

This park contains seven lighted and two unlighted baseball fields, several batting cages, two concession stands, a playground, drinking fountains, grills, benches, 368 parking spaces, restrooms, picnic tables and picnic pavilion.

The park is the home of the First Colony Little League the Greater Sugar Land Pony Colt League.

The Conference Center can be reserved for private function. It can accommodate up to 125 guests.

For information call the Parks and Recreation Department at (281) 275-2885.

Imperial Park 230 Matlage Way Located behind the Sugar Land Community Center and the Sugar Land Parks and Recreation Department at the corner of Matlage Way and Guenther. This 44 acre park is the home of the Sugar Land Girls Softball Association. The park facilities include parking, nine softball fields, batting cages, playground, picnic area, drinking fountains and restrooms. Future improvements include a walking/jogging trail and picnic pavilions. The park is also accessible from U.S. Hwy. 90 across the street from the Imperial Sugar complex.

Design is underway to add trails and pavilions to Imperial Park, in accordance with the Imperial Park Master Plan. The new eight-foot concrete trail will circle the perimeter of the development portion of the park and will be approximately one mile long, featuring a pedestrian bridge and two pavilions. All the Imperial improvements will be completed by late 2009.

Grand Opening for NEW Imperial Park Disc Golf Course. Disc golf is similar to traditional golf. Instead of a ball and clubs, however, players use a disc, or Frisbee. The nine-hole course located in the southern, undeveloped portion of the park and will wind through existing trees.

Golfers must bring their own discs.

Lost Creek Park 3703 Lost Creek Blvd. (77479) This 21-acre park includes seven soccer fields (6 youth- 4 lighted, 1 adult- not lighted, 2 practice fields) for youth and adults, a large play structure for children from 2 to 12, a meeting room which can accommodate 40 people, a covered picnic pavilion with a concession stand, restrooms, and parking for over 300 vehicles. The three-mile Oyster Creek Trail is accessible from Lost Creek Park. A .9 mile lighted loop trail circles the park site.

A BMX track offering youngsters and teens another way to stay active outdoors can be found at Lost Creek Park.

Lost Creek Park is the home of the Eclipse Soccer Club. Most of the soccer fields are restricted to reserved use, however, 3 fields are available 30 MAY 2008

PLEASE DON’T FEED THE ALLIGATORS. The Brazos Bend State Park, outside of Richmond, offers plenty of wildlife, picnicking and camping, as well as hiking trails.

for open play. These fields are located in the power-line easement area at the entry to the park.

Oyster Creek Park / Trail 4033 State Highway 6 South This three-mile hike and bike trail is accessible from Lexington Blvd., Dulles Ave., and Hwy 6. In addition to the Greenbelt trail, a water feature with rock lined falls and a pond is constructed near the Hwy 6 entrance, adjacent to Oyster Creek. Emergency call boxes exist along Oyster Creek Trail. This facility includes: 78 parking spaces, 5 picnic tables, drinking fountain, grills, benches and the Liberty Garden (rose garden).

Restroom facilities are available. A stage/amphitheater covering accentuates Parks and Recreation’s Concert Series, Red White & Bluefest and other special events.

The stage area of the park can be reserved for private functions.

Sugar Land Memorial Park 15300 University Blvd.

The City of Sugar Land is happy to announce that the first phase of Sugar Land Memorial Park, 150 acres, is open. The park hours are sunrise to sunset. The 420-acre park is located along the Brazos River between U.S. Highway 59 and University Boulevard with the park entry at the intersection of Commonwealth and University Boulevards.

Included in the first phase are two and a half miles of 8-foot wide granite gravel walking/jogging/biking trails, a picnic pavilion, restroom building, parking areas, canoe launch into the Brazos River, playground, open space for sports activities and a lake. The two functioning windmills at the park operate pumps that help maintain the level of water in the manmade lake. Presently there are no fish in the lake, but the City does plan to stock the lake sometime in the future, for updates contact our office.

The pavilion is temporarily available on a first come, first serve basis.

Please contact our office for scheduling the this facility as rental fees will be assessed once policies and procedures have been approved.

Please contact Kimberly Terrell, Parks Development Manager, for further information about the park. For more call the Parks and Recreation Department at (281) 275-2885.

Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

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Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

MAY 2008

31

Enjoy our colorful history at one of the many museums in the county

T

he history of Sugar Land and Fort Bend County is colorful and there are a number of interesting museums and museum-sponsored events to enjoy year round.

Some of the offerings include: Fort Bend Museum: The Fort Bend Museum portrays Fort Bend County history from Austin’s Colony in 1822 to 1945. At the Fort Bend Museum journey through time and experience life on the Brazos River and the Fort Bend story through dioramas and displays. The museum offers some special events throughout the year in addition to regular tours. The Fiestas Patrias Festival is one of those events. The annual event is held at the

The George Observatory, near Richmond, offers many sights and sounds of space and the night-time skies for visitors.

Fort Bend County Museum, 500 Houston Street in Richmond. This event held each September features authentic Mexican music, traditional folkloric dancing, car show, children’s activities, bingo, jalapeño and watermelon contest, Carranza puppet show, and Fiestas Patrias Queen contest. Noon - 6:00 p.m. No admission fee.

Railroad museum: Exhibits include artifacts representing each of the eight railroads that traversed Fort Bend County, items from Tower 17, railroad occupations, signaling, artifacts relevant to the 1879 Quebec railcar, express company items, and railroad advertising.

Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 10 AM to 5 PM Sunday 1PM to 5PM Special Tours / Activities by Appointment Admission: $5.00 for adults $4.00 for senior citizens (55+) $3.00 for children ages 1 – 14. For additional information, call (281) 6332846

The George Observatory lets youngsters and oldsters enjoy the stars and planets. Visitors from around the world tour the observatory and all the activities available.

32 MAY 2008

Railroad museum special events: May 11, 2008 Mother’s Day Special--Bring your mother in for her special day at the museum. Mothers accompanied by her child, children or grandchildren will be admitted free and give a special mother’s day corsage. continued on page 34 Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

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continued from page 32 May 17, 2008, time TBA, Museum Grounds Armed Forces Day Brick Dedication Ceremony—Visitors are invited to help honor those that have served and are serving in our armed forces by purchasing a memorial paving stone with the name of someone you want to remember or honor. Order your brick for $100 by the first of May to have it included in the ceremony. To order your brick come by the museum at 1921 Avenue F and fill out your order form.

BOOberg Halloween Carnival Sponsored by the Rosenberg Railroad Museum and the City of Rosenberg, the event is held each October on the Museum grounds at 1921 Avenue F and features a haunted house, carnival games, costume contests, Scarecrow Contest, food, refreshments, and more. Noon 4:00 p.m. No admission fee.

Rosenberg’s historically significant buildings include: 1888 Charles Harvey Waddell House, 1202 Avenue G, home of founder of Fort Bend Telephone Company.

1910 Teague-Waddell House, 1810 Avenue U, featuring ornate columns and classical revival details, sits on what was once known as Rosenberg’s “silk stocking row.”

1824 Trone-Ray-Lane House, 1314 Third Street, located on an 1824 Stephen F. Austin land grant and was built as a wedding gift.

1920s Robonowitz Building, 2012 Avenue G, built by Russian immigrants.

1912 First Baptist Church, 1117 First Street, had the first electric lights in town and held baptism services in the Brazos River until the 1930s.

Rosenberg Cemetery The historic Rosenberg Cemetery, formerly known as the Woodmen of the World Cemetery located at Magnolia Street and Avenue D, was established by Rosenberg Camp No. 535. The names of the city’s early settlers and leaders can be found among grave markers dating to the 1890’s.

Texian Market Days George Ranch Historical Park Texian Market Days. Whether you are a new Texan, visitor to our great state, or your Lone Star lineage is as old as the hills, you’re sure to find a rousing good time as the ranch celebrates more than 160 years of Texas’ unique heritage & culture. Visitors will enjoy the sights, sounds & tastes of Texas past and present. Hundreds of volunteer reenactors will bring the chapters of Texas’ history alive with innovative & hands-on programs. Arts & crafts vendors will share their wares, and food vendors will tempt you with a range of menu items. In addition,

families will enjoy children’s activities and family-friendly live entertainment is scheduled throughout the day, both days. Time: 9am-5pm. Cost: $10 adults, $5 children (5 to 15). Location: 10215 FN 762, Richmond TX. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call 281-343-0218 or 281-545-9212.

The George Ranch Historical Park, located outside of Richmond, offers “hands on” action for all ages.

Little ones enjoy a day of roping at the George Ranch Historical Park.

With this one there is no worry about a stampede.

34 MAY 2008

Head em up and move em out. The long horn steer is equated with the great state of Texas and there is no shortage of these great animals at the George Ranch Historical Park.

Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

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There are plenty of unique cars on display at the antique car show in Rosenberg. The yearly event attracts hundreds of tourists.

The city of Richmond offers glimpse to the past continued from page 23 Decker Park includes a 1901 railroad depot, a log-cabin replica of the original Fort Bend, the McNabb House, c. 1850, (Carrie Nation’s daughter’s home) and a 1896 county jail. Also features a modern gazebo. Located in the 500 block of Preston, Richmond.

The Richmond Pecan Festival is an annual Fort Bend County event featuring The Pecan Bake-Off, baked goods, Pecan Raffle, everything you ever wanted to know about pecans, by the Fort Bend County Pecan Growers, and the Texas Pecan Growers.

Quality arts and crafts, a huge antique car show, games and activities for kids & teens. A great time to visit Downtown shops, restaurants and the new George Building. Time: 9am-5pm. Cost: FREE. Location: Downtown Morton St., Richmond. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call 281-232-2155. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually.

Go to http://www.AnotherTimeSodaFountain.com

36 MAY 2008

Step back in time to another place and another time by visiting the Another Time Soda Shop in historic downtown Rosenberg where old fashioned architecture and malted milk shakes are pleasing to the eyes and the taste buds.

Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

Physicians Dedicated to Preserving and Enhancing Your Sight.

Comprehensive eye care: • Eye Exams • Cataracts • Bladeless “Custom” LASIK • Glaucoma • Corneal Transplants • Pediatrics • Retina-Vitreous Care • Diabetic Retinopathy

Charles A. Johnson, MD Dean P. Porter, MD Michael R. Koop, MD W. Michael Hipps, MD Glen E. Bulan, MD

281-242-8841

Laser Vision Correction/ReSTOR® Implants 4977 Sweetwater Blvd. Sugar Land, Texas 77479 (Located across Kroger Grocery Shopping Center) Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

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Christmas the old-fashioned way in Fort Bend

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he holidays simply would not be complete without at least one trip to any of the holiday celebrations held throughout the county. Listen to carolers and drink warm cider while awaiting Santa Claus’ arrival.

Some of the local holiday offerings include:

Campfire Christmas

George Ranch Historical Park A traditional, holiday ranch-style feast, live entertainment, around a roomy campfire, hayrides and tours of a beautiful decorated Victorian home at the George Ranch create the perfect holiday atmosphere. For more information on the 2008 event call 281-342-0218

CASA Christmas Home Tour

Sugar Land This wonderful Sugar Land tradition, which benefits Child Advocates of Fort Bend County, showcases stunning homes in the area. During December the CASA Christmas Home Tour features interior designers and florists who have decorated these homes for the holidays. Over $ 100,000 was raised 1997 for the Child Advocates of Fort Bend County programs.

Moore Home Candlelight Tour

John M. Moore Home in Richmond After undergoing extensive renovations, the John M. Moore Home in Richmond has special holiday Candlelight tours in December. Visitors will see the home lit by votive candles and hurricane lamps, with trimmed trees, decked halls and festive holiday finery, created and decorated by the Fort Bend Museum’s docent organization. 281-342-6478

38 MAY 2008

Snowfest Festival

Missouri City A parade, games, vendors and 100,000 pounds of snow create a winter wonderland in Missouri City. Friends and family will enjoy great food, creative arts and crafts, a visit with Santa Claus, live entertainment, a petting zoo, train rides and much, much more. Admission is free. 281-261-4373

Rosenberg’s Holiday Magic

Historic Downtown Rosenberg Follow the Christmas star to the streets of downtown Historic Rosenberg the first Saturday of each December and you will step back to the Christmas Season of 1883 --the year the Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe Railway Company rolled into Rosenberg. Capture the Holiday Spirit and delight in the sights and sounds of Christmas 1883 including a live nativity, entertainment, letters to Santa, food and craft vendors, Christmas light parade, visits with St. Nick, Railroad Museum tours, children’s carnival, real snow and so much more! Free admission. Event information 832-595-3520.

Winter Wonderland

Richmond State School Drive around the campus to see beautifully lit up Disney characters to brighten your spirit. Free admission. 281-344-4524

Miracle on Morton Street

Downtown Richmond Are you ready for an old fashioned, small town Christmas like you remember when you were growing up or have heard about from your grandparents? Would you like your children or grandchildren to enjoy a family oriented Christmas celebration that includes a visit with Santa, a children’s activity area, church and school choirs? The city of Richmond has all this and more! And best of all, it’s FREE! For information, visit www.MiracleOnMortonStreet.com

Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

T he Magnolia House

Whether destined for the stage or the boardroom, Drama Kids builds confidence, speaking skills, and acting skills in young people and teenagers, ages 5–-17. Our programs are fast paced and fun!

FINE INTERIORS & GIFTS

Decorating made enjoyable using a design portfolio by one of our in-house designers.

• Stunning Custom Florals • Framed Art & Tapestries • Surprisingly Unique gifts

• Candles & potpourri for all your fragrance needs

6146 Highway 6

832-885-4869 • www.dramakids.com/tx4

(In the Kroger center next to Hallmark)

281.208.9955

• Income Tax Preparation for Individuals, Businesses, Estates and Trusts • Accounting Services for Small to Medium Sized Businesses • Business and Individual Strategic Tax Consulting

Douglas T. Brown, CPA One Sugar Creek Center Blvd.

Suite 970 Sugar Land, TX 77478 Telephone: (281) 265-8366 doug@douglastbrown.com Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

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Custom Designs by Fo r t B e n d ’ s C u s t o m J e w e l e r 14015 Southwest Freeway at Sugar Creek

281-242-2900 www.jloggins.com

HOURS: MON-FRI. 10-6 • SAT. 10-3 Watch & Jewelry Repair on Premises

Custom Design • Custom Makeovers • Custom Repair

Fo r t B e n d ’ s C u s t o m J e w e l e r Stacy Koffel

J

Loggins Jewelers has been Fort Bend’s Custom Jeweler for over twenty years. The dedicated professionals at J Loggins Jewelers provide exceptional customer service with combined sixty years’ experience in the fine jewelry industry.

Original custom design is their strength. Talented designers including a GIA certified Graduate Gemologist, guide their clients through the exciting process of creating unique, one-of-akind pieces. Expertise in original design and construction, and gemology, with an emphasis on providing the best in quality and value, is what sets J Loggins Jewelers apart from all the rest.

With a master jeweler on site, J Loggins Jewelers offers a wide array of services, including simple solders, fine jewelry repairs in all precious metals, repairs of some fashion and base metals, heirloom restorations, custom makeovers, engraving, watch battery replacements, restringing, and appraisal services.

