New Comers Guide 2019

ort Bend F Welcome to

Sugar Land Missouri City, Richmond, Rosenberg, Stafford & Fort Bend County

2019 OFFICIAL NEWCOMERS GUIDE

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H SUGAR LAND NEWCOMERS GUIDE AND VISITORS DIRECTORY 2019

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H SUGAR LAND NEWCOMERS GUIDE AND VISITORS DIRECTORY 2019

Welcome to Fort Bend County!

Howdy y’all, and welcome to Fort Bend County! We’re so glad to have you here. If you’re new to our little corner of paradise then there is a lot you need to know, so settle down into a comfy chair with a tall glass of iced tea and get ready to explore this amazing corner of the world we call home. One of the first things you’ll learn about people here in Sugar Land, Missouri City, Stafford, Meadows Place, Richmond, Rosenberg, and everywhere JOE SOUTHERN else in Fort Bend County is we’re a little different. Actually, we’re a lot different. This is one of the biggest melting pots of race, religion and culture on the planet. That’s a good thing and something we’re mighty proud of. We are a healthy mix of blacks, whites, Hispanics, Asians, Muslims, Hindus, Christians, Jews and/or probably a little Jedi, Sith, Vulcan or Klingon thrown in just for good measure. Seriously though, it’s not uncommon to see a mosque down the street from a church or even near a temple. This is a place proud of its history, touching such events as the Texas Revolution to the Old West and on to outer space via our NASA neighbors in Houston. Fort Bend County is home to many astronauts, professional athletes, noteworthy politicians, artists, musicians, and descendants from Stephen F. Austin’s Old 300 colonists. This is the home of champions, including the Sugar Land Skeeters baseball team, which won its second Atlantic League championship in 2018. Olympic champions Tara Lipinski, Simone Manuel, and Steven Lopez have called Sugar Land home. Sugar Land is a world-class city and a place where you can enjoy

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world-class entertainment in our new Smart Financial Centre, enjoy professional baseball at Constellation Field, tour numerous museums or spend some leisure time in one of our many parks. The city recently annexed Cullinan Park and is making huge improvements. New parks and trails are under development, including a new Crown Festival Park and the Brazos River Park, not far from the Smart Financial Centre and the city’s outdoor plaza there. When it comes to museums, we’ve got the Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land and the Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center, and the new Sugar Land Heritage Museum. This is in addition to the Fort Bend County Museum and George Ranch Historical Park in Richmond, the Rosenberg Railroad Museum, and several other museums and galleries. You’ll want to be sure to get outdoors and experience nature at Brazos Bend State Park, home of the American alligator. Don’t worry, no one has ever been bitten by one in the history of the park. It’s also home to deer, opossums, armadillos, river otters, nutria, rabbits, turtles, snakes, and many species of birds. Of course, all of this is tip-of-the-iceberg stuff when it comes to really exploring and appreciating everything Fort Bend County have to offer. That’s why we invite you to flip through the pages of this guide to help you navigate all that we get to enjoy on a daily basis. To help you stay on top of the news and events happening locally, please be sure to read the Fort Bend Star each week. It’s free to you, part of our way of saying welcome, we’re glad you’re here! Sincerely, Joe Southern Editor, Fort Bend Star

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Our primary care doctors make your family their top priority. We provide personalized care for your whole family, including physicals, immunizations and preventive care. Many of our practices: • Provide online scheduling • Are conveniently located close to work or home • Accept most major insurance plans Visit houstonmethodist.org/pcg or call 713.394.6638 to schedule an appointment.

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H SUGAR LAND NEWCOMERS GUIDE AND VISITORS DIRECTORY 2019

WHEN IT COMES TO DEFENDING THE ATLANTIC LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP… THE SKEETERS ARE PLAYING FOR KEEPS! they are part of the Freedom division, which includes the Lancaster (Pa.) Barnstormers, Southern Maryland Blue Crabs, and the York (Pa.) Revolution. The Liberty Division includes the Somerset (N.J.) Patriots – the only Last season the Sugar Land Skeeters hired Pete In- remaining original team, the Long Island (N.Y.) Ducks, the New Britain (Conn.) Bees, and, new this year, the caviglia as the second manager in team history. Incaviglia reciprocated by delivering the second At- High Point (N.C.) Rockers. Last year the Skeeters made a very improbable run lantic League championship in the team’s seven-year at the playoffs. Although they won the first and second history. The Atlantic League’s traveling championship trophy halves of the season, they did so while having more than is back in Sugar Land and this time the team wants it to a dozen player contracts purchased by Major League teams. As Incaviglia would lose one player, he would restay. This season they’re playing for keeps! The Skeeters are an independent league baseball team place him with another of equal or greater ability. “I can’t begin to tell you about the players we have that was founded in 2012 and plays its home games at Constellation Field. The team is owned by Bob and Mar- here; the heart, the pride, the desire, the willingness to play the game the way it’s supposed to be played every cie Zlotnik and their son Kevin. The Skeeters are part of the eight-team Atlantic day. A manager can measure a lot of things but he can’t League of Professional Baseball, which is entering its measure a man’s heart. I was fortunate enough to have 21st season in 2019. As the only team located in Texas, 25 guys at all times that had the biggest hearts that I’ve ever had the privilege of managing in this club,” he SUGAR LAND SKEETERS PROMOTIONAL SCHEDULE said during the championship celebration last October in Sugar Land Town Square. 2019 Sugar Land Skeeters promotional nights Last September the SkeeMay 16 July 12 ters played the Barnstormers Bark in the Park Swatson Christmas Bobble- in the Freedom Division headAssured Flow Solutions Championship Series and May 17 went into an extra inning in Pink in the ParkJuly 13 Memorial Hermann Parrothead Night with Jersey the decisive fifth game to advance. Tony Thomas belted a Giveaway- TDA May 18 April 25 walk-off grand slam to give Cory Morrow Postgame July 17 Opening Night/ Replica the Skeeters a 10-6 victory. Concert- Silver Eagle Super Splash Day Championship Ring Up next were the Long 11:05 a.m. game Giveaway- Constellation May 31 Island Ducks, the team the Spazmatics Postgame Skeeters swept in three Aug. 3 April 27 Concert- Silver Eagle games to win the championDeacon Jones Bobblehead Skeeters Hat Giveaway ship in 2016. This time the MemberSource Credit Union June 1 Aug. 17 Ducks pushed the Skeeters Boy Scouts Night Star Wars BobbleheadApril 28 to a fifth game. The SkeeRepublic Services Hope for Three June 12 ters won the fifth game (Autism Awareness) Super Splash Day Aug. 31 4-1 behind a complete game 11:05 a.m. game Team Card Set Giveawaypitching performance by seMay 1 Memorial Hermann Ironman ries MVP James Russell. Baseball in Education June 16 The series began with two 11:05am game Beer Mug GiveawaySept. 19 victories by the Skeeters at Silver Eagle Bark in the Park May 11 home in Constellation Field, Game of Thrones BobbleheadJune 28 Sept. 21 followed by two losses in Memorial Hermann Sugar Women’s Veteran’s NightFaith and Family NightLong Island to set up the fiLand Grace After Fire Christ Church Sugar Land nal game. May 14 June 29 The Skeeters will open the Baseball in Education Skeeters Patriotic Hat 2019 season at home on April 11:05am game Giveaway- Well Care/Texan Plus 25 against the Blue Crabs.

By Joe Southern

JSOUTHERN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Sugar Land Skeeters Manager Pete Incaviglia gives a little friendly advice to the home plate umpire during a game last season. He is returning for his second year at the helm of the team. (Photo by Joe Southern) The Opening Day festivities will include the presentation of the championship rings to the players. They will play 69 regular season games at Constellation Field this year. Incaviglia and the Skeeters have been busy in the off season crafting the squad they hope will defend the title this year. They began by bringing back core position players Albert Cordero (catcher/infield), Alvaro Rondon (infield), and Tony Thomas (outfield). Also returning as a player-coach is Josh Prince (infield), who was part of the 2016 championship team but spent last season at the Double-A and Triple-A levels in the Arizona Diamondbacks system. The Skeeters have also signed hometown hero James Loney, an 11-year Major League veteran who won a state championship while playing baseball for Elkins High School. “Words cannot express how ecstatic I am to come back home and be a member of the Sugar Land Skeeters,” Loney said. “I am proud to be associated with a

Skeeters pitcher James Russell threw a complete game victory in Game 5 of the Atlantic League Championship Series to become the series MVP. (Photo by Joe Southern) first-class organization and appreciate the opportunity to have an impact in this community. I am thrilled the Skeeters are such an integral part of Sugar Land, and excited to get started on defending the Atlantic League championship title!” Loney, 34, was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the first round (19th overall) of the 2002 MLB Draft out of Elkins High School. He spent seven of his 11 Major League seasons with the Dodgers, also appearing with the Boston Red Sox (2012), Tampa Bay Rays (2013-15) and New York Mets (2016). Over his Major League career, Loney appeared in 1,443 games and had a .284 batting average, .336 on-base percentage, and .410 slugging percentage to go with 108 home runs and 669 RBIs. The Houston native led the National League with 160 games played at first base in 2010 and led the American League in games played at the position in 2014 with the Rays (152 games). He finished fifth in the National League in 2010 with 41 doubles. He ranked second in the American League in singles in 2014 (138) and finished in the top 10 in the National League in 2008 (118, 8th) and 2009 (122, 9th). Loney ranks eighth all-time in Dodgers history in games played at first base (896). “Any time you can sign a player of this magnitude, especially one who’s from the Houston area, it’s a really big deal,” said Incaviglia. “It’s a great fit for the Skeeters organization and I also think it’s a great fit for him. It’s really the best of both worlds and we’re incredibly excited to have him on board.” Also signed is catcher Cody Stanley. The 30-year-old made his Major League debut in 2015 with the St. Louis Cardinals, going 4-for-10 with two runs in three RBIs through nine games played, accounting for the entirety of his MLB service time. The Cardinals drafted Stanley in the fourth round of the 2010 MLB Draft out of the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. He last appeared professionally in 2015 with Triple-A Memphis. Incaviglia has also brought in some Major League muscle on the mound. Right-hander Mark Lowe, 35, spent 11 seasons in the Majors as a reliever, appearing with the

Felipe Paulino was named to the Atlantic League Post-Season All-Star Team as a closer last season. He saved a team record 33 games, which led the Atlantic League in 2018. (Photo by Joe Southern)

Anthony Giansanti was named to both the Atlantic League Post-Season All-Star Team and the Atlantic League Red, White and Blue All-Defensive Team last season. The outfielder was a leader on the team last season. (Photo by Joe Southern)

Seattle Mariners (2006-10, ‘15), Texas Rangers (2010-12), Los Angeles Angels (2013), Cleveland Indians (2014), Toronto Blue Jays (2015) and Detroit Tigers (2016). The Houston native went 10-27 with a 4.22 ERA (385.2 IP) and six saves through his Major League career. Lowe has averaged 8.2 strikeouts per nine innings over his MLB career. Through 14 professional seasons, Lowe has gone 29-47 with a 4.44 ERA and 40 saves in 583 games (32 starts), spanning 732 innings pitched. Former Major League left-hander David Holmberg, 27, made his Major League debut with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2013 and has also appeared at the Major League level with the Cincinnati Reds (2014-15) and the Chicago White Sox (2017). He was the ninth youngest player to appear in the Majors in 2013. Over four Major League seasons, Holmberg is 5-10 with a 5.49 ERA through 51 appearances (19 starts), spanning 119 ⅔ innings pitched. Holmberg made a career-high 37 outings (seven starts) with the White Sox in 2017, going 2-4 with a career-low 4.68 ERA. The Skeeters are bringing back right-hander Lucas Irvine, 30, who made his Skeeters debut in 2018, going 1-1 with a 3.41 ERA through six starts. He also made two starts in the 2018 postseason, going 1- 0 with a 2.89. Irvine is set to appear in his fifth season in the Atlantic League. He made his first Atlantic League appearance in 2013 with the Camden Riversharks and appeared in two seasons with the Somerset Patriots (2015, ‘17), as well as his 2018 stint with the Skeeters. He’s also appeared at the independent level with the Kansas City T-Bones of the American Association (2012-13, ‘18). The Kansas City, Mo., native is 47-38 with a 3.79 ERA and two saves through 195 games (153 starts) in seven seasons at the professional level. The Tampa Bay Rays

drafted Irvine in the 27th round of the 2011 MLB Draft out of Northwestern State University of Louisiana.

