july 2015 - absolutely brazos magazine

JULY 2015 Serving Richmond, Rosenberg &

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A PROM NIGHT TO REMEMBER

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In 2015, the Financial Times 400 Award was based on information gathered regarding 1,500 financial advisors. Of the financial advisors considered, 26% received this award. The Financial Times 400 Award is based on the following criteria: The individual is credentialed as a FINRA registered representative, assets under management, revenue produced for the firm, regulatory and compliance record. The financial advisor does not pay a fee to be considered for or to receive this award. Once awarded, they may opt to purchase additional profile advertising space or related award promotional products. This survey is created, conducted and administered by Financial Times. This award does not evaluate the quality of services provided to clients. The financial advisor receiving this award may have had unfavorable ratings. This award and rating is not indicative of this financial advisor’s future performance.

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CONTRIBUTOR

J U L Y 2 0 1 5 | V O L U M E 3 | N U M B E R 811

Myles MellorContributorPage 11

16

Joan FrancesContributorPages 16 & 32

ON THE COVER:Ray Aguilar, Don Kerstetter and Regina Morales. Photo by Nesossi Studios.

C O V E R S T O R Y

F E A T U R E S

18 A PROM NIGHT TO REMEMBER These Lamar Consolidated ISD students celebrated their 2015 Prom in style and made memories to last a lifetime!

20 absolutely! KID FRIENDLY Find the best and brightest in private schools and after school activities to meet your child’s needs.

C O L U M N S

16 HIGH SCHOOL HOT SHOTMeet Kamille Mendoza

32 A LITTLE PIECE OF HISTORYTexas Weather

B R A I N T E A S E R

11 LET FREEDOM RING

N E W T O T H E N E I G H B O R H O O D

30 KYALAMI KENNELSOffers a Relaxing Country Environment

I N E V E R Y I S S U E

6 PUBLISHER’S POINT OF VIEW

12 SEEN ON THE SCENE

22 COMMUNITY EVENTS

24 OUT & ABOUT IN THEHEART OF BRAZOS

28 COMMUNITY MARKETPLACE

8 CLASSIC CHEVROLET:A DEALERSHIP THATCARES ABOUT COMMUNITYUnder the leadership of owner Don Kerstetter, Classic Chevrolet Sugar Land is thoroughly involved in community outreach in West Fort Bend. As part of its devotion to the community, the dealership has partnered with area chambers, allowing Classic to spread its philanthropic efforts and learn about the community – all while enriching the quality of life for those who call Fort Bend home.

Don Kerstetter, owner of Classic Chevrolet Sugar Land.Photo by Nesossi Studios


EXCLAMATION POINTS!T H E I N S I D E S C O O P S T R A I G H T F R O M T H E T O P

4655 TECHNIPLEX DR. STE. 700STAFFORD, TX 77477

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Vol. 3 No. 8 | July 2015

absolutely! Brazos Magazine are published by absolutely! focus media, 4655 Techniplex Dr., Ste. 700, Stafford, TX 77477. Copyright © 2015 by absolutely! focus media. All rights reserved. Reproduc-tion without permission is strictly prohibited. absolutely! Brazos Magazine does not knowingly accept false or misleading adver-tising or editorial, nor do the publishers assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial appear. absolutely! Brazos Magazine welcomes editorial submissions from its readers.

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P U B L I S H E RE D I T O R- I N - C H I E FPatti Parish-Kaminski

M A NAG I N G E D I T O RSarah Bearden

S E N I O R AC C O U N T E X E C U T I V EJessica Kij

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C O N T R I BU T O R SM.G. AnguloJoan FrancesMyles Mellor

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E D I T O R IA L SU B M I S S I O N [email protected]

Publishedby

Publisher, PATTI PARISH-KAMINSKI

Freedom Isn’t Free

Ticket giveaways to area attractions and events.Facebook.com/AbsolutelyBrazos

Two hundred and thirty nine years ago on July 4, 1776, the colo-nies were fighting Great Britain in the American Revolutionary War, and delegates from the 13 colonies unanimously adopted the Declara-tion of Independence composed by Thomas Jefferson. As we celebrate the birth of our nation this month, I am reminded not only of the sac-rifices of our founding fathers but of the sacrifices that continue to-day of the men and women who selflessly serve our country and protect our freedom. Freedom truly isn’t free – the cost is the ultimate in sacrifice – and this July as we take our families to July 4th celebrations and enjoy Ame-rica’s birthday, let us not only remember those who have sacrificed for us but also teach our children that freedom is a responsibility. And being a responsible citizen is just one of the things that makes our nation – and our community – great.

Responsibility and community are themes in this issue as our cover story fea-tures a Fort Bend business with a unique philosophy of service: community ser-vice. Classic Chevrolet will sell you a vehicle at a fair price without the harsh sales tactics that many in the industry are known for, but what many may not realize is that is not Classic’s primary goal. This unique dealership is devoted to making Fort Bend better, and serving the community is their primary goal. Sure, they sell some great vehicles along the way, but owner Don Kerstetter has created a culture of giving that reaches across Fort Bend. Read about the dealership that truly cares about community and puts their money where their mouth is on page 8.

