Posted on Sep 2, 2022 in
COVER STORY,
FEATURES
Fall means back to school and back to fall fun with community events. So, what’s happening with our valued community organizations this fall? What are their plans for the coming months, and what fun things can we add to our fall calendar?
We reached out to several local organizations to find out what fun and fabulous activities are on their fall calendars, and most importantly, how we as a community can support their efforts. In this special feature, Fort Bend Focus Cares About Community, we highlight several local non-profits and share a calendar of upcoming events. We hope to see you out and about in Fort Bend doing what we all do best – supporting our community while having a great time!
Fort Bend Junior Service League and Sponsors
“Jingle All the Way” to the 2022 Sugar Plum Market
The Fort Bend Junior Service League (FBJSL) and Memorial Hermann Sugar Land (MHSL) invite the community to join them as they “Jingle All the Way” into the holiday season during the 2022 Sugar Plum Market. This year’s market will again be held at the Stafford Centre Performing Arts Theatre and Convention Center, November 3rd – 5th, with a special preview night to be held the evening of November 2nd.
FBJSL is grateful to the community for supporting their charitable efforts through the Market. In addition to their title sponsor MHSL, FBJSL is pleased to recognize other notable sponsors, including: the City of Stafford, Sterling McCall Toyota Fort Bend, Amy & Gary Becker Foundation, Kendra Scott, H-E-B, The Sansone Group at RE/MAX Fine Properties, The Audra O’Neal Team, Trustmark National Bank, PB&J Pavement Marketing, Inc., Stewart Title, Allen Boone Humphries Robinson LLP, Sugar Land Town Square, Cardinal Realty Management, J Squared Interior Designs, Legacy Ford, Molson Coors Beverage Company, and Pamela Printing.
Last year’s Sugar Plum Market raised a record-breaking $375,000, which benefited 30 charitable organizations in Fort Bend County.
Sponsorship and underwriting opportunities for the Market are still available to both businesses and individuals. The Market is also seeking donations for their Premium Raffle. Visit www.sugarplummarket.com for more information. For the latest news and updates, follow @sugarplummarket on Facebook and Instagram.
It’s All A-Buzz: The Literacy Council’s
13th Annual Great Grown-Up Spelling Bee
There’s a buzz around Fort Bend County for the Literacy Council’s 13th Annual Great Grown-Up Spelling Bee. The event, presented by Houston Federal Credit Union and Center Point Energy, is scheduled for Thursday, September 15th, 2022 from 6 to 9 pm at Quail Valley City Centre. This year’s Grown-Up Spelling Bee is co-chaired by Ann Kingrey and Fallon Moody. Current competing teams to date include: Houston Federal Credit Union, Memorial Hermann Sugar Land, Costello Inc., and Bob’s Bees sponsored by Bob and Pat Hebert.
“The Great Grown-Up Spelling Bee is the only event of its kind in our community,” said Terri Stuart, Executive Director. “The dynamics between the competitors, judges and the audience combined with the valuable return on support for donors and the students we serve, all make for a fun-filled evening.”
For $100, a sponsor can select a letter in the “A-Bee-C’s for Literacy” alphabet. “Bee a Word” sponsors will receive admission, dinner and drink tickets for two, recognition on the website and recognition at the event. “A-Bee-C’s for Literacy” sponsors will receive admission and dinner for one, recognition on the website and recognition at the event. Spectator Bee RSVPs are available for $50 and include admission to the Bee, dinner and a drink ticket. Watch spellers compete against one another to win a coveted spot in the “Honey Hall of Fame!”
A huge thank you to Houston Federal Credit Union and Center Point Energy for their support of the Spelling Bee and the Literacy Council!
For more information, contact Alex Sanchez asanchez@ftbendliteracy.org or 281-240-8181.
Parks Youth Ranch Supports at-Risk
and Homeless Youth Since 2011
Parks Youth Ranch (PYR) opened in 2011 as the only non-profit emergency shelter for youth in Fort Bend County. PYR continues their mission of providing emergency shelter, counseling and life changing services to abused and neglected youth. PYR has served as a temporary home for more than 1,650 boys and girls from Fort Bend County and all across Texas.