Sugar Land Skeeters mascot Swatson holds the Atlantic League championship trophy. The Skeeters won their second title last season. They first won it in 2016. (Photo by Joe Southern)

H SUGAR LAND NEWCOMERS GUIDE AND VISITORS DIRECTORY 2019

SUGAR LAND STEEPED IN BASEBALL HISTORY By Joe Southern JSOUTHERN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Long before ground was broken on Constellation Field and the Skeeters played their first game of professional baseball, Sugar Land was home to some of the best amateur baseball teams in the region. Organized baseball has been played in Sugar Land since before the turn of the 20th century, but really got competitive in the 1940s until it faded out in the 1970s. Just as Imperial Sugar owned the old company town, it also sponsored the local baseball teams, providing jerseys, equipment and fields to play on. With names like the Imperials, the Imperial Tigers, Imperial Pirates, and the Imperial Braves, the company kept its stamp on all things related to Sugar Land. It also afforded young men the opportunity to have their moment in the sun. “We were good. We were undefeated. Everybody else wanted to play us. We used to play a team from Mexico called Piedras Negras, they were good, but they wanted to play us,” said D.C. Pickett, who at age 80 has many fond memories of his playing years. He recently gathered with Ernest Trevino, 84, and George Morales Jr., 74, at the request of Chuck Kelly of the Sugar Land Historical Foundation to talk about the Golden Age of baseball in Sugar Land. Just like Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball in 1947, baseball in Sugar Land became desegregated. “Sugar Land was always unusual,” Pickett said. “It wasn’t black and white; it was never like that. Everybody worked together and the sugar company controlled everything. We worked together, we got off and we played together, so there wasn’t all that this-and-that.” The teams were usually Hispanic or black until the mid-1960s when they integrated and added a smattering of whites into the mix. For the athletes, race wasn’t the issue; playing and having fun is what counted. “Sunday was a special day. We wouldn’t

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Holding jerseys from their days of playing baseball for Imperial Sugar are, from the left, Ernest Trevino, D.C. Pickett, and George Morales Jr. (Photo by Joe Southern) go nowhere on Saturday night, but Sunday morning we’d be ready to go,” Pickett said. Trevino started playing in the early 1950s. “My father played baseball and I used to watch him play,” he said. “After I got into high school, that’s when I started to play baseball. I asked him, when can I start playing with y’all? He said, ya, you’re going to have to wait a little more. I was 14 years old at the time.” Trevino never did play on the team with his father. “Through the years that I played baseball with our team here, he got to see me play, just like I got to see him play. When he was playing he played third base. When I started playing he went out there and started seeing me play and all of that.” He gave his son some critical advice as a player. “He told me when you hit the ball over the second baseman or the short stop, you run over to second base. So I hit the ball over the first baseman and I went over to second base and he just looked at me from the stands. After that, I fell in love with baseball,” he said. “There was nothing else to do in Sugar Land.” CONTINUES...

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A playbill for a baseball game between the Sugar Land Imperials and the Austin Red Sox on April 29, 1945. (Photo by Joe Southern)

Morales recalled that the big occasions were when the teams from Mexico arrived. “When they brought the teams in from Mexico to play over here, we always had big crowds to watch those games,” Morales said. Several of the players also participated in LULAC (League of United Latin American Citizens) leagues. “I played with the LULACs for about two or three years,” Trevino said. Most of the local games were played at West End Park, which was located southeast of where Constellation Field stands today. “They had stands out there and everything, and cars would park on the sides. It was a crowd,” Morales said. “They used to have an announcer, Lee Blackburn, he was always on that bullhorn. He would make it sound like he was an announcer for the big leagues.” Back then, baseball was about the only summertime entertainment around. “There wasn’t that much going on back then in Sugar Land, except for the baseball teams,” Morales said. “Everyone came out for the baseball teams. I remember there used to be a car going through the neighborhoods announcing that there was going to be baseball games. Chuck Kelly, left, of the Sugar Land Heritage Foundation and George Morales Jr. look over books and photos about baseball in BASEBALL CONTINUES ON PAGE 24 Sugar Land back in the mid-1900s. (Photo by Joe Southern)

H SUGAR LAND NEWCOMERS GUIDE AND VISITORS DIRECTORY 2019

In the 2017 book “Mexican American Baseball In Houston and Southeast Texas” by Richard A. Santillan, Gregory Garrett, Joseph Thompson, Mikaela Selly, and William Lange, the authors noted that Trevino was known for his speed. “A track star in school, Tevino played baseball starting in 1952. He amazed local crowds with his speed on the base paths. One of his claims to fame was stealing home successfully three times,” they wrote. Pickett was a pitcher of note. “I was a pitcher and we won almost all the games,” he said. “When I left Sugar Land I went to Prairie View and I played at Prairie View for three years on the college team.” Pickett could make the ball do what he wanted. “I couldn’t throw a straight ball. Everything I threw was George Morales Jr. poses next to a picture of him (lower left) junk,” he said. “I had a knuckleball then. It would go about with other friends during their Little League days (Photo by 20 miles per hour but no one could hit it.” Joe Southern) Like Trevino, Morales got into baseball after watching his father play. “The way I got interested is my dad used to play ball. would come over here and play and my dad would feed I was born and raised here in Sugar Land and I lived in them and everything,” he said. “I don’t know where they Mayfield Park until I was 12 years old. When I turned 12 slept, but I do remember that my mom used to be a cook years old I moved to Stafford. But all this time, my dad, he and they had the restaurant and they would go in there and eat. They would come down on the bus, play the game, liked baseball, so he played baseball.” and then go back.” The senior Morales was also an entrepreneur. In “Mexican American Baseball In Houston and South“My dad was a promoter. He had a café and dance hall in Stafford and what he did, he would contract some teams east Texas” the authors noted the formation of rivalries. “The Sugar Land Imperials and Richmond Tigers to come up from Mexico to come up here toOVER play. So CELEBRATING 160they YEARS OF ACTIVE TOWER 17 baseball teams formed RAILROADING IN FT. BEND COUNTY LAYOUTS NT LED TOURS rivalries with Mexican TRIPS American and Anglo teams VALS all over Southeast Texas. The teams played Anglo, Mexican American and African American teams from Texas City, Shiner, Rosenberg, Texas 77471 Navasota, Austin, and Port Arthur. Frank Johnson’s www.rosenbergRRmuseum.org Imperial Tigers once played a team in Alvin. The Alvin team, Johnson said, had in their rotation a young fireWalk-Ins & Appointments Welcome ball pitcher named Nolan Ryan.”

H SUGAR LAND NEWCOMERS GUIDE AND VISITORS DIRECTORY 2019

SUGAR LAND METHODIST CHURCH loving and serving the community for 100 years By Joe Southern JSOUTHERN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Sugar Land Methodist Church is celebrating 100 years in 2019, but it is not resting on its laurels. As the church celebrates a century of ministry, it is looking ahead to another 100 years of commitment to Christ and service to the community. Sugar Land Methodist Church is one of the oldest churches in the area and is well ingrained into the community. It has been the church home of many families in the community, has invested in generations of children and youth, and is a refuge in times of storm – both physical and spiritual. The Rev. Martin Nicholas was assigned to the church in 1994 and is celebrating his 25th anniversary with the congregation. “On Aug. 25, we will have the church’s centennial celebration and Bishop Scott Jones will be here to preach,” Nicholas said. He said the church can trace it’s early beginnings to 1910. “When churches began to develop in the area we were Methodist Episcopal Church South and had been meeting informally since 1910,” he said. “The way the Methodist system worked, pastors tended to rotate, so it was easy for a pastor to be supportive but not necessarily assigned as a pastor. A circuit rider is what we used to call them. There was some pastoral presence. Then in 1919 the church officially formed. By 1921 we had a building on Fourth and Main,” he said. “In the early ’50s, our church boldly moved to the frontier, the eastern frontier of Sugar Land, which is right here.” At the time the church met in a simple A-frame building.

“There was nothing but trees. Seventh Street wasn’t even here,” he said. “Later in the ’50s, Eldridge Hospital was built, which is right across the street. We bought that building in the mid-80s, and transformed it into our Student Life Center and added the gym/PARC in 1999. We were the first to move out east of Sugar Land and now this road is nothing but churches.” “Our second sanctuary built on this property in 1977, had the first pipe organ in Fort Bend County,” he said. That building was renovated in 2010 and is now the choir room and The Venue, where the 9:45 a.m. service is held each week. The third sanctuary on the property was built in 1999 and is filled with beautiful stained glass and art. The church stays filled through the week with people seeking Christ through worship, prayer, Bible studies, music, missions and discipleship ministries for people of all ages. “The church cares deeply about the people in this community,” Nicholas said. The church’s focus on ministering to young families is what attracted the Rev. Trey Allen, 32, to the ministerial staff. “A lot of times I think the older churches are seen as being devoid of young life, and that’s just not the feel of this church,” he said. “Even more than that, I find so much meaning in the history of this church. It’s so cool to be part of a church that’s been in the same place, plugging along, and the longer you live here, the more you see the roots of the church spreading into the city. You see the deep ripples of what I call simple faithfulness. People living their lives in a faithful way to love God and others. It affects the infrastructure of a city and to be part of a place like that The Sugar Land Methodist Church Choir sings at the start of the 8:30 a.m. service. The is really, really inspiring. To continue music programs are a big part of worship at the church. (Photo by Joe Southern) living a life dedicated to making where

our outreach,” he said. The School for Little Children, operated by the church, is also one of its biggest ministries to the community. “Our preschool is one of the oldest in the county and will celebrate its 50th year this fall,” Nicholas said. “The PARC, our after school and recreation ministry which started in 2001, provides after school care for several schools in the area, a summer camp program – Camp Yahweh, and recreation programs for all ages. Both the school and the PARC provide wonderful and much needed Christian outreach for families in the area.” It was difficult for Rev. Nicholas to start naming all the areas where the church is involved in the community because there are so many. “In 1993-94 we bought the Sugar Land Church of Christ building, which is right next door, and converted that to educational and ministry space. That building has served twice as a shelter during hurricanes Ike and Harvey,” he said. “The Student Life Center building was a Red Cross relief shelter for Hurricane Katrina. We housed 150 people for several weeks and provided shelter, food, medical needs, job searches, job placements and school assistance. “Our church helped start East Fort Bend Human Needs and we continue to partner with them,” he said. The church is also currently a part of a church coalition combating human trafficking, supports an orphanage in Africa, medical missions in Guatemala, and Living Water International, an organization the provides clean water to impoverished communities around the world. They also support the Choctaw Indian reservation in Mississippi through their student ministry and several ministries within the United Methodist denomination. One of the places they have had a direct impact locally is through a partnership with Townewest Elementary School. They provide mentors for students, backpacks before school and help at Christmas season through the Giving Tree ministry. “There are times when we provide adult presence in the school for programs and we are about to start sewing classes

