2009 ISSUE - Sugar Land Newcomer Guide

Sugar Land 2009 / 2010 OFFICIAL NEWCOMER GUIDE

Sugar Land’s Finest Keep City Safe

• History • Directories

• Parks • Athletics

• Churches • Shopping

• Golf • Schools

• Hospitals • Restaurants

• Important Phone Numbers • Much more...

The Driving Force Behind Sam Tate’s Colony One Auto Center Over 170,000 vehicles serviced since 1991

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” EE FSR E HUTTL

E SERVIC E L B A AVAIL IDE W Y T N COU

281-980-4440

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

TNRCC Emission Repair Approved

Check our website at www.colonyoneauto.com Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory • 2009-2010

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Is staying healthy on your mind?

Taking care of your family’s health is what we do best.

At Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital, we envision better health on a community scale. That’s why we’re offering fun, engaging events to bring you the latest information on a wide range of health topics for your whole family. Our signature “Girls’ Night Out” series focuses on age-specific health issues that matter most to women. Memorial Hermann’s affiliated specialists discuss new approaches to prostate cancer, heart health, sports medicine and more through our popular employer series, “The Doctor Is In.” We invite you to participate in our innovative health forums, right here in your neighborhood.

Memorial Hermann Sugar Land is a full-service acute-care facility that brings the latest medical technology and expertise to our community. Our new Back Pain Program provides an online inquiry tool that delivers immediate response to your back pain questions. We’re the only hospital in the region that offers a 24/7 nurse advice line for back pain. And our Children’s Emergency Center, through our affiliation with Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital, provides fast access to the only Level I pediatric trauma center in the Gulf Coast area.

Visit us at memorialhermann.org for a calendar of upcoming events.

Jan Loggins

Fort Bend’s Custom Jeweler 14015 Southwest Freeway at Sugar Creek

281-242-2900 www.jloggins.com HOURS: TUES-FRI. 10-6 • SAT. 10-3

Watch & Jewelry Repair on Premises

AWARD WINNING CARE

OakBend Medical Center’s award winning care is now available at two convenient locations.

as the need for quality healthcare continues to grow, oakBend medical center is proud to meet those needs by opening a second full-service acute care hospital located at highway 59 and williams way Blvd. like our Jackson street campus, our new second campus offers a wide range of first-class patient services in a caring and compassionate environment.

OAKBEND MEDICAL CENTER HAS: • Fort Bend County’s Only Accredited cancer center approved with commendation • Fort Bend County’s Primary Stroke Center • Advanced Level III Trauma Center • Advanced Wound Care • Quality Respiratory Care • Medical/Surgical Services • Intensive Care Unit • Pediatrics • Imaging Services • Women’s Services and more

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2009-2010 • Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

If you’re looking for award winning patient care, contact us today.

1705 Jackson street, richmond, tX 77469 22003 southwest Freeway, richmond, tX 77469 (At Highway 59 and Williams Way Blvd.)

Phone: 281.341.3000 Physician reFerral: 281.341.4800 www.oakbendmedcenter.org

Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory • 2009-2010

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Another option available for Active Adult Living is Camden Royal Oaks

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ndependent living community for 55+. Worry free maintenance. This luxurious community offers an array of amenities including a piano cafĂŠ, craft room, billiard room, state-of- the art fitness center, conference room, business center, heated pool, spa, outdoor fire pit, shuffle board and bocce ball courts, access gates, elevators, pet park, English garden and shuttle service. Adjacent to the prestigious Royal Oaks Country Club, Camden Royal Oaks is so close to every convenience you may need!

Camden couple Ruby & Archie Sadler

Camden Royal Oaks 11805 Meadowglen Lane Houston, TX 77082

Dee Holmes Community Director 6

Call for an appointment 281-556-0153 Shuttle Service

www.camdenliving.com

CALL NOW! ONLY A FEW UNITS LEFT

2009-2010 • Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

Do you DREAD Going to the Dentist?

FREE

FREE ExAM

NEW PATIENTS ONLY INITIAL EXAM, CONSULTATION & NECESSARY X-RAYS

Or

TAKE-HOME TEETH WHITENING A $395.00 VALUE

To any New Patient that has an Exam, Cleaning and X-Rays at Regular Fee. Not to be combined with any other offer.

Whitening For Life

Free whitening gell refill everytime you keep your regular scheduled hygiene appointment. Some restrictions may apply.

Call for details & appointment.

Made Ya Smile Dental 1415 Highway 6 South, Ste. C-200 • Sugar Land, TX 77478

Buffalo Wild Wings

Highway 6

- 59

Made Ya Smile Dental

t Freeway

First Colony Blvd. / Brooks St.

Dr. Mike Kesner • M-F 8am - 7pm Fluor Daniel Dr.

Call ToDaY! 281-265-1111

Southwes

• No Treatment for Many Years • Bad Dental Experiences • Problems Getting Numb • Advanced Dental Problems

Amenities include: • New Patients Welcome • Emergencies Seen Same Day • Sedation Dentistry • Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas) • All Phases Of Dentistry • Invisalign • Zoom Teeth Whitening • Porcelian Veneers • “Dr. Kesner has done more cosmetic Lumineers than any other dentist in the nation for the last 3 years.”

Lifetime fitness Blvd.

At Made Ya Smile Dental, we’ve treated MANY patients who have had:

We offer all the comforts of home to ensure the best dental experience possible.

Care Credit • Senior Discounts • 24 Months Same as Cash (with approved credit)

Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory • 2009-2010

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2009-2010 • Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory • 2009-2010

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Search online for your next new or used car, truck or suv

Sell your car in print and

nline.

www.FortBendAutoMarketplace.com or follow the link at www.FortBendStar.com

See some of the ads in Print in our classified pages every week.

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2009-2010 • Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

r u o Y Complete

Automotive Repair Center Fast Friendly & Professional

David & Cindy Fauvelle Owners

• EMISSION TESTING • ASE CERTIFIED TECHS • AUTHORIZED EMISSION REPAIRS • LUBE AND MAINTENANCE SERVICES • FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED SINCE 1989

281-499-9684 2526 Fifth Street, Stafford 77477

www.AutoCentralAutomotive.com Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory • 2009-2010

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Sugar Land Newcomer Guide Published by the Fort Bend Star

2009 - 2010 OFFICIAL NEWCOMER GUIDE

4655 Techniplex Dr., Suite 300 Stafford, Texas 77477

CONTENTS

281-690-4200 Sugar Land Mayor James A. Thompson welcomes you........................................................................ 14

TOLL FREE 1-888-430-7478

Sugar Land History................................................................................................................................ 15 City of Sugar Land celebrates 50 years with Anniversary Celebration all year..................................... 16 City of Sugar Land celebrates 50 years................................................................................................. 18

PUBLISHER Beverly Carter

Sugar Land is vibrant community.......................................................................................................... 19 Sugar Land Hospital Directory............................................................................................................... 22

GENERAL MANAGER

Sugar Land Church Directory................................................................................................................ 24

Michael Fredrickson

Sister cities across the Brazos River offer the most history in Fort Bend............................................. 28 Warning to Newcomers: Do not take hurricane warnings lightly.......................................................... 30 Elected Officials..................................................................................................................................... 32

EDITOR Jean Sandlin

City’s future plan is developed with citizen input.................................................................................. 34

MARKETING CONSULTANTS

Sugar Land Restaurants........................................................................................................................ 38

Dottie Childs

Sugar Land Animal Services Highlights................................................................................................. 42

Carolyn Reed

Golf and Country Clubs.......................................................................................................................... 44

Wanda Lockhart

History of politics in Fort Bend County.................................................................................................. 46

Ann Sturrock

FBISD serves Sugar Land students....................................................................................................... 48

Shelia Washington

Frequently Called Numbers................................................................................................................... 49 Sugar Land Parks & Recreation Area..................................................................................................... 50

CONTRIBUTORS Cheryl Skinner

Fort Bend Libraries................................................................................................................................ 52 Get to know your Chamber of Commerce.............................................................................................. 54

ART DIRECTOR

The Sugar Land Airport.......................................................................................................................... 55

Joey Belleza

Sugar Land Sports & Activities.............................................................................................................. 56 Enjoy our colorful history at one of the many museums in the county................................................. 58

ON THE COVER

Organizations, Associations, and Clubs................................................................................................. 59

Police officers Harris Johnston and John Hermann with firemen Greg Rolling, Randy Gomez, Richard Carter and Gary Smalley

Arts and Entertainment in Fort Bend..................................................................................................... 60 Christmas the old-fashioned way in Fort Bend..................................................................................... 62 Advertisers Index................................................................................................................................... 64

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© 2009/2010 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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2009-2010 • Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

Join Riverbend and get in on the Excitement!

The Only Members Owned Club in Sugar Land.

Membership Benefits A Championship Golf Course Expanded Luxurious Men’s Locker Room 4 Outdoor Lighted Tennis Courts Olympic Size Swimming Pool New Fitness Facility Social Activities Private and Casual Dining

Riverbend Country Club is a traditional, private, full service Members Owned Country Club located in the heart of Sugar Land, just 25 minutes south of downtown Houston, Texas For information about membership, please contact Tricia Hawks at 281.269.2526 or Triciarbcc@gmail.com

www.riverbendcountryclub.org

Welcome to Sugar Land!

Sugar land is one of the nation’s “Best Place to Live,” “Best Places to Raise a Family.” one “America’s Safest Cities” and one of “America’s Best Places for Youth” 14

2009-2010 • Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

Sugar Land History

F

YESTERDAY

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, 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.

A COMPANY TOWN 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

The Hill - bottom right

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

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

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

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

Early aerial photo of Hull Field

THE 50’s 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. continued page 20

Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory • 2009-2010

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City of Sugar Land celebrates 50

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he City of Sugar Land is celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year, a golden year that will be marked in a yearlong series of special events to commemorate our 50 years of incorporation.

The official celebration was kicked off in January at this year’s State of the City event with the unveiling of the 50th Anniversary logo and special street light banners which have been installed along major thoroughfares throughout the City.

Plans are also being made by the seven-member 50th Anniversary Citizens’ Committee appointed by City Council last fall to celebrate our 50 years by partnering with all major city events such as Eggstravaganza, Concerts in the Park, Memorial Day, Red, White and Bluefest, Christmas Tree Lighting culminating in an exciting New Year’s Eve Golden Anniversary Signature Event.

A commemorative art sculpture has been commissioned to be installed in the main foyer of City Hall to educate and celebrate our rich history and diverse community. Well-known and respected sculptor Joe Kenney, of Austin, Texas, has been selected to create the historic bronze art piece as a salute to our historic Texas and Imperial Sugar roots and the incredible growth and accomplishments of our 50 years as a City.

Money is being raised to pay for the $30,000 sculpture which will be unveiled at a signature New Year’s Eve event to which the entire City will be invited.

The 50th Anniversary Committee is asking for your help. Become a Corporate or Individual Sponsor and choose between several levels of giving and recognition opportunities to help underwrite this very special commemorative work. For donations of $500 or more, your name, organization or company will be engraved on a bronze plaque located next to the sculpture, a permanent and elegant tribute to our collective 16

history. It is a great way to become a permanent part of Sugar Land’s history.

Subcommittees on Marketing, History and Community partners have been created to work on various aspects of the Anniversary celebration. Any residents or businesses interested in participating as volunteers, community partners or corporate sponsors may sign up.

The Community Partners Committee is interested in working with community groups to finds ways to partner and jointly celebrate this momentous anniversary. Our diversity is one of our major strengths and it’s a great way to get the entire community involved to celebrate our rich history, diversity and accomplishments.

The 2009 50th Anniversary commemorative calendar sent to all Sugar Land residents and businesses in December is still available in limited numbers and may be picked up in person at City Hall.

Sugar comes to Sugar Land The land in and about the City of Sugar Land was originally owned by the Mexican government and was granted to Samuel M. Williams through Stephen F. Austin. There were several factors which governed Williams receiving this grant, among them was the fact that he spoke Spanish, was well educated and wrote a fine Spencerian hand. Williams called this land “Oakland Plantation” because there were many different varieties of oaks on the land –– Pin Oak, Post Oak, Water Oak, Red Oak and Live Oak. During this period of time, land grants were measured from one oak to another. Sugar became a part of life in the area when S. M. Swinson, captain of a small freight boat, made a meandering journey along the United States coast from New York to Velasco. Along the journey, commodities were picked up at various points and dispensed of as the journey proceeded.

