The 2023 Edition of The Fort Bend GUIDE

GUIDE

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

Ken Fountain

MANAGING EDITOR

And just as previous editions have noted, the big story in Fort Bend continues to be its growth, coupled with its incredible diversity. As we and others have been saying practically ad nauseam, Fort Bend is both one of the fastest-growing counties in the nation and one of, if not THE, most ethnically diverse.

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

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

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

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

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

But fear not, the Guide isn’t all about eating your vegetables. We’ll be drawing your attention to some of the most fun, interesting, and exciting aspects of living in Fort Bend County.

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

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

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

(Photos by Ken Fountain)

We hope you enjoy our Spring Guide

By Ken Fountain KFOUNTAIN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dr. Dongning Chen Board-Certified Geriatrician

Dr. Joanna Ira Board-Certified Geriatrician

Shown is Memorial Hermann

Sugar Land Hospital

(Photo courtesy Memorial Hermann)

ments facility in Stafford. The clinic has room for up to 15 providers and offers adult and pediatric primary and specialty healthcare, including Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, and Pulmonary Medicine, and OB/GYN, according to Kelsey-Seybold. Additional specialties planned for the location include Behavioral Health, Podiatry, Orthopedics – Sports Medicine, Endocrinology, Dermatology, Neurology, Cardiology, and Allergy.

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

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

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

unit.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In November, Aurum Wellness, a clinic specializing in care and wellness for seniors, opened the doors on Texas Parkway in Missouri City. The 10,600 square-foot clinic has 10 exam rooms and an X-ray room on one side of the facility known as the Med Care portion, according to a news release from the clinic, and offers an in-house comprehensive lab and health coaching. It also offers annual wellness exams, management of acute or chronic health conditions, immunizations/vaccinations, longer appointment times, and access to support services.

Serenity Mental Health Centers in November opened a new clinic in the Sugar Land area located in the Three Sugar Creek Center just off Highway 59 and Highway 90 Alternate. It is Serenity’s third location in Texas, and its 14th clinic overall, according to the company. The range of services includes new healthcare technology such as TMS and ketamine therapy to provide patients with a customizable treatment plans and a higher chance of success, even in cases of treatment-resistant mental illness, according to the company.

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

ACCESSHEALTH

MISSOURI CITY CLINIC

307 Texas Pkwy. Suite 100

Missouri City, TX 77489

281-342-4530

HOSPITALS, DIAGNOSTIC CENTERS, & ER DIRECTORY

HOUSTON METHODIST

SUGAR LAND HOSPITAL

16655 Southwest Freeway

Sugar Land, TX 77479

281-274-7000

MEMORIAL HERMANN

SURGICAL HOSPITAL

16906 Southwest Freeway

Sugar Land, TX 77479

281-243-1000

ST. MICHAEL’S 24 HOUR EMERGENCY CENTER

SUGAR LAND

16062 Southwest Freeway

281-980-4357

BREAST CARE CENTER

HOUSTON METHODIST

SUGAR LAND HOSPITAL

16655 Southwest Fwy.

Sugar Land, TX 77479

281-274-7170

CHI ST. LUKE’S

SUGAR LAND HOSPITAL

1317 Lake Pointe Parkway

Sugar Land, TX 77478

281-637-7000

FORT BEND MEDICAL & DIAGNOSTIC CENTER/ KELSEY SEYBOLD CLINIC

11555 University Blvd.

Sugar Land, TX 77478

713-442-9100

HEALTHSOUTH SUGAR LAND REHABILITATION HOSPITAL

1325 Highway 6

Sugar Land, TX 77478

281-276-7574

ECOMPASS HEALTH

1325 Highway 6,

Sugar Land, TX 77479

281-276-7574

LEGACY COMMUNITY HEALTH –STAFFORD FOUNTAINS

12540 Sugardale Dr. Stafford, TX 77477

713-814-3655

M.D. ANDERSON REGIONAL CARE CENTER

1327 Lake Pointe Parkway

Sugar Land, TX 77478

281-566-1800

MEMORIAL HERMANN

SUGAR LAND HOSPITAL

17500 West Grand Parkway South Richmond, TX 77469

281-725-5000

MENTAL HEALTH & ADDICTION TREATMENTWEST PARK SPRINGS

6902 South Peek Rd. Richmond, TX 77407

832-535-2770

NEUROSCIENCE & SPINE

CENTER - SUGAR LAND AT HOUSTON METHODIST SUGAR LAND HOSPITAL

16655 Southwest Frwy.

Sugar Land, TX 77479

281-274-7979

OAKBEND MEDICAL GROUP

SUGAR LAND

6350 Highway 90A, Ste. 600

Sugar Land, TX 77479

281-265-7000

OAKBEND MEDICAL GROUP

RICHMOND

1705 Jackson St. Richmond, TX 77469

281-341-3000

SUGAR LAND CANCER CENTER

15500 Southwest Freeway

Sugar Land, TX 77478

281-274-8212

SUGAR LAND

DIAGNOSTIC CENTER

15530 Southwest Freeway, Suite 200

Sugar Land, TX 7747

281-274-6600

TAYLOR RECOVERY CENTER

11352 Sugar Park Ln. Sugar Land, TX 77478

832-780-7072

TEXAS CHILDREN’S HEALTH CENTER

15400 Southwest Freeway, Suite 200

Sugar Land, TX 77478

281-494-7010

TEXAS ONCOLOGY CANCER CENTER

1350 First Colony Blvd.

Sugar Land, TX 77479

281-277-5200

Chuck Charlton of Charlton Auto Body in Stafford understands customers and treats them like family.

The foundation for the success of Charlton Auto Body has always been focused on the customer, and it’s been that way for three generations.

“My grandfather, E.C. Charlton, moved to Stafford in 1950, and opened up the business in 1951, and later named the company Charlton’s Garage and Auto Sales. In 1970 my dad, Johnny Mack, took over the company. When he retired in 1982, I took over,” Charlton said.

Chuck kept the same phone number and business name, and built “Charlton Auto Body into what it is today.”

It’s been 24 years in a very active auto business focusing on collision and insurance work.

“If you wreck your car, that’s the kinda work we do – fix any damage. We’ve repaired them clear up to the value of the cars, so we’ve seen it all. And we work on all vehicles,” he said.

As a successful small businessman in Stafford, Charlton is firmly established in the industry, yet has no plans for expanding the business.

“I like to keep the business small so I can keep an eye on all aspects of the company,” he said.

Charlton is candid about car tips after a collision.

“Number one, insurance companies try and get you to go to shops that work for them. I tell everybody you don’t have to work with shops that work with insurance companies. Most are so big, and they don’t have the hands-on experience we have here at Charlton’s. I tell people you have the right to choose the body shop of your choice. We have a great customer data base and a lot of customers, and most of our work is word of mouth,” he said.

He stays away from cars during the weekend, but talks to customers over the phone if they need him. After discussing any damage issues, Charlton said, “I really don’t recommend customers take the car to the storage lot. Tow it to the house and I’ll get it out the next morning.”