J Loggins Jewelers enjoys the availability of an experienced watchmaker

and provides quality watch service and watch repairs.

The energetic team of professionals at J Loggins Jewelers takes great pride in the relationships they have built with their clients. They are honored to have served, and claim as friends, generations of Fort Bend families.

J Loggins Jewelers offers the most unique and original collections of diamond jewelry, colored gemstone jewelry, high fashion jewelry – with something for everyone in price points ranging from modest to extravagant.

Recently featured in a television report by Houston’s own Lifestyle Reporter, Patricia Lopez, at local ABC affiliate, Channel 13, J Loggins Jewelers is recognized as an authority on what is fashionable and in style in today’s exciting jewelry industry.

J Loggins Jewelers is dedicated to the dynamic and thriving Fort Bend Community by participating in many charitable organizations and events, including Susan G. Komen For The Cure, The Young Survival Coalition, CASA, Fort Bend Lawyers Care, Fort Bend Cares, SEARCH, and others.

Nicki Ballard

Britt Caffarena

Christy Parker

Omar Quinonez

Little League organizations encourage sportsmanship that lasts a lifetime

I

n Sugar Land the main focus isn’t just on building and buying homes it’s also on the kids and keeping them active. With over 15 little league associations and organizations in the area, your child can choose from 7 different sports: baseball, basketball, football, soccer, softball, swimming and tennis.

Age ranges for these groups start approximately at 5 years old through 18 and are inexpensive. The main vision and goal of the coaches and athletic directors training the children is to first and foremost to instill qualities in them that they can carry on with them in the future.

Establishing a set of values through

First Colony Little League 3232 Austin Parkway 281- 277 -4139 Spring Registration Closed Ages 7-12 www.fcll.net Email: s.weiss@fcll.net Regular Season Starts March 29 Regular Season Ends May 15 Greater Sugar Land Pony/Colt Baseball 3232 Austin Parkway 281- 437- 8210 Pony (Ages 13-14) $150 Colt (Ages 15-18) $175 www.gslpony.com Email: leber@meansknaus.com Regular Season Starts March 29 Regular Season Ends May 15 West Sugar Land Little League PO Box 1143, Sugar Land, TX 77487 281- 313 -5019 Ages (5-6) $100 Ages (7-16) $125 www.wslll.com Email: dbrand@wsll.com Regular Season Starts March 29 Regular Season Emds May 15 42 MAY 2008

sportsmanship, fair play, and discipline are just a few of the priceless benefits your child will gain by being apart of a youth athletic team in Sugar Land. What’s very unique about Sugar Land’s little league athletics is, all children are given a chance despite any physical disabilities he/she might have. Children are constantly encouraged on the field or court to keep on keeping on through handwork, perseverance and the joy of teamwork.

Emphasis is not placed too heavily on the competitive side of the sport but rather, the enjoyment of working together to reach team goals and aspirations. Practice sessions are geared towards improving the team and aiding the individuals in areas they might

Sugar Land Little League Baseball PO Box 2039, Sugar Land, TX 77487 281- 242- 0709 $125 per player Ages 5-12 www.slll.org Email: brandon@slll.com Regular Season Starts March 29 Regular Season Ends May 15

First Colony Youth Basketball Association P.O. Box 17804, Sugar Land, TX 77496 281--587-5365 Ages (5-7) $120, Age (8-14) $130 Boys and Girls 5-14 www.fcyba.com Email: board@fcyba.com Regular Season Starts Mid-November Regular Season Ends Mid-March

Sugar Land Cowboy Football PO Box 412, Sugar Land, TX 77487 832-287-6608 $200 per player Ages 5-12 www.sugarlandcowboys.org Email: sugarlandcowboys@yahoo.com Regular Season Starts First week of August Regular Season Ends First week of November

First Colony Broncos 281-980-6121 Ages 5-12 www.eteamz.com/firstcolonybroncos Various Locations; visit site fcbroncosfootball@yahoo.com Regular Season Starts First week of August Regular Season Ends First week of November

need extra help on.

The main thing all little league sports are focused and built around is unity. Parents and family friends can be apart of the sport as a volunteer, referee, coach, umpire, or a member of the Board of the League. Through this system children build a greater respect for authority and are more likely to succeed beyond the field/court.

The process to register and/or join an athletic little league sport is fast and easy in Sugar Land, you can choose to do it online, by phone, or in person. Payments can be paid with either cash, check or charge. Please check the sporting organization’s website for their next open registration dates and deadlines.

Fun, Fair, Positive Soccer 800-828-PLAY (7529) ext 915 Online: $75 Phone-In $85 Boys & Girls 4-18 www.ffps.org Various Locations; Visit site johnr@ffps.org Regular Season Starts Late August Regular Season Ends Late November

Eclipse Soccer Club 4638 Riverstone Blvd, Suite 200 Missouri City, TX 77459 281- 261-5600 Boys & Girls Ages (4-6) $110, (7-8) $120, (9-10) $125, (11-14) $135, (15-19) $145 www.eclipsesoccerclub.com Email: registrar@eclipsesoccerclub.com Late August Late November New Territory Fusion Soccer Club PMB #301/ 5826 New Territory Blvd.

Sugar Land, TX 77479 Spring Registration Closed Boys & Girls 6-18 www.newterritorysoccer.org registrar@fusionsoccer.org Regular Season Starts Late August Regular Season Ends Late November Fort Bend National Jr. Tennis League 435 B-1 FM1092, #306 Stafford, TX 77477 281-980-4219 $110 per player Boys & Girls 7-18 www.fortbendtennis.com Email: fbts@pdq.net

Sugar Land Soccer Club 411 S. Belknap, Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-265-4010 Spring Registration Closed Boys & Girls 6-18 www.sugarlandsoccer.org Email: contactus@sugarlandsoccer.org Regular Season Starts Late August Regular Season Ends Late November

Sugar Land Girls Softball Association 7720 Highway 90A, Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-494-1085 Spring Registration Closed Ages 5-16 www.eteamz.active.com/slgsa Email: braly.family@yahoo.com First Colony Swim Team P.O. Box 16220, Sugar Land, TX 77496 281-265-4593 $125 per swimmer 8 & under by tryout / 9 to adult www.swimfcst.com/swimfcst/ Email: clandeck@alltel.net Sugar Land Sharks Swim Team PO Box 771 Sugar Land, TX 77487-0771 832-265-0597 $95 per swimmer/ $90 for any additional swimmer in the household Ages 6-18 www.sugarlandsharks.org rondo2@peoplepc.com

Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

S

ELLING HOMES IN FORT BEND COUNTY WITH PRIDE AND PROFESSIONALISM SINCE 1985.

“ I sincerely believe in exceeding my clients expectations by providing personal attention and exceptional service throughout the greater Houston area.”

Arlene R. Rolsen, CRS 281-414-8400 E-mail: arrolsen@windstream.net

Web: www.arlenerolsen.com

Associates of Southern Design, Inc. A Residential and Commercial Interior Design/Build Firm

Appliances Granite Counters Window Treatments

Faux Finishes In -Home Consultation Sale and Event Home Staging

Concrete Staining Carpet, Tile, Wood Natural Stone

Phone 281.238.4466 Fax 281.238.4475 Sugar Land,Texas Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

MAY 2008

43

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce

Get to know your Chamber of Commerce

T

he Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce is a business organization of area business leaders who work together to create a healthy economy and serve as the voice and advocate for small and large businesses.

The Chamber serves as a direct link to keep you informed, and involved as an active resident in the Fort Bend community. As a wide contributor to Fort Bend’s economic wealth, well-being of the community, and the tourism market, the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce is solely committed to maintaining and improving the quality of life in our community.

Programs conducted by the Chamber include Network Nites, a networking venue where Chamber members develop multiple new business contacts in an informal relaxed setting while enjoying food from a local Fort Bend restaurant or caterer. The Chamber also assist their members with groundbreaking or grand opening celebrations by supplying the new or newly expanded business with a ribbon cutting ceremony, photographs and press releases are distributed to the local media and also publishing the event in the Chamber’s own Fort Bend Forward Newsletter.

Small mid-size companies have joined the Chamber for the immediate exposure it offers and also for the available networking opportunities. Larger corporations join for the legislative and

44 MAY 2008

Louis Garvin Pres. & CEO

Jaine Garvin Member Relations Director

public policy advocacy that is incorporated with the membership of the Chamber. Funded by membership investments, the Fort Bend Chamber’s ability to offer opportunities, small business assistance and community well being lies responsibly on its vast, diverse membership commitment.

The Chamber provides multiple benefits and services to every business and organization with an investment in the future of Fort Bend County as a Chamber of Commerce member; such as referral services and advertising/marketing services.

The main vision of this organization is to promote Fort Bend area businesses so that the county can reach its full potential in capital and also by being a more comfortable place to work and live.

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Contact the Chamber of Commerce for a Relocation Package.

Includes a magazine with information on area housing, schools, churches, retail, restaurants and more. The Chamber also sells Fort Bend County street maps for $2.

445 Commerce Green Blvd.

(281) 491-0800

Go to http://www.fortbendchamber.com

Keri Schmidt Special Events Director

Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

Gift Certificates for the Spa make the Perfect Gift

• • • • • •

Hair Nails Skin Care Massage Body Treatments Full Body Hair Removal

Salon Eben & Day Spa

An

Concept Salon & Day Spa Since 1989

281-980-5160 15510 Lexington, Ste. G Sugar Land, TX 77478

(Between Williams Trace & Hwy 6)

www.Salonebenanddayspa.com

R

Free Childcare Provided By Munchkins

E/MAX Southwest Realtors is your source for residential, commercial, land and investment properties in the Fort Bend County area!

At RE/MAX Southwest Realtors, we combine the strength of the RE/MAX family with the local expertise of our agents to make your move into or out of the Fort Bend County area as hassle-free as possible. When you combine the experience and local knowledge of our agents and staff with the national power of RE/MAX, you know that you are receiving the finest in real estate services. So sit back, relax, and enjoy your trip through the world of Sugar Land real estate. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

281.491.1776

14905 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land, TX 77478

SOUTHWEST Each Office Independently Owned and Operated

www.rmswhomes.com

Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

MAY 2008

45

Sugar Land Fire Station tours available

T

housands of people tour Sugar Land Fire Stations every year.

Sugar Land Firefighters welcome visitors and offer programs for life-safety education and fun.

What: Learn basic life-safety skills.

See fire apparatus, rescue and emergency medical equipment.

Talk to firefighters.

Tour the station.

Who: Schools.

Scout Troops.

Families.

Church Groups.

Civic Associations.

How: Call the Community Preparedness Division at (281) 275-2859.

Let us know if you have any special requests.

Please try to schedule at least two weeks in advance. Requests for late September, October, and early November, should be made months in advance.

In addition to the tours, the Sugar Land Fire Department offers free smoke alarms and home safety inspections.

Free smoke alarms In an average year, approximately 4,000 Americans will die in a fire, and another 21,000 will be injured in a fire. The majority of fire deaths occur in a person’s own home (80 percent). A working smoke alarm provides early warning of a fire. Your chances for survival are two times better when smoke alarms are present than when they are not. Because the Sugar Land Fire Department is committed to life safety, they provide and install smoke alarms free of charge to any home (one- and two-family dwellings) within the city’s fire jurisdiction. There are four main ways that they provide and install free smoke alarms: Individual requests – any person living within the Sugar Land Fire Department’s fire jurisdiction may call the Public Education Program Office and request this service.

To make an appointment, call (281) 275-2859.

Free home fire safety inspections – during the course of a home inspection, smoke alarms may be installed as needed. Also, smoke alarm batteries are replaced as needed. To make an appointment, call (281) 275-2859 or Smoke alarm drives – Scout troops, church groups, civic associations, etc. may arrange a smoke alarm drive in a designated area. Firefighters assist with a door-to-door neighborhood drive, installing smoke alarms and batteries as needed. A neighborhood drive can be scheduled through the Public Education Program Office by calling (281) 275-2859. Allow 2 to 3 months planning time.

Helpful numbers for Area Agencies Fort Bend County Property Tax Dept.: 281-341-3710 (ask for property tax); Fax: 281-341-9267 Central Appraisal District: 281-344-8623 (to apply for homestead exemptions) Fort Bend County Auto Registration and Title Transfers Offices: Office Hours: Richmond, Missouri City, Sugar Land, Mondays 7 AM to 6 PM; Tuesday – Friday 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Needville hours are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM daily.

• Richmond Office: 500 Liberty Suite #101 Telephone: 281-341-3709 - Ask for Automobile • Missouri City Office: 310 Orchard Telephone: 281-261-2886 Automobile Dept.

• Sugar Land Office: 12550 Emily Court Telephone: 281-242-4311 Automobile Dept.

Fort Bend County Tax Office 500 Liberty Street Suite 101, Richmond (281) 341-3741 46 MAY 2008

Fort Bend Association of Realtors (281) 343-9300 Contact the Fort Bend Association of Realtors for information on a realtor in the Fort Bend County area.

Fort Bend County Tax Assessor-Collector 12550 Emily Court, Sugar Land Substation (281) 242-4311 Driver’s License Dept. of Public Safety 5505 Avenue N (FM 2218 off U.S. 59) Rosenberg, TX (281) 232-4334 Fort Bend County Courthouse 309 South Fourth, Richmond (281) 342-3411 Fort Bend Central Appraisal District 2801 B. F. Terry Blvd., Rosenberg (281) 344-8623 Water Service City of Sugar Land Treasury Management

2700 Town Center Blvd. North (281) 275-2750 U.S. Post Office Sugar Land Main Post Office 225 Matlage Way (800) 275-8777 U.S. Post Office First Colony Branch, 3130 Grants Lake Blvd.

(800) 275-8777 Social Security Social Security Administration 7324 S.W. Freeway, Suite 500, Houston, TX (800) 772-1213 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.

Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

Whatever the real estate need. Whether you are • Selling or buying a home?

• Moving in or out of the area?

• Relocating locally or nationally?

• Fort Bend resident since 1979 • Licensed Real Estate Agent since 1988

You should know Jack!

Jack Molho, Realtor,

CMS, CNS, OSC, CRP Quality Service Certified® 832-279-0311 - voice 281-862-7114 - fax jack@jackmolho.com www.JackMolho.com

• Area resident (Greatwood Tuscany) • Active community volunteer • Providing consulting services for over 20 years to area residents, companies and municipalities the manhattan group Project Management Solutions through Creative Consulting ISSAC S ‘JACK’ MOLHO PRINCIPAL

PO BOX 16969 SUGAR LAND, TEXAS 77496 832-279-0311 - voice 281-862-7111 - fax www.jackmolho.com

the manhattan group, LLC Project Management Solutions through Creative Consulting

832-279-0311 - voice 281-862-7114 - fax jack@jackmolho.com www.JackMolho.com

Jack Molho was recognized as one of the top Realtors in the country and Awarded 2008 International Sterling Society.

I

t's time

for you to get serious about your printing Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

44 Years of Service Complete Corporate Solutions from purchasing to marketing departments.

281-240-1313

550 Julie River Dr. • Suite 310 Sugar Land, TX

MAY 2008

47

T

housand of volunteers annually work to Keep Sugar Land Beautiful (KSLB). If you happen to have a green thumb, or even if you don’t, KSLB invites you to volunteer for different projects throughout the year, and to learn about developing that green thumb. KSLB is an affiliate of Keep America Beautiful and Keep Texas Beautiful.