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

Today, the present refinery is located approximately on the spot where the first mill was built. After the death of Samuel

2009-2010 • Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

Williams, the family attempted to keep the mill alive; however, this was not possible, and the mill was sold to Benjamin Franklin Terry and William Jefferson Kyle. Kyle was born in Hawkins County, Tenn., in 1803, and Terry was born in Kentucky in 1821.

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

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

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

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

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

In 1860, the Kyle and Terry properties were valued at $250,000. The Sugar Land plantation passed through other hands in years to follow and was finally purchased from the bankrupt Colonel E. H. Cunningham interests by I. H. Kempner and W. T. Eldridge in 1907, at which time the sugar refining process was expanded to what is now known as Imperial Holly Corp. In 1907, the town of Sugar Land began growing at a rapid rate, with operating expenses amounting to around $50,000 per year.

Company-owned town no more In the fall of 1959, the heretofore company-owned town began the process of incorporation and on Dec. 15,

years with Anniversary Celebration all year 1959, T. E. Harman was elected the first Mayor of Sugar Land to serve with five Aldermen. The first City Council meeting was held on Jan. 19, 1960.

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

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

Move to Home Rule In January 1985 pursuant to charter requirements, a five-member charter review commission was appointed and charged with the responsibility of reviewing the operation of the City government and determining whether such Charter provisions required revision and, if deemed advisable, to make recommendations to City Council for amendments to the Charter. As a result of this review, the commission recommended that several areas of the Charter be amended. 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.

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. This composition remains in effect today with term limits of eight consecutive years.

50 Best Things about Sugar Land To help celebrate Sugar Land’s 50th anniversary, Sugar Land Today is soliciting citizens’ votes for the “50 Best Things” about the City. Fifty would be a short list to be sure,

and selecting the final “50 Best Things” will be a daunting task.

Your choice for one of the “50 Best” might be a location to relax, a favorite eatery, an outstanding retail outlet, a particular street or path to walk.

Please limit your entries to five. Sugar Land Today will publish the list of “50 Best Things about Sugar Land” in an upcoming issue.

Along with your nominations, please send us your best photos of your favorite things about Sugar Land. Amateur or professional photographer entries are welcome. Selected entries may be used in next year’s 2010 City calendar... The Best of Sugar Land.

Send your “Best” nomination to pubinfo@sugarlandtx.gov, or mail it to Best via SLT P.O. Box 110 Sugar Land 77487, or drop it off at City Hall, Attn.: Best, SLT. Historic videos available for groups Also to help celebrate the 50th anniversary, the city has videos available to groups showing various events and interviews with former mayors.

Videos may be checked out at city hall. Titles include: Historic Walking Tour Promo Video Mayor McMeans: Being Elected and Serving as Mayor Mayor Lee Duggan: Letters from Students Mayor David Wallace: America’s Best We Need Your Help to Preserve the Past Mayor Bill Little: City Incorporation and Comprehensive Plan Mayor Dean Hrbacek: Strong Economy, Value for Tax Dollars Mayor Dean Hrbacek: First Colony Mall Mayor Cordes, Sr talking about early City Council McLemore Family Recalls Living and Working in Sugar Land Everywhere a Sign -- Austin, Kempner and Eldridge Three Generations: The Morales Family Historic Walking Tours If you’d like to see historic locations in old Sugar Land up close and personal, you will want to go on one of the monthly Historic Walking Tours, scheduled for the first Saturday of each month in 2009, 9 a.m. - 11 a.m., starting May 2. Rain date for tours will be the following Saturday. The tours will begin at Lakeview Elementary School (Wood at 2nd Street) and be guided by a knowledgeable local historian. All walkers are urged to bring plenty of water and sun protection. For more information, or to reserve a place, call 281-275-2216.

Sugar Land 50th Anniversary Speakers Bureau Interested in hearing about Sugar land’s rich history—and seeing some remarkable historic photos? The Sugar Land 50th Anniversary Speakers Bureau is now scheduling its interesting presentation about our city’s past.

You can arrange for this 40-minute presentation to your organization or school by e-mailing pubinfo@sugarlandtx.gov or calling 281-275-2216.

Ten mayors in Sugar Land’s history T.E. Harman (1959-1961 and 1964-1968) Bill Little (1961-1964) C.E. McFadden (1968-1972) Roy Cordes, Sr. (1972-1981) Walter McMeans (1981-1986) Lee Duggan (1986-1996) Dean A. Hrbacek (1996-2002) David G. Wallace (2002-2008) James Thompson (2009-present) continued on page 18

T.E. Harman 1959-1961 1964-1968

Bill Little 1961-1964

James Thompson 2009-Present

David Wallace 2002-2008

Dean Hrbacek 1996-2002

Lee Duggan 1986-1996

Walter McMeans 1981-1996

Roy Cordes 1972-1981

C.E. McFadden 1968-1972

Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory • 2009-2010

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City of Sugar Land celebrates 50 years Historical Timeline 1959 Sugar Land is granted its city charter and elects its first mayor and one of the fastest-growing communities in the nation and the majority city council. of Sugar Landers were white-collar, and college-educated working in 1960s In the early 1960s, a new subdivision development introduced Houston’s renowned energy industry. An abundance of commercial contemporary affordable housing in Sugar Land for the first time called growth, with numerous low-rise office buildings, banks and high-class Covington Woods. restaurants popped up.

1967 206.6 acres acquired for the extension of the U.S. Highway 59 1990 annexation of Fort Bend County MUD 16.

1968 Sugar Creek - the first master-planned community in the area -December 1990 Sugar Land purchased Hull Field from Dr. Hull for introduced country club living with two golf courses and country clubs, $18.5 million with help of a Federal Aviation Administration grant, and swimming pools, and security. The Imperial Cattle Ranch sold about changed the name to Sugar Land Municipal Airport.

1,200 acres to a developer to create what became Sugar Creek in 1968.

1992 annexation of Fort Bend County MUD 12.

1969 Sugar Land State Bank groundbreaking 1995 45,097 annexation of First Colony MUDs 1 & 6 & internal 1972 Sugarland Industries sells 7,500 acres to Gerald Hines Interests for MUD 13. the development of First Colony. It is one of the 1995 State-of-the-art air traffic control tower opens largest land sales in Texas history. at Sugar Land Regional Airport.

1974 A portion of the 1974 movie, The 1996 First Colony Mall opens.

Sugarland Express, takes place in Sugar Land.

1997 Sugar Land annexed the remaining Many of the movie’s earliest scenes were filmed Commemorative Sculpture Municipal Utility Districts (MUDs) of the at the nearby Beauford H. Jester prison pre10,000 acre, First Colony master-planned comrelease center. Other parts of the set were filmed Be a part of History-Donate today! munity, bringing the population to almost in and around Sugar Land. The movie’s title reaching 60,000. This was Sugar Land’s largest spells the name of the city incorrectly, and it was A commemorative art sculpture has been annexation to date. Annexation of First Colony among Steven Spielberg’s first films before he commissioned to be installed in the main MUDs 2, 3, 4, 5 & 8. became famous. The film was the first theatrical foyer of City Hall to educate and celebrate 1997 Texas Legislature deeded more than 660 feature film directed by Spielberg. our rich history and diverse community. acres for a university and park development 1975 Sugar Land Junior High School opens.

Well-known and respected sculptor along the Brazos River.

1977 First Colony, a new master-planned comJoe Kenney, of Austin, Texas, has been 2000 U.S. Census show Sugar Land grows 158 munity encompassing 10,000 acres, set out selected to create the historic bronze, percent; second fast-growing city in Texas. to create a new standard in development in art piece as a salute to our historic 2000 Oyster Creek Park opens.

Sugar Land. Development began in 1977 by Texas and Imperial Sugar roots and the 2001 University of Houston System at Sugar Sugarland Properties Inc. and would follow for incredible growth and accomplishLand opens. the next 30 years. The master-planned comments of our 50 years as a City.

December 2001 ground is broken on Sugar munity offered homebuyers formal landscaping, Land Town Square. neighborhoods segmented by price range, exten- Celebration events scheduled 2002 Imperial Sugar refinery closes. sive greenbelts, a golf course and country club, Christmas Tree Lighting 2003 In a television feature production, The lakes and boulevards, neighborhood amenities 50th Anniversary New Year’s Crooked E: The Unshredded Truth About and shopping.

Eve Signature Event Enron (2003) (TV), Sugar Land was mentioned 1978 Fort Bend Star begins publishing. as an affluent area to buy a house as did the 1980s Sugar Land began attracting the attention of main female character (Courtney). major corporations throughout the 1980s, and many chose to make the Nov. 22, 2004 the City’s fourth and final City Hall opens. city their home. Fluor, Schlumberger, Unocal and others offered their 2005 Annexation of Avalon. employees the opportunity to work within minutes of their home.

2006 MONEY Magazine and CNN/Money rank Sugar Land the third 1984 annexation of Sugar Creek, which was developed during the best place to live in America.

1960s.

2006 New state-of-the-art terminal at Sugar Land Regional Airport 1984 Sugar Land Community Center completed. opens. SLRA is recognized as region’s premier corporate aviation facilJanuary 1985 Changed the City’s form of government from that of ity. “mayor-council” to that of a “council-manager” form of government 2007 Sugar Land named America’s Fifth Safest City, a distinction based which provides that the city manager be the chief administrative officer on an analysis of FBI crime statistics. The national ranking is included of the city. in the 14th edition of City Crime Rankings: Crime in Metropolitan 1990s Throughout much of the 1990s, Sugar Land was considered America, published today by Washington-based CQ Press.

50th

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2009-2010 • Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

Sugar Land is vibrant community

Masters Planned Communities

One of the fastest growing cities in Texas, Sugar Land’s residential real estate market is growing to meet demands of the developing population. The city boasts numerous, exceptional masterplanned communities, with new developments in the works. The housing is affordable, and the property values remain strong. The master-planned communities offer complete communities and protect asset values.

Avalon - A 427-acre waterfront community of four neighborhoods and more than 70 acres of lakes. Custom and semi-custom homes ranging from 2,200 to 6,500 square feet priced from the $200s to $1 million.

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 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 790-acre 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 master-planned 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 Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory • 2009-2010

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Sugar Land History from page 15 Many of the original homes built by the Imperial Sugar Company remain today in The Hill area and Mayfield Park of Sugar Land and have been passed down through generations of family members.

During the 1950s, Imperial Sugar wanted to expand the town by building more houses.

This led to the creation of the new subdivision of Venetian Estates. The subdivision featured water front homesites fronting Oyster Creek and other manmade lakes.

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.

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

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

20

The Flats

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.

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

A special city election was held Aug. 9, 1986, to submit the proposed changes to the electorate for consideration. By a majority of the voters, amendments to the Charter were approved which provided for a change in the City’s form of government from that of “mayor-council” (strong mayor) to that of a “coun-

2009-2010 • Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Early Pic of the Hill

Building entrance to Sugar Creek

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

TODAY 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 hard working families that remains the core of the city from which today’s vibrant Sugar Land evolved.

Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory • 2009-2010

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Sugar Land Hospital Directory Richmond Bone & Joint Clinic 15035 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land Richmond Bone & Joint Clinic Centerwww.rbjc.com Richmond • Sugar Land • Katy Medical 281-344-1715 • Centerwww.rbjc.com 281-344-1715 Richmond Bone & Joint Clinic is a Richmond Bone physicians & Joint serving Clinic four is a group of over twenty group of over twenty physicians serving locations with state of the art facilities, imaging four locations with state and of the art facilities, services, physical therapy, surgical services imaging services, physical therapy, and and a staff devoted to the care of our patients. surgical services and a staff devoted to Our physicians have developed reputationsthe for care of our patients. Our physicians have being accomplished and progressive. They’ve developed reputations for being accomplished beenprogressive. recognizedThey’ve for their and been academic recognizedand for medical achievements.

