KATY TIMES NEWCOMERS GUIDE by The Katy Times

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K AT Y T I M E S N E W C O M E R S G U I D E

Contents

WELCOME An introduction to Katy’s quality of life

23 EDUCATION

Katy is a leader in educational excellence

39 ECONOMY

#1 High growth area in the nation

49 HEALTHCARE ‘Medical Center West’

57 HISTORY Our roots run deep

65 LIFESTYLE

Small town livin’ with big city style

79 YOUR NEW CITY The run down

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Welcome

A Message from the City Administrator Welcome to Historic Katy, Texas! It’s my pleasure to welcome you to our beautiful city. Katy is a thriving community that is rich in tradition and contues to offer excellence in public service, financial strength and economic delopment. Our city boasts a highly acclaimed education system, beaufitul parks and museums, and our community pride and spirit is second to none. Located just 30 miles from downtown Houston and minutes from the energy corridor, Katy has the unique advatage of having big city conveniences, while maintaining our small town charm. It’s the perfect place to live, work and raise your family. We are grateful to have you in our community, so come on in and stay a while — you’ll love Katy!

Byron Hebert

T O K AT Y

WELCOME HISTORY DEMOGRAPHICS CITY OFFICIALS

S M A L L T O W N CHARM B I G C I T Y CONVENIENCE

K AT Y T I M E S N E W C O M E R S G U I D E

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Historic Katy: the heart

of dynamic community By Carol Adams

aty history spans many years — back to prehistoric times when layers of strata deposited salt domes that made this area rich for natural gas and the geological formations that created the flat Katy prairie, ripe for farming and ranching. Early settlers dealt with wild animals that are long gone. What they found here was a canefilled creek, an “island” of cane surrounded by a vast prairie of tall grass; and the area became known as Cane Island. By the mid-1800s, San Felipe Road was a rough wagon trail that cut right through the Cane Island area. The road was busy with wagons and stagecoaches running bi-weekly service between Houston and San Antonio, but few families called the area home. That all changed in the 1890s when the MissouriKansas-Texas (MKT) Railroad Company extended their line and enterprising settlers founded the town of Katy right where Waller, Harris and Fort Bend Counties merged. The new town thrived with the development of the railroad. Businesses were established to meet the needs of new residents. Ranching and agriculture ventures thrived with the greatest success found in growing rice on the flat, wet prairie. There were many hardships. Lightning frequently started prairie fires causing the tall grass to burn for days at a time. Freezing weather, floods and mud, packs of voracious wolves, miserably hot summers and disease-carrying mosquitoes all made settling in Katy a challenge. In the early 1930s, State Highway 73 opened west from Houston; it cut straight through Katy. When a bridge over the Brazos River was completed in 1940, Highway 73 was improved and renamed Highway 90. More traffic traveled through Katy, bringing new business to retailers and more work for the community. But real growth came in 1943, when the Humble Gas Plant opened just west of

Location. Location. Location.

town. Production at the plant was astounding. The first year Katy gas reserves, in terms of British Thermal Units, were equivalent to one billion barrels of oil. The impact of the Katy Gas Plant on the City of Katy cannot be overestimated. It doubled the population and funded the young Katy Independent School District — making it possible to build new schools and upgrade equipment. In October 1945, an election was held and the town incorporated into a municipality. Katy began emerging as the city we know today. The area around the new city was still defined by smaller communities; Barker, Addicks, Gaston and more slowly surrendered to become known as the “Katy area.” When the Addicks School District closed in 1961, part of it was incorporated into Katy ISD. Katy ISD boundaries were set at 181 square miles, which have not changed since that time and is the boundary that defines what we know as the Katy area today. When Interstate Highway 10 (the Katy Freeway) was opened in 1966, all six lanes of the highway were often busy. It was the development of the Grand Parkway in the 1980s that really started growth in the Katy

area. New neighborhoods began replacing rice fields and pastures. Rail service continued until 2000, when the Texas Department of Transportation bought the old MKT rightof-way and removed the line as part of an expansion of IH-10. More than 300,000 people live in the Katy area, which has won national accolades for growth and sustainability. KISD has more than 70,000 students who attend schools recognized for educational excellence. The expansion of the Grand Parkway will create the longest beltway in the world and there is no sign that growth and development in Katy will slow down. At the heart of it all there is still the small City of Katy with a population of approximately 15,000 residents. Katy has emerged from its history as one of Southeast Texas’ prime suburban areas, but is still a community with friendly compassionate people, and where families and businesses can flourish. It still has the spirit of adventure and possibility that our founding families came to find when there was nothing here but tall grass and wild prairie.

he Katy Area, a rapid population growth center located west of Houston, enjoys the benefits of being part of the Houston Metro area. Katy offers a quality suburban atmosphere, “small town” life-style and an energetic talent base for quality companies. Katy’s location is key for many businesses located here. Among the companies with a presence in the Katy area are BP America, WoodGroup Subsidaries, Shell Exploration and Production, ConocoPhillips, Katy Mills-Simon Group, Academy Sports & Outdoors, Walmart and Igloo Products. Some features of the Katy Area include: • Encompasses a 181square-mile area of the Katy Independent School District; • Hub of three counties; • On Interstate 10 and GrandParkway; • A major part of the Energy Corridor; • Award-winning master planned communities; • Outstanding K–12 public education system; • Diverse shopping opportunities; • Low cost of living; and • Outstanding parks and recreation. The lure of the Katy area has drawn huge numbers of new workers and new families over the past decade. The population has now surpassed 309,000 residents, with more moving here every week. The Katy Area continues to be the western cornerstone of Greater Houston, providing numerous opportunities for excellence in business, education, healthcare, recreation and living.

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KATY KatyAREA Area –DEMOGRAPHICS Demographics POPULATION TRENDS 1990

2000

2010

2015

City of Katy

7,660

11,050

13,858

16,072

44.3%

16%

Katy Area

81,559

139,179

254,360

327,384

70.6%

28.7%

2,603,079

3,387,007

3,799,566

28.5%

12.2%

30 Mi. Radius from City of Katy 2,026,341

Change 1990-2000 Change 2010-2015

LEADING MEDICINE IN OUR COMMUNITY

HOUSEHOLDS 1990

2000

2010

2015

Change 1990-2000 Change 2010-2015

City of Katy

2,550

3,651

4,351

4,933

43.2%

13.4%

Katy Area

27,038

46,004

78,730

99,705

70.1%

26.6%

30 Mi. Radius from City of Katy 757,313

937,912

1,160,104

1,287,379

23.8%

11%

HOUSEHOLD INCOME 1990

2000

2010

2015

Change 1990-2000 Change 2010-2015

Average Household

$57,021

$84,625

$104,228

$112,042

48.4%

7.5%

Median Household

$47,269

$70,207

$80,580

$83,254

48.5%

3.3%

Per Capita

$18,885

$27,972

$32,244

$34,190

48.1%

5.7%

POPULATION BY RACE OR ETHNICITY 1990

2000

2010

2015

Change 1990-2000 Change 2010-2015

White

71,747

(88%)

113,199

(81.3%)

202,351

(79.6%)

255,446

(78%)

57.8%

26.2%

Black or African American

3,412

(4.2%)

6,650

(4.8%)

15,105

(5.9%)

22,046

(6.7%)

94.9%

46%

American Indian/Alaska Native 233

(0.3%)

511

(0.4%)

1,213

(0.5%)

1,742

(0.5%)

119.5%

43.6%

Asian or Pacific Islander

2,796

(3.4%)

7,129

(5.1%)

14,99

(5.9%)

22,185

(6.8%)

155%

47.9%

Some Other Race

3,370

(4.1%)

8,324

(6%)

14,234

(5.6%)

18,139

(5.5%)

147%

27.4%

Two or More Races

N/A

3,366

(2.4%)

6,461

(2.5%)

7,825

(2.4%)

N/A

21.1%

Hispanic Ethnicity

9,097

(11.2%)

22,757

(16.4%)

62,283

(24.5%)

87,627

(26.8%) 150.2%

40.7%

Not Hispanic or Latino

72,462

(88.9%) 116,421

(83.7%)

192,077

(75.5%)

239,757

(73.2%)

24.8%

60.7%

Source: Katy Area Economic Development Council

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K AT Y T I M E S N E W C O M E R S G U I D E

FABOL HUGHES MAYOR Fabol Hughes is a native Texan, a proud U.S. Navy veteran and has been a City of Katy resident for 43 years. He graduated from Jefferson Davis High School in Houston, Texas, then served in the U.S. Navy. In 1962, he began his studies at San Jacinto Junior College and the University of Houston College of Business. He worked for Houston Lighting & Power Co. for 15 years before joining Farmers Insurance Group in 1978. After a successful 321/2 year career with Farmers Insurance Group, Fabol joined RMC Insurances Services in Katy in 2010 as an independent agent. Fabol has been an active member of Katy First United Methodist Church for 42 years and is a charter member of the Katy Masonic Lodge. Some of Fabol’s other community involvements have been Little League baseball, youth softball and soccer, Katy High School Booster Club, and being a sponsor of Katy FFA and Katy Bengal Brigade. He is an avid supporter of Katy High School football and baseball. Fabol has been married to Paula Kay for 51 years and they are the proud parents of four grown children and have four grandchildren. He enjoys fishing, hunting, reading, surfing the internet, playing computer games, challenging crossword puzzles, logic games and puzzles. Over their 43 years in Katy, Fabol and Paula have made many friends through their many activities. With the support of their many friends and acquaintances, Fabol was elected to City Council, Ward B in 2007. He was elected in 2009 2011, 2013 and ran unopposed and was re-elected Mayor in May 2015.

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Meet the Katy Area CHUCK BRAWNER MAYOR PRO-TEM

STEVE PIERSON AT-LARGE

Chuck Brawner has devoted his career to public service with more than 40 years of law enforcement experience and is a graduate of the Leadership Command College at Sam Houston State University. He presently serves as Chief of Police for the Spring Branch ISD Police Department. Chuck was first elected in May 2013 to fill an unexpired term on the council, and was re-elected to his Ward A seat in 2014. He was appointed Mayor ProTem last year. Because of his expertise in law enforcement and emergency management, he serves as the liaison between the city and the Katy Fire Department and has helped implement many changes that have strengthened the department. Chuck and his wife, Marcy, have been married for 28 years. They are members of theParkway Fellowship Church. They have three children: Paige, Brian, and Kendall, and three grandchildren.

Steve Pierson was re-elected as an At-Large Council Member in May. He was first elected to the At-Large position in 2014 and previously served as the Ward B representative from 2002-08. A retired Harris County Sheriff’s Department sergeant, Pierson volunteers with the Katy Rice Harvest Festival and Keep Katy Beautiful. He is the former president of the Katy Heritage Society, and recently began serving as President of the Katy YMCA Board. He is a member of both the Katy Economic Development Council and Advisory Committee of the Waller County Economic Development Program. Board Member: Katy Family YMCA – Chair-Executive Committee Chairman – Partner’s Committee Volunteer – Creative Arts Committee – Harris County Fair Fundraising Committee Chair – West I-10 Chamber of Commerce Volunteer – Keep Katy Beautiful Past President – Katy Heritage Society Volunteer – Gary Tilton Firefighter’s Fund Katy Area Economic Development Council Advisory Committee Member – Waller County Economic Development Program Advisory Committee Member – Lubbock Star Care Specialty Health System

JIMMY MENDEZ WARD A

City Council Members DURRAN DOWDLE WARD B Dowdle was first elected as a Ward B Council Member in May 2014, and was re-elected in May of this year to another term of office. He graduated from Houston’s Spring Woods High School in 1977. After earning his State of Texas Electrician License, Durran earned a degree in business by attending the Houston Community College, University of Houston Downtown and University of Phoenix. Durran has 30 years of experience in construction, operations and maintenance, and has been employed by KBR for more than 21 years, currently as a Project Manager. He served on Katy’s Zoning Board of Adjustment before being appointed to the Convention & Tourism Bureau, where he served as secretary for seven years and appointed as chairman prior to being elected to Council. A member of First United Methodist Church in Katy for the past 18 years, Durran has been active in various capacities, serving on Missions, Trustees, UM Army and as president of the Men’s Group. He has coached girls’ softball and basketball with KGSA and KGBA for 10 years, and is an active supporter of Katy FFA, Katy Bengal Brigade, Katy High School Booster Club and Katy Tiger Football. Durran and his wife, Terri, have been married for more than 31 years. They have two children, Sheridan and Alyssa, who are graduates of Katy High School, Texas State and Texas A&M.

J. GARY JONES WARD B The newest member of the Katy City Council, J. Gary Jones took his seat in June 2015 to fill the unexpired term of the late Bill Lawton. He was elected to the post in May of this year. Prior to taking a place on the council, Jones worked in the Brown & Root legal department before joining his wife, Sherry, in running a Katy-based insurance claims business. They sold the firm in November. A longtime political activist, Gary has served on the Republican State Committee and was a national delegate from Texas when Ronald Reagan was chosen as the Republican nominee for President back in 1979. One of his main priorities as a Ward B councilman is to retain Katy’s small-town feel. “We need to keep that for as long as we can,” he said. However, Gary said he’s a realist and understands that the city needs to control growth through such actions as approving master-planned communities and making sure zoning ordinances are enforced. He also supports the council’s stance on lowering taxes, especially for senior citizens. Gary and his wife are the parents of one daughter, Megan, and have three grandchildren.

Ward A Councilman Jimmy Mendez grew up in Katy, went to all Katy schools, and is now raising his family in the same area that both he and his wife grew up in. Jimmy has been married to Darlene Ruley since 1997 and they are the proud parents of two wonderful children Justin and Natasha. The Ruley family has lived in Katy since 1942. A former movie stuntman, Jimmy became a licensed private investigator who specialized in conducting due diligence examinations, business and financial investigations, locating hidden assets and tracing of money — both domestically and internationally. Eventually, the Memorial Hermann Hospital in Katy hired him on as a security supervisor and within one year, he had moved up in rank and position. As second in command over the security department, Jimmy was placed on several emergency disaster planning teams for the Katy area and had to work with FEMA during both hurricanes Rita and Ike. Although Jimmy never actually wanted to get into politics, he felt that his hometown of Katy, Texas was in for a rough time ahead. Katy is growing and changing at an incredible rate and he did not want to see people who were not intimately and emotionally connected to the community making decisions that would affect Katy families for the next several generations. Jimmy began to go to city council meetings and listened to the people that were serving on the council; he went on-line and began to read all of the past agendas to see who voted on what bills, ordinances and issues. When he saw that the “At-Large” seat was going to become an ‘open seat’ he discussed running for it with his family to see how they felt about it.

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From open prairie, to rail hub, to retail center

n the beginning, it was only a wide-open prairie. The hunting ground of the Karankawa Indian tribes; the winter feeding grounds of great herds of buffalo and large flocks of wild ducks, geese, sandhill, whooping cranes and numerous other game birds; and home to longhorn cattle, deer and wolves. Early settlement of the community known as Cane Island, named after the creek that through it, was in 1872. The town site of Katy was laid out and platted by J.O. Thomas, L.C. Luckel and R.M. Cash in 1895, supposedly named for the MKT Railroad that operated in the area. The City of Katy was formally incorporated in 1945. Katy has always been a traditional family-style community. However, it also played a major role as a rail hub and rice farming and agricultural center and one of the largest gas

A view of Highway Blvd. depiciting the old rail line and rice dryers - economic mainstays of past days.

fields in this part of Texas. Ancestral homes of Katy were researched and historical markers were erected by the local Texas Sesquicentennial Committee in 1986.

The historical markers can be used as a guide for a walking or driving tour of more than a dozen historical homes and buildings in downtown Katy. Visitors can also tour a group of

historical structures in Heritage Park, consisting of three homes, the Humble Mess Hall, old Post Office and Tradition Bank bandstand.â&#x20AC;?