This group works with area residents to take responsibility for caring for our local environment.

Education and outreach programs focus on litter prevention, recycling, waste minimization and beautification. Classes on tree care, planting and composting

are also presented throughout the year. KSLB sponsors award-winning volunteer programs to motivate community residents to improve their neighborhoods by creating more enjoyable and environmentally friendly living areas.

Events sponsored by KSLB throughout the year include, Don’t Mess With Texas Trash Off, Make A Difference Day, the Mobile Battery, Oil, Paint, and Antifreeze (BOPA) Collection, and the annual Christmas Tree Recycling. The organization is a recipient of the Governor’s Community Achievement Award which recognizes efforts to include youth, local businesses, civic groups and government in environmental awareness activities. Along with the recognition, the award also provides a monetary grant of $130,000 that will be used to beautify the northwest corner of the intersection of Highway 59 and Dairy Ashford.

Examples of KSLB projects include Liberty Garden located in Oyster Creek Park, tree plantings at Eldridge and Imperial Parks, and the Wildflower Demonstration Garden in Oyster Creek Park. KSLB joined with other Keep America Beautiful affiliates across the country to create Liberty Gardens in their communities, after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The garden is intended to

Commit For Life Sugar Land offers the opportunity for its residents to help others get healthy by giving the gift of life. A permanent facility dedicated to collecting blood donations is located at 4949 Sweetwater Boulevard in the Sweetwater Plaza Shopping Center near the Kroger grocery store. Unlike the old coach facility, this one is a large comfortable center complete with numerous television sets, a play area for children, and a well stocked refrigerator for after donation drinks and snacks. The Center has 48 MAY 2008

about 20-30 donors daily with 60-80 showing up on Sundays. Of the 15 permanent centers located around the Houston area, Sugar Land is number three in terms of donations, only behind the main headquarters in the Medical Center vicinity and the Memorial City facility. Drop-ins are welcome anytime, or you can make an appointment. For more information about the Center or the Commit For Life program, call 281-313-1122 or visit the website at www.giveblood.org.

Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

be a place of natural beauty and respite - an area that provides reassurance through the continuity and growth found in nature. In addition to benches for seating, the garden includes roses, native trees, and bushes that will attract butterflies. When the garden is in full bloom, the colors are red, white and blue.

KSLB also maintains a website to inform residents of different recycling opportunities in Sugar Land. Don’t just throw-away your old cell phone. Drop it off in one of the EcoPhones recycling boxes at Kroger-Sweetwater, Ben & Jerrys in Sugar Land Town Square or Starbucks-Town Center. KSLB is partnering with EcoPhones, a Texas based company, on this program. EcoPhones will break down each phone, recycling as many components as possible – and they will responsibly dispose of the hazardous materials contained in each phone. If you are a Sugar Land resident and in need of one or more recycling bins, please call 281-275-2450.

For more information on KSLB and its many programs, visit the website at www.kslb.org, call 281-313-5752(KSLB) or visit their offices at 123 Brooks St., Sugar Land.

YOUR

“

Gateway to Fort Bend Real Estate”

Need help finding your dream home?

Just tell us what you’re looking for and we will search all of our sources to provide you with a convenient report of all the properties that match your criteria ~ Complete with photographs and detailed neighborhood information.

Thinking about selling your home?

We have a proven track record selling real estate.

We listen carefully to understand your goals and guide you through the entire process of selling your property.

Service Areas:

Sugar Land• Missouri City • Katy • Richmond Rosenberg • Stafford • Needville • Houston

ELITE

Each office Independently Owned and Operated

Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

Office:

281.980.0000 • Fax: 281.634.9150

11319 Fountain Lake Dr, Stafford, TX 77477 www.remaxelite-texas.com

MAY 2008

49

Apostolic Church Phone: 281 575 9355 Address: 10540 Synott Rd Sugar Land Christ United Methodist Pastored By: Morris Matthis Phone: 281 980 6888 Address: 3300 Austin Parkway Sugar Land www.cumcsl.org Church of Christ/ Sugar Land Pastored By: Roy Beaty Contact Name: Louella Nimrod Phone: 281 561 0881 Address: 1559 Voss Rd Sugar Land Congregation Beth El Rabbi Seth Mstander Phone: 281 499 5066 Address: 3900 Raoul Wallenberg Lane, Missouri City www.cbefortbendtx.org Cornerstone Assembly of God Pastored by Mark Quick Phone: 281 491 3614 Address: 2515 Eldridge Rd Sugar Land www.cornerstonesugarland.com Cornerstone Community Bible Church Pastored By: Brent Burckart Phone: 281 313 8555 Address: 4771 Sweetwater #137 Sugar Land www.cornerstonecbc.org 50 MAY 2008

Cross Bridge Community Church Pastored By: Chuck Land Phone: 281 313 8300 Address: 8410 Highway 90A #130 Sugar Land www.crossbridge.cc Eagle Heights Church Pastored By: Pastor Randy Phone: 281 494 4673 Address: 3614 Stratford Town Ln www.eagleheightschurch.org Faith Lutheran Church Pastored By: Ken Sinclair Phone: 281 242 7729 Address: 800 Brooks Street Sugar Land www.flcsl.org First Baptist/ Sugar Land Pastored By: Dr. Scott Rambo Contact Name: Alex Baez Phone: 281 494 3046 Address: 802 Brooks Street Sugar Land www.thebridgefellowship.com

First Colony Church of Christ Pastored By: Ronnie Norman Phone: 281 980 7070 Address: 2140 First Colony Blvd.

Sugar Land www.firstcolonychurch.org

Fishers of Men Lutheran Church Pastored By: Jerry McNamara Phone: 281 242 7711 Address: 2011 Austin Parkway Sugar Land www.fishersofmen.org

First Colony Christian Church and Community Center Phone: 281 980 4141 Address: 4141 Sweetwater Blvd Sugar Land www.fcccdoc.org

Fort Bend Community Church Pastored By: Brian Lam Contact Name: Tak Poon Phone: 281 499 2131 Address: 7707 Hwy 6 South Missouri City www.fbcchome.org

First Hispanic Baptist Mission Phone: 281 242 2535 Address: 420 Wood St Sugar Land First Presbyterian Church Pastored By: Kevin S. Keaton Phone: 281 240 3195 Address: 502 Eldridge Rd. Sugar Land www.fpcsl.org First United Methodist Sugar Land Pastored By: Martin Nicholas Phone: 281 491 6041 Address: 431 Eldridge Rd. Sugar Land www.sugarlandmethodist.org

Forty Holy Martyrs of Sebaste Orthodox Christian Church Led By: The Reverend Father Ilie Iluian Anitei Phone: 281 240 4845 Address: 340 Eldridge Rd. Sugar Land www.fortymartyrs.org Freedom Church Pastored by Brain Eggenberger Phone: 281 565 4407 Address: 3301 S Town Center Blvd Sugar Land www.freedomchurchintl.com Gateway Community Church Pastored By: Andy Ramos Phone: 281 242 3100 Address: 12835 Alston Rd. Sugar Land www.gatewaysugarland.org

First Colony Bible Chapel Pastored By: Jeff Bloom Phone: 281 265 3411 Address: 3610 Austin Parkway/ Sugar Land www.firstcolonybible.org

Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

Holy Cross Episcopal Pastored By: Scott Thompsom Phone: 281 633 2000 Address: 5653 West River Park Dr Sugar Land www.holycrosschurch.com Jehovah’s Witnesses Phone: 281 568 7446 Address: 9811Howell Road Sugar Land www.watchtower.org Oak Lake Baptist Church Pastored By: Jess Hill Phone: 281 568 7220 Address: 15555 West Airport Blvd.

Sugar Land www.oaklakebaptist.org Parkway United Methodist Church Pastored By: Paul Clines Phone: 281 494 5050 Address: 5801 New Territory Blvd., Sugar Land www.parkwayumc.org Providence Christian Church Pastored By: David Brundage Phone: 281 495 8151 Address: 8727 Gaines Rd. Sugar Land www.providencechristianchurch.com Providence Presbyterian Church Pastored By: Allen McCall Phone: 281 980 2522 Address: 3510 Austin Parkway Sugar Land www.providencepresbyterian.org Quail Valley Chruch Pastored By: Curry Juneau Phone: 281 499 0594 Address: 2303 FM 1092 Stafford

Seven Oaks Church of Christ Pastored By: Jim Delony Phone: 281 242 7106 Address: 1200 Seventh Street Sugar Land St. Laurence Catholic Parish Pastored By: Father Drew Wood Contact Name: Laura Laine Phone: 281 980 9812 Address: 30100 Sweetwater Blvd.

Sugar Land www.stlaurence.com St. Martins Lutheran Church Pastored By: Rev. Stephen Kelly Phone: 281 980 0695 Address: 1123 Burney Rd www.stmartinslc.org St. Theresa Church Pastored By: Rev. Stephen B. Reynolds Phone: 281 494 1156 Address: 115 7th St, Sugar Land www.sttheresasugarland.org St. Thomas Aquinas Pastored By: Father Joseph Kallandan Phone: 281 240 6721 Email: frkk@stthomasaquinas.info Address: 12627 West Bellfort Avenue, Sugar Land www.stthomasaquinas.info Sugar Creek Baptist Pastored By: Dr. Mark Hartman Phone: 281 242 2858 Address: 13333 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land www.sugarcreek.net Sugar Grove Church of Christ Pastored By: Mark Howell Phone: 281 530 9651 Address: 11600 West Airport/ Meadows Place www.sugargrove.org Sugar Land Bible Church Pastored By: Mark Choate Phone: 281 491 7773 Address: 401 Matlage Way www.slbc.org

Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

Sugar Land Family Church Pastored By: Nathan Keller Phone: 281 313 1110 Address: 1110 Burney Rd. Sugar Land www.slfconline.com The Bridge Fellowship Pastored By: Scott Rambo Phone: 281 494 3036 Address: 802 Brooks Street/ Sugar Land www.thebridgefellowship.org The Epi Center Pastored By: E.Z. Jones Phone: 281 491 0000 Address: 13867 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land www.epicenter-church.com The Fort Bend Church Pastored By: Byron C. Stevenson Phone: 281 980 8322 Address: Bush High School 6707 FM 1464 Richmond www.thebend.org Trinity Baptist Church Pastored By: Eddie R. Alley Phone: 281 980 8822 Address: 4411 Wickford Circle Sugar Land www.trinitybaptistfb.org Triumph Church Sugar Land Pastored By: Bishop Randy Clark Phone: 281 975 1504 Address: 1201 Lakeview Drive Sugar Land www.triumphchurch.com Williams Trace Baptist Church Pastored By: Dr. Phil Lineberger Phone: 281 980 4431 Address: 16755 Southwest Fwy www.wtbc.org

Heritage Baptist Church a place to call home Schedule of Services SUNDAY Sunday School.................. 9:30am Sunday AM Worship...... 10:45am Sunday PM Worship........ 6:15pm WEDNESDAY Bible Study....................... 7:00pm Awana Bible Clubs........... 7:00pm

Dr. Charles A. Murphy, Sr. Pastor

281-403-4994 www.hbctx.org 2223 FM 1092 Missouri City, Texas 77459 MAY 2008

51

Info on the Arts / Entertainment FORT BEND BOYS CHOIR OF TEXAS

F

ort Bend is the home for entertainment when it comes to performing arts, dramas, showcasing local bands, stringed and vocal symphonies, and operas.

The Stafford Centre is a state-of-the-art 1,105 seat theatre tailored for professional dance, concert, competitions, business meetings and performing arts of all types.

The Stafford Centre is also equipped with 25,000 square foot Convention Center with quality meeting and exposition space.

The facility accommodates the needs of small and large meetings as well as exhibits, galas, training programs and much more.

With five different ballrooms, and five different meeting rooms the convention center can host several meetings at once or a combination of meetings for the same event.

Sugar Land’s Town Square is also a renown popular source for different kinds of entertainment as well. Local bands and musical artists hold live concerts and are featured frequently throughout the year.

Town Square also hosts a variety of events and activities each month to satisfy all ages. Whether it’s dancing under the stars or viewing a movie under the moon, Town Square is the place to be for a great night out with the family and friends.

What’s quite unique about Sugar Land’s Town Square is that you can shop ‘til you drop! It’s a place where you walk everywhere and find anything from jewelry and accessories to upscale clothing and shoes.

With a combination of successful retailers, businesses, a first class Marriott hotel and an elegant conference center, Sugar Land’s Town Square brings together a pedestrianoriented main-street retailing venue right to you at a convenient location.

52 MAY 2008

281-240-3800 • www.fbbctx.org In a relatively short time the Fort Bend Boys Choir has become one of the premier ensembles of boy choristers in the nation. In its history, the choir has made numerous high profile appearances at professional venues throughout the nation and world. The Fort Bend Boys Choir of Texas, Inc. was founded in 1982 with 45 initial members by William R. Adams, artistic director. The organization has now grown into five performing ensembles with 200 choristers. The members are selected from the local area by audition and enter either the training, town or tour choir. Membership is open to boys whose voices have not yet changed.

The choir was organized to give boys with special musical abilities and interests an opportunity to perform more challenging choral literature from classical selections to folk music. The group combines the freshness and enthusiasm of childhood with artistic maturity, something that can only be achieved through serious work. Boyish energy is channeled into dedication to excel, team effort and hard work. For other children, the boys serve as models of purposeful work and high achievement. For adults, there are inspirational reminders of human Tour Choir: May 17, 7 p.m. - Spring Concert ~ Williams Trace Baptist Church, Sugar Land May 31, 9. a.m. – noon – recording session ~ Foundry United Methodist Church, Houston June 9-23 – Minnesota Concert Tour Aug. 5-10 – Summer Vocal Camp Zengit Gütenproper Dec. 6, 7-8 p.m. – concert, San Luis Resort, Galveston Town Choir May 10 – Schlitterbahn Soundwaves Music Festival, New Braunfels May 17, 7 p.m. - Spring Concert ~ Williams Trace Baptist Church Training Choir May 3, East Texas Children’s Choral Festival, Huntsville May 17, 7 p.m. - Spring Concert ~ Williams Trace Baptist Church, Sugar land

FORT BEND SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

P. O. Box 16861, Sugar Land, TX 77496 281-276-9642 • www.fbso.org Founded in 1992, the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra is celebrating 16 years of performing symphonic music for the Fort Bend community. The full-size orchestra, complete with brass, woodwind, percussion and strings section, consists of approximately 60 talented and dedicated musicians primarily from the Fort Bend area. The FBSO has distinguished itself through its focus on presenting an unusually broad range of music by exceptionally skilled professionals, students and amateurs, as well as through its emphasis on developing a broad-based audience. The Symphony is proud of its providing an additional venue for students. This organization is supported in part by a generous donation from The National Endowment for the Arts, and in part from the continued patronage of individual donors.

