inside rose rich magazine

Summer 2008

INSIDEROSE-RICH MAGAZINE

And Surrounding Areas

DISCOVER THE LINK BETWEEN FUEL ECONOMY & TIRE PRESSURE

DR. MAY TAPE’S FIVE TIPS FOR PEDIATRIC DENTAL HEALTH

ONE ROSENBERG RESIDENTS WORTHY CAUSE...MEET ERIN EDMONDS, FOUNDER OF THE TRI-CITY RECREATIONAL CENTER

INTRODUCING JESS STUART...LIFELONG RICHMOND RESIDENT & T.W. DAVIS YMCA NEW DIRECTOR

Inside this issue...

Welcome to the Rosenberg-Richmond Area!

Cover Photo: U of H’s Small

Business Development Center on Lane Drive.

Volume 1, Issue 1

Celebrating the Twin Cities of the Gulf South

Inside ROSE-RICH • Summer 20082

www.InsideRoseRich.com 3


Contents — INSIDE ROSE-RICH Volume 1, Issue 1 • Summer 2008

Features

Greater Power Baptist Church – Bishop Blaise D. Polk in his own words tells of relocating his family and his ministry after Hurricane Katrina. He also offers wise words on how to stay strong in the face of adversity. u Page 14

A worthy cause – Rosenberg resident, Eric Edmonds, and his dedication to helping troubled youth. u Page 17

SBDC’s new office on Lane Drive – Meet Joseph Decker, Director of all Fort Bend County Small Business Development Centers; and Marco Ruiz, Business Counselor at SBDC’s Rosenberg office. u Page 24

DepartmentsEditor’s Note u Page 5

Inside Rosenberg: Spotlighting the Fire Department u Page 11

Tire Pressure & Fuel Economy: Steve & Nisha Taing, owners of Street Fame on Hwy 36 explain the connection u Page 32

Colorful Characters: Cowboy Bill u Page 22

Pets of ROSE-RICH u 2

On the front cover from left to right: Joe Decker, Fort Bend County SBDC Director, State Representative Dora Olivo, Rosenberg Mayor Joe Gurecky, and Marco R. Ruiz, Rosenberg SBDC Business Counselor.

COVER PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ROSE-RICH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.


Welcome to the first edition of Rose-Rich’s quarterly magazine. In it, you’ll find a wealth of interesting facts, colorful characters, local legends, and places to

go and things to do in our historic area. The journey from my seed of an idea to having the actual publication in hand has been an experience of a lifetime and one I wouldn’t change for anything. I have met so many wonderful people along this journey, thanking them individually would fill an entire magazine. However, I must give a special thanks to the subjects of our cover story. First and foremost, I wouldn’t be anywhere without God carrying me, leading me, and walking with me every step of the way. My mom, even as she recovered from her eye surgeries, encouraged me to go ahead with my idea, and as soon as she healed I’d have more than enough to do with the magazine and

our novels. The Cities of Rosenberg and Richmond have been very supportive of my efforts and have supplied me with myriad information about the area for the magazine. I have to thank State Representative Dora Olivo, who didn’t hesitate to lend her assistance to me , at the ninth hour.

And, finally, I have to give a special thanks to the subjects of our cover story—Joe Decker and Marco Ruiz. When I walked into their office, unorganized and uninformed, instead of turning me away , they took me under their wing and guided me in the direction I needed to go. Not once did they ever tell me I couldn’t do it or I shouldn’t do it. They counseled me and encouraged me and made sure that I WOULD do it. The SBDC is an incredible resource to Rosenberg-Richmond, and the surrounding communities.

Our area is growing before our very eyes. When I moved here, in November 2005, the Brazos Bend Town Center was still a tract of land, waiting for development. If we wanted to shop at Kohl’s, area residents had to drive elsewhere. My personal choice was Missouri City. It

would be several months before the ‘COMING SOON’ signs would be put up. Now, look at us. We are thriving, barreling towards the next decade with a population growth and economic boom. We can only hope that the recession that is spreading across the country doesn’t slow our advancement.

According to news reports and economic studies, because our area is heavily-vested in the oil and energy sector, we are not as susceptible to the slowing economy. If only. Years ago, Louisiana’s economy went bust because of a heavy dependency on the oil economy. Together, however, we can, and will, prevail. Individually, we must create positive opportunities for ourselves and let nothing defeat us. As a community and Americans, we must band together, love ourselves and our neighbors, offer a hand up and not a hand-out, and always believe in a better tomorrow. Stop by and visit us at http://www.insideroserich.com.

Leslie C. FerdinandEditor-in-Chief

Editor’s Note — INSIDE ROSE-RICH ISSN 1942-4477

A note from the Editor...INSIDE ROSE-RICH MAGAZINE

Rose-Rich Media, LLC

PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Leslie C. Ferdinand

EDITOR Lanie Alvarez

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Mark Finch

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Katey Arnold

CONTRIBUTORS Anthony Megahey

Bishop Blaise D. PolkSteve & Nisha TaingDr. May Tape, DDS

Dr. Gregory ShannonGeorge Memorial Library

Jack MarshallLisa Giesler

JUNIOR SECRETARY Zoey A. Megahey

A Publication of Rose-Rich Magazine. Printed in the USA ©2008. ISSN: 1942-4477. 614 Wild Cotton Road, Rosenberg, TX 77471.

Tel: 281-239-6885. Online at: www.InsideRoseRich.com.

– Leslie


GEORGE RANCHCelebrates 25th Annual

Texian Market Days

Right: Colby Rosiere in the Roping Pen.

Far Right:Blacksmith

working at the Blacksmith Shop.

Fort Bend County Museum Association celebrates 25 years of living history legacy with 25th Annual Texian Market Days, October 25, 2008 at the George Ranch Historical Park. The living history festival has grown into a favorite fall tradition for the tried and true as well as temporary Texans. Visitors gather from around the world to experience the rich, vibrant history of Fort Bend County and its significant role in shaping Texas as we know it today.

Texian Market Days is a celebration of Texas history that includes costumed historical interpreters and volunteers presenting living portraits of daily lives and heroic moments from the early days in Stephen F. Austin’s colony in the 1830s through the late years of the Great Depression and World War II 1940s. The festival highlights all of the great stories of Texas, from revolts to revolutions with independence and annexation through battle re-enactments and political skirmishes complete with rifles and cannon-fire.

Visitors also enjoy the lighter side of history with live music from the Celtaire String Group, Dr. Bushrod’s Medicine Show, cattle working demonstrations, chuck

wagon cooking, an antique tractor show and pull (in collaboration with the Texas Antique Tractor Pull Association), arts and crafts from around the region at the Texian Market Place and so much more. Texian Market Days is a fund-raising event supporting the educational programs of the Fort Bend County Museum Association, including the George Ranch Historical Park and the Fort Bend County Museum. Festival Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Advanced Tickets: On sale from September 1st thru October 24th

$8.00 - Adult$4.00 - Child (5-15)

General Admission: At the Gate$10 - Adult $5 - Child

Children under 4 are FREE! FREE Parking!

Senior and Group Rates Available!

For more information call (281) 343-0218 or visit our website

at www.georgeranch.org


Making Texas History Come Alive at the

GEORGE RANCHOur Community’s Only Working Historical

Ranch Open to the PublicThe George Historical Ranch Park is a 480-acre living history park that takes visitors back in time through over 100 years of Texas history. Visitors get to experience what life was like in the early days of Texas during a visit to the 1820s Jones Stock Farm. Guests can also see the miracles of metal at our 1890s Oldenberg Blacksmith Shop, tour our 1890s Davis Victorian Mansion or learn about cowboys and cattle at our 1930s George Ranch Cattle Complex. Recently, we had a chance to sit down with Terri Stuart, Director of Marketing at the ranch, to ask what’s next for the Richmond-Rosenberg area’s only working historical ranch open to the public.

1.) How long have you been Director of Marketing at the Ranch?

TS: I’ve been with the George Ranch for over two years. Prior to this I worked for the American Red Cross and the T.W. Davis YMCA. I am an active member of the Fort Bend Junior Service League and enjoy volunteering my time for several organizations in the community.

2.) What changes have recently been implemented at the ranch?

TS: We have a very strong market position as being the only working historical ranch in our community open to the general public. We’ve undertaken a park-wide effort to promote what we do best – providing a true Texas experience to our visitors everyday. This incorporates everything from our education programs to our corporate events. Anyone can go somewhere to have an event. We provide the Texas experience. We’re also a featured attraction with the Houston CityPass program and have seen an increase in visitors to the Ranch as a result.

3.) Did the George Ranch start out being 480 acres or did it grow over time?

TS: The George Ranch Historical Park is a 480-acre living history park that is carved out of the center of over 20,000 acres of the George Ranch. On July 12th, we celebrated our 20th Anniversary of the Park’s grand opening. We’ll also hold our 25th Annual Texian Market Days, living history festival on Saturday, October 25th. While the George Ranch has been around since the early 1800s, the Park was opened to the public in 1989.