K AT Y T I M E S N E W C O M E R S G U I D E

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What differentiates City of Katy from Katy Area?

hat exactly is inside the Katy city limits? Katy residents often split the city into two informal sections: “Old Katy” or “Katy Proper” and the “Greater Katy Area.” Old Katy is the actual city limits of Katy and lies mostly north of Interstate 10. This is the original Katy from before the 1970s when Houston’s Energy Corridor (and the mushrooming development that came with it) made its way west on I-10. The approximate city limit boundaries are drawn on the map provided. “In the past year, the City of Katy has been busy on the annexation front, adding hundreds of acres of new property to the city’s tax rolls.” The Katy Area is made up of large sections of unincorporated Harris and Fort Bend Counties and mostly sits east and southeast of the city limits of Katy. This area is within the Katy Independent School District, and nearly everyone in this area has a Katy postal address. The Katy area includes communities such as Cinco Ranch, Green Trails, Grayson Lakes, Seven Meadows, Silver Ranch, Firethorne and Grand Lakes, while also encompassing developments from the 1970s and 1980s such as Memorial Parkway, Kelliwood and Nottingham Country. All of the Katy Area lies in the City of Houston’s extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ), not Katy’s ETJ. This means that most of the greater Katy area is controlled

by the City of Houston and that Houston has the ability to annex it in the future.

The City of Katy cannot annex this area unless the City of Houston releases the area’s ETJ

to Katy, which has occurred in several small chunks in recent years.

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New city hall preserves Katy’s small town vibe

H I S T O R I C K AT Y DENOTES A HISTORIC BLDG. M O R E I N F O A V A I L A B L E AT THE VISITORS CENTER 5 6 1 5 F I R S T S T. 1 . K AT Y H E R I TA G E P A R K 5990 GEORGE BUSH 2 . R A I L R O A D PA R K 5615 FIRST STREET

RE WHE ND I TO F AT WH

3. WILKERSON-SCHNEIDER HOME 2 0 0 9 AV E . D 4. MAGNOLIA CEMETERY BARTLESS @ FRANZ RD 5. WISE-CARDIFF HOUSE 1 3 0 3 AV E N U E C 6. WELLER-BAIRD HOUSE 5800 FIFTH STREET 7. H U B L E R - P I T T S H O U S E 5718 FIFTH STREET 8. ROBERTSON-MOTHERAL HOUSE 5 5 1 8 F I F T H S T. 9. M O R R I SO N - F R E E M A N H O US E 5 5 9 2 F I F T H S T. 1 0 . M E T H O D I S T PA R S O N A G E 1 2 1 8 AV E N U E A 11. PECK-ALEXANDER HOUSE 1 1 1 3 AV E N U E B 12. ROMACK HOUSE 5 8 0 6 F O U R T H S T.

Pictured from left at the dedication of the new Katy City Hall are Councilman Jimmy Mendez, Councilman Steve Pierson, Mayor Pro-Tem Chuck Brawner, Mayor Fabol Hughes, Councilman Durran Dowdle, Councilman J. Gary Jones and City Administrator Byron Hebert.

ong gone are the days when Katy was a sleepy little rice farming community that mainly served as a pit stop for east/west travelers motoring on I-10. Now, with new businesses and subdivisions springing up right and left, the Katy area has grown to be a commercial hub and destination city. While the City of Katy is home to about 15,000 people, the population of the surrounding Katy area (generally considered to be within the boundaries of the Katy ISD) has mushroomed to more than 309,000. With all this growth and change, Katy residents feel that preserving the community’s traditional small-town look and vibe is important. “Keeping that old Katy ‘feel’ is what brings people here,” Mayor Fabol Hughes said. Even the city’s new $7.5 million city hall, a 33,000-squarefoot architectural wonder that is full of new technology, was designed to reflect Katy’s identity. Topped by a clock tower and cupola, the three-story building features a single square design adorned with tall pillars and red brick. It has the appearance of a traditional Southern courthouse “We wanted to carry a Georgian, Federalist kind of theme,” said Jack Duran, of TurnerDuran Architects. “It was a communitywide request that it carry through the historic feel of old Katy.” “I’m proud of the new building and proud of Katy for holding on to its traditions and that hometown USA feel,” said City Administrator Byron Hebert, who was in charge of the new city hall project. In mid-June, several hundred people gathered in front of the new city hall to witness the dedication of the facility. Katy attorney

David Frishman, who coordinated the event, shared the history of Katy, which was formerly known as Cane Island. There are two main reasons for the early settlement of Cane Island. First: people wanted farm land. Second: The Missouri-KansasTexas railroad was completed and it was easier for people to get to the area. It was also easier to get farm products to market. “Katy is part of a historic tapestry,” Frishman said. “That community (Cane Island) is still here today. We call it Katy, Texas.” City officials hope the new city hall will be the first step in the revitalization of Katy’s downtown area. The old City Hall, located across the street from the new facility, will be torn down and the block will be opened up a public plaza with an amphitheater. However, the former city council chambers will be spared and will remain as a public meeting facility. The city council has already given the green light to reconstruct some of the downtown arteries into one-way streets, and plans are to open a visitor center in the general vicinity. Mayor Fabol Hughes said Katy has transformed itself from a small farm town into an area of “unparalleled growth” with the addition of Katy Mills mall, new housing developments such as Cane Island and tourist attractions like the newly-opened Texas Typhoon Water Park. The city is also planning to open the Katy Boardwalk, which will feature a boardwalk, convention center, hotel, parking garage, a city park overlooking a 89-acre lake and outdoor plaza — as well as restaurants, retail shops, office space and residential areas. This building is emblematic of the growth that has happened here,” said Mayor Hughes. “It gives us that old time charm that we’re trying to capture here.”

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P R I V AT E S C H O O L S H I G H E R E D U C AT I O N

Central Facilities

KATY ISD MAP Sharp Rd.

Longenbaugh

N. Peek Rd.

FM 529

Clay Rd.

Rippling Water

ee Westgr

St.William Ln

45 70 16 62

Blvd.

Peek Rd.

S. Mason

Seven Meadows Pkwy

Hickory Downs

. Clay Rd

Patterson Rd.

Dulaney Groschke

Park Row

Blvd.

Interstate 10

yR d.

Westgreen

Barker Cypress

Kingsland

Baker Rd.

65 20

Addicks Howell

Stonelodge Dr.

47 d. yR

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the im er

wy .

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Hwy. 6

Mason Rd. Ranch

10 5

Groschke Rd.

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Grand R d.

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Hwy. 6

Crutchfield

Pkwy

Katy-Fort Bend Co. Rd. us ch B en re G

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Park Tree

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66 Fa

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FM 1463

Promenade

Cinco

Cimarron Pkwy.

Spring Green Blvd.

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Rd. Fry

Cinco Terrace Dr

Cinco

Blvd

Park Row

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FM 1463

Katy

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Greenland Way

Morton

Provincial

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6301 south stadium lane katy, texas 77494 (281) 396-6000 www.katyisd.org

Hin

Greenway Village

Dayflower Dr.

Saums

Highland Knolls

Prince George

t es W

ch us B

y at

Corbett

Gatwick

Wetherburn

Westfield Pkwy

49 7 19 63 75 74

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Pin Oak Rd.

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Fir

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South Firethorne

katy isd

Charlton House

Lakes of Bridgewater Dr

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LIN

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Blvd.

Kingsland

Franz Rd.

Grand Parkwa

Ave. D Danover

61 72

71 68 76 67

Interstate 10

Y NT

George Bush Ave. Highway Blvd.

HWY 90

Katyland Dr.

78 12 44

Misty Cove

Greenhouse Rd.

46 8

Fry Rd.

Morton Rd.

Elrod Rd.

Clay Road

Barker C

ypress

Stockdick Rd.

Porter Rd.

Katy-Hockley Rd.

Pitts Rd.

Stockdick

Hwy. 6

Katy-Hockley Cutoff

Eldridge

Beckendorff

FM 1093

5HYLVHG

G U I D E T O K AT Y I S D E L E M E N TA R Y S C H O O L S

1. Alexander Elementary 2. Bear Creek Elementary 3. Cimarron Elementary 4. Creech Elementary 5. Exley Elementary 6. Fielder Elementary 7. F r a n z E l e m e n t a r y 8. Golbow Elementary 9. G r i f f i n E le m e n t a r y 10. Hayes Elementary 11. Holland Elementary 12. Hutsell Elementary 13. Katy Elementary 14. Kilpatrick Elementary 15. King Elementary 16. Mayde Creek Elementary 1 7. M c R o b e r t s E l e m e n t a r y 18. Memorial Parkway Elementary 19. M o r to n Ra n c h Elementary 20. Nottingham Country Elementary

El 1

Hwy. 6

Longenbaugh

The Katy Independent School District, a leader in educational excellence, together with family and community, provides unparalleled learning experiences designed to prepare each student to live an honorable, fulfilling life. Katy ISD is a flourishing suburban school district that encompasses 181 square miles. Its eastern boundaries stretch to Houstonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Energy Corridor approximately 16 miles west of downtown Houston and extends along Interstate 10 to a few miles west of the City of Katy. In the 2014-15 school year, student enrollment grew to more than 70,000 served by 53 schools â&#x20AC;&#x201D; including six four-year high schools. With more than 7,600 employees, it is one of the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest employers. Rated as Recognized by the Texas Education Agency, Katy ISD offers an outstanding instructional program with facilities, equipment and materials that are among the best in the state.

House Hahl Rd.

Sharp Rd.

House Hahl Rd.

attract newcomers to area

76. Jack F. Rhoads Memorial Stadium 77. Danover Facility 78. Support Services Complex Nutrition and Food Services Publications and Printing Purchasing Warehouse Distribution Center West Transportation Center Center 79. Welch Outdoor Learning Center

70. East Transportation Center 71. ECI Project TYKE/PPCD 72. Educational Support Complex Leonard E. Merrell Center Morgan Rodeo Arena L.D. Robinson Pavilion 73. Gerald Young Agricultural Facility 74. Law Enforcement Center 75. Maintenance and Operations Center

Katy ISD Map

Exceptional schools

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LINE NTY COU

Taking the reins at Katy ISD is Dr. Lawrence Hindt, a 1983 graduate of Katy Taylor High School. He will assume his duties as superintendent on Aug. 1. Prior to coming to Katy, Dr. Hindt served as superintendent of the Allen ISD. During this tenure, that school district earned numerous awards and recognition, including being named a finalist in the 2016 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards program. Hindt has also served as superintendent of schools for the Staffor Municipal School District and was a classroom teacher at Dulles High School. He later served as principal at Dulles. A self-described â&#x20AC;&#x153;blue collar superintendent,â&#x20AC;? Hindt said one of his major challengest at Katy will be finding ways to successfully control the districtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rapid growth. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We need to try and tay two steps ahead of it,â&#x20AC;? he said. Hindt brings with him a wife and two kids, a 21-year-old son currently a senior at Utsa and an 18-year-old daughter who is a freshman at SMU.

Ka ty

A Message from the Superintendent

Schlipf Rd.

K AT Y T I M E S N E W C O M E R S G U I D E

FM 2855

21. Pattison Elementary 22. Rhoads Elementary 23. Rylander Elementary 24. Schmaltz Elementary 25. Shafer Elementary 26. Stanley Elementary 2 7. S t e p h e n s E l e m e n t a r y 28. Sundown Elementary 2 9. We s t M e m o r i a l Elementary 30. Williams Elementary 31. Wilson Elementary 32. Winborn Elementary 3 3 . Wo l f e E l e m e n t a r y 3 4 . Wo l m a n E l e m e n t a r y 3 5 . Wo o d C r e e k E l e m e n t a r y

J unior H igh S chools

40. Beck Junior High 41. Beckendorff Junior High 42. Cardiff Junior High 43. Cinco Ranch Junior High 44. Katy Junior High 45. Mayde Creek Junior HIgh

46. McDonald Junior High 4 7. M c M e a n s J u n i o r H i g h 48. Memorial Parkway Junior High 49. M o r to n Ra n c h Junior High 50. Seven Lakes Junior High 5 1 . We s t M e m o r i a l Junior High 5 2 . Wo o d C r e e k J u n i o r H i g h

S enior H igh S chools

60. Cinco Ranch High School 61. Katy High School 62. Mayde Creek High School 63. Morton Ranch High School 64. Seven Lakes High School 6 5 . J a m e s E . Ta y l o r H i g h School 6 6 . O b r a D . To m p k i n s H i g h School 68. (Raines High School) Opportunity

K AT Y T I M E S N E W C O M E R S G U I D E

w w w. K AT Y T I M E S . C O M 27

KATY ISD BOARD OF TRUSTEES

COURTNEY DOYLE SECRETARY

BRYAN MICHALSKY TREASURER

HENRY DIBRELL Sargeant-at-Arms

Ashley Vann is a graduate of James E. Taylor High School and received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications from Southern Methodist University. After working in the television and advertising industries, Vann dedicated herself to public service and volunteering. Vann was elected to the Katy ISD Board of Trustees in May 2014. She and her husband, J Scot, have been married for 20 years and have three children, all students in Katy ISD. Vann has lived in Katy for nearly 30 years, and has been involved with the Katy ISD Education Foundation, and served as a volunteer at Alexander Elementary, Beckendorff Junior High and Seven Lakes High School. She has also served in leadership positions, including PTA president, on all three PTA’s and was named Volunteer of the Year for Alexander in 2008. She was a member of the Leadership Katy Class of 2012, Katy ISD VIPS Executive Board, and the volunteer in charge of KEYS mentoring events. She has also served on the Katy ISD Instructional Calendar Committee, Seven Lakes Athletic Booster Club, and Studio VII Booster Club.

Courtney Doyle was elected to the Katy ISD Board of Trustees in May 2014. Doyle has been an active member of the Texas PTA since 2008. During her time in Katy, she has served as a Griffin Elementary volunteer and opened Stanley Elementary as the inaugural PTA President. She has also served as Vice President of Membership and Council Delegate in the Stanley Elementary PTA, Inaugural President of Seven Lakes Junior High PTA, and Vice President of Fundraising for Seven Lakes High School PTSA. Doyle attends Grace Fellowship Church and volunteers at Mik’s Hidden Hearts Alliance.

Bryan Michalsky was elected to the Katy ISD Board of Trustees in May 2012. Michalsky is a graduate of Sam Houston State University where he holds a BBA in accounting. He is also a Certified Public Accountant. Michalsky currently works as Chief Financial Officer for Cotton Holdings, Inc. and sits on the Advisory Board for Cotton Foundation that is dedicated to helping children affected by life-changing challenges. He has lived in Katy for six years and is a member of the Parkway Fellowship, where he serves as a Men’s Small Group Leader. He has served the Katy community through various sports organizations. He also serves Katy ISD through both the Seven Lakes and Katy High School Booster Clubs. Michalsky and his wife, Melysa, have one child in college and four children attending school in the District.

Henry Dibrell was elected to the Katy ISD Board of Trustees in May 2011. Dibrell is a graduate of Northwestern State University where he holds a B.S. in marketing. He is also a licensed minister. Dibrell is active in the community and is a former member of the Board of Directors of Lifehouse Houston, Houston Police Department’s Youth Police Advisory Council and Somebody Cares Houston’s Board of Advisors. Dibrell is a member of the Katy High School Band Booster Club, the Katy Bengal Brigade Booster Club and is a flag football coach at Crosspoint Church in Katy. He is also a member of the Blue Key National Honor Fraternity where he received the Dean Nicolus Award. Dibrell lives in Katy with his wife, Delia, and four children.

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25765 Katy Freeway • Katy, TX 77494

Katy Freeway Frontage Road

ERKaty

a ak Ro Pin O

Danover Road Frontage Road

ag nt Fro

St re et

Katy Independent School District, the leader in educational excellence, together with family and community, provides unparalleled learning experiences designed to prepare and inspire each student to live an honorable, fulfilling life -to create the future.