FORT BEND THEATER

2815 N. Main, Stafford, TX 77477 281-208-3333 • www.fottbendtheater.org Fort Bend Community Theatre was founded in 1989 in Sugar Land by Frank and Karen Letts, based on the following mission statement: “Our purpose is to promote the arts and education of the arts in our community. Our goal is to provide children and families the opportunity to participate in the arts as we accomplish our goal.” Productions were originally staged in a local church, but as support grew, so did the need for an exclusive location.

In 1991, Fort Bend Community Theatre relocated to Westwood Mall. Productions increased to ten a year, alternating between children’s shows and family fare. Acting classes began, and Tarra Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

Fort Bend Boys Choir

McCain joined the Letts’ to further the education of children, teens, and adults in the pursuit of excellence in the dramatic arts.

By 1994, Fort Bend Theatre broadened its season to include daytime shows, and by 1996, enriching educational shows designed to travel to local schools were added. With the closure of Westwood Mall in 1998, Fort Bend Theatre returned to its roots in Fort Bend County, and located at 2815 N. Main, Stafford.

The Rules of Comedy: Now through- May 17; Fridays and Saturdays, 8 p.m., Sundays, 3 p.m..

Gooney Bird Greene, June 10 - 29, Tuesdays - Thursdays, 10 a.m., Saturdays & Sundays, 3 p.m.

Pinocchio, July 6 - 26, Tuesdays - Thursdays, 10 a.m.; Saturdays & Sundays, 3 p.m.

Family Musical, Aug. 1, 2, 3 at Stafford Centre, Friday - Saturday, 8 p.m., Sunday, 3 p.m.. Children’s Shows: Saturdays & Sundays 3 p.m.; tickets $7, group discounts available

FORT BEND MUSEUM ASSOCIATION

500 Houston Street, Richmond, TX 77469 281-342-6478 • www.fortbendmuseum.org The Fort Bend Museum portrays Fort Bend County history from Austin’s Colony in 1822 to 1945. The Fort Bend Museum Complex includes the museum, the Long Smith Cottage, the 1883 John M. Moore Home, and the McFarlane House. At the Fort Bend Museum journey through time and experience life on the Brazos River and the Fort Bend story through dioramas and displays. Special annual events include the Lone Star Stomp, Fiestas Patrias Celebration, Texian Market Days and Candlelight Tours of Moore Home.

Open: Tuesday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturdays 10-5; Sundays 1-5. Closed Mondays. Adults $5; seniors $4 (62+), children $3 (5 to 15), Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

children 4 and younger, free. Group rates available; members receive free admission.

THE GEORGE OBSERVATORY

Brazos State Park The George Observatory, located in Brazos Bend State Park, is a satellite facility of the Houston Museum of Natural Science. The observatory houses a Challenger Learning Center for Space Science Education, which takes participants on simulated space missions, complete with a mission control center and a spacecraft simulator.

A meteorite exhibit features fragments of several famous meteorites, including a piece of the Allende, Chihuahua, Mexico carbonaceous chondrite meteorite. It is the most primitive type of meteorite known.

There are also three domed telescopes at the George Observatory with the largest being the 36-inch Gueymard Research Telescope, one of the largest in the nation open to the public. Telescopes at the observatory allow both amateur and professional astronomers to conduct research, while visitors can gain firsthand knowledge of the night sky. Depending on the time of the month and the season of the year, visitors are able to observe a variety of phenomena, such as Saturn’s rings, cloud belts on Jupiter, a partial or total eclipse of the Moon, a bright meteor or fireball that lights up the ground, the Milky Way or a close pairing of two planets.

The George Observatory is open on Saturdays from 3 to 10 p.m., $4 per person. It is also available by reservation on Friday nights for groups of 30 or more. Friday hours are 7:30 – 10 p.m.; $10 per person (includes park entry fee), group maximum 100. For reservations call 281242-3055. On weekdays, school groups can attend astronomy classes by reservation (713-639-4735). These classes feature a special tour of the research telescope and a view through a solar telescope, allowing visitors to see sunspots, flares and the ever-changing gas prominences of the Sun. MAY 2008

53

Sugar Land – Sweet Land of Diversity

T

he City of Sugar Land treasures its diversity, and that diversity, in turn, rewards the city by making it one of the best places to live in the nation. In 2006, CNN/Money and Money magazine ranked Sugar Land third on its list of the 100 Best Cities to Live in the United States. In 2007, CQ Press ranked Sugar Land fifth on its list of safest cities in the United States. Also in 2007, the City officially became the first city in the country to be named a Community of Respect® by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). The national distinction recognizes Sugar Land’s tradition of embracing diversity, promoting togetherness and refuting intolerance.

Founded as a sugar plantation in the 1800s, and incorporated as a city in 1959, Sugar Land is the largest city and economic center of Fort Bend County. The city is the third-largest in population and second-largest in economic activities of the Houston area. According to the Fort Bend Economic Development Council (EDC), Fort Bend County is a minority-majority county which means no one ethnicity is greater than 50% of the total. The rest of the United States is projected to also have a minority-majority make-up by 2050. While ethnically diverse, the people of Sugar Land and Fort Bend County are unified by common goals, including family, community, home ownership and love of education.

As diverse as its people are, so too is the business community of Sugar Land. In close proximity to Houston, the city has strong ties to the oil and gas industry, to the world-renowned Texas Medical Center (located in Houston) and the health care industry, and to major educational facilities. Fluor Corporation, which provides oilfield engineering, procurement, construction, and maintenance services; Schlumberger, which is the world’s largest oilfield services corporation; Nalco, which develops and provides specialty chemical services and applications for oil exploration, production and refining; and other smaller independent oil and gas related businesses are all located within the city.

Recently, Sugar Land also became corporate headquarters to Minute Maid, a division of Atlanta-based Coca-Cola. The city is also home to 54 MAY 2008

educational institutions, including a junior college and a campus of the University of Houston. Several hospitals, clinics and physicians practices have also expanded throughout the county and city providing a strong health care industry presence. The Methodist Hospital, one of the top 100 hospitals in the country, is currently expanding to be a 700 bed general hospital in Sugar Land. St. Lukes Episcopal Hospital, Memorial Hermann Hospital, and Texas Children’s Hospital, all from the Houston Medical Center, now have facilities or practices in Sugar Land.

Sugar Land is also home to the most master-planned communities in Fort Bend County, which is home to the largest number of masterplanned communities in the nation. These communities include First Colony, Sugar Creek, Sugar Mill, Sugar Lakes, New Territory, Tel-Fair, Greatwood, and many others. For more information about Sugar Land go to www.sugarland.guv, or to the website of the Fort Bend Economic Development Council at fortbendedc@fortbendcounty.org. The EDC can also be contacted by phone at (281) 242-0000 or (866) 500-5668.

Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

Sugar Land – Temples The Mandir The first traditional Hindu Mandir of its kind in North America is located just outside Sugar Land at 1150 Brand Lane in Stafford. The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is a temple of intricate design and workmanship, with 5 towering white stone pinnacles, 12 smooth domes and 136 glittering marble pillars. Over 33,000 pieces of Turkish limestone and Italian marble were hand-carved and assembled in just 16 months. The Mandir opened to the community after the MurtiPratishtha ceremony was performed by His Divine Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj in July 2004.

Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) is a socio-spiritual Hindu organization. It was revealed by Bhagwan Swaminarayan (1781-1830), and today, Pramukh Swami Maharaj is its leader. Founded on the pillars of practical spirituality, the BAPS reaches out to address the spiritual, moral and social challenges and issues we face in our world. Its strength lies in the purity of its nature and purpose. BAPS strives to care for the world by caring for societies, families and individuals.

Today, a million or more Swaminarayan followers begin their day with puja and meditation, lead upright, honest lives and donate regular hours in serving others. No Alcoholism, No Addictions, No Adultery, No Meat, No Impurity of body and mind are their five lifetime vows. Such pure morality and spirituality forms the foundation of the humanitarian services performed by the BAPS. Currently, more than 55,000 men and women around the world actively provide volunteer services, including medical, educational, environmental and social service assistance. Centers also provide cultural, educational and spiritual experiences for its followers. For more information on the BAPS Mandir go to www.swaminarayan.org or visit this truly beautiful and unique Center in Stafford.

Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

Vietnam Buddhist Center As you drive north on Eldridge Road toward the border between Fort Bend and Harris Counties, you will suddenly encounter an exquisite white stone female statue rising 72-feet high above your car. The statue is that of the Loving Mother Quan Âm, and it took two years to create her. She is a significant entity in the Buddhist faith and in the spiritual life of the Vietnamese, Tibetan, Chinese, Korean and Japanese people. When she see her, you will know that you have arrived at the Vietnam Buddhist Center located at 10002 Synott Road in Sugar Land.

The Center is the dream of a handful of Vietnamese Buddhist youths, who after hearing a sermon from the Venerable Thich Nguy_ n Hanh in 1989, invited him to come to Houston to guide them in the practice of the Buddhist faith. In 1990 he came to begin building the Center, which at that time consisted of a twelve-acre plus tract of land and a leaking tent. Today the Center is known as a place for religious observance, culture, and the proliferation of Buddhist teachings; a Center of Education for the Vietnamese Culture in harmony with others; and an important visitor destination. The Center also serves as a retreat facility for Buddhist Sangha and lay people during the summer retreat season.

Four monks and three seminarians in training, who are attending high school and practicing to become ordained monks, live at the facility. Almost 300 children are learning the teachings of Buddha as well as the Vietnamese Language at the Center. A weekly Vietnamese radio program about the teachings of Buddha is presented by one of the Center’s monks on the Saigon-Houston Radio, station AM 900. To find out more about the center visit the website at www. vnbc.org, or better yet drive over to the Center for a serene, awe inspiring experience.

MAY 2008

55

Sugar Land Shops Upscale Boutiques

Sugar Land Town Square is located in downtown Sugar Land. The center provides more than 40 upscale shops, featuring men’s and women’s fashions, restaurants, gifts and collectibles, salons, furniture and home accessories, eyewear and financial services, for the discerning crowd.

Shops include A Dog’s Life! Luxury Dog Boutique, JoAnn’s, Sharper Image, Ann Taylor Loft, and Z Gallerie. You can find a good exotic cigar or meerschaum pipe at Cigar-Cigar, and may even be able to relax and enjoy it in the backroom, while the rest of the family shops on.

Lake Pointe Town Center, on the other side of Highway 59 from Town Square, includes the organic Whole Foods Market, salons and spa, and a specialty running store. This center is still being developed with new tenants moving in every day.

Regional Malls

First Colony Mall is down the street from Town Square and has more than 150 shops and three national retail anchors - Macy’s, JC Penney’s and two Dillard’s locations. Chocolates, diamonds, clothing, phones, home furnishings, shoes, and books can all be purchased at the mall. A Piece of Texas, Build-A-Bear-Workshop, Chico’s, James Avery, Picture People, Victoria’s Secret and Zales are among the numerous shops. A food court, including Chick-fil-A, McDonalds, Sbarro, and Cinnabon constantly serve up fast-food fare. In addition to shopping, the mall also invites walkers to enjoy the air-conditioned facility starting at 7:30 a.m.

Several mother’s day out exercise classes meet there to stretch and exercise with their babies before their shopping excursions. Security is provided 24/7. For information about the mall call 281- 265-6123.

Katy Mills Mall, another regional mall akin to an outlet mall, is located about 30 minutes from Sugar Land, off of Interstate 10. For information about the mall, call 281-644-5000.

Vintage Antiques

Richmond and Rosenberg antique districts - While Sugar Land never had a downtown to speak of until Town Center was recently built, Richmond and Rosenberg have preserved their original downtown areas. Stores from the late 1800s and early 1900s are brimming over with everything antique. From button collections, including glass and scene buttons, to porcelain dolls, to china and silver, and Duncan Phyfe furniture, these shops are an antique lover’s dream. Cafes and restaurants also dot the areas. One can easily lose track of time examining the myriad of items for sale, and in the wonderful conversations and explanations from the knowledgeable shop proprietors.

Low Prices For All

Discount Stores - Several free-standing Wal-Mart Super Centers and Sam’s Clubs are scattered through-out the city and surrounding areas, as are Target Super Centers. These multi-purpose shopping venues sell everything at low and moderate prices and many include a gas station.

Grocery stores and drug stores, CVS and Walgreens, appear frequently in Sugar Land. There are about eight different grocery store chains in the area. Numerous strip centers are all around the city that include discount stores, Best Buy, Ross, Marshall’s, Ulta, Lowe’s, Home Depot, HobbyLobby and Michael’s.

56 MAY 2008

Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

Family is why

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Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory IfSugar youLandrequire a change, please contact your sales representative or call Yellow Book Customer Service at 1-800-929-3556.

MAY 2008

57

Does Your Family Have An Emergency Preparedness Plan?

A

s newcomers to the Fort Bend County/Katy area, your family may already have an emergency/disaster preparedness plan from your previous home. However, if the answer to this question is no, you are not alone.

Michael Kahlenberg, Coordinator for the Fort Bend County Community Emergency Response Team (known as CERT), says he has trained about 250 residents out of a 500,000 county population.

Kahlenberg would love to see everyone in the county trained, whether they are newcomers or old timers. He explains that each of us needs to know about safety for ourselves, our families and our communities. He emphasizes that, “We each need to have an emergency preparedness plan and practice it.� He says that he is currently working with several school districts to teach our children about emergency planning.

CERT training is a 25 hour program lasting for eight weeks. Upon graduation, each graduate is presented with a pack back containing a hardhat, flashlight, safety blanket, medical kit, and vest. Kahlenberg invites newcomers, community associations, church groups, non-profits, the lunch bunch, and all individuals to come and be trained. The Offices of Emergency Management and Homeland Security are currently holding numerous classes to teach the community about the benefits of planning for an emergency. In order to mitigate a loss of life and property, a plan is necessary.

The first thing you will learn in class is that the government will not be able to protect you in a disaster. Government resources are limited while the general population is much larger than the numbers of police, fire, and National Guard personnel. You are responsible for providing yourself with resources and a preparedness plan. You must take action if you want protection for your family and community.

Michael Kahlenberg We currently live in a time of turbo-charged hurricanes, killer tornadoes, wild fires, train derailments, flu outbreaks, tuberculosis scares, refinery explosions, and terrorist attacks. Kahlenberg also points out that the Fort Bend County/Katy area has the potential to have earthquakes. He explains that when he first came to Texas in 1993 from California, he was asked to go to San Antonio to assist earthquake victims when a quake hit the San Antonio area. Will you and your family be ready when a disaster strikes?

The schedule below explains what you will learn during the classes.

You will need to register and receive a starting date for your series of classes, which are held throughout the year. If you have questions or desire more information, go to www.ready.gov or call the Fort Bend County Office of Emergency Management at 281-342-6185.

Fort Bend County Community Emergency Response Team What you would learn:

Week 1 Disaster Preparedness Introductions

PREPAREDNESS

Recent Disasters and Emergencies Course Preview Disasters and Disaster Workers Impact on the Infrastructure Structural and Nonstructural Hazards Hazard Mitigation Home and Workplace Preparedness Community Preparedness Protection for Disaster Workers

Week 2 Fire Safety

Fire Chemistry Reducing Fire Hazards in the Home and Work place Hazardous Materials CERT Size up Firefighting Resources Fire Suppression Safety

Week 3 Disaster Medical Operations Treating Life-Threatening Conditions Triage 58 MAY 2008

Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

Week 4 Disaster Medical Operations

Public Health Considerations Functions of Disaster Medical Operations Establishing Treatment Areas Conducting Head-to-Toe Assessments Treating Burns Wound Care Treating Fractures, Dislocations, Sprains, and Strains Splinting, Nasal Injuries, Treating Hypothermia

Week 5 Light Search and Rescue Operations

Disaster Psychology Team Well-Being Working with Survivors’ Trauma

Week 7 Terrorism and CERT What is Terrorism?