Nothing brings a community together like natural disasters. In Texas, weather is truly a force to be reckoned with. In Joan Frances’ A Little Piece of History this month, she takes a look at Texas weather disasters through the years, which given the torrential rainfall of our May and early June, is a timely topic.

Hopefully, the weather will cooperate this July 4th, and our community will celebrate with fireworks and friends. If you are looking for a great celebration, check our Community Events on page 22. You’re sure to find the perfect celebra-tion in your area.

Thomas Jefferson said, “To preserve the freedom of the human mind then and freedom of the press, every spirit should be ready to devote itself to martyrdom; for as long as we may think as we will, and speak as we think, the condition of man will proceed in improvement.”

Happy Birthday America! Let freedom ring!

Absolutely yours,

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Freedom! Kassidi Kaminski with Patti, Kolton and Tim Kaminski at her high school graduation.


Classic Chevrolet is behind the scenes for the children who play in lit-tle leagues, for the churches struggling with their limited budgets and for the seniors who put their fortitude into the foundations of Fort Bend County.

While organizations seeking spon-sorships often ask for help from Clas-sic, the dealership’s representatives are also just as eagerly walking the

streets and talking to folks about what Classic can do to enrich the quality of life for those who call Fort Bend home.

“I’ll always remember something my dad told me: ‘If you think of your-self, you’ll be by yourself,’” said Ray Aguilar, Classic Chevrolet’s sales and community relations manager. “And that’s the mentality here.”

Under the leadership of owner Don

Kerstetter, Classic Chevrolet Sugar Land has been named one of the Hous-ton Chronicle’s 100 Best Places to Work, was named to General Motors’ exclusive Chevrolet Dealer of the Year list for the fifth consecutive year, has earned the Mark of Excellence Award and was voted 2015’s best dealership by readers of the Sugar Land Sun.

Kerstetter has led Classic to one more honor — being a dealership known for its true support of great causes. “I’ve known Don six years,” Aguilar said. “From the moment he got here, he wanted to know where the chambers were, what charities needed help and how we could volunteer for this community. His heart is for the people.”

W hen is a car dealership not just a dealership? When it’s Classic Chevrolet Sugar Land. While it’s true that this dealership needs to make a profit just like all of the

other businesses out there, at the heart of Classic Chevrolet Sugar Land is its love and devotion to all of Fort Bend County — and not in the lets-get-some-publicity kind of support.

Classic Chevrolet:

COVER STORYBy M.G. Angulo

Mark Kolon, general sales manager; Ray Aguilar, sales and community relations manager and Don Kerstetter, owner of Classic Chevrolet Sugar Land.Photo by Nesossi Studios

A Dealership That CaresAbout Community

A Dealership That CaresAbout Community

Leading the Way

To date, Classic Chevrolet Sugar Land is involved with a handful of chambers including the Central Fort Bend Chamber, Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce, Fulshear Area Chamber of Commerce, Pearland Chamber of Commerce and the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Being involved in the chambers allows Classic to spread its philanthropic efforts, learn about community from its needs to its values and most importantly, learn how to be a leader, said Aguilar, who has lately been pouring his attention and enthusiasm into the Central Fort Bend Chamber’s Leadership Program.

For almost three decades, the Cen-tral Fort Bend Chamber has hosted Leadership Fort Bend, a program de-signed to develop leaders for Fort Bend by educating the students — business owners, individuals, local politicians and emergency personnel — on issues and challenges affecting the county and providing them with vital commu-nity contacts and networks.

“Creating leaders for Fort Bend is one of the chamber’s community servic-es,” said Regina Morales, president and CEO of the Central Fort Bend Cham-ber. “The Leadership Fort Bend pro-gram is designed to educate and create future leaders for Fort Bend County. It is a critical component to the chamber’s future growth and vitality, because it develops a stronger community.”

The program lasts nine months, from September through May, and fea-

tures retreats and sessions that focus on topics from education, health and human services to history and state government. “Ray is the co-chair for the program, and Classic Chevrolet is one of sponsors of the program as well,” said Morales. “We’re currently enhanc-ing the program and increasing the experience for all of the participants focusing on community education.”

“The Leadership Program is how Classic became more involved with West Fort Bend,” said Aguilar. “Many think that we only serve the Sugar Land, Stafford and Missouri City ar-eas, and that’s not true. We’re in Rich-mond, Rosenberg, Needville, Fulshear and Wharton.”

Classic in the Community

As part of its communal outreach in West Fort Bend, Classic has spon-sored boys’ baseball and girls’ softball leagues, fairs in Rosenberg, Needville and Wharton, as well as a variety of nonprofits including Fort Bend Arc, the Literacy Council of Fort Bend County, the Fort Bend Museum Association, the Rosenberg Railroad Museum and the Pecan Grove Volunteer Fire De-partment.

Sometimes Classic purchases dirt to spread on the fields for the little leagues with small budgets or hosts chili cook-offs for local police departments. Then there are the churches from Beasley, Richmond and Rosenberg that the dealership gets behind. “It gets emo-tional for me sometimes,” said Aguilar. “Some of these churches are struggling to keep their members or finding ways to bring in the youth.”

www.absolutelybrazos.com l JULY 2015 9

The ClassicDifference

C lassic Chevrolet Sugar Land is active in both East and West

Fort Bend County from charities and hospitals to school districts and churches. The dealership is willing to help wherever it can. As 60 percent of the dealership’s employees are Hispanic, the dealership has a strong focus on the Hispanic community and is interested in lending its support to organizations that provide services to the Latino population in West Fort Bend.