Rebecca Fox has served as a member of the Katy ISD Board of Trustees since 2004. She has held every position at least once, including twice as president of the Board. Fox is a graduate of the class of 2007 Leadership TASB (Texas Association of School Boards) and has earned the distinction of being named a Master Trustee. She is also a member of the TASB Legislative Advocacy Network. Fox holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Consumer and Family Science from Southeastern Louisiana University and works part-time as a motivational speaker and parent educator. Married for 28 years, she and her husband have two children. Fox has served in leadership on many KISD PTA boards. She has also served on a number of district committees and served three years as an executive board member of Katy ISD Volunteers in Public Schools. She continues to be involved in schools across the district through KEYS Mentoring, teaching Junior Achievement, Promise-to-Read and a variety of other programs. She was awarded the distinction of PTA lifetime member for her dedication to students, families and community.

ASHLEY VANN VICE PRESIDENT

ai n

mission statement

REBECCA FOX PRESIDENT

The Board of Trustees acts as the school district’s policy-making body and is the official representative of the people for all public education in Katy ISD. The Board functions according to state and federal laws, the rules and regulations established by the State Board of Education, the Texas Education Agency and the will of the people as expressed in district elections.

Nelso

n Way

g nta Fro

CHARLES GRIFFIN

gEORGE SCOTT

He was elected to the Katy ISD Board of Trustees in May 2012. Griffin graduated from Katy High School in 1985, making him the second generation to graduate from the high school. Following graduation, Griffin attended the United States Air Force Academy and started his path towards a retirement from the military. He held many jobs in the Air Force, including flying, and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. Currently, Griffin works for United as a Captain on a 737. Griffin is married to Nikki, who is also a Katy graduate, and they have four children. The Griffins wanted their children to attend Katy schools so, following the military, they moved back to Katy. For three generations and more, Katy ISD has done an outstanding job educating Griffin’s father, himself, his wife and his children. Griffin became a school board member to pay back the community for all the skills, education, and support it has provided for his family. He has been active in his children’s PTA, local sport teams, and booster clubs for many years.

George Scott was elected to the Katy ISD Board of Trustees in May 2016. Scott served as publisher of The Katy Times newspaper from 1983-1986 before becoming Senior Researcher and then President of the Tax Research Association of Houston and Harris County. He also served one year on the local political staff of then Congressman Tom DeLay and served on the Executive Committee of the Harris County Appraisal District, where he performed both internal and external media functions, as well as special projects. During his tenure in local media, Scott worked directly with hundreds of civic and service organizations and individuals to help publicize their positive work for the community, and volunteered in various activities including the Katy Chamber of Commerce, youth sports leagues for both boys and girls, and other activities related to his children’s activities.

K AT Y T I M E S N E W C O M E R S G U I D E

K AT Y I S D - E L E M E N TA R Y Alexander Elementary 6161 South Fry Rd Katy, TX 77494 Phone:281-237-7100 Fax:281-644-1585

Katy, TX 77494 Phone:281-234-2500 Fax:281-644-1925 Exley Elementary 21800 Westheimer Pkwy Katy, TX 77450 Phone:281-237-8400 Fax:281-644-1535

Bear Creek Elementary 4815 Hickory Downs Dr Houston, TX 77084 Phone:281-237-5600 Fax:281-644-1500

Fielder Elementary 2100 Greenway Village Dr Katy, TX 77494 Phone:281-237-6450 Fax:281-644-1515

Bethke Elementary 4535 Ventana Parkway Katy, TX 77493 Phone: 281-234-4200 Fax: 281-644-1940

Franz Elementary 2751 Westgreen Blvd Katy, TX 77449 Phone:281-237-8600 Fax:281-644-1520

Cimarron Elementary 1100 South Peek Rd Katy, TX 77450 Phone:281-237-6900 Fax:281-644-1505 Creech Elementary 5905 South Mason Rd Katy, TX 77450 Phone:281-2378850 Fax:281-644-1605 Davidson Elementary 26906 Pine Mill Ranch Drive

Golbow Elementary 3535 Lakes of Bridgewater Dr Katy, TX 77449 Phone:281-237-5350 Fax:281-644-1525

FIND YOUR SCHOOL ON THE MAP PG. 25

Griffin Elementary 7800 South Fry Road Katy, TX 77494 Phone:281-237-8700 Fax:281-644-1850

w w w. K AT Y T I M E S . C O M 29

Hayes Elementary 21203 Park Timbers Ln Katy, TX 77450 Phone:281-237-3200 Fax:281-644-1541

Mayde Creek Elementary 2698 Greenhouse Rd Houston, TX 77084 Phone:281-237-3950 Fax:281-644-1555

Rhoads Elementary 19711 Clay Road Katy, TX 77449 Phone:281-237-8500 Fax:281-644-1590

West Memorial Elementary 22605 Provincial Blvd Katy, TX 77450 Phone:281-237-6600 Fax:281-644-1625

Holland Elementary 23720 Seven Meadows Parkway Katy, TX 77494 Phone:281-234-0500 Fax:281-644-1695

McRoberts Elementary 3535 North Fry Rd Katy, TX 77449 Phone:281-237-2000 Fax:281-644-1580

Rylander Elementary 24831 Westheimer Pkwy Katy, TX 77494 Phone:281-237-8300 Fax:281-644-1600

Williams Elementary 3900 South Peek Rd Katy, TX 77450 Phone:281-237-7200 Fax:281-644-1545

Hutsell Elementary 5360 Franz Rd Katy, TX 77493 Phone:281-237-6500 Fax:281-644-1530

Memorial Parkway Elementary 21603 Park Tree Ln Katy, TX 77450 Phone:281-237-5850 Fax:281-644-1560

Schmalz Elementary 18605 Green Land Way Houston, TX 77084 Phone:281-237-4500 Fax:281-644-1615

Wilson Elementary 5200 Falcon Landing Katy, TX 77494 Phone:281-234-1600 Fax:281-644-1870

Jenks Elementary 27602 Westridge Creek Lane Katy, TX 77494 Phone: 281-234-4100 Fax: 281-644-1940

Morton Ranch Elementary 2502 Mason Road Katy, TX 77449 Phone:281-234-0300 Fax:281-644-1685

Shafer Elementary 5150 Ranch Point Dr. Katy, TX 77494 Phone:281-234-1900 Fax:281-644-1880

Winborn Elementary 22555 Prince George Ln Katy, TX 77449 Phone:281-237-6650 Fax:281-644-1510

Katy Elementary 5726 George Bush Ave Katy, TX 77493 Phone:281-237-6550 Fax:281-644-1550

Nottingham Country Elementary 20500 Kingsland Blvd Katy, TX 77450 Phone:281-237-5500 Fax:281-644-1566

Stanley Elementary 26633 Cinco Terrace Drive Katy, TX 77494 Phone:281-234-1400 Fax:281-644-1865

Wolfe Elementary 502 Addicks-Howell Rd Houston, TX 77079 Phone:281-237-2250 Fax:281-644-1620

Kilpatrick Elementary 26100 Cinco Ranch Blvd Katy, TX 77494 Phone:281-237-7600 Fax:281-644-1570

Pattison Elementary 19910 Stonelodge Dr Katy, TX 77450 Phone:281-237-5450 Fax:281-644-1575

Stephens Elementary 2715 Fry Road Katy, TX 77449 Phone:281-234-0200 Fax:281-644-1680

Wolman Elementary 28727 North Firethorne Rd. KATY, TX 77494 Phone:281-234-1700 Fax:281-644-1875

King Elementary 1901 Charlton House Ln Katy, TX 77493 Phone:281-237-6850 Fax:281-644-1595

Randolph Elementary 5303 Flewellen Oaks Lane Fulshear, TX 77441 Phone:281-234-3800 Fax:281-644-1930

Sundown Elementary 20100 Saums Rd Katy, TX 77449 Phone:281-237-5400 Fax:281-644-1610

WoodCreek Elementary 1155 Wood Creek Bend Lane Katy, TX 77494 Phone:281-234-0100 Fax:281-644-1690

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Mayde Creek Junior High 2700 Greenhouse Rd Houston, TX 77084 Phone:281-237-3900 Fax:281-644-1650

Cardiff Junior High 3900 Dayflower Drive Katy, TX 77449 Phone:281-234-0600 Fax:281-644-1855

McDonald Junior High 3635 Lakes of Bridgewater Dr Katy, TX 77449 Phone:281-237-5300 Fax:281-644-1655

Cinco Ranch Junior High 23420 Cinco Ranch Blvd Katy, TX 77494 Phone:281-237-7300 Fax:281-644-1640

McMeans Junior High 21000 Westheimer Pkwy Katy, TX 77450 Phone:281-237-8000 Fax:281-644-1660

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w w w. K AT Y T I M E S . C O M 31

Memorial Parkway Junior High 21203 Highland Knolls Katy, TX 77450 Phone:281-237-5800 Fax:281-644-1665

Tays Junior High 26721 Hawks Prairie Blvd. Katy, TX 77494 Phone: 281-234-2400 Fax: 281-644-1945

Opportunity Awareness Center 1732 Katyland Dr Katy, TX 77493 Phone:281-237-6350 Fax:281-644-1780

Taylor High School 20700 Kingsland Blvd Katy, TX 77450 Phone:281-237-3100 Fax:281-644-1762

Morton Ranch Junior High 2498 North Mason Rd Katy, TX 77449 Phone:281-237-7400 Fax:281-644-1670

West Memorial Junior High 22311 Provincial Blvd Katy, TX 77450 Phone:281-237-6400 Fax:281-644-1675

Raines High School 1732 Katyland Dr Katy, TX 77493 Phone:281-237-1500 Fax:281-644-1780

Tompkins High School 4400 Falcon Landing Blvd. Katy, TX 77494 Phone:281-234-1000 Fax:281-644-1910

Seven Lakes Junior High 6026 Katy-Gaston Rd. Katy, TX 77494 Phone:281-234-2100 Fax:281-644-1885

WoodCreek Junior High 1801 Wood Creek Bend Lane Katy, TX 77494 Phone:281-234-0800 Fax:281-644-1860

Seven Lakes High School 9251 S Fry Rd Katy, TX 77494 Phone:281-237-2800 Fax:281-644-1785

KATY ISD 6301 South Stadium Lane Katy, TX 77494 281-396-2318 WWW.KATYISD.ORG

K AT Y I S D - H I G H S C H O O L Cinco Ranch High School 23440 Cinco Ranch Blvd Katy, TX 77494 Phone:281-237-7000 Fax:281-644-1734 Katy High School 6331 Highway Blvd Katy, TX 77494 Phone:281-237-6700 Fax:281-644-1703 Mayde Creek High School 19202 Groeschke Rd Houston, TX 77084

Phone:281-237-3000 Fax:281-644-1721 Miller Career & Technology Center 1734 Katyland Dr Katy, TX 77493 Phone:281-237-6300 Fax:281-644-1775 Morton Ranch High School 21000 Franz Rd Katy, TX 77449 Phone:281-237-7800 Fax:281-644-1747

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Pete Rose Hit Academy set to open Fall 2016

he Katy area has long been considered one of the youth baseball hotbeds in the region. From its high placing high school sports programs to its youth teams, the Katy area has to be reckoned with when it comes to the baseball diamond. In an effort to reach some of that talent and enrich it, the Pete Rose Hit Academy is set to open in the fall of 2016. The academy, a training facility for baseball players, is expected to be located at 4256 FM 2855 in the Katy area, just north of Highway 90. “This is going to be a true baseball academy where kids can get professional teaching and coaching,” said CEO and co-founder Johnny Johnson. “We are going to offering hitting, catching, throwing and fielding stations. We also intend to have some branded teams that will play as the Hit King baseball team. “We plan on hosting tournaments an d we have a place here for other teams that don’t want to be associated with us but can come in and have a place to practice,” Johnson said. “We are also going to offer health care as it relates to baseball available at the facility. It will be a complete baseball experience.” The academy is the brainchild of Rose, Ryan Baker, Derek Hurley and Johnson. This stateof-the-art facility is expected to include four outdoor fields and a 12,000-square foot indoor complex set with pitching and batting stations. Among the activities planned for the complex include baseball training camps, summer and

fall teams and tournaments for players ranging in age from five to the college level. The idea to form an elite baseball academy has been kicked around with Johnson and Baker for some time now. “We talked for some time about doing an academy ‘the right way,’” Johnson said. “A complex that is not just chasing trophies and burning out kids’ arms but a facility that would develop kids to play baseball at the next level. “Some kids just want to make their little league team and some want to make their high school team and some just want a place on those teams,” Johnson said. “Here they will have a place to go and be associated with that will develop those young boys and young girls to take the step to their next level of play both on the field and off the field.” But Johnson and Baker believed their idea was missing something. Missing that proper name recognition that would set this academy apart from all others. When it comes to the game of the baseball, few players can be compared to their on-field performance than the all-time hit king Rose. “We knew that if we could get (Rose) on board with us, it would make this the greatest thing ever,” Johnson said. “Pete Rose is the greatest hitter ever so I reached out and contacted him and explained what we were doing and he liked the idea and invested into it.”

Rose in under contract with the Hit Academy to not only help with the early publicity for the facility but will be a big part of helping out once the facility opens its doors. “Pete Rose will have involvement with this academy and is scheduled to be here throughout the year,” Johnson said. “He has been here already and has talked with the boys and worked with them and gave them some advice on hitting and what they can do to be a better hitter. “You can only imagine what it would feel like to be a young player and have a legend like Pete Rose give you advice on hitting a baseball,” Johnson said. But the academy doesn’t end with Rose when it comes to that MLB experience that is lending its talents to the facility. Serving on the board of directors for the academy include players like former Chicago White Sox Frank Thomas, Tony Perez, Joe Morgan and Steve Garvey. “We just want a well-rounded academy that allows kids to learn just about everything about baseball,” Johnson said. “We want to teach them about the mental approach and the physical approach to the game.” With all-star talent like that on its board, it is no wonder why the Pete Rose Hit Academy is set to put Katy on the map for its baseball talent very soon.

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Faith West Academy

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Westlake Preparatory Lutheran Academy

Faith West Academy is an

accredited, inter-denominational private Christian school that has been a part of the Katy/West Houston community since 1982. It is dedicated to providing a biblically-based education for on-level and advanced academic track students. It is committed to providing academic excellence in a safe, Christian environment for students preschool through 12th grade. Faith West is known for its high academic standards and Christian world view education. Its core values are governed by reverence for God; respect for ourselves, others, and authority; and responsibility for one’s actions. Excellence without compromise is to be defined as being equipped to fulfill each student’s God-given potential. Compromise is defined as anything other than God’s design. It has a preschool for 3-year-old and 4-year-old children, and their education can continue on campus through their senior year in high school. Faith West offers a strong core curriculum and accelerated

Pope John XXIII High College Preparatory

Westlake Preparatory Lutheran

courses are offered for 6th through 12th-grade students. Students kindergarten through 11th grade take the Stanford Achievement Test each spring. Mean achievement test scores are consistently in the top 25 percent in the nation. It is accredited by the International Christian Accrediting Association, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement and is a member of the Association of Christian Schools International.