Not a tinkerer of cars in his spare time, Charlton does like his trips to Mexico. It’s one of his favorite fast vacation getaways.

“We can get there in two hours,” he said.

He’s happy to note that customer satisfaction is the key to success of the family business of Charlton’s Auto Body.

“Our customers are not just a name and a number here, you know. We become friends with them, too,” he said.

“Bring your car to Charlton’s. Where you’re treated as family and not just another customer,” he said.

FRESNO

Burton Elementary

1625 Hunter Green Ln.

Phone: 281-634-5080

Goodman Elementary

1100 W. Sycamore Rd.

Phone: 281-634-5985

HOUSTON

Blue Ridge Elementary

6241 McHard Rd.

Phone: 281-634-4520

Fleming Elementary

14850 Bissonnet St.

Phone: 281-634-4600

Hodges Bend Middle School

16510 Bissonnet St.

Phone: 281-634-3000

Holley Elementary

16655 Bissonnet St.

Phone: 281-634-3850

McAuliffe Middle School

16650 South Post Oak Rd.

Phone: 281-634-3360

Mission Bend Elementary

16200 Beechnut St.

Phone: 281-634-4240

Mission Glen Elementary

16053 Mission Glen Rd.

Phone: 281-634-4280

Mission West Elementary

7325 Clodine Rd. Phone: 281-634-4320

Willowridge High School

16301 Chimney Rock Rd.

Phone: 281-634-2450

2023 FORT BEND SCHOOLS

MEADOWS

PLACE

Meadows Elementary

12037 Pender Ln.

Phone: 281-634-4720

MISSOURI CITY

Armstrong Elementary

3440 Independence Blvd.

Phone: 281-634-9410

Baines Middle School 9000 Sienna Ranch Rd.

Phone: 281-634-6870

Briargate Elementary

15817 Blue Ridge Rd.

Phone: 281-634-4560

Divine Savior Academy 770 Waters Lake Blvd. Phone: 281-778-3003

E.A. Jones Elementary

302 Martin Ln. Phone: 281-634-4960

Elkins High School

7007 Knights Ct. Phone: 281-634-2600

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

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

Hightower High School

3333 Hurricane Ln. Phone: 281-634-5240

Hunters Glen Elementary 695 Independence Blvd. Phone: 281-634-4640

International Preparatory School

1717 Dulles Ave.

Phone: 281-208-1403

Lake Olympia Middle School

3100 Lake Olympia Pkwy. Phone: 281-634-3520

Lantern Lane Elementary

3323 Mission Valley Dr.

Phone: 281-634-4680

Leonetti Elementary

1757 Waters Lake Blvd.

Phone: 281-327-3190

Lexington Creek Elementary

2335 Dulles Ave.

Phone: 281-634-5000

Marshall High School

1220 Buffalo Run

Phone: 281-634-6630

Missouri City Middle School

202 Martin Ln.

Phone: 281-634-3440

Palmer Elementary

4208 Crow Valley Dr.

Phone: 281-634-4760

Quail Valley Elementary

3500 Quail Village Dr.

Phone: 281-634-5040

Quail Valley Middle School

3019 FM 1092

Phone: 281-634-3600

Ridge Point High School

500 Waters Lake Blvd.

Phone: 281-327-5200

Scanlan Oaks Elementary

9000 Camp Sienna Trail

Phone: 281-634-3950

Schiff Elementary

7400 Discovery Ln.

Phone: 281-634-9450

Sienna Crossing Elementary

10011 Steep Bank Trace

Phone: 281-634-3680

Thornton Middle School

1909 Waters Lake Blvd.

Phone: 281-327-3870

WIDE School

2777 Dulles Ave.

Phone: 281-208-9545

RICHMOND

Adolphus Elementary

7910 Winston

Ranch Pkwy.

Phone: 832-223-4700

Arredondo Elementary

6110 August Green Dr.

Phone: 832-223-4800

Austin Elementary

1630 Pitts Rd.

Phone: 832-223-1000

Bentley Elementary

10166 FM 359

Phone: 832-223-4900

Bowie Elementary

2304 Bamore Rd.

Phone: 832-223-1200

Bowie Middle School

700 Plantation Dr.

Phone: 281-327-6200

Briscoe Junior High 4300 FM 723

Phone: 832-223-4000

Bush High School 6707 FM 1464

Phone: 281-634-6060

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

Carter Elementary

8500 A. Meyers Rd.

Phone: 832-223-5500

Crockett Middle School

19001 Beechnut St.

Phone: 281-634-6380

Foster High School

4400 FM 723

Phone: 832-223-3800

Frost Elementary

3306 Skinner Lane

Phone: 832-223-1500

Hubenak Elementary 11344 Rancho Bella Pkwy. Phone: 832-223-2900

Hutchison Elementary 3602 Williams Way Blvd. Phone: 832-223-1700

George Ranch High School 8181 FM 762

Phone: 832-223-4200

Jordan Elementary 17800 West Oaks Village Dr.

Phone: 281-634-2800

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

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

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

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

Meyer Elementary

1930 J. Meyer Rd. Phone: 832-223-2000

Pink Elementary 1001 Collins Rd.

Phone: 832-223-2100

Neill Elementary

3830 Harvest Corner Dr. Phone: 281-327-3760

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

Reading Junior High 8101 FM 762

Phone: 832-223-4400

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

Seguin Elementary 7817 Grand Mission Blvd. Phone: 281-634-9850

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

Thomas Elementary

6822 Irby Cobb Blvd.

Phone: 832-223-4600

Travis High School

11111 Harlem Rd. Phone: 281-634-7000

Velasquez Elementary

402 Macek Rd.

Phone: 832-223-2600

Williams Elementary 5111 FM 762

Phone: 832-223-2700

Westlake Preparatory Academy

23300 Bellaire Blvd.

Phone: 281-341-9910

Rosenberg

B.F. Terry High School

5500 Ave. N

Phone: 832-223-3400

Bowie Elementary

2304 Bamore Rd.

Phone: 832-223-1200

Culver Elementary

3131 Learning Tree Ln.

Phone: 832-223-5600

George Junior High 4601 Airport Ave.

Phone: 832-223-3600

Jackson Elementary 301 3rd St.

Phone: 832-223-1800

Lamar Junior High

4814 Mustang Ave. Phone: 832-223-3200

2023 FORT BEND SCHOOLS

Lamar Consolidated High School

4606 Mustang Ave.

Phone: 832-223-3000

Living Water Christian School

4808 Airport Ave.

Phone: 281-238-8946

Navarro Middle School 4700 Ave. N

Phone: 832-223-3700

Taylor Ray Elementary 2611 Ave. N

Phone: 281-341-3350

Travis Elementary 2700 Ave. K

832-223-2500

Wertheimer Middle School

4240 FM 723

Phone: 832-223-4100

Wessendorf Middle School

5201 Mustang Ave. Phone: 832-223-3300

ROSHARON

Heritage Rose Elementary 636 Glendale Lakes Ln.

