Explore Fulshear Magazine by Explore America Holdings

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FULSHEAR

W W W. E X P L O R E F U LS H E A R . C O M

FIND YOUR

Path

Enjoying the great outdoors and creating those special moments comes Naturally in Cross Creek Ranch where residents find a bounty of “life is great” opportunities.

• Highly acclaimed Lamar CISD schools within 2 miles of community

• Onsite Katy ISD schools • Multiple water parks, pools and playgrounds • 18-hole disc golf course and putting green • Tennis, basketball, pickleball, wall ball and sand volleyball courts

• Flewellen Creek Nature Preserve • More than 45 miles of trails • Catch and release fishing • On-site fitness center • On-site Italian Maid Café • Nearby shopping and dining, including an H-E-B

New Homes from the $200s to $1 Million+ *Pricing and availability subject to change without notice.

CrossCreekTexas.com

ENJOY THE

breath-taking beauty

& THE

country lifestyle

OF THE BRAZOS RIVER

Secluded in one of the scenic bends of the Brazos River, Laprada Landing offers an escape from the rigors of the city. Located 40 miles west of downtown Houston, Laprada Landing feels worlds away with dense stands of mature trees and sweeping vistas overlooking the Brazos. The unspoiled, natural beauty of the tracts offers a pristine piece of the rural Texas countryside without having to sacrifice the amenities of city living. Laprada Landing, located just south of Fulshear, is easily accessible from Westpark Tollway and FM 1093. Laprada Landing offers tracts ranging from ±60 - 105 acres, each with its own unhindered view of the Brazos River. With varying tree coverage, each tract has its own features that set it apart from the others with no two being exactly alike. There is ample opportunity to build and create your own sense of place.

HWY 99

Interstate 10

Westpark Tollway

FM 1093

FM 723

Stratman Rd

Laprada Trace

(Formerly Montgomery Rd)

r ive

sR zo

Bra

359 HWY

Bois D’Arc Ln

Winner Foster Rd

Beadle Ln

The unspoiled, natural beauty of the tracts offers a pristine F othe r mrural o r e Texas infor m at i o n cwithout o n t a chaving t piece of countryside to sacrifice the amenities of city living. Laprada Landing, ROLLER located just southMIKE of Fulshear, is easily accessible from 346-0222 Westpark Tollway and(281) FM 1093. M I K E @ M OV E W E S T. N E T

PUB LISH ER LETTER

P ublisher LETTER FROM THE Jaclyn Ritter

HAPPY

New Year!

The years come and go so much quicker these days. I remember being warned of the inevitable acceleration of time as a child and, yet, I am surprised every year by the swiftness of time. In the wise words of my favorite red head, Anne Shirley, from Anne of Green Gables, remember that:

“TOMORROW IS ALWAYS FRESH, WITH NO MISTAKES IN IT.” And that, at the end of the day, “It is not what the world holds for you, it is what you bring to it.” So, I urge you to view the new year as a blank slate and, instead of looking for the good coming your way, choose to focus more on the good and joy you can bring to others.

EX P LOR E.U S

We, the Explore Team, are ready to dedicate the new year to you, our readers, by continuing to introduce you to incredible people, places, and businesses in and around the place you chose to call home. May 2022 bring you all much joy, love, and laughter.

Jaclyn Sincerely,

Photo Credit: iStock.com/Trout55

HOUSTON METHODIST KATY AND Leading Medicine in

in Katy and West Houston

WEST HOUSTON

290

WEST HOUSTON KATY

MEMORIAL CITY 8

KINGSLAND BLVD.

VOSS RD.

BINGLE RD.

HOUSTON METHODIST WEST HOSPITAL

MEMORIAL GREEN

WESTHE IMER RD.

MEMORIAL

PRIMARY CARE

CINCO RANCH

1093 WAY WESTPAR K TOLL

PRIMARY AND SPECIALTY CARE EMERGENCY CARE

Convenient Locations — Close to Home Houston Methodist is growing to meet the needs of our community. We offer a full range of care across Katy and West Houston, including: • Primary and specialty physician offices, imaging and labs • Easy to access emergency care and transfer to Houston Methodist West Hospital, should you need it • A team of experts using the newest technologies • Personalized care tailored to your unique needs And, with enhanced safety measures in place, you can rest assured your safety is our priority.

Visit houstonmethodist.org/katy-west to find a Houston Methodist doctor or location near you.

Find a Location

NEAR YOU

MAGAZINE STAFF JACLYN RITTER Publisher

KATIE MECHAM Art Director

SUSAN LOWE STRICKLAND Editor

AUDREY LANE

Associate Publisher

RHONDA KUYKENDALL Staff Photographer

DANIEL MCJUNKIN Publisher Emeritas & Co-Founder

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS DAWN BENJAMIN ROBIN FERGUSON RHONDA KUYKENDALL TOMMY KUYKENDALL JACLYN RITTER SUSAN LOWE STRICKLAND BROOKE WALKER

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS KEVIN BARRETT ROBIN FERGUSON T. KIBODEAUX RHONDA KUYKENDALL GREG LAVATY DON PINE JACLYN RITTER DAVE SANDERS BROOKE WALKER ANDREA WILTSE

EXPLORE AMERICA, LLC GEORGE LANE Chariman & CEO

EXPLORE FULSHEAR MAGAZINE 281-973-0633

Cover Photo:

T. Kibodeaux beautifully captured these sandhill cranes, migratory birds that roost on the Katy Prairie Preserve this time of year.

Contents Photo:

Courtesy of Katy Prairie Conservancy

contents 12 belted galloways These Oreo Cows are A Breed Apart

18 we are fulshear High School Athletic Coordinator

26 our great texas story Lives On

34 just breathe Breathe for Moms

56 art rocks Local Community Spreads Joy

61 Infrastructure And Economic Development

64 Tree scultures of galveston Delightful, Self-Guided Tour

68 sex trafficking In Our Communities

edible works of art

neapolitan-style pizza crust

Custom Cookies

From King Arthur Baking Company

48 22 tips

your guide to Explore Fulshear

EX P LOR E.U S

For Traveling in ‘22

S E RV I N G O V E R

500 TEXAS

C O M MU N I T I E S

B ELTED GA LLOWAYS

BELTED

GALLOWAYS

EX P LOR E.U S

FROM 9TH CENTURY VIKINGS WHO HAD CONQUEST ON THEIR MINDS TO STYLISH AMERICAN COATS OF THE 1920s…

THESE OREO COWS ARE A BREED APART FROM ALL OTHERS

WRITTEN BY SUSAN LOWE STRICKLAND PHOTOGRAPHY BY RHONDA KUYKENDALL

hether you choose to call them Belties or Oreo Cows, Belted Galloways are a unique brand of cattle that Texans have adopted and integrated into their herds with much affection. Black cows sandwiching a white belt that encircles their bodies, Oreo Cow is a perfectly fitting name for this bovine species. In fact, framed against a field of green, no cow is more fun to admire. From a casual social gathering back in 2011 and the seemingly crazy idea to create a friendly cow club, one woman in our area now raises a pasture full of Belties.

THE COW CLUB Mary Saville and her husband have raised cattle since the late ‘90s, but this new venture materialized from a party with two other couples. Together, they formed “Our Cow Club,” with the collective idea to raise the Scottish Belted Galloway breed. The husbands in the club took a road trip to the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and brought back a big guy named “Whiskey,” a two-year-old hairy bull that Mary claimed did not think Texas was so great. “After all,” she explained, “It does get awfully hot down here.”

EX P LOR E.U S

B ELTED GA LLOWAYS

After the guys’ road trip to Massachusetts to purchase Whiskey, that was about the extent of Mary’s husband’s contribution to the cow-raising business. From then on, it was pretty much up to her to handle the care and feeding of the Belties. Some club members took classes at A&M and Wharton County Junior College on how to raise beef cattle. But after learning, basically, how to do it all—artificially inseminate and castrate, calve and milk, and practice rotational grazing—Mary donned her overalls and gloves, grabbed her artificial inseminator, and headed for the pasture.

FROM THE

COLD MISTS OF TIME Related to cattle brought to Great Britain by the Vikings, the Belted Galloway’s first recorded history indicates that they developed during the 16th century in the Galloway district of Scotland, a rugged and hilly seacoast region where hardiness was necessary for survival. Their heritage

has conditioned them to survive in very harsh climates. Winter warmth is provided by a double coat of thick, wavy, and soft-to-the-touch hair, rather than by a layer of back fat most breeds require. This also helps to keep them waterproofed in damp winters.

Probably less than a hundred were imported from the United Kingdom to this country until 1989. Since then, the breed has increased in popularity and, today, there are approximately 17,000 cattle listed on the Belted Galloway Association Register in virtually all fifty States, with more than 1,000 each in the states of Maine, New York, Texas, and Wisconsin. Naturally polled, Belties have no horns and are efficient feeders that can survive in harsh pastures where they often graze on rough plants and are adept at eating whatever nature provides, subsisting on forage other breeds might turn away from. Known for their excellent dispositions, they are docile by nature and make exceptionally good mothers. The longer life span on these “easy keepers,” as they are affectionately known, also means that the cost of replacement is controlled.

LIFE FOR

MARY’S BELTIES Meticulous in her organization, Mary will pull out her threering binder filled with all the records—bills of sales, dates

EX P LOR E.U S

From that initial foray into the Belted Galloway cattleraising business, the six Cow Club members attended conferences, cattle shows, and sales, and the herd began to grow. Mary bought two females from a woman rancher in Brennan and, from Whiskey and the new cows, the herd grew to include some black with the white belt and some grayish brown with the white belt.

B ELTED GA LLOW YA S

the cows were inseminated or impregnated naturally, dates a cow was sold, and assorted vet records. All of her cows are grass fed and free to roam her various pastures. Gestation is 280 days and, with a bull’s introduction into the female cow pasture in May, Mary can expect a calf early the next spring. She usually sells a calf at a year old, which yields about 375 pounds of meat. Primarily used as beef cattle, Belties meat is exceptionally lean and flavorful, and they convert grass to muscle at one of the highest rates of any beef breed. The beef does not have a lot of marbling and so, as Mary puts it, “If fat is what you want, you should sell cows that are older.”

EX P LOR E.U S

She buys and sells her purebreds mostly from private breeders and through private sales. Wanting to know as much as possible about the breed and how to raise them, Mary continues to attend national meetings and refreshes her knowledge with online classes and learning about environmentally-friendly farming practices. After studying the concept of “mob grazing,” her routine includes the practice of rotational grazing. Pasturing her herd on native Bermuda and Johnson grass, she uses only organic solutions to amend the soil. She moves her herd regularly and cuts the pastures only once in the summer. Early in the morning, Mary can be found outside, calling to her Oreos. They come readily at her call and follow her as she moves them into the next pasture to…as she likes to think of it…“help her with the grass.”