Academy is a private Christian school dedicated to providing faith-based educational programs which focus on academic excellence and spiritual growth. As a college preparatory school for Pre-K through sixth grade, Westlake equips students to become courageous leaders while serving Jesus Christ in our changing world. Westlake has aligned its curriculum to systemically move its students toward the goal of academic excellence. Westlake recognizes that your children are your most important possession, and takes the responsibility you entrust to them seriously. Your child will be challenged and motivated to excel academically in a loving and caring environment. The dedicated teachers see their vocation as a true calling and integrate the intangibles of faith, morals, ethics and service in the classroom as each student pursues a solid

academic foundation. Westlake employs only certified and degreed teachers, and most of the K-6 grade teachers have Master’s Degrees. Each class is also equipped with the latest technology to support the curriculum, particularly in the areas of math, science, reading, writing and history/geography. As a premier private school conveniently located southwest of the Grand Parkway and Westpark Tollway intersection, Westlake strives to prepare children for “today, tomorrow and eternity.” Call Westlake Preparatory Lutheran Academy at 281-341-9910

In 2001, a group of community leaders came together with Monsignor Joe H. Crosthwait and Monsignor Ed Randall and took a giant leap of faith. Soon, they were joined by others who believed in the leadership team and who shared their purpose and vision for the future. Pope John XXIII High School opened its doors in August 2004 and was the first new Catholic high school in the area in 40 years. To prepare students for a life of service to God, family and community, the school provides a challenging program that includes a college preparatory curriculum with AP opportunities, competitive extracurricular activities and rigorous faith and character formation. Members of the Pope John XXIII community are encouraged to develop the gifts given to them by the Holy Spirit to the best of their ability. Students are taught to always seek the truth and develop a

love for wisdom. By word and example, students learn to imitate the merciful love of Jesus Christ in a life of service to others. A Pope John XXIII graduate

will be prepared to answer God’s call. Pope John XXIII College Preparatory is accredited by the Texas Catholic Conference

Education Department, Southern Association of Colleges and Secondary School.

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Construction under way for second football stadium

By Didi Martinez

s one drives down Katyland Drive, the initial stages of a $62.5 million football stadium in the works can be observed from a distance. Completion of one of the most expensive football stadiums in the country is still a bit away. Since the Katy Independent School District’s groundbreaking ceremony for its second stadium, which currently remains unnamed, the area next to Jack Rhodes Memorial Stadium stands as a massive construction site. “Currently, work is progressing related to the construction of the concrete spectator seating sections on the east and west sides of the stadium,” said Peter McElwain, who oversees the Katy ISD’s Facilities and Planning Department. “Work is also well underway related to the construction of the field house at the south end of the stadium.” The stadium project has been hotly debated by the Katy

community due to the district’s decision to build it in what critics have deemed an already “hightraffic” area. Building the second football stadium on the land was partly the result of Katy ISD already owning the land and an attempt to avoid raising taxes around the area, according to a school district FAQ. Still, this decision did eventually come at a price when $4.5 million of additional funding from a 2010 bond package was sought out to make changes needed to ease traffic concerns. “We are currently working with the necessary Harris County agencies involved in this project to provide the additional work needed for turn lanes, intersections and signalization,” McElwain said. “These changes and modifications will improve vehicular ingress and egress into the complex.” The increased funding will also be used to provide underground technology connectivity between the stadiums. The technology will not be installed during this

year’s football season, but until the project nears its completion in 2017. Part of the network and video connection provided by the technology will be managed by Miller Career and Technology Center’s Live Action Media Broadcast System crew (LAMBS). Hiring on additional staff to operate the technology is still in discussion. Noise caused by activity in the stadium was another concern that architects for the facility were hoping to address. “As part of the design of the complex, a specialized acoustic consulting firm was an integral part of the design team,” McElwain said. “A directional sound system is being included at both stadiums to better focus the sound. The field level of the new stadium has also been recessed below grade, which also will help to contain and mitigate sound.” The project’s construction has also brought in new changes to Rhodes Stadium. The grass hill on the East side of the stadium has been flattened to provide

additional parking. This, and what McElwain promises to be “strategic game scheduling” are measures the district has taken to provide necessary on-site parking. Because Katy High School football games historically bring in more media personnel, the stadium will also feature a one-story press box with similar features to that of Rhodes Stadium. “There will definitely be accommodations for when the media covers games,” said Katy ISD Media Relations and Multimedia manager Maria Corrales DiPetta. “We are not going to exclude the media — they are also going to be part of it.” Schools that will use the stadium include Katy High, Cinco Ranch, Seven Lakes, Tompkins, Taylor, Morton Ranch and Mayde Creek. The stadium could also host state playoff games. The stadium is expected to be completed for the start of the 2017 football season.

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U of H at Cinco Ranch

HCC - Katy Campus

orthwest College is one of six major branches of the Houston Community College District. HCC-Northwest includes the Katy and Spring Branch campuses and primarily serves the Katy and Spring Branch communities, as well as some areas of the Houston Independent School District. Located at 1550 Foxlake Drive, HCC-Katy serves three school districts in the West and Northwest parts of Houston and Harris County, including Katy ISD. HCC-Northwest is dedicated to bringing students the highest quality education through two-year academic degrees, workforce certifications, continuing education classes, adult education classes and high school dual credit courses. HCC-Northwest offers a comprehensive selection of all traditional academic courses needed to complete an associates degree and to complete for transfer the core curriculum required for all four-year public universities in Texas. Certificates and degrees are available in such specialties as cosmetology, audio recording and filmmaking, veterinary paramedics, certified nurse aid and child development. HCC offers associate degrees, certificates, workforce training and lifelong learning opportunities. Campus locations are: • Alief Campus: 2811 Hayes Road, Houston, Texas 77082-2642, 713718-6870; • Katy Campus: 1550 Foxlake Drive, Houston, Texas 77084, 713-7185757; • Spring Branch Campus: 1010 W. Sam Houston Parkway N., Houston, Texas 77043, 713-718-5700; and For more information, visit its Web site at http://northwest.hccs. edu/portal/site/northwest.

he University of Houston System at Cinco Ranch offers junior, senior, and graduate classes leading to more than 30 Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the four University of Houston System universities. Locations include University of Houston, UH-Clear Lake, UHDowntown and UH-Victoria. UH-Cinco Ranch is located at 4242 South Mason Road in Katy. The UH System at Cinco Ranch facility, a gift from Cinco Ranch Ventures, is a 36,000-square-foot building with 20 classrooms, computer labs, a virtual library, a student lounge and video conferencing rooms. Located on South Mason Road at University Park just south of Westheimer Parkway, the building recently underwent enhancements for electronic delivery of courses, a mobile computer lab, library access and a wireless network. When students enroll to take an upper division or graduate class at the University of Houston System at Cinco Ranch, they are enrolling at one of the four UH System universities. Students should not have to leave UH System at Cinco Ranch to meet one-on-one with an academic advisor, apply for admission, register for classes, pay tuition and fees, attend class and complete all work for that class. To further ease their college transition, the UH System at Cinco Ranch has partnered with Houston Community College Northwest and other local community colleges to assist the transfer of freshman and sophomore credit. For more information about UH Systems at Cinco Ranch, visit its website at www.cincoranch.uh.edu.

Zerwas The Katy Times t 33

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Area sports fans can’t seem to get enough of the Katy Tigers

he Katy High Tigers not only won their record eighth state football championship in 2015, but the team was also crowned as the national high school football champions. As a whole, Katy ISD features thousands of outstanding student-athletes who consistently advance to state playoffs and championships throughout the school year. Many newcomers and visitors, along with longtime Katy residents, know all about Katy football and its much-deserved reputation as one of the top programs in Texas and beyond season after season. Katy also captured football state championships in 1959, 1997, 2000, 2003, 2007, 2008, and 2012. Tigers head coach Gary Joseph was named the 2012 American Football Monthly National High School Coach of the Year. Joseph is an incredible 153-12 in 10 years as Katy’s head coach (he’s been with the program 32 years). “It’s just a tremendous honor

to work with all the outstanding administrators, teachers and coaches in the Katy ISD, and of course, the players, parents and fans,” Joseph said. “The program’s success is a direct result of a tremendous combined effort, and the tremendous dedication from our players.” Katy High competes in UIL District 19-6A with co-Katy ISD high schools Cinco Ranch, Seven Lakes, Taylor, Morton Ranch, Tompkins and Mayde Creek, and

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Private and parochial Schools), which also offers a wide variety of girls and boys varsity sports and state championships. In TAPPS football, Faith West and Pope John XXIII compete in Division II District 4. Teams in the district include Sugar Land Fort Bend Baptist, and Houston schools Lutheran North, Lutheran South, Northland Christian, Second Baptist and Westbury Christian.

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A message from the President Katy Chamber of Commerce

n behalf of the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce, it is an honor to welcome you. The Gadberry Group recently named Katy as the No. 1 High Growth Area in the nation. As one of the top 10 fastest-growing communities, Katy continues to experience an unprecedented growth rate. We are clearly a destination city. Katy promotes a quality of life that is second to none and offers all the amenities of a major metropolitan area, plus the advantageous atmosphere of hometown living. The community’s thriving economy and sound financial position are the result of decades of dedicated community volunteers and business leaders. You will find caring neighbors, fun family events such as the Katy Rice Harvest Festival, appreciation and preservation of history and heritage, neighborhood safety and security, accessible healthcare, well-maintained parks and active community beautification. Shopping, dining and entertainment opportunities abound from historic downtown Katy specialty shops, boutiques, antiques and museums to Katy Mills mall, La Centerra at Cinco Ranch and the Villagio Town Center. The Katy Area Chamber of Commerce, City of Katy, Katy Area Economic Development Council and Katy Independent School District have a strong partnership to provide economic development, quality education and important community events. The Katy Area Chamber of Commerce represents the interests of our businesses “from city hall to Austin to our nation’s capital.” The Katy Area Chamber of Commerce takes great pride in its services to the community and to its membership. The chamber serves as the official relocation service for the Katy area. We invite you to visit our office and pick up the latest official directory and relocation guide and a current map of the Katy area. You can also request relocation materials via our website at www.katychamber.com. -Ann Hodges

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With new construction and mushrooming growth, Katy is a city that is definitely on the move By Jennifer Heath

aty is a city on the move, as evidenced by the ongoing development of the Cane Island master-planned community, construction of a new city hall, purchase of land to build a second fire station and the Morton Road expansion project. There are also plans to build a two-mile boardwalk that will encircle an 8-acre retention pond on city-owned property near Katy Mills, and tentative plans for that area include building a convention center, luxury hotel and retail—much like CityCentre in Houston. For Mayor Fabol Hughes, all this activity means only one thing. “We’re open for business,” he said. “There’s nothing we can do to stop the growth. It’s coming, and we’re determined to manage this growth and not have it manage us.” To accomplish this, Hughes said the city has worked diligently on several fronts. One area has been for developers. The city shored up some of its permitting requirements and made a few changes in customer service. City engineers are on-task to get back to developers quickly to ensure open lines of communication, he said. “We want to take a hand in this business,” Hughes said. “Business is coming, and there’s no other place for it to go.” One of Katy’s big developments occurred by revamping the city’s Fire and Emergency Service departments. Foremost in the reorganization was to find a new fire chief, and the city found what it wanted in the hiring of Russell Wilson, the assistant chief in Irving and a 27-year veteran of the fire service. “The thing is, we needed structure in the fire department,” Hughes said. “Over the last few years, our respectability had gotten to a low. We were the laughingstock of the surrounding fire departments. We’ve turned the corner on that now. We have really, really good, super firemen, battalion chiefs, and all the firemen are first-class people.” Previously, the city relied on part-time firemen to operate its station. Now the city has employed 36 full-time firemen, plus a chain of command. “We’ve managed to accomplish this without a tax increase or bonding or anything

like that,” Hughes said. “We’ve totally restructured it from the top down.” The city also will break ground on Fire Station No. 2 on Kingsland Boulevard. Hughes said the city will house its tower ladder, ambulance and new pumper truck at the upcoming new station. “We’re hopeful we might get that open this year, we’re not sure,” he said. “We need to have presence on that southside of town because we have so much commercial and tall buildings over there.” Hughes said another giant milestone for the city is the development of Cane Island, the master-planned community built by Rise Development that will add 3,000 houses in between Hwy. 90 and I-10 near FM 1463. Hughes estimates the Cane Island project will bring in close to 12,000 people to live in the community. To prepare for the influx, the city is working to establish more businesses and infrastructure in the area. “It’s such a big deal that we haven’t had anything like this happen to us before,” Hughes said. “These people are not going to come in here and live here if they don’t have the support services with things like cleaners and local little stores and places to shop. They’ll be shopping right here in Katy.” To help ease in and out of the city, a strong mobility plan must be in place. The expansion of Segment E of the Grand Parkway will bring more people into Katy, Hughes said. Future plans call for expansion of several city streets and thoroughfares in the area. Cane Island will be a catalyst to open the door for more commercial developments and residential communities to look toward the west side of Katy. “The Katy Freeway and the Energy Corridor are continuing to go west,” Hughes said. “There’s more opportunities and the thing about all of this is, we don’t have to use the dang Katy Freeway into Houston. People can work out here.” The area west of Katy will be the next boom, Hughes said. “There’s no other land available,” he said. “We have to be able to manage it and get a handle on the growth. We’re set to do that. We’re in great shape now. We have manpower, facilities and money to do it. We’re not hurting for anything. We’re ready to take it. All that does is help all of us now.”

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Final design for proposed Boardwalk District almost complete, development will feature convention center, hotel and restaurant row

ast year, the Katy Development Authority entered into an agreement with Sueba USA Corporation to develop the Boardwalk District, a 22-acre parcel located adjacent to Katy Mills. The Boardwalk District will include a convention center, hotel, and restaurant row, all anchored by an 89-acre nature park with a central lake, boardwalks, nature preserves, and a two-mile walking trail system. In addition, Sueba USA Corporation intends to use the parcel to construct a high quality mixed-use development consisting of loft living space, retail and restaurant facilities, and a public plaza. The design for he Boardwalk District is still being fine-turned. Katy Development Authority was formed by the City of Katy, Texas to promote economic development through publicprivate partnerships that

support the completion of public infrastructure and high quality private development. Sueba USA Corporation is a Houston-based real estate development company that is an established leader in the acquisition, development, construction, and management of both residential and commercial real estate. In a related issue, the Katy Development Authority continues to pursue its goal of launching a convention center/hotel development next to Katy Mills, according to former Katy mayor Skip Conner, chairman. To be known as The Park of Katy Mills, this mixed-use development is intended for office, research and development, medical, high tech and light industrial uses, along with retail and entertainment venues. It will surround Katy Mills. If all

progresses smoothly with the city’s land purchase there, construction of the convention center could get under way in the next 1½ to 2 years. Katy’s boardwalk will not resemble the tourist attraction in Kemah, Conner noted. “It will be like a park area,” he said. “It won’t be a bird sanctuary, but it will attract more birds. The land has been in a raw state for 18 years, so it has been home to wildlife.” The authority is hoping to attract a commercial developer to add an upscale hotel to the site, Conner said. Commercial developers already are interested in the Katy Mills Mall area. The area’s growing population and business community have attracted several hotel developments. Demand for hotel rooms also is being fueled, in

part, by PetroSkills, an oil and gas training company near Katy Mills that draws professionals from around the globe to its one- and two-week training sessions. Additional projects are coming to the area as well. Less than one mile from Katy Mills, construction recently was completed on Legacy at Falcon Point, an 82unit assisted living and memory care development by PinPoint Commercial LP at 1520 Katy Gap Road. The luxury development includes a movie theater, spa, restaurant, fitness center and sports bar. The mall already is a major destination for Katy and attracts about 11 million visitors each year, said Lance LaCour, CEO/chairman of the Katy Area Economic Development Council. The city’s growth and the additions to the mall area only will enhance visitors’ interest, he said.