Phone: 281-327-5400

STAFFORD

Everest Academy 610 Brand Ln.

Phone: 281-261-3030

Stafford Elementary

1250 Constitution Ave.

Phone: 281-261-9229

Stafford Intermediate School

1350 Constitution Ave.

Phone: 281-208-6100

Stafford High School

1625 Staffordshire Rd.

Phone: 281-261-9239

SUGAR LAND

Austin High School

3434 Pheasant Creek Dr.

Phone: 281-634-2000

Austin Parkway Elementary

4400 Austin Pkwy.

Phone: 281-634-4001

Barrington Place Elementary

2100 Squire Dobbins Ln.

Phone: 281-634-4040

Cambridge Montessori School

6380 Highway 90A

Phone: 281-491-2223

Campbell Elementary

1000 Shadow Bend Drive

Phone: 832-223-1300

Clements High School

4200 Elkins Rd.

Phone: 281-634-2150

Colony Bend Elementary

2720 Planters St.

281-634-4080

Colony Meadows Elementary

4510 Sweetwater Blvd.

281-634-4120

Commonwealth Elementary

4909 Commonwealth Blvd.

281-634-5120

Cornerstone Elementary

1800 Chatham Ave.

Phone: 281-634-6400

Cornerstone Christian Academy

2140 First Colony Blvd.

Phone: 281-980-0842

Dickinson Elementary

7110 Greatwood Pkwy.

Phone: 832-223-1400

Drabek Elementary

11325 Lake Woodbridge Dr.

Phone: 281-634-6570

Dulles Elementary

630 Dulles Ave.

Phone: 281-634-5830

Dulles High School

550 Dulles Ave.

Phone: 281-634-5600

Dulles Middle School

500 Dulles Ave.

Phone: 281-634-5750

Fellowship Christian Academy

16355 Old Richmond Rd./Dora Ln.

Phone: 281-495-1814

First Colony Middle School

3225 Austin Pkwy.

Phone: 281-634-3240

Fort Bend Christian Academy

1250 7th St.

Phone: 281-263-9175

Fort Settlement Middle School

5440 Elkins Rd.

Phone: 281-634-6440

Garcia Middle School

18550 Old Richmond Rd.

Phone: 281-634-3160

Highlands Elementary

2022 Colonist Park Dr.

Phone: 281-634-4160

Honor Roll School

4111 Sweetwater Blvd.

Phone: 281-265-7888

Kempner High School

14777 Voss Rd.

Phone: 281-634-2300

Lakeview Elementary 314 Lakeview Dr.

Phone: 281-634-4200

Logos Preparatory Academy

13303 Southwest Fwy. 281-565-6467

Oyster Creek Elementary

16425 Mellow Oaks Ln.

Phone: 281-634-5910

Riverbend Montessori School

4225 Elkins Rd.

Phone: 281-980-4123

Sartartia Middle School

8125 Homeward Way

Phone: 281-634-6310

Settlers Way Elementary

3015 Settlers Way Blvd.

Phone: 281-634-4360

St. Laurence Catholic School

2630 Austin Pkwy. Phone: 281-980-0500

St. Theresa Catholic School

705B St. Theresa Blvd.

Phone: 281-494-1157

Sugar Creek Montessori School

615 Dulles Ave. Phone: 281-261-1000

Sugar Land Middle School

321 7th St. Phone: 281-634-3080

Sugar Mill Elementary

13707 Jess Pirtle Blvd. Phone: 281-634-4440

Sullivan Elementary

17828 Winding Waters Ln. Phone: 281-327-2860

Townewest Elementary

13927 Old Richmond Rd. Phone: 281-634-4480

Walker Station Elementary 6200 Homeward Way Blvd. Phone: 281-634-4400

Walden School

16103 Lexington Blvd. Phone: 281-980-0022

Answers found in this week’s Classified section

502 Eldridge Road

Sugar Land TX 77478 281-240-3195

SUNDAY WORSHIP

8:30 AM AND 11:00 AM

Sunday School for All Ages

9:30 AM

AN AFFORDABLE CHOICE FOLLOW YOUR

• Highest transfer rate in the Gulf Coast – third highest transfer rate in Texas*

• WCJC costs less ($3,110 per semester) than the average University in the state (9,844 per semester)*

• Our students graduate with less debt ($13,248) than the average community college student in the state of Texas ($15,625)*

• Installment plans to spread payments out over time

• Discounted tuition and fees for students taking more than 13 hours of academic transfer courses per semester

• 35 plus quality programs of study including courses that transfer

• Associate of Arts/Science, Associate of Applied Science, and Certificate Programs

• Small class sizes and personal attention

$57.00

FORT BEND COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES

Complete your bachelor’s, earn your master’s or obtain a certification locally. The University of Houston System at Sugar Land (UHSSL) located just northeast of the Brazos River offers the combined UH System resources— University of Houston, UH-Clear Lake, and UH-Victoria and through these programs, the institutions offer junior, senior, and graduate courses for more than 20 bachelor’s and master’s degrees in applied arts and sciences, biology, business administration, computer science, criminal justice, and education.

The UHSSL is part of the four UH universities in the system that includes a public broadcast educational television station and the largest university distance learning program in Texas.

Each degree at UHSSL is sponsored by one of three universities.

The UHSSL also partners with Houston Community College, Wharton County Junior College, and other area community colleges. For more information, call 281-275-3300.

Wharton County Junior College (WCJC) has four campuses in Wharton, Sugar Land, Richmond and Bay City, and at other off-site locations. Students will be able to access learning 24/7 in a virtual campus to complete certificate and degree programs online. WCCJ offers an associate in arts degree for transfers to a four-year institution, associate of arts in teaching degree, associate in applied science degrees, and certificate programs. Webbased and interactive television distance education courses are also available.

For more information about programs or registration, call 800-561-9252 or 979-532-4560 for the Wharton campus, 281-243-8447 for the Sugar Land campus, or 281-239-1500 for the WCJC Fort Bend Technical Center. The college also offers classes at the Bay City campus.

In partnership with Wharton County Junior College, Texas State Technical College (TSTC) provides the technical instruction and WCJC provides academic instruction.

With tremendous support from the local community leaders, to help fill the skills gaps and train local workers for job opportunities in the Greater Houston area, TSTC offers programs in Fort Bend County including industrial maintenance technology, cyber security, telecommunications convergence technology and welding technology. The new technologies are offered via Competency Based Education.

Texas State Technical College in Fort Bend County sits on 80 acres on the north side of Highway 59 between FM Road 2218 and Highway 36, approximately 1.5 miles east of Highway 36.

Houston Community College (HCC) System has many college campuses and is the fourth largest community college system in the United States. HCC Southwest has college campuses in Stafford at 10041 Cash Road and less than five miles away and across from Missouri City Hall at 1600 Texas Parkway. The latter is a $21 million, 9,340-square foot campus that is home to the HCC Center for Entrepreneurship, Technology, and Health. HCC offers academic courses for associates degrees, and for transfers to four-year institutions in the core curriculum in more than 70 fields of work, also in continuing education, for non-degree options and corporate training.