They cover the entire their academic and medical achievements. range cover of orthopedic including general They the entirecare range of orthopedic orthopedics, orthopedics, spine care includingpediatric general orthopedics, pediatric surgery, sportsspine medicine, management, orthopedics, surgery,pain sports medicine, pain foot and ankle, hand, management, foot and ankle,hand, and joint replacement. and Richmond joint replacement.

Bone & Joint Clinic has Richmond & Joint clinic Clinicwhile has become a large Bone multi-specialty become a large multi-specialty clinic while still maintaining our focus on musculoskeletal still maintaining our focusevery on musculoskeletal conditions and we strive day to improve conditions and we strive every day to improve the care we provide to our patients and our the care we provide to our patients and our community. community.

Sugar Land Cancer Center Triumph Hospital Southwest 15500 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land 1550 First Colony Boulevard 281-274-8200 281-275-6000 This 2003 hospital specializes in ofproviding April marked the opening the $8.6 services to medically complex patients for million Sugar Land Cancer Center, which whom short-term hospital care is no longer is located next to the Sugar Land Medical appropriate or cost effective ongoing Center.

The comprehensive multifor disciplinary care. The hospital is an 85-bed facility cancer center was the first outpatient radiation with 14 beds in its intensive care unit. It center in Fortservices Bend County.

It offers offers built diagnostic for laboratory, radiation and hasincluding research-based endoscopytherapy and radiology, a CT diagnostic for treating more 150 on-site. Anabilities in-house physician is than available cancers.

24/7. It also has an outpatient wound care program that provides advanced therapies.

Triumph HealthCarePatient is privately Texas Children’s Careowned Centerand headquartered in Houston.

15400 SW Freeway, Sugar Land 281-494-7010 Sugar Land Diagnostic Center 15300isSouthwest This center staffed byFreeway specialists from 281-274-6600 Texas Children’s Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine to give more convenient The Sugar Landfamilies Diagnostic Center is access non-emergency care provided located to in the Sugar Land Medical Center by specialists treatcampus childrenas and building and trained on the to same the adolescents closeCancer to home.Center.

It provesDiagnostic services in Sugar Land the areasimaging of cardiology, diabetes, testing, and labdermatology, services are provided.

The center isimaging, a department of West Houston diagnostic occupational therapy, Medical Center. day testing is available pediatric surgery,Same speech pathology, ultra on a work-in sound, etc. basis.

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St. Luke’s Sugar Land Hospital 1317 Pointe Parkway, Sugar Land St. Lake Luke’s Sugar Land Hospital 1317 281-637-7000 Lake Pointe Parkway Sugar Land, Texas 77478 Texas 281-637-7000 Children’s Hospital 15400 SW Freeway, Ste. 200, Sugar Land Texas 281-494-7010 Children’s Hospital 15400 Southwest Freeway, Ste 200 Sugar Sugar Land, TX 77478 St. Luke’s Land Hospital has 281-494-7010 teamed up with Texas Children’s Hospital to provide quality care in Fort Bend St. Luke’s Sugar Land Hospital has County, eliminating the need for families teamed up with Texas Children’s Hospital to to the Texascare Medical Center to to travel provide quality in Fort Bend receive for manythe illnesses. same County,care eliminating need forThe families Baylor of Medicine neonatal to travelCollege to the Texas Medical Center to specialists andmany pediatric receive care for illnesses. emergency The same physicians who care patients neonatal at Texas Baylor College of for Medicine specialists Hospital and pediatric emergency Children’s in the Texas Medical physicians careon-site for patients at Texas Center alsowho provide coverage at St. Children’s in the Texas Medical Luke’s SugarHospital Land Hospital.

Pediatric care Center also provide coverage at St. is managed

by Texason-site Children’s Hospital Luke’s Landintensive Hospital. care Pediatric for theSugar neonatal unit, care the is managed by Texas Children’s Hospital emergency department, and the pediatric for the neonatal intensive care unit, the observation unit. Whileand St. the Luke’s Sugar emergency department, pediatric Land Hospital provides emergency observation unit.

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

Texas Oncology Cancer Center Texas Cancer Sugar Center 1350 FirstOncology Colony Boulevard, Land 1350 First Colony Boulevard 281-277-5200 281-277-5200 The medical services of this center, The medical services of this center, which which opened opened in in Sugar Sugar Land Land in in October October 2003, 2003, include include oncology, oncology, hematology, hematology, radiation oncology, chemotherapy, 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 to help help them them with with the the emotional, emotional, services psychological, nutritional and financial psychological, nutritional and financial challenges they may have.

Diagnostic challenges they may have. Diagnostic technologies used at the center include technologies used at the center include computed tomography (CT) imaging. computed (CT) radiation imaging.

They also tomography offer modulated They therapy.also The offer center modulated is part of theradiation nation’s therapy.

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

2009-2010 • Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

Texas State Healthcare 2601-G Cartwright Rd. Missouri City Texas State Healthcare 281-208-4344 2601-G Cartwright Rd. Missouri City, Texas 77459 We’re here,281-208-4344 right in your community, with local nurses, therapists, social workers right in to your community, andWe’re homehere, health aides assist you with with local nurses, therapists, social workers your medical needs. Texas State Healthcare and home health aides to assist you provides services to the folks who with are your medical needs.

Texas homebound and are in State need Healthcare of care by provides services to skilled the folks who are licensed and certified professionals. homebound and are in need of care by We pride ourselves in our Wound Care, licensed and certified skilled professionals.

Diabetic Infusion Lab Services, We prideCare, ourselves in Care, our Wound Care, PT/INR Care, Monitoring, the Lab teaching of Diabetic Infusion Care, Services, patients andMonitoring, caregivers on the the disease process PT/INR teaching of and medication regimen, safety and disease much, patients and caregivers on the much more.

We are proud to besafety associates process and medication regimen, and much, much more.

We are proud to be of Wound Care Professionals of America associates of Wound and Performa Care. Care Professionals of America and Performa Care.the trust that We do not take lightly We do not take lightly the trust our Patients and their Physicians givethat to our Patients and their Physicians give to our Agency and to our clinical staff, as we our Agency and to our clinical staff, as all partner together in overseeing their we all partner together in overseeing their healthcare. We We certainly certainly hope hope you you will will healthcare. remember and give us call when when we we can can remember and give us aa call help. We We wish wish you you all all GOOD GOOD HEALTH! HEALTH! help. www.txstatehealthcare.

281-208-4344. www.txstatehealthcare. com. “Hometown Nurses Helping Hometown People” People” OakBend Center OakBend Medical Medical Center 1705 Jackson Street 1705 Jackson Street, Richmond Richmond, TX 77469 281-341-3000 281-341-3000 OakBend Medical Medical Center Center is the most most OakBend is the comprehensive hospital Fort Bend Bend comprehensive hospital in in Fort County, ranking ranking first the county county for for the the County, first in in the range of medical specialties offered (25+ specialties).

Growing with our community, we are proud to now offer a second second full-service full-service acute care facility located acute care facility located at at US US Highway Highway 59 59 and and Williams Williams Way Way Boulevard.

Boulevard. Like Like our our Jackson Street campus, our new Jackson Street campus, our new second second campus offers a wide range of patient campus offers a wide range of patient services services including medical/surgical services, including medical/surgical an an emergency center, ICU,services, pediatrics, emergencylaboratory, center, ICU, pediatrics, imaging, pharmacy andimaging, a floor laboratory,topharmacy a floor dedicated dedicated women’s and services. to women’s If you’reservices. looking for award winning If you’re looking for ataward winning patient care,contact ustoday 281.341.3000 or visit care, www.oakbendmedcenter.org. patient contact us today at 281.341.3000 or visit www.oakbendmedcenter.org.

Methodist Sugar Land Hospital 16655 Southwest Freeway, Land Methodist Sugar LandSugar Hospital 16665281-274-7500 Southwest Freeway 281-274-7500 At Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, we’ve redefined what it means be a community At Methodist Sugarto Land Hospital, we’ve redefined meansFort to Bend be a hospital.

For morewhat than aitdecade, community hospital.

For more than residents have trusted us to deliver leadinga decade, Fort Bend have trusted medicine—with the residents same high-quality level us to deliver leading medicine—with of care and service once found only at The the same high-quality levelTexas of care and Methodist Hospital in the Medical service once found only at The Methodist Center.

Hospital in the Texas Medical Center.

Now, following following the opening of our Now, the opening of our $300 million million expansion, expansion, we’re we’re providing providing aa $300 greater breadth breadth of of services services than than ever ever before, before, greater excellence in wide range range with centers of excellence in a wide medical specialties specialties including including cardiology, cardiology, of medical neurosciences, oncology, orthopedics, neurosciences, oncology, orthopedics, urology urology and women’s services. and women’s services.

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

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

MethodistSugarLand.com 281MethodistSugarLand.com or orcallcall 281-274274-7500 for a physician referral.

7500 for a physician referral.

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

The 75,000 square-foot community-based physician group, medical opened facility offersinaFort wide range of in primary a new facility Bend County 2005. care and specialty care doctors, as as The 75,000 square-foot medical facilitywell offers an expanded pharmacy with drive-thru a wide range of primary care and specialty care services and enhanced diagnostic services doctors,asas well as an expanded pharmacy with such Magnetic Resonance Imaging drive-thru services and Tomography enhanced diagnostic (MRI), Computerized (CT), services such as Magnetic Resonance mammography and X-ray.

HoursImaging are 8 (MRI), Tomography a.m. to Computerized 5 p.m., Monday - Friday, (CT), open mammography andpediatric X-ray. Hours areClosed 8 a.m. on Saturday for visits.

Sunday. to 5 p.m., Monday - Friday, open on Saturday for pediatric visits. Closed Sunday.

St. Michael’s Emergency Sugar Land St.Center Michael’s Emergency 16062 SW Center FreewaySugar @ Hwy. 6, Sugar Land Land 281-201-6076 16061 Southwest Freeway @ Hwy. 6 281-201-6076 St. Michael’s opened in March 2007 and St. Michael’s March 2007 provides emergencyopened servicesin 24/7.

The facility and provides emergency services 24/7. contains 10 treatment rooms and hasThe six facility contains 10 treatment rooms and has emergency physicians.

The emergency center six emergency physicians.

The and emergency has full labs and provides CT scans X-rays. center has full labs and provides CT scans and X-rays.

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

The comprehensive multi cancer center was the first outpatient radiation disciplinary centerCounty. was the first center built incancer Fort Bend It offers outpatient radiation center built in Fort radiation therapy and has research-based Bend County. It offers radiation therapy and diagnostic abilities for treating more than 150 has research-based diagnostic abilities for cancers. more than 150 cancers. treating Sugar Land Land Surgical Surgical Hospital Sugar Hospital 1211Hwy. Hwy. 66 @ First Colony 1211 Colony Boulevard Boulevard 281-243-1000 Thishospital hospitalperforms performs surgeries This surgeries and and procedures for the ear, nose and procedures for the ear, nose and throat; general throat; surgery,pain gynecology; pain surgery, general gynecology; management; management; orthopedics, pediatric surgery; orthopedics, pediatric surgery; plastic surgery plastic surgery and podiatry. There are more and podiatry. There are more than 50 than 50 physicians on staff and the surgical physiciansis on staff andwith the United surgical Surgical hospital hospital affiliated is affiliatedInternational, with United a Surgical Partners Partners company that International, company that partners with partners with alocal physicians.

The facility localfour physicians.

The facility hastwo fourendoscopy operating has operating rooms and rooms and two endoscopy room. rooms.

Memorial Hermann Sugar LandHermann Hospital Memorial 17500Sugar West Grand Parkway South Land Hospital 17500 WestSugar GrandLand Parkway South 281-725-5000 Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-725-5000 Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital is tops in patient satisfaction Hospital is tops in patient satisfaction Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital is making quite an impression on Hospital is making quite an impression its patients – enough to rank it in the topon5 its patients – enough to rank it in the top 5 percent of hospitals nationwide in patient percent of hospitals nationwide in patient satisfaction. quarter 2009 2009 results results satisfaction. The The first first quarter come Press Ganey, Ganey, an an industry industry leader leader come from from Press in in patient patient satisfaction satisfactionmeasurement. measurement.