4.) Is the Jones Stock Farm the original structure?

TS: The 1830 Jones Stock farm is a period correct replica of the home that the first family at the Ranch would have lived in – which we

learned from diaries and letters that were left behind. It was built using tools and methods that would have been available during that time period.

5.) Were the other structures acquired or built on the property?

TS: There are three other historic homes which represent different eras in Texas history. Our most recent addition is the 1860s Ryon Prairie Home. This home is original to the time period but was not owned by the family. The 1890s Davis Victorian Mansion was the childhood home of Mamie George and her older brother, Thomas Walter Davis. The home was originally located in Richmond and was moved to the Ranch in 1977 where it was restored then opened to the public in 1989. Finally, the 1930s George Ranch House was the home of Albert and Mamie George. Guests are welcome to visit any of

our historic homes and take a guided tour.

6.) How do visitors experience all the wonderful history that the George Ranch offers? Education through interaction? Exhibits? Re-enactments?

TS: We are an outdoor living history museum and encourage our visitors to put their hands on history. While we have a few traditional museum exhibits, we understand that people experience history through a variety of ways such as listening to the experiences of the family during a guided tour of the 1890s Davis Mansion, watching a cattle working demonstration at the 1930s George Ranch Cattle Complex or learning to grind corn at the 1830s Jones Stock Farm. Many of our visitors experience the history of the Ranch through corporate events, weddings and family reunions. They make our history part of their experience. Whatever your preference – there’s something for everyone at the George Ranch Historical Park.

7.) Add any comments here that you’d like.

TS: We are excited to announce our recent addition as a featured attraction with CityPass, a discount attraction program which includes tickets to Downtown Aquarium, Space Center Houston, Houston Museum of Natural Science and the Houston Zoo. With one ticket book, visitors get admission to all these attractions for one low price. CityPass books are available at the Visitors Center at the George Ranch Historical Park. For more information call 281-343-0218 or visit our website at www.georgeranch.org.

Above: Brett Haney – Lead Cowboy.


Area News — Rosenberg, TX Richmond, TX

Rosenberg Summer Adult Softball

The Rosenberg Parks and Recreation Department started off the eight-game summer adult softball season the week of June 23. Games are held at Travis Park at 3004 Avenue N with the Men’s Open Softball Leagues playing Monday and Thursday nights and the Coed Open Softball Leagues playing Tuesday nights.

Rosenberg’s Drop-Off Center Opened for Business May 5TH

Rosenberg’s permanent recycling drop-off center opened to the public on May 5, 2008. The unattended center, located at 3720 Airport Road, is opened 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There is not cost to recycle at the drop-off center. The City encourages all residents to voluntarily recycle permitted items. Unacceptable items to recycle at this facility include: glass, trash, metal, household hazardous waste, chemicals, flammable liquids, dead animals, any type of automotive fluids such as gasoline, oil, etc., batteries, medical waste, herbicides, and pesticides. Recyclers needing information to dispose of any of these items should contact Fort Bend Recycling at 281-633-7576.Signage will be prominently placed on the facility, noting drop-off center hours and items accepted and not accepted. Recyclers will be directed to report abuse and illegal dumping by calling 832-595-3960 Monday-Friday during regular business hours and 832-595-3700 after-hours and on weekends.

Rental Property Inspection Program: City Becomes

Renters’ AdvocateThe Rental Property Inspection Program adopted by City Council on May 6 protects renters by asking landlords to meet minimum

standards, placing the City as an advocate of all renters in Rosenberg.Councilor Carl Hopkins reported “Just as the City is concerned about the health and safety standards of the food establishments within in the City, we are concerned about the health and safety of renters in the City. It is important that renters, as well as property owners, are protected by the same standards. It is the City’s obligation to protect general welfare of our citizens as well to protect the character and stability of residential areas within the City.” The inspection program will proactively monitor rental property standards to ensure the good health and safety of renters in Rosenberg and to improve the quality of life in the City’s neighborhoods. The Rental Property Inspection Program regulations (Ordinance No. 2008-08) will take effect on July 1, 2008 and asks that each rental unit within the City be registered with the Fire Marshall’s office no later than October 1, 2008. The program relies on the landlord to self certify the property by completing an initial inspection of their property using a checklist provided by the City. Once the self certification and rental registration application are complete, a rental registration permit will be issued for each rental unit. Rental units will be subject to periodic inspections conducted by the City. Renters will have the ability to contact the Fire Marshall office to report health and safety issues associated with the rental property.

125th Anniversary Activities Includes Competition:

Committee Announced Focus on Rosenberg Photo

CompetitionRosenberg’s 125th Anniversary Committee has announced the Focus

on Rosenberg Photo Competition will be part of the activities to celebrate the City’s Quasquicentennial Celebration.The photo competition is being held to “celebrate the place over 30,000 residents proudly call home” and the rich, culturally diverse history of the city. The competition encourages amateur and professional photographers to creatively focus on Rosenberg’s best and most interesting features, community activities, and significant events to “capture moments in time and the feeling of Rosenberg.”The competition is open to all amateur and professional photographers at least 18 years of age as well as youth photographers ages 13 to 17. Competition participants can submit photos that fall into four categories: 1) Moments in Rosenberg – photos of objects or activities illustrating or capturing a moment of Rosenberg “local life” and/or events or fresh views on everyday scenes; 2) City Landscape and Architecture – photos of City landscape and architecture that exploits graphic aesthetic qualities; 3) The Character of Rosenberg – photos of strong human interest that convey a feeling; and 4) Altered Images of Rosenberg – photos of Rosenberg that have been manipulated for artistic purposes by applying special effects.Participants are asked to submit only original photographs taken or created on or since January 1, 2008. Photo entries must be received by September 1, 2008. First, second and third place winners will be named in each photo category and one Honorable Mention will be selected in each category. One Grand Prize winner will be selected from all photo entries considered in the competition. Winners will be announced and trophies presented on a date to be announced.For Photo Competition rules, guidelines and registration form,



contact Camille Prat at 832-595-3525 or at [email protected].

Rosenberg City Council Approves Tax Abatement Agreement with National

Oilwell D.H.T., L.P.The City of Rosenberg City Council voted to approve a tax abatement agreement with National Oilwell D.H.T., L.P. at Tuesday’s Regular Council meeting. The agreement would assist National Oilwell in relocating their current operations west of Rosenberg to a new site on Reese Road near FM 2218. The relocation will retain fifty jobs in the community, with the potential to add an additional one hundred new positions. It is also anticipated to result in $10 million of new capital investment in the City of Rosenberg. The 60,000 square foot facility is scheduled to open by the end of 2009.According to Mayor Joe M. Gurecky, “We’re excited that National Oilwell has chosen to relocate their operations within the City of Rosenberg and to retain these jobs in our community.” The agreement would abate seventy-five percent of the property taxes on the building and machinery at the new site for five years. National Oilwell has also requested that the Fort Bend County Commissioners Court consider a tax abatement agreement at an upcoming meeting.Call 832-595-3330 for more information.

The Sizzlin’ Continues with HOT Summer Concert Series:

Announcing Six ConcertsRosenberg Convention & Visitors Bureau 2008 summer events kicked off when the City celebrated not only Independence Day celebration but their 125th Anniversary on July 4 and continues for the next six Fridays starting on July 11.

The “sizzlin’ summer” activities heat up on July 11 when LET IT RIDE will perform at Third Street Park in the Historic Downtown District at the first of six HOT Summer Concerts. LET IT RIDE is known for thrilling their fans with rock n’ rolls, polkas, and country music that keeps their fans on the dance floor all night long. The band is made up of local talented entertainers Don Merta, Dave McKinnon, John Dornak, Danny Jan, Cary Lamensky, Steven Jozwiak, and Glenn Seay, many of whom were formerly associated with The Reflections – a well known group of yester-year.July 18 brings the LEVEL ONE BAND and a new sound to Third Street Park. Considered a serious party band with a presence that provokes the senses thanks to the talents of their dynamite lead vocalists, Caviar Gray and Nicole Nickerson, along with Reginald Wheatley on the drums, Reginald Nelson on the keyboard, and Terry Jenkins on the electric bass performing Motown, vintage soul, disco, classic rock, jazz, and pop.ROB DARIEN & The Outside Dogs will be back on July 25 for their fourth year with Rob’s old school honky-tonk and southern rock. Rob tells his crowds “We’re gonna sing a few songs that you might not have ever heard and when we’re through with those, we’re gonna sing some songs that you ain’t never heard.” Rob and “The Dogs”: Rod Davis, Pete Jones, and David Jones, have become a concert favorite cause they take care of bid-niz!August 1 features one of Rosenberg’s favorite and must-see singer-songwriter, EZRA CHARLES the “King of Texas Blues” and The Works with their “Big Band Horns.” Ezra is considered Houston’s HOT keyboardist performing original compositions from five albums plus well-known standards in their horn-drenched rhythm and blues, boogie-