For more information visit their website at www.hccs.edu or call about their programs and locations at 713718-2000 local or 877-422-6111 outside Houston area.

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

FIRST

GEORGE MEMORIAL LIBRARY (MAIN)

ALBERT

9230 Gene Street Needville, TX 77461

281-238-2850

BOB LUTTS FULSHEAR/SIMONTON BRANCH LIBRARY

8100 FM 359 South P.O. Box 907

Fulshear, TX 77441-0907

281-633-4675

CINCO RANCH LIBRARY

2620 Commercial Center Blvd. Katy, TX 77494-6407

281-395-1311

MISSOURI

Hours of Operation

Monday: 12-8 p.m. Tuesday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Friday: 12-5 p.m.

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

Sunday: CLOSED

Hours of Operation

Monday: 12-8 p.m.

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

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

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

Friday: 12-5 p.m.

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

Sunday: CLOSED

Hours of Operation

Monday: 12-9 p.m.

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

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

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

Friday: 12-5 p.m.

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

Sunday: CLOSED

MAMIE GEORGE BRANCH

SIENNA BRANCH

Hours

UNIVERSITY

14010 University Blvd. Sugar Land, TX 77479-4295 281-633-5100

SUGAR LAND BRANCH LIBRARY

550 Eldridge Rd. Sugar Land, TX 77478

281-238-2140

Hours of Operation

Monday: 12-9 p.m.

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

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

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

Friday: 12-5 p.m.

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

Sunday: CLOSED

MISSION BEND BRANCH

Hours of Operation

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sunday: CLOSED

Hours of Operation

Monday: 12-9 p.m.

Tuesday:

Wednesday:

Thursday:

Saturday:

COLONY BRANCH LIBRARY

1422

FORT BEND COUNTY WILLIE MELTON LAW LIBRARY

LIBRARY

GEORGE BRANCH LIBRARY

County’s faiths continue to unite, inspire

By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

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

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

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

One of the most noteworthy expressions of the county’s religious and spiritual diversity is the annual Interfaith Thanksgiving, hosted

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

The Fort Bend Interfaith Community says the organization “seeks to build opportunities for meaningful relationships, rooted in trust, respect, and shared values, between members of diverse religious and cultural backgrounds.” And as a part of it, the organization holds an annual Martin Luther King Day of Service each year, where more than 100 teenagers of many diverse faiths and backgrounds came together at Christ Church Sugar Land this past January.

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

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

“We must invest in you,” Fort Bend Transformation Church pastor David Lee Sincere said, speaking on behalf of the older generation. “You have the power to change our society and make America a better place. You have it in you to make the world a better place.”