11 H SUGAR LAND NEWCOMERS GUIDE AND VISITORS DIRECTORY 2019

I am better. You may not see huge ramifications, but you get to be a part of a community of people who are all aiming in that same direction,” he said. Kip Johnson and her husband Tim came to the church 44 years ago. Kip spent 35 of those years on staff at the preschool and then the church. “When my husband and I joined we were meeting in the old A-frame building on Eldridge Road,” she said. “Since then we’ve built two more buildings and purchased the education center from the Church of Christ.” In that time the Johnsons have seen a lot of growth in the church and the community. “There were 300 people when we joined. Now we’re nearing 3,600,” she said. She attributes that in large part to two key areas where the church has been very successful – music and children’s ministry. “I was the children and youth choir director for the 35 years I worked there,” she said. “We have a lot of variety and talent in our music program.” The Rev. Nicholas said there are a couple of things that make an impression when people come. “First, we make every effort to be a very warm and welcoming congregation and to help people find a place to belong,” he said. “Secondly, is our music ministry. We have traditional music with a choir and orchestra. Our praise bands are filled with musicians from three generations, some who grew up in the church and many who have performed professionally throughout their lives. All areas of our music ministry are growing.” The music helps shape the nature of the three services offered each Sunday. The traditional service at 8:30 a.m. has a choir and orchestra. The 9:45 a.m. service is led by a praise team in a more intimate setting, embracing the historic Christian practices of worship, and the 11 a.m. service is a contemporary service led by a praise team. Nicholas said the church’s reputation has centered on two key areas. “Probably two of the most defining features of our ministry through the years have been our music program and

The Rev. Trey Allen speaks from the pulpit during a morning service at Sugar Land Methodist Church. (Photo by Joe Southern)

for the parents,” Nicholas said. Nicholas said there are three things people want to know about a church the first time they visit: • Does this church stand for something besides themselves? Are they here for others? • Do they care about me? Is something

going to happen here that helps me live my life? • When I’m ready to step up, is that easy to do? “I think we answer those three questions well. We are here for others CONTINUES...

H SUGAR LAND NEWCOMERS GUIDE AND VISITORS DIRECTORY 2019

and this is a place to experience God, the fullness of his grace and is a place where you can start making significant contributions in the name of Christ,” he said. Nicholas said there are four keys that define Sugar Land Methodist Church. “We are biblically literate, missionally minded, community oriented, and spiritually formed,” he said. “When people are ready, we have ways to fulfill that strategy, but those are the expectations to follow God in this congregation.” Those are the keys that have defined the church for more than 100 years. The church has also been very fruitful in launching people into full-time ministry. “We have many men and women who have come out of this church and are serving in full-time ministry,” Nicholas said. “We are striving to become a more diverse congregation and are intentional about becoming more and more like

our community,” Nicholas said. As much as the church has changed, it has been able to do so by sticking to its core values. “It’s not just the age of being 100 years, but we are steeped in Wesleyan theology, the basic Christian affirmations,” Nicholas said. “We have several fourgeneration families in our congregation. We are baptizing children using a baptismal font that their parents were baptized through. It is exciting to see grandparents, parents, children and grandchildren worshiping and serving together.” Added Allen, “There are all of these connections here and it is a phenomenal place to grow yourself but also have a pattern of life that passes on from generation to generation. Raising children is difficult. Figuring out how to model good behavior to them is very difficult. When you are surrounded by a community that is Erin Allen helps her two children, Zion and Phia, to check helping you do that, it sets you up for a flourishing life into KidsWorld for Sunday School. (Photo by Joe Southern) in Sugar Land.”

Sugar Land Methodist Church Address: 431 Eldridge Road, Sugar Land Phone: 281-491-6041 Website: www.sugarlandmethodist.org Services: 8:30 (traditional), 9:45 a.m. (The Venue), 11:00 a.m. (contemporary) Pastors Silverio Sanchez and Martin Nicholas prepare for the start of morning services at Sugar Land Methodist Church. (Photo by Joe Southern)

Church timeline 1910: The Methodist Church began meeting in Sugar Land, sharing a school house with three other denominations. 1918: Imperial Sugar Company donated four sites between 4th and 5th streets and Main and Wood streets for four churches: Catholic, Baptist, Methodist, and Presbyterian. 1919: The Rev. C.E. Clark reorganized the church and founded Methodist Episcopal Church South. 1920: First church building constructed at Main and Fourth streets. 1939: Following the unification of Methodists in the United States, the name was changed to The Methodist Church. 1955: Three-acre site on Eldridge Road purchased for a future church. 1957: The new church is consecrated and occupied. 1968: Nationally, following a merger, the church became known as the United Methodist Church. 1969: The School for Little Children (preschool) started. 1977: A new sanctuary, administrative offices and choir facilities were consecrated. 1985: The Laura Eldridge Memorial Hospital was purchased and became the Student Life Center and Perry Abernathy Recreational Center (PARC). 1994: The Eldridge Road Church of Christ building was purchased and became the education center. 1999: An expansion included the current sanctuary and offices. 2010: The Ministry Center was built and includes the Music Suite, The Venue, and classrooms. 2019: The 100th anniversary will be celebrated on Aug. 25.

APRIL A Curious Spring Tea Party* Saturday, April 6 10 a.m. to noon Join us for a spring tea party and explore our special exhibit, Collection of History, Mystery and Wonder. It’ll be a fun tea time experience

T3 Haunted House Friday & Saturday, Oct. 25-26 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. Our spooky haunted house is back again! NOVEMBER Technology Hall Opens Friday, Nov. 1 or 8? Jingle Tree! Tree Lighting Kickoff Coffee Friday, Nov. 15 10 a.m. Deck Your Halls Holiday Decorating Event Tuesday, Nov. 19 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Jingle, Jingle Mix and Mingle Happy Hour & Auction Close Thursday, Nov. 21 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

www.southwest-storage.com Top Quality self-storage at competitive prices serving Sugar Land, Meadows Place and Stafford since 1999. (Conveniently located between W. Airport Blvd. & W. Bellfort)

• Easy Access • 18-wheeler access • Open Lot parking in selected areas • Boxes/Moving Supplies • Conventional Storage • Temperature Controlled units with convenient drive-up • Enclosed or Covered locations in a wide Boat & RV Spaces variety of sizes 2555 Eldridge Road, Sugar Land, Texas 77478 Phone: 281-494-7867 + Fax: 281-494-8110 Email: southweststorage1@yahoo.com $20 OFF WITH THIS AD! • $20 OFF WITH THIS AD!

DECEMBER Cookies with Santa Saturday, Dec. 7 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. *Indicates new event

Donate. Shop. Change Lives.

JUNE and JULY Special Summer Programming Thursday or Friday each month AUGUST Butterfly Paint & Plant Fun Day* Friday, Aug. 2 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Explore the life of butterflies and their natural plant habitats during this family event. Bring your creative skills to paint a flower pot and start your own little garden SEPTEMBER Fossil Wash Day Saturday, Sept. 14 or 21 9 a.m. to noon One of our most popular paleo events is back again! Get down and dirty as you help “wash” The annual Jingle Tree is one of the more fossil dirt and watch paleontologists explore popular events each year at the Houston for fossil pieces OCTOBER

Museum of Natural History at Sugar Land. (Photo by Joe Southern)

We Pick-Up & Deliver 281-344-5777 pick-ups@fbwc.org

Bringing Healing &Hope to Survivors of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault.

H SUGAR LAND NEWCOMERS GUIDE AND VISITORS DIRECTORY 2019

MARCH Pi Day - Radio Circles the Globe Thursday, March 14 10 a.m. to noon Help us celebrate Einstein’s birthday on Pi Day with lots of math and museum fun

Tricks, Treats & T-Rex! Saturday, Oct. 26 10 a.m. to noon Our family Halloween event!

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The Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. To celebrate there are a number of new a returning events planned throughout the year. The museum, located at 13016 University Blvd., Sugar Land, will host the following events in 2019:

Tenth Anniversary Weekend Oct. 5 and 6 Stop in Saturday morning to help us cut our birthday cake

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Schedule of events for Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land

Bourbon Event – Oct. 3 6-8 p.m. Discovery the scientific wonders behind bourbon distilling and explore our tasting of different variety bourbons

H SUGAR LAND NEWCOMERS GUIDE AND VISITORS DIRECTORY 2019

FORT BEND LIBRARIES

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

Contact the Adult Reference Department at George Memorial for more information and connection instructions to use your personal laptop at the library. Computer Lab George Memorial Library houses a new computer lab with 18 computers and an instructor’s computer, as well as a large screen to show computer/Internet screens, video tapes and satellite downlinks. When the lab is not being used for training purposes, it is open to the public. Patrons may reserve some of the computers at this branch. This facility is scheduled for renovation providing more space as the administrative offices will be moved to a new building. The new building will be an adjacent parcel of land recently acquired from the Fort Bend Country Club.

FIRST COLONY BRANCH LIBRARY 2121 Austin Parkway Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-238-2800 281-265-4440 FAX

GEORGE MEMORIAL LIBRARY (MAIN) 1001 Golfview Drive Richmond, TX 77469 281-342-4455 281-341-2689 FAX; Adult Services

9230 Gene Street Needville, TX 77461 979-793-4270 281-342-5992 FAX

Hours of Operation Mon. 12:00 pm - 9:00 pm Tues. 10:00 am - 9:00 pm Wed. 10:00 am - 9:00 pm Thurs. 10:00 am - 6:00 pm Fri. 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm Sat. 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Sun. CLOSED

BOB LUTTS FULSHEAR/SIMONTON BRANCH LIBRARY

Hours of Operation Mon. 9:00 am - 9:00 pm Tues. 9:00 am - 9:00 pm Wed. 9:00 am - 9:00 pm Thurs. 9:00 am - 9:00 pm Fri. 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Sat. 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Sun. 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm

CINCO RANCH LIBRARY

8100 FM 359 South P.O. Box 907 Fulshear, TX 77441-0907 281-633-4675 281-346-1265 FAX

Hours of Operation Mon. - Fri. 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Sat. & Sun. CLOSED

Hours of Operation Mon. 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm Tues. 10:00 am - 8:00 pm Wed. 10:00 am - 6:00 pm Thurs. 10:00 am - 6:00 pm Fri. 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm Sat. 9:00 am - 1:00 pm Sun. CLOSED Hours of Operation Mon. 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm Tues. 10:00 am - 6:00 pm Wed. 10:00 am - 6:00 pm Thurs. 10:00 am - 8:00 pm Fri. 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm Sat. 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Sun. CLOSED

Hours of Operation Mon. 12:00 pm - 9:00 pm Tues. 10:00 am - 9:00 pm 2620 Commercial Center Blvd. Wed. 10:00 am - 6:00 pm Katy, TX 77494-6407 Thurs. 10:00 am - 9:00 pm 281-395-1311 Fri. 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm 281-395-6377 FAX Sat. 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Sun. CLOSED