woogie, and Texas rock n’ roll sound. A new performer comes to Rosenberg on August 8 -- SHEILA MARSHALL. A native of Nacogdoches, Sheila has developed what she calls “a voice true to her surroundings” heavily influenced by gospel, rock and roll and country music. She performs 50 weeks a year including touring Asia performing for US troops on leave from the war in Iraq, and a European tour that ended in France. She’s performed throughout the U.S. including Alaska and Hawaii. She’s released two CD’s “Beautiful For Situation,” and “Makes Perfect Sense” and is working on a third.The final sizzlin’ sound of Rosenberg’s summer, the MOFO PARTY BAND, will take the stage on August 15. Sponsored by their biggest fan, Bill Butler, this California group is considered one of the best blues bands on the west coast. From their Retro look, stage show, and lively “blues grooves,” the MoFo Party Band is considered one of the most original and well received acts on California’s music scene. All Summer Concerts begin at 7 pm and are held at Third Street Park between Avenues F and G in the City’s Historic Downtown District and will be held rain or shine. Music enthusiasts are encouraged to bring family, friends, lawn chairs, and love of music. Rosenberg Railroad Museum located at 1921 Avenue F will once again host their Summer Concerts Hamburger Supper each Friday. Call 281-633-2846 for information on the Museum’s pre-concert suppers.

Rose-Rich Chamber Progressive Business Blender in Rosenberg: Stroll Down

the Streets of the Downtown Antique District

The Rosenberg Richmond Area


Chamber of Commerce has joined The Downtown Merchants of Rosenberg to host the 2nd Annual Progressive Business Blender on Thursday, August 7, 2008 from 5:00 - 7:30 pm. Guests will have the opportunity to take a leisurely walking tour of the Downtown Rosenberg Antique District and visit many of the quaint shops and cafés which make the downtown area a wonderful place to relax and enjoy a sense of community. The walking tour begins at 5:00 pm at Buffalo Bayou Woodworks located at 1104 3rd Street and Avenue I.

Guests will receive a “tour card” which lists each of the businesses participating in this event, such as Brazos River Provisions Company, Buffalo Bayou Woodworks, Another Time Soda Fountain, Dostal’s Designs in Fine Jewelry, Cast Theatre, The Rosenberg Railroad Museum, Outer Limits BBQ, Red Queen’s Attic, Vogelsang Antique Emporium, Self Made It, Inc., Tropical Haven/Makeup Palette and many more. After visiting each of the area businesses and shops on the tour card, guests will be eligible for a chance to win the Grand Prize Drawing of $1,000, which will be held at Another Time Soda Fountain & Café at 7:00 pm.Food and entertainment will be provided throughout the self-paced

walking tour. To add character and interest to the walking tour, members of Cast Theatre will be in character and completely dressed in costumes. Guests are encouraged to wear comfortable walking shoes! This event was designed by The Downtown Merchants of Rosenberg and the Rosenberg-Richmond Area Chamber Image & Tourism Department to promote businesses in the downtown Rosenberg area and highlight the distinctively unique shops and cafés located exclusively in Rosenberg.For more information regarding the event, call Jenny Zapalac at the Rosenberg-Richmond Area Chamber of Commerce at 281.342.5464, ext. 206, email [email protected], or visit www.roserichchamber.org.

Memorial Hermann Gets in on the Action with Junior League’s

“Haute in Havana” 2008 Charity Ball

Fort Bend Junior Service League places their bets with Memorial Hermann Sugar Land for the 2008 “Haute in Havana” Charity Ball and Casino scheduled for Saturday, October 11, 2008 at the Sugar Land Marriott Town Square. Honorary chairpersons for the 2008 Charity Ball are Dr. Dennis and Lynn Halford. Proceeds from the event benefit Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Pediatric Services. “We’re so excited about this unique opportunity,” said Melissa Hayslip, League President. “This is a great opportunity to support an endeavor that will truly make an impact on the quality of life for children in our community.” This year’s Charity Ball co-chairs, Cari Middaugh, Tamara Osina and Raquel Smith are rolling the dice on the traditional gala-style event adding casino games such as blackjack and

roulette as part of the Havana Social Club theme. “This year, tickets to the Charity Ball include $500 in ‘casino cash’.” said Tamara Osina, Charity Ball Co-Chair. “With the vacation packages in our live auction and a wide variety of gifts in our silent auction combined with the casino games, everyone has a chance to be a winner.”Presenting Sponsor Papa John’s - New Territory leads the way for the growing number of businesses eager to take part. Other notable sponsors include: Roulette level -NewFirst Bank and The Phoenix Design Group, Inc.; Casino Table Sponsor -The West Law Firm and PB&J Pavement Marking, Inc.; Auction Checkout Sponsor -Dr. Tamara S. Osina, DDS; Photography Sponsor -RBC Wealth Management; Blackjack Sponsors - J E Dunn South Central, Melissa and Matt Hayslip, Raquel and Chris Smith, and Whitney Bank; Host Committee -ExxonMobil on behalf of Rhonda Yost, Shayne and David Newell, Lisa and Jeff Pauls, Samantha and Rick Schkade, Sugar Land Total Eye Care, and Southwest Claims Service, Inc. Sponsorships are still available for this fun and exciting event. For more information visit www.fbjsl.com or email to [email protected].


Sugar Land Events

Above: (L-R) KK West, Raquel Smith, Jim Brown of Memorial Hermann, Tamara Osina,

and Cari Middaugh.

Above: Rosenberg Business District Circa 1940’s.


INSIDERosenberg

Get to Know Rosenberg...UP CLOSE & PERSONAL

A s I approach completing my first year as fire chief in Rosenberg, I can

reflect on the accomplishments, challenges, and opportunities for this city and the Rosenberg Fire Department. I have found that the city is very fortunate to have the dedicated and talented employees that work in this department. They look for ways to provide excellent service to the citizens and do not retreat from challenges.

A large percentage of our emergency responses are for medical calls. Consistently more than 60% of our call volume is EMS related. This call volume presents both a challenge and opportunities: we are constantly challenged to provide better service, and we have the opportunity to make a difference. In EMS situations, we truly have the chance to touch lives and show that we, as an individual; we, as a department; and of course, we, as a city care.

We also have the challenge and opportunity to increase the level of service we provide by providing additional training and certifications for our firefighters. Now, allow me to share some of what the Department has accomplished in 2007.

The Department offers two smoke detector programs: the Baby-Safe Program, in conjunction with Oak Bend Hospital, provides smoke detectors and installation to homes with new babies; and our Smoke Detector Program, which provides smoke detectors to anyone wishing to have one. Our Fire Safety Education

Program is available to any organization requesting a class. These programs are available by simply calling the fire department at 832-595-3600 and requesting an appointment.

This year the city has provided funding for two inspector/firefighter positions who will complete fire inspections of all public buildings including multi-family dwellings within the city. Additionally, we took delivery of a grant-funded Hazardous Materials trailer, which will be used as part of the Fort Bend Regional Hazardous Materials Response team comprised of Rosenberg and five area departments. Within the next month, we will receive another grant-funded trailer for Heavy Rescue/Structural Collapse. This also is part of the regional concept and will include participation from Richmond, Stafford, and Sugar Land.

In closing, let me say that Rosenberg Fire Department is a picture of the community. It is men and women of all creeds and colors, both paid and volunteer, who give of themselves to provide a service for others. On behalf of the department, I want to thank you for giving us that opportunity.” – Kathleen Hutchens, Fire Chief

Chief Kathleen Hutchins,Rosenberg Fire Department


INSIDER

osen

berg

Get to Know Rosenberg...UP CLOSE & PERSONAL

I n October 2007 I became the Parks and Recreation Department Director with the goal

of upgrading all of the city’s parks and programs while maintaining the established levels of quality service that the Parks Department provides. This is a vision shared by the citizens of Rosenberg, who in 2006 passed a 3.5 million dollar bond referendum to improve our Parks System. The 2006 bond provided funding to replace restroom facilities at Brazos, Sunset and Travis Parks and to build a new facility in Community Park. In November, a committee designed bid specifications for these facilities, and in February bid packets were distributed to potential bidders. Soon, the residents of Rosenberg will see this project completed with new facilities in these four parks.

The Parks and Recreation Board is also concentrating on improvements to Macario Garcia Park including an enhanced walking path, lighting, and playground equipment. The Board will be using Parkland Dedication Funds to complete the improvements at Macario Garcia Park. With the assistance of Mayor Gurecky, the City applied for a Tree Grant with the Apache

Corporation and the Greater Fort Bend Economic Development Council. If approved, the Apache Corporation will provide 413 trees to be planted in Rosenberg’s parks. The trees, planted by parks staff and volunteers, will increase the clean air and provide shade and natural beauty throughout the City’s park system.