Memorial Memorial Hermann Hermann Sugar Land CEO Jim Brown the high scores scores to the Brownattributes attributes the high to the hospital’s of quality and hospital’s culture ofculture quality and compassion, compassion, plus its responsiveness to plus its responsiveness to patients and patients and community needs. community needs.

The center The center recently recently opened opened Childrens Childrens Emergency Center features Emergency Center features an an onsite, onsite, board-certified pediatrician from 5 to 11 board-certified pediatrician from 5 to 11 p.m. daily. Also available is a full-time p.m.

Also available a full-time Child daily.

Life Specialist to help ischildren cope Child Life Specialist to help through children cope with medical procedures agewith medical appropriate play.procedures through ageappropriate play. level of care is required, If a higher ® If a higher level ofLife care Flight is required, air Memorial Hermann ® ambulance and its highly trained medical Memorial Hermann Life Flight air personnel can transport ambulance and rapidly its highly trained patients medical from its base in Sugar Land to our Southwest personnel can rapidly transport patients or Texas Medical Center To learn from its base in Sugar Landhospitals. to our Southwest more, visit memorialhermann.org. or Texas Medical Center hospitals. To learn more, visit memorialhermann.org.

Texas Care Center Center TexasChildren’s Children’s Patient Care Williams Trace @ U.S. 59 Williams Trace @ U.S. 59 281-494-7010 281-494-7010 This center is staffed by specialists from This center is staffed by specialists from Texas Children’s Hospital and Baylor College Texas Children’s Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine Medicine to to give give families families more more convenient convenient of access to to non-emergency non-emergency care care provided provided access by specialists specialists trained treat children children and and by trained to to treat adolescents close services in adolescents closetotohome. home.It Itproves proves services the the areas areas of cardiology, dermatology, diabetes, in of cardiology, dermatology, diabetes, occupational diagnosticdiagnostic imaging, imaging, occupational therapy, therapy, pediatric surgery, speech pathology, pediatric surgery, speech pathology, ultra ultra sound,sound, etc. etc.

Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory • 2009-2010

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Fort Bend Church Directory First Baptist/ Sugar Land Pastored By: Dr. Scott Rambo Contact Name: Alex Baez 281-494-3046 802 Brooks Street Sugar Land www.thebridgefellowship.com First Colony Bible Chapel 281-265-3411 3610 Austin Parkway Sugar Land www.firstcolonybible.org First Colony Church of Christ Pastored By: Ronnie Norman 281-980-7070 2140 First Colony Blvd.

Sugar Land www.firstcolonychurch.org Christ United Methodist Pastored By: Morris Matthis 281-980-6888 3300 Austin Parkway Sugar Land www.cumcsl.org Church of Christ/ Sugar Land Pastored By: Roy Beaty Contact Name: Louella Nimrod 281-561-0881 1559 Voss Road Sugar Land Church of God Sugar Land Church of God 281-240-0920 602 Eldridge Road Sugar Land Congregation Beth El Rabbi Seth Mstander 281-499-5066 3900 Raoul Wallenberg Lane Missouri City www.cbefortbendtx.org Cornerstone Assembly of God Pastored by Mark Quick 281-491-3614 2515 Eldridge Road Sugar Land www.cornerstonesugarland.com

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

Sugar Land www.fcccdoc.org Cross Bridge Community Church Pastored By: Chuck Land 281 313 8300 1049 Eldrige Road Sugar Land www.crossbridge.cc Eldridge Rd. Church of Christ 281-494-7106 410 Eldridge Road Sugar Land Faith Lutheran Church Pastored By: Ken Sinclair 281-242-7729 800 Brooks Street Sugar Land www.flcsl.org First Assembly of God Church 936-646-2240 2808 Grant Lake Blvd.

Sugar Land First Baptist Church 281-494-3046 420 Wood Street Sugar Land

2009-2010 • Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

First Hispanic Baptist Mission 281-242-2535 420 Wood Street Sugar Land First Presbyterian Church Pastored By: Kevin S. Keaton 281-240-3195 -502 Eldridge Road Sugar Land www.fpcsl.org First United Methodist Sugar Land Pastored By: Martin Nicholas 281-491-6041 431 Eldridge Road Sugar Land www.sugarlandmethodist.org Fishers of Men Lutheran Church Pastored By: Jerry McNamara 281-242-7711 2011 Austin Parkway Sugar Land www.fishersofmen.org

Freedom Church Pastored by Brain Eggenberger 281-565-4407 3301 S Town Center Blvd.

Sugar Land www.freedomchurchintl.com Friendship Baptist Church 281-277-5014 16138 Boss Gaston Road Sugar Land Friendship Church 281-341-1300 4640 Richmond Foster Road Richmond www.friendshipchurch.cc Gateway Community Church Pastored By: Andy Ramos 281-242-3100 12835 Alston Road Sugar Land www.gatewaysugarland.org Grand Parkway Baptist Church 281-277-225 1200 FM 1464 Sugar Land Heritage Baptist Church Pastored By: Dr. Charles Murphy, Sr. 281-403-4994 2223 FM 1092 Missouri City www.hbctx.org Holy Cross Episcopal Pastored By: Scott Thompsom 281-633-2000 5653 West River Park Drive Sugar Land www.holycrosschurch.com Jehovah’s Witnesses 281-568-7446 9811Howell Road Sugar Land www.watchtower.org Mt Pleasant Baptist Church 281-494-3826 127 Avenue E Sugar Land

Oak Lake Baptist Church Pastored By: Jess Hill 281-568-7220 15555 West Airport Blvd.

Sugar Land www.oaklakebaptist.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

Parkway United Methodist Church Pastored By: Paul Clines 281-494-5050 5801 New Territory Blvd.

Sugar Land www.parkwayumc.org Providence Christian Church Pastored By: David Brundage 281-495-8151 8727 Gaines Road Sugar Land www.providencechristianchurch.com Providence Presbyterian Church Pastored By: Allen McCall 281-980-2522 3510 Austin Parkway Sugar Land www.providencepresbyterian.org Quail Valley Church Pastored By: Curry Juneau 281-499-0594 2303 FM 1092 Sugar Land River Pointe Community Church 281-277-6767 435 Sartartia Road Sugar Land

Dr. Charles A. Murphy, Sr. Pastor

281-403-4994 www.hbctx.org 2223 FM 1092 Missouri City, Texas 77459 26

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

Sugar Land www.stlaurence.com

2009-2010 • Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

St. Martins Lutheran Church Pastored By: Rev. Stephen Kelly 281-980-0695 1123 Burney Road www.stmartinslc.org St. Theresa Church Pastored By: Rev. Stephen B. Reynolds 281-494-1156 115 7th Street Sugar Land www.sttheresasugarland.org St. Thomas Aquinas Pastored By: Father Joseph Kallandan 281-240-6721 12627 West Bellfort Avenue Sugar Land www.stthomasaquinas.info Sugar Creek Baptist Church Pastored By: Dr. Mark Hartman 281-242-2858 13333 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land www.sugarcreek.net Sugar Land Chinese Church 281-491-9137 2565 Eldridge Road Sugar Land Sugar Grove Church of Christ Pastored By: Mark Howell 281-530-9651 11600 West Airport Meadows Place www.sugargrove.org Sugar Land Bible Church Pastored By: Mark Choate 281-491-7773 401 Matlage Way Sugar Land www.slbc.org Sugar Land Family Church Pastored By: Nathan Keller 281-313-1110 1110 Burney Road Sugar Land www.slfconline.com

The Bridge Fellowship Pastored By: Scott Rambo 281-494-3036 802 Brooks Street Sugar Land www.thebridgefellowship.org The Fort Bend Church Pastored By: Rev. Byron Stevenson 281-980-8322 1900 Eldridge Road Sugar Land www.thebend.org The Epi Center Pastored By: E.Z. Jones 281-491-0000 13867 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land www.epicenter-church.com Thompson Chapel Baptist Church 281-565-0254 419 Sartartia Road Sugar Land Trinity Baptist Church Pastored By: Eddie R. Alley 281-980-8822 4411 Wickford Circle Sugar Land www.trinitybaptistfb.org Triumph Christian Center 281-242-5109 13100 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land Triumph Church Sugar Land Pastored By: Bishop Randy Clark 281 975 1504 1201 Lakeview Drive Sugar Land www.triumphchurch.com Williams Trace Baptist Church Pastored By: Dr. Phil Lineberger 281-980-4431 16755 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land www.wtbc.org

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Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory • 2009-2010

27

Sister cities across the Brazos River offer the most Take a walk down memory lane in Rosenberg: The old downtown area Enjoy a of Rosenberg has come to life for a blast from second time with the revitalization of the past historic buildings that offer visitors the opportunity to shop for antiques, in nearby a bookstore, enjoy a leisurely Rosenberg browse 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 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!

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 revitalization 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.

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.

The city of Richmond offers glimpse to the past

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2009-2010 • Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

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, 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

history in Fort Bend

FREE Gift* Gifts for Everyone Circle E Candles Yankee Candles The Josef Birthday Angels Willow Tree Angles

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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.

1102 Hwy 90A East • Richmond• 281.341.7106

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.

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.

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29

Warning to Newcomers: Do not take hurricane warnings lightly

W

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

damage.

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

Some of the suggestions include:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

30

2009-2010 • Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Turn off utilities as instructed.

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

Turn off propane tanks.

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

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

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

Identify operations critical to survival and recovery.

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

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

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

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

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

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Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory • 2009-2010

31

Elected Officials Commissioners’ Court Name Party First Elected Judge Bob Hebert Republican 2002 Pct. 1 Richard Morrison Democrat 2008

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)

Judge Bob Hebert

Pct. 1 Richard Morrison

Pct. 2 Grady Prestage

Pct.3 Andy Meyers

Pct. 4 James Patterson Kay Bailey Hutchison

United States Congress Senate 1 Kay Bailey Hutchison—Republican—elected in 1993—senior Senator Senate 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 Pete Olson—Republican—first elected in 2008 —represents Sugar Land, Rosenberg, Western and Southern portions of Missouri City and surrounding counties.

Texas Legislature

John Cormyn

Dist. 9 - Al Green

Dist. 13 - Rodney Ellis

Dist. 14 - Ron Paul

Dist. 17 - Joan Huffman Dist. 18 - Glenn Hegar

Texas Senate 13—Rodney Ellis—Democrat—first elected in 1990—serves Northern portions of Missouri City, Stafford, county’s share of Houston 17—Joan Huffman—Republican—first elected in 2008—serves Sugar Land and Southern Missouri City 18—Glenn Hegar—Republican—first elected in 2006—serves Richmond, Rosenberg, Katy

Dist. 22 - Pete Olson Dist. 26 - Charlie Howard

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 32

2009-2010 • Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

Dist. 27 - Dora Olivo

Dist. 28 - John Zerwas

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Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory • 2009-2010

33

City’s future plan is developed with citizen input

C

ommunity leaders participating in a recent Community Summit placed an emphasis on three guiding principles for Sugar Land’s future -- “Regional Business Center of Excellence,” “Balanced Development and Redevelopment” and “Superior Mobility.”

During the June summit, more than 70 citizens worked in small groups to provide feedback for an ongoing effort to update the City’s Comprehensive Plan, a document that serves as a blueprint for the future. The results – presented to City Council – show a continued interest in fostering an environment that attracts and retains valuable businesses and employment options, while upholding quality building and development standards.

“I take great satisfaction in knowing that residents clearly want to sustain the high quality of life they enjoy and have come to expect here in Sugar Land,” said Mayor James Thompson.

The goal of the Summit was to receive citizen input on Sugar Land Vision 2025, a document that lists eleven guiding principles City Council should consider when crafting

JULIUS

policy and making decisions that will affect the City’s future.

“The results of the community summit really show that our residents and Council members’ ideas are definitely in sync with each other,” said Thompson.

Summit participants also placed a high value on principles such as “Outstanding Cultural Arts, Educational and Recreational Opportunities,” “Destination Activity Centers” and “Safe Community.”