MAMIE GEORGE BRANCH LIBRARY

FORT BEND COUNTY LAW LIBRARY 1422 Eugene Heimann Circle, Rm 30298 Richmond, TX 77469 281-341-3718 281-342-0734 FAX

ALBERT GEORGE BRANCH LIBRARY

320 Dulles Avenue Stafford, TX 77477 281-238-2880 281-242-5793 FAX `

Hours of Operation Mon. 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm Tues. 10:00 am - 6:00 pm Wed. 10:00 am - 6:00 pm Thurs. 10:00 am - 6:00 pm Fri. 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm Sat. 9:00 am - 1:00 pm Sun. CLOSED

GET MORE INFORMATION AT WWW.FORTBEND.LIB.TX.US

1530 Texas Parkway Missouri City, TX 77489 281-238-2100 281-261-5829 FAX

SIENNA BRANCH LIBRARY 8411 Sienna Springs Blvd. Missouri City, TX 77459-7113 281-238-2900 281-238-2901 FAX

SUGAR LAND BRANCH LIBRARY 550 Eldridge Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-238-2140 281-277-8945 FAX

Hours of Operation Mon. 12 pm.-9 pm Tuesday, Wed & Thursday 10 am-9pm Friday 12 pm-5 pm Fri. 7:30 am - 5:00 pm Sat. 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Sun. 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Hours of Operation Mon. 12:00 pm - 9:00 pm Tues. 10:00 am - 9:00 pm Wed. 10:00 am - 6:00 pm Thurs. 10:00 am - 9:00 pm Fri. 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm Sat. 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Sun. CLOSED

Hours of Operation Mon. 10:00 pm - 9:00 pm Tues. 10:00 am - 9:00 pm 14010 University Blvd. Wed. 10:00am - 9:00 pm Sugar Land, TX 77479-4295 Thurs. 10:00 am - 9:00 pm 281-633-5100 Fri. 10:00 pm - 5:00 pm 281-313-4928 FAX Sat. 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Sun. CLOSED

UNIVERSITY BRANCH LIBRARY

MISSION BEND BRANCH LIBRARY 8421 Addicks Clodine Rd Houston, TX 77083 832-471-5900

Hours of Operation Mon. 12 PM TO 9 PM Tues. 10 AM TO 9 PM Wed. 10 AM TO 9 PM Thurs. 10 AM TO 6 PM Fri. 12 PM TO 5 PM Sat. 10 AM TO 5 PM Sun. CLOSED

We Buy and Sell New and Used Curriculum and books. THANK YOU FOR YOUR BUSINESS $15.00 OFF purchases of $150 or more

1 time use only, must present coupon at time of purchase

VISIT YOUR LOCAL FORT BEND LIBRARY

H SUGAR LAND NEWCOMERS GUIDE AND VISITORS DIRECTORY 2019

MISSOURI CITY BRANCH LIBRARY

Hours of Operation Mon. 12:00 pm - 9:00 pm Tues. 10:00 am - 9:00 pm Wed. 10:00 am - 9:00 pm Thurs. 10:00 am - 6:00 pm Fri. 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm Sat. 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Sun. CLOSED

H SUGAR LAND NEWCOMERS GUIDE AND VISITORS DIRECTORY 2019

For the Love of Dance - Offering classes in many styles for ages 3 – adult. - Competitive dance companies available for ages 7 & up. - We’d love to have you join our dance family! Celebrating 46 years of excellence in dance education!

281-499-3921

www.RobinsDanceStudio.com

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

LEARNING STAGES, INC. A CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER

SINCE 1992

INFANTS THROUGH PREKINDERGARTEN 12780 South Kirkwood Stafford, Texas 77477 281.240.0480 • 281.240.2926 fax • www.learningstages.com

Learning Today, Leading Tomorrow SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICES 8:00 A.M. & 10:30 A.M. NURSERY CARE AVAILABLE SUNDAY SCHOOL AT 10:15 A.M.

www.SiennaChurch.org

281.778.2046 NEW IN 2019-2020, PREK3!

4747 SIENNA PARKWAY • MISSOURI CITY, TEXAS 77459

Academically challenges students from Pre-K through 12th grade — preparing them to excel and teaching them to lead. In a caring Christian environment, our students learn Reverence for God, Respect for others and Responsibility for themselves.

Bring this ad for $100 OFF your REGISTRATION

Call your Fort Bend Star representative today!

281-690-4200

Called to a

Higher Standard

281.342.3161 1201 Austin | Richmond, TX 77469 www.ces-richmond.org

1/4 PAGE NEWCOMERS GUIDE 2019

SUGAR LAND FAITH DIRECTORY APOSTOLIC CHURCH 281-575-9355 10540 Synott Road Sugar Land,TX 77498 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 713-205-6129 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 CORNERSTONE ASSEMBLY OF GOD 281-491-3614 2515 Eldridge Road Sugar Land, TX 77478 cornerstonesugarland.com CROSS BRIDGE COMMUNITY CHURCH 281-313-8300 1049 Eldridge Road Sugar Land, TX 77478 www.crossbridge.cc ELDRIDGE ROAD CHURCH OF CHRIST 281-494-7106 410 Eldridge Road Sugar Land, TX 77478 FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH 281-242-7729 800 Brooks Street Sugar Land, TX 77478 www.flcsl.org FAMILY LIFE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP 281-879-Life (5433) 16425 Old Richmond Road Sugar Land, TX 77498 www.flcf.com FELLOWSHIP CHURCH NETWORK 713-471-9588 2922 Planters Street Sugar Land, TX 77479 www.faithstreet.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

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

ST. LAURENCE CATHOLIC 281-980-9812 3100 Sweetwater Blvd. Sugar Land, TX 77479 www.stlaurence.org

SUGAR LAND BAPTIST CHURCH 281-980-4431 16755 SW Freeway Sugar Land, TX 77479 www.sugarlandbaptist.org

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

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

ST. MARTINS EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 281-980-0695 1123 Burney Road Sugar Land, TX 77498 www.stmartinslc.org

SUGAR LAND FIRST UNITED METHODIST 281-491-6041 431 Eldridge Road Sugar Land, TX 77478 www.sugarlandmethodist.org

GRACE CHURCH 281-778-1104 4309 Sienna Parkway, Suite 690 Missouri City, TX 77459 www.experiencehisgrace.com 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 HERITAGE BAPTIST CHURCH 281-403-4994 2223 FM 1092 Missouri City, TX 77459 www.hbctx.org HOI THANH BAPTIST VIETNAM 281-265-6378 3219 Silent Spring Drive Sugar Land,TX 77479 www.niemhyvong.org

MURPHY ROAD CHURCH OF CHRIST 281-261-5216 2025 Murphy Road Missouri City, TX 77459 www.murphyroadchurch.org OAK LAKE BAPTIST CHURCH 281-568-7220 15555 West Airport Blvd. Sugar Land, TX 77498 www.oaklakebaptist.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

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

RIVER POINTE COMMUNITY CHURCH 281-277-6767 5000 Ransom Rd. Richmond, TX 77469 www.riverpointe.org

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

SRI ASHTALAKSHMI TEMPLE 281-498-2344 10098 SYNOTT ROAD SUGAR LAND, TX 77498 www.ashtalakshmi.org

MASJID ISTIQLAL HOUSTON 832-598-8036 15303 McKaskle Road Sugar Land, TX 77498 www.imchouston.org

SHRI KRISHNA VRUNDAVANA TEMPLE 713-589-9183 10223 Synott Road Sugar Land, TX 77498 www.txtemple.org

MASJID SABIREEN 281-261-6615 610 Brand Lane Stafford, TX 77477 www.masjidsabireen.org

SOUTHMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 281-499-2310 4200 Cartwright Rd. Missouri City, TX 77459 www.southminpres.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 LAND CHINESE CHURCH 281-491-9137 2565 Eldridge Road Sugar Land, TX 77478 SUGAR GROVE CHURCH OF CHRIST 281-530-9651 11600 West Airport 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 www.slcbc.org SUGAR LAND CHURCH OF CHRIST 281-561-0881 15590 Voss Road Sugar Land,TX 77498 www.slcoc.org SUGAR LAND FAMILY CHURCH 281-313-1110 1110 Burney Road Sugar Land, TX 77498 www.slfconline.com

SUGAR LAND VINEYARD 281-240-VINE (8463) 5015 Grove West Blvd. Stafford, TX 77477 www.slvineyard.org THE BRIDGE FELLOWSHIP 281-494-3036 802 Brooks Street Sugar Land, TX 77478 www.thebridgefellowship.org THE EPICENTER CHURCH 281-491-0000 1730 Williams Trace Blvd., Suite 1 Sugar Land, TX 77478 www.epicenter-church.com 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 TRINITY BAPTIST CHURCH 281-980-8822 4411 Wickford Circle Sugar Land, TX 77479 TRIUMPH CHURCH SUGAR LAND/ STAFFORD 281-416-4771 10555 West Airport Blvd. Stafford, TX 77477 www.triumphchurch.com ZUN NURAIN MASJID 832-607-3594 16305 Kensington Drive #210 Sugar Land, TX 77479

H SUGAR LAND NEWCOMERS GUIDE AND VISITORS DIRECTORY 2019

HOSPITALS, DIAGNOSTIC CENTER, & ER DIRECTORY BREAST CARE CENTER HOUSTON METHODIST SUGAR LAND HOSPITAL 16655 Southwest Frwy. Sugar Land, TX 77479 281.242.PINK (7465) CHI ST. LUKE’S SUGAR LAND HOSPITAL 1317 Lake Pointe Parkway Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-637-7000 EMERUS 24 HOUR EMERGENCY HOSPITAL 16000 Southwest Freeway Suite 100 Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-277-0911 FORT BEND MEDICAL & DIAGNOSTIC CENTER/ KELSEY SEYBOLD CLINIC 11555 University Blvd. Sugar Land, TX 77478 713-442-9100 GRAND PARKWAY EMERGENCY CENTER 7830 West Grand Parkway South #170 Richmond, TX 77406 281-238-7897

HEALTHSOUTH SUGAR LAND REHABILITATION HOSPITAL 1325 Highway 6 Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-276-7574

MEMORIAL HERMANN SURGICAL HOSPITAL 16906 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-243-1000

HOUSTON METHODIST SUGAR LAND HOSPITAL 16655 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-274-7000

NEUROSCIENCE & SPINE CENTER - SUGAR LAND AT HOUSTON METHODIST SUGAR LAND HOSPITAL 16655 Southwest Frwy. Sugar Land, TX 77479 281.274.7979

KINDRED HOSPITAL SUGAR LAND 1550 First Colony Blvd. Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-275-6000 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 Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-725-5000

SUGAR LAND FAMILY PHYSICIANS 1705 Jackson Street Richmond, TX 77469 281-341-3000 OAKBEND MEDICAL GROUP – SUGAR LAND 6350 Highway 90A, Ste. 600 Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-265-7000 ST. MICHAEL’S 24 HOUR EMERGENCY CENTER SUGAR LAND 16062 Southwest Freeway 281-980-4357

SUGAR LAND CANCER CENTER 15500 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land, TX 7747 281-274-8200 SUGAR LAND DIAGNOSTIC CENTER 15500 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land, TX 7747 2851-274-6600 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 MENTAL HEALTH & ADDICTION TREATMENT - WEST PARK SPRINGS 6902 South Peak Rd. Richmond, TX 77407 832-535-2770

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5610 W. Riverpark Drive, Ste. B Sugar Land, TX 77479 Phone:832-363-1032 Fax: 832-363-3274 Machelle D. Allen-Owner/Operator

Your Family Pharmacy with One-of-a Kind Service Ed's Pharmacy is an independent, locally owned company that provides a unique combination of patient services that most chain pharmacies cannot or do not offer.