In February, Rosenberg teamed up with the Houston Rockets to bring the “Blacktop Battle” 3-on-3 basketball qualifier tournament to Community Park. As a result, four division winners received free entry to the March tournament held in Houston.

The Parks Board is also considering partnership opportunities with the T.W. Davis YMCA to expand recreation programming to our residents. Additionally, our popular Adult Softball program is up and running again on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at Travis Park with Men’s and Co-ed divisions. We are also looking into offering the Aquafina Pitch, Hit and Run tournament in conjunction with Rosenberg National Little League and the Punt, Pass and Kick competition with the Rosenberg Roughnecks. This summer, our summer recreation program

will be offering golf instruction through the “Sticks for Kids” grant that Rosenberg received in January. This program will bring the game of golf to young residents who may never have had the opportunity to experience the popular sport.

In closing, we are excited and hard at work to provide Rosenberg with the best parks systems in the county. Thank you for giving us that opportunity.“ – Darren R. McCarthy, CPRP, CPSI

Darren R. McCarthy,Parks & Recreation Director

Important Phone NumbersRosenberg Police Department Non-Emergency—832-595-3700Richmond Fire Department Non-Emergency—281-232-6871Fort Bend County Tax Assessor & Collector’s Office—281-341-3710Fort Bend County Courthouse— 281-342-3411Fort Bend County Vital Statistics— 281-342-8652Rose-Rich Chamber of Commerce — 281-342-5464

County Clerk— 281-341-8652TW Davis YMCA— 281-341-0791City of Richmond— 281-342-5456City of Rosenberg— 832-595-3400Rosenberg Civic Ctr— 832-595-3520Fort Bend Sr Citizens— 281-6227276

Fort Bend County Social Services—281-342-7300Fort Bend County Fair Assn.—281-342-6171Fort Bend County Main Line—281-342-3411Fort Bend Co. Voter Registration—281-622-7276Rosenberg Public Housing Authority—281-342-1456Lamar Consolidated ISD—281-341-3100

Richmond Police Department Non-Emergency—281-342-2843Rosenberg Animal Control 832-595-3490Fort Bend County Health Clinic—281-342-6414TX Dept of Public Safety— 281-232-4334Small Business Development Ctr— 281-341-5027George Memorial Library— 281-342-4455

Rosenberg Fire Department Non-Emergency—832-595-3600Richmond Animal Control 281-633-7587Fort Bend County Tax Assessor & Collector’s Office—281-341-3710Fort Bend County Courthouse— 281-342-3411Fort Bend County Vital Statistics— 281-342-8652Rose-Rich Chamber of Commerce — 281-342-5464

City of Rosenberg Info Line—832-595-3301, Jobline #603, City Services #411

Lamar Consolidated ISD Natatorium—832-595-3301

Fort Bend Co. Recycling Center—281-633-7527


Great Italian food in the heart of Historic Richmond

Now serving lunch and dinner

Over 10 Years Experience in Corporate and Private Catering

Please call for reservations or information: (281) 344-8955

Visit us on the web at: www.ItalianMaidCafe.com

300 Morton Street, Richmond, TX 77469 • (281) 344-8955 • www.ItalianMaidCafe.com


Thirty years in the ministry should have been enough for me to experience every facet of life. In my profession as a pastor, I had been with many families during the joyful times of life. I had officiated at countless christenings, weddings, and birth celebrations. I learned long ago, however, that life consists of more than just good times. Life

has its share of heartaches and despair., As such, I have also been with many families during their darkest moments. I reflect on the 17-year-old crack addict who knocked on my door in despair. The streets had been hard on

her and now she needed a mouth piece to speak to her mother and tell her that she was HIV Positive. I reflect on the time I stood around the hospital bed of a beloved mother and grandmother who God had already called home but a breathing machine was keeping her body here. I remember how no one in the family wanted to tell the doctor those dreadful words, “Let Momma go”. Their avoidance of guilt came about by asking me to tell the doctors to remove the machines that gave her artificial life, so that she could be received in God’s loving arms. Her family was able to let her go.As a pastor, I have enjoyed the good times with my members, but I have endured through the bad times with them.In my personal life, I was experiencing life at its best. The ministry I founded fifteen years earlier was finally growing. I was respected in the community and was on many boards at the city and state levels. My office walls were plastered with certificates of appreciation from three city mayors and fifteen years of changing city council members. All thanked me for the work that was being done in the city. My financial future was starting to look positive. My wife and I had educated and raised our four children. The mortgage on our home was scheduled to be paid off in seven short years. Everything looked GREAT! But all that had happened to me; all that I had experienced with my members, good and bad; all of my years in my ministry had been spent in the city of my birth.

New Orleans.The flood waters rolled in and, in the expanse of a few hours, I found myself jobless, churchless, and homeless. Everything that had taken years to build up was gone, washed away by the fury of

the poorly built levees imploding under the pressure of Katrina’s constant rains.Hurricane Katrina washed away more than houses. She washed away homes where families came together in the spirit of love. She washed away dreams and aspirations. Bosom buddies were separated, some never to meet again. Our schools that housed childhood memories were gone. Everything that made my life truly mine was gone.The words of advise that I had given to others in bad times rang in my ears like a broken record. I had never realized how cliché those words sounded until my own advice suddenly became my own advice. But I knew the only way for me to remain positive was to accept my words and let those words enter into my heart.Suddenly, I had to minister to me. I had to accept the words that I had so often given to others and let them flood my soul. I cried but I remembered that God promised to wipe away all our tears. I felt depression creeping in, but I remembered to “look to the hills from whence cometh my help”. I felt alone but I remembered that God promised never to leave me.Only when I began to give God His glory even though all was lost, did I feel peace enter my soul—a peace that let me know a brighter day was on the horizon.I knew that my troubles wouldn’t last.I knew that if I only waited on the Lord, my strength would be renewed.God has given back what the flood took away. A better house. New friends. A new ministry. New opportunities. A bigger church building. Many people may ask me how I got over such a disaster. I tell them, “I’ve come this far by faith.”So I say to you, leaning and depending on God, remaining positive in hard times will get you through anything. You, too, can go far with faith.

INSIDEReligion

Wise Words From...BISHOP BLAISE D. POLKRemaining Positive in Hard Times

Bishop Blaise D. Polk is a former New Orleans resident, minister, and community leader. Currently he resides in Rosenberg, TX, with his wife of 26 years. His church, Greater Power Baptist Church, is located at 6325 FM 2218, in Richmond.

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The Right Techniques Make Time Management WorkJack Marshall, Action Coach, Business Coaching

In the quest for better time manage-ment, we have been flooded with a large variety of gizmos, tools,

and programs invented to help us more effectively manage time. These tools and programs make great claims, but most fail to help us achieve that ultimate “nirvana” of time management that we desire. Of all the time management “stuff” out there, I’ve found a few simple techniques that consistently work well, if implemented properly. Like many poor habits, poor time management is a be-havior that has been developed over time and the first step in “kicking the habit” is to recognize that you have a problem and then to make a firm commitment to do something about it. Similar to other disciplines, effective time management is a discipline that can be learned and mastered over time.

The key principle to effective time management is planning. It’s been shown that for every minute you spend in planning, ten minutes is saved in execution. The first step is to plan each

day in advance. Whether you use a day planner, PDA device or electronic calendar, find the tool that works best for you. Sit down each night and carefully plan out your next day. Ask yourself, “What is the most important use of my time?” and “Where do I bring the greatest value to my organization?” Develop your daily plan with the key tasks that must be accomplished (based on the answers to the two questions above). Once you have listed these vital tasks, then rank them accordingly (usually the ABCD method works well). Planning your day the night before has other benefits as well. One key benefit is that you will sleep better, as your conscious mind can rest (because you’ve written down what must be accomplished and don’t have to worry about remembering every task). Your subconscious mind can then go to work on these issues while you sleep.

Next, look at your day as blocks of time put together. We call this Block Scheduling. Start with hour blocks, then as you get more practice and become more proficient at budgeting your time, you will look at 30 minute blocks of time. Some of the most effective time managers look at their days in 15 minute increments. Take the ranked tasks from your list and insert them into the blocks of time on your calendar, starting with the most important task first. Morning time is usually the best time to tackle your most difficult and highest priority

tasks. As the day wears on and you wear down, you can then work on the other tasks requiring less mental effort.

Now you’re ready to begin your day. Jump right in and begin on the most important, highest value task immediately. Focus single-mindedly on starting and finishing this task and do not deviate from your plan. One of the biggest enemies of time management is the practice of starting several tasks but never finishing any of them. A great prompting question to always ask yourself is, “Is this the most important thing I should be doing right here, right now?”