Sugar Land’s Holy Cross Episcopal Church

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

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

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

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

FORT BEND FAITH DIRECTORY

ALL SAINTS EPISCOPAL CHURCH

281-499-9602

605 Dulles Ave. Stafford, TX 77477 www.allsaintsstafford.org

ARABIC CHURCH OF HOUSTON

281-403-0434

3403 Cartwright Road Missouri City, TX 77459 www.achouston.org

CHINMAYA MISSION HOUSTON

281-568-9520

10353 Synott Road Sugar Land, TX 77498 www.chinmayahouston.org

DARUL ULOOM TEXAS MASJID

832-781-8244

11920 Hwy 6 #1400 Sugar Land,TX 77498 www.dutx.org

ISGH MARYAM ISLAMIC CENTER

281-715-3500

504 Sartartia Road Sugar Land, TX 77479 www.maryammasjid.org

ISGH MASJID ATTAQWA

281-236-2989

10415 Synott Road Sugar Land, TX 77498 www.masjidattaqwa.com

CHRIST CHURCH, UNITED METHODIST

281-980-6888

3300 Austin Parkway Sugar Land, TX 77479 www.cumcsl.org

CHRISTIAN FAMILY CENTER

281-340-2400

11000 Dairy Ashford Road Sugar Land, TX 77478 www.cfcbilingualacademy.com

CHRISTIAN LIFE CHURCH OF SUGAR LAND

11122 S. Highway 6 Sugar Land, Tx 77498

281-495-7688

www.clcsugarland.com

CHURCH OF CHRIST SUGAR LAND

281-561-0881

15590 Voss Road

Sugar Land, TX 77498

CHURCH OF GOD SUGAR LAND

281-242-2424

1715 Eldridge Road

Sugar Land, TX 77478

CONGREGATION BETH EL

281-499-5066

3900 Raoul Wallenberg Lane Missouri City, TX 77459

CROSS BRIDGE

COMMUNITY CHURCH

281-313-8300

1049 Eldridge Road Sugar Land, TX 77478 www.crossbridge.cc

FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH

281-242-7729

800 Brooks Street

Sugar Land, TX 77478 www.flcsl.org

FAMILY LIFE

CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

281-879-5433

16425 Old Richmond Road Sugar Land, TX 77498 www.flcf.com

FIRST COLONY BIBLE CHAPEL

281-265-3411

3610 Austin Parkway Sugar Land, TX 77479 www.firstcolonybible.org

FIRST COLONY CHURCH OF CHRIST

281-980-7070

2140 First Colony Blvd. Sugar Land, TX 77479 www.firstcolonychurch.org

FIRST COLONY

CHRISTIAN CHURCH AND COMMUNITY CENTER

281-980-4141

4141 Sweetwater Blvd. Sugar Land, TX 77479 www.fcccdoc.org

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

281-240-3195

502 Eldridge Road Sugar Land, TX 77478 www.fpcsl.org

FISHERS OF MEN

LUTHERAN CHURCH

281-242-7711

2011 Austin Parkway Sugar Land, TX 77479 www.fishersofmen.org

FRIENDSHIP MISSIONARY

BAPTIST CHURCH

281-277-5014

16138 W. Bellfort

Sugar Land, TX 77498 www.fannersoftheflame.org

GRACE CHINESE

BAPTIST CHURCH

832-382-3316

16755 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land, TX 77479

www.slcbc.org

GRAND PARKWAY

BAPTIST CHURCH

281-277-2200

12000 FM 1464 Richmond, TX 77407 www.grandparkway.org

HORIZON BAPTIST CHURCH

281-403-4994

2223 FM 1092 Missouri City, TX 77459 www.hbctx.org

HOLY CROSS EPISCOPAL

281-633-2000

5653 West River Park Drive Sugar Land, TX 77479 www.holycrosschurch.com

LA PUERTA ABIERTA CHURCH

281-494-4111

126 Avenue F Sugar Land TX, 77498 www.iglesialapuertaabierta.com

MASJID SABIREEN

832-909-3307

610 Brand Lane Stafford, TX 77477 www.masjidsabireen.org

MISSOURI CITY CHURCH OF CHRIST

281-261-8944

2019 Bright Meadows Dr. Missouri City, Tx 77489 www.mocitycoc.org

MT. PLEASANT BAPTIST CHURCH

281-494-3826

127 Avenue E Sugar Land, TX 77498

MURPHY ROAD CHURCH OF CHRIST

281-261-5216

2025 FM 1092 Missouri City, TX 77459 www.murphyroadchurch.org

PARKWAY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

281-494-5050

5801 New Territory Blvd. Sugar Land, TX 77479 www.parkwayumc.org

REIGNING GLORY CHURCH

713-355-4567

8727 Gaines Road Sugar Land, TX 77498 www.rgchurch.com

PROVIDENCE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

281-980-2522

3510 Austin Parkway Sugar Land, TX 77479

www.providence presbyterian.org

RIVER POINTE COMMUNITY CHURCH

281-277-6767

21000 Southwest Freeway Richmond, TX 77469

www.riverpointe.org

SOUTHMINSTER

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

281-499-2310

4200 Cartwright Rd. Missouri City, TX 77459

www.southminpres.org

STAFFORD CHURCH OF CHRIST

281-499-2507

402 Stafford Run Rd. Stafford, TX 77477

www.staffordchurchofchrist.org

ST. CATHERINE OF SIENNA

281-778-2046

4747 Sienna Parkway Missouri City, TX 77459

www.siennachurch.org

ST. LAURENCE CATHOLIC

281-980-9812

3100 Sweetwater Blvd.

Sugar Land, TX 77479

www.stlaurence.org

ST. MARTINS EVANGELICAL

LUTHERAN CHURCH

281-980-0695

1123 Burney Road Sugar Land, TX 77498 www.stmartinslc.org

ST. THERESA CATHOLIC CHURCH

281-494-1156

705 St. Theresa Blvd. Sugar Land, TX 77498 www.sttheresasugarland.org

ST. THOMAS AQUINAS CATHOLIC CHURCH

281-240-6721

12627 West Bellfort Avenue Sugar Land, TX 77478

www.stasugarland.com

SUGAR CREEK

BAPTIST CHURCH

281-242-2858

13333 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land, TX 77478 www.sugarcreek.net

SUGAR GROVE CHURCH OF CHRIST

281-530-9651

11600 West Airport Blvd. Meadows Place, TX 77477 www.sugargrove.org

SUGAR LAND BIBLE CHURCH

281-491-7773

401 Matlage Way

Sugar Land, TX 77478 www.slbc.org

SUGAR LAND CHINESE BAPTIST CHURCH

281-499-1763

10408 Cash Road Stafford, TX 77477 www.slcbc.org

SUGAR LAND FAMILY CHURCH

281-313-1110

1110 Burney Road Sugar Land, TX 77498 www.slfconline.com

SUGAR LAND BAPTIST CHURCH

281-980-4431

16755 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land, TX 77479 www.sugarlandbaptist.org

SUGAR LAND VINEYARD

281-240-8463

5015 Grove West Blvd. Stafford, TX 77477 www.slvineyard.org

THE EPICENTER CHURCH

281-491-0000

7320 Hwy. 90A, Suite 270 Sugar Land, TX 77478 www.epicenter.life

THE FREEDOM CENTER CHURCH

281-499-0594

2303 FM 1092 Missouri City, TX 77459 www.freedomcentechurch.com

THE FORT BEND CHURCH

281-980-8322 1900 Eldridge Road Sugar Land, TX 77478 www.thebend.org

TRIUMPH CHURCH

SUGAR LAND/ STAFFORD

281-416-4771

10555 West Airport Blvd. Stafford, TX 77477 www.triumphchurch.com

ZUN NURAIN MASJID

832-607-3594

16305 Kensington Drive #210

Sugar Land, TX 77479

County remains a food destination

By Ken Fountain KFOUNTAIN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Keeper’s Salmon Teriyaki

Madras Uranndi, Mahesh’s Kitchen Chicken Marsala, Alex’s Kitchen

Balsamic Chicken Bowl, CAVA

AMERICAN

Chunk’s Burger

411 Dulles Ave

Stafford, TX 77477

(832) 539-1784

Jupiter Pizza & Waffle Co. 16135 City Walk, Sugar Land, TX 77479 (281) 313-1008

Live Oak Grill 12935 Dairy Ashford Sugar Land, TX 77478 (281) 491-5253

Tornado Burger 505 Murphy Road, Stafford, TX 77477 (281) 403-3278

Whiskey Cake Kitchen & Bar 12575 Highway 59, Stafford, TX 77477 (281) 729-8333

ASIAN

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

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

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

Japaneiro’s 2168 Texas Dr., Sugar Land, TX 77479 (281) 242-1121

Mama Le 5400 Pointe W. Circle Ste. 180 Richmond, TX 77469 (832) 604-7083

Singapore Cafe 3149 Highway 6 Sugar Land, TX 77478 (832) 532-6277

Sozo Japanese Steakhouse 222 State Highway 6 Ste. 100, Sugar Land, TX 77498 (281) 201-8851

Vietwich 203 Dulles Ave. Suite #100, Stafford, TX 77477 (832) 539-1642

BAKERIES

Ashcraft / European Bakery

220 Murphy Road Stafford, TX 77477 (281) 403-5040

Jambeto’s Bakery & Cafe

609 Dulles Ave. Suite 750 Stafford, TX 77477 (281) 201-2477

la Madeleine French Bakery & Cafe

2675 Town Center Blvd N, Sugar Land, TX 77479 (281) 494-4400

BARBECUE

Boogie’s Chicago Style BBQ

1767 Texas Pkwy Missouri City, TX 77489 (281) 969-8626

Harlem Road Texas BBQ 9823 Harlem Road Richmond, TX 77407 (832) 278-2101

King’s BBQ 9920 US-90 ALT Ste D120 Sugar Land, TX 77478 (832) 532-7816

Old Hickory Inn Barbecue 3334 FM 1092 Missouri City, TX 77459 (281) 499-8904

The Swinging Door 3818 FM 359 Richmond, TX 77406 (281) 342-4758

Witt Pit BBQ 2516 1st Street Rosenberg, TX 77471 (832) 759-5182

ITALIAN

Alex’s Kitchen 2601 Cartwright Road Ste. E, Missouri City, TX 77459 (832) 987-1705

B.B. Italia 16250 City Walk Sugar Land, TX 77479 713-424-7876

Brandani’s Restaurant & Wine Bar 3340 FM 1092 Road #160 Missouri City, TX 77459 (832) 987-1313

Corelli’s Italian Cafe 3229 Hwy 6 Sugar Land, TX 77478 (281) 491-8900

Lomonte’s Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria 815 Plantation Dr #180, Richmond, TX 77406 (281) 232-8290

Piada Italian Street Food 1930 Hwy 6 Sugar Land, TX 77478 (281) 491-0603

INDIAN

Chettinad Indian Cuisine

2127 U.S. 90 Alternate, Present St Missouri City, TX 77489 (281) 499-4680

Ghazal India Cafe 435 FM 1092 Road

Stafford, TX 77477 (281) 969-7177

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

Mai Colachi

Indo/Pak Cuisine 15425 Southwest Fwy, Sugar Land, TX 77478 (281) 240-0786

Nirmanz Food Boutique 16338 Kensington Dr Suite #160 Sugar Land, TX 77479 (832) 532-0699