ABOUT BELTIES

“Whether you’re 20 and want to be correct in style, or 40 and want complete warmth from head to foot, you’ll like the quality and workmanship of this natural black Galloway fur coat.” A Canadian Breeder claims that the double coat of the Galloway has 4,000 hairs to the square inch, making it impervious to the severest cold. Many breeders buy Belties because their precise bite functions as a “vacuum cleaner” to the turf, leaving the remaining grass in tip-top shape. THE BELTED GALLOWAY FOUNDATION, INC. is a nonprofit corporation dedicated to the improvement of Belted Galloway cattle breed production and marketing practices, and to encourage youth involvement in beef production. The TEXAS BELTED GALLOWAY ASSOCIATION was founded in 2010 and was reorganized in May 2013 as the SOUTHWEST BELTED GALLOWAY ASSOCIATION.

EX P LOR E.U S

ODDS & ENDS

As late as 1926, Montgomery Ward catalogs featured Galloway Coats, with the ad reading in part:

EX P LOR E.U S

W E A RE FULSH EA R

we are

High School Athletic Coordinator Puts Fulshear on the Map Photo Credit: Rhonda Kuykendall

EX P LOR E.U S

WRITTEN BY JACLYN RITTER PHOTOGRAPHY BY RHONDA KUYKENDALL & DAVE SANDERS

CHARGER PROUD

20 W E A RE FULSH EA R

Fostering a sense of pride and identity within a new school is not easy. With Fulshear High School opening its doors in 2016, traditions and culture are still being formed. Nick Codutti and his team are working hard to make Fulshear students proud to be Chargers. Nick knows that all successful businesses or teams have something in common. “They have a plan, they develop a brand, they define it, and then they sell it.” Nick, along with his fellow coaches, have begun flooding social media with information, as well as photographs, videos, and player spotlights to help get the community excited. “We created a brand to bring our athletes, students, parents, and community together. We are Fulshear— that is our brand. Now that we have defined it, it is time we start selling it.”

igh school sports instill lifelong positive habits, memories, and friendships. There is something magical that comes from being a part of a team that shares a common goal. Fulshear High School’s athletic coordinator and head football coach, Nick Codutti, is laying a strong foundation for Fulshear’s Charger athletes - to improve in their sport, to grow as individuals, and to walk out of high school with both a diploma and one heck of a highlight reel.

THE PATH TO FULSHEAR Growing up the son of an Argentinian emigrant in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Nick watched his dad, Gerardo “Jerry” Codutti, live the American dream. “My dad moved here during high school, not knowing any English. He picked up American football for the first time and, by graduation, left as the school’s number one recruit.” After playing professional football for a few years, Gerardo went on to a career in engineering, which ultimately inspired Nick to pursue the same field.

EX P LOR E.U S

Like his father, Nick played football through college and graduated from Missouri’s William Jewell College with a bachelor’s degree in engineering. “I wanted to follow in my father’s footsteps, so I took the classes and got the degree,” said Nick. “But by graduation, I knew it wasn’t right, I didn’t really want to be an engineer. I just wanted to play football.” In between playing professional football, Nick took on a few coaching gigs and found his real calling. Since becoming Fulshear High School’s athletic coordinator and head football coach in March of 2021, Nick has helped put the city of Fulshear on the map. His knowledge, devotion, and steadfast enthusiasm for all things Fulshear sports, has propelled the athletic department to a whole new level.

“When it comes to being on one of my sports teams, it is not about what you know or don’t know about a sport, because I can teach you that. It is about building relationships. If the kids don’t believe in you or respect you, then all that knowledge does not matter.”

“I LEARNED LONG AGO THAT I CANNOT MEASURE MY SUCCESS ON WINS AND LOSSES, BECAUSE WHEN YOU DO THAT, YOU WILL NEVER BE FULFILLED. THE GAME IS GREAT, WE ALL WANT TO WIN, BUT SOMETIMES

- NICK CODUTTI -

Photo Credit: Dave Sanders

Nick’s favorite parts of his job are the relationships he builds with his athletes. He is widely known for walking through the school’s halls, popping in and out of classrooms, and tossing free Charger t-shirts to students and faculty. One tradition he started with the football team is an evening called “Decals with Dad.” This is a time when fathers help their sons gear up for the new season by helping them place their decals on their helmets. Coach Codutti knows that quality moments like these last a lifetime.

HELPING A STUDENT

TRIUMPH OFF THE FIELD IS THE REAL WIN.”

Photo Credit: Dave Sanders

Photo Credit: Rhonda Kuykendall

Photo Credit: Dave Sanders

Photo Credit: Rhonda Kuykendall

Photo Credit: Dave Sanders

W E A RE FULSH EA R

Many say that sports teach you about life. But Nick knows that “what playing sports really teaches you, is how to handle adversity.” He learned a lot in the classroom, but it was through sports that he learned how to take care of himself, manage his time wisely, get through tough times, and have fun. Nick wants his athletes to know that “I want to win, sure, but I also want each and every one of my athletes to walk out of high school feeling like they learned something, grew as a person, and had a great time.”

LEAVING A LASTING MARK Nick Codutti is building a solid brand, starting lasting traditions, and establishing a rich legacy at Fulshear High School. When it comes to a school’s identity or culture, Nick knows it is not just about the rankings or how many trophies are in a display case. “Identity and culture are the things being said and done naturally right in front of you. Building a culture is not hard; it’s maintaining it that is hard.” Nick and his fellow coaches are dedicated to making every athlete a Charger and friend for life. “I learned long ago that I cannot measure my success on wins and losses, because when you do that, you will never be fulfilled. The game is great, we all want to win, but sometimes helping a student triumph off the field is the real win.”

WE ARE FULSHEAR!

Photo Credit: Rhonda Kuykendall

EX P LOR E.U S

MY PROUDEST MOMENT

Photo Courtesy of Nick Condutti

I was coaching a game at Westbrook High School and my dad and mom flew down from Missouri. We were playing a tough team and nerves were high. After the game, my dad came down onto the field and we started talking. It was in that moment that he told me how proud he was of me – such impactful words. That is when I knew I was doing the right thing – that I had found my passion. Imagine my surprise when the local newspaper reached out with a few pictures they never printed from that game, and one of those pictures was of that magical moment, a moment that came and went in a blink of an eye but was permanently captured. He was a great dad. He never missed one of my games as a kid, even if it meant an airplane flight. I hope I am half the man he was.

Calling All Student Writers! EXPLORE FULSHEAR MAGAZINE wants to publish a local student’s writing in its upcoming summer issue. This is the opportunity for your work to be read by a large audience and serve as a great resume booster. Additionally, you will be professionally photographed!

Who:

All Fulshear area students grades 6-12

Subject:

“WHAT I LOVE ABOUT FULSHEAR” Tell us why you love Fulshear in 500-700 words

Details:

Please email your Microsoft Word document to JACLYN at JACLYN@EXPLORE.US no later than MAY 6, 2022. One article will be chosen to be published in the next publication of EXPLORE FULSHEAR MAGAZINE. Those not chosen will still be considered for future publications.

’ More than just men’s haircuts 1152 5 S FRY RD SU IT E 1 05 • FU LSHEAR T X • 34 6.667 .95 4 5

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Explore

FULSHEAR Photography by Rhonda Kuykendall

harveigh the calf

local hummingbird

EX P LOR E.U S

OUR GREAT TEX A S STORY

Texas S tory OUR GREAT

LIVES ON

WRITTEN BY SUSAN LOWE STRICKLAND PHOTOGRAPHY BY RHONDA KUYKENDALL

here is a ranch on the northern end of the coastal plains, on the slightly rolling terrain above the Brazos River and on the high side of Jones Creek, where the rich alluvial river bottom rises to meet the sandy loams and clay of the prairie. Cut by creeks and high pastureland that rise out of a wooded river bank, this is a land that has over the years provided sugar cane, pecans, cattle, native bluestems, and sideoats grama grasses, and cotton.

Jess Stuart (aka Julius Prentiss Stuart, III), a Community Development Executive for Ft. Bend YMCA, is the man whose 128-acre ranch sits in the middle of this John Foster League. For him, living on this land has been as natural as breathing. His father, Julius Prentiss, Jr. grew up here, as did his grandfather Julius Prentiss Stuart, Sr., and all their ancestors tracing back to a man named John Foster. In fact, those intrepid settlers who came two centuries ago, who carried pots and pans, bedding, and a willingness to settle in an unknown and oftentimes inhospitable land with the dream of independent living, are the very foundation and roots of Jess Stuart’s family tree.

Jess Stuart surveying the land of Stuart Ranch

EX P LOR E.U S

On this bountiful land lives an eighth generation Texan, cultivating a portion of a ranch that has been loyally worked by his family since 1824. This is the very same year John Foster received a land grant from the Mexican government and came with Stephen F. Austin and his Old 300 to settle right here in the Fulshear area.

OUR GREAT TEX A S STORY

TEXAS SETTLERS

In 1820, a year before Mexico attained independence from colonial Spanish power, Spain had opened up the land of Texas to Anglo-Americans. On January 17, 1821, Moses Austin came to San Antonio to obtain from Governor Martinez and Baron de Bastrop a land grant from Spain for an American colony in Texas. However, on his journey back to the states, Moses Austin contracted pneumonia, from which he never recovered. By June 1821, he had passed on, but not before entreating his son Stephen to take his place as the new entrepreneurial empresario and to accomplish that which Moses had set out to do—obtain land grants from the Spanish government and take 300 families to settle in Texas. In July 1821, a month before Mexico gained its independence from Spain, the first party of colonists headed for the Sabine River and crossed over into Texas. The early settlers were allotted land based on farming and livestock needs. The land grants were allotted in the Spanish unit of measurement called varas and were referred to as leagues and labors, a league comprised of 4,605 acres with a labor consisting of 177 acres.

highly advantageous in those days, as it meant the owner could control the waterway. Controlling a vast river like the Brazos was important for irrigation, transportation, and water for animals, as well as for the more mundane needs of cooking and bathing for the household. While John Foster remained in Texas for only twelve years, he left both his indelible mark on the territory and a lasting legacy. By the spring of 1835, General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna had proclaimed himself dictator of a centralized Mexican government and, from that moment on, affairs steadily deteriorated into political and military chaos between the Texians and the Mexican government. On Christmas Day 1835, Foster was among those Texians who signed the Columbia Resolutions urging “the total and absolute independence of Texas” from Mexico. Some time after February 16, 1836, when the Mexican army under Santa Anna crossed the Rio Grande above Laredo and headed for San Antonio, Foster left behind four of his sons to support the struggle for Texas independence. Meanwhile, he returned to Wilkinson County, Mississippi where he lived in retirement at the home of one of his daughter’s until his death on January 26, 1837.

By the end of the summer of 1824, most of the Old 300 were in Texas, living under Mexican rule, where they rapidly imported their American culture and values to this new foreign land.