Another key to successful Block Scheduling is not getting “derailed” from your plan. Distractions like the phone, internet, email, co-workers, daydreaming, etc., can and will work to thwart your plan. Make the necessary arrangements to keep these distractions to a minimum. Schedule several breaks during the day as well. Take “5 minute vacations” where you can walk outside or around the office, stretch and clear your mind to recharge your mental batteries and allow yourself to get refocused on your work. I challenge you to start today by implementing these techniques. If you learn to do them and do them well, you’ll be able to use some of that new found time for some much needed personal and family enjoyment.

Jack Marshall is a Certified Business Coach in Fort Bend county. He works with business owners to gain clarity in achieving goals both in their business and personal life. He can be reached at 832-338-4074, or at [email protected].

Mexican Restaurant3806 Avenue I, Rosenberg, TX 77471 Email: [email protected]

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MAKING DISTINCTIVE WALLSBy Fran Kneuppel, owner Morton Street Gallery

Have you ever looked through the latest decorating magazine and seen a really great looking room? And did you see a group of pictures/paintings over a special piece of furniture? Groupings, as that is called, are a wonderful way to add your own personality to an otherwise ordinary room.

We have a special wall in our gallery we always arrange that way. It’s easy really, and makes that space unique. There are plans that show you sample ways to do this, but I want to tell you about doing it YOUR way. All it takes is some old photos left in that dingy box under your bed. I had some. You know those old ancestors or baby pictures of you or your kids or even your old dog “snoozie”. They don’t match? That’s okay. (unless the frame or glass is broken, or the picture has slipped) If they’re all in one piece, then look for similarities. Even if they’re sepia, or black and white, or maybe some have color. Are they close ups? Are they facing left, or maybe each is different. Most things have something in common, like ages or indoor vs outdoor, etc.

Basically what you need is some large, a couple of very small, some in between and an odd number. Then look at the sizes, say 3 baby pictures about 5 X 7, an 8X10 of the old family home, maybe an old portrait of grandmother that’s 16 X 20. That’s a great start. In this case the commonality is “family pictures”. Framing, matting or color are secondary. To arrange them, I lay them on the floor and move them around until I achieve a pleasant balance. That is, it just looks right! The books tell you to lay them on a large piece of paper, the size of the space you want to fill, and mark around each one once you’re sure of your arrangement. That way you can stick the paper on the wall and mark (with a pencil) where each one should go.

Some general information about hanging a single

painting is that the center of it should be about 59” from the floor. The way we do it at the gallery is to mark a spot 59” on the wall. Then turn the painting around, measure the vertical length of the piece and divide that in half. Now hold the painting by the wire and measure how far it is above the 1/2 point. Add this distance to the 59” and put your hanger there. The also applies to the largest painting in a grouping. Thereafter, all the other paintings can be arranged with the largest painting in as a center guide.

One more point. If you insist on being symmetrical, place the largest painting in the center. I prefer asymmetrical arrangements and, still using the largest painting as a reference point, arrange medium and small paintings no matter where the pivotal painting is so long as that balance is there.

I hope you’re not totally confused by now. The common ground of a grouping need not be just subject matter. Sometimes color, framing or style of painting may figure in. The nicest thing is that whatever you do, it’s yours alone. It is special touch that makes your home distinctive.

Any questions? Just drop by the gallery anytime and let us help you make your own grouping.


TRI-CITY RECREATIONAL CENTER& Its Worthy Cause

Eric Edmonds is determined to make a difference and o n October15, 2006, Mr. Edmunds set in motion the steps to do just that . He formed a non-profit 501(c) organization called “TRl-CITY RECREATIONAL CENTER”. Named to include the Rosenberg, Richmond, and Sugarland areas, the primary goal of this project is to provide children, young adults, and families an opportunity to participate in community-based programs and services. “There has always been a need for a neighborhood center that would attract people of all ages to a place where they can participate in various activities at little or no cost,” Edmonds explains. “Our mission statement is to put our youth first by meeting their needs through educational programs, after-school programs and awareness programs that raise their level of self-esteem.”At present, this is only one of the phases of the project. The main phase of this project is an after-school boxing program that will be open to the public. “However, the main focus of the program is to include kids at risk from the Fort Bend County Juvenile Probation Department,” Edmunds continues. The program is designed to take 30 boys and girls between the ages of 14-17 for a one year period. After completing the program, each child is free to continue training and fighting in amateur status. They can also stay on to mentor other

kids who come through the program.“I want to place kids in a safe environment,” Edmund says quietly. He’s soft-spoken, appearing more of a businessman than a boxer. “I got into boxing as a coach in 2005 because of my son. I wanted to do

some bonding with him. Since I had the time in the evening, I went to one of his workout sessions and worked out myself. After a month, one of the assistant coaches

resigned, so I asked the Head Coach if I could take his place. I was able to apply for my license under the USA Boxing Association.

Edmunds’ original vision included a boxing gym, basketball court, volleyball nets, banquet hall—to host competitions modeled after SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE—dance and art studios as well as a stage for drama lessons.

He shakes his head. “I had to break my plans up into phases because of money

limitations. I’ve applied for a grant through the Texas Criminal Justice System, which put further limitations on my project.”Make no mistake. Edmunds’ plans are not scrapped. They are only put on hold and will be implemented in three to five phases depending on funding.“I have had several sponsors since I came up with the idea in October 2006. And these guys have stuck with me. But there’s only so much they can do. “ Indeed, he has strong allegiance to his five current sponsors: Cheryl, Ellen, and Red Comer, owners of Youth Assistance; Ernie Guzman of Guzman Hyundai; Gary Saldino, owner of Affordable Bail Bonds; Doug Hart, owner of Kar-Town; and Rueben Gaona. And why shouldn’t he, since they have such a strong allegiance to him?There’s only so much anyone can do, however, without the proper resources. The one thing that irritates Edmonds’ mild manner is

the stereotypes tagged on troubled kids. He recalls one businessman’s decision not to donate to TRI-CITY RECREATIONAL CENTER. “He said, ‘Eric, look, man. I’m not going to help these kids. Why should I? They’ll only get in trouble again. All of ‘em end up back in jail’. What can I say to that when he has his mind so set against these kids? But, if others can open up their hearts, these kids will have a chance. Someone has to step up in the community and help. This stereotyping isn’t new. The only thing I can do is prove him wrong. If I save 6 kids out of 30, then I’ll feel I’ve done something good.”He confides his own troubled youth to me. By choice, he was involved in many of the problems plaguing our youth today. Therefore, he shares a vivid understanding of their trials and tribulations. “Most of the kids who get into trouble, do so by choice. Just like I did. I was involved in it all, drugs, gangs, drinking. But I changed my life. I’ve mentored in the Texas Criminal Justice System. I’ve ministered to some of the adults out there.”He has a deeply rooted passion for kids. “I want to help kids out in any way that I can. Anything to steer them in the right direction. I’ve coached them in the boxing ring. They may not listen to their parents, but I know they’ll listen to their coach.”He’s looked at several buildings in the Rosenberg area. One, he’s already lost. There are several more in the Richmond-Rosenberg area, but the grant he’s applied for won’t come through until the end of 2008 or the beginning of 2009. If at all. Grants aren’t guaranteed. If his application is rejected, he’ll have to depend on the kindness of strangers and the generosity of the community. Editor’s Note: On April 15, 2008, Eric Edmunds located a space in a strip mall at 3626 Avenue H, Suite #8, Rosenberg, TX 77471. Hours of operation are M-Th, 5:00PM-8:00PM.

Eric Edmunds, and son, Michael. Mr. Edmunds was inspired by time spent with his son to open a boxing facility for troubled kids in the Rosenberg, Richmond, and Sugar Land areas.

Become a sponsor for 18-24 months with a set monthly donation to Mr. Edmunds’

non-profit organization.

For more information, contact Eric Edmunds at 832-256-5032.

You can also contact him via email at: [email protected].


July 23, 1798: The “Mother of Texas” is born.

Jane Herbert Wilkinson Long is born in Charles County, Maryland. Around 1811 her family moves from Maryland to Natchez, in the Mississippi Territory. It is here that she meets and marries Dr. James Long. 1819, Dr Long raises an army funded with his own money to secure Texas from Spain for the United States.

Jane Long later follows her husband to Texas. 21 December, 1821, Jane Long gives birth to her third child, Mary James Long, at Bolivar Peninsula near present-day Galveston. It is since often claimed that Mary James Long is the first child born to an English-speaking woman in Texas, hence earning Jane

Long the title “Mother of Texas”.

1822, Long’s husband dies after being captured by Mexican forces. Jane receives grants of land in Fort Bend and Waller counties, later sells part of her land in Fort Bend County, on which the town of

Richmond is built. 30 December, 1880, the “Mother of Texas dies in Fort Bend County. She is buried in Richmond at the Morton Street Cemetery.

August 1, 1966: University of Texas, Austin Massacre.Charles Joseph Whitman, a former U.S. Marine with an honorable discharge, kills his wife and mother shortly before leaving home, heavily-armed for the university.