Stafford Kabab & Grill 4133 S Main St Stafford, TX 77477 (281) 575-6666

LATIN AMERICAN

Fernando’s 14135 Southwest Fwy, Sugar Land, TX 77478 (281) 494-9087

MEXICAN

Charlie’s Tacos 12408 S. Kirkwood Road Stafford, TX 77477 (346) 404-2767

Larry’s Origina Mexican Restaurant 116 E Hwy 90 Alt #3720 Richmond, TX 77406 (281) 342-2881

Raizes Mexican Kitchen 345 Dulles Ave. Stafford, TX 77477 (281) 969-5211

TJ’s Birria Y Mas 716 Murphy Road Stafford, TX 77477 (281) 342-2881

Tornado Taco 2461 FM 1092 Road Missouri City, TX 77459 (281) 342-2881

SALVADORAN

Pupuseria Lazo #2 1110 Farm-To-Market Rd

Stafford, TX 77477 (281) 969-7227

Sports, recreation bring unifying presence to county

By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

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

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

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

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

Space Cowboys season now underway

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

The Space Cowboys are coming off a 73-75 season in 2022, a season during which they finished in fourth place in the Pacific Coast League’s East Division. But despite the results last season maybe not quite being where they wanted, Fort Bend County fans have plenty of exciting chances to see the Astros’ potential future stars in their own backyard this season.

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

As is always the case, the 2023 campaign is also chock-full of promotions and giveaways for fans to enjoy at Constellation Field all season long, and I’ll preview a few of them here. There will be replica World Series ring giveaways at the first five Friday home games of the season, according to the team – replica rings of Jeremy Pena (April 7), Yordan Alvarez (April 21), Jose Altuve (May 12), Framber Valdez (May 26), and manager Dusty Baker (June 16). Also included will be a replica Lance McCullers Jr. Space Cowboys jersey on April 8 and a postgame Easter Egg hunt for fans age 12 and under on April 12 during Easter Weekend.

Also among the festivities will be Memorial Day weekend featuring a JJ Matijevic Bat Flip bobblehead on May 27, followed by a Space Cowboys ‘Flying Fortress’ Military Jersey giveaway on May 28.

There will also be a Pride Night on June 29 followed by a Marvel’s Defender of the Diamond Night on June 30 featuring custom Marvel-themed on-field hats and jerseys. Fourth of July weekend will feature 90s Night on July 1, including a Space Cowboys and Astros Reversible Bucket Hat giveaway and a postgame Zoodust

concert.

For a complete list of upcoming promotions during the 2023 season, visit the team’s website at slspacecowboys.com. Local parks offer abundance of open-air options

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

Brazos Bend State Park, located at 21901 FM 762 in Needville, continues to be one of Fort Bend County’s most prized parks. For nearly four decades, it has been a go-to spot to walk, run or play.

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

Sugar Land Memorial Park is another hot spot in the area. The 150-acre park at 15300 University Blvd. offers riverfront

green space with 2.5 miles of bike and walking trails plus a playground, dog park and picnic areas. This spot has a rating of 4.6 stars from more than 1,400 reviews.

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

If you want a little more education along with the fresh air, George Ranch Historical Park also offers good fun. Located on 20,000 acres at 10215 FM 762 in Richmond, the park is divided into four time periods (1830s, 1860s, 1890s and 1930s) and features historic home tours along with costumed interpreters and practical, hands-on demonstrations.

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

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

3B/OF Joe Perez (No. 16), pitcher Forrest Whitley (No. 21), and pitcher Shawn Dubin (No. 25).

JJ Matijevic and Corey Julks celebrate for the Sugar Land Space Cowboys after a home run last season. The pair figure to be key pieces to the Space Cowboys again this season (Photo from Twitter)

High school baseball and softball seasons are heating up in Fort Bend County. (Photo by Landan Kuhlmann)

Creative options abound in Fort Bend County

By Ken Fountain KFOUNTAIN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Fort Bend County in recent years has gained a nationwide reputation for its incredible diversity, with some measures placing the county among the most diverse in the nation. Along with that diversity, Fort Bend has also become one of the most cosmopolitan areas in the greater Houston area and in the state.

Once a largely rural county with a strong suburban presence, its tremendous growth has attracted thousands of new residents who like being away from the big city, but still want the kind of arts and entertainment options that the more urban areas have to offer.

Thankfully, those options are bountiful, and more are coming all the time.

One of the newest and splashiest offerings is the Dept. of Wonder, a 10,000 square-foot venue that provides what it calls a “pioneering location-based entertainment concept” that combines interactive theater with emerging technologies to create an immersive fantasy experience. The venue at one of the an -

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

The Dept. of Wonder had been planned for opening early in 2022, but that was pushed back to the fall due to supply-chain disruptions (or, as a sign on the door read, “cosmic forces beyond our control”). Since then, lines of people waiting for the experience have frequently been seen outside.

The plaza area of Sugar Land Town Square itself is the scene of numerous entertainment events throughout the year, from concerts by local and regional acts, movie nights, and festivals of various kinds. Similarly, The Lawn at nearby First Colony Mall also hosts family-oriented movies and other events.

Another new entry to the entertainment scene is the Go Ape Zipline & Adventure Park that the Marylandbased company, in conjunction with the City of Sugar Land Parks and Recreation Department, opened at Brazos River Park in early March.

Go Ape offers three activities for guests to explore the beautiful Brazos River Park, including the Treetop Adventure, a 3-hour high-ropes course featuring spectacular views. The experience includes 70 aerial crossings and obstacles, a massive Tarzan swing, and multiple ziplines up to 1000 feet, the longest in the Houston area. The Treetop Journey course is 1-hour experience including more than 20 obstacles and two ziplines, 20 feet above the ground. Safety systems ensure participants stay attached the entire time they are on either course. The adventure park also include an Outdoor Axe Throwing range where participants can throw hatchets at targets and

compete with in various games and challenges.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Over at the Rosenberg Railroad Museum, 1921 Avenue F, Rosenberg, the exhibition “Railroads and American Popular Music” continues through the end of October. The unique exhibi -

The Houston Museum of Natural Science in Sugar Land offers residents a taste of the area’s history all in one place and close to home. (Photo from Facebook) MUSEUMS CONTINUES ON PAGE 23

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

FORT BEND COUNTY NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS

2-1-1 TEXAS/UNITED WAY HELPLINE

Information and referral service with a free confidential helpline operated by the United Way of Greater Houston 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Trained helpline specialists connect those in need with critical social services. United Way of Greater Houston-Fort Bend has a trained specialist on site 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

2-1-1 or 281-207-2300

ACHIEVE FORT BEND COUNTY

ACHIEVE Fort Bend County is a diverse group of business, community, and educational leaders who focus on providing books to outgoing first grade students from high-poverty communities to read over the summer. The ACHIEVE Summer Reading program is designed to prevent the reading loss that occurs over the summer in outgoing first-grade students, providing a better educational foundation and a greater probability for graduation. 713-478-3831

AID TO VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC ABUSE

Provides free information on the legal system, safety planning, protective orders, custody and other services to all victims of domestic violence in Fort Bend and Harris County.