TEXAS PATRIARCH

JOHN FOSTER was born in 1757 in South Carolina, but moved sometime around 1793 to Wilkinson County, Mississippi, where it is recorded that he was a prominent Jeffersonian Republican and helped to form the college that was later known as Jefferson (Davis) Military College. Foster married two women, Rachel Gibson who bore six children and, after her death, later married Mary Kelsey who not only raised John and Rachel’s six children, but who also bore an additional seven.

EX P LOR E.U S

After meeting Stephen F. Austin in Mississippi, and securing his land grant from the Mexican government in 1824, John brought his family to Texas. With 13 children, it is of no surprise that John Foster’s considerable league was the largest land grant of all the Old 300 settlers. His stretch of pasture land, rivers and creeks, and leafy woodlands of post oak, ash, cottonwood, and pecan trees encompassed 11,601 acres—a huge swath of land that generally stretches between Fulshear Gaston on the north, down FM 723 to the Brazos River Bridge on the south, with a line near Winner Foster and Stratman Road forming the western boundary line. It also should be noted that a portion of John Foster’s grant included both sides of the Brazos River, which was

The land grant deed from Stephen F. Austin.

stuart family

foster - jess - terri - grace

One of the sons that John left behind in Texas was Randolph Foster. Randolph had been coming into Spanish Texas as early as 1817 for exploring, hunting, and trading with the Karankawa Indians. He had even been prospecting for land on which he hoped to one day settle. After the War of 1812, Randolph spent months in the Fulshear area, most likely helping Stephen F. Austin identify the most desirable boundaries for his colony. While Randolph received his own land grant near what is now the city of Pattison, he chose to live on his father’s league, where he acted as overseer. He also served as a mediator, or “Peacemaker,” between the colonists and the Karankawa and was a scout for Stephen F. Austin. After the fall of the Alamo and General Sam Houston’s decision to retreat toward the Sabine River, which forms a boundary between Texas and Louisiana, Randolph Foster was recruited to escort settlers during the subsequent

large-scale evacuation of the Texas population known as the Runaway Scrape. In addition, he provided huge amounts of meat and wild game to the Texan army as they headed east toward Harrisburg to meet up with Sam Houston. Randolph also helped Erastus Deaf Smith, a hero of the Texas Revolution, to destroy Vince’s Bridge near Harrisburg. This kept the Mexican army from actually retreating when Sam Houston made his final military offensive into the Mexican camp.

TEXAS DESCENDANTS

The Stuart family claim to a rich ancestral heritage does not end with the death of John Foster. New chapters continued to be written. John and his second wife Mary Smith Kelsey gave birth to Hettie Bersheba, who married Francis Mayes. Their daughter Martha Mayes Stuart married Benjamin Clarence and they, in turn, gave birth to Burienne Fitzpatrick Stuart.

EX P LOR E.U S

TEXAS HERO

Burienne was the first of the Stuart line to arrive in Texas in 1872. While his mother, Hettie B. Foster, had died in Wilkinson County, Mississippi in 1841, she had inherited Lot No. 1 of the John Foster Grant. Consequently, Burienne moved to Ft. Bend and settled on 1200 acres of Lot No. 1 and built a dogtrot house where Jones Creek Lodge is now located on FM 359. Some of Mr. Stuart’s descendants are today the only descendants of John Foster who both own and reside on a part of the John Foster Grant.

OUR GREAT TEX A S STORY

TEXAS RANGER

Even with an intricate family network such as this, there is still another distinguished Texan related to Jess Stuart— Burienne Stuart had several children, including Jess’ great grandfather Mayes Tichenor Stuart who was the father of Julius Prentiss Stuart Sr. and Clara Berniece Stuart. Julius Sr. was Jess Stuart’s grandfather, while his grandfather’s sister, “great Aunt Clara” married a man named George Alva Glick. Glick, it turned out, served as a famed Texas Ranger in the 1920s and 30s. The Texas Rangers were founded in 1823 when Stephen F. Austin employed ten men to act as rangers to protect 600 to 700 newly settled families who arrived in Texas. Since 1935, the organization has been a division of the Texas Department of Public Safety and fulfills the role of Texas’ state bureau of investigation.

THE SETTLEMENT OF AUSTIN’S COLONY, OR THE LOG CABIN (1875) Prints and Photographs Collection, Archives and Information Services Division, Texas State Library and Archives Commission Stephen F. Austin is shown rallying his colonists against the Karankawa Indians around 1824, as an unnamed scout comes to the cabin door to sound the alarm. The others depicted include land commissioner Baron de Bastrop on the left, secretary of the colony Samuel L. Williams on the right, chief scout Ran Foster in front of Williams, Austin’s cook Simon at the window, and surveyor Horatio Chriesman at Austin’s feet. It was purchased by James DeShields, a well-known art collector, in 1901, and finally bought by the state in 1928.

The lawmen Texas Rangers were renowned for their toughness, marksmanship, and investigative skills. George Glick was 5’ 9”, blue eyes, brown hair and light complexion, a man who, wearing a white shirt with a tie, boots, and Charlie Chaplin type of inspection hat, would come to visit when Jess was about ten years old. What he remembers the most about this imposing figure was that he would sit in the kitchen for hours and never say a word. As a ten-year old boy, Jess wanting mostly to hear all about the Rangers encounters with greedy cattle rustlers and vicious fights with Indians, he learned instead that George Glick’s job was to guard the railroad between San Antonio and Laredo in deep South Texas. Through his parents and grandparents stories, as well as a little eavesdropping, Jess learned that this part of the state was “tough territory” and George’s job was fraught with dangers and adventure. According to family records, George was recruited and enlisted by none other than Frank Hamer (pronounced Hay-mer), one of the last great heroes of the American West, the very Texas Ranger who led the 1934 posse that tracked down and killed the notorious gangsters Bonnie and Clyde.

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TEXAS LEGACY

Our Great Texas Story does not end; it just builds chapter upon chapter. Jess Stuart will keep on ranching and farming on this land, holding onto it as long as property taxes do not force him to sell out to tract homes or commercial developers. Jess and his family are proud of their Texas heritage and their ties to some of the greatest of our Texas heroes.

Jess & his son Foster

ADDITIONAL NOTES: Jess Stuart was an ancestral step-cousin of Randolph, who was born of John’s first wife, Rachel, whereas the Stuart direct line comes from John’s second wife Mary.

ln November 2011, the Stuart family received the Texas Land Heritage Award that is given to families that continuously operate an agricultural business in the same family for 150 years. In 2024 they will receive the same award for continuously operating their farm for an amazingly impressive 200 years.

Known for his interest in education, John Foster established a school on his land that eventually evolved into the Foster Community School. Foster High School (formally named John & Randolph Foster High School), which sits at the corner of FM 359 and FM 723 and, while actually situated on the William Andrews League, is named after two of the most important figures in Fort Bend history. According to Clarence R. Wharton, History of Fort Bend County, “Austin’s empresario contract gave him great latitude in the amounts of land that he could grant to individuals.” (John Foster Grant, op.cit.; Cowgill, op.cit 9-11) SOURCES:

History of Fort Bend County, by A. J. Sowell, Houston, Texas, W. H. Coyle & Co, Stationers and Printers, 1904. Wharton’s History of Fort Bend County, Clarence R. Wharton, The Naylor Company, 1939, San Antonio, Texas TSHA (Texas State Historical Association)

Antique Cattle Brand

EX P LOR E.U S

John Foster 1757-1837 by Gordon Leigh Briscoe, The Old Foster Community Museum, Foster Family Association of Natchez

JUST B REATH E

Just Breathe…

EX P LOR E.U S

WRITTEN BY DAWN BENJAMIN PHOTOGRAPHY BY RHONDA KUYKENDALL

Coordinators Carrie Potter, Kristen Church, and Angie Boles

“Parenting is not for the faint of heart!” says Julie Richard, a former educator who launched the Fearless Mom ministry out of Lake Hills Church in Austin, Texas in 2016. Fearless Mom ministry equips women in all stages of nurturing and motherhood with practical tools for everyday parenting through E-course curriculum, videos, blogs, and podcasts. Topics of discussion range from gratitude and responsibility to anxiety, depression, and laughter. Today, remote groups meet in forty-eight states and fortynine countries around the world. Julie Richard believes that parenting is more about shaping a child’s heart than changing a child’s behavior. She also believes that mothers can be a great resource and support system for one another. “We can literally change the world, because we are responsible for raising the next generation.”

Motherhood

find community, connection, encouragement, and biblical mentorship, so they began visiting other campuses that had already implemented a similar program. Much of the program content is a direct influence from the Fearless Mom curriculum and has been received with great enthusiasm from attending moms.

The Breathe program highlights a weekly Fearless Mom video presentation or guest speaker from the community. Anyone in the community is invited to attend and, those who do, watch the presentation, then break into small groups with women in the same stage of life. The mothers share questions, thoughts, ideas, and feelings with the group. It is a wonderful bonding experience. These small groups are facilitated by older women, fondly referred to as Titus 2 Moms, who have the heart to support younger mothers.

Boles Family

IS A PRIVILEGE AND A Blessing

Inspired by Austin based Fearless Mom ministry, Breathe for Moms is an organization of mothers who share ideas, solutions, and support with other mothers in the area.

Coordinator Angie Boles & Family: Mitch, Angie, Ashea(12), Simeon(10), Asher(9), Shepard (4)

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“With great privilege comes great responsibility,” say the Breathe for Moms ministry coordinators, who are members of the Second Baptist Church FM 1463 campus. In the spring of 2020, three women—Angie Boles, Corrie Potter, and Kristen Church felt there was a need for mothers to

Alyssa, Emi Grace & Rhonda

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JUST B REATH E

Rhonda Ferguson, a Titus 2 Mom, her daughter Alyssa Gomez, an active member, and granddaughter Emi Grace

Church Family

Coordinator Kristen Church & Family: Landon, Kristen, Liam (7), Harper (6), Hudson (1)

“Teach the older women… to teach what is good… to urge on the younger women.” TITUS 2:3-4

“You never stop being a parent. The things we learn each week help me think through how I can continue loving and parenting my kids well.” Corrie Potter, whose children are twelve, twenty-one, and twenty-three, remembers that when her kids were younger, she was involved in a program similar to Breathe, a program that encouraged her to persevere “even when I was exhausted and, on some days, just wanted to give up.” Corrie says one of the things she loves most about the program is that moms can go home and implement and practice some of the lessons and tools they learned that very day. “It’s wonderful that we are a group who get to do life together.” Kristen Church, mom of three ranging from

one and a half to seven, with another on the way, says the ministry continues to equip her with better tools and strategies to implement not only in parenting, but also in marriage and her relationships with others. “Motherhood and parenting can at times be a lonely season. While filled with both challenges and celebrations, some of those seasons are longer than others. It has been such an encouragement for me to have women in my corner then and now who seek Christ and provide encouraging friendships.” Breathe for Moms is the unwavering friend and strong support system that every mother needs. Some believe that being a parent is the most important job one will have in their lifetime. It is hard to carry such a heavy responsibility alone, and that is why Breathe for Moms is there to help share the load.