The youth in their care often arrive in a state of crisis with little to no personal items. While at PYR, they provide for basic needs: beds, hygiene products, clothing, food, educational support and counseling. PYR provides a Home for Today, Hope for Tomorrow for disadvantaged youth ages 7-17. PYR could not support these youth without the generous support of the Fort Bend community through monetary and in-kind donations.
PYR has two fall events to raise the necessary funds to keep the shelter in operation and promote awareness of youth homelessness. Their largest event, Cowboy Up, is set for Saturday, October 8th in The Lodge at Safari Texas. This year’s event will feature emcee George Lindsey from 100.3 The Bull, The Rumours with Seth Breckenridge, a dessert bar, a liquor and wine raffle, silent and live auction, and much more. Another Night Out scheduled for the night of November 11th, is a homeless immersion event for high school juniors and seniors to experience and understand the hardships and struggles of at-risk and homeless youth.
For more information and how to get involved, contact 281-392-5794 or volunteer@parksyouthranch.org.
Texana Center: Expanding Autism Services to Meet Needs
Texana Center has expanded its autism services significantly over the last 17 years. Now with over 10 unique programs, there is an option for almost everyone and any age to help them unlock their potential.
The newest expansion of autism services is in Fulshear where the Children’s Center for Autism quietly began serving children at their third location in the summer of 2020. The program has their main location in Rosenberg and a second location in Sugar Land. The Children’s Center for Autism typically serves children ages 3-8, using applied behavior analysis treatment. An individualized treatment plan is created by a Licensed Board Certified Behavior Analyst to teach the child how to interact and learn from their family, community and educational environments.
The Center for Advancement is the latest program created by Texana and provides classes and training for young adults with autism and/or intellectual disabilities. Classes include Social Connections Club; Computer classes for skills like coding and video editing; dance classes teaching various styles of dance; and art classes where students can create wood art pieces that can be displayed in their home. This program is all about letting students explore their strengths and prepare them for independent living and employment in our community.
Texana Fulshear campus is also home to the ever popular Texana Café, a retail-training center where students can get hands-on training as well as learn to make and serve exceptional food and coffee. The Café is open to the public Monday to Friday 8 am to 3 pm.
For more information and other programs, visit www.texanacenter.com or email info@texanacenter.com.
Cast Theatrical Theatre in Downtown Rosenberg
Known as “the best-hidden gem in historic downtown Rosenberg,” Cast Theatrical Company continues to enrich the lives of Fort Bend County and surrounding areas with high-quality theatrical productions. Established in 1989, Cast was founded by Bill Long and a small troupe of actors who provided the opportunity for a local outlet for performing arts and involvement in Rosenberg. Located on the second story of The Vogelsang Antique Emporium, the charming black-box theater is known for its top-tier acting and intimate atmosphere.
Fort Bend County’s longest-running community theatre provides an environment where friends and families work together on all aspects of production, where patrons of all ages enjoy attending theatre productions together, and where actors and volunteers of all ethnic backgrounds, ages and experiences work together and learn from each other. The theater empowers the community by holding all auditions open to the public and providing numerous volunteer opportunities for all skill types: Box Office, Costumes, Hair and Make-Up, Lighting and Sound Operators, Props, Set-Construction, Props and Stage Management
Cast offers a theatrical season every year from January to October with five shows, including but not limited to melodramas, thrillers, dramas, historical and comedies, as well as a separate Christmas production that runs for the first three weeks of December. Single tickets are available for each production, with discounts for seniors, students and groups of 20 or more. Season tickets and flex passes are also available. For more information, visit www.casttheatrical.com, call 832-889-3808 or email boxoffice@casttheatrical.com.
Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center Enriches
Fort Bend Families with Hands-On, Minds-On
Learning Opportunities Onsite and Beyond
Named “2019 Best Local Museum” by Fort Bend Star and listed as one of Sugar Land’s top attractions by TripAdvisor, Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center – A Very Special Project of Children’s Museum Houston, is a Playground for Your Mind™. It is dedicated to transforming communities through innovative, child-centered learning.
Converting the historic Imperial Sugar mill into a museum for the community, the Discovery Center serves families with children ages 12 and younger by presenting a wide array of learning opportunities through exhibits and special events all year round. Last year, the Discovery Center welcomed more than 60,000 visitors of whom more than 6,600 received free admission through the “Open Doors” program, which ensures access to low-income families. The Discovery Center also served an additional 6,400 people through its extensive afterschool and parenting outreach programs delivered in schools, community centers and events all around Fort Bend.