In addition, residents specifically discussed the importance of improving the Imperial Sugar site to preserve the City’s historical identity.

Upon adoption of Vision 2025, the document will then serve as the framework for City staff and elected officials working to update the Comprehensive Plan in 2010.

Results from the Community Summit and Comprehensive Plan updates are available at www.sugarlandtx.gov.

Citations will be issued for drivers using cell phones in school zones Sugar Land police and city officials strive to keep residents and visitors safe. This year a new state law allowed the city to enforce prohibiting the use of cell phones in an authorized school crossing zones.

Sugar Land posted signs in all city school zones notifying drivers of a new law prohibiting the use of cellular phones in crossing zones.

House HB 55 amends the state’s Transportation Code, to prohibits the use of a wireless communication device (WCD) while

operating a vehicle within a school crossing zone unless the vehicle is stopped or the WCD is used with a hands-free device.

An exception allows the use of WCDs to make emergency calls to specific organizations listed in the law, including police, fire and emergency medical services.

The new law also prohibits bus operators from using a wireless communication device while operating a passenger bus with a minor passenger unless the bus is stopped.

Violators are subject to a fine up to $200.

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2009-2010 • Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

281.342.6969

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Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory • 2009-2010

35

We offer a wide variety of services related to your printing needs.

From simple one-color to complex full-color work, you can depend on us. Below are a few of the many printing services we perform.

• Graphic design and complete prepress/troubleshooting assistance • Stationary (business cards, letterhead, envelopes, notepads, etc.)

• Flyers • Newsletters (business, neighborhood) • Brochures (small tri-fold, large fold-overs) • Cataloges • Invitations and programs • Specialty items (posters, business forms, door hangers, etc.)

• Full bindery (folding, stitching, collating, etc.)

36

2009-2010 • Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

46 Years of Service

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Sugar Land Restaurants Orient Express 4779 Sweetwater Blvd 281-313-8800

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

Jade Garden 4555 Highway 6 S., Ste C 281-265-8868 Japaneiro’s Sushi Bar & Latin Grill 2168 Texas Dr. 281-242-1121

Blue Fish House II 2735 C Town Center Blvd. N. 281-295-0707

Js Café 5838 New Territory Blvd 281-494-4848

Panda Express 1401 Highway 6 S. 281-277-0856

Shiva Indian Restaurant 2130 Lone Star Dr. 281-494-2981

Bombay to Beijing 14025 SWFwy #501 281-242-4242

Kona Grill 16535 Southwest Fwy 281-242-7000

Panda Garden 1043 Eldridge Road 281-242-7728

Spicy China 4555 Highway 6 281-494-8888

Café East Chinese Buffet 4645 Highway 6 S. 281-491-8181

Linh’s BBQ Vietnamese Sandwich and Cuisine 4555 Highway 6 S., Ste M 281-277-1388

Panda Garden 3563 Highway 6 S. 281-265-0303

Swen Chinese Café 4526 Highway 6 S. 281-265-8300

Pearl Dynasty Cuisine 19828 Southwest Fwy 281-238-5800

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

Café India 2319 Williams Trace Blvd 281-565-5881

Pei Wei Asian Diner 16101 Kensington Dr. 281-240-1931

Thai Cottage II 4723 Sweetwater Blvd 281-313-0707

China King 3338 Highway 6 281-980-8887

Pho Mai Vietnamese Noodle House 16200 Kensington Dr., Ste 100 281-491-1528

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

ASIAN

Café Goo Goo Yen 1730 Williams Trace Blvd, Ste L 281-277-8383

Coco’s Café 4565 Highway 6 S. 281-491-7868

Pho Saigon Vietnamese Noodle House 4645 Highway 6 S., Ste L 281-491-2988

Dynasty Buffet 13849 Southwest Fwy 281-980-3333 Famous Wok 16535 Southwest Fwy 281-565-3599

P.F. Chang’s China Bistro 2120 Lone Star Dr. 281-313-8650

Madras Pavilion 16260 Kensington 281-491-3672

Ichiban Sushi & Tapioca 16200 Kensington Dr., Ste 300 281-265-1669

Mantra Fine Indian Cuisine 15295 Southwest Fwy 281-325-0071

India Chat & Sweets 2452 Settlers Way 281-313-0484

Mori Sushi 4502 Highway 6 281-325-0628

Jade Café 2565 Eldridge Road 281-277-1899

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

Pho Thanh Vietnamese Noodle House 1221 Eldridge Rd 281-494-1992 Sabai Thai Café 2705 Town Center Blvd N. 281-325-1007 Sarku Japan 16535 Southwest Fwy 281-242-0403 Sasu Sushi Bar 5854 New Territory Blvd 281-313-0075

see more Sugar Land Restaurants on page 40 38

2009-2010 • Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

Udipi Café 3559 Highway 6 S. 281-313-2700 Zaika Indo-Pak Restaurant 16556 Southwest Fwy 281-313-0123

SEAFOOD Fish City Grill 15980 City Walk Blvd.

281-494-3474 Fish Place 3303 Highway 6 281-491-0003 Joe’s Crab Shack 19740 Southwest Fwy 281-344-2100 Red Lobster 2323 Highway 6 S. 281-313-2525

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HAPPY HOUR: 2-8PM

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Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory • 2009-2010

39

Sugar Land Restaurants

MEXICAN Berryhill Tamales 13703 Southwest Fwy 281-313-8226 Bravos Mexican Restaurant 4514 Highway 6 S. 281-494-3340 Café Adobe 2329 Highway 6 S. 281-277-1700 Chipotle 2280 Lone Star Dr. 281-980-6622 Escalantes 15933 City Walk Blvd.

281-242-1100 La Fonda Dona Maria 13134 Dairy Ashford Road, Ste 600 281-277-0338 Las Haciendas Restaurant 12821 Southwest Freeway 281-240-3050 Los Gallitos Mexican Café 3385 Highway 6 281-313-1401 Los Tios Mexican Restaurant 3308 Highway 6 S. 281-980-1313 Lupe Tortilla 15801 Southwest Fwy 281-265-7500

40

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

Cheesecake Factory, The 16535 Southwest Fwy 281-313-9500

Mi Luna 2298 Texas Dr..

281-277-8272

Chili’s 15355 Southwest Fwy 281-242-5444

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

Chili’s 19940 Southwest Fwy 281-232-3438

Ruthie’s Mexican Café 5022 Highway 90A 281-491-7884

Cindy’s Café 1 Sugar Creek Center, Ste 103 281-242-0052

Zorro’s Mexican Diner 6560 Greatwood Parkway, Ste. 500 281-545-1861

Famous Cajun Grill 16535 Southwest Fwy 281-242-1102

BAR / PUBS Baker Street Pub & Grill 15970 City Walk Blvd.

281-494-0774 Loggia 2248 Texas Dr. 281-903-7324 Napa Grille Urban Wine Bar 14019 Southwest Fwy 281-277-2599

CASUAL DINING BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse 2231 Highway 6 S. 281-242-0400 Black Walnut Café 16535 Southwest Fwy 281-565-7800 Buffalo Wild Wings 1401 Highway 6 S. Building B 281-313-9464 Charlies Restaurant & Catering Sienna Plantation 8817 Highway 6 281-778-5222

2009-2010 • Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

La Madeline French Bakery & Café 2675 Town Center Blvd N. 281-494-4400 Live Oak Grill 12935 Dairy Ashford Road 281-491-5253 Post Oak Grill 4524 Highway 6 S. 281-491-2901 Ragin Cajun 16100 Kensington, Ste 400 281-277-0704 Red Oak Grill 203 Century Square Blvd 281-491-2890

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

ITALIAN Amici’s 16089 City Walk Blvd.

281-242-2800 Carraba’s Italian Grill 2335 Highway 6 S. 281-980-4433 Corelli’s Italian Café 3229 Highway 6 S. 281-491-8900 La Magia Cafe & Pizza 3699 Highway 6 281-565-0366 Pappa La Rosa Flying Pizza 16227 Lexington Blvd 281-313-3500 Sbarro 16535 Southwest Fwy 281-265-4447

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

STEAK HOUSE

T.G.I. Fridays 2515 Town Center Blvd N. 281-494-8400

Outback Steakhouse 15253 Southwest Fwy 281-980-4329

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

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

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

Saltgrass Steak House 19720 Southwest Fwy 281-232-3502

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

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Selling the American Dream for 30 Years

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RE/MAX Southwest 281-491-1776 x5037

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

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2815 Cypress Point Drive, Missouri City, TX 77459

“Chinese Cowboy”

PAUL LIM

“Paul is the best & most honest salesperson I have ever done business with.”

Sun - Riverstone Resident.

Ashton Woods in

Riverstone New Home Sales Sugar Land

281-830-0504

ashtonwoods.com

“Based on our experience, we whole-heartedly recommend Ashton Woods & Paul Lim to perspective hombuyers.”

Shiller - Sanders. Glen resident.

“Great Salesperson. He is very Professional and detail oriented and goes above and beyond customer service for not only the buyers but the Realtors too.”

Suzette Peoples - Broker/Owner of Peoples Properties

Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory • 2009-2010

41

Sugar Land Animal Service Highlights

I

Mission Statement

t is the mission of the City of Sugar Land’s Animal Services to protect public health and welfare while enforcing humane animal treatment in accordance with City of Sugar Land’s ordinances and county, state and federal regulations. It is also the mission to provide safe, humane shelter for unwanted, stray, abused and impounded animals and to educate the public about

responsible animal care, pet ownership and living with wildlife in hopes of reducing the number of unwanted animals in the community.

Enforcement The biggest part of Animal Service’s job is enforcement. The City of Sugar Land has a number of ordinances pertaining to animals.

Ordinances address dogs and cats running at large, transporting animals in open bed trucks, unreasonably noisy animals and dangerous animals. Animal Services enforces city ordinances as well as county, state, and federal animal-related regulations.

Investigations Animal Services Officers conduct investigations into animal bite cases, animal attacks and animal cruelty.

Trapping Animal Services provides humane live traps to residents for trapping small nuisance wildlife and stray animals. Traps are on a firstcome, first-serve basis and are on loan for 10 working days. Call to reserve a trap.

Adoptions Over four million animals show up in shelters each year. Of those four million less than half find a permanent home. Animal Services is dedicated to placing animals into loving homes. So if you are looking for a pet, why not check out the animals from our shelter.

The adoption fee for a dog or puppy is $100.00, this fee includes

Gentle and Relaxing environment State of the art technology with high quality patient care Extended Hours Digital X-rays Oral sedation Speaks Spanish & Vietnamese

Located behind Kohl’s in the Offices of Riverstone

281-261-3332

4706 Riverstone Blvd. Ste 100 Missouri City, TX 77459 All PPO insurances, Medicaid, and Texas Healthspring accepted. www.SmilesofRiverstone.com

FREE

Take Home Teeth Whitening

with a new patient visit of xrays, cleaning, and exam.

42

2009-2010 • Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

Houston Professional

Maids

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For A Spotless Shine..

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www.houstonpromaids.com All Coupons Accepted

the spay/neutering, Heartworm test, Initial Heartworm Preventative, Deworming, Initial Flea Treatment, DA2PPvL Vaccination, Canine Parainfluenza-Bordetella Vaccine, Rabies Vaccine, and Microchip with Lifetime Registration.

The adoption fee for a cat or kitten is $85.00, this fee includes the spay/neutering, Feline leukemia Test, Deworming, Initial Flea Treatment, Eclipse 4 Vaccination, Feline Leukemia Vaccine, Rabies Vaccine, and Microchip with Lifetime Registration.

For more information contact City of Sugar Land Animal Service at 281-275A-DOG (2364). Hours of Operation are 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday thru Friday, Thursday until 7:00 p.m. and Saturdays 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Shelter is located at 101 Gillingham Lane or visit our website www.sugarlandtx.gov.

Lost & Found Did you lose a pet or find one? Report it to Animal Services. Reports help reunite animals with their families. You can report a lost or found animal by calling Animal Services at 281-275-A-DOG (2364). Hours of Operation are 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday thru Friday, Thursday until 7:00 p.m. and Saturdays 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Shelter is located at 101 Gillingham Lane or visit our website www.sugarlandtx.gov.

Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory • 2009-2010

43

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 GOLF COURSE PUBLIC 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

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

445 Commerce Green Blvd.

(281) 491-0800 Web site: www.fortbendchamber.com Fort Bend Association of Realtors (281) 343-9300 Contact the Fort Bend Association of Realtors for information on a Realtor in the Fort Bend County area. You also may want to request a copy of the association’s annual publication, Fort Bend County Houston’s Finest Address A Guide to Homes, Neighborhoods and Lifestyles Area School Districts Fort Bend ISD 16431 Lexington Blvd.

Sugar Land, TX 77479 phone: (281) 634-1000 Web site: www.fortbend.k12.tx.us Lamar CISD 3911 Avenue I Rosenberg, TX 77471 phone: (281) 341-3229 Web site: www.lcisd.org

44

Fort Bend County Courthouse 309 South Fourth (street) 301 Jackson (mailing) Richmond, Texas 77469 (281) 342-3411 FaxBack Info. Line: (281) 243-8121 U.S. Post Office Sugar Land Main Post Office 225 Matlage Way (800) 275-8777 First Colony Branch 3130 Grants Lake Blvd.

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

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

2009-2010 • Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

Gas Service Centerpoint Energy 501 Morton, Richmond, TX 77469 (281) 342-6665 Electric Service Reliant Energy All Service Requests Handled via Phone (713) 207-7777 or Visit Texas Electric Choice, where you can choose the Retail Electric Provider that’s right for you.

Water Service City of Sugar Land Treasury Management 2700 Town Center Blvd. North (281) 275-2750 Telephone WindStream Communications 8306 Highway 90 A 866.255.8356 (residential service) 800.843.9214 (business service) Social Security Social Security Administration 10703 Stancliff Houston, TX 77099 (800) 772-1213 http://www.ssa.gov Automobile Registration License Plates Fort Bend County Tax Assessor-Collector 12550 Emily Court Sugar Land Substation (281) 242-4311

The Richmond branch of the Fort Bend County Tax Office has moved to a new location.

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

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

Parker Professional Flooring ...a name you can trust

New Sienna Plantation office... across the street from HEB! With every sale, I pledge to donate a portion of the proceeds to the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Houston Organization. Just my way of giving back to the community that has given so much to me!

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Serving the Community...

Giving Back to the Community

Making homes beautiful, one floor at a time

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713-824-4335

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8817 Hwy 6 S, suite 700 Missouri City, TX 77459 Office: 281.242.4200

www.ericareynolds.remaxtexas.com

HERITAGE

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BEGINS AT HOME

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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!”

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dbreuleux@heritagetexas.com

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We Know What It Takes To Be #1 With competitive rates and the personal service of a State Farm® agent, it’s no wonder more drivers choose State Farm. Call me today.

Tracy Walker, ChFC CLU CASL, Agent 15510 Lexington Blvd Sugar Land, TX 77478 Bus: 281-265-0711 Fax: 281-265-0707 tracy@agentwalker.com

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statefarm.com Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory • 2009-2010

45

History of politics in Fort Bend County

A

new judicial complex is being built by Fort Bend County to house all of the courts and supporting services that now are housed both in the historical and colorful courthouse that has been the heart of the county’s operation since it opened in 1908 and the newer Travis and Jane Long buildings built over the past 25 years.

The Fort Bend County Courthouse, built in 1908, is one of the historic places to visit in Richmond. The exterior features a silver dome and cornices of copper while the interiors display mosaic tile floors and a three-story rotunda.

When the massive judicial complex is completed and the halls of this building are silenced, it will only be a temporary lull. Fort Bend County plans to open the antiquated building as a museum so the history of the courthouse and the county can be enjoyed by many in years to come.

And, Fort Bend County is definitely filled with history, some colorful, some tragic, but all captivating. The famed JaybirdWoodpecker War was one of its most colorful events and occurred when the Jaybirds, who were white, wealthy, and Democrats, sought to rid Fort Bend County of the Woodpecker government, put in by the Republicans during Reconstruction. An armed battle which resulted in several casualties followed after the shooting of two participants. The Woodpeckers were given 10 hours to leave town and many of them did. Order was restored by the governor and the Houston Light Guards, and Fort Bend remained Democratic for the next 100 years.

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

A Republican stronghold However, as master-planned communities in the eastern and northern portions of 46

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

Another key Republican elected during this time was future Congressman and House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, who was elected to represent the county’s only seat in the Texas House of Representatives. By 1982, several county-level positions were taken over

by Republicans. In 1984, DeLay succeeded Paul in Congress after the latter ran 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 county wide office in Fort Bend County is held by Republicans, who also control a majority of precinct based positions (County Commissioners, Constables, Justices of the Peace, etc.). No Democrat has carried Fort Bend County in the presidential election since 1964, when Lyndon B. Johnson of Texas won his second term.

Times may be a’changing 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 2006, Democrat Nick Lampson defeated Republican write-in candidate Shelley Sekula-Gibbs for the congressional seat in Texas’ 22nd congressional district that was vacated by Tom DeLay after he resigned from Congress. While Lampson won all four counties that cover the district (Fort Bend, Harris, Brazoria and Galveston), Fort Bend gave Lampson his smallest winning margin of the four counties, at 6.4% per-

2009-2010 • Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

cent, compared to 6.92% for Harris County, 7.23% for Brazoria County, and more than 45 percent in Galveston County (whose Democratic base is considered the most active in the state outside of Austin). Lampson was later defeated by the Republican challenger Pete Olson.

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

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 still considered heavily Republican, although the 2008 election year saw changes in all precincts that indicate the Democrats are making a comeback in the county. One obvious change was in Precinct 1 where Democrat Richard Morrison defeated the Republican incumbent. His vote was the traditionally Democrat votes that turned out in record numbers coupled with some subdivisions who were angry about roads.

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

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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.REMAX-SOUTHWEST.COM Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory • 2009-2010

47

FBISD serves Sugar Land students

W

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

School started in Fort Bend ISD on Monday, August 24.

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

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

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

2009-10 SCHOOL Calendar August 24.........................................First Day of School

February 15..............................Holiday/Presidents Day

September 7................................... Holiday/Labor Day

March 15-19...............................Holiday/Spring Break

October 15............Elem Parent Conf. & Early Release

March 26................................End of Nine Week Period

October 23............................End of Nine Week Period

April 2...............................................Holiday/Good Friday

November 25-27............Holiday/Thanksgiving Break

May 28.................................................................. Exams

December 15-18............................................. Exams

May 31.........................................Holiday/Memorial Day

Dec.17 & 18.......Early Release - MS/HS students only

June 1-3............................................................... Exams

Dec. 21-Jan. 1...........................Holiday/Winter Break

June 2..................Early Release - MS/HS Students only

Jan.4.........Campus Staff Development/Student Holiday

June 3..................................................Last Student Day

January 5.............................................Students Return

...............................................Early Release - All Students

January 5.................................First Day 2nd Semester

June 4................................................ Teacher Work Day

January 18..........................Holiday/Martin L. King Day

June 4 & 5.................................................... Graduation

February 10...........Elem Parent Conf. & Early Release

48

2009-2010 • Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

tributors, 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.

Frequently Called Numbers HOSPITALS M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.........................................281-566-1800 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 Sugar Land Medical Center............................................281-274-6600 St. Luke’s Sugar Land Hospital........................................713-637-7000

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

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 Sheriff 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

International Preparatory School

www.InternationalPreparatorySchool.com Integrity, Honesty and Service to Others

Emphasis on Trans-National Education

OPEN HOUSE

January 14, 2010 • 6:30pm to 8:30pm

Available After School Programs: Grades Pre K through 8th grade Full Care Available Monday - Friday 7 am - 6:30 pm

• Voice • Guitar • Piano • Art • Kid Fit

• Homework Assistance • Math Club and Chess Club

Extended Hours After School Program available until 6:30pm.

For More Information Call: 281-208-1403 1717 DULLES AVE., MISSOURI CITY, TX 77459 FAX 281-208-1426

Apples & Bananas

Pediatric Oral Motor And Dysphagia Center We provide quality and effective comprehensive evaluation, therapeutic interventions, and family education to a child who demonstrates one or more of the following disorders: • Dysarthria • Apraxia • Neurological Disorders • Cranio Facial Disorders • Congenital Disorders • Chromosome Disorders • Oral Motor • Dysphagia • Pragmatic Delays • Speech Delays • Language Delays

Shannon L. Servance, MA, CCC-SLP 4501 Cartwright Rd #301 Missouri City, TX 77459

281-403-1900 • fax: 281-403-1910 Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory • 2009-2010

49

Sugar Land Parks & Recreation Areas

Sugar Land offers many enjoyable activities

R

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

and swimming.

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

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

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

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

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

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

50

2009-2010 • Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

Christmas Tree Lighting Event In The Plaza - This magical event will include a variety of holiday activities throughout the illuminated Town Square. Entertainment stages will be set up along City Walk Drive. Families can enjoy a winter wonderland made up of 30,000 pounds of real snow.

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

The Park Department also offers many other services: Leisure Classes - Learn to dance and stretch; train your dog to be a good canine citizen and much more!

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

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

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

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

Trout Stocking at Eldridge Park - This annual event is supported

by Texas Parks and Wildlife. Two thousand fish will be stocked in the lake and is always a highlight for area fishermen - from the smallest to the most senior.

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

Community Parks Brazos River Corridor & Sugar Land Memorial Park City Park 225 Seventh Street (77478) Imperial Park 230 Matlage Way (77478) Eldridge Park 2511 Eldridge Road (77478) First Colony Park 3232 Austin Parkway (77479) Lost Creek Park 3703 Lost Creek Blvd. (77479) Oyster Creek Park / Trail 4033 State Highway 6 South (77479) Duhacsek Park 17034 Old Richmond Road (77478) BMX Track 3703 Lost Creek Blvd. (77479) Skate Park 225 Seventh Street (77478) Sugar Land Memorial Park 15300 University Blvd. (77479)

Sugar Mills Park Sugar Mill is located at the intersection of Drakewood and Hidden Lakes Lane. 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.

Area Golf Courses: Fort Bend Country Club................................. (281) 342-3756 Greatwood........................................................ (281) 343-9999 Pecan Grove...................................................... (281) 342-9940 River Bend Country Club............................... (281) 491-2500 River Point........................................................ (281) 343-9995 Sweetwater Country Club................................ (281) 980-4100 Sugar Creek Country Club.............................. (281) 494-9131 The Houstonian............................................... (281) 494-4245 Memorial Project for Veterans A plan has been developed for future memorials to recognize Fort Bend County Veterans in Sugar Land Memorial Park. These memorials will be situated in four distinct areas within the Veterans’ Memorial area of the park. Each memorial is intended to provoke different emotions.

A dedicated group of individuals appointed by City Council worked for several months to determine appropriate locations and features in Memorial Park. The following task force members were selected by City Council to provide input on this effort: Geoff Neossi, Hillary Goldstein, Jim Gordon, Merle Smithers, Tom Garguilo, Shaheed Kajani, Lucia Street, Dr. Tom Parr, Dave Kiger, Jim Hoelker, Floyd Thigpen, Paul Barnett, Larry Davis, Jack Grounds and chaired by Sherrie Knoepfel.

The Task Force met several times in order to familiarize themselves with Sugar Land Memorial Park, review best practices in memorial features and public art design and receive presentations on public art procurement. In addition, the Task Force participated in a design charrette which resulted in a consensus on recommendations for the location in the park and the types of features they believe are appropriate for recognition of our veterans.

The City anticipates utilizing the Task Force recommendation to proceed with the development of the features in the park which will likely happen in phases. The development of the features is something the City Council would like all residents to have the opportunity to contribute to and feel ownership and pride for the memorials. A fund raising features will be forthcoming as a result of these efforts. The project was unveiled at the City’s Memorial Day ceremony at Sugar Land Memorial Park.

You can submit your name in order to receive more information as these efforts develop. Sign up to receive more info.