Whitman, aged 25, continues his “day of murder” from the observation deck of the university’s 32-story administrative building; killing 14 and wounding 31. Whitman, a student of the university, is later shot and killed by Austin police.

The suicide note Whitman leaves asks that an autopsy be performed on him. His wish is granted, revealing a Glioblastoma brain tumor. This, in turn, leads to speculation that the tumor is responsible for his increasingly aggressive behavior, thoughts and actions.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Mrs. Fran Kneuppal, Owner of the Morton Street Gallery, happened to be on campus that day. Written in her own words, Mrs. Kneuppal recreates that awful day.

THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SHOOTER

The day began like any other day. I had no feeling that anything of importance would happen. I packed my satchel with pencils and fixed my peanut butter and grape jelly sandwich, put on some comfortable shoes for walking, and drove to the main building, the Tower building actually, at the University of Texas. I had been working there at the Registrar’s office in the basement for about six months while my husband was in school. The thing different about today was that I was to go across campus to administer some final re-exams. I was hoping to get an autograph from

Tommy Nobis, UT’s All American football player, to take home to my two boys, both huge UT fans. Tommy had missed his final and of course no one wanted him to lose his eligibility.

The exam was to start at 1:00PM. And I couldn’t be late. Usually I grabbed a bite to eat the Union but didn’t want to take the chance of a long line. Just as I had rechecked my bag and started to leave, three people bleeding and screaming came bursting through the main door from the entry hall.

“Call the police. NOW. It’s terrible”.

We stood dumbfounded, unable to grasp the situation.

“What? What is it? What happened?” Everyone seemed to be screaming at once.

“We were on the stairway, by the Latin Dept offices.”

“He met us there,” Someone wiped the blood from his knee.

“He has a rifle. We’ve got to stop him!

One of my workers stood on tip toe trying to see out the window. Students were everywhere, running, crying, lying on the pavement. A group came dashing out of nowhere and grabbed a blue jeaned boy who had fallen, carrying him out of our view.

We watched in horror realizing he was not just hurt, he was dead, his body limp as they pulled him out of the line of fire.

My assistant rush through the door. “It’s crazy out there. I was on my way to lunch

3 In Historyby Anthony P. Megahey

Anthony P. Megahey, is a native of Northern Ireland. Currently, he serves in the United States Navy and, in 2006, had a Tour of Duty in Kuwait. He will serve as a regular contributor to this column. “3 In History” refers to three months (or a quarter) in Texas history.

Jane Long’s Resting Place


when someone jumped out from behind a bush and yanked me back. I thought he was going to rape me”. She sunk into the nearest chair, sobbing. “Everyone’s trying to hide. There’s shooting everywhere. You can see people running down the drag and screaming. They were falling wherever you look.”

Police rushed in calling, “Everyone stay in here. There’s a shooter in the tower...a lot have been hit.” They were gone again. In our offices student’s lined the high windows trying to see. From our location all we could see were runners and students on the ground, hurt or dying. The halls were filling with crowds seeking sanctuary, and office workers and campus police. Chaos reigned.

By now a radio station was rapidly reporting casualties. A pregnant woman on the drag was shot. Brave students risked their lives to drag wounded and dead out of the firing range. I don’t know how long it lasted. Eventually someone stuck his head in our door, “They got him, they got him. He’s been shot.”

We stopped everything listening to the quiet.

Sometime later a policeman came in. “We had to shoot him. He was armed with guns and lots of ammo. He meant to shoot until the end, that’s for sure.” They had separated and gone at him from both directions.

Odd! The tower had only just reopened after a student committed suicide there, jumping from the top. I guess the shooter did, too, in his own way. The announcer said he had killed his family earlier. We later learned he had a brain tumor.

But then, everyone got quiet. We got on the phones to let families know we were okay. My husband had watched it all on TV, but all the campus lines had been busy. I remember feeling that this couldn’t have happened, not here, not to us. But it did. I didn’t then and still don’t remember the names of those hit or even how many died. The pregnant woman survived. I don’t know about the baby. The “Drag” was a good ways away, off the campus on the other side of the street.

The next week I administered the re-exam, and I did get Tommy’s autograph. Life just keeps on going. I remember when students at a Colorado High School, or Virginia Tech University are shot. The aftermath is different today. Counselors try to help students recover. Prayer vigils are held. Back then, life just went on. But those of us who were there will never forget. —FK

September 8, 1900: Storm of 1900.

September 4, the Galveston office of the U.S. Weather Bureau, begins to receive warnings from the central office in Washington, D.C. that a “tropical storm” has moved north over Cuba. On the 7th, the New Orleans Weather Office issues a report of heavy damage along the Louisiana and Mississippi coasts.

September 8, Galveston awakens to the dawn of the deadliest natural disaster in U.S. history. The biggest city in Texas (on this date), Galveston, with a population of over 40,000, is booming

due to its center of trade position on the Gulf of Mexico.

Evening brings the storm. Estimated winds of 135 mph pound the island. Galveston, with her highest point above sea level at 8.7ft, is drowned in a storm surge of over 15ft.

Battles end and the city lies battered with an estimated 6,000 to 8,000 dead. The bodies are so numerous that burial is not seen as the best option. At first the bodies are taken out to the gulf and dumped; however, the currents wash them back on shore, so funeral pyres are set up wherever the dead are found.


Kristin FergusonVice President

Joy DowellSpecial Events Director

Gail ParkerPresident/CEO

Jenny ZapalacMarketing Director

Katie HigginsMembership Director

Rosenberg-Richmond Chamber of Commerce Staff

4120 Avenue H, Rosenberg, TX 77471 • (281) 342-5464


Ask LisaProverbs: “Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart”

Lisa Giesler is a personal organizer and is the owner of A TIME AND PLACE FOR EVERYTHING. She’s also a member of the National Organization of Professional Organizers (NAPO). She can be reached at [email protected].

Dear Lisa:

My sister and I are at odds over how I’m raising my children. She has always been a neat-freak, even when we were growing up. I, on the other hand, could overlook a few misplaced items, scattered here and there. Now we are both raising families of our own and she’s trying to turn my kids into replicas of her children. They insist on order and neatness, whereas my girls don’t stress over mild disorder. Like me, they get to it when they can. I’ve told her to butt out and leave the parenting of my daughters to me and their father. She says she’s just trying to teach the girls that there’s nothing wrong with picking up after themselves. Who’s right?

–Completely Un-Neat

Dear Completely Un-neat:

While you are right that the parenting of your daughters should be left to you and your husband, I see nothing wrong with your sister offering helpful advice. Eventually your cavalier attitude about cleaning will come back to haunt you. You and your sister remind me of the argument that me and my sister had for years. The following story is true and may help you to realize that your sister is not only trying to help out your kids but is also looking out for your best interests as well.

–L.G.

A Tale of Two Sisters

I have often wondered how can two girls birthed by the same parents be so different? Growing up, I was the neat one in the family. I was called the “White

Tornado”, and not always affectionately. Whenever a family member could not find an item, I was the one to blame. Who would have thought that putting away the cereal and storing it in the pantry, where it belonged, was a crime? I was once told, “leave the baggies on the table, I might need them”. My reply, “oh yeah, like next Tuesday”. Sharing a room with an unorganized person caused a lot of frustration. I have always liked order, while my sister happily focused on everything but order.

Our respective habits remained with us as we grew up, married, and had kids of our own. I remember one visit with my sister when her children were younger. My sister sat in the middle of her kitchen floor with paper plates, glue, & macaroni. The house was a mess, but my sister thought that time spent with her children was more valuable. I, on the other hand, felt that I had let precious time go by with my kids because I always wanted a neat house. Fast forward to the present, my sister’s children are now 9 and 11. She’s frustrated with how unorganized her they are. Her kids don’t want to pick up, they just want to play. All the house work falls to her. For too many years, my sister did not make picking up a priority and now she is trying to retrain her children. On the other hand, my sons participated in sharing the workload, even if one of my son’s is neat and the other isn’t.

Remember, regardless of how are children turn out, there are principles for raising them.


Cowboy Bill: A Straight-Talking Dude with a Wonderful Soft Spot

Summer 2008’s Colorful CharacterTo know the man whose legal name is Cowboy Bill, and listen to his story is to realize why he is such an anomaly.

He is a man that isn’t afraid to speak his mind in any setting and to anyone. And yet he willingly listens to others.

He is a conservative who enjoys Rush Limbaugh, Bill O’Reilly, and Ann Colter. But he fits in with any crowd he finds himself in.

“I have an advantage,” he says. “I served in the Navy. And, afterwards, I visited fifteen states and more than fifty cities, town and communities. In my travels, I lived with Whites, Hispanics, Blacks, and Asians. I needed to do this for cultural input.”

In Arizona, Cowboy Bill was involved with the Navajo and Apache. To gain further insight, he got involved with different religions and found most have the same principles of belief.