The Discovery Center houses five exhibits which use Building Blocks for Learning rubric, ensuring alignment with national learning standards and 21st century skills. Kidtropolis, USA focuses on civic engagement, economics, math and literacy; How Does it Work? explores physics and simple machines; Amazingly Immature, based on the best-selling KLUTZ® book series, fosters STEM learning through quirky challenges; Cum Yah Gullah, created in partnership with Penn Center, explores African American culture of the Sea Islands of Georgia and South Carolina; and Tot*Spot provides developmentally appropriate experiences for infants and toddlers.
Get involved by visiting www.childrensdiscoveryfb.org. Support the Discovery Center by donating, volunteering or becoming a member.
Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital Announced as Healthy
Lifestyles Presenting Sponsor of 2022 ‘Picnic for the Park’
Cullinan Park Conservancy is proud to announce Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital as the 2022 Presenting Sponsor for Picnic for the Park, scheduled October 7th, 2022, at 11:30 AM. The event will be held at River Pointe Church and proudly presents longtime supporters and advocates of Cullinan Park, Doug and Susie Goff, with the Nina Cullinan Award.
In an effort to promote healthy lifestyles in our community, Memorial Hermann has partnered with Cullinan Park to support continued fundraising to enhance Cullinan Park and the outdoor nature experience the park offers to all. Studies show that being outdoors can improve health both physically and mentally, and the medical providers at Memorial Hermann want to support and promote outdoor experiences in nature to our community as a healthy lifestyle.
The theme for the presentation will be “Get Outside!” Memorial Hermann administrators and medical professionals will provide an exciting array of healthy information about living in and discovering nature and the wonder it provides us all. The community is invited to join us at the 6th annual Picnic for the Park and to get outside at Cullinan Park!
For more information about Cullinan Park or to sponsor Picnic for the Park, please visit www.cullinanparkconservancy.org.
The Great Pumpkin Round Up: Fall Fun at The George Ranch
The George Ranch is a great place for families to visit anytime of the year, but there’s something very special about the Historical Park when the weather turns a bit cooler. That fall feeling is captured in a picturesque way when two semi truckloads of pumpkins, gourds and squash arrive from Floydada, Texas, to create the Great Pumpkin Round Up at the ranch.
Inspired by the eighteen-year tradition at the Dallas Arboretum, local designer Lucas Chavez creates a magical pumpkin display that will take your breath away. Last year, Chavez debuted the Great Pumpkin Round Up by creating a unique design surrounding the George Ranch House that included a western chuck wagon, training carriage and antique plows, and this year, there’s even more pumpkin fabulous to enjoy in his original fall-inspired creation.
The perfect place for visitors of all ages to take that unforgettable fall photo surrounded by pumpkins that climb structures and cascade to the ground in whimsical designs, the Great Pumpkin Round Up debuts October 15th and is available for visitors to enjoy every Saturday this fall through November 26th. The experience requires purchase of a regular admission ticket to the George Ranch Historical Park and includes the added fun of children’s games at the Ranch House. Come for the photos and awe and stay for a day of outdoor fun. Bring a picnic, tour the historic homes and explore what life on the prairie was like decades ago. To purchase tickets, visit www.georgeranch.org.
Sugar Land Arts Festival 2K23: Even Bigger, Even Better!
The Sugar Land Cultural Arts Foundation proudly announces the second annual Sugar Land Arts Fest.
The Inaugural Sugar Land Arts Fest of 2022 was a huge success! The community of Sugar Land enjoyed two days of Arts, Taste and Music. More than three thousand people had a fabulous weekend visiting over a hundred artist booths, drinking hand-selected wines, eating delicious food and enjoying live music.
As Mayor Zimmerman said, next year will be even bigger and better! So, save the date because the Sugar Land Cultural Arts Foundation and The City of Sugar Land will come together once again to bring the Sugar Land Arts Fest on April 1st and 2nd, 2023, at the Award-Winning Smart Financial Centre Plaza.