Unit-Dosing Medical Supplies Respiratory Care Center Contract Postal Station Local Delivery (small fee applies)

Hours:

Monday – Friday: 9am to 7pm Saturday: 9am to 3pm Sunday: Closed

281-499-4555

3740 Cartwright Rd. Missouri City, TX 77459 www.edspharmacy.com

Ed’s Pharmacy

Dr. Elissa Wedemeyer O.D., FCOVD, FAAO & Associates Therapeutic/Optometric Glaucoma Specialist • Medical Management of Eye Diseases: Dry Eyes, Glaucoma, Kerataconus, Eye Infections • Contact Lenses: Single Vision, Multifocal, Toric, Gas Permeable, Refractive Therapy • Nutritional Supplements for Age Related Macular Degeneration and Dry Eyes including in office Lipiflow treatments. • Complete Line of Fashion and Designer Frames • Sunglasses for Sports and Fashion • Comprehensive Eye Care For The Entire Family

Sugar Land Town Square, in the heart of the City of Sugar Land, has shopping, community events, and great restaurants. Anchored by Sugar Land City Hall, the Square is growing with the community, while satisfying the varied tastes and styles of the population. The development of Sugar Land Town Square began in 2003 when Planned Community Developers partnered with the City of Sugar Land to create a new, unique downtown destination where Sugar Land residents could live, work, shop and relax. “Sugar Land Town Square is the heart of the community and a place where you can shop, dine, play and stay,” said Taylor Scott, event program manager for Sugar Land Town Square. “We also host over 270 events per year in the plaza including live music, movie nights, dance lessons, car shows, singing competitions, magic shows, food and fashion events and so much more.” One of the fastest growing cities in Texas, Sugar Land’s population has grown from nearly 25,000 in 1990 to about 85,000 today. It is conveniently located just a few miles southwest of Houston. When it comes to food, there’s no end to the variety of restaurants. Finicky eaters – never fear. Mention food, and chefs and management agree they have “the largest collection of dining options in Sugar

Numerous restaurants and dining options await visitors to Sugar Land Town Square. Land with enough options to satisfy any foodie or picky palette.” “We are continuously working to elevate the tenant mix with diverse and unique shopping and dining options,” said Jennifer Fogle, director of retail leasing. An evening of dining and entertainment is available with shuttle service to TOWN SQUARE CONTINUES ON PAGE 24

Larry Caldwell, D.D.S. and Associates Diplomate of the American Board Of Pediatric Dentistry

Medicare and most medical insurance plans accepted.

281-499-2600 • www.drwedemeyer.com

6026 Hwy. 6 • Missouri City, TX 77459 (Corner of Hwy 6 & University)

Specializing in Dentistry for Children and those with Special Needs

A Special Place for Special People!

Oral Health Education • Sealants • Intravenous Sedation High Speed Digital X-Rays • OraVerse Anesthesia Reversal Laser Soft Tissue Removel • Accepting New Patients

281-565-KIDS

( 5437 )

15200 Southwest Freeway • Sugar Land, Texas 77478

H SUGAR LAND NEWCOMERS GUIDE AND VISITORS DIRECTORY 2019

$15 off 1st visit

SUGAR LAND TOWN SQUARE 19 MIXES UPTOWN WITH URBAN FOR GROWING COMMUNITY

H SUGAR LAND NEWCOMERS GUIDE AND VISITORS DIRECTORY 2019

Serving SUGAR LAND FAMILIES FOR OVER 20 YEARS “Respectfully managing, enhancing and exceeding the eye and vision care needs of our community with quality services and products.”

281-313-2020 OPTICAL SERVICES: • Designer frames and sunglasses • Custom eye wear fitting • Blue light protecting eye wear • Same day eye glass availability (in house lab)

CLINICAL SERVICES: • Family eye care (pediatric included) • Contact lenses (soft, hybrid, scleral) • Myopia management and orthokeratology • LASIK • Medical eye examinations (diabetic eye exams & more) • Eye injuries and infections • Emergency hours available

Tom Ford • Tiffany & Co. • Carrera • Silhouette Costa • Dior • Kate Spade • Maui Jim • Persol • Ray Ban

OFFICIAL MEMBER OF

THE SUGAR LAND SKEETERS MEDICAL TEAM

15920 Lexington Blvd, Sugar Land, TX 77479 • www.horizon-eye.com

Create a healthier version of yourself Nutrition Evaluation & Counseling for Adults & Children

Wellness Programs Focused on Bulding Long-Term Health

832-532-0040 proageinstitute.com HOURS Manjula Raguthu, MD, FAAFP, ABAARM, FAARM

Monday - Friday 8am - 6pm Saturday & Sunday Closed 1235 Lake Pointe Pkwy, Suite 103 • Sugar Land, TX 77479

Anti-Aging Treatments

In-Depth Training for Patients with Chronic Conditions

Treatment Plans Tailored to Your Needs

Free Aesthetic Consultation

Dr. Raguthu believes that we all deserve a life of vitality—and that we have the potential to create it for ourselves. Proage creates change in the world by elevating people to healthier, longer, and more fulfilling lives, empowering each on their own journey of changing the world.

We use advanced diagnostic testing along with evidence-based natural therapies, in conjunction with conventional medicine, to treat disease and to prevent future problems.

2-1-1 TEXAS/UNITED WAY HELPLINE Information and referral service with a free confidential helpline operated by the United Way of Greater Houston 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Trained helpline specialists connect those in need with critical social services. United Way of Greater Houston-Fort Bend has a trained specialist on site 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 2-1-1 or 281-207-2300 ACHIEVE FORT BEND COUNTY ACHIEVE Fort Bend County is a diverse group of business, community and education leaders throughout the county whose focus is to provide an interconnected system of sources to reduce dropout rates and provide opportunities for those citizens without high school diplomas. 314 S. Belknap Sugar Land, TX 77487 281-243-4804 www.achievefortbendcounty.org AID TO VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC ABUSE Provides free information on the legal system, safety planning, protective orders, custody and other services to all victims of domestic violence in Fort Bend and Harris County. 713-224-9911 avda-tx.org/

Hope For Three is a local nonprofit and autism advocacy group. The organization provides resources and support to families living with autism spectrum disorder and creates awareness through outreach, education and events.

To learn more, visit hopeforthree.org or call 281.245.0640. Providing Help. Creating Hope. Since 2011.

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 281-494-5960 info@arcoffortbend.org arcoffortbend.org ATTACK POVERTY Empower people to attack poverty in their life and community by strengthening under-resourced communities through spiritual growth, education, revitalization and basic needs. 3727 Greenbriar Drive, #100 Stafford TX, 77477 832-847-4379 attackpoverty.org

BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS Provides meaningful monitored matches between adult volunteers and youth to develop positive relationships. Outings focus on development of academic and social skills through exposure to a variety of enrichment opportunities. 281-207-2330 www.bbstx.org CAREER AND RECOVERY RESOURCES Helps overcome barriers to employment. Supportive services for veterans and families including assistance with security and utility deposits, rent, moving expenses, financial literacy and housing counseling. 281-207-2300 www.careerandrecovery.org CHILD ADVOCATES OF FORT BEND Serving victims of sexual abuse, physical abuse and neglect. 5403 Ave. N. Rosenberg, TX 77471 www.cafb.org FORT BEND CARES Giving disadvantaged children in Fort Bend County access to a better quality of life. P.O. Box 17748 Sugar Land, TX 77496 213-819-2005 www.fortbendcares.org FORT BEND COUNTY ANIMAL SERVICES Providing love, care and attention to more than 3,500 animals. 1210 Blume Road Rosenberg, TX 281-342-1512 www.fbchhs.org/animal-services FORT BEND SENIOR MEAL ON WHEELS Helping seniors maintain independence through service and resources. 1330 Band Road Rosenberg, TX 77471 281-633-7049 fortbendseniors.org FORT BEND WOMENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CENTER Bringing healing and hope to survivors of domestic violence and sexual NON PROFIT ORG. CONTINUES ON PAGE 22

H SUGAR LAND NEWCOMERS GUIDE AND VISITORS DIRECTORY 2019

FORT BEND COUNTY NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS

H SUGAR LAND NEWCOMERS GUIDE AND VISITORS DIRECTORY 2019

832-586-6995 lunchesoflove.net

NON PROFIT ORG. CONTINUED FROM PG 21

assault since 1980. 501 E Hwy 90 A Richmond, TX 77406 281-344-5750 www.fbwc.org HOPE FOR THREE Advocacy group providing awareness, outreach, education, resources and financial support to families living with autism spectrum disorder. 12808 W. Airport Blvd. Suite 375 Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-245-0640 www.hopeforthree.org LITERACY COUNCIL OF FORT BEND COUNTY Improve family, community and professional lives through literacy 12530 Emily Court Sugar Land, TX 77478 www.ftbendliteracy.org LUNCHES OF LOVE Helping end childhood hunger in Fort Bend County by providing a free nutritious sack lunch during extended school holidays and weekends. P.O. Box 1161 Rosenberg, TX 7747

SECOND MILE MISSION CENTER Second Mile exists to love our neighbors by meeting physical needs and equipping them to lead a responsible life in Christ. 1135 Highway 90A, Missouri City, TX 77489 281-261-9199 volunteer@secondmile.org www.secondmile.org UNITED WAY OF GREATER HOUSTON Transforming individual lives, bringing long-lasting systemic change to tough issues like family instability and academic success. 12300 Parc Crest Drive Stafford, TX 77477 281-207-2300 www.unitedwayhouston.org YMCA OF GREATER HOUSTON Provides programs that promote youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Includes after school programs, swim lessons, teen leadership, summer day camps and activities for older adults. 281-499-9622 www.ymcahouston.org

3944 Bluebonnet Drive Stafford, Texas 77477 281-690-4200 • 281-690-5200 fax www.fortbendstar.com OUR STAFF JONATHAN McELVY

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SUGAR LAND’S

Center of Attention Anchored on the bustling corner of Highway 6 and U.S. 59, Sugar Land Town Square is Fort Bend County’s go-to destination for dynamic shopping, dining and entertainment. Here, charming sidewalk cafes and upscale retailers provide visitors the perfect setting to mix and mingle.

Dynamic shopping and dining destinations Exciting community events Prime office space World-class hotel and conference center Luxury condos

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FORT BEND COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES University of Houston System at Sugar Land 832-842-2900 http://www.sugarland.uh.edu

Wharton County Junior College http://www.wcjc.edu

Texas State Technical College 832-595-8734 http://www.tstc.edu

Houston Community College www.hccs.edu

Complete your bachelor’s, earn your master’s or obtain a certification locally. The University of Houston System at Sugar Land (UHSSL) located just northeast of the Brazos River offers the combined UH System resources—University of Houston, UH-Clear Lake, and UH-Victoria and through these programs, the institutions offer junior, senior, and graduate courses for more than 20 bachelor’s and master’s degrees in applied arts and sciences, biology, business administration, computer science, criminal justice, and education. The UHSSL is part of the four UH universities in the system that includes a public broadcast educational television station and the largest university distance learning program in Texas. Each degree at UHSSL is sponsored by one of three universities. The UHSSL also partners with Houston Community College, Wharton County Junior College, and other area community colleges. For more information, call 281-275-3300.