From an early age, I have been exposed to a variety of cultures and classes. My last two foster homes were on ranches. My last, when I was fourteen years old was the BEST!”

Indeed, he learned that the mother he never met was from an upper class family. Today, he counts amongst his friends as politicos, business owners, ordinary, everyday people, the famous and the infamous.

He is a loner who took in a stray kitten and named her Christmas because he found her on Christmas Day. He is a staunch Dallas Cowboy’s fan with a priceless collection of team memorabilia. He’s also a tee-totaler because just the smell of alcohol makes him sick. He smokes a pipe with custom made tobacco called Cowboy Bill Blend.

Make no mistake, however; he’s as tough as they come with a soft spot for

children and stray animals. He legally changed his name to Cowboy Bill because the church in Rosenberg, where he assisted with the kids, called him Cowboy Bill. “If you get a name from a child through God, you listen!”

FreeDictionary.com defines the term ‘colorful character’ as striking in variety and interest. And Cowboy Bill is the epitome of that definition.

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Local LEGENDS

Over the years, Ghost stories continue to be told of the McFarlane House, located at 410 Jackson Street in downtown Richmond, which was the original site on which it was built.

The initial construction of the McFarlane house began in 1882, and, until the 1930’s, was occupied by the Isaac McFarlane family.

It was later used as a furniture store and appliance repair shop until 1979. The restoration of the house was completed by the City of Richmond, in partnership with the George Foundation, and ownership of the house remained with the city until it was traded with the Fort Bend Museum Association for what is currently the Richmond Police Department.

Some believe the ghost stories date back to a final battle of the Jaybirds vs. Woodpeckers, when some young men were upstairs in the McFarlane house shooting at the Woodpeckers, located down the street at the county courthouse. Because some of the Jaybirds were killed during this battle, it is thought that spirit(s) may continue to remain in the house.

While the house was used as Schultz Radio, TV and Appliance, Arthur Schultz experienced the ‘ghostly’ sounds as well as John Allwright, while he was responsible for overseeing the FBMA gift shop, which was temporarily relocated to the McFarlane house in 1988 during the remodel of the permanent location on Houston St. He shares more details in his Fall/Winter 1999 issue of ‘Around the Bend’.

Even recent ghost stories are heard, including

footsteps, doors opening and closing, plus other sounds according to Bill Zemanek, Vice President of the Fort Bend Museum Association, which currently occupies the

house for administrative purposes. Bill has spent countless hours in the house and says, “Whether or not there is a real ghost in the McFarlane House remains to be

“seen”, but I do hold on to the hand rail when going up and especially down the stairs. Hello Mr. Ghost and good bye Mr. Ghost are the Greetings of the day at the McFarlane House.”

Fort Bend Museum Director, Candy Jones, maintains an upstairs office in the McFarlane House and comments, “The McFarlane House has a long history of reported haunting occurrences. I can’t confirm or deny, but there are a lot of unexplained noises resembling footsteps heard in the upstairs.”

Watch for more details of the Ghost Stories event by the Fort Bend Museum Association in the Fall.

The Ghosts at McFarlane House


The need for a Small Business Development Center in Rosenberg speaks volumes. It tells of the areas expeditious growth in the business sector. It whispers of a growing population and people bringing their dreams of business ownership.

More than anything, however, the need for an SBDC in Rosenberg screams progress, growth, pride, and determination. Once upon on time, there was a Small Business Development Center in Rosenberg and it was located on Avenue G. However, it

closed. But with State Representative’s, Dora Olivo, determination to always keep her constituents best interest in mind, she was able to have another SBDC opened in the area. In February 2008, she was successful in the re-opening of the Small Business Development Center’s

opening on Lane Drive.

Partnering with the Small Business Administration, the University of Houston’s Small Business Development Center serves 32 counties in Southeast Texas with 15 business consulting and training centers. Fort Bend County alone has 3 offices— 1 in Missouri City, 1 in Rosenberg, and 1 in Katy. The Missouri City and Rosenberg offices are set up to offer all services, including classes. The Katy SBDC, however, is by appointment only and is strictly for meetings between

a small business owner and a business counselor.

“The only criteria to come here is someone who is willing to follow their dreams and passions,” says Marco R. Ruiz, Business Counselor at the Rosenberg office. He has 13 years of business experience and brings that to the office whenever the need arises to educate someone who may be in need of sales guidance. “In turn, we will educate a person in understanding how the SBDC can assist them in starting a business.”

By no means is sales counseling his only job. Between meetings with clients, Ruiz and the Director of the Fort Bend County office, Joseph Decker, must also remain visible so that the community knows the SBDC is in town.

It seems word is spreading quickly. Schedules at the office are beginning to fill up quickly. The telephone rings with regularity. Client files are stacked neatly on Ruiz’s desk. Meanwhile, Decker divides his time between the three offices, sometimes crossing Fort Bend County several times in one day.

It’s obvious they both love what they do. While Mr. Ruiz is intense and rigidly organized, his innate charm puts all his clients immediately at ease. Mr. Decker, meanwhile is easy-going and quick witted. One conversation with the

INSIDEC

over

Sto

ryGet to Know Rosenberg...

THE SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER

Dora Olivo,State Representative

The Small Business Development CenterNow Located on Lane Drive in Rosenberg

Marco R. Ruiz,Rosenberg SBDC,

Business Counselor


two of them and you realize that their tutelage will be a wise investment for the future of your business.

Services offered at most Centers include professional business consulting, a small business library, and assistance in preparing business plans to receive SBA Guaranteed and Conventional Loans. “Most services are free because they are funded through the UH System and the SBA,” Ruiz explains. “Clients work with whomever they choose

as their counselor at SBDC. Typically, they work with the counselor who is in the office when the client arrives.”

On a recent evening, the Lane Drive office buzzed with activity. Congressman Lampson and about 30 business professionals, SBA executives, and SBDC’s Regional Direction were there for a Roundtable Discussion. The discussion was scheduled to last an hour and a half. With Decker

and Ruiz at the helm, it lasted well over two hours. Their leadership abilities and their willingness to spend as much time as is needed with a client or at a meeting has to be the key to the myriad success stories you hear about at the discussion.

While Mr. Decker and Mr. Ruiz patiently educate clients and set them on a path to realizing whatever business goals they desire, both men make it clear what the SBDC is not. The SBDC does not offer legal advice nor provide accounting services.

“However, in order to fulfill this need, the SBDC offers our DBA (Direct Business Assistance) Services and the University of Houston’s Law Center Assistance,” Mr. Decker says. The services offer two and a half hours of free consulting. “Thereafter, the services are offered at a graduated hourly rate. The University of Houston Law Center Charges one hundred dollars per legal project.”

With the variety of business and legal expertise offered and the leadership of the area SBDC, it’s guaranteed , area residents and business owners will reap the valuable rewards.

Joseph Decker,Director, Fort Bend

County SBDC


A Roundtable Discussion with...CONGRESSMAN NICK LAMPSON

1

2

3 4 5

6

7

Photo 1: Congressman Lampson, Cowboy Bill, & Joe Decker, opening the discussion. Photo 2: Carlos Perez, President and CEO of the Mexican Institute of Greater Houston, and James Evans, Associate Director of the University of Houston’s Regional SBDC. Photo 3: SCORE Rep, and Joe Decker. Photo 4: Marco R. Ruiz, Business Counselor at the Rosenberg SBDC office. Photo 5: A SCORE representative signing in. In the background, Joe Decker, Cowboy Bill (seated), and Rick Guerro, Field Representative, of Rep. Nick Lampson’s Staff. Photo 6: From left to right: Sidney and Harry Mellon of Mellon Real Estate, and Stephen Curry of the SBA. Photo 7: Congressman Lampson & Frank Nunez, a one time client of the SBDC and Owner of Frank’s Nursery in Richmond, TX.


Colon CancerPrevention

By Dr. Greg Shannon, MD

Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in the United States in women and men. About 150,000 to 180,000 people are diagnosed with colorectal cancer annually. Each year approximately one-third of people who develop colorectal cancer die of the disease. There is a popular misconception that colorectal cancer occurs more commonly in men. This is not true. Women are equally affected. There is a general agreement by experts that all adults undergo screening beginning at age 50. African Americans tend to get colon cancer at an earlier age and at more advanced stages than the general public and should began screening at age 45. In addition to age, other risk factors which increases the risk for developing colon cancer include a family history of colon polyps, family history of colon cancer, a history of inflammatory conditions such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, a diet low in fiber and high in fat, and smoking.

Many people with colon cancer experience no symptoms in the early stages of the disease. This is because most cases of colon cancer begin as small clumps of abnormal cells called polyps. Polyps can be quite small and therefore usually do not cause symptoms. When symptoms appear, they likely will vary depending on the cancer’s size and location in your large intestine (colon). Some signs and symptoms of colon cancer include a change in bowel habits, rectal bleeding or blood in the stool, abdominal discomfort, a feeling that your bowel does not empty completely after defecating, and unexplained weight loss.