“Come join our community and enjoy local artists, music and food. You will be supporting the Foundation’s mission to promote the Arts in Sugar Land,” said Tim Stubenrouch, President of the Sugar Land Cultural Arts Foundation.
Experience what Sugar Land is all about through this partnership between the City of Sugar Land and numerous community members. Sugar Land Arts Fest is an experience like no other in Sugar Land, Texas.
Let’s get together and celebrate the arts in Sugar Land. Are you going to join us? We ART excited to see you there!
Be the first to know about entertainment, schedules and more by following on social media: @SugarLandArtsFest and visiting www.sugarlandartsfest.com.
Texian Market Days Returns Saturday, October 22nd
at The George Ranch Historical Park
is known for wide-open spaces and the equally wide-open way its residents celebrate their heritage. Here in Fort Bend County, those two ideas will come together once again during Texian Market Days, held at the 23,000-acre George Ranch Historical Park, Saturday, October 22nd from 9 am to 5 pm.
When an authentic working ranch plans a celebration, the result is a uniquely wide-ranging event where visitors young and old can all find something to embrace. History, food, crafts and demonstrations come together in a day-long celebration of what makes Texans, well, Texans.
Food trucks, craft vendors and entertainment will be on site in addition to visitors being able to venture out to explore the ranch. Activities of all types will unfold throughout the day – old-time games, historic home tours, riding team shooting demonstrations, plus cowboy roping and wrangling. Focus on one or two activities, or sample them all as the day unfolds and you travel through Texas time.
What are you doing on October 22nd? Bring the entire family to “The Ranch” and make it a Saturday to remember. To learn more or to purchase tickets, visit www.georgeranch.org. The George Ranch Historical Park is located at 10215 FM 762 in Richmond, TX, 77469.
The Rosenberg Railroad Museum
Clang, Clang – All Aboard! The Rosenberg Railroad Museum (RRRM) is busy getting ready for an amazing fall festival season!
There are so many cool things to see and do at the museum! Whether you are a train fan or just looking for a fun and educational outing, the museum has something for everyone. Check out their upcoming events planned for the fall as well as some new exhibit improvements.
Kicking off their fall season on September 10th is Discovery Day, where everyone receives free admission.
On Saturday, October 8th, RRRM will host their ever-popular Fall Fun Fest, an annual fall fundraiser benefiting the museum. Rounding out the month of October, RRRM will have a Halloween Family Fun Day on Saturday October 29th.
New this year, the Caboose exhibit has undergone some serious changes. Starting in February, the museum had contractors out to help renovate and restore the car’s interior. From the freshly painted walls and floors to the reupholstered furniture, the 1972 Caboose looks almost brand new. The exhibit now has interpretive signs and will celebrate its completion in December, also marking its 50th birthday.
The Education Station offers a large model train exhibit room, children’s playroom, a classroom for Scout Merit Badge classes, Wig-Wag Fridays for preschoolers, and exhibit enrichment classes. School field trips and group tours are always welcome by appointment.
The Rosenberg Railroad Museum is a hidden gem nestled in Historic Downtown Rosenberg. For more information, visit www.rosenbergrrmuseum.org or call 281-633-2846 to learn more.
Second Mile
“Nancy” is a mom of two teenages who lives in Missouri City. She visited Second Mile for the first time this summer, desperately in need of groceries and embarrassed to ask for help. Her monthly income barely covered her expenses. While working to get a better paying job and get out of financial hardship, she felt alone. At Second Mile, she felt relief, with a place to go for food, next-step resources and encouragement.
Second Mile is seeking sponsors and underwriters for its 2022 Golf Tournament, Dinner and Silent Auction at Quail Valley City Centre on Monday, October 10th. Tee time begins at 1 pm, with the reception at 6 pm and dinner at 7 pm.
Funds raised help local families like Nancy’s receive nutritious groceries, educational classes, spiritual care and more as they work toward personal goals.
Last year, Second Mile distributed 1.4 million pounds of food, enough to feed 138,000 individuals. Programs include Park & Pick Up groceries at Second Mile, fresh produce food fairs around Fort Bend County, mobile grocery drop-off, financial assistance, financial education, legal aid, grief support, health education and more.
Through your compassionate support, local children, adults and seniors can find hope through hard times. Visit www.secondmile.org or call 281-261-9199 ext. 213 to sponsor the October 10th event, register or make a silent auction donation.