Completing mobility, infrastructure projects key to addressing growth in timely fashion for Katy Area By Jennifer Heath

nn Hodge said there’s no reason to think that Katy will quit growing anytime soon. After all, the population has mushroomed in the past decade at now stands at close to 310,000. “Based upon the demographic projections provided by Katy ISD, I do not see any decrease in the growth for our community over the next five to 10 years,” said Hodge, President and CEO of the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce. “The challenge will be for our community to complete the mobility and infrastructure projects necessary to address that growth in a timely fashion. “Additionally, our community must work together to ensure a strong education system through Katy ISD for all of our children. A well-trained workforce is essential to maintain a business growth.” According to Hodge, the major success for the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce is the completion of

Segment E of the Grand Parkway. “We worked for more than 12 years to see the Segment E completed. The economic growth and jobs created through that corridor will benefit the entire region.” With more ease of access to, from and into the Katy area, Hodge estimates more businesses will begin looking at either relocating or expanding in the region now that more infrastructures have been added to the area. Specifically, she expects to see more growth in the area around Segment E of the Grand Parkway. “To insure business growth and success, we must have excellent roads,” she said. “The completion of Segment E is one more project that will enable our community to decrease the amount of time they spend in traffic. These are critical projects to address the rapid growth we are experiencing.” The community continues to be one of the fastest growing regions

in the United States. The combination of a vibrant community, exceptional education system, outstanding quality of life and potential for growth are all ideal conditions for businesses to look toward the Katy region. “Over the past 15 years during my tenure as President/CEO of the Chamber, we have seen growth from a wide variety of areas throughout the world,” Hodge said. “One of the interesting areas of growth continues to be oil and gas employees who are transferred overseas. When they are transferred back to the States, we see them coming right back to the Katy communities with their families.” The vast array of businesses coming into the area is another testament to the opportunities available in the region. “I believe all businesses are attracted to Katy,” she said. “They conduct their market analysis and recognize the tremendous opportunity for growth.”

The Katy Area Chamber of Commerce partners with the Katy Area Economic Development Council as well as the City of Katy and Katy ISD to present a strong partnership to potential businesses looking to relocate to the area. “Our Chamber belongs to everyone in the community. To be a strong and effective organization serving as the advocate for our community, we must have the support of businesses and community-based organizations,” Hodge said. Hodge said when she speaks with business owners who are thinking of coming into the area, she always mentions the outstanding growth in the region. “I tell them, ‘You will not regret your decision. We would be happy to give you testimonials from other businesses that have relocated to the Katy community,’” Hodge said. “It is absolutely the right decision for your business as well as your employees.’”

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A message from the President, Katy Economic Development Council

f you have recently relocated to the Katy Area or are considering establishing your family or business here, the area offers a quality of life that appeals to new residents and businesses for many reasons. Businesses find the Katy Area attractive for our energetic, talented, and world-class workforce, abundant and reasonably priced land, outstanding transportation access and excellent demographics. Since its inception, the efforts of the Katy Area EDC in luring new business to the area has added $3 billion to the local economy. Residents find the affordable housing, award-winning public school system and family-oriented community appealing. Recently, Cinco Ranch Subdivision was rated as the No. 1 place for livability in the U.S. by Area Vibes. Over the past 10 years the Katy Area Economic Develop-

ment Council has helped create over 13,000 jobs, and operated 1.3 billion in capital investment. This is a $3 billion economic impact to the Katy Area. Business growth over this period has been phenomenal, as there were 5,900 businesses 10 years ago and now there are nearly 11,000 businesses that call Katy home. Katy continues to diversify its economy with the recruitment /expansion of companies like DNV-GL and GEICO. The Katy Area offers residents and businesses alike the best place to live and the best business climate for quality growth, with close proximity to the City of Houston. We welcome you to join our growing, successful, community. Over time, you will find the Katy Area to be the western cornerstone of greater Houston, providing opportunities for excellence in business, education, healthcare, recreation and living. On behalf of our 180 plus members of the Katy Area Eco-

Katy EDC helps drive surge in new and expanded businesses By Jennifer Heath

nomic Development Council, let me welcome you to the Katy Area! The mission of the Katy Area Economic Development Council is to establish the Katy Area as the premier location for families

and businesses through planned economic growth and development. For information about the Katy Area EDC, call 281-396-2200 or visit www.katyedc.org.

ew businesses, expanded companies and more rooftops in master planned communities have kept the city of Katy moving forward. “Companies like Geico, DynaDrill, Welltec, New Park Drilling Fluids and others have found the Katy area attractive primarily because of a talented workforce, the excellent school system, access to I-10, master planned communities and available land and buildings,” said Lance LaCour, Katy Area Economic Development Council President and CEO. The past year, the Katy Area EDC has helped attract several new and expanded businesses to the area. The increase brings in tax revenue, job growth and an abundant workforce. Some of the biggest announcements to the Katy community included Geico bringing more than 1,000 jobs to the area during the next three years with its new Claims Center. Geico has leased a twostory building at Mason Creek Office Center in Katy and will become one of the top 20 largest employers for Katy. In addition, Igloo Coolers built a new 420,000 squarefoot distribution center in the area, which brought with it 250 new jobs. In the retail section, wholesale club Costco opened its new warehouse center, which will employ 200 people. “We have some new office, retail and industrial spec buildings that are starting or are under construction that will attract top-quality employers to Katy,” LaCour said. Some of those include The Offices at Greenhouse, LaCenterra, Mason Creek Corporate, Ten West Crossing and West Ten Business Park. The Offices at Greenhouse has inked an office lease that should also bring several hundred office jobs to the Katy area, LaCour said. More businesses and workers are being attracted to the Katy region for a variety of reasons. However, the expansion of the Grand Parkway is a major factor in contributing to the city’s recent

successful boom. “The Grand Parkway is a strong growth area with Segment E now finished from I-10 to US 290,” LaCour said. “The area from Mason Road to I-10 down to LaCenterra is generating a great deal of interest.” Developers are scouting the location around Segment E, between US 290 and I-10, and are planning new business parks, he said. “Segment E is a major growth stimulator for recruiting new businesses and for residential growth,” LaCour said. LaCour and others at the Katy Area EDC help entice businesses to the area in a variety of ways. They market and promote the Katy region and guide companies through site selection and the incentives process. “We also respond to state, company and consultant requests for proposals,” he said. “We are a full-service economic development organization.” The Katy Area EDC boasts to potential businesses about the area’s acclaimed Katy school district, the large region of the Katy area that spans over three counties, the prime location with ease of access into Houston and the Energy Corridor where many of the world’s major energy companies call home. When these puzzle pieces fit together, the Katy area is becoming more appealing to local, national and world-wide companies. “Future growth will continue to be driven from the energy industry and other companies enhancing the growth including light manufacturing, distribution, office and technology companies,” LaCour said. “(Five to 10 years from now,) Katy will see more top-quality companies and corporations, more options for high-end retail, restaurants and shopping, more entertainment options and continued residential growth.” The Katy Area EDC isn’t done yet. They are continuing to look forward and push other businesses to see the opportunities that area available in the area. “This past year was great for

the EDC,” LaCour said. “We appreciated the opportunity to work with and help locate Geico in the Katy area. And

2014 is proving to be a great year as well. Stay tuned for new announcements.”

From left, Lance LaCour, Katy Area Economic Development Council President and CEO; Tony Nicely, Geico Chairman and CEO; Gov. Rick Perry; and Tara Carthew, General Manager for Geico Katy Local Office, were on hand to welcome the insurance company to Katy.

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City finances strongest they have ever been By Jennifer Heath

he growth and development of the City of Katy has brought with it a boom to the city’s economy. “In the city’s current position, its financials are the strongest they have ever been,” said Byron Hebert, Katy City Administrator. “We are in a financial position to welcome any new growth projects.” The city has expanded in many ways throughout 2016. One of main avenues, according to Hebert, can easily be seen on a daily basis. “One major area of success for the City of Katy is moving to a full-time Fire and EMS Department for better public safety coverage,” he said. “Another area is the mobility projects that started with Avenue D, Katyland Drive and now Cane Island Parkway, as well as the upcoming expansion of Morton Road.” Residents and visitors to the area don’t have to look far to find places where the city is growing. Katy Mills mall continues to bring in out-of-town guests looking to spend money on retail, visit local restaurants and stay overnight. “During the upcoming year, we will see

additional hotels in the Katy Mills Mall area followed by new restaurants as we expect additional large distribution centers in the West Ten Business Park, similar to Medline and Igloo which opened this past year,” Hebert said. The recent opening of the Typhoon Texas water park will also bring in more tax revenue for the city, and the planned Boardwalk District will prove to be a major financial boon for the city. The south and west part of the city continues to grow, with developers and businesses eyeing the land as prime real estate opportunities. However, big companies weren’t the only businesses to open in 2013. “While we enjoy the large commercial growth, we have welcomed many smaller businesses that have opened within the city and have been supported by our residents as well,” he said. Master planned communities, like Cane Island, will continue to bring new rooftops to the area. This will spur more retail businesses to take care of the growing population. “Residential growth will continue south of I-10 and west of downtown Katy,” Hebert said. “This will, in turn, bring large grocery chains, restaurants and ancillary services

which will be supported by these residential developments.” Businesses are enthusiastic about Cane Island Parkway because it allows for another easy jumping off and on spot from Interstate 10. “The future overpass of Cane Island Parkway at I-10 adds a new thoroughfare from Highway 90 to I-10 and makes this an attractive point for businesses opening in Katy,” Hebert said. City officials continue to look toward the future in an effort to alleviate mobility, traffic and infrastructure issues. Recent adjustments, such as increasing public safety through expanded Fire and EMS hours, are another added benefit to local businesses and residents of the area. “Potential businesses considering locating to the City of Katy should consider the city’s close proximity to Houston and the Energy Corridor and our diverse workforce,” Hebert said. “The outstanding reputation of the Katy School District continues to spur residential growth that can support and sustain the growth of any future business.”

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Section E allows easy access from I-10 to Highway 290

he Houston-Galveston Area Council estimates that by 2035, the Houston region will be home to 8.8 million people and will support more than 4 million jobs. As more and more people begin moving west and settling in the Katy area, new and improved roadways are needed to accommodate the growth. The completion of Section E of the Grand Parkway is the latest roadway improvement for the Katy area. Transportation officials rate it as second in order of local importance; the expansion of the Katy Freeway section of the highway is thought to be the area’s most important transportation project. The Grand Parkway, a north/ south freeway, intersects Interstate 10 and cuts through many of the most-rapidly expanding sections of Fort Bend County. The direct connect for motorists runs south to Hwy. 59, connecting to the Richmond area. The northbound portion of the Grand Parkway connects to Highway 290. TxDOT is also working with the City of Katy to construct on-ramps

and off-ramps on I-10 to the future Cane Island Parkway, which will provide travelers with another north/south route through the city limits. Interstate 10

or many residents, the Katy area functions as a suburb of Houston. Most commute to downtown or surrounding areas via I-10, an east/west thoroughfare that is a few minutes drive from most residences. The recent expansion of the Katy Freeway section of I-10 speaks volumes about this road’s importance to the area. In addition to the expansion, two managed lanes in each direction were added for high-occupancy vehicles (HOV) travelers. Drivers in single-occupancy vehicles can use the “Katy Tollway” by paying the toll with an EZ Tag. “This will help drivers that would like to pay to use it, and it will help decongest the freeway for those that choose not to (use it),” said Harris County Judge, Ed Emmett.

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Katy area known as ‘Medical Center West’

he Katy Area has recently been named “Medical Center West” for the greater Houston area. Why? Katy’s healthcare options are growing rapidly. During the next few years, hospitals will invest nearly $800 million in new and expanded facilities.

HOUSTON METHODIST ST. CATHERINE HOSPITAL Most patients who are admitted to a traditional hospital are there for just a few days, but some need attention for longer periods. Long-term acute care (LTAC) hospitals like Houston Methodist St. Catherine are specialty facilities dedicated to serving these patients. Contrary to some popular misconceptions, LTAC hospitals are not nursing homes (long-term care facilities), nor are they only

for critically ill patients. Many LTAC patients simply need daily care from a dedicated medical team for a longer period (typically 25 days or more) before they are well enough to return home. Patients who need a long-term acute care hospital include those requiring: • Intensive physical therapy. • Respiratory therapy. • Treatment for head trauma. • Pain Management. Houston Methodist St. Catherine Hospital is a fully accredited specialty hospital. Hospital services include: • Mammogram. • Outpatient Imaging. • Outpatient Rehabilitation. • Long-term Acute Care. • Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine.

KATY URGENT CARE CENTER Having a sick or injured child can be scary. The last thing you want to do is wait hours in the emergency room not knowing if he or she be alright. Katy Urgent Care Center is for non-emergency problems such as ear infections, sore throats, flu, ear infections, bladder infections, minor burns or cuts, sprains bruises and broken bones. More serious injuries or illnesses are best treated at an emergency department. Contact your primary care physician for chronic problems like depression or diabetes. Katy Urgent Care Center provides treatment of routine health care issues such as physical exams, consultative issues and treatment for illness and injury. Its physicians are board certified and see patients from six

months of age to adults. MD ANDERSON REGIONAL CARE CENTER The Regional Care Center in Katy is located at 19770 Kingsland Blvd. on the campus of Houston Methodist St. Catherine Hospital. It treats all kinds of cancer and offers many of the same patient services as the main campus, with more being added every day. MD Anderson wants to assure patients that they are getting the same world-class standard of care in a comforting community setting. The Regional Care Center in Katy offers complete suspicion of cancer services. If you have a lump or other troubling symptoms, experts can let you know whether or not it is cancer and provide treatment and management of your condition

‑no matter what the diagnosis. It offers clinical services such as medical oncology and hematology, Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), accelerated partial breast irradiation, surgical oncology, breast surgical oncology, outpatient chemotherapy, clinical trials, pain management, laboratory services, nurse navigator and on-site pharmacy. Patient support services include new patient navigation team, nutritional support and psycho-social support. At MD Anderson, the staff knows that the cancer experience includes more than just treating the disease. The Regional Care Center in Katy offers a range of support services to help all of its patients achieve maximum quality of life both during and after cancer treatment. Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital Serving the Katy community for more than 20 years, Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital is committed to providing comprehensive health services

treating a full range of medical conditions. Memorial Hermann uses the latest advanced technology and evidenced-based medicine to improve clinical outcomes. The latest advanced information and wireless technology systems are used to collect, store and communicate vital patient information. Memorial Hermann’s emergency center offers services 24/7, and its chest pain center is fully accredited to provide effective treatment for heart attack patients. Memorial Hermann is the only Level IV trauma center in Katy and is equipped to stabilize patients for transfer using Life Flight helicopters when higher level care is required. Specialty services include women’s and children’s services, heart and vascular services, sports medicine and rehabilitation, diabetes self management, cancer services and advanced diagnostic imaging. The Memorial Hermann Medical Plaza includes physician offices, a sports medicine and rehabilitation center, outpatient

imaging center, continence center and lab services. Texas Children’s Hospital – West Campus Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus broke ground in 2008 on a new $220 million facility that is located in the Katy area. The hospital is licensed for 96 intermediate and acute beds, an emergency center, inpatient and outpatient operating floors, ambulatory care facility, diagnostic imaging, physical medicine and rehab services, subspecialty care and physician office space. The first phase of the campus was completed in December 2010. Methodist West Houston Hospital Methodist West Houston Hospital broke ground in 2008 on a 192-bed, acute care hospital adjacent to Texas Children’s Hospital. At the 55-acre site, Methodist plans to offer sophisticated services to the Katy area which includes catheterization lab operations, radiation therapy

and imaging. A state-of-the-art medical office building will be built as well. Methodist also plans to integrate selected training services for medical residents and research fellows into a community hospital setting. It opened in November 2010. St. Luke’s Episcopal Health System St. Luke’s Episcopal Health System has also broken ground on the state of the art facility to be located at The Reserve at The Grand Parkway. St. Luke’s will build an 88-bed facility on 20 acres as a fullservice community hospital. St. Luke’s plans to offer general surgery, obstetrics, internal medicine and a 150,000square-foot medical office building. A construction schedule has not been released to the public at this time. St. Luke’s plans to offer general surgery, obstetrics, internal medicine and a 150,000square-foot medical office building.

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The Next Generation Salad Bar Katy Aquatics

is a USA Swimming Team dedicated to the development of youth swimming. As a swim club, our objectives are to teach fundamental swim techniques, foster a spirit of competition and equip our athletes with the skills to compete on regional and national levels. We continuously challenge young athletes to strive towards excellence and encourage future athletic training among our swimmers.