The following is a list of some of the organizations Classic Chevrolet Sugar Land supports and sponsors:

• American Legion• Asians Against Domestic Abuse• Boy Scouts of America• Child Advocates• Exchange Club of Sugar Land• Fort Bend Boys Choir• Fort Bend County Fair & Rodeo• Fort Bend Education Foundation• Fort Bend Hispanic Heritage Forum• Fort Bend ISD• Fort Bend Rotary Club• Fort Bend Women’s Center• Hispanics Offering People Education• Impact A Hero• JEWELS of Fort Bend• Kendall Currie Benefit Fund• Knights of Columbus• Lamar ISD• Literary Council of Fort Bend County• Local Churches• Missouri City Police Department Food Drive• Oyster Creek Rotary Club• Police and Fire Departments• Safari Texas Salute to Fort Bend• Shriners Hospitals for Children• Stafford MSD• Stafford Youth Basketball Association• Sugar Land Rotary Club• Toys for Tots• Veterans of Foreign Wars• Youth in Philanthropy

Leigh Ann Dawson, Central Fort Bend Chamber; Ray Aguilar, Classic Chevrolet Sugar Land and Leadership Fort Bend co-chair; Allison Mensik, NRG and Leadership Fort Bend co-chair; Regina Morales, President and CEO of the Central Fort Bend Chamber and Wes Wittig, Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office and Leadership Fort Bend co-chair.

Fulshear Area Chamber of Commerce Director Don McCoy presents Don Kerstetter with a membership pin.

Organizations looking for Classic support can complete an e-form on the dealership’s website at www.classicchevyhouston.com/Charitable-Contribution, and a team member will respond.


minds up to want more,” Aguilar said. “Don says, ‘We have to help them some-how.’”

Senior citizens also have a special place in the Classic heart. “Both of our dads were veterans in foreign wars,” said Aguilar of himself and Kerstetter. “And one thing about that generation is they have sacrificed for our freedom and have earned our respect.”

In late May, stormy weather hit Tex-as causing deaths and damage across the state including many people in Fort Bend, and Aguilar saw the destruction first-hand. Along with other Classic members, Aguilar is an active partici-pant with Fort Bend Meals on Wheels, a local nonprofit that serves senior citi-zens with meal delivery and a myriad of services. So when tragedy hit some of the seniors, the Classic team was there — no questions asked. “That’s why we serve Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels. We’re here to serve and pro-tect the greatest generation that ever lived for as long as they’re here,” Agui-lar said.

Aguilar said his job with Classic is to get into the community and make sure the connection with Classic Chev-rolet and the public remains strong. It’s a job that he loves so much, it doesn’t feel like work. The reason he is out in the community, the reason his face and name is so familiar is simple and one many people wouldn’t consider. “Bring-ing customers is a secondary goal,” Aguilar said of Classic’s initiative to have a strong presence in Fort Bend. “Serving the community is the primary goal.”

reminds us that if kids don’t believe they can go to school, they won’t go. We want to give them exposure to higher learning in hopes that they’ll continue their education.”

And this is why Classic not only provides supplies to the local school districts but has also awarded scholar-ships to students who applied for schol-arships from other organizations but didn’t receive one due to limited funds. The scholarships Classic has awarded provided students with funds to pay for books or to take a class at a community college. Additionally, the scholarships don’t just go to students who have high GPA and all A’s; they are awarded to all students who work hard to better their future.

“If we can give students a taste of college, then just maybe they’ll dis-cover that’s a path they want to take, and they will search for ways to make it happen. Maybe we can open their

He recalls the first time he ap-proached Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Rosenberg. At the time, the church was hosting a bazaar, and Agui-lar asked what Classic could do to help. “No one has ever asked us if they could help,” said the church member, a bit dumbfounded by Aguilar’s offer. The reaction resonated with Aguilar.

“That signified to us that what we’re doing — the community outreach — is right. We’re not out there helping the community so they can come buy a car or use our services. The church supports senior citizens, children and gives people a place to worship. If we can help the church, then the church can help better the community. That’s why we do what we do, and this is all because of Don’s motivation. He is a very unselfish man, and he’s here to help wherever needed when possible.”

Giving From the Heart

Classic Chevrolet giving doesn’t al-ways come from the dealership. “Don often gives of his own money — not the dealership’s — to veterans, police and fire departments, education, senior citizens and any causes that give the youth the opportunity to go to school.”

Another population that receives support from Classic includes school districts, Stafford MSD, Lamar Con-solidated and Fort Bend ISDs to be exact. “Education is very important to Don,” said Aguilar, adding that Classic is a strong supporter of both the His-panic Heritage Forum and Hispanics Offering People Education. “He always

The Leadership Fort Bend class of 2014-2015 in Galveston for their Closing Retreat.

“Bringing customers is a

secondary goal.Serving the

community is the primary goal.”