Terrorist Targets Terrorist Weapons Preparing at Home and Work

Week 8 Course Review and Disaster Simulation CERT and Terrorist Incidents Course Review Disaster Simulation

Search and Rescue Size up Conducting Search Operations Conducting Rescue Operations

Week 6 CERT Organization CERT Organization CERT Decision making Documentation

Sign Up for CERT: Call Michael Kahlenberg @ 281-342-6185 Email: kahlemic@co.fort-bend.tx.us www.fortbendcountycert.com

Jennifer Weaver, ABR, CRS, GRI Relocation Specialist Certified Residential Specialist

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Hours: 7:15 am- 6:00 pm Monday & Thursday • 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Tuesday & Wednesday • 8:00 am - 12:30 pm - Fridays Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

MAY 2008

59

How do I get...

How do I apply for a passport?

United States citizens planning international travel may apply for their passports Monday thru Friday. For application forms, information on documentation required, fees, and a wealth of other passport and international travel information, visit the only official website for passport information - travel.state.gov Location: Room 102 1st Floor of the “Historical Court House” Richmond, Texas 77469 281-344-3919 Application Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

How do I get new water service?

Contact Treasury Management TEL: 281.275.2750 2700 Town Center Blvd. N. Sugar Land For answers to your questions about installing a new water service connection, please contact Treasury Management at 281-275-2750.

Applying for new service The city requires a one working day notice to connect service. If service is required on the date of application, a $25 service initiation fee will be charged to the account. Water service is connected between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday excluding holidays.

Deposit requirement When applying for service a $50 deposit is required unless a letter of reference is provided at the time of application. Letter of reference must be from another utility company and indicate no outstanding balance and no disconnections for non-payment during the last 12 consecutive billing cycles. If applying online, the deposit will be billed to your account unless the letter of reference is received. The letter of reference may be faxed to 281-275-2769. Please include on the letter of reference the new service address.

60 MAY 2008

How do I get a marriage license?

Requirements Both parties must appear, together or separately, to apply. (Portions of the application process may be completed by absentee application if one party is unable to appear in person).

Call (281)341-8661 OR (281)3418663 for information.

The application for marriage license is for informational purposes only and can not be used to make an official application for a marriage license.

• $36.00 cash, credit card or money order • Must be 18 years of age or applicants under 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian. (There are several conditions under which a person under the age of 18 may legally marry) call (281)341-8661 or (281)341-8663 for additional information • Proof of age and identity (valid driver’s license, certified copy of a birth certificate with a valid photo id, passport, etc.)

• A divorce by either party must be final 30 days prior to the marriage taking place • Social security number required for both applicants (present card or valid proof) Prior to applying for a marriage license in the state of Texas the following things should be considered: • A license purchased in any Texas county can be used in the state of Texas and any other state or country that will accept it. (Including: ceremony performed on an aircraft, boat or ship traveling in the U.S. or international territory.)

• It may be used in any county in Texas • The original license will be returned to you after it is filed • The license will remain on file in the county where it was purchased • Certified copies may be ordered from that county at any time • When a license is purchased it may not be used for the first 72 hours • A district judge may waive the waiting period if a timely request is made • The license is valid for thirty (30) days from the date of purchase • There is no law requiring a blood test • A wedding ceremony may take place with a proxy standing in for one of the applicants. This information is necessary when applying for the license All additional information can be acquired by calling the Fort Bend County Clerk’s Office or by visiting the Fort Bend County website and linking to the clerk’s office.

Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

The Sugar Land Airport

A

ny newcomer who has a curiosity about the Sugar Land Regional Airport should stop by and pick up a packet on SH 6 between Highway 90 and Voss Road.

Just come in to the new, expansive, well-adorned lobby, and ask any of the friendly personnel for this 3 1⁄2 by 5 inch packet which opens out into an 11 by 17-inch map of the Sugar Land area, and the airport’s proximity to all the major Sugar Land businesses and services, emergency centers, hospitals, and dining, entertainment and lodging facilities.

It’s a neat public relations gesture which also is helpful to corporate executives and other business people who come into this airport from all over the world.

More than a hundred Fortune 500 companies utilize this airport on a regular basis.

Sugar Land Regional Airport has been designated as a “reliever airport” for George Bush Intercontinental Airport and Hobby Airport. In this role, it reduces corporate and general aviation at the two major facilities, allowing them to concentrate on commercial air travel.

The airport has one 8,000 foot runway, which is longer than any runway at Hobby Airport. The runway has an all-weather instrument landing system and a state of the art control tower. The airport services

JACKISERVING PAULEY FORT BEND FAMILIES FOR OVER 15 YEARS

more than 7,200 aircraft a month.

It’s a public facility, open 24 hours a day, seven days a week with services available from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.

The 20,000 square-foot terminal has retail services and rental cars.

This airport, formerly known as Hull Field, was opened in 1952.

The City of Sugar Land bought it in 1991 and has operated it since. The current 75 “T” hangars will be replaced by 100 new ones by the end of 2008. The expansions will include a self-fueling facility and other general aviation services. There also will be a U.S. Customs facility.

INNOVATIVE BACK CARE CENTER L.P. INNOVATIVEBACK BACKCARE CARECENTER CENTERL.P. L.P. INNOVATIVE

DoDo youyou have have

713.628.1990

lowlow back pain? back pain?

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713.628.1990

jacki@jackipauley.com www.jackipauley.com Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

We can We help! can help!

Call us today Call us today (281) 494-6900 (281) 494-6900

Most Most insurances insurances accepted! accepted!

Yujing Li, Li, Yujing Yujing Li, Mark Brown, Brown, Mark Mark Brown, M.D. M.D. M.D. M.D. M.D. M.D. Board Certified Certified in Anesthesia Anesthesia Board in Board Certified in Anesthesia and Pain Medicine Medicine Pain and Painand Medicine

635090A Hwy 90A 90A Suite 700 700 Sugar TX Land, TX 77478 77478 6350 Hwy Suite Sugar Land, TX 6350 Hwy Suite 700 Sugar Land, 77478 MAY 2008

61

Electricity.. Your Power to Choose

I

f you’re coming to Sugar Land from out of state, just know that you may choose your power company.

Ever since 2002, Sugar Landers—and most Texans – have been mandated that right by the Texas Legislature.

Deregulation of electricity had been coming on since natural gas was deregulated in the 1980s, then the telecommunications systems, and then electricity, which had become a political nightmare for most residents.

The Texas Public Utilities Commission says that our rates are average compared to rates across the country, but our usage is among the highest in the nation, largely because of air conditioning during our long, hot summer season.

Having control over your buying decision should make it easier to determine what matters most to you, whether it’s price, renewable or green energy sources, customer service, or maybe just a name that you recognize.

There’s a laundry list of companies available to you. If you wish to have your electricity generated from renewable sources such as wind, there’s less air pollution than from coal or natural gas. The latter source, natural gas, is considered a “clean” fuel source in Texas, since it produces fewer emissions than coal.

Competition has given most energy users the peace of mind that sometimes is lacking when there’s only one store to visit to do your business. But a big broker in electricity says that the energy business is “highly volatile,” particularly in Texas because of the big demand.

The other comfort comes, according to the PUC, in the fact that you will always be guaranteed electrical service; you may stay with the company which was provid62 MAY 2008

ing your service when you came here, or you may change, and you aren’t under any pressure to buy from a particular source.

There are agents, and there are brokers and there are door-to-door sales personnel who would like to have you as a customer.

The portion of your electric bill that you are shopping for is the total price per kilowatt-hour (kwh) which will help you compare offers from Retail Electric Providers, and you can get information from them which tells the cost of electricity at

the various levels of consumption.

Rates currently from the major suppliers in Sugar Land are from 13.8 cents per kilowatt-hour to 15.3 cents, from Amigo Energy, StarTex Power, TXU Energy, Gexa Energy, Reliant Energy and Stream Energy.

It’s up to you to choose. Two places to get information on all the companies available to you is via the PUC’s Texas Electric Choice Answer Center, toll free at 1-866PWR-4-TEX (1-866-797-4839) or by email at info@powertochoose.org.

Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

Banking, investments, and insurance

WE’RE FROM HERE www.frostbank.com

Barry Beard

Get to know the Bankers that know Fort Bend.

Lerleen Hawkins

President

Senior Vice-President

713-388-7740 SUGAR LAND

STAFFORD

8410 HWY 90A

New Location

Ken Hutto

Senior Vice-President

3531 SOUTH MAIN

MISSOURI CITY 3600 FM 1092

Thomas P. Arnold, O.D. 281-242-2020 Melissa C. Moeller, O.D. 15337 Southwest Frwy.

Sugar Land, TX 77478 and Associates Therapeutic and Pediatric Optometrists

MEMBER FDIC

www.2020sugarland.com • todaysvision@2020sugarland.com

“Having the right realtor team is everything.”

Ann Magoon, ABR, GRI, CBR, ALHS

O:281-243-4561 • C:281-772-1055

A

nn is Member of the National Association of Realtors, Houston Association of Realtors, Texas Association of Realtors, and also a native Houstonian and living and practicing real estate over 20 years in Fort Bend County and surrounding areas. Whether your buying or selling or just need information, contact me for all your real estate needs today. You need a team with player experience that can work together covering all the bases in a real estate transaction.

magoona@waynemurray.net • Multi-Million Dollar Producer • Certified Weichert Relocation Specialist

Weichert, Realtors®

Wayne Murray Properties 713-728-2300

Carrie Summers ABR, SHS

C:281-773-4404 • O:281-243-4500 ire a true professional for your real estate carries@waynemurray.net. needs. Clients that have worked with CARRIE describe her as Knowledgeable, Dedicated, and most • Multi Million Dollar Producer of all, Caring. Her clients appreciate her positive at- • Certified Weichert Relocation Specialist titude, persistence, integrity, and willingness to go the • Top Overall Weichert Sales Associate in extra mile on their behalf. CARRIE listens and un- Texas 2006 & ‘07 derstands the unique needs and desires of each of her • Top Selling Associate Units 2005, ’06 & ‘07 clients. Her integrity and ability to follow through • Top Listing Sales Associate 2006 & ‘07 make her a true professional in every way.

H

www.magoon-summers.com

Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

T

own Center Wellness is located in the First Colony Community of Sugar Land, TX. Dr. Osborne is both a Doctor of Chiropractic as well as a Board Certified Doctor of Clinical Nutrition. The practice focuses on both chiropractic care and integrative holistic care employing natural methods of treatment. Dr. Osborne utilizes state of the art equipment like the ABS Spinal Decompression Dr. Peter Osborne Table to prevent back surgery.

Dr. Osborne specializes in finding answers to medical problems when traditonal methods fail by using cutting edge laboratory testing, genetic allele screening, hormone testing, thorough physical examination, lengthy history taking, and more.

He seeks for the underlying causes of your health problems.

4724 Sweetwater Blvd. Suite 102, Sugar Land, TX 77479

281-240-2229

www.TownCenterWellness.com

MAY 2008

63

Non-Profit Organizations - Clubs & Associations Non-Profit Organizations Child Advocates of Fort Bend County Publicity Manager: Susie Moseley Phone: (281) 341-9955 Meetings: 1505 Liberty in Richmond, TX 77469 Website: www.cafb.org East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry Publicity Manager: Connie Esposito Phone: (281) 261-1006 Meetings: Volunteers come freely Website: www.humanneeds.org Fort Bend Corp Publicity Manager: Brandy Leonherdt Phone: (281) 313-2677 Website: www.fbcorps.org Fort Bend Friends and Neighbors Publicity Manager: Patricia Mule E-mail: publicity@fbfn.org Website: www.fbfn.org Fort Bend Junior Service League Publicity Manager: Angela Hughes The Fort Bend Junior Service League is an organization of women committed to developing the potential of women and to improving the Ft. Bend Co. community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.

Website: www.fbjsl.com Impact A Hero Publicity Manager: W. James Hoelker, COB Address: 707 Avenue E Stafford, Texas 77477 Phone: (713) 829-9698 Emotional, financial and career support to military severely wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan Website: www.impactahero.org National Alliance on Mental Illness of Fort Bend County Publicity Manager: Bev Davis Phone: (281) 980-7463 Meetings: First Thursday of each month and support group meetings for caregivers each 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Thursday. These meetings are held at the St. Laurence Catholic Church at 7 PM. 64 MAY 2008

The Fort Bend County Women’s Center Publicity Manager: Becky Watts Phone: (281) 494-4545 Meetings: 14141 Southwest Freeway, Suite 1300, Sugar Land, TX 77478 Website: www.fortbendwomenscenter.org The MOMS Club For meeting information consult website.

Website: www.momsclub.org

Clubs & Associations American Association of Retired Persons Missouri city Chapter Publicity Manager: Ken Vanway Phone: (281) 499-0074 Meetings: 2nd Mon. of the month, at 11:30AM at Missouri city community center.