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• Special needs classes • Adult learn-to-swim classes • Masters swimming (age 18 and up) For more information on Katy Aquatics and our many programs, please visit www.katyaquatics.org or call 281-391-7200.

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Expansion of railroad played important role in Katyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history

n June 1870, the Missouri, Kansas and Texas (MKT) Railway won a race between three railroad companies to finish construction to the Indian Territory border. That earned the MKT the sole right to build a railroad south to Texas. The MKT worked on lines running north and south from Dennison to Galveston. Meanwhile, in 1873, the Texas Western Railway built a narrow gauge railroad from Houston to Sealy. A station was located about a mile south of the present City of Katy â&#x20AC;&#x201D; on the west side of Cane Island Creek. When the train first operated, water was pumped out of the creek by hand to feed the engine, but soon a well was dug and a water tower tank and loading platform erected. The Texas Western, as it was called, traveled only about 15 miles per hour. For a few years, the train did business hauling bales of cotton and other products to and from Houston. The train also brought parties from Houston to hunt on the Katy

prairie. In 1897, the Texas Western, beset by financial and maintenance problems, was abandoned and most of its rails removed. The train would have run through what is now the WoodCreek neighborhood. The MKT railroad was expanding and in April 1893, it purchased the right-of-way through Cane Island (Katy was called Cane Island until 1896) for $100 and started operations a year later. As a southern branch of the MKT ran from Smithville to Houston, a water well, tank and tower were erected in Cane Island. A crew house and coal conveyors were installed soon after and in 1895, a box car was parked next to the tracks for use as a station office. In 1898, a railroad station depot was built. The train allowed many families to come to Cane Island from northern states. Real estate agents enticed new residents with promises of cheap land and rich soil. Katy was also a short

trip from Houston, where almost anything could be purchased. The depot was enlarged in 1919 with an additional waiting room. The depot Union Pacific Railroad has introduced its latest Heritage Series locomotive, The Katy, building that pays tribute to the men and women of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad. standing The Katy has made several stops at its namesake town over the years. today at the MKT Depot era began in 1946 and larger Museum at 5615 First Street engines began pulling larger has not been changed â&#x20AC;&#x201D; except trains. Katy remained a busy for fresh paint, utilities and the stop on the way to Houston addition or a restroom. but as the use of trucks and The train was an important automobiles increased, the need part of life for early Katy families for rail began to decline, The rail and businesses. People from the line remained busy, but only for area would come to the depot to freight. The Texas Department of socialize as well as pick up freight Transportation bought the MKT or passengers, and sent or receive right-of-way in 1998 and the line telegrams. was closed in 2000. The MKT railroad diesel

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Veterans Memorial Museum is considered one of areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best

he Katy Veterans Memorial Museum houses many war artifacts ranging from military apparel and weaponry to historical documents and battlefield maps. Mannequins in Marine uniforms watch over war books, oral history tapes, as well as a collection of medals ranging from the Bronze Star to Good Conduct medals. Since its grand opening in 1996, when former president George Herbert Walker Bush attended the formal dedication, visitors can make their way through the museum and browse artifacts from as early as the American Revolution and the War of 1812 to World War I and II, the Korean and Vietnam Wars, as well as the Gulf War. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When it was initiated, there were about a dozen World War II vets that wanted to recognize and memorialize all veterans in some matter,â&#x20AC;? said Mike Mastrangelo, VFW past post commander. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our country has been involved in more than 65 conflicts, and they wanted something that would tell the history of the price of

freedom.â&#x20AC;? But as the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9182 continues to receive donations from veterans, many of the artifacts are packed away in closets to make room for new displays. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When more artifacts come in our possession, we have to switch them out,â&#x20AC;? Mastrangelo said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In 2005 or 2006, we decided we needed to expand because it was doing no justice to the artifacts, especially with the more current conflicts.â&#x20AC;? Plans for the expansion of the 750-square-foot museum began in 2008 when former post commander Peyton Lumpkin

began negotiations with the City of Katy to use the soon-to-bevacated room that was occupied by the Texas Department of Public Safetyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s license office at the time. When the DPS moved out in February 2010, the council allowed the VFW to use the driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s license office, as well as the adjacent hallway. In addition, the council approved a $34,433.30 Convention and Tourism Bureau grant in November 2010 to help fund some of the renovations. Post member Norris Miertschin was designated museum director and oversaw the renovations.

The veterans museum now houses the Hall of Freedom, which contains murals, artifacts and information depicting the history of the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s involvement in more than 65 conflicts; the Hall of Fame, which highlights the five branches of military, the U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard; and the Hall of Heroes, which honors veterans and sponsors, many of whom were Katy residents. The VFW Hall is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call 281-391-VETS (8387) or e-mail vfw9182@consolidated.net.

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The Katy heritage museum houses hundreds of items including vehicles, farming equipment, photos and other memorabilia in an effort to preserve a piece of history.

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The Featherstone House in Katy Heritage Park

IT’S GOOD TO BELONG Join the Katy Family YMCA The Y offers the support you and your family need to learn, grow and thrive. %HQH¾WV RI 0HPEHUVKLS • Discounts on programs and classes • Free Child Watch while you work out with a family membership • Wide variety of free group exercise classes • Free SMART Start wellness orientations Learn more at ymcahouston.org/katy.

YMCA Mission: To put Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. Everyone is welcome.

aty has always been a traditionally rural community, playing roles as a railroad hub, rice farming and agricultural center, as well as one of the largest gas fields in this part of Texas. While much has changed since the townsite was platted in 1895, one building in Katy Heritage Park houses hundreds of items including vehicles, farming equipment, photos and other memorabilia in an effort to preserve a piece of history. “Katy was a rice farming community for years and years, and we wanted to preserve that and what makes this community the City of Katy,” said Johnny Nelson, former city administrator. “Charles Cardiff, a longtime rice farmer here, had restored a whole bunch of the stuff back there. When he died, his estate was going to sell it,” Nelson said. “That’s when I went to city council to ask city council if I could buy it.” The city council authorized the purchase in the amount of $16,400. But the items were stored in the public works department until Nelson came forward with the idea of building a museum. An 80 x 120 foot, airconditioned building was built for about $300,000, and the facility was dedicated on June 13, 2002. “This building wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for the rice farming industry and its Katy farmers,” said former mayor Doyle Callender during the ribbon cutting ceremony. “I thank all of you citizens for preserving the rice history the way you have today and letting the generations after you enjoy it.” Among the equipment were a binder and separator that were used in early days of rice farming, as well as a combine that was popular in the mid-1940s. “The binder would cut (the crop), and it would put straw there, and you had to manually tie it,” Nelson said. “The bundles would stand up in the field, but a lot of times, you would have to walk through there and stand them up yourself. “Then you had what we called a bundle wagon that would drive through there and pick those up and take them to the trucks so they could be hauled into the separator.

“When this combine came out, that eliminated all that,” Nelson said. “This combine did all that itself so you didn’t have to do that anymore.” But the building that housed the museum proved to be insufficient as the items were crammed in facility, leaving little room for visitors, especially those on wheelchairs. In 2006-07, the city expanded to a 80 x 200 foot facility for an estimated cost of $100,000. Today, visitors can still get a glimpse of city’s history as curator Bill Murray leads them through the museum at 6002 George Bush Drive. Hours are Tuesday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., as well as the first weekend of every month, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free. Old Katy Post Office This post office was built sometime before 1920. In 1922, it became the fourth post office in Katy. Prior to that time, the post office had been located in various stores, but in 1922, it was moved to Second Street near Avenue B. The building has also been used as a private residence, jewelry store, grocery store and storage space. It was given to the Katy Heritage Society in 1995 by Fred and Roberta Rylander and moved to park property on East Avenue. It was moved to Katy Heritage Park in 2003.

purposes and donated the house, a small well house and the white picket fence to the Katy Heritage Society. In 2003, the society moved the house and fence to Katy Heritage Park leaving the well house for the church to use for playground storage. The society removed a large addition from the house to move it. Its early 20th century style with period wall coverings, beautiful wood floors and charming vintage kitchen has been restored. Today the house can be rented for small parties, special events or meetings. Featherston House The house was built on Second Street in 1898 for the family of W.H. Featherston when they moved to Katy from Illinois. Featherston and his family lived in the house and took in boarders. Featherston later became the first preacher for the Baptist church. It was used briefly for school classes and church services for those displaced by the storm. In 1910, the Featherston family moved to another home, and this house was sold to be attached to the Cobb Hotel, which was built

next door. In the 1980s, First Baptist Church of Katy bought the hotel for the land adjacent to their church building. The hotel, including this house, was used for some church functions. In 1986, the hotel was demolished, but this house was saved and donated to the Katy Heritage Society. In 2003, the house was moved to Katy Heritage Park and restored. Wright House The Queen Ann style bungalow was built in 1898 for Edward Everhart. That same year, John Henry Wright and his brother Wilbur drove a team and wagon from Missouri, seeking a healthy climate for the ailing Wilbur. Everhart was ready to leave Katy and agreed to swap this house for the Wright home in Missouri. In 1899, John and Wilbur’s parents, David and Sarah Wright came to Katy and moved into the home. John Wright became the first pharmacist in Katy and with Dr. J. M. Stewart opened the first drug store in 1904.

Tradition Bank Stand Tradition Bank donated the bandstand to the society in 2005, and it is now a favorite location for community events. The Katy Heritage Society hosts free public concerts at the bank stand throughout the year. Stockdick House Walter Adcock built a craftsman-style house in 1916 at the corner of Fourth Street and Avenue A for the Adam Henry Stockdick family. Stockdick came to Katy from Iowa in 1896 and became one of the area’s first real estate agents. The house remained in the family until the First United Methodist Church, which owns the adjacent property, acquired it in 2001. The following year, the church wanted to use the land for other

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ne of the more popular events Katy has to offer is the Wild West Brew Fest, a major fundraiser of the Rotary Club of Katy and a real draw for all those folks who are fans of the craft beer industry. The first event was held in 2012 and draw a respectable crowd to the Villagio Town Center. Since that initial offering, the Wild West Brew Fest has grown in leaps and bounds in popularity, with this year’s fifth annual event drawing more than 7,300 people to the event’s new home at Katy Mills. The record crowd coincided with the record number of participants and volunteers. “This event continues to amaze everyone, and we have many people to thank, from our patrons, sponsors, the city of Katy and the Rotary Club of Katy. The 2016 Wild West Brewfest generated more than $140,000, up from $85,000 in 2015, which will all be given back to worthy causes in and around our great city,” said David Loesch, the event’s chairman. “This event continues to be the premier Brewfest in the city of Houston and far beyond thanks to the tireless efforts of the Rotary Club of Katy and all of our 400+ volunteers. A big shoutout goes to all of our sponsor–the sponsors really make it happen,” he said. What is amazing about the event is that it is completely volunteer-driven. “We donate our time and capital to make this event the best it can be because we are passionate about beer and helping others,” Loesch said. “The festival began with a sold-out launch party for more than 1,200 people on Friday evening sponsored by the city of Katy, one of the many entities and businesses that supported the event. With the expanded space located at Katy Mills Mall, the event had over 130 brewers this year bringing over 630 different types of beers, which is up from 350 in 2015.”

BeerYeti.com, the nation’s top website dedicated to home brewers and beer enthusiasts, recently recognized Katy’s Wild West Brew Fest as the top festival of its kind in the country. This is the second consecutive year for the Wild West Brew Fest to be recognized as the festival that gives back the most to charitable causes. The following was posted on BeerYeti.com’s website: ‘’Every year we come across more and more festivals that ‘give back’ to society, offering both support and funds to charitable causes. We’ve seen some amazing festivals over the years, many of whom have been non-profit or give a proportion of their profits back to society.” Rated number was the Wild West Brew Fest, “a festival run completely by volunteers who are passionate about beer and helping others. Even the executive team are all volunteers; there is no fee taken out of this event by anyone. We are proud to name this event the #1 event in the country that not only is staffed by all volunteers from bottom to the top, but also gives back to those in need.’’ “This event continues to be one of the signature events for the City of Katy. We are pleased to sponsor an event that gives so much back to our city and our citizens,” said Kayce Reina, city of Katy director of marketing and tourism. “This is the third year the city has helped sponsor the Brewfest, and we look forward to doing so again in the future.” The main beneficiary of the Wild West Brew Fest are local charities. Following are some of the organizations/individuals who benefitted from the 2015 event: • KISD Band projects, $13,000; • KISD FFA projects, $10,000; • Casa De Esperanza (shelter for abused children, $3,500;

• Rainbow Room (shelter for abused children), $3,500; • KISD FFA barn sale purchases (for students who did not make it into the auction), $10,000; • Clothed by Faith (clothing ministry for the underprivileged to buy collection bins for clothing donations), $8,000; • Paint USA (painting a map of the US on elementary school basketball courts), $1,000; • Christmas Toy Drive, $2,000; • Fort Bend Scholarships for underprivileged students coordinated by Commissioner Andy Meyers, $3,000; • Children of the Dump (International project in Nicaragua to assist young children with food), $3,000; • FFA Hamburger cookout (cooking hamburgers for the students on “barn move in day”),$1,000; • Disaster Relief Fund (these funds are set aside for disasters such as the flooding the City of Katy and surrounding areas experienced in the Spring of 2016), $2,000; • Fire Pups (teaching young children the dangers of fire), $500; • Christ Clinic (providing medication and medical services to those less fortunate), $5,000; • YMCA (dedicated to funding programs for economically challenged families with children, teaching them to learn how to swim), $3,000; • KISD Career and Technical Student organizations (helping those who cannot attend leadership conferences), $3,000; • Katy Celebration day, $5,000; • Keep Katy Beautiful, $5,000; • Katy Special Rodeo (helping challenged young people enjoy various rodeo activities), $2,000;

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Katy has a variety of course options for area golfers

f golf is your game, the Katy area has six different championship — quality clubs at different levels to fit every golfer’s game. In addition, each club location offers more than just golf. Tennis classes and programs, swimming facilities and programs, health and fitness facilities, junior golf camps and elegant clubhouses that can host wedding receptions and ceremonies are also included. Bear Creek Golf World Bear Creek Golf World is the first daily-fee course in Houston not run by a municipality. Since the original course opened more than 25 years ago, two more courses have been added. The best of the courses at Bear Creek is the Master’s Course, which has long been regarded as one of the finest public facilities in the country. In fact, “Golf Digest” rated it as one of the Top 50 courses in America. The banquet/meeting room is a great place to meet before or after a golf game. It seats 35 and overlooks the golf course. Bear Creek can cater breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Meadowbrook Farms Meadowbrook Farms is a semiprivate club that is recognized as one of the top courses in the Greater Houston area. In addition, members as well as daily fee golfers enjoy a championship-style golf course designed by legendary PGA Tour Champion Greg Norman. After a challenging 18 holes, relive the course conditions and experience in the comfortable ranch-style clubhouse. A professional teaching staff rooted in sound fundamentals and techniques are available to juniors and adults alike in both individual and group lesson settings. Meadowbrook Farms is also home to “Birdies for the Brave,” a nationwide program launched by the U.S. Department of Defense that recognizes citizen’s support for military men and women and communicates that support to members of our Armed Forces at home and abroad.

Club at Falcon Point The Club at Falcon Point goes out of its way to provide golfers with a memorable experience. The club offers a private setting where one may enjoy golf, tennis and camaraderie with a personal level of attention to service. In addition to a challenging round of golf, the Club at Falcon Point offers tennis classes, camps and tournaments. A recreational summer swim league offers children ages 5-18 an opportunity to participate in organized swimming with the emphasis on individual improvement and fun. Golf Club at Cinco Ranch Golf Club at Cinco Ranch is located within the 8,100-acre master-planned community. The 18-hole, par-71 golf course features a rolling layout that will challenge low handicappers while still offering the average player or beginner the opportunity to play an enjoyable round of golf. The first-class practice facility and driving range is complete with two enormous tees that are always open for practice from grass.