– Ray Aguilar


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Lone Star Stomp Benefiting the Fort Bend County Museum Association

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Janice & Griff Linsenmayer

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May 7, 2015 • Classic Chevrolet of Sugar Land

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Meet Kamille Mendoza

By Joan FrancesPhotos by Andrew Chan

Kamille

HOT SHOTHigh School

B uilt in 1949, Lamar Consoli-dated High School in Lamar Consolidated Independent

School District is one of the oldest schools in the area. The school’s ad-ministration and staff provide stu-dents “an educational foundation that will enhance the students’ op-portunities of becoming productive citizens of our global society.” One 2015 graduate who has achieved ac-ademic excellence and is a talented team leader is Kamille Mendoza.

Kamille is a solid student. She took Advanced Placement classes and is particularly formidable in spelling and vocabulary. She par-ticipated in the University Inter-scholastic League (UIL) competition as a freshman and placed fifth indi-vidually and first with her team. As a sophomore, Kamille placed third individually and first with her team. During her junior year, her team won first place again at the UIL com-petition. Kamille also placed first in the Texas Academic Decathlon Re-gional for Honors Essay Writing as a sophomore.

One quote that Kamille lives by is, “Don’t whine. Just act.” She said, “This quote constantly reminds me that whenever I run into situations, simple or complex, I cannot let myself sit and complain about the circum-

stance but must actually do something about it. Sitting and whining would not help anything at all, and the only thing that will change the outcome is if I stand up and act on it. Senior year was the year I realized that I am the only individual who can help make the best for my future. As long as I make good decisions and stay away from the negativity, I can accomplish anything I put myself into.”

Since sophomore year, Kamille has been in the choir. “Commitment and responsibility are the key objectives to being part of chorale. I help others develop commitment and responsibil-ity by setting an example of what I do and constantly reminding my peers to show up and be on time for the practic-es and concerts. Leadership and team-work are must-haves in being part of choir, especially in the UIL contest for my choir peers. We need to constantly work as a team in order to be the best choir we can be.”

Kamille was the student council representative for her sophomore, ju-nior and senior class and varsity choir librarian as a senior. The one thing Kamille treasures most about her high

school experience is the memories, particularly as a member of the choir. “Learning and performing pieces of art for audiences made me learn to appreciate the value of music.”

Outside of school, Kamille is gen-erous with her time by helping other people. “Volunteering for Special Olympics is another memory that I appreciate from my high school ex-perience. Seeing special kids smile because they accomplished a simple race gives me a warm feeling on the inside. My high school experience was definitely one-of-a-kind, and the memories I made are the ones I will treasure for a long time.”

This past summer, Kamille was a leader of the All Things Girl Camp at Sacred Heart Church in Rosenberg. She also helped at Lamar Consoli-dated Leo’s Club, spending over 15 hours at senior citizens’ homes to play bingo.

This fall, Kamille will attend the University of Houston Main Campus to major in Nursing. Congratulations Kamille on your talent and generous nature, and good luck as you move into your future.

“Senior year was the year I realized that I am the only individual who can help make the best for my future.”

– Kamille Mendoza


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Lamar Consolidated High SchoolAntonio Gonzalez and Jessica Villarreal

Foster High SchoolSavanah Huff and Philip Grandjean


absolutely! Kid FriendlyAdvertorial

Gingerbread:Quality Early Education

in Fort Bend County

As summer begins to wind down, it is time turn our attention to a new school year. This past year, the Ginger-bread Family of Learning Centers celebrated the one year anniversary of their newest location, the Gingerbread Kids’ Academy in Richmond, and the 34th anniversary of The Gingerbread House Learning Center in Rosenberg. The Gingerbread Kids’ Academy and Gingerbread House Learning Center have developed an environment where children can learn and grow. The programs are designed for children ages eight weeks to 12 years.

Research has shown that in order for a child to be successful in school and in life, they must begin with a strong foundation in learning. Gingerbread has designed a curriculum that includes an emphasis on reading, writ-ing, science, math, discovery and exploration, as well as social skills development. The infant and toddler pro-grams focus on the development of both gross and fine motor skills along with basic language development. The three to five-year-old Pre-School and Pre-K programs focus on academics, peer relationships and preparation for entry into kindergarten and elementary school. The Gingerbread After-School programs, located onsite at Frost, Hutchison and Hubenak Elementary, as well as on-site at the Gingerbread Kids’ Academy and Gingerbread House, offer homework assistance, arts, crafts, games and sports.

A new year means new beginnings. The Gingerbread Family invites you to come and visit. Both locations are now accepting enrollments for the 2015-2016 school year. For more information, contact Tim Kaminski at 281-239-2110 or e-mail [email protected].

FM 762

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Conveniently Located Near:BonbrookBriarwood CrossingBridlewood EstatesGreatwoodRiver Park WestRiver’s RunSummer LakesThe Oaks of RosenbergThe ReserveWalnut Creek

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READING RD.

FM 762

BrazosTown Center HWY 59

RIVERPARKWEST

• Infants

• Toddlers

• 3 and 4 year-old Pre-K Programs

• K-5th After School Programs for pick-up from Williams, Thomas & Arredondo Elementary

www.gbkidsacademy.comE-mail: [email protected]

*Must be registered by July 31st; discount excludes security deposit.