(No meetings July-August) American Business Women’s Association Fort Bend Chapter Publicity Manager: Louise Grasse Phone: (281) 403-2925 Meetings: Sugar Creek Country Club 1st Thursday of the month at 7pm Website: www.abwafortbend.org Beta Sigma Phi Publicity Manager: Shirley Hyatt Phone: (281) 499-0732 Meetings: 2nd Thursday of the month at Oasis on Airport Deci-Belles Women’s Barbershop Chorus Publicity Manager: Pat Schweikhardt Phone: (281) 497-4904 Meetings: Tremont Auditorium Retirement Home Exchange Club of Quail Valley Meetings: 2nd and 4th Friday of the month at the Quail Valley Comm. Center at 7am Fort Bend Boys Choir of Texas, Inc. Publicity Manager: William R. Adams Phone: (281) 240-3800 Meetings: Thursday’s 6- 7p.m. at First United Methodist Church of Sugar Land Email: wra@fbbctx.org Website: www.fbbctx.org

Fort Bend Exchange Club Publicity Manager: Lucy Smith Address: PO Box 169 Sugar Land, TX 77487 Meetings: The Club meets every Wednesday, 11:45 am at Sweetwater Country Club Website: www.fortbendexchange.org Fort Bend Master Gardeners Phone: (281) 341-7068 Meetings: 3rd Thursdays of the month from 7:15-8:15 (Green Thumb program is held 2nd Thursday of the month from 7-9 pm) Website: www.fbmg.com Fort Bend Rotary Club Publicity Manager: Al Abramczyk Phone: (281) 565-6013 Meetings: Sugar Creek Country Club 6:45pm every Wednesday night Website: www.fortbendrotary.org Fort Bend Women’s Tennis League Publicity Manager: Chuck Sanchelli Phone: (281) 980-4219 Meetings: Various Tennis Courts around the city, Weeknights at 7:00 pm Fort Bend Writers Group Publicity Manager: Roger Paulding Phone: (281) 498-5025 Meetings: Barnes and Noble in Sugar Land every Monday at 7:00 Ladies of Richmond Rosenberg Express Network (ABWA LORREN) Publicity Manager: Jamie Massie Phone: (713) 805-0665 Meetings: 2nd Wednesday of the month at the Pecan Grove Country Club Website: www.abwalorren.org Lions Club of Sugar Land Publicity Manager: Ray Lehrmann Phone: (281) 980-3734 Meetings: 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month at the Sugar Land Comm. Center at 7:00 pm Meadows Place Home and Garden Club Publicity Manager: Margaret Sandlin Phone: (281) 933-8034 Meetings: Meadows Place Community Center, 2nd Tuesday September-May Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

Oyster Creek Rotary Club Publicity Manager: Bill Lackey Meetings: Friday at noon, Quail Valley CC, 2880 La Quinta, Missouri City Website: www.oystercreekrotary.org Perry’s Texas Rangers Publicity Manager: Karen Robertson Phone: (281) 491-6967 Meetings: 1st Monday of the month from Sept.-June 10am at George Memorial Library Suburban Sugar Land Women Publicity Manager: Mable Scott Austin Phone: (281) 980-3555 Meetings: 4th Saturday of every other month at a member’s home, 1-2 pm Sugar Land Christian Women’s Connection Publicity Manager: Diane Diekmann Phone: (281) 980-9670 Meetings: Sweetwater Country Club 2nd Friday of the month,11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

Sugar Creek Country Club Woman’s Association Publicity Manager: Mary Ammerman Phone: (281) 491-6781 Meetings: 1st Thursday of the month at the Sugar Creek CC at 11:30 am Sugar Creek Garden Club Publicity Manager: Carolyn Cannan Phone: (281) 494-5065 Meetings: 3rd Thursday of the month, 9:30 am at Sugar Creek Country Club Sugar Land Rotary Club Publicity Manager: Daniel Green Meetings: Sweetwater Country Club Wednesday’s at 12:00pm Website: www.sugarlandrotary.org

SW Area Professional express Network (SWAPEN) Publicity Manager: Suzette Peoples Phone: (281) 980-3322 Meetings: Meet for lunch at Sugar Creek Country Club on the 3rd Tuesday of the month Website: www.abwaswapen.org West Houston Express Network (WHEN) Publicity Manager: Suzette Peoples Phone: (281) 980-3322 Meetings: Meet for lunch at the Falcon Point Country Club on the 1st Thursday of the month Website: www.abwawhen.org Women’s Council of Women Fort Bend Publicity Manager: Betty Ann Lane Phone: (281) 851-1125 Meetings: 2nd Thursday of the month at Sugar Creek Country Club 11:30am Website.www.wcrfortbend.org

MAY 2008

65

You can pick up the current issue at: Berryhill’s 13703 SW FWY Gerlands Shopping Center

SUGAR LAND LOCATIONS

Katy Chamber of Commerce 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd., Ste. B-20

Earl of Sandwich 1930 Hwy 6 Fish City Grill 15980 City Walk

Postal Center Plus 1450 W. Grand Pkwy

Papa LaRosa Pizza 16227 Lexington Blvd.

Sugar Land Ice Center 16225 Lexington Blvd.

Uptown Deli Eldridge Rd. @ W. Airport

Philly Connection Lexington Blvd. @ Austin Pkwy.

Doubleshots Coffeehouse Eldridge Rd. @ W. Airport

Skeeter’s Grill Lexington Blvd. @ Austin Pkwy.

Postal + Copy Center 11569 Hwy 6 @ W. Airport

Walgreens 4711 Sweetwater @ Lexington Kroger Shopping Center

Sugar Land Donuts 14009 FM 1464 Chick-Fil-A Hwy 59 @ Grand Pkwy Chamber of Commerce 445 Commerce Green Blvd.

Texas Brisket BBQ 7822 Hwy 90-A Hot Dog Station 13134 Dairy Ashford La Fonda 13134 Dairy Ashford Murphy’s Deli 13134 Dairy Ashford Texan Grill 13134 Dairy Ashford Blimpie 13875 SW FWY Gerlands Center Vasos Bar-B-Q 9920 Hwy 90-A

KATY LOCATIONS

Walgreens Original Eat’s Hwy 6 @ Bissonnet Highland Square Shopping Center Pheasant Creek Shell Ragin Cajin Old Richmond @ Pheasant Creek 16100 Kensington @ Hwy 6

Walgreens Eldridge @ W. Airport

Pheasant Creek Shell Old Richmond Rd. @ Pheasant Creek

Neighborhood Postal Center 935 Eldridge Rd.

Thai Cottage II 4723 Sweetwater @ Lexington Kroger Shopping Center It’s a Grind Coffee House 4727 Sweetwater @ Lexington Kroger Shopping Center Walgreens Hwy 6 at Williams Trace Randall’s Shopping Center Java Daves 3336 Hwy 6 - Randall’s Center Postal Center 3350 Hwy 6 - Randall’s Center UPS Store 3506 Hwy 6 DiMassi’s Mediterranean Buffet 4654 Hwy 6 @ Austin Pkwy Bravo’s Mexican Restaurant 4514 Hwy 6 @ Austin Pkwy The Coffee Groundz Hwy 6 @ SW FWY

MISSOURI CITY LOCATIONS

Walgreens Murphy at Lexington Walgreens Hwy 6 at Murphy Rd. Texas BBQ Kroger Shopping Center Javioca Coffee 7270 Hwy 6 Brookstreet Bar-B-Q 7232 Hwy 6 Fruhstucks 9029 Hwy 6 @ Sienna Pkwy Walgreens 2203 Texas Pkwy Walgreens 3403 Texas Pkwy Ed’s Pharmacy Cartwright @ FM 1092 Cajin New Orleans Seafood Kitchen 3760 Cartwright @ FM 1092 Baytown Seafood 2409 FM 1092 Walgreens Lexington at Dulles Catfish Willy’s 2435 FM 2234 J & L Cafe 1110 FM 2234 Missouri City, City Hall Texas Pkwy Candelari’s 7425 Hwy 6 El Vaquero 2140 FM 1092

If you would like a pick up location at your restaurant or coffee house

Palio’s Pizza Cafe 1450 W. Grand Pkwy

Hasta La Pasta 1450 W. Grand Pkwy La Finca 23930 Westheimer Pkwy China Wall 23730 Westheimer Pkwy Southern Maid Donuts S. Peek Rd. @ Fry Rd. Grand Lakes Postal S. Peek Rd. @ Fry Rd. Skeeters Mesquite Grill Mason Rd. @ Highland Knolls Walgreens S. Mason @ Westpark Tollway Cafe Europe 1850 S. Mason Rd. Orient Cafe 1315 Grand Pkwy.

9’ers Grill 1315 Grand Pkwy.

Kim Son Fountains Shopping Center Avalon Diner Fountains Shopping Center Hooter’s 12759 SW Frwy.

Stafford City Hall Hwy 90-A Eduardo’s Mexican Restaurant 208 FM 1092 @ Hwy 90-A John & Joe’s Eatery Shack 345 Dulles Ave.

MEADOWS PLACE LOCATIONS Walgreens 11675 W. Airport @ Kirkwood Sandwich King 11611 W. Airport Meadows Place City Hall 1 Troyan Dr.

FRESNO LOCATIONS Walgreens 12225 Hwy 6 @ Teal Bend Blvd.

RICHMOND LOCATIONS Walgreens 1600 Jackson St. Quizno’s Subs 503 FM 359

Mugs Coffee Bar Walgreens 503 FM 359 Westheimer Pkwy. @ S. Mason Rd. Italian Maid Cazadores Mexican Restaurant 300 Morton St. 1344 Pin Oak Rd. Los Potros Mexican Restaurant Antonia’s Restaurant 100 Liberty St. @ Brazos Bridge Cucina Italiana 2001 Katy Mills Blvd.

Richmond Coffee House Hwy 90A @ Brazos Bridge “split” Cafe Europe 1850 S. Mason Rd. ROSENBERG LOCATIONS

STAFFORD LOCATIONS Barry’s Pizza Fountains Shopping Center

Chick-Fil-A Brazos Town Center

Rose-Rich Chamber of Commerce Otto’s Barbeque & Hamburgers Ave. H Fountains Shopping Center Japanese Kitchen call: 281-690-4200 5101 Ave. H - Kroger Ctr.

Fort Bend Focus Magazine is also available in the community publications rack in Krogers and Gerlands in Sugar Land, Missouri City, Rosenberg and Katy 66 MAY 2008

Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

Experience the Best Mexican Food in Town Remember us for All your CATERING needs..

Happy Hour 11am-7pm & FREE Appetizers 4pm-7pm MONDAY SPECIAL

Draw Beer

$

5 OFF

Buy 1, Get $5 OFF your second meal!

Dine-In only. Not valid with lunch or other specials.

1 coupon per table.

Super Mexican Cuisine Lunch Specials Starting at

3

$ 99 30 min in and out lunches available

99¢ 12

Chicken $ FAJITAS for 2

99

WEDNESDAY SPECIAL 99 FAJITAS $ for 2 SATURDAY SPECIAL 99 Combination $ FAJITAS for 2

14

Draw Beer

14 $ 1

50

LIVE MUSIC 12821 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land AND DANCING Thursdays 6pm - 10pm

281-240-3060

Come EXPERIENCE “WOW”!

The uniqueness of Coffeeworks and Cuvee Wine Bar is evident not only in its offerings of the very freshest breakfast pastries, homemade soups, garden fresh salads, and hot and cool “bistro style” sandwiches but also in the world class offerings of hand picked coffees and extraordinary fine wines.

203 Century Square Boulevard, Sugar Land Texas 77478 (located across fom the Houston Swim Club in the Sugar Point Shopping Center)

wflbbi@comcast.net

281-242-6585 CATERING IS OUR SPECIALTY! PRIVATE PARTIES AND SPECIAL EVENTS WELCOME

Bus Hours: Monday: 6am - 6pm Tues - Thurs: 6am - 8:30pm Fri: 6am - 10pm Sat: 8am - 10pm Closed Sundays

Gift Certificate

20% OFF

(excludes beer and wine) Expiration December 2008

Is Your Child...

Introducing The Andreason Law Firm

• Struggling in school?

• Distracted, frustrated or angry?

• Not meeting school’s expectations?

• In need of a challenge?

Now you don’t have to drive to Houston for Estate Planning

If you answered yes to any or all of these, then call us TODAY!

WE CAN HELP!

832.886.5878

www.learningrx.com

16338 Kensington Drive • Suite 190

Mention this ad and get

50 Off

$

Fort Bend’s newest BISTRO and Wine Bar

Initial Assessment & Consultation.**

**Regularly priced at $150.00 • Not valid with any other offer.

Summer Programs available!

Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

Kurt M. Andreason Attorney at Law

Meeting your needs with everything from basic will and trust planning to sophisticated estate planning strategies, including family limited partnerships, life insurance trusts, business succession planning and other well-recognized methods of estate tax reduction.

Board Certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in Estate Planning, Probate Law and Commercial Real Estate • Listed for over 10 years in the Best Lawyers in America in the Estates and Trusts area • Named by Texas Monthly magazine as a “Super Lawyer” in the Estates and Trusts field • AV Peer Review Rating by Martindale Hubbell Law Directory • 24 years experience in Texas

Convenient Sugar Land location, Ample Parking, Handicap Accessible

4840 Sweetwater Blvd, Suite B (at rear) 281-265-1561 • www.andreasonlawfirm.com MAY 2008

67

If you haven’t subscribed to the Business Journal you can always pick up a free sample at your cleaners.

SUGAR LAND Cont’d

MISSOURI CITY Cont’d

Holiday Cleaners 4550 Sweetwater

Country Cleaners 7110-D Hwy 6 (next to Shell)

Sienna Cleaners 16525 Lexington Blvd. # 190 @ Austin Pkwy

Sienna Cleaners 4225 Sienna Pkwy., Suite 300

$1.75 Cleaners 15201 Southwest Frwy.

Kristi’s Cleaners 1730 Wms. Trace Baldwin Cleaners (Bayview) 3302 Hwy 6 @ Wms. Trace

SUGAR LAND

Country Cleaners 4680 Hwy 6

Cache Cleaners 17310-F Grand Pkwy

Parkway Cleaners 4621 Austin Pkwy

Country Cleaners 10021-C Hwy 6

AB Cleaners 3695 Hwy 6 (Kroger Center)

LT Cleaners 11102 Hwy 6

$1.59 Cleaners 2309 Hwy 6

Deluxe Cleaners 11750-B Hwy 6 @ Voss Rd

River Oaks Cleaners 13807 Southwest Fwy (Gerlands Center)

Dry Clean Supercenter 11906 Hwy 6 @ Voss Rd Sienna Cleaners 14009-A FM 1464 Holiday Cleaners 6350 Hwy 90-A Deluxe Cleaners 4755 Sweetwater Southwest Cleaners 4720-C Sweetwater 68 MAY 2008

Bluebonnet Cleaners 9920 Hwy 90-A, Suite 170-D Sugar Creek Cleaners 203 Century Square, Suite 190 MISSOURI CITY MISSOURI CITY Sienna Cleaners 6138 Hwy 6 (Kroger Center)

Dry Clean Super Center 5727 Hwy 6 $1.49 Cleaners 5405 Hwy 6

KATY 7-7 Cleaners 1634 S. Mason Rd. Holiday Cleaners 1315 Grand Pkwy.

MEADOWS PLACE Dry Clean Super Center 12375 Kirkwood Cleaners Alterations 11611 W. Airport

ROSENBERG VIP Cleaners 3926 Ave. H #10 VIP Cleaners 2201 First St. Holiday Cleaners 3926 Ave. H Fort Bend/Katy

Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

Golf and Country Clubs Year-long recreational opportunities abound from the finest golf courses to soccer and baseball fields, greenbelts, parks, arts, attractions and entertainment and eight professional sporting teams. There’s always a lot of activity, and it’s never far from home.