Wharton County Junior College (WCJC) has four campuses in Wharton, Sugar Land, Richmond and Bay City, and at other off-site locations. Students will be able to access learning 24/7 in a virtual campus to complete certificate and degree programs online. WCCJ offers an associate in arts degree for transfers to a four-year institution, associate of arts in teaching degree, associate in applied science degrees, and certificate programs. Web-based and interactive television distance education courses are also available. For more information about programs or registration, call 800-5619252 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 Hwy. 59 between FM Road 2218 and Hwy. 36, approximately 1.5 miles east of Hwy. 36. Construction began on Building 1 in June 2015. The new campus is located at 26706 Southwest Freeway, Rosenberg. Construction for Building 2 is underway with a projected opening time of fall 2017.

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 opened doors last summer less than five miles away at their newest campus across from Missouri City Hall at 1600 Texas Parkway. The new $21 million,9,340 square foot campus 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 713-718-2000 local or 877-4226111 outside Houston area.

H SUGAR LAND NEWCOMERS GUIDE AND VISITORS DIRECTORY 2019

BASEBALL. CONTINUED FROM PG 9

TOWN SQUARE. CONTINUED FROM PG 19

Everybody had a lot of fun. They went out there and had some good times.” Although West End Park had stands, delineating the outfield was another story. “There were no fences and no lights,” Morales said. “If they hit it over the tracks you just kept going.” “One time we went to Cleveland, Texas, and we played ball down there,” Pickett recalled. “We hit so many home runs in that game they had to stop play because we didn’t have no more balls. We had about six guys on the team hit a home run.” Morales transitioned from baseball to softball in the early 1970s and continues to play softball today. “After we finished baseball, that’s when softball came in,” he said. “So my generation, we were more into softball than into baseball.” In baseball, just like softball today, the rivalries were always friendly. “There was a lot of ball playing around here, but what else were you going to do? That was it. Everyone after the games would go get a cold one,” Morales said.

and from the Smart Financial Centre during its scheduled concert events. Visitors can now shop and dine at Sugar Land Town Square, followed by shuttle service to and from Smart Financial Centre. Riders will need to pre-purchase shuttle departure time online at http:// suga rla ndtow nsqua re.com /pa rk ing and return to Town Square during the scheduled time periods. No additional reservation required. Tickets are $5 per person round trip with reservation (plus online processing fees) or $7.50 per person for walk-ons. “So bring a date, bring a friend or bring your family and come experience The Square,” Scott said. Stay up-to-date with the current happenings in the Square by signing up for the weekly e-newsletter at www.sugarlandtownsquare.com or by following on social media: Facebook: www.facebook.com/ SugarLandTownSquare, Twitter @ SLTownSquare and Instagram: SL_ TownSquare. Come see what the fun is all about at Sugar Land Town Square.

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AREA GEARS UP FOR ANNUAL REENACTMENTS OF TEXAS REVOLUTION By Joe Southern JSOUTHERN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Texans are proud of a great many things but one of them for certain is our unique history. Any Texan worth his or her salt will be quick to tell you that Texas is the only state in the union that was once its own nation. The struggle to become a nation took place in 1835-1836 during a war with Mexico often referred to as the Texas Revolution. Each spring as the anniversary of the war rolls around, scores of re-enactors don period clothing, equipment and weaponry and charge out onto the hallowed battlefields to re-live those glory days and to teach new generations the importance of remembering the Alamo. On the trail of Texas Independence As General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna and the Mexican Army pursued Texian rebels from San Antonio to what is now Houston in 1836, so can modernday history buffs and travelers follow in the footsteps of these historic warriors as annual battle re-enactments and living history programs spring to life across the land. The following is a list of events taking place this year to commemorate the 183rd anniversary of the Texas Revolution: Feb. 23 – March 6 The Alamo  300 Alamo Plaza,  San Antonio

The state’s most hallowed and revered historic landmark is quietly hosting a series of events to commemorate the siege and battle between the Mexican Army and the Alamo defenders. The General Land Office is not allowing re-enactment and living history groups to fire guns or cannons as they have in the past, so don’t go expecting much bang for your buck. Do go for a solemn pilgrimage to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom. There will be daily activities at the Alamo to commemorate the 13-day siege, culminating with the annual Dawn At The Alamo on Tuesday, March 6, at 6 a.m. Re-enactors representing both armies pay homage in recognition of great sacrifices made by both sides at the Alamo. March 2-3 Texas Independence Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site 12300 Park Road 12 Washington, TX On March 2, 1836, 59 delegates bravely met here to make a formal declaration of independence from Mexico. The event will be commemorated with numerous activities, including battle demonstrations by the Texas Army, plays, music, food, historic demonstrations and more. March 30-31 Goliad Massacre Presidio La Bahia

Texian defenders fight off advancing Mexican troops during a battle re-enactment of the Runaway Scrape at George Ranch Historical Park. (Photo by Joe Southern) 217 U.S. 183, Goliad The Goliad Massacre occurred on March 27, 1836, during the Texas Revolution when nearly 500 prisoners of war from the army of the Republic of Texas were killed by the Mexican Army near the town of Goliad. This is traditionally the biggest and best of the Texas Revolution re-enactments. Visit Texian and Mexican camps and witness battle re-enactments, including the very poignant candlelight tour Saturday night and the somber death march and execution Sunday morning. April 6 The Runaway Scrape

George Ranch Historical Park 10215 FM 762,  Richmond In the spring of 1836, thousands of Texians fled from their homes as Santa Anna’s army began marching toward San Jacinto. Visit the 1830s Jones Stock Farm and see the Texians in action as they struggle to retreat during the re-creation of the Runaway Scrape and Engagement at Thompson’s Ferry. April 13 San Jacinto Day San Jacinto Monument TEXAS HISTORY CONTINUES ON PAGE 27

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Texian re-enactor Sam martin fires his gun at advancing Mexican troops during a battle reenactment of the Runaway Scrape at George Ranch Historical Park. (Photo by Joe Southern) TEXAS HISTORY CONTINUED FROM PG 25

1 Monument Circle, La Porte San Jacinto Day Battle Reenactment and Festival One of the largest battle re-enactments in the state is the centerpiece of the admission-free annual San Jacinto Day

Festival, held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the grounds surrounding the San Jacinto Monument. The re-enactment recreates the events leading up to Texas winning its independence from Mexico 183 years ago at the decisive Battle of San Jacinto on April 21, 1836. There will be lots of food, vendors, music and more.

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H SUGAR LAND NEWCOMERS GUIDE AND VISITORS DIRECTORY 2019

Sugar Land got its start as Oakland Plantation in 1828 By Joe Southern JSOUTHERN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

The old company town known today as Sugar Land is a city with a sweet history. As the name implies, production of sugar was the driving force behind the city from its plantation days as far back as 1828 through the shuttering of the Imperial Sugar refinery in 2003. Located in Fort Bend County, Sugar Land is southwest of Houston and northeast of the county seat in Richmond. It is located on Oyster Creek and now, after annexation in December 2017, will extend west of the Brazos River. The area’s early history shows it to be the territory of indigenous people and then the Spanish, French, and Mexican governments before becoming part of the nation and then state of Texas. The land was awarded by Stephen F. Austin to Samuel M. Williams in 1828 in recognition of his services as Austin’s secretary. Ten years later – two years after the Texas Revolution – Williams sold the property to his brothers, Nathaniel F. and Matthew R. Williams. On what was then called Oakland Plantation (in recognition of the many varieties of oaks that grow in the area) they grew cotton, corn, and, of course, sugar cane. The sugar cane came to Texas when S.M. Swinson, captain of a small freight boat who was trading commodities as he traveled along the U.S. coast, sold the stalks he had picked up in Cuba to Samuel Williams. On this next trip, he saw that Williams had sugar cane growing “as high as a man on a horse.” The Williams brothers built a rawsugar mill in 1843. In 1849, Benjamin Franklin “Frank” Terry and William J. Kyle left Texas for California during the gold rush. Successful at prospecting for gold, the two returned to Texas in 1852

as very wealthy men. They purchased 2,400 acres of Oakland Plantation from Nathaniel Williams for an undisclosed sum of money. On Jan. 1, 1853, the bought the remainder of the plantation from Matthew Williams for $57,165. The purchase included 2,000 acres, several buildings – including the sugar mill and outbuildings – 500 head of cattle, 30 mules and horses, 15 yoke of oxen, a herd of hogs and 19 Negroes. The purchase included many production ready fields of cotton, corn, and cane. Shortly after purchasing Oakland, they renamed it Sugar Land, but it took several years for the new name to stick. In the ensuing years the partners purchased other adjacent plantations and grew their small empire. By 1858 the Sugar Land Plantation had grown to 12,500 acres and was one of the largest plantations in Texas. Using their wealth and influence, Kyle and Terry had the new Buffalo Bayou, Brazos and Colorado Railway (the first in Texas) being extended from Stafford to Richmond make a northerly loop past their mill in Sugar Land. During this time the partners mechanized the milling process and further refined the sugar. Even with mechanization, the production and processing of sugar cane required extensive slave labor. With pressure mounting from northern states calling for the abolition of slavery, Kyle and Terry joined other southerners in resisting the abolitionist movement. When Texas held a Secessionist Convention in 1861, Terry was chosen as one of the Fort Bend County’s two delegates. On March 2, 1861, exactly 25 years after Texas declared independence from Mexico, the state voted to leave the United States and SUGAR LAND CONTINUES ON PAGE 35

3 generations of Quality Service, Integrity & Honesty Family Owned and Operated in Fort Bend County

Since 1951 Chuck Charlton of Charlton Auto Body in Stafford understands customers and treats them like family. The foundation for the success of Charlton Auto Body has always been focused on the customer, and it’s been that way for three generations. “My grandfather, E.C. Charlton, moved to Stafford in 1950, and opened up the business in 1951, and later named the company Charlton’s Garage and Auto Sales. In 1970 my dad, Johnny Mack, took over the company. When he retired in 1982, I took over,” Charlton said. Chuck kept the same phone number and business name, and built “Charlton Auto Body into what it is today.” It’s been 24 years in a very active auto business focusing on collision and insurance work. “If you wreck your car, that’s the kinda work we do – fix any damage. We’ve repaired them clear up to the value of the cars, so we’ve seen it all. And we work on all vehicles,” he said. As a successful small businessman in Stafford, Charlton is firmly established in the industry, yet has no plans for expanding the business. “I like to keep the business small so I can keep an eye on all aspects of the company,” he said. Charlton is candid about car tips after a collision.

Then

“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.