Hours: 6:30 am - 6:30 pmMonday thru Friday Now

Registering forFall Pre-K and

K-5 After-SchoolProgram

$20.00 Off Registration Fee*

814 FM 2977 • Richmond, TX 77469281-239-2110

Free Backpacks while supplies last to families who enroll by July 31st

Special Advertising Section

Home Is Where the Heart Is

Coming September 2015

• Banks • Developers• Financial Institutions • Furniture and Décor • Home Builders • Home Improvements

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Enter As Strangers... Leave As Friends!Antiques H Collectibles H Fine Gifts, Etc.

Once Again

Hours: Tue – Sat 10 am-5 pm

Once Again brings together dealers, collectors & artisans to provide an all

around shopping experience.

Historic Downtown Rosenberg801 3rd Street

www.shoponceagain.com281-232-3955

with this adwith min. $20 purchase

Expires 7-31-15

Welcoming Students fromPre-K (4 yrs) through Grade12

ENROLLING NOW FOR 2015 - 2016

An exemplary and accredited educational environment where your child will learn from certified teachers in a

family-oriented Christian atmosphere.

281.342.3161 www.ces-richmond.org [email protected]

Like Us on Facebook

Bring this ad and receive a $100 discountwhen you register your child.

Reverence for God, Respect for Others and Responsibility for Self.

absolutely! Kid Friendly

While outstanding academics are a trademark for Calvary Episcopal Pre-paratory’s reputation of excellence, its pride as a Christian school is how they treat each other and grow in their un-derstanding of God’s expectations for them. Calvary incorporates reverence for God, respect for others and respon-sibility for self into every aspect of the educational experience.

In addition to a rigorous and acceler-ated academic environment, the Calvary experience includes service learning, leadership opportunities and enrichment programs for student creativity and ex-pression. These programs include a successful athletic department and vi-sual and performing arts encompass-ing a Thespian Troupe, a National Arts Honor Society and a competitive band.

Throughout the years, the Calvary art department has earned award-winning medals and recognition at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and the Fort Bend County Fair. In addition, Calvary’s drama club hosts an annual musical. The 2015 production included over 90 students at the sold-out performances of Alice in Wonderland, Jr.

Along with a solid fine arts depart-ment, Calvary has championship middle school athletics, including volleyball, football, basketball, tennis, golf, track and soccer. The school also partici-pates in Private School Interscholastic Association (PSIA) for lower and middle school and Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS) for high school in all categories, sending many students to state.

Calvary Episcopal Preparatory is an international school that incorporates Christian character education, Bible class, Spanish and library lessons. Bring this ad for $100 off registration.

For more information, call 281-342-3161 or visit www.ces-richmond.org.

Calvary EpiscopalPreparatory: Called

to a Higher Standard


Rosenberg’s Only Full

Service Bar

M – F 12 pm – 12 am Sat. 12 pm – 1 am Sun. 12 – 10 pm

2339 1st StreetRosenberg, TX 77471

1315 Avenue IRosenberg, TX 77471

THE

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• • E V E N T S • •

July 4th, 9 am Games of Our Forefathers and Historic LunchNothing says America like games, parades and hot dogs! Explore vintage games in every era, walk in a vintage wheels parade and grab a hot dog at the historic lunch at George Ranch Historical Park, located at 10215 FM 762 in Richmond. Enjoy this fun-filled day celebrating our country’s annual birthday with some old-fashioned game play. For lunch reservations, call 281-343-0218, extension 410 or visit www.georgeranch.org/event/independence-day-lunch.

July 4th, 5:30 – 9:30 pm 8th Annual Fulshear Freedom FestHosted by the City of Fulshear and the Fulshear Area Chamber of Commerce, this Downtown Fulshear event features music, a parade, children’s activities, fireworks, shopping and food. The parade will begin at 6 pm at the Bob Lutts Library on Fifth Street and will move south along FM 359 to First Street. The fireworks will take place within the event area along FM 359. Call 832-600-3221 or visit www.FulshearAreaChamber.com.

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Rosenberg’s Family 4th Celebration. Photo by BAC Photography and Design.

July 4th, 6 – 10 pm Family 4th CelebrationIt’s all about patriotism, family and fun when Rosenberg hosts the Family 4th Celebration at Seabourne Creek Nature Park, located at 3831 State Highway 36 in Rosenberg. This free event includes a carnival area for the children, horse-drawn wagon rides through the park, a trackless train ride, food vendors, live musical entertainment from the main stage and a spectacular fireworks show to end the evening. Call 832-595-3520 or visit www.ci.rosenberg.tx.us.


Sugar Land: 1201 Creekway Dr. • Suite BSugar Land, Texas 77478

Wharton: 979-282-6151 • 10141 US 59 • Wharton, Texas, 77488

Now Accepting New Patients At Both LocationsIn Sugar Land And Wharton

Salman Aly, MDPRIMARY CARE PHYSICIAN

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Plan design service, builder showroom & precisioncraftmanship... Campbell Garrett Distinctive Homes makes

it easy for you to build the perfect place to call home.

Visit us at www.CampbellGarrett.com

CAMPBELL GARRETTD I S T I N C T I V E H O M E S

Your Land. Our Expertise.