“Isn’t that the way love’s supposed to be, I can feel you breathe, Just breathe.” - FAITH HILL “BREATHE” -

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“It isn’t always easy to find someone who is willing to step in and encourage and pray for you.” Angie Boles, a mom of four children ranging from ages four to twelve, says that her favorite aspect of the Breathe for Moms program is the mentoring component. “The fact that young moms are able to connect with another mom who has gone through something similar, that connection can encourage and help us walk in confidence.” She believes that Breathe for Moms fosters an atmosphere that helps young mothers find mentors who have a heart to see them thrive.

Potter Family

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JUST B REATH E

Coordinator Corrie Potter & Family: Zac, Corrie, Andrew (12), [Not Pictured] Kiersten (23) Texas A&M University Class of 2021, Kaylee (21) Texas A&M University

Words of the Wise

ADDITIONAL TESTIMONIALS FROM OTHER “BREATHE” MOMS “We must care more about the affects of our parenting than the appearance of our parenting.” Gina fears that many mothers feel overwhelmed, anxious, and worry unnecessarily about the what ifs. “What ifs can make you doubt yourself and rob your joy.”

GINA VAN HOOZER Breathe guest speaker - Seven Lakes Junior High art teacher Mother of five boys “You must ask yourself, is much of your behavior as a mother driven by shoulds? Don’t have a should’ve party. God is not calling us to perfection, but to pursue Him. ‘Shoulds’ are many times comparisons to others. Be kind to yourself and more forgiving. Be curious, be gracious, but not judgmental of others.”

CHRISTY WILLIAMS Breathe guest speaker - Brookshire, Texas Pharmacist Mother of two “A grateful heart and mind are foundational when developing something as precious and delicate as a child’s heart. How we express gratitude and teach our children to practice gratitude, is something I feel is the foundation to a healthy mindset.”

BRIDGET ELDER ALEEM Business health and wellness coach Mother of three “Here is a safe place to be able to reflect on the joys and also the challenges of motherhood. It is great to be able to connect with and meet other mums to share motherhood experiences.”

REBECCA NWOGBE Manchester, England Assistant Psychology Professor, University of Houston Victoria Mother of a four-month-old and a toddler

For Breathe for Moms spring program registration and additional information visit http://www.second.org/event/breathe-for-moms-1463/

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT JULIE RICHARD: www.fearlessmom.com, 2022 Fearless Mom Conference February 26, 2022

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(Spring session: January 25th, 2022 – March 1st, 2022) Second Baptist Church, 1463 Women’s Ministry, contact Natalie Sebren (713) 465-3408 x 1452

GOLF IT’S NOT JUST A

SPORT

It’s A Li festyle

Not Your Ordinary Community

Tucked behind the guarded entrance along FM 1093, the EXCLUSIVE 1,400-ACRE COMMUNITY of Weston Lakes remains one of the BEST KEPT SECRETS in the Fulshear area. Many long-time area residents drive right past it every day and don’t realize all that this community has to offer.

(281) 346-1967 | WESTONLAKES.NET | 32611 FM 1093 | FULSHEAR, TX 77441

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EDIB LE W ORK S OF A R T

EDIBLE

Works of Art Local Baker Takes

Custom Cookies to a New Level WRITTEN BY JACLYN RITTER PHOTOGRAPHY BY RHONDA KUYKENDALL

weet tooth or not, cookies are an American staple that even those with the strongest willpower cannot put down. No matter the holiday or event, cookies are always a crowd pleaser. Local resident, Aydee Deaton, not only has mastered the art of baking the perfect cookie, but has literally turned them into edible works of art.

Love of Baking Aydee was born in Mexico but grew up in south Texas. “In traditional Mexican style, whenever the family gets together, it is big and loud,” says Aydee with a smile. “All occasions revolve around good food. This is why when I think of my mother, I think of her in the kitchen cooking a feast that draws us all in with our noses.” To this day, Aydee, like her mom, shows her love by entertaining and feeding people, only she has swapped the spice for sweet. “My mom never really baked when I was growing up,” says Aydee. “But I have such a sweet tooth, so I took it upon myself to start baking.” Only Aydee took baking to a whole new level. “It is the little details that I love, the little nuances that make a cookie not only taste and look fantastic, but also enhance the theme of a party or event.” Aydee loves gift giving and feels like a sweet treat from her kitchen is like giving someone a big hug. Fondly, she became known as the “cookie lady” around town. For any school event or party, Aydee signed up to take cookies. Good news spreads fast, so in no time at all Aydee was being asked to do custom orders.

EDIB LE W ORK S OF A R T

"It is the little details that I love, the little nuances that make a cookie not only taste & look fantastic, but also enhance the theme of a party or event.”

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Aydee Deaton PHOTOS COURTESY OF

“I used to work up until I had my son, Nathan,” says Aydee. “Nathan, who is twelve, is nonverbal and requires a lot of time and flexibility. A nine to five job just does not work. For all these years, I have been content just being Nathan’s mom. I think that is because I believe so much in the idea that you bloom where you are planted. I feel that I was called to be his mom.” However, in the spring of 2020, during the height of quarantine, Aydee felt an itch to return to the business world, but in a way that worked for her and her family. Something that began as a hobby was now beginning to look a lot like a business opportunity.

The Secret Ingredient With the support of her husband, Steven, and her son, Nathan, Aydee created Sugarberry Cookie Shoppe in May of 2020. In no time at all, orders came piling in. The menu consists of cookie cakes and custom sugar cookies,

but its Aydee’s creativity and attention to the fine details that turns strangers into customers, and customers into fans.

Holidays inspire Aydee to come up with new and fun ways to distribute her cookies. Her DIY cookie kit is a year-round hit, but it was this past December’s “12 Days of Cookies Advent Calendar” that earned her a guaranteed spot on Santa’s nice list. For those who get inspired by these ‘so cute you almost do not want to eat them’ cookies, Aydee also offers cookie decorating classes so kids and adults can have their hand at all the frosting fun. After years of tweaking the signature recipe, getting it just right, Aydee has come to realize that the secret ingredient is not something one can buy at the store – the secret ingredient is family. If it were not for the love and support of her family, Sugarberry Cookie Shoppe would never have come to life. “My mom is my biggest cheerleader,” says Aydee. “She is the one who sits with me at all hours of the night making bows and preparing packaging.” When it comes to weekend deliveries, Nathan is her guy. “Nathan loves sporting his Sugarberry Cookie Shoppe shirt while helping me deliver cookies in town. We stack the boxes on his lap, and he wheels them around for me. We make a great team.” However, it is her husband Steven that Aydee considers the real backbone of the business. “He helps me handle the books and all the behind-the-scenes stuff. He is also the best dishwasher around. But you know what Steven did that really got to me, and still does today? While at an event a few months back, I caught him talking to a large group of people about me and my business,” recalls Aydee, with tears in her eyes. “He was beaming with pride! Over me! That is when I knew I could conquer anything, because Steven is in my corner.” So, you can see, adding a pinch of family love to the mix makes for the best tasting cookie in town.

Not Your Ordinary Baker Sugarberry Cookie Shoppe loves to collaborate with other local small businesses, like Gingham Gators, who helps by designing Aydee’s fun and creative packaging. Another fantastic partner is local coffeehouse, Humble Grounds. They provide Aydee a fantastic location to host her cookie decorating classes. These three businesses, all owned by women, support and root for one another.

You will be shocked to know that Aydee does not have an art background. “It’s funny, if you give me a piece of paper and a pencil, I cannot sketch. But if you give me a cookie and icing, it all comes together. I guess I am a one medium kinda gal.”

You are in for a sweet treat if you follow Sugarberry Cookie Shoppe on Facebook or Instagram. Aydee not only showcases her works of art, but also welcomes her followers behind the scenes where they get a taste of the good, bad, and ugly that comes with being a professional baker. While some may hide the powdered

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Aydee is also eager to give back to her community. One way she does this is by donating cookies to local schools and Child Advocacy of Fort Bend for events and holidays. Sugarberry Cookie Shoppe also created Cookies for Caroline, a movement in honor of Nathan’s late friend Caroline, who spent her last Christmas in the hospital. For every person who donates books for children in the hospital over the holidays, Aydee donates a bag of her scrumptious cookies.

EDIB LE W ORK S OF A R T

sugar explosion, this baker laughs and documents it for all to see, with the caption, ‘Are you even a baker if you don’t have a powdered sugar explosion every now and then?’ Funny baking stories, Whataburger themed cookies, and a real love of connecting with the community is why people love Sugarberry Cookie Shoppe. Aydee Deaton is the real deal - a mom with an amazing talent for all things cookies, and a desire to spread joy. “I really like getting to know my customers and collaborating with them,” says Aydee. “This is what helps me make such personalized and specific treats. When a kid’s face lights up at the sight of my cookies, I am over the moon. A kid’s reaction is so genuine. That right there is why I love what I do, why I choose to spread love and joy through cookies.”

Want to try these tasty treats for yourself? VISIT THE SHOP AT: EX P LOR E.U S

www.sugarberrycookieshoppe.com

Aydee’s Favorites 3 FAVORITE TOOLS FOR MAKING THE BEST SUGAR COOKIES:

01 02 03

JOSEPH JOSEPH ADJUSTABLE ROLLING PIN WITH RINGS

This helps keep your cut out cookies a consistent thickness, so they bake evenly in the oven.

NIELSON MASSEY VANILLA PASTE

This premier vanilla showcases the trademark vanilla flecks while also providing superior quality flavor.

PERFORATED BAKING MAT

This really helps the cookie keep its shape and not spread. It also gives the bottom of the cookie a great soft, but crisp texture.

DISCOVER

c u l t u r em a p .c o m

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22 TIPS FOR TRAV ELIN G IN ‘22

- PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS Photographed by Brooke Walker

Tips in ‘22

for Traveling

WRITTEN BY BROOKE WALKER

ave you tested the travel waters since Covid changed our lives? Reports show the number of people who traveled during the holidays in 2021 was up exponentially compared to 2020. However, the number is still only half of where it was in 2019. This means half of you are venturing out of town, and half are staying home, whether due to safety, budget, or other reasons. Our experience at Happy Tracks Travel, a Fulshear-based travel agency, shows the #1 reason fewer people are traveling is the seemingly overwhelming changes within the travel industry. The fact is, travel is still doable

even enjoyable!

but it is different.

Knowing where to start and what to expect helps tremendously. We hope you’ll consider making 2022 your year to venture out, exploring new places and making precious memories. Here’s a list of tips to help you do so:

LEARN YOUR DESTINATION’S COVID-RELATED REQUIREMENTS, AND VERIFY THEM OFTEN.