The amenities include two giant, undulating practice greens for putting and chipping improvement as well as a short game area that offers a huge bunker, many shade trees and provides lies of varying degrees. A golf academy is offered during the summer, while the elegant

clubhouse – set in a picturesque background of lakes, perfectly manicured lawns, a panoramic view of the course and the dramatic architecture of the Cinco Ranch development is a great location to hold wedding ceremonies and receptions.

Pine Forest Country Club Pine Forest Country Club is a prestigious, private member owned country club located on the highlyrated west side of Houston. Golf at Pine Forest is definitely multifaceted. The course is beautifully maintained and offers 27 holes of superb, challenging golf. Nestled in 214 acres of wooded

lands, Pine Forest also offers other activities that include a fitness/spa facility, a resort-style swimming pool and a 10-court tennis facility. In addition, Pine Forest can exceed private party needs. With three private rooms to choose from, they can accommodate anything from the smallest business meeting to a large 375 person wedding reception. River Ridge Golf Course River Ridge Golf Course opened in 1998. The clubhouse and pavilion are reminiscent of the Frank Lloyd Wright genre. Among the honors for this course: a “Four Star” Rating from the Houston Chronicle; a Top 3 winner for “Best New Public Courses” and “Best Public Courses”, #2 - “Favorite Public Courses”, “Top 12 Courses in Texas” and #1 - “Best Public Course Value” in the Chronicle 2000 Golf Survey. Additionally, River Ridge was the only daily-fee course in Texas noted in Dan Jenkin’s article, “Best Modern 18 Holes” (Golf Digest). River

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Weston Lakes Country Club Weston Lakes Country Club, located in Simonton in Fort Bend County, is one of the top exclusive private clubs in the area. Weston Lakes offers a variety of entertainment options, from the 18-hole championship golf course designed by legendary PGA Tour Champion Hale Irwin, to the two lighted tennis courts. Patrons may also choose between

Willow Fork County Club Willow Fork County Club has something for everyone: An 18-hole championship golf course, full tennis court and golf programs. The private club also offers fine and casual dining, a fitness facility, swimming pool and other amenities and activities. Located at 21055 Westheimer Parkway, Willow Fork can be reached by calling 281-579-6262.

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Katy Contemporary Art Museum, the city’s newest art venue, opened its doors last year at the corner of Avenue B and First Street.

Katy area has plenty to offer art connoisseurs, music lovers Katy Culture & Arts Alliance Katy Culture & Arts Alliance is an umbrella organization featuring members from most every area arts organization dedicated to fostering the growth of an active arts community. If there’s something happening in Katy, it can usually be found on the blog at www.itsakatything.com. Katy Area Artists & V The Gallery Katy Area Artists (KAA) is a nonprofit artists’ group. The basic idea is to provide a community, education and mentoring to adult artists (age 16 and older). V The Gallery, located in the

Villagio Town Center at the corner of Westheimer and Peak, hosts a slew of workshops taught by major players in today’s art scene. The gallery collection is swapped out every month, and most of the pieces are by local artists. An art mixer is held twice every month, where patrons can meet the artists and others with an artistic bent. For more information, visit the KAA Web site at www.katyareaartists. org. Katy Contemporary Arts Museum Established in 2013, the Katy Contemporary Arts Museum is a not-for-profit institution in

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Katy, dedicated to presenting the contemporary art of the time to the public. The Katy Contemporary Arts Museum provides an interchange for visual arts of the present and recent past, presents new directions in art, strives to engage the public and encourages a greater understanding of contemporary art through education programs. The Katy Contemporary Arts Museum occupies a white concrete building in the heart of Katy’s Museum District. The prominent building was originally designed and built for the Ray Woods Lumber and Supply Company in 1953 and later housed several other businesses. This building is supposed to have been the very first poured concrete building built in Texas. The museum is located on the corner of Avenue B and First Street in downtown Katy — right across from the Katy Railroad Park and Tourist Center. Admission is free. Katy Visual & Performing Arts Center Katy Visual and Performing Arts Center (KVPAC) is nonprofit group aimed at “providing opportunities for individuals to develop their talents, skills and abilities,” according to the KVPAC mission statement. The center, located near The Great Southwestern Equestrian Center on Mason Road, provides classes in all aspects of theater and the visual arts. It also offers a Pre-K program that combines academics and an introduction to the creative process. In addition, KVPAC has multiple theater troupes, including The Encore Players, an adult community theater. For more information, visit kvpac. org. The Music Scene Katy is host to a number of festivals and music events. Every summer, both the Villagio Town Center and LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch host a series of live music events each Thursday evening featuring local artists from every genre. The West Houston Jazz Festival and The Katy Guitar festival are held in conjunction during the summer,

w w w. K AT Y T I M E S . C O M 71 featuring a slew of local and national talent. All three of these events are a fantastic way to get acquainted with the local music scene, and an ear to the street will find a great show most every weekend. Katy also has several restaurants and bars that play host to live music on a regular basis. Katy ARTreach Katy ARTreach is a nonprofit dedicated almost exclusively to mentoring and outreach programs aimed at giving at-risk students, the disabled and others who haven’t been given the opportunity to study and participate in the arts. ARTreach was established in 2003 to bring the arts to the underprivileged, with a leaning towards programs serving abused and abandoned children in residential treatment, children at risk in the school district and neglected elderly citizens in public care nursing homes. These programs introduce and provide an opportunity to practice, life skills that can help address issues such as student apathy, social dysfunction, grief, drug abuse awareness and prevention, health and recovery. Katy ARTreach provides an array of performing and visual arts events and community presentations that contribute to improving the quality of life for residents in the tri-county area of Katy. The group is always seeking volunteers, if this sounds like a program you can get behind, visit artreachcoterie.org. Katy contemporary art museum Open since 2014 , the Katy Contemporary Art Museum offers residents and visitors alike contemporary art and handmade arts and crafts. The museum carries its own branded products. KCAM provides an interchange for visual arts of the present and recent past, presents new directions in art and strives to engage the public and encourages a greater understanding of contemporary art through education programs.

Typhoon Texas

makes landfall in Katy By Didi Martinez

n most days, 10:30 a.m. signals the opening of Typhoon Texas’ park gates and the start of another busy day for both employees and park-goers alike. Typhoon Texas, a 25-acre waterpark located next to Katy Mills mall which opened Memorial Day weekend of 2016, has reaped the benefits that come with a community ready for a new source entertainment as area temperatures remain high. The price tag for the park was $45 million. Project leaders are hopeful that the 25-acre park will be competitive with and comparable to Spring’s Wet ‘n’ Wild Splash Town and the New Braunfels-based Schlitterbahn chain. Typhoon Texas utilizes a large filter to pump 70,000 gallons of water per minute and features powerful slide pumps to decrease wait times on rides. More than 40 million gallons of water are circulated through the park’s pump systems per day. Texas Typhoon is also expected to be a boon to the city’s economy, luring not only local residents but also visitors from Austin, Galveston and Houston to

the area. Typhoon Texas features 13 main rides and three main attractions — a 25,000-squarefoot wave pool, a 48-foot-tall structure designed as a children’s play area and a “lazy river” ride that measures 1,345 feet long. The water park utilizes a large filter to pump 70,000 gallons of water per minute and features powerful pumps to cut wait times on rides. More than 40 million gallons of water is circulated through the park’s pump systems each day. So far, the park has been a smashing success. “I think people are pretty excited to have something familyoriented in Katy,” said duty manager Matt Girocco. On June 24, the park held the ‘World’s Largest Swimming Lesson’ in partnership with the World Waterpark Association. “Drowning is a preventable emergency,” Girocco, who conducted the lesson, said. “Swim lessons are very important to development.” The lesson, which was free to the public, included basic instructions on how to enter bodies of water safely, breathing and floating.

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“My best part was learning how to swim and do the starfish,” said Katy resident and seasonpass holder Makayla Torres. “My worst part was opening my eyes under water because it hurt my eyeballs.” With activities like Splash Cinema, Friday Night Slides and live bands, it has taken more than 800 employees to oversee park operations, according to Girocco. Lifeguards, which are in charge of water safety throughout the park, undergo training by Ellis & Associates, Inc. and participate in audits twice a week. “I’ve had to save a little girl one time,” said Mayde Creek High School junior and lifeguard Fernando Duran. “While the waves were on, she was on the three feet mark. The waves were going over her head. She was past the part where she couldn’t breathe or swim or anything.” Although the girl was rescued before further damage could be done, Duran said that watching out for potential drowning victims can be difficult. “The only challenge I would say are the little kids acting as if they are dead in the wave pool,” Duran said.

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Katy area’s upscale shopping venues offer something for everyone

The impact that the park would have on traffic around the area has been a question on many residents’ minds since its construction. This should not be a concern, according to general manager Evan Barnett. “Talking to local businesses, they have liked the increased traffic in business,” Barnett said. “I think the Katy Mills area was designed for more traffic.” In regards to parking, Barnett said that Typhoon Texas has worked out a deal with Katy Mills Mall developer, Simon Property Group, to allow overflow parking on its properties on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Typhoon Texas also features live musical entertainment on Saturday nights. The summer lineup includes Sloppy Joe BAnd, Aug. 6; Jackson Parten, Aug. 13; Zach Willard BAnd, Aug. 20; and Hunter McKithen, Aug. 27. With the waterpark season ending on Labor Day weekend, Mayer said that visitors can expect to see Typhoon Texas grow in the future. “It’ll get bigger,” Mayer said. “But what is going to get bigger is a secret.”

Katy Mills Mall Katy Mills, the largest outlet and value retail shopping destination in South Texas, continues to offer shoppers great savings on merchandise with more than 175 outlet and value retail stores. Shoppers will enjoy added value on a wide range of products from apparel and accessories, electronics and home goods to health and beauty products. Katy Mills is located at Interstate 10 and Pin Oak Road. It is open regularly from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. For more information about Katy Mills and for a complete list of retailers, call 281-644-5000 or visit www.katymills.com. LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch is more than the area’s premier shopping destination. It’s a lifestyle. It’s shopping down Main Street, an ice cream and a good book in the

courtyard or a place to make friends and meet neighbors. It’s upscale, yet relaxed, polished, but never pretentious. LaCenterra is a Main Street-style town center development featuring national names and unique boutiques, choice dining options, Class A office space and luxury living. The center offers uptown style and old town charm—a place to shop, work, play and live in an in an open-air, pedestrian-friendly environment with outdoor common areas, lakes and water features. LaCenterra is located at 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd., Ste. B200. Call 281-395-5533 or visit http://www. lacenterra.com. The Villago Town Center Villagio Town Center is a multitenant luxury shopping village consisting of more than 112,000 square feet of retail, restaurant and office space in the heart of Cinco Ranch. Opened in December 2007,

Villagio Town Center consists of family dining and shopping while having a central courtyard to spend time together, making it a more intimate place for visitors and professionals. Come and enjoy the courtyard while eating at our restaurants ranging from Italian, Mexican, Japanese and Greek foods. Many come to enjoy the pubs and bars after shopping or a day of pampering with spa treatments, tanning or personal training. Villagio Town Center is located at 22756 Westheimer Parkway on the northeast corner section of Westheimer Parkway and South Peek Road. For more information, call 281-363-1336 or visit villagiotowncenter.com. Historic Old Katy Shopping options are plentiful in old Katy. Centered “downtown” in the vicinity of Second Street off Avenue D, a variety of boutiques, antique shops, tea rooms and

specialty businesses offer a little something for everyone in the family. Be sure to pick up a city map so you won’t miss any of the interesting local shops from 10th Street to Highway 90, and East Avenue to Avenue D and beyond. You’ll find everything from day spas to jewelry making, specialty pet supplies and dog grooming to an old-fashioned small-town hardware store. And on the third weekend of every month, vendors set up their wares for Katy Market Days. And if that’s not enough, there are great restaurants, a meat market known throughout the state and more await a day of exploration. Shoppers can also visit and tour the new Katy City Hall, located at 910 Avenue C. The three-story building was formally dedicated in June.

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Annual Katy Jazz Festival

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Visitors, residents alike enjoy Katyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s abundance of beautiful parks

or the past eight years, jazz-lovers from all over the country have visited Katy to enjoy the Katy Jazz Festival, featuring an incredible array of jazz performances by both professionals and student groups, master classes and ARTkaty, a visual arts exhibit. Held at the Katy High School Performing Arts Center, the Katy Jazz Festival is hosted by the Katy Independent School District. The purpose for this event is to increase exposure, education and entertainment through the jazz music medium. The event is designed to benefit participating student jazz groups, individual student musicians, jazz music educators and provide top quality jazz performances to the community. The festival is non-competitive in nature, and designed to provide a performance opportunity for all jazz groups and receive constructive comments and instruction from world-renowned professional musicians. For the jazz enthusiast, the opportunity to hear student jazz ensemble performances throughout the festival day, hear professional jazz artists teaching their crafts and skill, and then complete the day with a professional jazz concert provides unparalleled insight into the development and preservation of this true American musical art form. Eight partnering Katy hotles, located within 7 minutes of the Katy Jazz Festival site, offer discounted rooms for al Festival attendees and participants. Daily passes and feature concert tickets may be purchased online, at the door, or in the hotel lobby of the Hilton Garden Inn during the dates of the event. There is also free jazz shuttle service to/from the hotels from the event site for all daily pass/ticket holders.

aty is blessed to have an abundance of parks that offer a variety of recreational activities. The following is a brief description of the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s major parklands. City Park Located at 5720 Franz Road The Katy City Park contains 19.93 acres of land. Most of the area has lights, and there is a paved jogging trail winding through the park. This park features four softball fields, one hardball field, two concession stands, six tennis courts and a covered basketball pavilion. Adjacent to the playground is an air-conditioned building and covered area that can be reserved for a fee.

Mary Jo Peckham Park Located at 5597 Gardenia This 5.5-acre park facility features an indoor heated, handicappedaccessible, Olympic-sized swimming pool with fully equipped barrier-free dressing rooms. It also features a beautiful playground containing equipment designed to promote integrated play between disabled and non-disabled children. The park is run by Harris County Precinct Three to provide Harris County residents with therapy for the disabled, adult exercise programs, and instruction for all ages through the American Red Cross. Some featured programs include: Adapted Aquatics Lessons, Water Aerobics, Adult Lap Swim and Adult

Instruction. For information about the park and its programs, call 281-391-4482.

100 acres featuring four soccer fields, six baseball fields, two pavilions, concession stands and restrooms.

Railroad Park Located at 5615 First Street This restored Missouri-KansasTexas Depot, a unique Downtown â&#x20AC;&#x153;pocket park,â&#x20AC;? serves as the Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s information center with brochures, maps, a Katy Heritage Society Railroad Museum and an authentic red caboose great for photo opportunities. The park is a beautifully landscaped area with benches and an old town clock.

VFW Park Located at 6292 6th Street at Avenue D Katyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s VFW park is nestled among many large oak trees and is shady most of the time. This park has a large covered picnic pavilion, barbecue pits and tables scattered throughout the park,as well as an area featuring playground equipment. The VFW Hall is a large air conditioned building containing two kitchens and four meeting rooms, â&#x20AC;&#x201D;two of which can hold groups of over 100 each. These can be rented by calling Katy City Hall at 281-3914840. In addition, the park features a ball field which is located just east of the VFW Hall and can be used by the public.

Thomas Park Located at Avenue D and 3rd Street Thomas Park is sometimes used for outdoor weddings and photography because of its gazebo and wonderful park-like setting. Smaller children are drawn to its â&#x20AC;&#x153;little peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;sâ&#x20AC;? playground equipment, and parents appreciate the paved walking path and benches located throughout the park. For more information, please call 281-391-4840. Harris County Park Located at Katy Hockley Cut-Off and Morton Road The Harris County Park consists of

Woodsland Park Located at 443 Danover Woodsland Park contains 7.22 acres and features a basketball pavilion, a large barbecue pit, and playground equipment. The building has kitchen facilities and can be reserved for use. For more information please call 281-391-4840.