OakBend Medical Center’s Patchwork of Life Event 2022
OakBend Medical Center is excited to announce the 10th annual Patchwork of Life fundraiser will take place completely virtually, via computer. This is an opportunity for the Fort Bend County community to honor and support the only remaining independent non-profit hospital in the Greater Houston Area. Mark your calendars for Thursday, October 6th from 6 pm to 9 pm to share this fun evening with OakBend by participating in this amazing event from the convenience of your living room.
There are four sponsorship levels to join the party. Each sponsorship level comes with a delicious dinner delivered to your home on Thursday, October 6th. Golden Threads Sponsor: $10,000-Personal chef VIP dinner with wine for 12 served in your home. Community Fabric Sponsor: $5,500-Chef-prepared VIP dinner with wine for 8. Patterns of Hope Sponsor: $3,500-Gringo’s Mexican Kitchen fajita meal for 8 and a pitcher of margaritas. Stitches of Love Sponsor: $2,500-Mixed BBQ dinner from Rudy’s for 8.
As the only independent, non-profit hospital in the Greater Houston Area, OakBend is committed to providing exceptional, compassionate healthcare to the people it serves, regardless of their ability to pay. Community support plays an important role in helping OakBend meet the needs of our community. OakBend is honored by the continued support of the community and corporate partners. Funds raised from this year’s event will go toward the purchase of upgraded medical equipment.
For sponsorship opportunities or to donate an auction package, contact at https://www.oakbendmedcenter.org/patchwork-of-life/.
Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce
At the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce, you will meet premier business leaders in the county who can provide resources to take your business to the next level. We’re a diverse community that is prosperous, resilient, creative and through good times and challenging times, remains connected though our strong sense of community. As your advocate for excellence, the Fort Bend Chamber cultivates and supports future-focused, inclusive and engaged leaders through serving as the catalyst for a vital and thriving region, being a champion to workforce education and development and providing a competitive edge for all our businesses to thrive.
5-Star Accredited through the US Chamber in 2014 and 2019, the Fort Bend Chamber continues to raise the bar, impact the community, advocate for excellence and push for policies that help our businesses grow. We need the support of business leaders to continue to provide the critical programs that shape our county’s future leaders, connect our economy’s future partners, strengthen our region’s future workforce and advocate for our members in future municipal, county, state and federal legislative issues.
Your partnership with the Fort Bend Chamber signals to our members, our elected officials and our residents that your organization is a first-class company building a first-class development and first-class relationships by giving back to the community and its leaders both past and present who have built Fort Bend into the economic and demographic powerhouse which was appealing enough to your leadership to warrant a remarkable capital investment.
For more information about the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce, visit www.fortbendchamber.com.
Fort Bend County Fair 2022 Entertainment Lineup Announced
Eight musical acts will hit the stage at the 2022 Fort Bend County Fair providing entertainment for all. The Fair runs September 23rd through October 2nd.
Taking the Brazos Stage Friday, September 23rd, is Giovannie & the Hired Guns. They will get the crowd rocking with their authentic gritty energy.
Saturday, September 24th, Kevin Fowler will bring a high energy performance with feelgood classics that are a fan favorite. His latest effort, “Barstool Stories,” is due out August 23rd.
The Fair is going big for Latin music enthusiasts Sunday, September 25th. Headlining will be Secretto, known for songs like: “Tan Perfecta” and “La Cosecha.”
Wednesday, September 28th, upcoming artist Carson Jeffrey will make his debut after his album “Muchos Sonidos” was released in the summer of 2019.
Returning to the Fair Thursday, September 29th, is a hometown favorite. Jon Stork has a rocky-tonk flare and soulful sound that is taking over the Texas music scene.
Shenandoah, one of the greatest groups in country music, will perform Friday, September 30th. They are well known for hits “Two Dozen Roses” and “Next to You, Next to Me.”
Saturday, October 1st, multi-platinum artist, Sammy Kershaw will draw a crowd with his traditional country music and hits like “Cadillac Style” and “Vidalia.”
With over forty years of success, the Bellamy Brothers will close out our fair on Sunday, October 2nd.