02 - LAKE COMO, ITALY Photographed by Andrea Wiltse

CONSIDER DESTINATIONS THAT HAVE BEEN OPEN TO TOURISTS FOR A WHILE.

The longer a place has been open, the more streamlined the entry and departure process will be.

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Some destinations require vaccinations, Covid tests, travel authorizations, insurance, and/or quarantine periods. Requirements can change daily, so your destination’s official tourism site should be your primary source for accurate information. If all this protocol talk makes you want to forget the family trip and go back to bed, skip directly to tip #21.

22 TIPS FOR TRAV ELIN G IN ‘22

CONSIDER ALL-INCLUSIVE RESORTS INSTEAD OF LOCATIONHOPPING EXPEDITIONS.

While island, state, or country-hopping can make for exciting trips, dynamic Covid protocols and border crossings make this type of travel trickier and riskier right now. All-inclusive resorts typically offer a multitude of activities and dining options to spice up your vacation while remaining in one location.

PLAN AND BOOK IN ADVANCE.

Booking early can save you money and major travel disasters. For example, the pandemic has caused a global rental car shortage. Avoid finding yourself on vacation paying triple for alternate forms of transportation.

AVOID NON-REFUNDABLE PURCHASES, IF POSSIBLE.

Knowing your supplier’s terms and conditions can spare you major heartache if your trip falls through. Ensure you’ll receive either cash back or future trip credit if your trip is interrupted or cancelled, and know your cancellation deadlines and penalties. With that said…

PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR INVESTMENT BY BUYING INSURANCE.

Whether it’s called travel protection, trip protection, or trip insurance, you need it. Many policies now cover Covid-related trip interruptions or cancellations, and some provide hurricane coverage, as well. All of them offer peace of mind.

BOOK THE EARLY FLIGHT.

Sure, waking up at 3:00 a.m. for a flight is miserable, but when you’re sailing down Westpark with no Houston traffic or unexpected delays, it’s worth it. Plus, early flights are less likely to be delayed.

NO MATTER WHAT TIME YOUR FLIGHT LEAVES, ALWAYS ARRIVE AT THE AIRPORT EARLY.

Airport lines are completely unpredictable, and while airlines are adapting to new pandemic protocols, it still takes extra time to check your documents. Aim for 2+ hours early for domestic flights and 3+ hours early for international flights.

CONSIDER VIP AIRPORT ENTRY SERVICE.

Some international airports offer VIP arrival service. If you’re new to traveling internationally, uncomfortable navigating airports, or just want to start your vacation sooner, purchasing a service like Club Mobay in Jamaica allows you guided service breezing through the arrivals and immigration lines.

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- CARIBBEAN HOSPITALITY, BEACHES RESORTS Photographed by Brooke Walker

DOWNLOAD BEFORE DEPARTURE.

Think of everything you’re used to accessing easily on your phone: your itinerary, movies for the flight, podcasts, etc. Murphy’s law states that when you absolutely need to download something in transit, WiFi will be unavailable.

Booking flights in advance often results in better pricing, but these days, it can also mean flight changes by the airline. Keep an eye on your flights as your travel date nears so you’re not surprised on travel day.

GET A COVID TEST PRIOR TO TRAVEL, EVEN IF IT’S NOT REQUIRED.

This not only ensures that you are covered if protocols change at the last minute, but it also helps to protect your fellow travelers and the locals in your destination country, where vaccines may not be as readily available.

BOOK YOUR COVID TEST AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE.

At press time, Covid testing rates have picked up, making testing appointments and kits a bit scarcer. Guarantee yours by booking in advance online.

MAKE COPIES OF ALL YOUR DOCUMENTS.

Your passport, license, and vaccination card are essential, especially for international trips. Always carry a set of copies with you, and leave a set at home in case something happens to your originals. Some destinations have created digital health passports, as well, allowing you to store your vaccination card and test results in their app.

- GRACE BAY BEACH, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS Photographed by Brooke Walker

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CHECK YOUR FLIGHTS REGULARLY.

- LUCERNE, SWITZERLAND Photographed by Andrea Wiltse

Popular escapes from Fulshear right now:

1. TURKS AND CAICOS (TURKSANDCAICOSTOURISM.COM)

2. SAN DIEGO, CA (SANDIEGO.ORG) 3. COSTA RICA (VISITCOSTARICA.COM) 4. CROATIA (CROATIA.HR) 5. MEXICO (VISITMEXICO.COM) 6. GREECE (VISITGREECE.GR) 7. JAMAICA (VISITJAMAICA.COM) 8. EGYPT (EGYPT.TRAVEL) 9. ICELAND (VISITICELAND.COM) 10. ORLANDO, FL (VISITORLANDO.COM)

- LAKE BLED, SLOVENIA Photographed by Andrea Wiltse

- PLAYA MUJERES, MEXICO Photographed by Brooke Walker

PRESS PRINT. 15 Remember the days of hauling a folder filled with travel documents? They’re back. Some airlines and suppliers are now requiring paper documentation for Covid test results, travel authorizations, and attestations. Don’t skip this simple step.

DETERMINE HOW YOU’LL GET YOUR RETURN-TRIP COVID TEST.

If traveling internationally, you are currently required to submit a negative Covid test prior to arriving back in the U.S. The CDC website lists the requirements, but it is up to you to know when and where to take the test. Also, ensure the information on your test results matches your passport exactly.

PACK YOUR PATIENCE, AND EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED.

Preparation, grit, and a sense of humor are essential in today’s travel world. If you head into your trip with a positive attitude, but also with the knowledge that potential frustrations are lurking, you’ll fare much better than if you walk into it with a 2019 travel mindset.

HAVE A BACKUP PLAN.

If your destination shuts its doors the day before your trip, know what you’ll do and how you’ll redirect. All is not lost. You just need to prepare for it.

CONTACT YOUR LOCAL TRAVEL ADVISOR/AGENT.

Yes, people still use travel agents. Navigating the travel-planning process can be overwhelming, timeconsuming, and if done incorrectly, costly. At Happy Tracks Travel, we know successful trip planning takes time and energy that most people don’t have. We not only help plan your perfect trip, but we also provide support during travel, so you can focus on making unforgettable travel memories.

TAKE A DEEP BREATH, MAINTAIN HOPE, AND ANTICIPATE FUN!

At the time of publication, Happy Tracks clients are currently skiing in Austria and diving into deep-dish pizza in Chicago, while others are planning fishing trips to Panama and sloth-spotting tours in Costa Rica. So, as challenging as travel logistics may seem, once you’ve “arrived,” the fun, relaxation, and memory-making will be totally worth the effort!

CONSUME YOUR COCKTAIL BEFORE YOU BOARD.

If you’re expecting to calm your nerves or kick off your vacation with an in-flight mojito, you might want to partake while you wait for your flight, instead. Some airlines have suspended offering alcoholic beverages during the pandemic.

For more tips or to

After spending quality time with strangers on an airplane or tour bus, toss or wash your mask, and replace it with a clean one. Go a step further and pack some anti-bacterial wipes for added security.

plan your next adventure, schedule a free consultation with us at

hap p ytrack strave l.com (832) 507 2030

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CARRY MULTIPLE MASKS, AND CHANGE THEM OFTEN.

SA LES • INS TA LL • SER V ICE

C learly the Best (281) 750-6091 • 3902 FM 723 Road, Suite D • Rosenberg, TX

www.milestonewindows.com

A R T ROCK S

Inge Carvajal, Estefania Gonzales and Kara Dietrich hiding behind the Googly Eye tree

Local Community

Spreads Joy

by Hiding Painted Rocks WRITTEN BY JACLYN RITTER PHOTOGRAPHY BY RHONDA KUYKENDALL

“Art is everywhere, and everywhere is art” - Brandon Boyd -

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No one knows this better than the residents of Cross Creek Ranch. Walk or bike the community’s expansive trails, and you will likely come across a rock nestled in a tree, propped on a park bench, or balanced on a bridge. These rocks are not just ordinary rocks – they are works of art, designed and painted by Cross Creek Ranch residents both young and old. Residents Brent and Gail Watts were on vacation in Somervell County’s Dinosaur Valley Texas State Park when they came across a painted rock on their hike. They picked it up and turned the rock over, only to notice

a Facebook page web address written on the back. Interested to find out more, Brent and Gail looked up the page as soon as they returned home and discovered a long scrolling history of beautifully painted rocks. In March 2017, the Watts created a Facebook group of their own – CCR Rocks! Fulshear, TX. Since its inception, the group has acquired more than 800 members. Some are active painters and finders, others just enjoy looking at the pictures of the rocks, but all of them appreciate the time and attention that go into these mini masterpieces. How does it work? It is simple. Walk, bike, or paddle your way through Cross Creek Ranch, and keep your eyes open for fun rocks. If you find one, you can keep it, leave it, or hide it somewhere new. If you take it, you are encouraged to paint your own rock and hide it for the next person.

“Art is

everywhere, and

everywhere is art.”

- Brandon Boyd -

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Taryn and Tayton of Fulshear, TX

Left to Right: Estefania Gonzales, Gabriel & Diego Zambrano, Kara Dietrich, Stephanie Taylor, Debra Lowtharpe, Inge Carvajal, Dawn Benjamin, Heather Schulte with Taryn & Tayton

A R T ROCK S

Tayton shows us his rock

These rocks go way beyond doodles and stick figures! Local kids and adults paint rocks that are funny, inspirational, quirky, or near-perfect replicas of classical art. “There are no rules or limits when it comes to the artistic possibilities,” says Dawn Benjamin, an active artist in the group. Dawn really likes painting rocks that celebrate an upcoming holiday or event. “Last October, I painted a bunch of rocks various shades of pink and put breast cancer awareness stickers on each rock. They were simple, not ornate, but as a breast cancer survivor, it meant something to me. I know so many have someone in their life who has gone through the same thing I have, and I hope my rocks gave them comfort.” Other fun themes that have graced the paths of Cross Creek Ranch over the years are: emojis, nature, positive quotes or sayings, gnomes, fairies, Star Wars, lady bugs, the Grinch, and Ghostbusters. Kara Dietrich and Stephanie Taylor, two administrators for the Facebook group, frequently find themselves making batches of fifteen to twenty rocks at a time. “Often times, I make a bunch of rocks and then post a picture on the Facebook page alerting everyone that they are about to be hidden,” says Kara.

“ I load the rocks

Admins Kara Dietrich and Stephanie Taylor with Inge Carvajal and Estefania Gonzales

into the basket on my bike and take to the trails.”

“Sometimes people see me peddling around on my bike and know I am hiding freshly painted rocks. If they catch me, I will let the kids hunt through my basket for the rock that speaks to them.”

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Stephanie has at least one rock on her at all times. “If I am not hiding them, I am giving them away,” says Stephanie. “I love seeing kids’ faces when they find a fun rock.” Dawn has a routine when it comes to hiding her rocks. “I enjoy leaving really early in the morning and trying to be clever with my hiding spots, but still visible enough for little kids to find. I love finding rocks myself,” she adds, “but painting them and hiding them for others to find is the real thrill. I hope that they brighten someone’s day.”