For more information, please contact the Parks and Recreation Department at (281) 275-2885.

Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory • 2009-2010

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

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 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.

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.

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2009-2010 • Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

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.

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.

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.

Fort Bend Law Library

Sugar Land Library

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 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 281341-2652 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.

Mamie George Branch Library 320 Dulles Avenue, Stafford 281-491-8086

Albert George Branch Library

9230 Gene Street, Needville 281-238-2850 Located in Needville, Texas, adjacent to Needville Elementary School

Mamie George Library

First Colony Library

Albert George Library

Cinco RanchLibrary

Missouri City Library

Bob Lutts Fulshear/Simonton Library

Missouri City Branch Library

1530 Texas Parkway, Missouri City 281-499-4100 Located in Missouri City, Texas, across the street from the Missouri City Civic Center and City Hall complex

Cinco Ranch Branch Library

2620 Commercial Center Blvd., Katy 281-395-1311 Located in Katy, Texas, across from the Cinco Ranch High School, just off Cinco Ranch Boulevard. The library is about one block from Grand Parkway, or Hwy. 99

Bob Lutts Fulshear/Simonton Branch Library

8100 FM 359 South, Fulshear 281-633-4675 Located in Fulshear, Texas, across from the U.S. Post Office.

Go to http://www.fortbend.lib.tx.us/ Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory • 2009-2010

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Get to know your Chamber of Commerce Where the Past PRESENT & FUTURE come together

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 Louis Garvin quality of life in our community.

Pres. & CEO 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 Fort Bend Business Journal.

With over 1,500 business members, the Chamber is comprised of small, medium and large companies and organizations whose interests span the market from advertising, engineering, community advocacy, technological industries, educational institutions, real estate brokers, restaurant owners, and many more.

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

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2009-2010 • Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

Jaine Garvin Member Relations Director

Keri Schmidt Special Events Director

the legislative and 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

The Sugar Land Airport

S

ugar Land Regional Airport is quickly becoming known as the destination of choice for the business traveler in the Houston area. As the fourth largest airport in the greater Houston area, it is the foremost general reliever airport in the southwest sector. An ambitious capital improvements program is ongoing, aimed at offering our customers the highest quality of facilities and services.

The Sugar Land Regional Airport’s focus is on corporate aviation, while maintaining a balance for our community’s general aviation needs. The airport contributes greatly to the local economy by providing jobs, corporate access to local markets, access to air transportation services, and facilities to house corporate aviation departments. More than 100 Fortune 500 companies utilize the airport annually.

Amenities at the airport include: a Texas-style 20,000-squarefoot corporate aviation terminal, which houses the #1 FBO in the Americas, according to the 2009 AIN Survey; a state-of-the-art air traffic control tower and radar system; a reinforced, concrete runway measuring 100 feet wide by 8,000 feet in length, accommodating the largest of the corporate-type business jets; an instru-

ment landing system and high-intensity lighting.

A 60-acre T-hangar Complex was completed in April 2009, and is comprised of 99 new T-hangars with electric bifold doors, a private pilots’ lounge, three air-conditioned restrooms, and 7 sites for executive hangars.

1-866-I FLY SGR (1-866-435-9747) Administration Email: slra@sugarlandtx.gov

Faith Lutheran School A great education within your child’s grasp.

Faith Lutheran School is one of the 2,300 Lutheran Schools in the U.S., a system of education begun in 1847!

Preschool – 8th Grade Apply Now For 2010 Enrollment • Excellent Christian Education • Nurturing Environment • Weekly Chapel • New Gym and Middle School Classrooms • Education-degreed certified teachers • Preschool Reading Program

800 Brooks Street Sugar Land, TX 77478

Visit www.FaithLutheranSchool.org or call (281) 242-4453.

Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory • 2009-2010

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Sugar Land Sports

Sugar Land Sports & Activities

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n Sugar Land the main focus isn’t just on building and buying homes. It 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 instill qualities in them that they can carry to the future.

Establishing a set of values through 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 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.

YOUTH FOOTBALL ASSOCIATIONS

YOUTH SWIMMING ASSOCIATIONS

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 Starts First week of August Ends First week of November

First Colony Swim Team P.O. Box 16220, Sugar Land 281-265-4593 $125 per swimmer 8 & under by tryout / 9 to adult www.swimfcst.com/swimfcst/ Email: clandeck@alltel.net

First Colony Broncos 281-980-6121 Ages 5-12 www.eteamz.com/fi rstcolonybroncos fcbroncosfootball@yahoo.com Starts First week of August Ends First week of Nov

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Sugar Land Sharks Swim Team PO Box 771, Sugar Land 832-265-0597 $95 per swimmer/ $90 for any additional swimmer in the household Ages 6-18 www.sugarlandsharks.org rondo2@peoplepc.com

2009-2010 • Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

YOUTH AND ADULT SOCCER ASSOCIATIONS Fort Bend Adult Soccer Association Over 30 (Men & Women) www.fbasa.com Sugar Land Soccer Club 411 S. Belknap, Sugar Land 281-265-4010 Boys & Girls 6-18 www.sugarlandsoccer.org Email: contactus@ sugarlandsoccer.org Starts Late August Ends Late November Fun, Fair, Positive Soccer 800-828-PLAY (7529) ext 915 Online: $75 Phone-In $85 Boys & Girls 4-18 www.ffps.org Email: johnr@ffps.org Starts Late August Ends Late November New Territory Fusion Soccer Club PMB #301/ 5826 New Territory Sugar Land, TX 77479 Boys & Girls 6-18 www.newterritorysoccer.org registrar@fusionsoccer.org Starts Late August 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 YOUTH BASEBALL ASSOCIATIONS First Colony Little League 3232 Austin Parkway 281- 277 -4139 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

FORT BEND TAXI CAB • Local Service • Airport / Hotel • Out of Town • Special Events • Towncar & Shuttles

281.208.2222

Call for Corporate Accounts www.fortbendtaxi.com & Airport Flat Rate

Service is my Specialty!

Professional Experience and Integrity

A Top Multi-Million Dollar Producer-

Prudential Gary Greene, GRI, ABR

Past Realtor Of The Year by the Fort Bend Association of Realtors for “Outstanding Community Service and Professionalism” I have been a proud member of Leading edge, Presidents Circle, and Chairman’s Circle

West Sugar Land Little League PO Box 1143, Sugar Land 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 Ends May 15 Sugar Land Little League Baseball PO Box 2039, Sugar Land 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 YOUTH SOFTBALL ASSOCIATIONS Sugar Land Girls Softball Association 7720 Highway 90A, Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-494-1085 Ages 5-16 www.eteamz.active.com/slgsa Email: braly.family@yahoo.com

TENNIS 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 YOUTH BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONS 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

Barbara Montgomery

Whether you’re moving across town or across the world, whether you are buying your first home or retirement home, you can be confidant that you are getting the best care and service available.

713.898.3938 • montgomb@garygreene.com

Show me fun You can have it all at the Quail Valley Golf Course

• Premier golfing open to the public • Lessons/practice facilities • Meeting/banquet facilities • Friday Steak Night

www.golfquailvalley.com

Call 281-403-5920 for dining or 281-403-5910 for golf 2880 La Quinta Drive, Missouri City, Texas 77459 Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory • 2009-2010

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

T

he Fort Bend Museums portray 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.

Rosenberg Railroad Museum The museum offers a look at the historical significance of the railroad in Fort Bend County and includes many exhibits that bring this history to life. In addition to everything about the trains and railroad, the museum offers The Roy Ekstrum Lantern Collection is in the gallery, where an extensive collection of both oil burning and early battery lanterns used on the railroads is displayed.

Rosenberg, Texas is located about 20 miles from Sugar Land on US Highway 59.

From US 59, take the Highway 36 exit and go north about 1 mile to Avenue I, where you will turn right. Go two blocks to Third Street and turn left. Proceed two blocks and turn left on Avenue F, just before the railroad tracks. The museum is on the corner of Avenue F and Third Street and our entrance is on Avenue F. The address is 1921 Avenue F, Rosenberg.

The Rosenberg Railroad Museum is not part of the Fort Bend Museum Assoc. Its exhibits include artifacts representing each of the eight railroads that traversed Fort Bend County.

For a unique birthday party, the museum offers the following: parties at the Rosenberg Railroad Museum are designed with children from 2-8 years old in mind. They offer three packages & several extras for you to choose from: Celebrate!

A Fort Bend Cultural Festival The first annual Celebrate! festival took place on September 19, 2009 from noon until 5 p.m. Fort Bend County residents had the opportunity to learn about the diverse heri58

tage of our community -- including the Hispanic, German and Czech cultures -- at this FREE family event.

For any questions or for information about volunteering, please contact Claire Rogers at (281) 342-6478.

Annual Texian Market Days Festival Bring the whole family and explore more than 100 years of Texas history! Texian Market Days, the last weekend in October, is a living history festival that includes lots of hands-on activities, Civil War camps and battle re-enactments, historic home tours, food, live entertainment and more! For more information, visit or call (281) 343-0218.

Located at the George Ranch Historical Park, 10215 FM 762 | Richmond, TX 77469, (281) 343-0218, www.georgeranch. org, (281) 343-0218, Tickets: $10/adults | $5/children (5-15), Children ages 4 and under are FREE 10th Annual Texian Golf Classic Fort Bend’s finest golfers tee-off in the most hotly-contested competition of the year-the Texian Golf Classic honors Fort Bend County leadership and benefits the educational programs of the Fort Bend County Museum Association.

For more information, contact: Fort Bend County Museum Association, P.O. Box 460, Richmond, TX 77406-0460, Phone (281)342 1256/Fax (281)342-3782 , E-mail Candace Jones for general or sponsorship information.

Candlelight Tours Join the Fort Bend Museum Docents on December 4 and 5, 2009 for an unforgettable holiday experience at the annual Candlelight Tours.

“The Moore Home is so beautiful when it’s decorated for the holidays and the candlelight makes it extra special,” said Fort Bend Museum Education Coordinator Claire Rogers.

To inquire about joining the Docent society or volunteering for the Fort Bend Museum, contact Claire Rogers at (281) 3426478.

2009-2010 • Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

10th Annual Vintner’s Wine Tasting Celebration The Fort Bend County Museum Association is excited to present the Annual Vintner’s Celebration and Wine Tasting Event. This year’s celebration included the tasting of eight different boutique wines paired with a wonderful variety of hors d’oeuvres. Plus, you can also enjoy quality wines throughout the evening at the Lone Star Stomp at the George Ranch Historical Park. Become a Vintner and support the educational and preservation efforts of the Fort Bend County Museum Association!

Lone Star Stomp XX This is a gala like no other! It’s a lively, Western-themed party that will let your inner star shine! Get gussied up (don’t forget the bling!) and join us for a great evening of dining, dancing, and socializing in the transformed George Ranch Covered Arena. The Lone Star Stomp is the Fort Bend County Museum Association’s major fundraising event, and all proceeds benefit the museums educational programs and preservation efforts.

Tales of Texas 2010 dates to be announced The Fort Bend County Museum Association is offering a one-of-a-kind field trip opportunity for grades 2-5, with curriculum that celebrates our unique, independent Texas spirit.

Programs focus on Texas colonization and independence, the stories behind many Texas icons, and what it means to be a citizen of this great state.

Capacity will be limited to retain an effective ratio of demonstrators to students. Book early, as these days will sell out quickly!

Tales of Texas is a cooperative program between the George Ranch Historical Park, the Fort Bend Museum, and the Texian Time Machine. Festival Hours: 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, Admission: $5 per student. Contact Claire Rogers at 281.342.6478 or e-mail educator@fortbendmuseum.org for more information.

Organizations, Associations, and Clubs Child Advocates of Fort Bend County Phone: (281) 341-9955 Meetings: 1505 Liberty in Richmond, TX 77469 Website: www.cafb.org East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry Connie Esposito Phone: (281) 261-1006 Meetings: Volunteers come freely Website: www.humanneeds.org Fort Bend Corp Phone: (281) 313-2677 Website: www.fbcorps.org Fort Bend Friends and Neighbors E-mail: publicity@fbfn.org Website: www.fbfn.org Fort Bend Junior Service League An organization of women committed to developing the potential of women and to improving the community 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.