832-865-3444207 Morton Street • Richmond, TX

• • • • • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

July 11th, 9 – 11 amSaturday with the Master GardenersVisit the Fort Bend County Master Gardeners’ gardens behind the Agriculture Center at 1402 Band Road in Rosenberg, where the Master Gardeners will answer questions about plants visitors might see in one of the gardens. Call 281-341-7068 or visit www.fbmg.org.

July 8th, 15th, 22ndand 29th, 2 – 3 pm Teen Computer SeriesThe George Memorial Library, located at 1001 Golfview in Richmond, will present classes designed to help teens navigate school assignments and create fun projects. Classes include Get Creative with Pinterest Basics, Get Organized with Google Calendar & Advanced Google Searching, Resumé Advantage Class with Job & Career Accelerator™ and Webpage Design Class. Reservations are required. Visit www.fortbend.lib.tx.us or call 281-342-4455.

July 25th, 9 am – 1 pm “Hope on the Brazos”Lamar Consolidated ISD’s Common Threads and Texas Children’s Health Plan will host their annual back to school event at the Old Jane Long Gym, located at 414 Ninth Street in Richmond. There will be free backpacks, face painting, snow cones and a slide, as well as a variety of community vendors and school services. Common Threads will also offer families the ability to obtain clothes and supplies for the upcoming school year. To volunteer, call 832-223-0335 or email [email protected].

Kyle Capel and Tyler Herbanek with donations for “Hope on the Brazos.”


IN THEHEARTB R A Z O S

OUT&ABOUT

Kathryn Robinson, Shannan Stavinoha, Leigh Ann Dawson and Eric Garza.

Lorenzo Lerma, Veronica Munoz, Liana Salinas and Eloise Lucas.

The Central Fort Bend Chamber, along with the Hispanic Business Committee, hosted a Cinco de Mayo celebration at Legacy Ford in Rosenberg. The event was a great success!

OakBend Medical Center hosted a crawfish cookout for all employees and community leaders at its campuses during Hospital and Nurses Week in May. With Cajun music in the background, the cooks turned out crawfish with all the fixings.

Vickie Lynn Tonn, Linda Drummond and Donna Kay Tucker.

Kevin Patton and Lisa Nieto.Carlos Barrett and Harold Allen.

Joe Freudenberger cooked for and served his staff crawfish using his own recipe.


Ninety Calvary Episcopal Preparatory students from kindergarten through 12th grade worked side by side to produce the musical comedy Alice in Wonderland, Jr. The second annual musical was a crowd-pleasing extravaganza and part of Calvary Episcopal’ s comprehensive and enhanced fine arts department.

The Central Fort Bend Chamber hosted a well-attended Breakfast in the Bend networking event with 140 attendees, who were motivated by a message from Gallery Furniture’s Jim McIngvale.

Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale.

The Honorables: Brenda Mullinix, Susan Lowry, Tracy Osina and Maggie Jaramillo.

Gary Pearson, Lori Ann Belin and Jeff Cannon.

Gregory Baird, Craig Kalkomey and John Gilroy.

Sydney Smith as Tall Alice and Paul Lazarou as The White Rabbit.

Dylan Villarreal as Tweedle Dum, Grace Stewart as Alice and Katelyn Benoit as Tweedle Dee.

Alex Dewey as the March Hare.

History was made in Fort Bend County when Tracy Osina, who is employed with Mitchell & Duff LLC, was sworn in as a judge by three other female judges.

Jane Long Elementary art students each decorated one fourth of a circle. The pieces were assembled together to form a large mural, which symbolized the tagline, “Together we make a beautiful picture!”

Sophie Helbert, Sarah Schiro, Raina Ellis, Eva Ibarra, Kammi Easteood, Liana Hernandez, Haley Baladez, Tahya and Taliyah Delosantos, Mary Wooten, Emily Dunn, Xander Martinez, Lauren Seiler, Alexsovan Hory, Layla Aubrey, Cambry Broxson, Emma Breimon and Janis Knuckols.


IN THEHEARTB R A Z O S

OUT&ABOUT

Kaylee Ramirez, Denise Garcia, Ava Conrad, Chloe Howard, Lexi Curley, Kendall Coco, Ava Miranda, Dylyn Wilson and Amelia Stewart.

La Cocina Mexican Restaurant and Catering celebrated their 10th Annual Cinco de Mayo Fundraiser benefiting Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels.

Joe Gurecky, Ray Aguilar, Rachel and Andres Novoa and Jose Vasquez.

Frost Elementary School held its fifth annual Science Expo for students to showcase their creativity with winning projects.

Second grade winners Joshua Nguyen, Michael Huckman, Landry Heath, Joshua Perez, Michael Crawford and Cade Doherty.

Kindergarten winners Elaine Dickson, Gracelee Sutherland, Ana Nguyen, Garrett Doyle, Alex and Max Easley, Ryan Heath and Mason Lamothe.

Fifth grade winners Parveen Udawala, Rylee Moore, Ellen Fairfield, Austin Spencer, Jake Lozano, James Dimalanti and Ashlyn Lixey.

With activities such as the mile jog and tug-of-war, Frost Elementary School’s Field Day was a fun – and tiring – event!


Kim Feldhoff, Lindsey Garrett and Wanda Kolkhorst.