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Cabin served as a storage shed By Joe Southern JSOUTHERN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

What’s in a name? Apparently for Fort Bend County it’s more fiction than fact. The structure that the county’s name was derived from wasn’t a fort at all, but rather an over-glorified storage shed. It was a two-room dog run cabin built in haste and used to store goods of early settlers who were lost. “The ‘fort’ was built by members of Stephen F. Austin’s first set of colonists to Texas and a few others they met along the way,” said Chris Godbold, chief curator of collections for the Fort Bend History Association. “Austin created two traveling parties to settle in Texas. One of the parties traveled over land and the other went by boat, the Lively, from New Orleans. Eventually the Lively landed at the mouth of the Brazos and unloaded all of the settlers and their provisions, expecting to meet

This is the approximate location of the original wooden structure that became known as Fort Bend. Erosion from the Brazos River claimed the structure long ago. (Photo by Joe Southern) up with Stephen F. Austin. However, he wasn’t there, as they had actually agreed to meet at the Colorado River.” It is not known for certain how they ended up on the Brazos rather than the Colorado, though navigational error is a good probabil-

ity. According to Paul N. Spellman in his book “Old 300 Gone to Texas,” The Lively’s captain, Ebenezer Cannon of Massachusetts, was described as “in the neighborhood of 50 years old, about 5 feet 6 or 7 inches high, quite fleshy, weighing about 160, of a florid complexion,

fond of his toddy, and quite on the lethargic order.” The 30-ton schooner Lively sailed from New Orleans on Nov. 23, 1821, with 27 passengers and crew. They endured a hellish six-week trip before disembarking and unloading at the mouth of the Brazos. Little is known about what happened to the Lively after it left the settlers on Jan. 3, 1822, but four months later it sank of Galveston Island during its second voyage out of New Orleans. As for the colonists, they planned to meet up with Austin upriver and find their land allocations. “After waiting for him awhile attempts were made to go upriver to search for Austin,” Godbold said. “Not finding him, they eventually chose to find a place to settle anyway. They chose a place where there was a break in the timber near a big bend and a creek running into the river. Here, on the west side of the river, they built a log cabin where the settlers could store their supplies and take shelter should

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H SUGAR LAND NEWCOMERS GUIDE AND VISITORS DIRECTORY 2019

There wasn’t a real fort in Fort Bend

H SUGAR LAND NEWCOMERS GUIDE AND VISITORS DIRECTORY 2019

Fort Bend Restaurants AFRICAN Mamaput African Cuisine 435 Murphy Rd. #D Stafford, TX 832-539-1436 AMERICAN Live Oak Grill 12935 Dairy Ashford Sugar Land, TX 281-491-5253 Hoggs N Chicks 8817 TX 6 Missouri City, TX 281-778-4644 Brandani’s Restaurant and Wine Bar 3340 FM 1092 #160 Missouri City, TX 832-987-1313 ASIAN Benihana Grill 2579 Town Center Blvd N. 281-565-8888 Cafe’ Goo Goo Yen 1730 Williams Trace Blvd., Suite L 281-277-8383 Chang’s Chinese Restaurant 16100 Kensington Drive 281-325-0176 China King 3338 Highway 6 281-980-8886 Japaneiro’s Sushi Bistro & Latin Grill 2168 Texas Dr. 281-242-1121

Kublai Khan Mongolian Stir-Fry 15830 Southwest Freeway, #200 281-565-7277 Mori Ichi Japanese Sushi 4502 Highway 6 281-325-0628 Panda Express 1401 Highway 6 S 281-277-0856 PF Changs China Bistro 2120 Lone Star Dr. 281-313-8650 Pho Saigon Vietnamese Noodle House 4645 Highway 6 South 281-491-2988 Thai Cottage II 4723 Sweetwater Blvd 281-313-0707 Tony’s Grill 12240 Murphy Road, Suite F 281-564-4022 BAKERY Rustika Cafe & Bakery 3227 Highway 6 Sugar Land, Tx, 77478 281-494-4230 BAR-B Q Old Hickory Inn Barbecue 3334 FM 1092 Missouri City, TX 281-499-8904 Rudy’s BBQ 20500 Southwest Fwy Richmond, TX 77469 (832) 757-1836

The Swinging Door BBQ 3818 FM 359 Richmond, TX 281-342-4758 CAJUN Famous Cajun Grill 16535 Southwest Freeway., #480 281-242-1102 The Rouxpour Restaurant & Bar Sugar Land 2298 Texas Dr. 281-240-7689 CASUAL DINING 9er’s Grill 5870 New Territory Blvd. 281-491-0515 Baker Street Pub & Grill 15970 City Walk Blvd. 713-986-8536 BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse 2231 Highway 6 S 281-242-0400 Buffalo Wild Wings 1401 Highway 6 281-313-9464 Cheddar’s Casual Café 803 Bonaventure Way 281-242-1035 Cheesecake Factory 16536 Southwest Fwy 281- 313-9500 Chili’s 15355 Southwest Fwy 281-242-5444 Denny’s 1422 Highway 6 281-240-0327

Flying Saucer Draught Emporium 15929 City Walk 281-240-7468

Udipi Cafe’ 3551 Highway 6 South 281-313-2700

Panera Bread 1928 Highway 6 281-242-7323

ITALIAN

Smash Burger 2623 N. Town Center Blvd 281-491-0380 TGI Friday’s 2515 Town Center Blvd N 281-494-8400 Willie’s Grill and Ice House 945 Highway 6 S 281-242-2252 FARM TO TABLE Off The Vine Bistro 2865 Dulles Ave Missouri City 281-242-4186 FUSION Nikoz Fusion Grill 16754 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land, TX 281-313-0325 IRISH Clancy’s Public House 503 FM 359 • Suite 118 832-847-4390 INDIAN Bombay Palace Grill & Bar 15295 Southwest Frwy 281-325-0071

Carraba’s Italian Grill 2335 Highway 6 S 281-980-4433 Corelli’s Italian Café 3229 Highway 6 S 281-491-8900 Gepetto’s Pizza 15510 Lexington Blvd 281-980-7400 Nick’s Italian Restaurant 11511 FM 1464 Richmond, TX 281-277-1331 Olive Garden 5005 Sweetwater Blvd. 281-491-0478 LATIN Churrasco’s 1520 Lake Pointe Parkway, #500 832-532-5300 Fernando’s Restaurant 14135 Southwest Fwy 281-494-9087 MEDITERRANEAN Red Oak Grill 203 Century Square Blvd. 281-491-2890 Fadi’s Mediterranean Grill 716 Hwy 6 281-313-3145

MEXICAN Escalantes 15933 city Walk Blvd. 281-242-1100 Freebirds World Burrito 15285 Southwest Freeway 281-565-8740 La Fonda Dona Maria 13134 Dairy Ashford Rd. 281-277-0338 Las Haciendas Restaurant 12821 Southwest Freeway 281-240-3060 Lupe Tortilla 15801 Southwest Fwy 281-265-7500 Rc’s Tex Mex Kitchen 939 Eldridge Rd. Sugar Land, Tx. 77478 832-532-7378 PIZZA Blaze Pizza 16100 Kensington Dr. Sugar Land, TX 281-491-0275 Russo’s New York Pizzaria 6560 Greatwood Parkway, #900 281-545-8100

SALAD

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Salada 2170 Town Square Place 832-886-4582

Longhorn Steak House 16746 Southwest Fwy 281-240-1018

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Outback Steakhouse 15253 Southwest Fwy 281-980-4329

Fish City Grill 15980 City Walk Blvd 281-494-3474 Floyd’s Cajun Seafood Restaurant 16549 Southwest Freeway 281-240-3474 Pier 36 Seafood & Oyster Bar 1410 E Hwy 90A, #200 Richmond, TX 77406 281-238-4800 Red Lobster 2323 Highway 6 S 281-313-2525

Perry’s Steakhouse and Grill 2115 Town Square Place 281-565-2727 Saltgrass Steak House 19720 Southwest Fwy 281-232-3502 Veritas Steak & Seafood 1550 Lake Pointe Pksy 281-491-2901 The Burning Pear 16090 city Walk Blvd 281-275-5925

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31 H SUGAR LAND NEWCOMERS GUIDE AND VISITORS DIRECTORY 2019

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H SUGAR LAND NEWCOMERS GUIDE AND VISITORS DIRECTORY 2019

Brazos Bend State Park has much to offer By Joe Southern

amazing in their beauty and variety. One of the real and rare gems of Brazos Bend State Park is the small prairie preserved there. Very little natural prairie remains in Texas and the park has a portion of it preserved. It really is worth checking out. In addition to lakes, streams and rivers, Brazos Bend has miles of hiking and biking trails, along with a large camping area that can accommodate everything from rustic tent sites to RVs pads and even screened shelters. When you come to Brazos Bend, please do not forget to visit the Nature Center. There you will find all kinds of educational displays, park information, and snakes and baby alligators that you can touch. Volunteers enjoy holding the snakes and gators and talking about them while visitors touch them, take pictures, and ask questions. The staff and volunteers can tell you more about the critters than you’d ever want to know.

JSOUTHERN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

If you like nature or just want to get outside and enjoy the weather, consider a visit to Brazos Bend State Park. Spring in the Houston area is finicky and fleet and should be enjoyed at every possible moment. There aren’t many better places in Fort Bend County to get away and enjoy the great outdoors than at Brazos Bend. Nature is in abundance at the park and spring and fall are probably the best times to get out and enjoy it. Even though the spring weekends at the Brazos Bend are crowded and the camping spots are largely sold out, there are still many ways to enjoy the park. Come out for a few hours, stay all day or, if you can, just come camp. Brazos Bend is known as the home of the American alligator. Although the toothy giants are the star attraction, there is a lot more to see and do than watch the living dinosaurs sunbathe and swim. There are numerous species of turtles, snakes, frogs, lizards, salamanders and other reptiles and amphibians to see, and that’s just by the water. On land the park has an abundance of cute, furry creatures like deer, river otters, armadillos, raccoons, squirrels, opossums, nutrias, bats, rabbits, skunks, foxes and more. Aside from the alligators, one of the biggest draws to the park are the birds. There have been more than 300 species of birds documented at the park. Of

An American alligator suns itself on the banks of a lake at Brazos Bend State Park. (Photo by Joe Southern)

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course, a lot of it is seasonal, depending on migrations and such. There are several mainstays that you can expect to see most any time of year at Brazos Bend. They include herons, egrets, coots, gallinules, vultures, owls, hawks, ibises, ducks, cardinals, blackbirds, anhingas, woodpeckers and so much more. All of this doesn’t include the abundant species of insects, fish, flora and more to see. The plants and trees are

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The Quail Valley Wine Society's mission: To provide Entertainment, Education and Value for all members of the Quail Valley Wine Society. Please join QVWS on the 4th Wednesday of each month, 6:30 p.m., for Monthly Wine Tastings CITY CENTRE AT QUAIL VALLEY, 2880 LA QUINTA, MISSOURI CITY. • Each tasting consists of (5) five wines and food pairings for each wine. • The individual tastings are $50 per person (depending upon the selected wines and food). • Membership is $25 per household, annually. For more information, and to be placed on the monthly email invitation list, please call 281-437-6798 (ATTENDANCE BY RESERVATION ONLY.)

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Visitors to Brazos Bend State Park take pictures of an alligator basking in the sun at Elm Lake. The gators are the apex predator and the main attraction for visitors to the park. (Photo by Joe Southern) park but is operated separately from the park. It is open Saturday nights and provides guests a great opportunity to stargaze and see planets and other ce-

lestial objects up close. To learn more about these and other offerings at Brazos Bend State Park, visit www.brazosbend.org. Better yet,

come on out and see it for yourself. You’ll be glad you did. The park is located at 21901 FM 762 between Needville and Rosharon.