Debra Lowtharpe

Looking for some exercise and fresh air? Grab your family and friends and head out to the trails of Cross Creek Ranch in search of colorful painted rocks. Every rock is special and holds a personal touch. With so much time and effort put into each rock, it can be hard not to keep them all, but the possibility of spreading joy to their neighbors has these artistic residents walking the Cross Creek Ranch paths hiding mini masterpieces. If you find one, be sure to take a picture and post it on the group’s Facebook page. “Some are hard to part with,” Stephanie admits, “but it makes our hearts happy to see our rocks found and loved.”

Photo by Kara Dietrich of her work station

Want to join in on the fun ?

Here are some tips and tricks from some of the group’s members.

q q q q q

Caribbean Beach pebbles at your local hardware store are nice and smooth. Colorful river rocks are smooth and add a pretty backdrop to your art. At many landscape stores you can actually pick and choose your rocks. They are weighed on an outdoor scale and sold by the pound. POSCA, Niutop, and Lanrenweng acrylic paint pens are great for drawing. Some people like to spray paint the rock first to give it a base color, others prefer to keep it natural. Krylon K01305 Gallery Series Artist and Clear Coatings Aerosol, as well as Krylon UVResistant Clear Acrylic Coating make for great varnishes that seal the rocks.

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Any rock will do!

Pinterest has loads of fun rock painting ideas. Kara Dietrich, Dawn Benjamin, and Stephanie Taylor

www.frankiespizzakitchen.com

Italian Pizzeria Restaurant

(281) 346-8405 6420 FARM TO MARKET 1463, 100 FULSHEAR, TX 77441

I n f ra st r u c t u r e a n d E c o n o m i c D e v e l o p m e n t w i t h

Record Growth WRITTEN BY TOMMY KUYKENDALL

hen the 2020 Census data was released the latter part of 2021, Fort Bend County ranked 7th in increased growth out of counties in metropolitan areas with 41% growth in housing units, increasing by nearly 81,000 units. During the same timeframe from 2010 to 2020, Fulshear’s population exploded with an 1,311% increase from 1,134 residents to more than 16,000 residents. This statistic elevated Fulshear’s rank to the:

#1 FASTEST-GROWING CITY IN THE STATE OF TEXAS. However, intense growth does not come without challenges. Fulshear’s Economic Development Corporations funded an Economic Development Strategic Plan in 2019 to provide a framework and vision to enhance Fulshear’s economic growth. Guiding principles in the plan developed from community input included an excellent quality of place, fiscal sustainability, and a balanced tax base. The term infrastructure runs throughout the Strategic Plan, highlighting the importance of continued investment in infrastructure amid explosive growth.

in strategic opportunity areas of the city, the mobility infrastructure for the region becomes a collaborative effort due to costs, funding limitations, common goals, jurisdictional boundaries, and regional needs. Over the past 10 years, partnerships have been forged to construct major infrastructure projects like FM 1093 through Fulshear, where Fort Bend County took the leading role and had support from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and others. Today, we see the TxDOT, Fort Bend County, the City of Fulshear, Municipal Utility Districts, Developers, and Landowners creating public private partnerships to advance infrastructure in an effort to enhance the economic engine within the Fulshear area. The Urban Land Institute and Institute for Transportation Engineers have conducted studies showing how mobility and infrastructure affect the market area of local businesses. For example, congestion creating a reduction in travel speeds of 20% can shrink the market area for a local business by as much as 35%. Fulshear has been flourishing with development due to the availability of affordable housing from master planned communities, a focus on small-town atmosphere with

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While the City of Fulshear’s Economic Development Strategic Plan goals include identifying and prioritizing infrastructure projects that guide and foster growth

Photo Credit: iStock.com/AleksandarNakic

IN FRA S TRUCTURE A N D ECON OM IC DEV ELOPM EN T

FULSHEAR AREA PROJECTS 01

BROOKSHIRE

KATY

BRAZOS COUNTY 08

05 09

06 11

FULSHEAR

SIMONTON

WALLIS 03

ORCHARD

RICHMOND

FULSHEAR 11

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ROSENBERG 01 - IH 10 - SEGMENT #1 02 - IH 10 - SEGMENT #2 03 - FM 723 04 - FM 359 - SOUTH 05 - FM 359 - NORTH 06 - FM 1463 07 - FM 1093 08 - TEXAS HERITAGE PARKWAY 09 - TWINWOOD RANCH ROAD 10 - BOWSER ROAD 11 - WALLIS STREET 12 - HUGGINS DRIVE

FULSHEAR AREA PROJECTS IH 10 Segment 1 Widening from a 4-lane to 6-lane roadway with 2- lane frontage roads from the Brazos River to FM 359. The project bid in the middle of 2017 and is currently scheduled for completion the first half of 2024. Segment 2 Widen from 6-lanes to 10-lanes from the Harris County Line to the Waller County Line. The project would provide for 2 additional general-purpose lanes as well as 2 diamond lanes. The sequencing would be split into 2 projects near Buc-ee’s with one project bidding in June 2023 and the other in August 2023.

SH 36A Currently, SH 36 is under expansion from the Port of Freeport to Spur 10 in Rosenberg to provide for the expanding port trade activity. Planning studies are underway to connect SH 36 from Spur 10 in Rosenberg to SH 6 north of Hempstead via SH 36A. The study has been split into two segments: 1) From SH 36/Spur 10 south of Rosenberg to the IH 10 Corridor; 2) From the IH 10 Corridor to SH 6 north of Hempstead.

FM 723 Two projects are scheduled to provide for the widening of FM 723 from a 2-lane to 4-lane divided roadway between FM 1093 and the Brazos River. The tentative bid date is August 2022.

FM 359 South of Fulshear Planning and environmental studies are ongoing for expanding FM 359 from FM 1093 to Mason Road near Pecan Grove. Plans include widening from a 2-lane to 4-lane divided roadway. Current schedules show this project in fiscal year 2032.

from 2-lane to 4-lane divided roadway; 3) From Tamaron Parkway to Corbitt Road widen from a 2-lane to 6-lane divided roadway; 4) From Corbitt Road to Fulshear Bend Dr./Cinco Ranch Blvd widen from a 2-lane to 4-lane divided roadway; and 5) From Fulshear Bend Dr./Cinco Ranch Blvd to FM 1093 widen from a 2-lane to 6-lane divided roadway.

FM 1093 Planning and environmental studies are in progress for expanding FM 1093 from FM 1489 in Simonton to FM 359 in Fulshear. Currently, TxDOT shows construction out beyond 2032.

TEXAS HERITAGE PARKWAY Construct a new 4-lane concrete road from IH 10 to FM 1093 with roundabouts. The Fort Bend County segment opened in August 2021 and the segment from Kingsland Blvd. to IH 10 is under construction with an expected completion in early 2022. (2017 Fort Bend County Bond)

TWINWOOD RANCH ROAD (PHASE I) Construct 2-lane asphalt roadway with drainage improvements from FM 1093 to Jordan Road (Woods Road) on new location. (2017 Fort Bend County Bond)

BOWSER ROAD Design and construction of 3-lane roadway with storm sewer from Winding Stream Drive to FM 1093 within the existing 60’ to 70’ right-of-way including the realignment of Pool Hill Road north of FM 1093. (2020 Fort Bend County Bond)

WALLIS STREET From FM 359 to FM 1093, design and construct 2-lane concrete curb and gutter roadway with storm sewer in existing 50’ right-of-way. New roadway will serve as the southbound lanes for the proposed one-way pair concept in downtown Fulshear. (2020 Fort Bend County Bond)

HUGGINS DRIVE Construct a new 2-lane asphalt roadway with shoulders from FM 359 (Main St.) to Katy-Fulshear Road. Construction anticipated to begin in 2022. (2013 Fort Bend County Bond) The project schedules above may change due to needed utility adjustments, right-of-way acquisition and funding availability. If you would like additional information or project updates, information may be found at the following websites:

North of Fulshear Resurfacing and restoration project for routine maintenance scheduled to bid December 2021 will extend from the Waller County Line to north of FM 1093 in Fulshear.

• TxDOT – www.txdot.gov

FM 1463

• City of Fulshear – www.fulsheartexas.gov

The project to widen FM 1463 was bid in August 2021 with construction expected to begin in January 2022 and extend through 2025. The project widening can be described in 5 segments: 1) From IH 10 to Spring Green Blvd. widen from a 2-lane to 6-lane divided roadway; 2) From Spring Green Blvd. to Tamaron Parkway widen

(Search Project Tracker)

• Fort Bend County – www.fortbendcountytx.gov (Search Mobility Project Map) (Search Fiscal Year 2022 CIP)

Tommy Kuykendall serves as the President of the Fulshear Development Corporation and is a professional engineer with CivilCorp, LLC in the Fulshear office focusing on transportation projects across the state of Texas.

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community events, and being host to two top-ranked school districts. However, sustaining long term growth and economic vitality will depend on efforts to expand infrastructure to keep pace with the growth. Several projects in the following list are under construction or are in the planning stages by TxDOT, Fort Bend County, and the City of Fulshear to accommodate the growth and provide for economic development opportunities to achieve a balanced tax base between commercial and residential properties.

Delightful, Self-guided Tour

Tree

Sculptures of Galveston

Artist James Phillips photographed by homeowner Kevin Barrett

WRITTEN & PHOTOGRAPHED BY ROBIN FERGUSON

n September 2008, Hurricane Ike hit the island of Galveston, following a similar path of the hurricane that almost destroyed the city in 1900. It brought 110-mph winds and 15-foot storm surges to the island, which sat under salty water for days. As a consequence, over 30,000 of its historic trees were damaged, killed, or uprooted. The fate of these oak trees now brings an unexpected smile to those who visit them. Seeing the opportunity to make something positive out of the situation, several artists resurrected the damaged trees by carving them into sculptures. Most of these carvings are in the Historical East End of Galveston Island and lend themselves to a fun scavenger hunt of more than twenty sculptures in the area.

the great dane

The self-guided tour usually begins at the corner of Sealy and 20th Street. The first sculpture visitors encounter is THE ISLAND TOTEM POLE, constructed in honor of Roger Case, the homeowner’s late husband, who loved Galveston after retiring here from Michigan. One of the most whimsical carvings is THE GREAT DANE, sculpted by Dayle Lewis. Originally from Illinois, he has crafted many dead trees on the Gulf Coast, and this particular work of art was in honor of the homeowner’s dog, Hunter. The residents seasonally dress the dog up in gear from the local sports teams or snorkeling outfits, to name a few. The original tree had grown around a short fence, so Lewis positioned the dog to peer over the fence and greet passersby. However, on the night after it was completed, someone removed the left paw of the sculpture. The artist crafted a new one, and the owner offered two rewards: $50 for the paw, and $500 for the hands of the thief!

the geisha

Another sculptor is James D. Phillips. Hurricane Ike had destroyed his art gallery, and more than a year had passed when he saw an opportunity in the island’s destroyed trees. Mr. Phillips carved THE GEISHA for a homeowner on Ball Street who loved visiting Asia. The sculpture stands near the curb, facing west in the direction of Japan. You can also find Mr. Phillip’s THE TIN MAN AND TOTO on Winnie Street. Current owner, Kevin Barrett, learned of the house’s famous history while researching and restoring this now iconic home. King Vidor, a Hollywood producer who directed the black-and-white sequence of The Wizard of Oz, was born and raised in that very house, so Mr. Barrett asked James Phillips to pay homage to the film, and the man behind it, by carving the Tin Man and Toto. Continuing the tour, Church Street boasts a Japanese Yew carved into “WHERE HAVE ALL THE FLOWERS GONE?” The tree was only half dead, and the homeowner decided to have it carved into hibiscus flowers, seashells, and sand dollars. The other side of the tree still thrives.

tin man + toto

Other areas of the island also host carved trees. In Wright-Cuney Park, you can find a sculpture of an outstretched hand holding a diploma, with an engraving that says, “Education is Power.” Crafted by local artist Earl Jones, he explains his inspiration when carving: “Looking at the tree, it almost speaks to me. . .and tells me what it wants to be.”