713-224-9911 avda-tx.org/

ATTACK POVERTY

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

3727 Greenbriar Drive, #100 Stafford TX, 77477 832-847-4379 attackpoverty.org

BIG BROTHERS LONE STAR

Provides meaningful monitored matches between adult volunteers and youth to develop positive relationships. Outings focus on development of academic and social skills through exposure to a variety of enrichment opportunities.

888-867-BIGS

https://bbst.org

CAREER AND RECOVERY RESOURCES

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

281-207-2300

www.careerandrecovery.org

CHILD ADVOCATES OF FORT BEND

Serving victims of sexual abuse, physical abuse and neglect.

5403 Ave. N. Rosenberg, TX 77471

281-344-5100

www.cafb.org

FORT BEND COUNTY ANIMAL SERVICES

Providing love, care and attention to more than 3,500 animals.

1210 Blume Road

Rosenberg, TX

281-342-1512

www.fbchhs.org/animal-services

FORT BEND SENIOR MEALS ON WHEELS

Helping seniors maintain independence through service and resources.

1330 Band Road

Rosenberg, TX 77471

281-633-7049

fortbendseniors.org

FORT BEND WOMEN’S CENTER

Bringing healing and hope to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault since 1980.

281-344-5750

www.fbwc.org

HOPE FOR THREE

Advocacy group providing awareness, outreach, education, resources and financial support to families living with autism spectrum disorder.

4771 Sweetwater Blvd., #358, Sugar Land, TX 77479

281-245-0640

www.hopeforthree.org

LITERACY COUNCIL OF FORT BEND COUNTY

Improve family, community and professional lives through literacy

12530 Emily Court

Sugar Land, TX 77478

281-240-8181

www.ftbendliteracy.org

LUNCHES OF LOVE

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

1416 Radio Ln., Rosenberg, TX 77471

832-586-6995

lunchesoflove.net

SECOND MILE MISSION CENTER

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

1135 Highway 90A, Missouri City, TX 77489

281-261-9199

info@secondmile.org

https://secondmile.org

THE ARC OF FORT BEND COUNTY

Advocacy and support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

123 Brooks Street Sugar Land, TX 77478

281-494-5959

info@arcoffortbend.org

arcoffortbend.org

UNITED WAY OF GREATER HOUSTON

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

12300 Parc Crest Drive Stafford, TX 77477

281-207-2300

www.unitedwayhouston.org

YMCA OF GREATER HOUSTON

Provides programs that promote youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Includes after school programs, swim lessons, teen leadership, summer day camps and activities for older adults.

281-499-9622

https://ymcahouston.org

MUSEUMS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21 tion examines the various ways that railroads have shaped American popular music. One panel tells the story of folk singer-songwriter Huddie Ledbetter’s experience with railroads in Fort Bend County leading to the creation of the classic American song “Midnight Special”. The final part of the exhibition consists of 16 small panels detailing the TV show Soul Train along with 15 railroad themed American songs.

Of course, the museum, next to the railroad tracks in downtown Rosenberg, tells the story of the importance of trains writ large, and includes scale layouts of railroads, historical railroad artifacts and a fully restored 1859 railcar. The museum is open 10:00 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, and 1-4 p.m. Sunday. Visit the website at www.rosenbergrrmuseum. org.

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

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

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

Art Museum TX is open for viewing, free of charge, from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, and 15 p.m. Sunday. The museum has also recently reopened its location in LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch, 2717 Commercial Center Blvd., which includes programming for children. Visit the website at artmuseumtx.org.

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

The Center is open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday–Saturday. Visit the website at www.childrensdiscoveryfb.org.

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

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

Its upcoming Mothers’ Day concert

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

RAFFLE PRIZES

5373 1st St. Katy 77493

Family event 1-5 pm Adult event 6-10 pm

GAMES ICE CREAM

COLORING TABLE BOOTHS & VENDORS

Fundraising Event for Fort Bend County You Are Not Alone (YANA) and Project Lifesaver

What is YANA & Project Lifesaver?

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

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As county keeps growing, development continues in droves

By Ken Fountain KFOUNTAIN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In March, the Planning & Zoning Commission considered a proposed final development for a development called The Pearl at Lake Point. The proposal consists of approximately 6.5 acres located along Creek Bend Drive just south of the Fluor Corporation building.

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

And it’s not just splashy new developments that Sugar Land is working on. Earlier this year, City Council approved a new residential reinvestment initiative that would allow qualifying homeowners to invest in a re-envisioned exterior home design. Under the Design program, a $500 rebate may be available for homeowners who substantially implement at least one qualifying exterior improvement on their home within six months of receiving a design through the program.

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

Neighbor-

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

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

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

Also underway is Arcadia, a new single-family home development by Taylor Morrison at the intersection of Texas Parkway and Cartwright Road. Projected for completion later this year, the development

In the Richmond/Rosenberg area, work continues apace toward the completion of the Epicenter, expected to open in the fall.

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

The 176,000-square-foot, 10,450-seat center will play host to graduation ceremonies for the county’s school districts, concerts, and sporting events, and will also serve as an emergency shelter during events such as hurricanes and the like, which Matocha said was one of the leading criteria among county officials’ criteria for the complex. Matocha said the Epicenter will play a major role in the county’s bid to attract the growing “sports tourism” industry, which is expected to bring visitors from around the country and beyond to Fort Bend.

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

Photo courtesy Habitat for Humanity

Photo by Ken Fountatin

IMPORTANT NUMBERS TO KNOW

FORT BEND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Sugar Land, Texas 77478

281-491-0800

https//fortbendchamber.com

Contact the Chamber of Commerce for a Relocation Package. Includes a magazine with information on area housing, schools, churches, retail, restaurants and more.

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

FORT BEND ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS

713-335-4240

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

FORT BEND ISD

16431 Lexington Blvd.

Sugar Land, Texas 77479

www.fortbendisd.com

281-634-1000

LAMAR CISD

3911 Avenue I

Rosenberg, Texas 77471

832-223-0000

https//lcisd.org

STAFFORD MSD

1633 Staffordshire Rd., Stafford, TX 77477, 281-261-9200

www.staffordmsd.org

FORT BEND COUNTY COURTHOUSE

309 South Fourth Street

Richmond, Texas 77469

(Mailing Address)

301 Jackson

281-342-3411

Richmond, Texas 77479

Court Coordinator Fax Number

281-341-4426

www.fortbendcountytx.gov

FORT BEND CENTRAL APPRAISAL DISTRICT

2801 B.F. Terry Blvd.

Rosenberg, Texas 77471

281-344-8623

www.fbcad.org

TEXAS DEPT. OF PUBLIC SAFETY

(Driver’s License)