Isabel, Ginger, Ashley, Grace and Elle Renfrew.

The 5K and Kid K run and walk hosted by OakBend Medical Center benefited Attack Poverty and Friends of North Rosenberg and included vendors, games and over 300 participants.

Yvette, Alex and Barry Henry with Roderick Barnes.

Jennifer Ayres and Hyon Yim.

Kevin Barker, Vincent M. Morales, Jr. and J.C. Whitten.

Victoria Eljach and May Tape.

Jim and Sue Lockwood.

Supporters and staff of Texana Center gathered for an opening celebration for Texana’s Behavior Stabilization Center in Rosenberg.

Kate Johnson-Patagoc, George Patterson, Franco Albarran and Beth Duncan.

Girl Scout Troop 29079 celebrated the end of the academic year with a cooking class, where they earned their cooking badge by making their own pasta and sauce.

Campbell Cox, Ava Crain, Charlie Daugherty, Maddie Gerard, Lanie Wittry, Laila McCloud and Sophia Missed.

281-342-21981405 Jackson Street

Richmond, Texas 77469

Mario’s Paint & Body Shop

www.mariospaintandbody.com

• Custom paint• Clear Coat• Expert Color Matching• One Day Service

Wrecker Service24 Hr.

CO

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281.232.95832417 4th Street, Rosenberg, TX 77471

www.gbhdaycare.com

Locally Owned33 Years

Like Us On

Now EnrollingPrivate Pre-K

Pre-K 1 Ages 3 & 4Pre-K 2 Ages 4 & 5CDA Certified Teacher

After-School programs onsite at Frost, Hutchison and

Hubenank Elementary.

Cosmetic & Family Dentistry

Digital denture, better fit & design

1301 FM 2218, Suite 500B Richmond, TX 77469

281-239-3900 www.smilesmart.com

Before After

Accepts Most INSURANCE Walk-ins Welcome

We See Kids Too!

SNORING & Oral Sleep Appliances Available

4819 FM 359, Richmond, 77406P 282-342-2611F 832-553-7840

[email protected]

An independently owned and operated member of Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices

YOUR SUCCESS is My Goal!

Diana CritelliRealtor

MASTERPSYCHICTarot Cards & Crystal Readings

Appointments Only

281-232-4436

3rd StreetAntique Emporium

905 Third Street Rosenberg, TX 77471 • 832-945-5310

Historic Downtown Rosenberg

We specialize in Antiques & Fine Gifts.New Summer Hours: Wed. - Sat. 12 - 6 pm • Sun. 1 - 6 pm

1919 Avenue G • Historic Downtown Rosenberg 77471Open Wed-Sun • Happy hour Wed-Fri 3-7pm

Boutique Wines

Check out our Facebook page for events! • (832) 595-2881

Rosenberg’s Finest Wine Room

Craft BeerNew Outdoor Patio

Let FreedomRing

Answers to puzzle on page 11.

CO

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•Outdoor Kitchens • Decks • Patio covers

Pergolas • Stamped concrete

WOODWORKS DECK S • PERGOLA S • PAT IO COVER S

832-489-7418woodworksdecks.com

[email protected]

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Time to transform your backyard.

281-239-2110814 FM 2977 Rd. • Richmond , TX 77469

www.gbkidsacademy.com

Now EnrollingInfants, Toddlers

& Pre-KAfter-School Programs

Summer Camps

After-School Pick Up from Williams,

Thomas & Arredondo Elementary

“Where Children Learn and Grow”

Like us on

New

Center

VogelsangAntique

Emporium

Antiques Collectibles Home DecorSpecialty Items Live Theatre Events Hall

Historic Downtown Rosenberg’s Premier Experience

1909 Avenue G. Rosenberg, Texas 77471 • 281.342.6804Wed-Sat 10 am - 5pm • Sun 1 - 5 pm1308 James Street • Rosenberg, TX 77471

NEW FORT BEND LOCATION!

Internationally Certified Colon Hydrotherapist & InstructorNationally Certified Massage Therapist # ME0170

Services by appt only.

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Joyce Long

Massage Therapies • Lymphatic Drainage MassageLymphatic Facials • Reflexology • Infra Red Saunas

Relaxing Ion Cleanse Hand & Foot BathChinese Cupping • Gift Certificates

Colon Hydrotherapy by M.D. Prescription Only (Yours Or Ours)

Joyce Long’s

Established 1989

Colonic - Detox - LymphaticWellness Institute

“Our clients become family and we are here to celebrate their WELLNESS”

281-344-0095

Ornamental Iron • Wood • Chain Link

281.238.0735www.apachefence.com

832-945-28201100 3rd Street, Ste MRosenberg, TX 77471

We are a Full Service Salon & do monogramming too!

Owners: Nanette Johnson & Treva [email protected]

Hours: Tues. – Fri.9 am – 5 pm

Saturday 9 am – 3 pm

Walk-Ins Welcome

Hair and Aesthetics by Jo Ann

281-344-96061116 Morton Street, Ste. D

Richmond, TX 77469

Beautify Yourself

Services Offered: Family Haircuts • Corporate Haircuts Waxing Services • Facials – Four Types

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KyalamiKennels

Cell: [email protected]

www.kyalamikennels.com7111, FM 723 Rd • Richmond 77406

Dog boarding for all size dogsSmall dog grooming up to 35 lbs.