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Katy gears up for 73rd Annual Livestock Show/Rodeo

he Katy Independent School District Future Farmers of America Livestock Show and Rodeo Association is usually held the last weekend in February, right before the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, for a threenight experience in Katy. Showcased each night, along with the pro cowboy events and a funny man act, will be the crowd favorite Katy ISD youth events including stick horse race, mutton busting, calf scramble, junior calf-roping and junior barrel racing. The parade kicks off the festivities Saturday morning, allowing residents and supporters to showcase their decked out vehicles, antique cars, scouting organizations and other festive items. The event supports agricultural education within Katy ISD and is held in conjunction with the

school district’s annual FFA livestock show. Studets showcase animals including steers, hogs, lambs, goats, rabbits and chickens. There are also other events including an ag mechanic competition and art contest. The show is usually held at the L.D. Robinson Pavilion on the grounds of the Katy ISD Administration Building on the corner of Interstate 10 and FM 1463. The Katy Livestock Show and Rodeo was one of Texas’ first events of this kind. It remains one of the oldest and largest FFA Livestock Show and Rodeos in the nation. It was first established by former Katy ag teacher L.D. Robinson in 1943 and quickly became the standard for other local livestock show and rodeo programs throughout the state.

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Rice Harvest Festival to mark 36th anniversary this October

he Katy Rice Harvest Festival is celebrating its 36th anniversary in October 2016, featuring products and services from local vendors, arts and crafts, favorite foods, quality entertainment, a carnival and fun for the whole family. The event, sponsored by the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce, takes place the second weekend of October between Avenues B and C and Second and Third Streets. Festival attendees and shoppers can browse more than 250 booths offering homemade candles, jewelry, woodwork, knitting and crocheted items, handmade belts and buckles, inspirational crosses, original artists’ work and much more. Gourmet foods range from homemade salsa and queso, oils and vinegars, as well as other

spices to flavored pecans and nuts, sausage on a stick, boudain balls, roasted corn, funnel cakes and other festival favorites. The entertainment lineup usually features local favorites like the Eder-Mace Band and other well-known groups in the area. Children of all ages will also be able to enjoy the attractions provided by the carnival. In addition to the big rides, the carnival will also have a “kiddie kingdom”. Pony rides and a train ride will be available for smaller children. The carnival is open Friday night, as well as Saturday and Sunday. Special discount wristbands are available for purchase. For more information about the event, go to www. riceharvestfestival.org.

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Cane Island W

ith the addition of a new waterpark, numerous industrial headquarters, the Grand Parkway highway expansion and a boardwalk in the works, upcoming residential housing projects around the area have been a reflection of the changes ahead for Katy. Accordingly, one such development, Cane Island, has placed their bets on the city’s future. Cane Island, located west of Grand Parkway and north of I-10 past Katy High School, is a development by Rise Communities with seven different homebuilders authorized to work on the land. To make it easy for folks to get from I-10 to the new development, the Katy Development Authority, TxDOT and Parkside Capital teamed up to tbuild hte Cane Island Parkway interchange. Despite having overseen two other developments, what initially makes Cane Island unique is its name, according to Rise Communities president Dan Naef. “Normally, when we come into a new piece of land, whatever the land was referred to before, we change that because what we do is so drastic,” Naef said. “That land was known as Cane Island. One of the family members that sold us the land lives on Cane Island. We don’t want to be two different communities — we want to be one. Part of that was keeping the Cane Island name.” When choosing the development’s location, Naef says Katy was ideal for a variety of reasons. “It has all the sophistication of downtown Houston and all the charm of a small town,” Naef, a member of the Katy Economic Development Authority said. “The proximity that we now have to the Cane [Island] Interchange—we were all about making it easier for the homeowner to get from home to I-10.” As one of Cane Island’s selling points to prospective homeowners, future plans for the development include hosting a new Katy ISD elementary school, according to its website. The construction date of the proposed school has yet to be announced by district.

“We love Katy for the school district.” Naef said. From within, Cane Island boasts an investment in its community center called Amenity Village. The center’s features include a conservatory, yoga studio, two-story fitness center, VIP Ambassador’s Suite, splash pad, pool, tree house, multipurpose building and an outdoor cafe. “We want people to come here and enjoy themselves,” said Cane Island lifestyle coordinator Olivia Montagna. “You don’t have to go far to escape and that’s what we offer here at this luxury village. You have this luxury escape right here and that’s the Amenity Village.” Various promotional materials for Cane Island feature the canine face of the area. Hub, a two-yearold golden retriever, is the official Cane Island ambassador. “He is that fluffy, furry face that greets everybody at the door,” Montagna said. “We have even residents and community members alike that come in just to see Hub because they want to play with him. He is that lovable creature that we’ve got that is the mascot of the community.” At Cane Island seven days a week, the decision to appoint Hub as ambassador was one thought out by developers early on. “We can build infrastructure, we can spend money — that’s the brick and mortar,” Naef said. “What brings a community life are the people themself. Hub is the epitome of that. Hub now has a heartbeat. That’s community. That’s the reason for Hub.” Although construction is ongoing, more than 85 families have already moved into Cane Island through a quick move-in process, according to Montagna. This is not counting those who have opted to buy a custom home through homebuilders like Perry Homes and Shea Homes. In fact, among those who plan on moving into the neighborhood are Naef and Rise Communities vice president Matthew Lawson. “We believe that you have to create a setting that you as a developer and your family would want to live in,” Naef said.

w w w. K AT Y T I M E S . C O M 79

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Katy is home to stars like Renee Zellweger, Clint Black and Andy Dalton

oll out the red carpet, Katy. A blonde bombshell, popular country singer some NFL players and former Microsoft bigwig are just a few of Katy’s A-listed stars.

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Film Known for her big break in 1996 for her role in “Jerry Maguire,” Renee Zellweger was born and raised in Katy, Texas. Zellweger was in the class of 1987 at Katy High School; she was actively involved with extracurricular activities such as cheerleading, girls’ athletics and the drama club. She earned a bachelor’s in English from the University of Texas. After involvement in commercials and low-budget films, Zellweger’s starring role in “Nurse Betty” won her first of three Golden Globes in

2000. In 2004, Zellweger won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in “Cold Mountain.” Her roles in “Bridget Jones’ Diary,” the musical “Chicago” and “Cinderella Man” are a few other critically acclaimed films to name. Her upcoming project, “4 ½ Minutes,” includes actors, Johnny Knoxville and Ed Harris. “4 ½ Minutes” is under the direction and production of Zellweger herself. Music By age of 15, country singer Clint Black taught himself how to play the guitar and harmonica. Born in New Jersey, Black’s family moved and grew up in Katy, Texas. Black dropped out of Katy High School to pursue a musical career and played at many bars, festivals and open venues with his brothers, Brian, Kevin and Mark. His first single, “A Better Man,” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs in the early 1990s in June. Black was the first male artist in 14 years to debut a single that peaked at the top of the chart. Black currently holds 13 No. 1 records in the Billboard Country Charts and continues to tour and entertain crowds across the country. After releasing nine studio

Athletes One of the most recent athletes to go into professional, Andy Dalton, is a Katy High School football legend. Class of 2006, Dalton played quarterback and led the Katy Tigers to state finals in 2005. Dalton was then recruited by Texas Christian University. In 2009, Dalton led the Horned Frogs to an undefeated season and

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in 2011, to their first Rose bowl victory in school’s history against the Wisconsin Badgers his senior year. Dalton maintains school career records for wins, touchdown passes, passing yards, pass attempts, completions and completion percentage. In the 2011 NFL draft, Dalton was selected in the second round by the Cincinnati Bengals. He has signed a four-year contract and was named NFL Rookie of the Month for October 2011. Dalton married Jordan Jones in July 2011. Other Katy High athletes who went on to play pro football include Eric Heitmann, a member of the Class of 1998 at Katy High School. Heitmann played center for the Katy Tigers, and played football at Stanford University, where he was named a First-Team All-American after his senior year. In the 2002 NFL draft, Heitmann was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the seventh round. He started at guard as a rookie but then moved back to center in 2005. He suffered a neck injury and was released from the 49ers in July 2011 and is currently a free agent. Heitmann is married to his wife, Emily.

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albums, Black had a starring role in “Still Holding On: The Legend of Cadillac Jack” and made a cameo appearance in “Maverick.” Black is married to actress, Lisa Hartman, and they reside in Nashville, Tennessee with their daughter, Lily.

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K AT Y T I M E S N E W C O M E R S G U I D E

K AT Y D I R E C T O R Y Animal Control, Harris County 281-999-3191

Fort Bend County, Richmond 281-342-3411

Animal Control, Fort Bend County 281-342-1512

Fort Bend County MUD (Water) 281-290-6500

Animal Control, Waller County 979-826-8282 Center Point Energy (Electric) 713-207-2222 Center Point Energy (Gas) 713-659-2111 Houston Methodist Acute Care Hospital 701 S. Fry Road 281-599-5700 Comcast Cable TV 713-231-9142

Handicap Placard, Harris County 713-368-2000 Harris County Katy Branch Library 5414 Franz Road 281-391-3509 Harris County MUD (Water) 713-439-6260 Harris County Peckham Park 281-391-4482 Harris County Public Health 713-439-6000

Consolidated Communications 2001 Katy Mills Blvd. 866-989-2255

Harris County Clerk, Houston 713-755-6405 Harris County Tax, Houston 713-368-2000

Drivers License, Department of Public Safety 1601 Townhurst, Houston 713-465-8462

Katy Area Chamber of Commerce 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd. 281-391-5289

w w w. K AT Y T I M E S . C O M 83

Katy Business Association 281-656-3993 Katy Economic Development 281-396-2200 Katy Heritage Society 281-391-2550 Katy Independent School District 6301 S. Stadium Lane 281-396-6000 Katy ISD Tax Assessor 281-391-4800 Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital 23900 Katy Freeway 281-644-7000 Poison Control (UTMB) 800-222-1222

Vehicle Registration, Fort Bend 1317 Eugene Hyman Circle 281-341-3710 Vehicle Registration, Harris 16715 Clay Road 713-368-2000 Vehicle Registration, Waller 730 9th Street, Hempstead 979-826-7620 Veterans Memorial Museum 6202 George Bush Drive 281-391-8387 Waller County Appraisal District 900 13th Street, Hempstead 979-921-0060

PHONE NUMBERS TO KEEP HANDY!

Post Office 5701 Fourth St. 281-391-7538 Social Security Administration 800-772-1213

Waller County Courthouse 281-391-5565 Voter Registration, Fort Bend 281-341-8670 Voter Registration, Harris 713-368-7655 Voter Registration,Waller 979-826-7643

Time & Temperature 281-574-1000

24618 Kingsland Blvd. Katy, TX 77494

THE CITY OF CHURCHES ASSEMBLY OF GOD Christian Center Assembly of God 541 Pin Oak Road El Shaddai Asamblea De Dios 5816 Lilac

Central Baptist 2855 Greenhouse Road Cornerstone Baptist Church 121 FM 1463 First Baptist Church 600 Pin Oak

Family Life Assembly of God 1012 S. Mason Road

Good News Baptist Church 2502 Katy Hockley CutOff

Gateway Fellowship of Katy 3535 N. Fry Road

Kingsland Baptist Church 20555 Kingsland Blvd.

BAPTIST Alief Baptist Church of Katy 906 Avenue A Antioch Baptist Church 655 Danover Bridgewater Baptist Church 3883 Lakes of Bridgewater

Second Baptist – West Campus 19449 Katy Fwy. Tri-County Baptist 5714 Peek Road Westfield Free Will Baptist 3635 N. Fry Road Westland Baptist Church 1407 W. Grand Parkway S. Zion Hill Baptist 22110 Pearl Lake

22101 Morton Ranch Road Grace Christian Church 2001 Greenbush

CATHOLIC

Journey Christian Church Meets at McMeans Junior High

Mission Bautiste el Buen 3883 Lakes of Bridgewater

Epiphany of the Lord Catholic 1530 Norwalk

CHURCH OF CHRIST

New Vision Baptist Church 653 Pin Oak Road

St. Bartholomew Catholic 5356 Eleventh

Primera Iglesia Bautiste de Katy 6101 Hwy. Blvd.

St. Edith Stein Catholic 3311 N. Fry Road

Redeemer Community 24201 Cinco Ranch Blvd.

CHRISTIAN First Christian Church Disciples of Christ

Church of Christ – Katy 5438 E. Fifth St. Cinco Ranch Church of Christ 6655 S. Mason Road Fleetwood Church of Christ 15946 Katy Freeway

Fry Road Church of Christ 2510 N. Fry Road CHURCH OF GOD Faith Manger 802 Dominion Drive #106 Redeemed Christian Church of God 5371 E. Fifth St. EPISCOPAL Chapel of St. Mathias 4242 Dayflower Church of the Holy Apostles 1225 W. Grand Parkway S. St. Paul’s Episcopal 1936 Drexel

K AT Y T I M E S N E W C O M E R S G U I D E

FOUR SQUARE Life Church 2610 Greenbusch Road Focus 2501 S. Mason Road JEHOVAH’S WITNESS Kingdom Hall 18018 Keith Harrow Blvd. JEWISH Temple Sinai 13875 Brimhurst Dr.

First United Methodist 5601 Fifth St. Grace Fellowship United Methodist 2655 S. Mason Road Holy Covenant United Methodist 22111 Morton Ranch Road Houston Trinity United Methodist 3850 Barker Cypress Road St. Peter’s United Methodist 20775 Kingsland Blvd.

LUTHERAN Covenant Lutheran Church 3785 Barker Cypress Road Crosspoint Community Church 700 Westgreen Living Word Lutheran Church 3700 S Mason Road Memorial Lutheran 5810 Third St. Victory of the Lamb 23114 Cinco Ranch Blvd. METHODIST Crossbridge United Methodist 5023 Shadow Breeze

MORMON Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints – Katy Ward 1928 Drexel Nottingham Country Ward 1603 Norwalk Westlake Ward 1603 Norwalk NAZARENE Westside Church of the Nazarene 3434 N. Fry Road

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NON-DENOMINATIONAL Apostolic Faith 5900 Tenth St. Caleb’s Foot 855 Shillington Calvary Chapel Meets at Cimarron Elementary Creekside Community Church Meets at Woodcreek Junior High Faith West 2225 Porter Road Fellowship Bible Church Meets at Cinco Ranch Junior High Fellowship at Cinco Ranch 22765 Westheimer Pkwy. Good Country Fellowship Second St. and Avenue B Harvest Fellowship Hope House Community Church Meets at Creech Elementary

w w w. K AT Y T I M E S . C O M 85

Katy Community Fellowship Meets Katy Mills AMC Theatre Katy Family Church Meets at McDonald Junior High Kindred Spirit Christian Fellowship Meets at Comfort Inn & Suites King of Glory Ministries 954 S. Fry Road New Millennium Community Meets at Rhoads Elementary Open Door Fellowship 51540 Provincial Ste. 518 Parkway Fellowship 27043 FM 1093 Powerhouse Christian Center 1818 Katyland Drive Real Life Christian Fellowship Meets at Calvin Nelms Charter School

Katy Bible Church 2500 Avenue D

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PENTECOSTAL Iglesia Pentecostal Unida Hispana 160 Applewhite Katy Pentecostal Church 2120 Katy Hockley Cut-Off The Pentecostals of Katy 1941 Westborough PRESBYTERIAN Christ Church PCA 3025 Katy Gaston Road Cornerstone Presbyterian Church 1351 S. Mason Road Grand Lakes Presbyterian Church 6035 S. Fry Road at Peek New Hope Presbyterian Church 1351 N. Mason Road SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST Seventh Day Adventist 1913 East Ave.

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w w w. K AT Y T I M E S . C O M 87

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