This is a self-guided public tour You can walk, bike, tour by car all for free The map of the sculptures can be downloaded here www.galveston.com/whattodo/tours/self-guided-tours/treesculpturetour/ or www.visitgalveston.com/blog/take-a-self-guided-tree-sculpture-tour/

Or you can arrange a Segway tour. Contact information: www.visitgalveston.com/blog/take-a-self-guided-tree-sculpture-tour/

You can also hire a guide to lead you at galvestonislandtours.com

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This tree is also along the Historical East End route. What would you make out of it?

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Sex

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SEX TRA FFICK IN G

Trafficking in Our Communities:

A Local Survivor’s Mission to

Speak Up

WRITTEN & PHOTOGRAPHED BY RHONDA KUYKENDALL

or several years as a kid, I resided in Fulshear right around the sharp curve where Bois D’ Arc meets Winner Foster and where the expansive fields are scattered with white prickly poppies, barbed wire fencing, and cows. I lived down a gravel road, called Pumping Plant Lane, in a trailer house across the road from Mr. and Mrs. Crow’s brick house. My daddy worked for the Brazos River Authority, monitoring the waters coming from the Brazos River. I attended Huggins Elementary back when the school was brand new. Growing up in this area was much different than today—parties at Crutcher Ranch, FFA events, and dates with my high school sweetheart, whom I married when I was just sixteen years old. My mom and dad were forced into marriage by my mother’s father, and my parents’ hatred for each other was bigger than their love for us. We were the collateral damage to their marital union. My earliest memories of life involve domestic violence, knives, blood, police, multiple sexual assaults, and child sex trafficking at 10 years old. I would be flown out on a Friday, returned on a Sunday, and would be back in my school chair at Rosenberg’s Taylor Ray Elementary on Monday morning. This was my “normal.” From the outside looking in, no one would know the horrors of my early childhood years because I kept silent for decades. There were many perpetrators, so many sexual assaults before the age of twelve years old. A surprise confrontation in a local store with a man who sexually assaulted me in Thompsons, Texas at eight years old forced me back to my past. After confronting him, he committed suicide one week later and my mother attended his funeral. After his death, I began having nightmares of another attacker, one I considered the “worst of the worst” of my abusers: a child sex trafficker who lived in my father’s apartment complex in Pasadena, Texas. I did find him in prison convicted four times in three different states, all sex crimes against children. My trafficker was past the statute of limitations (SOL) in Texas, and I could not file charges against him. A statute of limitations is an amount of time a person has to press charges for a crime committed against them. In Texas, a victim had ten years past their 18th birthday to file charges for child sexual assault. Over the next five years I worked to abolish the SOL in Texas, and I did just that. As of September 2007, there is no SOL for childhood sexual assault. My trafficker was released from prison in 2015 and is living free in south Texas.

Today, here in Fort Bend County, I am on the Board of Directors of Child Advocates of Fort Bend, and I chair their Legislative Advocacy Team. I also chair the Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Human Trafficking Team, where we work on implementing state and city laws and community awareness programs. As of November 1, 2021, I am the Anti-Child Trafficking

Rhonda Kuykendall

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I began to study child sexual abuse. I know poly victimization is when a person endures multiple harmful childhood traumas. I understand ACE (adverse childhood experience) surveys, which are tools used to score how much trauma a person has endured in their childhood. An ACE survey asks 10 questions about your experiences before the age of 18. They include questions about sexual and physical abuse, drugs, divorce, addiction, and neglect. I scored a seven myself. In other words, there is no better person to fight for victims of sex trafficking because, simply put, I get it.

SEX TRA FFICK IN G

Consultant for Texas CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate), and my job is to craft trauma-informed antichild trafficking programs to educate CASA programs across the state of Texas.

Sex trafficking is the recruitment, transporting, or soliciting for the purpose of a commercial sex act through the use of force, fraud or coercion. If the victim is under the age of 18, force, fraud, or coercion are not necessary to be guilty of sex trafficking. Any commercial sexual activity with a minor is sex trafficking. Texas has the most reported number of child sex trafficking cases in the United States, and our neighbor Houston is the worst city in the country in reported child sex trafficking cases. Sex trafficking does exist in Fort Bend County, Texas. Sex trafficking exists in every city of Fort Bend County, whether that city is small, large, urban, or rural, and can occur in multiple ways. In our county, there are no strip clubs, cantinas, or “the track” where street solicitation occurs, but we do have illicit massage businesses (IMBs), hotels, motels, subdivisions, and pornography. IMBs are typically in strip centers next to high schools, day cares, and nail salons. They can be in run down areas of town, or they may be highend establishments. In a recent research study, seventy active IMBs were found in Fort Bend County and known to be reviewed on an active sex buyer review website. The actual number of IMBs is much larger, but the number reviewed on one site is seventy. In September 2021, the Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office performed “Operation Lavender,” focusing on ten IMBs across Fort Bend County.

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Technology has made it easier to harm kids. The term “child pornography” is no longer used, because children cannot agree to sexual acts. The term has been replaced by “child sexual abuse material (CSAM).” When looking at pornography of minors, the viewer is participating in child sexual abuse. To see the scale of the problem, let’s look at the numbers. In 2004, there were 450,000 files of CSAM downloaded; in 2019, there were 70 million files downloaded, according to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Sixty-three percent of kids victimized by child sex trafficking had been advertised online, and as many as one in seven were runaways. CSAM is different than online sexual advertisements, which are prevalent in our cities. Every day in the Unites States 1,150,000 ads for sex are posted online. In a recent local study, 6,700 online advertisements for sex originated in Fort Bend County. When a sexual advertisement is posted online, a sex buyer will answer the ad. The buyer

and trafficker or victim will agree on the service, cost, and location. They will meet at a hotel, motel, or a private residence to transact the sexual act. In fact, several years ago, there was an international sex trafficking ring in Cross Creek Ranch in Fulshear. With the demand high, traffickers are grooming young girls and boys into the life. As caregivers, it is impossible to be with our kids continually. Kids should be taught how to protect themselves, and parents or teachers should empower them with knowledge without fear-mongering tactics. Traffickers are not waiting on street corners ready to snatch children. Teenagers are not being abducted at Katy Mills Mall or at Target. Abductions are extremely rare; coercion and mind control are the predominant tools of a trafficker. False narratives are spread, and opportunities for life-saving teaching moments are lost. We do not want to scare our kids but share facts and strategies to protect themselves.

HOW DO

CHILDREN BECOME

VULNERABLE? Traffickers do not want attention. They first target kids who come from hard places, ones who are runaways or in the foster care system. It is estimated that seventy percent of child sex trafficking victims have a history of being involved in the child welfare system. Any child, however, can be groomed and victimized. With the proliferation of social media, traffickers no longer need face-to-face access to youth. Traffickers will troll social media looking for someone vulnerable. They will search for kids who have broken up with their boyfriend or girlfriend, may have failed to make it on to the tennis team, or are having a fight with their parents. This is where they will engage and pose as a friend, an encourager, someone to be trusted. This is Step One of the grooming process. Grooming is a slow process that can take three months up to one year. John Clark, with Operation Texas Shield, laid out a six-step process for grooming. BEFRIENDING is the first step. INTOXICANTS are introduced 100% of the time. It may be alcohol, pills, cocaine, or it may be Gucci handbags and Louis Vuitton high heels. This is the honeymoon phase where everything is fun. Next comes ALIENATION from family and then ISOLATION from friends. “Why are your parents so strict? You are so mature,” a trafficker may say. The victims are no longer hanging out with their normal group of friends. They are not involved in the same activities they were before. Traffickers now work to DESENSITIZE victims to their way of life. This is the process where moral standards are lowered. Selling drugs, stripping, and prostitution are just ways to make ends meet. Once these steps are taken, the trafficker looks for the opportunity to CAPITALIZE.

7/16/2007 • 79th Legislative session Bill Signing abolishing the SOL on child sexual assault

• 7/19/2021 87th Legislative Session Bill Signing HB3900 with Senator Joan Huffman and Governor Abbott

87th Legislative Session Bill Signing with Survivor Sisters Nissi Hamilton, Lisa Michelle, Gov Abbott, Rhonda Kuykendall, and Jessica Wesley

• 9/23/2021 Speak Up Event in Richmond Texas with Speakers Gwen Wilson, Rhonda Kuykendall, Rich Love and Mary Wells

7/19/2021 • 87th Legislative session Bill Signing with Rep Jacey Jetton and Joe Madison of Demand Disruption

9/2/2021 • Missouri City Quails

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• 7/19/2021

SEX TRA FFICK IN G

TIPS TO CONSIDER ON HOW TO KEEP YOUNGER KIDS SAFE

1. TALK SCENARIOS WITH YOUR KIDS Over 90 percent of the time, a child who is sexually abused will be known to the family. Perpetrators do not drive up in scary white vans and snatch children. The perpetrator is an uncle, caregiver’s son, neighbor, or coach. Take the time to ask your child, “What would you do if your coach ever made you feel uncomfortable?” or “If you are over at a friend’s house and someone wants to play a game that makes you feel weird, what should you do?” Begin now to have these conversations with your kids. Tell your children that they should come and tell you even if nothing happened. Have an open dialogue with your kids, and be sure to use anatomical names for body parts. Children who have a history of sexual abuse are at a higher risk for sex trafficking.