Mark your calendars and come out to the Fort Bend County Fair. Tickets available at www.fortbendcountyfair.com.
Hope For Three Autism Advocates on the Move with Two Incredible Events
Today, 1 out of every 44 children in the U.S. are diagnosed with autism. In Fort Bend County, over 6,300 autistic students are enrolled in public schools. The lifetime cost of care for one person with autism is estimated to extend up to $2.4 million. This is where local nonprofit Hope For Three can make a difference.
Hope For Three provides resources and support to any inquiring party and financial aid to Fort Bend County residents. The organization also creates awareness through outreach, education and events. The group is on the move with two upcoming events to generate awareness and raise funds for the families and children they serve.
The third annual Walk, Run, Stroll, or Roll is September 3rd – 11th, sponsored by Primeway Federal Credit Union and matches individual donors who raise $100 or more. Family members, friends or co-workers can gear up anytime, anywhere; indoors, outdoors, at a park, or on a treadmill! Send a picture with your time and wait for the exciting results. Community members can join at River Pointe Church (21000 Southwest Frwy., Richmond) on September 10th at 9 am to walk together.
Next, the seventh annual Golf Fore Autism tournament, presented by Landmark Charities, is at Sweetwater Country Club. Individual play is $150, and a foursome is $600. Spectacular sponsorship and underwriting opportunities offer massive exposure as the group takes on both courses to double the impact on supporting local families! Visit www.hopeforthree.org/events to register now or secure autism resources.
The Needville Harvest Festival 2022
The 38th Annual Needville Harvest Festival will bring two days of fall fun to Harvest Park, located at 3001 Violet Street, on Friday, October 14th and Saturday, October 15th. Admission will be free this year! Gates will open at 5 PM Friday for an evening of music, the annual barbecue cook-off, fajita and margarita judging.
Saturday beginning at 7:30 AM, the fun continues with crowd favorites, such as the annual Talent Show, Little Miss and Mr. Contest, Queen’s Contest, lawn mower races, an expanded BBQ cook-off with a KidzQ, a live auction, and new this year, is a magic show by Paul Driscoll. The Kidz Zone is sure to keep young ones entertained. Mason and Friends Polka music will be playing Saturday from 11 AM to 4 PM, and the raffle drawing will take place at 6:30 PM. There will be plenty of activities for people of all ages. Make plans now to participate in some of the fun-filled contests or to just come out and have a great time.
The Needville Harvest Festival, Inc. is a non-profit 501c3 organization that operates Harvest Park and presents the annual family-friendly festival. “All proceeds from the Harvest Fest go right back into the improvement and maintenance of the park, which is for all of the community to enjoy,” said President Chris Janicek.
Janicek said the all-volunteer Harvest Fest committee is comprised of “some of the most hard-working, dedicated individuals you’ll find anywhere.” Hopes are high that this year’s festival will be a record-breaking success. Wearing a mask and social distancing will be encouraged.
Visit www.needvilleharvestfest.org for a complete schedule, contest rules and much more. For additional information, call 281-468-9314.
Be A Part of Something Special: The Exchange Club of
Sugar Land Making Fort Bend A Better Place to Live
If you want to experience the joy of helping others, the Exchange Club of Sugar Land is the club for you. The Exchange Club is a group of volunteers striving to make the community a better place to live. Members actively search for creative ways to respectfully meet the needs of others while focusing on the following:
• The Club’s primary objective is The Prevention of Child Abuse. They work to achieve this goal by educating the public, bringing awareness through their Blue Ribbon Campaign and supporting local non-profit organizations providing help to children and their families.
• They promote Americanism by organizing events that celebrate the freedoms enjoyed in our country and by supporting those who have served to defend those freedoms.
• They promote and celebrate Youth by recognizing outstanding students with Youth of the Month and Young Citizen of the Month awards to encourage students to participate in community service projects so they experience the happiness associated with helping others.
• They support Community through their annual Spaghetti Dinner. The funds raised support local non-profits, and their annual Santa’s Exchange event, where at least three gifts are given to approximately 4,000 children.
The Club meets for breakfast every Wednesday at 7 am at Sugar Creek Country Club, located at 420 Sugar Creek Blvd., in Sugar Land. Please join the Club for an exciting, educational and fun time. For more information, please email President@ecsl.org.