PUBLIC/PRIVATE

LOCATION

*FEES

PHONE

HOLES

**YARDS

PRIVATE

2627 FM 762 RICHMOND

WD $30 WE $35

281-342-8368

18

6346

70.09

GREATWOOD GOLF CLUB PUBLIC 6767 GREATWOOD PKWY., SUGAR LAND

WD $35 WE $55 TWL $28

281-343-9999

18

6836

72.3

HOUSTONIAN GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

WD $60 WE $80

281-494-4244

18

7110

72.9

PECAN GROVE PLANTATION PRIVATE 3000 PLANTATION DR., RICHMOND WD $38 WE$54 281-342-9940

9 9 9

3425 3351 3556

----------

QUAIL VALLEY COUNTRY CLUB PRIVATE 2880 LA QUINTA DR., MISSOURI CITY

RIVERBEND COUNTRY CLUB PRIVATE 1214 DULLES AVE., SUGAR LAND

RIVER POINTE GOLF CLUB PUBLIC 11207 FM 2759, RICHMOND

FORT BEND COUNTRY CLUB

PRIVATE

12610 FM 1464 RICHMOND

RATING

WD $40 WE $60

281-437-8277

18

6680

71.8

WD $45 WE $65

281-491-9802

18

6677

72.0

WD $30 WE $39.50 TWL WD$26.50 WE $30.00

281-343-9995

18

6904

73.3

SHADOW HAWK GOLF CLUB PRIVATE 4100 SHADOW HAWK DR., RICHMOND WD $60 WE $125 281-340-7205

SIENNA PLANTATION GOLF CLUB PUBLIC 1 WATERS LAKE BLVD. MISSOURI CITY WD $55 WE $65 281-778-4653

SUGAR CREEK COUNTRY CLUB PRIVATE 2400 COUNTRY CLUB BLVD. SUGAR LAND WD $65 WE $80 281-494-9131

18

7207

74.7

18

7150

72

9 9 9

3382 3186 3357

----------

SWEETWATER COUNTRY CLUB PRIVATE 4400 PALM ROYALE BLVD. SUGAR LAND

18 18

6728 7154

72.59 74.0

WD $53.85 281-980-4653 WE $85.85

*Fees are for guests with member at private facility, or cost at public facility. **Yardage measured from the back tees. TO VERIFY FEES, FIND OUT ABOUT GOLFCARTS, AND OBTAIN A TEE TIME CALL THE APPROPRIATE COURSE

Auto. Home. Life.

Commercial.

Integrity, Honesty and Service to Others

INTERNATIONAL PREPARATORY SCHOOL Emphasis on Trans-National Education

JANE PENAN SPELLMAN, CIC, LUTCF (281) 242 3222 101 Southwestern Blvd. Suite #135 SUGAR LAND janespellman@allstate.com

Grades Pre Kindergarten through 8th grade

• Extra Curricular Activities: French Club, Chess Club, Voice lessons, instrument lessons, and art classes.

• After school tutorials and home work assistance are also available.

• Full Coverage Care Available 7am-6:30pm

For More Information Call:

281-208-1403 Subject to availability and qualifications. Insurance offered only with select companies.Allstate Insurance Company, Allstate Fire and Casualty Insurance Company: Northbrook, Illinois © 2007 Allstate Insurance Company.

Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

Fax: 281-208-1426 www.InternationalPreparatorySchool.com 1717 DULLES AVE. • MISSOURI CITY • TX 77459 MAY 2008

69

FBISD Serves Sugar Land Youngsters

S

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

Here are a few facts about FBISD, compiled for the 2007-08 school year • There are 67,188 students enrolled • There are 4,272 teachers • Teachers average starting salary is $43,200, moving to $46,350 after five years, $55,467 after 20 years, with a maximum of $68,590 yearly • The last day of student classes will be Thursday, June 5, and the first day in the fall semester will be Monday, August 25.

• There are attendance zones. Since FBISD is one of the fastest growing districts in the nation (families from around the world move here daily), there may be changes, but these are the current Sugar Land school zones: • For your high school student (9th,10th,11th, 12th grades) he or she will go to one of four high schools: Austin at 3434 Pheasant Creek Drive; Clements at 4200 Elkins Drive; Dulles at 550 Dulles Avenue or Kempner at 14777 Voss Road. There also is a Technical Education Center at 540 Dulles Avenue, and an M.R. Wood Alternative Education Center at 138 Avenue F • Middle school students (6th, 7th,8th grades): Dulles at 500 Dulles Avenue; First

70 MAY 2008

Colony at 3225 Austin Parkway; Fort Settlement at 5440 Elkins Road; Garcia at 18550 Old Richmond Road; Hodges Bend at 16510 Bissonnet; Sartartia at 8125 Homeward Way, or Sugar Land at 321 Seventh Street.

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

• Parental involvement in all of these

schools is appreciated by the district. There’s a Community Conference for Volunteers each October; a VIPs Salute for major contributors, and a Community Partnerships Appreciation Luncheon each April.

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

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

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

Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

Public School Opportunities

A

ll Sugar Land students are eligible to apply for admission to unusual academies provided by FBISD. The district’s goal is, some day, to provide academies in every high school in the district.

Students wishing to enroll in these academies must submit application and teacher recommendation forms. Acceptance is broadly based on grades, teacher recommendations, discipline history and standardized test scores.

The Academies:

• Quail Valley Middle School’s Academy for the Gifted and Talented This academy is committed to fostering academic excellence while providing an environment that enhances self-awareness and self-efficacy to develop strength and talents. It has a rigorous and innovative approach to mathematics, language arts, science, social studies and foreign language, using the latest technologies.

• Hightower High School Career Academies This program concentrates on medical sciences, engineering and computer media, and television production, in addition to

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the traditional high school experience.

All of these associated subjects are at the advanced level. Honors courses can be selected after these entry courses have been completed.

Marshall High School Academies( http://www.fortbend.k12. tx.us/cmf/var/tidbits_parentlinks_20070105_1247_2.pdf ) and Willowridge High School Computer Software Design Academy (http://www.fortbend.k12.tx.us/cmf/var/tidbits_parentlinks_ 20070105_1248.pdf ) Information is detailed on the websites.

Technical Education Center This program offers classes to enable the student to leave high school with viable skills to enter the work force, earn credits and enter a community college, or a four-year college by using skills to earn money for college expenses. Courses include automotive technology, computer-aided drafting/design, cosmetology, culinary arts, electronics, metal trades, hospitality marketing/hotel internship, health science technology, computer maintenance, and fire fighting.

ultimate professional... absolutel y wonderful...

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ABR, GRI

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MAY 2008

71

Sugar Land Area Private Schools Calvary Episcopal School 1201 Austin St., Richmond, 77469 (281) 342-3161 Cambridge Montessori School 6380 U.S. 90A at Ellis Creek Sugar Land, 77478 (281) 491-2223 Christ Church School 3300 Austin Pkwy.

Sugar Land, 77479 (281) 980-2582 Christian Bible Academy 3710 Mchard Road Missouri City, 77489 (281) 835-8635

First Start Learning Academy 11723 Kirkwood Sugar Land, 77478 (281) 575-8866

Houston Learning Academy 3964 Bluebonnet Dr. Stafford, 77477 (281) 240-6060

First United Methodist Church 431 Eldridge Road Sugar Land, 77478 (281) 242-5437

International Preparatory School 1717 Dulles Ave. Missouri City, 77459 (281) 208-1403

Fort Bend Baptist Academy 13303 SW Fwy., Sugar Land, 77478 (281) 263-9191 222 Fifth St., Sugar Land, 77478 (281) 263-9175 1201 Lakeview, Sugar Land, 77478 (281) 263-9100

Colony Lakes Montessori 6248 Hwy 6 @ University Blvd.

Missouri City, 77459 (281) 208-8282

God’s Rainbow Christian Academy 13131 Alston Road Sugar Land, 77478 (281) 313-1485

Cornerstone Christian Academy 2140 First Colony Blvd.

Sugar Land, 77479 (281) 980-0842

Good News Christian Academy 1521 Texas Pkwy.

Missouri City, 77489 (281) 261-4975

East Wind Baptist Church and Christian Academy 2503 S Main, Stafford, 77477 (281) 208-2734

Greatwood Montessori 6633 Greatwood Pkwy Sugar Land, 77479 (281) 545-1408

Excel Adventist Academy PO Box 2240 Missouri City, 77459 (281) 835-0770

Hla-Fort Bend High School 3964 Bluebonnet Stafford, 77477 (281) 240-6060

Faith Lutheran School 800 Brooks St., Sugar Land, 77478 (281) 242-4453

Honor Roll School 4111 Sweetwater Blvd.

Sugar Land, 77479 (281) 265-7888

Fastrackids 2587 Town Center Blvd N Sugar Land, 77479 (281) 980-5437 Fellowship Christian Academy 16425 Old Richmond Road Sugar Land, 77478 (281) 495-1814 72 MAY 2008

Honor Roll School II 2808 Alcorn Oaks Drive Sugar Land, 77479 (281) 265-3888

Kumon of First Colony 4141 Sweetwater Blvd.

Sugar Land, 77479 (281) 835-6955 Lakeview Montessori Inc. 211 Wood St., Sugar Land, 77478 (281) 494-2667 Light Christian Academy 14415 Fondren Road Missouri City, 77489 (281) 416-1797

New Millennium Montessori School 980 FM 1092 Missouri City, 77459 (281) 208-4343 2200 FM 1092 Missouri City, 77459 (281) 208-0471

Lil Harvard First Step Private Learning Center 514 1/2 Texas Pkwy.

Missouri City, 77489 (281) 261-9070

New Southwest Montessori Center 12707 Alston Road, Sugar Land, 77478 (281) 277-7788

Memorial Montessori School 5630 W. River Park Dr., Sugar Land, 77479 (281) 238-9626

Oxford Little Scholars Academy 339 Dulles Ave., Stafford, 77477 (281) 261-9613

Methodist Day School 1220 FM 1092 Missouri City, 77459 (281) 499-2581

Park Point Montessori School 11124 S Hwy. 6 Sugar Land, 77478 (281) 530-1616

Montessori House for Children 20625 Lakemont Bend Dr. Richmond, 77469 (281) 239-3400

Primrose Schools 4400 Sienna Pkwy.

Missouri City, 77459 (281) 431-8687 4605 Austin Pkwy.

Sugar Land, 77479 (281) 565-2707

Montessori Greatwood 6633 Greatwood Pkwy.

Sugar Land, 77479 (281) 343-1888

Riverbend Montessori School 4225 Elkins Sugar Land, 77479 (281) 980-4123

Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

Shady Oak Primary School 600 Main St. Richmond, 77469 (281) 344-1291 Sienna Montessori School 10010 Steep Bank Trace Missouri City, 77459 (281) 778-2223 Southminster School 4200 Cartwright Road Missouri City, 77459 (281) 261-8872 Southminster School 2310 Brightwater & Cartwright Rd Stafford, 77477 (281) 261-8872 St. Laurence Catholic School 2630 Austin Pkwy.

Sugar Land, 77479 (281) 980-0500 Sugar Creek Montessori School 615 Dulles Ave. Stafford, 77477 (281) 261-1000 Sugar Grove Christian School 11600 W Airport Blvd.

Stafford, 77477 (281) 575-6598

Sugar Mill Montessori School 1120 Burney Road Sugar Land, 77478 (281) 242-2100

Trent Internationale School 2555 Cordes Drive Sugar Land, 77479 (281) 980-5800

The Honor Roll School 2808 Alcorn Oaks Dr. Sugar Land, 77479 (281) 265-3888

Waldemar Academy 3103 N Main St., Stafford. 77477 (281) 499-8307

The Honor Roll School 411 Sweetwater Blvd.

Sugar Land, 77479 (281) 265-7888 The Walden School 16103 Lexington Blvd.

Sugar Land, 77479 (281) 980-0022 Tree of Life Christian Academy 7707 Hwy. 6 Missouri City, 77459 (281) 208-1479

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Professional Experience and Integrity

A Top Multi-Million Dollar Producer-

Prudential Gary Greene, GRI, ABR

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Willowridge Day Care & Learning School 2803 S Main St., Stafford, 77477 (281) 499-8074

Barbara Montgomery

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281-265-6001 16255 Kensington Dr. www.spagenesis.com

A Full Service Day Spa & Salon

713.898.3938 • montgomb@garygreene.com Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

MAY 2008

73

Frequently Called Numbers HOSPITALS Sugar Land Medical Center............281-274-6600 Memorial Hermann Health Center - Sugar Land............281-242-7220 Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital........................713-776-5000 Methodist Health Center.................281-274-7000 OakBend Medical Center................281-342-2811 COUNTY OFFICES Main Courthouse...........................281-341-8685 Animal Control...............................281-342-1512 Auto Registration ..........................281-341-3710 Central Appraisal District................281-344-8623 Child Support.................................281-342-6222 Community Supervision & Corrections.................................281-342-2761 County Attorney.............................281-341-4555 County Clerk..................................281-341-8685 County Judge................................281-341-8608 District Attorney.............................281-341-8608 District Clerk..................................281-341-4460 Fairgrounds...................................281-342-3034 Health Department.........................281-342-6171 Juvenile Detention Center...............281-341-3800

Social Services..............................281-342-4550 Veterans Services..........................281-341-3710 Voter Registration..........................281-341-8670 COUNTY LIBRARIES County Law Library........................281-341-3718 First Colony Branch........................281-265-4444 George Memorial Library................281-342-4455 Mamie George Library....................281-491-8086 Missouri City Branch......................281-499-4100 Sugar Land Branch........................281-277-8934 CITY OFFICES Meadows Place City Hall................281-983-2950 Meadows Place Fire Dept...............281-261-3995 Meadows Place Police Dept............281-983-2900 Missouri City Hall...........................281-261-4260 Missouri City Fire Dept...................281-261-4250 Missouri City Police Dept................281-261-4200 Stafford City Hall ...........................281-261-3900 Stafford Fire Dept...........................281-261-0821 Stafford Police Dept.......................281-261-3950 Sugar Land City Hall.......................281-275-2700 Sugar Land Fire Dept.....................281-491-0852 Sugar Land Police Dept..................281-275-2500

Sugar Land Street Dept..................281-275-2450 Sugar Land Water Dept..................281-242-2450 Sugar Land Permit Dept.................281-275-2370 Sugar Land Water Billing Information....................................281-275-2750 EMERGENCY NUMBERS Non-Emergency.............................281-342-6116 Fort Bend Emergency Medical Service (non-emergency)................281-342-7233 Fort Bend County Crime Stoppers.... 281-342-TIPS Parent Education Project................713-743-5435 SCHOOL DISTRICTS Fort Bend ISD................................281-634-1000 Lamar CISD...................................281-341-3100 Stafford MSD.................................281-261-9200 Other Useful Numbers Family Service Center....................281-261-1830 Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce.................................281-491-0800 Texas Department of Public Safety.................................281-232-4334

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74 MAY 2008

Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

Tea Room - Gift Shop • Serving Lunch and Afternoon Tea • Catering Available • Private Events by Appointment Hours: Mon-Thurs 11-4 • Fri-Sat 11-5 • Sun Closed

281-491-4588 13889 Southwest Fwy. Sugar Land, TX 77478

(In the Gerland’s Shopping Center)

www.sereniteatearoom.com HERITAGE

GREG A. LINNEY, D.D.S., 4660 Sweetwater Blvd., Ste 230, Sugar Land 77479 Inc. office@drlinney.com • www.drlinney.com

BEGINS AT HOME

Deborah Breuleux

She is dedicated to providing a superior level of service by making client needs a priority. As one client wrote, “Deborah was outstanding. We could not have asked for more from a Realtor – kind, responsive, professional. Truly excellent!”

Schedule a New Patient Appointment which Includes: • A Cleaning • X-rays • Exam • Receive a FREE Teeth Whitening.

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281.980.1733

281.240.8800 • 16190 City Walk, Ste 260 • Sugar Land

Iris S. Polinger M.D. PhD., P.A. Diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology

DISEASES OF THE SKIN, HAIR, & NAILS COSMETIC DERMATOLOGIC SURGERY

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1415 Highway 6 South, Building C-400 • Sugar Land O: 281.491.9278 (281.491.WART) F: 281.491.3376 (281.491.DERM) Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

MAY 2008

75

Stay fit and in shape at any age through eating habits

E

veryone knows the keys to losing weight: Eat less and exercise more. Sounds simple, but in the context of real life and its demands, it can be anything but simple. No matter your size or your age there are several ways for you to keep unwanted weight off using the healthy road. The main secret to your physical fitness is YOU. By watching your eating habits and by challenging yourself to following the next few tips you can stay physically fit.