2. BOUNDARIES ARE A MUST We give kids mixed signals. On one hand, we teach children to respect each other’s boundaries. On the other hand, we force them to hug grandmother or give uncle a kiss. Another dangerous but innocent mistake parents often make is to instruct their children to “obey the babysitter.” Explaining to our kids that they have a voice and that their bodies are theirs to protect is empowering.

Digital Citizenship is the process of teaching kids how to participate in an online society with respect for others and safety for themselves. Our goal as caregivers is to educate ourselves and, in turn, educate our kids through a constant dialogue of communication.

8 1

Talk to your child. Open communication is key. It is never too early to start talking in an age-appropriate way. In addition to child sex trafficking, important related issues may include sexual health, healthy relationships, consent, and boundaries.

Talk about phrases traffickers may use, which include “dating, befriending, grooming, luring, breaking, or tuning out.”

Role play “exit plans” for when your teen feels uncomfortable. Let your teen know that the situation does not have to be urgent for them to exit the situation. Encourage them to think about small, subtle scenarios by using the “What if” game. “What if your friends leave you at a party accidentally, and a guy you don’t know offers to drive you home?” may be one question.

Download a ride sharing app on their phone and choose at least three people they can call if they want to leave an uncomfortable situation. Giving teens several options and plans is empowering.

Address the myths and misconceptions that glamorize the commercial sex industry. Harm has been done by movies like “Pretty Women” and “Best Little Whorehouse in Texas,” because these films have sanitized the commercial sex industry.

Build resiliency. Social media and gaming platforms are increasingly the go-to avenue for traffickers to approach potential victims. Statistically, your child will be confronted with inappropriate material online. Help them be prepared.

Keep your eyes and ears open for abnormal behavior.

Use the resources below to begin learning together with your children.

3. EXPLAIN TRICKS Abusers will use tricks, threats, or bribes to keep kids silent. Explain to kids the difference between a surprise and a threat. Let children know that they can tell you anything that makes them feel uncomfortable, weird, or uneasy. This is how my trafficker kept me silent for decades. He told me I was going to be a model. Everything he did to me is what models do; so, if I told anyone what happened to me, it was my fault. I wanted to be a model, so all the sexual abuse that followed was what I wanted. Remember to look at these ideas through the lens of a child and not as an adult. Of course, these manipulations would not work on an adult, but on a child, they do.

4. USE TRUSTED ADULTS

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Some kids have a hard time coming to tell their parents, so teach them who the trusted adults are in their lives. Using the “What if” model, ask your child, “What if you are in school and something happens to you, who do you tell?” Provide other adults beside yourselves into their lives so kids have options to share concerns.

5. STAY CALM By opening the dialogue continually, your child feels comfortable to share hard subjects with you. Your children need someone who is readily available and accessible when they need to talk. Be that someone, and remember to stay calm.

STRATEGIES TO PUT INTO PLACE FOR OLDER KIDs

Source: Trafficking Truths by Rebecca Bender

Once the pre-teen to teenage years arrive, caregivers may be unaware of their teen’s behavior online, but there are outward signs. The teen may have a new circle of friends, kids that you do not know. There may be a change in school attendance or a change in interests. The teen may come home with expensive handbags and clothing. The teen begins to wear sexually provocative clothing the caregiver did not purchase. There may be

RESOURCES THORN – Nonprofit cofounded by Ashton Kutcher to battle child sex trafficking with factual statistics and resources for parents – www.thorn.org

REAL FRIENDS DON’T – Real friends don’t pretend to be something they’re not. Real friends don’t make you feel uncomfortable – www.realfriendsdont.org KEEPING KIDS SAFE IN THE DIGITAL AGE – Comprehensive guide, workbook with statistics, real-life stories and resources for kids, teens and their caregivers to learn together https://www.streetgrace.org/resources/

• 9/12/2021 Event with Cat Hoffman, fellow survivor

multiple social media accounts. Be on the lookout for branding, burns, or tattoos. If you see these signs, search their phones and social media for other dangerous contacts.

A common sex trafficking phrase is

“See Something. Say Something.” In our area, sex trafficking occurs in our local subdivisions. If you see behavior that looks suspicious, report it. Common signs of a home where trafficking is occurring include seeing young girls or boys who do not seem to be related to each other, a constant stream of vehicles that come late into the night, and a house where it appears there is not a family residing in it. On November 10, 2020, one such home was found just across FM1463 in Katy in the Cinco Ranch South Lake Village neighborhood. The sex trafficking ring was operating from a residential home, trolling social media, grooming potential victims, posting sexual advertisements, and negotiating sex transactions with buyers. The planning phase would occur from the home, and victims would meet buyers at local hotels and motels.

NETSMARTZ – Age-appropriate videos and activities to help teach children to be safer online https://www.missingkids.org/netsmartz/home DARKNESS TO LIGHT AT CHILD ADVOCATES OF FORT BEND (CAFB) – A program to educate caregivers in the community about child sexual assault – www.cafb.org BOOKS FOR TEACHING YOUNG KIDS ABOUT CHILD SEXUAL ASSAULT https://smile.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/39YV6TCHP1ZZF BOOKS FOR EDUCATING CAREGIVERS ON SEX TRAFFICKING https://smile.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/JAQXOH38ZBPO

ABOUT ME

ACCOMPLISHMENTS/AWARDS Honors Program at UHD pursuing bachelor’s in social work 2019 – CAFB Legislative Advocate of the Year 2019 – CAFB Child Advocate of the Year 2014 – US Congressional Award for protecting abused kids in Texas

CURRENT WORK Texas CASA - Anti-Child Trafficking Consultant Fort Bend County District Attorney Chair, Human Trafficking Team Child Advocates of Fort Bend Board of Directors and Chair, Legislative Advocacy Team

If your organization is interested in learning more about sex trafficking in Fort Bend County, contact Rhonda Kuykendall at rhondakuy@comcast.net. National Human Trafficking Hotline 1-888-373-7888

- Text HELP to BEFREE -

Call 911 if anyone is in immediate danger.

Rhonda Kuykendall on Pumping Plant Lane where she lived as a child in Fulshear

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While sex trafficking does occur, an awareness in our community drastically decreases the risk to your family, friends, and relatives. Choosing to be proactive creates a safer environment for all of our kids. Today, I work in anti-sex trafficking because I understand the devastating effects of the trauma. While the trauma is debilitating, it is the silence that kills the soul. Speaking Up and changing the world for those who come after you is healing. To follow the work being done to protect Texas kids, follow www.facebook.com/theirvoiceintexas.

laying the foundation for tomorrow, today

281.232.7777 | 34507 FM 1093, SIMONTON, TX 77476 | mscearthwork.com

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N EA POLITA N - STYLE PIZZA CRUST

From

King Arthur Baking Company

NEAPOLITAN – STYLE

PIZZA CRUST

KING ARTHUR BAKING COMPANY’S NEAPOLITAN-STYLE PIZZA CRUST Yields: Two 12-inch Pizzas • 2 cups King Arthur ‘OO’ Pizza Flour • 1/8 teaspoon active dry yeast • ½ teaspoon sugar • 1 ¼ teaspoon salt • ¾ cup lukewarm water 1. Combine and stir the ingredients together to make a cohesive, rough dough. Cover and allow the dough to rise at room temperature overnight, or at least 12 hours and up to 24 hours. Note that this is not a dough that needs to be kneaded.

izza is one of the foods I could eat just about every day and not get sick of it. For a fairly straight forward and simple food, it has so many tasty variations: Chicago deep dish, Detroit pizza pie, New York style, California pizza pie, and Neapolitan. While they all have a unique twist on this classic favorite, I argue that they are all delicious. Originating from Naples, Italy, this classic is known for its crispy yet soft and chewy crust. Another defining trait of this pizza pie is the greater sauce to cheese ratio. This results in a floppier pizza slice which is why this style is often not found by the slice, but instead as a smaller 10–12-inch personal pizza. My family has adopted Fridays as our pizza and movie nights. Over the course of two years, we have tried many different pizza crust recipes, but currently this one is our favorite because it cooks quick (who wants to wait long when it looks so good!) and has the perfect chewy crisp crust. If you have made your own pizza dough before, this may have a different texture than you are used to. This dough will feel wet and tacky, but trust the process. King Arthur Baking Company’s recipe is the real deal – making the crispy yet chewy foundation for your next homemade pizza night.

3. Place a baking stone on a rack in the center of the oven; preheat the oven to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. If your oven can get hotter, that is even better. We like to use our grill which can reach temperatures of 750 degrees Fahrenheit. It is very important to let your pizza stone preheat for at least thirty minutes. 4. Transfer one dough ball to a well-floured work surface, sprinkle the top with flour and use your fingertips to gently depress the interior of the round (leaving a thicker edge). Stretch the dough on a piece of parchment, into a 10” to 12” circle, trimming any excess parchment around the edge. With this particular dough it is much easier to stretch on the parchment instead of transferring because of how wet the dough is. 5. Spoon sauce on the dough, sprinkle with cheese, then add your toppings. Transfer the pizza on its parchment to the hot stone using a peel or overturned baking sheet. 6. Bake the pizza until bubbly and charred on the edges, 8 to 12 minutes. If baking in the oven at 500 degrees, switching to broil for the last few minutes will help give the signature char. However, if you choose to use our method, the grill, reduce time accordingly because of the hotter temperature… pay close attention the first time you try as times will vary. Ours was done in about five minutes. 7. Remove from the oven and top with grated parmesan if desired.

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WRITTEN & PHOTOGRAPHED BY JACLYN RITTER

2. Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a ball. Place each into a lightly greased bowl. Cover and let rise for 45 minutes to an hour while your oven preheats.

The Beauty of the Katy/Fulshear Area

Houston Office: 5615 Kirby Drive, Suite 867 | Houston, TX 77005 Field Office: 31975 Hebert Road | Waller, TX 77484 713-523-6135 | KatyPrairie.org

01 - Wetlands & Clouds BY DON PINE

02 - Texas Ragwort

COURTESY OF KATY PRAIRIE CONSERVANCY

03 - Dickcissel

BY GREG LAVATY

04 - Sandhill Cranes BY T. KIBODEAUX

05 - Roseate Skimmer & Gaura

COURTESY OF KATY PRAIRIE CONSERVANCY

06 - Young Red-tailed Hawk

BY DON PINE

EVEN IN THE “BIG CITY”, YOU CAN STILL SUPPORT “LOCAL”!

Buzz into our Hive for a memorable, one-of-a-kind shopping experience. Enjoy chic apparel & accessories, unexpected gifts and statement pieces for the home all from different curators, designers and artisans, including four from our very own area! Gretchen Gilliam (Co-Owner) / Glamour Gypsies / Fulshear Resident Dulce A. David (Co-Owner) / My Sweet Cannella / Richmond Resident Heidi Hanson / Heidi Houston / Katy Resident Melissa Rubio / Bellitude / Katy Resident

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HOME OF THE

34656 Katy Fwy, Brookshire, TX 77423 • www.brookshirehyundai.com • (281) 937-2055

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