Relaxing, healthycountry environmentfor your best friend

281-394-5162

Kyalami Kennels is a small, 40 ken-nel facility conveniently located just two miles South of FM 1093 near the new Kroger and Academy Sports in Cinco Ranch on FM 723 in Richmond. Owned and operated by Gill and Andy Marsden, who live on the premises, Kyalami Ken-nels is hidden away on four acres of pris-tine Texas countryside.

The facility offers all size dog board-ing, grooming for dogs up to 35 pounds and day care, with reasonable rates and no extra hidden boarding costs. When boarded, dogs typically go out four to six times per day and have an evening potty break.

Kyalami Kennels’ new facility features stainless steel kennels and glass fronts, air-conditioning, heating and a built-in ultraviolet (UV) system for airborne germ elimination. The kennels have above ground, built-in drainage systems that drain into a purpose built septic system to ensure sanitary conditions in the ken-nels. In addition, music is piped into the kennels to provide a calm, relaxing envi-ronment for dogs.

The multi-colored kennels were pur-pose built by T-Kennel/Shoreline, and the layout was designed to ensure mini-mal barking and disturbance for all dogs at the facility. The kennels have sliding doors in between them, allowing them to be opened into larger kennels when a family of dogs or larger dogs are board-ed. Tours of the facility are welcome.

For more information about Kyalami Kennels, call 281-394-5162 or visit www.kyalamikennels.com.

Kyalami KennelsOffers a Relaxing

Country Environment


T exans have an answer when people ask about the weather. “If you don’t like the weather

today, just stick around. It will change.” South Texas has a reputation for mild winters and hot, muggy summers. Be-cause of its geographical location, the weather is volatile and erratic. South Texas weather history reveals every-thing from snow and ice, droughts and wildfires to damaging hurricanes that destroy life and the state’s heritage.

Texas’ founding fathers were de-voted weather observers. Thomas Jef-ferson purchased a thermometer and later a barometer to keep a close watch on temperature and weather changes. He participated in appropriating the first known weather observations in America. Records of significant weath-er events in Texas were documented as early as 1776. Even though basic meteorological instruments had been around for over 100 years, it was the telegraph that advanced the system of informing the public of weather shifts and temperatures during the early and mid 1800s. In 1849, the Smithsonian Institution created weather maps.

Over the past 100 years, South Texas has experienced every type of extreme weather possible. In February 1895, 15 to 20 inches of snow fell in the cities of Houston, Orange, Stafford and Columbus and throughout parts of Fort

act number was never confirmed, but it was estimated that 6,000 to 10,000 people lost their lives in the storm.

Isaac Monroe Cline, chief of the United States Weather Service Bureau in Galveston, lived through the disas-ter, but tragically, his pregnant wife disappeared beneath waging flood wa-ters. After the catastrophe, Cline spent most of his focus studying the science of tropical cyclones. The book Isaac’s Storm by Erik Larson chronicled the events of this historical natural di-saster and Cline’s heartbreaking loss. Obvious mistakes were made prior to those fateful days. Improvements, were implemented, and a seawall was built to lessen the flood threat during weather disasters.

In the early days, cities in Fort Bend were not equipped to handle droughts and flooding. Most farmers could not afford irrigation facilities, and lack of water meant crop loss and bankruptcy. When the rains came, flooding was a problem with residents living on the Brazos River, forcing them to move to higher ground. The town of Rosenberg was nicknamed “The City of Mud,” where downtown was impossible to travel through until the roads dried.

Today, society has learned from the mistakes of their ancestors. State-of-the-art weather technology continues to keep residents well-informed and safe during natural disasters.

Bend and Colorado counties, destroy-ing all vegetable crops. On December 24th through December 26, 2004, the first white Christmas in the area was recorded with four inches of snow in Galveston and Houston and 12 inches in Victoria.

Extreme drought occurred in 1956 and again in January 2001, and $125 million in damage was recorded. A Presidential Disaster Declaration was approved to assist struggling farmers. The most destructive wildfire in Texas history occurred from September to October 2011 in Bastrop County. High winds and downed power lines con-tributed to the Bastrop County com-plex fire consisting of three fires that merged into a single blaze east of the city on September 4th. The fire devas-tated 1,691 homes and a large area of Bastrop State Park at a cost of $325 million. It was finally extinguished on October 29th.

The most common extreme weather pattern in South Texas is the threat of hurricanes. History continues to re-peat itself every five to 10 years with a hurricane making landfall, generating damaging winds and flooding. On Sep-tember 8, 1900, the “Great Galveston Storm” was the worst natural disaster in United States history in terms of loss of life. Storm tides reached 15 feet or more, and property damage was es-timated at $30 to $40 million. The ex-

The 1913 flood of the Brazos River was devastating. The water was so high that large boats went up to the Union Depot.

Muddy roads hindered early travel in downtown Rosenberg, as evident in this view of Main Street in the early 1900s.

Texas WeatherA LITTLE PIECE

OF HISTORYBy Joan Frances

Photos from Pictorial History of Rosenberg

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july 2015 - absolutely brazos magazine

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