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H SUGAR LAND NEWCOMERS GUIDE AND VISITORS DIRECTORY 2019

The Nature Center is also the starting point for a lot of special programming. It is also home to the gift shop that is run by the volunteer organization. You can get snacks, drinks, books, knickknacks, souvenirs, T-shirts, camping supplies and more. The money raised all gets put back into improvements at the park. When people come out to Brazos Bend, the main thing they want to see are the alligators. It is estimated that there are about 300 adult alligators at the park. If you can make it out on a weekday when the crowds are gone, you stand a much better chance of seeing not only more alligators but other wildlife as well. It really is worth a day off from work to walk the trails at 40 Acre Lake or Elm Lake, especially in early to midmorning. Who knows, you might catch a glimpse of the otters! Spring is mating season for the gators and most of other natural inhabitants of the park. It’s a great opportunity to hear the male gators bellow or see them splash in the water to try and attract a mate. Some of the bird mating rituals can be just as interesting and entertaining. Another big attraction at the park doesn’t even belong to the park. The Houston Museum of Natural Science owns and operates the George Observatory at Brazos Bend. It is located in the

H SUGAR LAND NEWCOMERS GUIDE AND VISITORS DIRECTORY 2019

IMPORTANT NUMBERS TO KEEP

FORT BEND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Contact the Chamber of Commerce for a Relocation Package. Includes a magazine with information on area housing, schools, churches, retail, restaurants and more. The Chamber also sells Fort Bend County street maps for $2. 445 Commerce Green Blvd. Sugar Land, Texas 77478 281-491-0800 www.fortbendchamber.com FORT BEND ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS 281-343-9300 Contact the Fort Bend Association of Realtors for information on a Realtor in the Fort Bend County area. You also may want to request a copy of the association’s annual publication. Fort Bend County Houston’s Finest Address A Guide to Homes, Neighborhoods and Lifestyles. AREA SCHOOL DISTRICTS FORT BEND ISD 16431 Lexington Blvd. Sugar Land, Texas 77479 281-634-1000 www.fortbendisd.com LAMAR CISD 3911 Avenue I Rosenberg, Texas 77471 832-223-0000 www.lcisd.org

FORT BEND COUNTY COURTHOUSE 309 South Fourth Street Richmond, Texas 77469 (Mailing Address) 301 Jackson Richmond, Texas 77479 281-342-3411

RELIANT ENERGY All Service Requests Handled via phone 713-207-7777 www.powertochoose.org (this is where you can choose your electric provider)

Court Coordinator Fax Number 281-341-4426 www.fortbendcountytx.gov

CITY OF SUGAR LAND TREASURY MANAGEMENT 2700 Town Center Blvd. North Sugar Land, Texas 77479 281-275-2750

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 16111 Kensington Drive Sugar Land, Texas 77479 800-934-6489

WATER SERVICE

TELEPHONE / CABLE / INTERNET There are a couple of choices for phone, cable and/or internet, some as bundles.

FIRST COLONY BRANCH 3130 Grants Lake Blvd. Sugar Land, Texas 77479 800-275-8777 GAS SERVICE CENTERPOINT ENERGY 800-752-8036 www.centerpointenergy.com ELECTRIC SERVICE

DMV PHONE NUMBER 281-341-3710 fax 281-238-3265 fbauto@co.fort-bend.tx.us www.co.fort-bend.tx.us Also, online auto registration renewal; visit TxDMV Vehicle Registration Renewal for eligibility requirements.

WINDSTREAM COMMUNICATIONS 866-455-908 www.windstream.com AT&T 800-288-2020 SOCIAL SECURITY SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION 10703 Stancliff Houston, Texas 77099 800-772-1213 www.ssa.gov AUTOMOBILE REGISTRATION LICENSE PLATES

U.S. POST OFFICE SUGAR LAND MAIN POST OFFICE 225 Matlage Way Sugar Land, Texas 77478-3273 281-494-0013

Richmond, Texas 77469 281-341-3709 5855 sienna springs way Missouri City, Tx 77459 832-471-4140

FORT BEND COUNTY TAX ASSESSORCOLLECTOR 12550 Emily Court Sugar Land Substation 281-242-4311 FORT BEND AUTO REGISTRATION 1317 Eugene Heimann Circle Richmond, Texas 77469 281-341-3709 FORT BEND COUNTY REGISTRATION & TITLING Mailing Address: (FB Co Tax Office) 1317 Eugene Heimann Circle

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. RECYCLING CURBSIDE Sugar Land Drop Off Centers are closed permanently. FORT BEND COUNTY RECYCLING & ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER 1200 Blume Road. Rosenberg, Texas 77471 281-633-7581 281-633-+7527 (Recording)

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join the Confederate States of America. After war broke out the next month, eager, young Texans flocked to fight, leaving the plantations in a precarious situation. They were under-staffed, poorly supplied and often mismanaged. Terry received a commission to form what became known as Terry’s Texas Rangers. Col. Terry made his headquarters in Houston where he commissioned 10 captains to each recruit a company of 100 men. In August, nine companies totaling 1,176 men left to join the fight in the east. The 40-year-old Terry was killed leading his men in their first charge in Kentucky. Near the end of the war, Kyle died in 1864 at age 61. His brother, Robert, and Terry’s son, A.J., took over management of the Sugar Land plantation. Times were hard and maintaining a plantation anywhere in the South became difficult, especially with the end of slavery. In Fort Bend County, it was estimated that 70 percent of the white men between the ages of 17 and 50 were gone during the war with less than half returning. For a quarter century after the war, Fort Bend County saw many of its plantations go under. Sugar Land was one of the few that survived, but barely. The labor was supplied by freed slaves and, in 1871 with the passage of a new law, convict laborers were contracted to work the fields and mills. After struggling for a long time, the heirs of Kyle and Terry sold off their plantation to Col. Edward H. Cunningham. A friend of Cunningham, Littleberry Ellis, whose father and uncle were signers of the Texas Declaration of Independence, began buying nearby plantations. Eventually the two men joined their properties and formed a partnership. Roger Bollinger, the great-greatgrandson of Ellis, said he was surprised to learn that his ancestor utilized convict labor to work the plantation.

Although legal, the practice was unscrupulous and unethical. “It wasn’t just Cunningham and Ellis using convicts, that’s for sure,” he said. According to the Sugar Land Heritage Foundation, “The inmates worked in the wet sugar cane fields, many falling victim to the periodic epidemics of fevers. The brutal working conditions caused bitter convicts to call Sugar Land the ‘Hell hole on the Brazos.’” Bollinger, 67, lives in Pennsylvania but his roots are deep in Sugar Land. His mother was Rita Hadley, who was the daughter of Lenore Turner, who was the daughter of Pink Ellis, who was one of the twin daughters of Littleberry Ellis. Cunningham invested more than $1 million in a sugar refinery, a new raw-sugar mill, a paper mill, and the fourteen-mile Sugar Land Railroad in the 1890s. One of the mills built by Cunningham and Ellis became known as the Imperial mill. The partnership eventually dissolved with each man retaining his original property and Ellis getting the Imperial mill. In 1884, Ellis’s health began to fail and he turned control of his plantation over to his sons, Will and C.G. Ellis. The two brothers were not exactly good stewards of the land. Will Ellis was killed in a gunfight in 1896 and his brother was shot to death in 1906 in a gunfight with a sergeant of his convict guards. The death of C.G. Ellis left the plantation and a $240,000 debt to his wife and mother. Now bankrupt, the properties of Ellis and Cunningham were eventually purchased by I.H. Kempner and W.T. Eldridge in 1907. At that time the sugar refining process was expanded to what is now known as Imperial Holly Corp. (Editor’s note: Information for this story came from the book “Sugar Land, Texas and Imperial Sugar Company” by R.M. Armstrong, and the websites of the Sugar Land Heritage Foundation and the City of Sugar Land.)

35 H SUGAR LAND NEWCOMERS GUIDE AND VISITORS DIRECTORY 2019

SUGAR LAND CONTINUED FROM PG 28

H SUGAR LAND NEWCOMERS GUIDE AND VISITORS DIRECTORY 2019

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H SUGAR LAND NEWCOMERS GUIDE AND VISITORS DIRECTORY 2019

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H SUGAR LAND NEWCOMERS GUIDE AND VISITORS DIRECTORY 2019

FORT BEND CONTINUED FROM PG 29

Indians attack. It was called a fort though it really wasn’t one. Those settlers who chose to remain established their homesteads near the fort and the area became known as the Fort Settlement. The fort was referred to as the Fort in the Bend, or Fort Bend for short. Later, this area became Richmond.” In his book, Spellman gives just brief mention to the fort. “But in the spring of 1822, William Little supervised the construction of a large cabin for future shelter and storage of the provisions that needed now to be brought up from the mouth of the Brazos. After 12 days of building the large structure – ‘the fort’ as it came to be called was a typical ‘dog run’ cabin with two large rooms separated by a breezeway – (William S.) Lewis and about a dozen of the party headed back down the river on board (David) Fitzgerald’s larger pirogue and the smaller yawl,” he wrote. (A pirogue and yawl are small boats.) It was during these trips to bring up building materials and other provisions from the

coast that the colonists encountered some Indians. One could speak broken Spanish and through him they learned they were on the “Brazos de Dios” River, and not the Colorado. Although contact was eventually made with Austin, the colonists opted to stay by their fort on the Brazos and made their homes there. Eventually joining them there was a woman they had encountered on their journey who would become known as the “mother of Texas,” Jane Long. According to an entry on Wikipedia, the closest the fort came to any military action was during the Texas Revolution in 1836. “The Fort Bend crossing was briefly defended in April 1836 by a rear guard detachment led by Wiley Martin. After Martin was maneuvered out of the position Gen. Antonio López de Santa Anna transported a portion of his Mexican Army across the Brazos at the crossing. After Santa Anna’s defeat at the Battle of San Jacinto the site was used briefly by the Texas Army. Troops under Thomas Jefferson Green, who were in pursuit of retreating Mexican forces led by Gen. Vicente Filisola, halted for a short time in mid-May 1836 at Fort Bend.”

The crossing the Wikipedia entry refers to was Thompson’s Ferry, a short distance upriver from the fort. What became of the original fort is anyone’s guess. “I don’t know how long the fort stood or exactly what happened to it or even where its exact location was,” Godbold said. “It was on Jane Long’s league of land as it is sometimes called the Fort League but beyond that the location isn’t clear. It is possible that because the name of the street is Fort that the fort was at the end of that street. I am not sure of the origins of that street name. Wherever the location was, that ground was eaten by the river a long time ago. Attempts have been made to find some sign of it with limited or no success.” Godbold said there was a reproduction of the fort in Richmond’s Decker Heritage Park back in the 1970s and ’80s, but, like the original, was short-lived and eventually demolished. All that remains to commemorate the fort that gave its name to the county that was established in 1837 are a few stories and a historical marker. “There is a 1936 historical marker for Fort Bend placed in a park on the west side of the river between the sets of lanes for Alt-90,” Godbold said.

Listening & Listening & Listening & understanding understanding understanding, available here Listening &here. available available here. understanding, This historical marker was erected for the 150th anniversary of the City of Richmond and also commemorates the original structure that was known as Fort Bend. It is located on the west side of the Brazos River between the lanes of Highway 90A. The actual location of the fort was just south of this spot. (Photo by Joe Southern)

available here.

This model of the original “fort” that settlers built to store materials and provisions for the new colony here in 1822 is currently in storage with the Fort Bend Museum. (Submitted photo)

Jennifer Weaver 281-207-5037

As your local agent, I’m here to help life go righ That’s why I take the time to get to know you a® As your local agent, help life go right. understand whatI’m youhere reallytoneed. ® to know you and That’s whyTALK I take the to get As your local agent, I’m here to help lifetime go right. LET’S TODAY. understand you really need. That’s why I take the time to getwhat to know you and LET’S TALK TODAY. understand what you really need. LET’S TALK TODAY. Tracy Walker ChFC CLU CASL CPCU, Agent

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H SUGAR LAND NEWCOMERS GUIDE AND VISITORS DIRECTORY 2019