1) Think of what you can add to your diet, not what you should take away Dieters immediately start chipping out the foods they think are the cause to their added weight when beginning a new fitness program, but it’s what they aren’t eating that could be the cause as well. Start by getting the recommended 5-9 servings of fruit and vegetables each day. It might sound like a lot but it’s well worth the extra step and you’re less likely to overeat because fruits and vegetables displace fat in the diet.

2) Move More Make it a daily challenge to find ways to move your body. Instead of taking the elevators consider the stairs, take a jog around your neighborhood. Anything that moves your limbs isn’t only a fitness tool, it’s also a stress buster.

3) Go calorie-free Drink plenty of water or other calorie-free beverages. People more than often confuse their thirst with hunger. You can end up eating extra calories when a glass of ice cold water was all you needed. If you’re not a fan of plain water, try adding citrus or a splash of natural juice to spice it up.

4) Snack Smart; Consider when you’re hungry Whenever you feel like eating, look for the physical signs of hunger. Hunger is your body’s way of telling you that you’re low on fuel, so when a craving doesn’t come from hunger, eating won’t satisfy you. Your stomach is only the size of your fist, so it only takes a handful of food to fill it comfortably.

76 MAY 2008

Planned Communities

O

ne of the fastest growing cities in Texas, Sugar Land boasts numerous, exceptional master-planned communities, with new developments in the works. The housing is affordable, and the property values remain strong. The master-planned communities offer complete community and protect asset values. Master Planned Communities: Avalon - A 427-acre waterfront community of four neighborhoods and more than 70 acres of lakes. Custom and semicustom homes ranging from 2,200 to 6,500 square feet priced from the $200s to $1 million.

Colony Lakes - Abundant waterfront property surrounding the beauty of a private nature preserve. 628 master-planned home sites with homes priced from the low $100s to the mid $200s.

First Colony - Extensive greenbelts, lakes and landscaped boulevards pave the way to a private country club, athletic fields, lakes, an aquatic center, 3.5 million square feet of retail and 2.5 million square feet of campus and garden-style offices.

Currently home to 16,799 houses, apartments and town homes with 17,200 projected. Home prices range from the $130s to more than $1 million.

Lake Pointe Town Center - A downtown neighborhood located in the heart of Sugar Land. The 190-acre mixed-use development features a variety of residential

S

offerings, including gated waterfront villas and courtyard homes on private streets, elegant brownstones, exciting mid-rise condominiums, urban stucco town homes for living and working, and spacious Italian Renaissance style town homes with lake views. Homes are priced from the $400s to over $1 million.

Riverpark - Direct access to more than 163 acres of Brazos River-front property, set aside as a natural park with densely wooded trails, wildlife reserves and open meadows that border the river. The 790acre community features homes priced from the $120s to the $250s.

River Park West - 70 acres of recreational amenities, a 20-acre field sports complex and a 4.1-acre community park.

Homes range from the $160s to the $250s.

Sugar Creek - Two private country clubs with 27-hole and 18-hole golf courses, community park, playground, pool, banks, churches and restaurants.

The 1,200-acre community is home to 1,592 households. New housing prices range from the $130s to $1.9 million.

Telfair - A new 2,018-acre masterplanned community with 300 acres of recreational space, including a 70-acre lake, park and trail system that will meander through the community. Located at U.S. 59 South and University, just south of Texas 6, Telfair offers new homes priced from the $250,000s to over $500,000.

Sugar Land offers leisure classes

ugar Land Parks & Recreation has leisure classes for all ages.

Learn to dance and stretch; train your dog to be a good canine citizen and much more! Classes without dates listed are ongoing each month.

The Sugar Land Today guide is mailed to City of Sugar Land residents. If you did not receive a copy, one can be picked up at: Sugar Land City Hall, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North.

For more information call the Parks and Recreation Department at (281) 275-2885 If you are interested in having a class

through our department or at our facilities, please fill out the form and either fax to 281-275-2891 or mail to P.O. Box 110, Sugar Land, TX 77487-0110 Attention: Parks & Recreation Dept.

The City of Sugar Land provides fun and exciting programs for the young at heart 50 and older. Whether you want to just hang out and meet new people, get up and dance, exercise or tour Texas, this is a group with who you want to be. For more information on senior activities or to sign up for the “Sweet Notes” call 281-275-2893 or email us at seniors@sugarlandtx.gov.

Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

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Member FDIC

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An Exotic Culinary Adventure LUNCH: Mon-Friday 11:00 am - 2:00 pm

A Few Favorites Empanadas

Mixed stuffed crispy pastries

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14135 SW Freeway • Sugar Land TX 7748 Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

Gifts for Everyone Yankee Candles The Josef Birthday Angels Willow Tree Angles

Sophia Lamps Jim Shore’s Heartwood Creek Ty® Beanies Much More

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MAY 2008

77

Texas Roundup Begins

S

ugar Land is gearing up for its fifth straight “Fittest City in Texas” championship run!

Governor Rick Perry’s commitment to state wide health & fitness is punctuated by his annual Texas Roundup program, an opportunity for Texans to log all of their physical activity into an on-line account.

Marathon runners and weight lifters aren’t the only persons who qualify to take part— everyone can do it. Credit can be earned for gardening, lawn mowing and household tasks among many, many others!

The 2008 challenge began on January 1, 2008, so go online at www.texasroundup. org and register. Don’t forget when you register and have the option to select which team you want to be a part of, select the “City of Sugar Land” team!

You can also read more about Sugar Land’s grassroots fitness initiative at www. shapeupsugarland.org.

Getting Started • Go online at: www.texasroundup.org • Click: Join Program • Fill out information; make sure you use a “City of Sugar Land Zip Code” (use your job address if necessary) • Once logged in successfully, Join “City of Sugar Land Employees” team!

• On your new home page, Click: Join a Team • Scroll down to “City of Sugar Land Employees” and Click: Submit!

• Login Daily Activities to Complete Challenge!!!

Jury Information District Clerk’s Office: Janice Wile Telephone: 281-341-4510 Fort Bend County Courts Do Postpone Jury Dates.

For information to postpone your Jury Service, call: 281-344-3993 or 281-341-4523 or e-mail: jurydept@co.fort-bend.tx.us.

Please provide your juror badge number when responding by e-mail.

Fax correspondence to: 281-238-3337.

If you have Jury Duty, please report to the location listed on your summons. Not appearing for a jury summons is a violation of the law and in recent years Fort Bend County has been forced to enforce that law.

Arrest and fines can result if a juror does not adhere to the summons.

78 MAY 2008

County Holidays 2008 Memorial Day Monday, May 26, 2008 Independence Day Friday, July 4, 2008 Labor Day Monday, September 1, 2008 Fair Day Friday, September 26, 2008 Veteran’s Day Tuesday, November 11, 2008 Thanksgiving Day Thursday, November 27, 2008 Day after Thanksgiving Friday, November 28, 2008 Christmas Holiday Thursday, December 25, 2008 Christmas Holiday Friday, December 26, 2008

Sugar Land Senior Center Goes Wi-Fi

I

n the 2006 Senior Survey, the most frequently requested items were access to computers, availability of computer technology courses, and internet access within the center. The overall goal of the renovation to the Sugar Land Senior Center was to provide our senior citizen residents with a “home away from home,” a comfortable get-away where seniors could share time with friends, read a book or magazine, play cards or a game of dominoes...and now surf the world wide web!

Throughout the renovation process, many seniors inquired as to the internet connection technology that would be used, whether it would be a dial up, DSL or WiFi connections. The Parks and Recreation Department strives to provide only the best programs and services to our seniors and Wi-Fi technology was chosen as the best possible option. This technology will provide customers with internet access that is not limited to a single location within the facility, but is building-wide!

Currently available for use by our senior citizen community are two laptop computers, both of which are equipped with wireless cards, allowing portable internet access from any location within the Sugar Land Senior Center facility. The Parks and Recreation Department anticipates the future purchase of additional desktops so as to better meet the expected demand for access by our customers.

Senior Citizens Center Senior Citizens Center is located at 200 Matlage Way, Sugar Land (281) 275-2893.

Hours of operation Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Volunteers are needed.

Adopt a Pet program offered by Sugar Land Animal Control

T

he City of Sugar Land Animal Control Division cares for and attempts to find suitable homes for the many stray, abandoned, or orphaned cats and dogs picked up on the streets of the city.

These animals deserve a chance to survive and anyone interested in adoption should contact the Sugar Land Animal Control Division for information on available pets at 281-275-2842 on Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Before Adopting Don’t make a “spur of the moment” decision to adopt Seeing a cute, furry animal “in the store window,” or your children hounding you, are not good reasons to adopt, animal control officers stress.

Consult the whole family Everyone who will live with the animal should be in agreement before adopting. Everyone should consider his or her involvement in the care of the animal. If you have small children, consider who will care for the animal once the kids lose interest.

Consider your lifestyle Consider all issues related to the effect the animal may or may not have and how you may need to adjust; Do you travel a lot? Are you away from the house a considerable amount of time? Will you have the time to train, socialize and offer companionship to a new animal?

Evaluate your living accommodation Do you rent or lease? If so, there may be a pet deposit or pets may not be allowed at all. Consult your leasing company or landlord before adopting.

Budgeting Adopting a pet requires you to consider the amount of time and funding it takes to provide food, shelter and medical care for the animal.

About the city’s Animal Shelter The shelter is not opened to the public and visits to see animals require an appointment prior to visit.

Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

Serving Fort Bend County • Drain Stoppages Cleared

• Senior Discounts

• Gas Leaks

• Residential

• Leaky Faucets and Commodes

• Repairs

• Toilet Repair or Replace

• Service

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281-980-6265

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Worship w/ Holy Communion

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281-277-DEAN (3326)

Sugar Land, Texas • www.juliadeanlaw.com Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

CRS, GRI, ABR

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Over 600 Homes Sold.

But the most important homes I sell is yours!

Give me a call for all your Real Estate needs!

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713-854-0923 - cell • 281-207-5017 - office MAY 2008

79

Advertisers Index ADT............................................................................................. 57

Memorial Hermann - Sugar Land.................................................... 7

Andreason, Kurt M. - Attorney-at-Law.......................................... 67

Merrill Lynch................................................................................ 27

Associates of Southern Design, Inc.............................................. 43

Methodist Sugar Land Hospital................................... Back Page

Back Pain Interventions Associated, P.A. (BPIA)............................. 61

Mike Tidwell Plumbing Company................................................. 79

Bank of Texas................................................................................. 9

Molho, Jack - Realtor................................................................... 47

Breuleux, Deborah.........................................................................75

Montgomery, Barbara - GRI, ABR.................................................. 73

Built-In Appliance, Center............................................................ 71

Moss, Paula - GRI, CSP................................................................ 57

Camden Royal Oaks..................................................................... 29

New Hope Lutheran Church......................................................... 79

Charlton’s Body Repair................................................................. 13

Pamela Printing........................................................................... 47

Coffeeworks & Cuvee Wine Bar.................................................... 67

Pauley, Jacki................................................................................ 61

Colony One Auto Center.................................................................. 5

Polinger, Iris - M.D. PhD., P.A........................................................ 75

Country Dreamin.......................................................................... 77

Prudential Gary Greene, Realtors®............................................... 37

Douglas Brown, CPA.................................................................... 39

RBC Dain Rauscher...................................................................... 33

Drama Kids International.............................................................. 39

Re/Max Elite................................................................................ 49

Enchanted Forest/Gardens........................................................... 65

Re/Max Southwest....................................................................... 45

Fernando’s Latin Cuisine.............................................................. 77

Rolsen, Arlene - CRS.................................................................... 43

First Community Bank...............................................Inside Back

Serenitea..................................................................................... 75

Fort Bend Baptist Academy.......................................................... 77

Salon Eben & Day Spa................................................................. 45

Fort Bend/Katy Business Journal.................................................. 68

Spellman, Jane Penan - CIC, LUTCF............................................. 69

Fort Bend Dental Associates......................................................... 59

Star Video Production................................................................... 74

Fort Bend Focus Magazine........................................................... 31

St. Lukes Sugar Land Hospital........................................................ 4

Fort Bend/Southwest Star............................................................... 2

St. Michael’s - 24 HR Emergency Room.......................................... 8

Frost Bank................................................................................... 63

Steve Fuqua Homes................................................. Inside Front

Genesis Day Spa & Salon............................................................. 73

Sugar Land Town Square................................................................ 3

Gerberman Jewelers, Inc............................................................. 77

Summers, Carrie - ABR, SHS........................................................ 63

Gregory, Jeanne - CRS, GRI, ABR.................................................. 79

Texas Eye Institute....................................................................... 37

Heritage Baptist Church............................................................... 51

Texas State Healthcare................................................................ 57

Hot Dog Station........................................................................... 75

The Dean Law Firm, PLLC............................................................ 79

IBC Bank...................................................................................... 13

The Gayle Daniel Team................................................................ 33

International Preparatory School.................................................. 69

The Magnolia House.................................................................... 39

J Loggins Jewelers...................................................................... 40

The State Bank of Texas............................................................... 35

Las Haciendas Mexican Bar & Grill............................................... 67

Today’s Vision.............................................................................. 63

LearningRx.................................................................................. 67

Town Center Wellness.................................................................. 63

Linney, Greg - D.D.S., Inc............................................................. 75

Touchstone Fine Properties.......................................................... 35

Lowery Bank............................................................................... 77

Triumph Church - Sugar Land...................................................... 11

Magoon, Ann - ABR, GRI, CBR, ALHS............................................ 63

Walker, Tracy -State Farm............................................................ 57

Marcell, Debbie ABR, GRI............................................................. 71

Weaver, Jennifer - ABR, CRS, GRI................................................. 59

80 MAY 2008

Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

Here we grow

a gain!

and to celebrate, we’re offering a No Fee Safe Deposit Box for one year with any new deposit account.* Now Open: Sienna Plantation 9029 Hwy. 6 Missouri City 281.778.0098

Sugar Creek - 281.275.511 Sugar Land Town Center - 281.275.5151 Downtown Richmond - 281.344.0693 Rosenberg - 281.341.1100

firstcommunitybank.net

* While supplies last. Limit one per customer. Please consult your tax advisor about any tax implications. Standard fees will apply after first year.

Leading cardiovascular care

Is close to our heart.

And yours.

remember driving to the texas Medical center for state-of-the-art cardiovascular diagnostics and procedures? Now, it’s right in your community. the Methodist sugar land hospital heart center is the first of its kind to bring the same level of innovative care to Fort Bend county. We were also the first to perform complex cardiovascular procedures here, such as open-heart surgery, coronary angioplasty and abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery. so, now you can get the quality cardiovascular care you need – just a heartbeat away. u A sk

your physician to refer you to the Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Heart Center,

or call our Physician Referral Line at 281-274-7500.

Heart Center 16655 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land, Texas 77479 281-274-7000