St. Laurence Catholic Church at 7 PM. 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 Website: www.momsclub.org American Association of Retired Persons Missouri City Phone: (281) 499-0074 Meetings: 2nd Mon. of the month, at 11:30AM at Missouri City community center American Business Women’s Association Fort Bend Chapter Phone: (281) 403-2925 Meetings: Sugar Creek Country Club 1st Thursday of the month at 7pm Website: www.abwafortbend.org Beta Sigma Phi Phone: (281) 499-0732 Meetings: 2nd Thursday of the month at Oasis on Airport Exchange Club of Quail Valley Meetings: 2nd and 4th Friday of the month at the Quail Valley Comm. Center at 7am Women’s Council of Women Fort Bend Phone: (281) 851-1125 Meetings: 2nd Thursday of the month at Sugar Creek Country Club 11:30am Website.www.wcrfortbend.org

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 Address: PO Box 169 Sugar Land, TX 77487 Meetings: 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 from 7-9 pm) Website: www.fbmg.com Fort Bend Rotary Club Phone: (281) 565-6013 Meetings: Sugar Creek Country Club 6:45pm every Wednesday Website: www.fortbendrotary.org Fort Bend Women’s Tennis League Publicity Manager: Chuck Sanchelli Phone: (281) 980-4219 Meetings: Various Tennis Courts Weeknights at 7:00 pm Fort Bend Writers Group Phone: (281) 498-5025 Meetings: Barnes and Noble in Sugar Land every Monday at 7:00 Ladies of Richmond Rosenberg Express Network (ABWA LORREN) Meetings: 2nd Wednesday of the month at the Pecan Grove Country Club Website: www.abwalorren.org Lions Club of Sugar Land 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 Phone: (281) 933-8034 Meetings: Meadows Place Community Center, 2nd Tuesday September-May Oyster Creek Rotary Club Website: www.oystercreekrotary.org Sugar Creek Country Club Woman’s Association Meetings: 1st Thursday of the month at the Sugar Creek CC at 11:30 am Sugar Creek Garden Club Phone: (281) 494-5065 Meetings: 3rd Thursday of the month, 9:30 am at Sugar Creek Country Club Sugar Land Rotary Club 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 Website: www.abwaswapen.org Website: www.abwawhen.org

“Hometown Nurses Helping Hometown People” Home Healthcare Services • Skilled Nursing • Home Health Aide • Physical Therapy • Occupational Therapy • Speech Therapy • Medical Social Workers • Provider Services • Diabetic Management • Injections • IV Therapy • PT/INR Monitoring • Lab Services – Catheter Care and...

Specializing in WOUND CARE

281.208.4344

See us at: www.txstatehealthcare.com

Non-Discrimination Policy: This Agency does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, or age in admission, treatment, or participation in its programs, services and activities, or in employment.

Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory • 2009-2010

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Arts and Entertainment in Fort Bend 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 pedestrian oriented main-street retailing venue right to you at a convenient location.

FORT BEND BOYS CHOIR OF TEXAS

THE STAFFORD CENTRE

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.

1505 Cash Road, Stafford, TX 281-208-6900 • www.staffordcentre.com 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 theconvention center can host several meetings at once or a combination of meetings for the same event.

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.

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 17 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.

SUGAR LAND TOWN SQUARE 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.

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2009-2010 • Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

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

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

Boasting a 1,100 seat performing arts theatre, 25,000 sq. ft. of exposition, meeting and banquet space, including a 20,000 sq. ft. ballroom, and over 28 acres of outdoor festival green space.

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 first hand 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 281-242-3055. 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.

Covered from Any Angle

corporate roll-out, dance competition, trade-show, major outdoor event, gala, festival, meeting, community or world renowned theater performance

Booking/Tickets: 281.208.6900 www.staffordcentre.com 10505 Cash Road Stafford, Texas 77477

Learn To Play Like The

PROS!

SUGAR LAND MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE No longer is the former dormitory for the Central State Farm Prison a place of mandatory confinement. The “Greek Revival” structure, built in 1939, is now a cultural destination of choice that houses frogs, minerals, a planetarium, The Chronicles of Narnia traveling exhibit, Sugar Land’s own Tyrannosaurus Rex and much more.

Located at the intersection of University and New Territory Boulevards, this museum is the first step in a City initiative to create a cultural and entertainment district. The Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land opened to the public on Oct. 3, and Museum hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday - Friday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Visit www.hmns.org for more information.

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Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory • 2009-2010

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Christmas the old-fashioned way in Fort Bend Some of the local holiday offerings include: The 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.

Sugar Land Holiday Celebration Events

Jazz Concert in the Plaza Enjoy a night of jazz as the Thelonius Monk Jazz Combo from the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts performs in the Plaza.

Saturday, Nov. 21, 7-9 pm Day after Thanksgiving Movie under the Moon What a better way to spend the day after Thanksgiving than by watching a movie under the moon with family and friends. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets to the Plaza and enjoy watching “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas” on the big screen! Friday, Nov. 27 7-9 pm

Christmas Concert in the Plaza

Kick-off the holiday season and enjoy a concert presented by the hub of Christ United Methodist Church, Saturday Nov 28 2009, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Photos with Santa presented by the University of Phoenix Come out to Sugar Land Town Square and get your photo taken with Santa Claus. You’ll have access to a free electronic copy that you can send to Grandparents, upload to FaceBook or save to your desktop, all courtesy of the University of Phoenix. Photo location - 16190 City Walk (between Fleet Feet and Eye Trends) Sunday Nov 29 2009, 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm Christmas Tree Lighting at Town Square, Thursday, Dec. 3, Photos with Santa Sunday Dec 06, 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm; Sunday Dec 13 2009, 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm; Sunday Dec 20 2009, 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Campfire Christmas

George Ranch Historical Park A traditional, holiday ranch-style feast, live entertainment, around a roomy campfi re, hayrides and tours of a beautiful decorated Victorian home at the George Ranch create the perfect holiday atmosphere. For more information on the 2009 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.

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.

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2009-2010 • Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

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. 281-2614373.

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.

County Holiday Thanksgiving Day.............................Thursday, November 26, 2009 Day after Thanksgiving..........................Friday, November 27, 2009 Christmas Eve...................................Thursday, December 24, 2009 Christmas Day........................................Friday, December 25, 2009

Advertisers Index Lim, Paul - Ashton Woods.............................................................41 Affordable Accounting...................................................................45

Little People’s Dentistry................................................................59

Apples & Bananas - Pediatric Oral Motor and Dysphagia Center....49

Made Ya Smile Dental..................................................................... 7

Auto Central Car Care...................................................................11

Mangola’s Restaurant...................................................................39

Breuleux, Deborah - Heritage Texas Properties..............................45

Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital......................................... 2

Camden Royal Oaks........................................................................ 6

Methodist Sugar Land Hospital.................................... Back Page

Charlies Restaurant......................................................................41

Mike Tidwell Plumbing Co.............................................................43

Charlton Body Repair....................................................................47

Montgomery, Barbara...................................................................57

Colony One Auto Center.................................................................. 1

OakBend Medical Hospital.............................................................. 4

Country Dreamin...........................................................................29

Pamela Printing............................................................................36

Curves for Women........................................................................42

Parker Professional Flooring.........................................................45

Danny Nguyen Commercial............................................................. 5

Patel, Bhagwat Dr.........................................................................33

Divine Closet By Jackie.................................................................45

Plantation at Quail Valley...............................................................41

Duran Roofing / Duran Flooring.....................................................31

Prudential Gary Greene.................................................................31

Faith Lutheran School...................................................................55

Quail Valley Golf Course................................................................57

Fernando’s Restaurant..................................................................39

Re/Max Fine Properties.................................................................27

Fort Bend Baptist Academy...........................................................35

Re/Max Southwest........................................................................47

Fort Bend Taxi Cab........................................................................57

Reynolds, Erica - Re/Max .............................................................45

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce................................................... 8

Richmond Bone & Joint.............................................Inside Front

Fort Bend Star..............................................................................10

Rio Raton Duplex..........................................................................47

Friendship Church.........................................................................27

Riverbend County Golf Club...........................................................13

Gillen Pest Control........................................................................34

Rolsen, Arlene...............................................................................33

Gregory, Jeane ............................................................................41

Safari Texas Ranch.......................................................................29

Hartford Services Heating & Air Condition Services.......................64

Schomburg, Diane - State Farm...................................................29

Heritage Baptist Church................................................................26

Smack Guitars..............................................................................61

House of Blooms...........................................................................27

Smiles of Riverstone.....................................................................42

Houston Professional Maids..........................................................42

Spellman, Jane - Allstate..............................................................41

IBC Bank.......................................................................................36

St. Luke’s Sugar Land Hospital................................... Inside Back

International Preparatory School...................................................49

Stafford Centre Theatre.................................................................61

J Loggins........................................................................................ 3

Sugar Land Mortuary....................................................................27

Julius Metals................................................................................34

The Fort Bend Church...................................................................25

Kurkjian, Terri ..............................................................................37

Texas State Healthcare.................................................................59

Las Hacienda Mexican Bar & Grill.................................................39

Trendmaker Homes......................................................................... 9

Learning Stages, Inc.....................................................................29

Walk, Tracy - State Farm...............................................................45

Lee Family Dentistry.....................................................................33

Weaver, Jennifer ..........................................................................41 Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory • 2009-2010

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“We take your Comfort to Heart”

AIR CONDITIONING • HEATING PLUMBING • ELECTRICAL hartfordservices.com

281-261-3333 64

Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners, P.O. Box 4200 Austin, TX 78765, (800) 845-6584 :: State License#: MPL 38841:: Regulated by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, P.O. Box 12157 Austin, TX 78711, (800) 803-9202 :: State Licenses#: TACLB016044C & TECL 25997. ¹Hartford Services Rebate - Up to $1,000 of select 16 SEER or higher A/C systems, models & combinations only. ²Manufacturer’s Mail-In Rebate requires purchase of a complete Trane system. Trane rebate valid for a limited time only. ³Visit http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=products.pr_tax_credits#c4 for info on Federal Tax Credit Credit to be applied to customer’s annual federal tax return. Offers are not valid for commercial, third party or new construction customers. Not valid with any other offers or on prior sales. Other restrictions may apply. Contact us for further information.

2009-2010 • Sugar Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

Emergency Care is Sweeter in Sugar Land St. Luke’s Sugar Land Hospital’s Emergency Department’s highly-skilled ER team offers a special brand of care to its patients and their families: 31.33 Average number of minutes from emergency arrival to physician consult*

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St. Luke’s Sugar Land Hospital • 1317 Lake Pointe Sugar Parkway • Sugar Land, TX Directory 77478••2009-2010 281-637-7000 Land Newcomer Guide and Visitor 65

Methodist Sugar Land Hospital

Leading cardiovaScuLar care

When it matters most.

 First open-heart surgery  First coronary angioplasty  First abdominal aortic

aneurysm surgery

 First to create an

Emergency Cardiac Response Team to exceed national standards

in a cardiac emergency, there’s only one thing you need to know — Methodist.

Methodist is a leader in heart care. in keeping with this legacy, Methodist Sugar Land Hospital has created a cardiac rapid response team of experienced heart care experts.

Within minutes, this team quickly stabilizes heart attack patients to restore blood flow and minimize the amount of damage to the heart. Methodist Sugar Land — the first hospital in Fort Bend county to routinely exceed national standards for rapid response. That saves lives.

If you experience any of the following, come to the Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Emergency Department:

   

Chest pain or pressure (may radiate down your arm) Shortness of breath Nausea, vomiting and/or severe indigestion Breaking out into a cold sweat

Whether it is a number of cardiac firsts in Fort Bend County or complete cardiac care in a single, leading edge facility, we provide a level of cardiovascular expertise that is unmistakably Methodist — when and where you need it most.

Ask your physician to refer you to the Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Heart Center, or call 281-274-7500 for a Physician Referral.

16655 Southwest Freeway • Sugar Land, Texas 77479 • 281-274-7000