28000 Southwest Freeway

Rosenberg, Texas 77471

281-517-1630

www.dps.texas.gov

COMCAST-XFINITY STORE

13540 University Blvd. Sugar Land, Texas 77479

800-934-6489

U.S. POST OFFICE

SUGAR LAND MAIN POST OFFICE

225 Matlage Way

Sugar Land, Texas 77478-3273 281-494-0013

FIRST COLONY POST OFFICE

3130 Grants Lake Blvd. Sugar Land, Texas 77479 800-275-8777

CENTERPOINT ENERGY

800-752-8036

www.centerpointenergy.com

RELIANT ENERGY

All Service Requests Handled via phone 713-207-7243

POWER TO CHOOSE

www.powertochoose.org

(this is where you can choose your electric provider)

CITY OF SUGAR LAND TREASURY MANAGEMENT

2700 Town Center Blvd. North Sugar Land, Texas 77479 281-275-2750

WINDSTREAM COMMUNICATIONS

800-347-1991

www.windstream.com

AT&T

800-288-2020

SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION

10703 Stancliff

Houston, Texas 77099

800-772-1213

www.ssa.gov

FORT BEND COUNTY TAX ASSESSOR-COLLECTOR

12550 Emily Court Sugar Land Substation

281-341-3710

FORT BEND AUTO REGISTRATION

1317 Eugene Heimann Circle Richmond, Texas 77469 281-341-3710

FORT BEND COUNTY REGISTRATION & TITLING

Mailing Address:

(FB Co Tax Office)

1317 Eugene Heimann Circle Richmond, Texas 77469 281-341-3710

5855 Sienna Springs Way Missouri City, TX 77459 832-471-4140

DMV PHONE NUMBER

281-341-3710 fax 281-238-3265

fbauto@co.fort-bend.tx.us

www.co.fort-bend.tx.us

Also, online auto registration renewal; visit TxDMVVehicle Registration Renewal for eligibility requirements.

VOTER REGISTRATION

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

FORT BEND COUNTY RECYCLING & ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER

1200 Blume Road. Rosenberg, Texas 77471 281-633-7581

ELECTED OFFICIALS CONTACT INFO

FORT BEND COUNTY JUDGE KP GEORGE 401 Jackson St., 281-341-8608 Richmond, TX 77469

FBC.Judge@fortbendcountytx.gov

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

VINCENT MORALES, PRECINCT 1

1517 Eugene Heimann Circle, Richmond, TX 77469 281-344-9400

commpct1@fortbendcountytx.gov

GRADY PRESTAGE, PRECINCT 2

303 Texas Parkway, Ste. 213, Missouri City, TX 77489 281-403-8000

commpct2@fortbendcountytx.gov

ANDY MEYERS, PRECINCT 3

13131 Dairy Ashford, #341, Sugar Land, 77478 281-238-1403

Andy.Meyers@fortbendcountytx.gov

DEXTER MCCOY, PRECINCT 4

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

U.S. CONGRESS, TEXAS DISTRICT 9 – AL GREEN

2440 Texas Parkway Suite 115, Missouri City, TX 77489 713-383-9234

U.S. CONGRESS, TEXAS DISTRICT 22 –TROY NEHLS

1117 FM 359 Suite 210, Richmond, TX 77406 346-762-6600

TEXAS HOUSE DISTRICT 27 – RON REYNOLDS

2440 Texas Parkway, Suite 102, Missouri City, Texas 77489 281-208-3574 (district office); 512-463-0494 (Austin)

TEXAS HOUSE DISTRICT 28 – GARY GATES 2205 Avenue I, Rosenberg, TX 77471 512-463-0657 (Austin)

TEXAS HOUSE REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT 76 – SULEMAN LULANI

PHONE: 512-463-0596

EMAIL: suleman.lalani@house.texas.gov

SUGAR LAND MAYOR

JOE ZIMMERMAN

2700 Town Center Blvd. North, Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-275-2313 jzimmerman@sugarlandtx.gov

MISSOURI CITY MAYOR

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

STAFFORD MAYOR CECIL WILLIS

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

MEADOWS PLACE

MAYOR CHARLES JESSUP One Troyan Dr., Meadows Place, TX 77477 281-983-3900

Email: mayor@cityofmeadowsplace.org

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

ROSENBERG MAYOR

KEVIN RAINES

2110 Fourth St., Rosenberg, TX 77471 832-595-3300

kraines@rosenbergtx.gov

STEPHANIE CASTILLO CINDY MCCOY ARLENE NOVAK LAHOMMA SOLOMON

Area districts thriving, eying future as year winds down

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

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

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

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

Fort Bend ISD calls for $1.2 billion bond election

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“We learned that our community appreciates lots of information before they go to the polls,” Whitbeck said. “We intend to share bond details early and often using various communication methods between now and Election Day so that voters are informed when they cast their ballots.”

Local robotics team goes to state

In mid-March,  a community team made up of students from Sartartia and Fort Settlement middle schools and Elkins High School advanced to the state level of the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC), a robotics competition for secondary students, which took place late last month in Belton, according to a Fort Bend ISD online story.

Team members included Sartartia’s Abhiram Pavuluri, Maanav Pinapala and Neil Vellanki, Fort Settlement’s Pranav Tammana and Elkins’s Suhas Vemuri.

The team earned the following awards in the regional competition:

• 1st Place in Design – Given to teams that best incorporate industrial and functional design into their robot

• 2nd Place in Inspire – Given to the strongest ambassador of FIRST programs and the team that best performed across all judged categories

• 2nd Place in Connect – Given to the team most connected to their STEM community

• 2nd Place in Control – Celebrates innovative thinking in the control system to solve game challenges

• 3rd Place in Motivate – Given to teams that

spark others to embrace the culture of FIRST

Area students win big with rodeo art awards Mia Huckman, a senior at Lamar CISD’s Foster High School, was named the 2023 Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo School Art Grand Champion in February. This was Huckman’s fourth time to have artwork in the HLSR’s School Art Auction and the first time she has placed first, according to a news release. She received this year’s honor at the HLSR’s School Art Awards Ceremony on Feb. 11. Her painting, “Our Last Round Up,” was ranked first out of 72 auction lots and 4,500 artwork pieces entered from school districts from across Southeast Texas. Three other Lamar CISD student artists also had artwork in the auction including Foster High School juniors Mia Caycedo and Hannah Horton, as well as Fulshear High School junior Trina Ha.

Fort Bend Christian Academy Junior Joana Liu was also named a ‘Top Young Artist,’ and her piece “The Last Haul” was awarded as a ‘Top Work of Art’ by the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo School Art Program, according to a news release.

Liu was selected along with 72 other students out of 4,000 entries to advance to the Grand Champion and Reserve Champion level of judging, which was held on March 12-13. She ranked 25th out of the 72. Joana and FBCA art teacher Ryan Baptiste attended the HLSR School Art Program Awards Ceremony on February 11.

A local robotics team made it to the state competition in mid-March. (Photo courtesy Fort Bend ISD)

Foster High School student Mia Huckman is shown with her Grand Champion art piece from the HLSR. (Contributed photo)