As mentioned, colon polyps are abnormal growths that may eventually turn into cancer. The good news is that not all polyps are pre-cancerous. Screening tests can find pre-cancerous polyps so they can be removed before they have a chance to turn into cancer, thus preventing disease. There are several tests that can be used to screen for colon cancer. Some of these tests have been used for years while others are new and emerging. Nevertheless, colonoscopy remains the gold standard and test of choice. Colonoscopy is the most effective way to screen for colorectal cancer. Colonoscopy is essentially a painless and comfortable procedure. Most people actually sleep right through the entire procedure. Newer technology and sedation methods have made this very possible. Please talk to your physician about colon cancer prevention so that a screening recommendation can be made for you. Remember-colorectal cancer is detectable, treatable, and beatable-don’t get cancer, get screened!

Dr. Greg Shannon is a practicing board

certified gastroenterologist in the Sugarland/

Houston area. He attended medical school

at Northwestern University. He completed his

internship, residency, and specialty fellowship

training at the Baylor College of Medicine in the

Texas Medical Center in Houston.

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(281) 923-7882


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Introducing...

Jess StuartLifelong Richmond Resident & the Newest Director at T.W. Davis YMCA

911 Thompson Highway, Richmond, Tx 77469 • (281) 341-0791

Jess Stuart has lived in the Richmond-Rosenberg area for 34 out of his 36 years. Currently, he lives between Richmond and Fulshear, on the Stuart Ranch, where his family has lived since

1824. The land was a part of the original Spanish Land Grant given by Stephen F. Austin to Jess’ grandfather, John Foster, the same man named after Foster High School.

Although one can easily spend hours talking to Mr. Stuart about his rich and illustrious history or his hobbies that include hunting, fishing, and relaxing on Lake Somerville, we quickly turn back to TW Davis and his plans for it.

“T.W. Davis is getting ready for summer with swim lessons, day camp, aerobics, senior outings, and youth sports,” he says with the enthusiasm of a man who loves his job. His zest is irresistible and contagious, extending to his employees and his members.

Anyone familiar with TW Davis, know what wonderful programs are offered to people of all ages. Still, Jess Stuart isn’t a man to sit still and let things stagnate. “We plan on adding more Zumba Classes and Senior Outing per month,” he continues. “We are also looking at adding some more outreach sites in Needville and Fulshear. We want to spread the Y programs to all neighboring communities.”

He quickly describes the value and benefits of joining TW Davis YMCA. “Value is the name of the game and benefits are getting into shape via spirit, mind, and body,” he stresses. “We have a year-round heated and covered pool.

Also, we give our members a chance to donate towards our Partners Campaign where we go out into the community and raise funds for kids who cannot afford to participate. But through the campaign, kids can sign up for day camp, youth sports, swimming lessons, and after school care using the funds raised.

As always, members get discounts on all programs offered and get free childwatch while working out. Members also g et access to the wellness center and swimming pool.

TW Davis YMCA is all about Family. Stuart and his staff wants members to walk away with a great experience and get their value for their money. “We specialize in Family Development, where Mom can take an aerobic class. Meanwhile, the son plays basketball while Dad swims in the pool.”

All about family, indeed.


INSIDEA

utom

obil

es Ever Wonder about the Role Tire Pressure plays in Fuel Economy ?

How the Right Tire Pressure Helps Us to Save Money at the Gas Pumps!

Article by Steve Taing

Situated on busy Highway 36 on the stretch between US 59 and US 90A—where HWY 3615 known as First Street—is Street Fame. Street Fame has been in Rosenberg for? years and offers tire and wheel services. On any given day, the garage is crowded with people waiting to have wheel alignments, tires rotated, tires replaced, and the good old tire repair. Street Fame does it all. Steve Taing and his wife, Nisha, has a knack for making all their customers feel

like family. On many days, the couple’s young son and the family dog is there with them.

“We’ve always stayed pretty busy,” Nisha Taing says.

“We’re right on 36, so we get a lot of people traveling through and needing tire service.”

An expert in his field, Mr.Taing recently offered five ways that tire size and tire pressure affect your fuel economy. Most of us are already aware that keeping tires properly

inflated is safer for the vehicle owner and all other motorists on the road. We also know that proper inflation extends the life of tires. But keeping your tires inflated to the

proper pressure can improve your gas mileage by 0.4 percent for every 1 PSI drop in pressure of all tires,” Taing explains easily. “When a tire is under-inflated,” he continues, “the sidewalls flex more, which in turn increases stopping distance, lowers fuel economy, and shortens the life of your car tires:’ An added risk are blowouts due to excessive heat from

too much sidewall flexing. On the other hand, “when a tire is over-inflated, the car will ride roughly and

damage easily when you hit potholes or objects on the road.”

Seasonal variations also affect tire pressure and therefore compromise fuel economy. While cold weather reduces a tire’s air pressure, warm weather increases it. Taing can’t stress enough the importance to recheck the tire pressure as the seasons change. “Sunlight heats up tires even when they’re not driven,” he says.

Besides offering tires and tire repair, Street Fame also offers rims. When asked if bigger rims also impact fuel usage, Taing nodded. “Larger diameter, heavier tires or rims take more energy to spin and will lower your MPG?’ He offers the following

comparison. “Imagine a tire on a spindle and you have to turn it by hand. Now,

imagine a tire as twice as heavy. You would have to put a lot more effort into keeping it spinning at the same speed, wouldn’t you? It can have a significant effect on mileage, by the increased weight as well as the fact that on a larger diameter tire the weight is farther from the center.”

While knowledge of all things tires and rims are his business, he speaks from personal experience. Sitting in his parking lot today are two pickups, each shiny and show-worthy. And each with large rims, polished to gleam brilliantly beneath the warm afternoon sun.

The larger tires and heavier rims are well worth the expense when the result is so distinguished. As you can see by the included photographs of some of Street Fame’s work.

Steps to Preserve Tire LifeCheck tire pressure on all four tires at 1. least once a month. Don’t overinflate. The recommended pressure is stamped on the side of the tire as well as on a sticker on the driver’s side door jam. 32 pounds per square inch (PSI) is a good rule of thumb.Have your vehicle aligned if you notice 2. that it drifts in one direction when driving on a straight road.Get an alignment after any accident, even 3. a small fender bender.Have the wheels balanced if you notice a 4. consistent vibration or shimmy at certain speeds. For example, a vibration in the steering wheel that occurs only at 60 MPH and goes away if you drive faster or slower, indicate that the wheels needs balancing.Understand that bad shock absorbers 5. or struts will cause the tires to wear unevenly.


Article by Steve Taing


Children’s Program Schedules at

George Memorial Library1001 Golfview Drive, Richmond, TX 77469

&Alfred George Library

9230 Gene Street, Needville, TX 77461

The best investment any parent can make is a library card. It’s free. Kids can’t break it, wear it out, or outgrow it.

September is Library Card Sign-up Month, and Fort Bend County Libraries wants to make sure that your child is among the two-thirds of Americans that carry the smartest card of all – a library card.

Studies show that children who are read to in the home -- and who use the library -- perform better in school and are more likely to continue to use the library as a source of lifetime learning. A recent study by the American Library Association also showed that families use libraries to spend time together; 44 percent of survey respondents report taking their children to the library for this reason.

A library card provides free access to videos, DVDs, CDs, software, and books. Libraries also offer a wide range of other items to lend to children and their families, including

toys, games, and puzzles. Most importantly -- librarians are on hand to help recommend materials suitable for various ages and interests.

A library card becomes even more valuable when someone wants to access many of the library’s online databases from home. The cost of subscribing to these databases as an individual would make them unaffordable to many people, but a library card levels the playing field by making them available to everyone free -- as long as you have a library card. Since a library card is free, how can parents afford not to give their children such a valuable tool?

For more information on how you can sign up for your library card, visit any of the branches in the Fort Bend County library system, call the library’s Public Information Office at 281-341-2677, or see the library’s website at www.fortbend.lib.tx.us.

GET THE SMARTEST CARD OF ALL AT FORT BEND COUNTY LIBRARIES


Children’s Program Schedules at

George Memorial Library1001 Golfview Drive, Richmond, TX 77469

&Alfred George Library

9230 Gene Street, Needville, TX 77461

Fort Bend County Libraries’ George Memorial Library, 1001 Golfview in Richmond, presents a variety of free children’s programs—Mother Goose Time, Toddler Time, Story Time, Pajama Night Story Time, Kinder Korner, and School-Age Programs—every month. These programs are free and open to the public.

SUMMER CHILDREN’S PROGRAM SCHEDULE AT GEORGE MEMORIAL LIBRARY WRAPS UP IN AUGUST

The Children’s Summer Reading Club at Fort Bend County Libraries’ George Memorial Library, 1001 Golfview in Richmond, will wrap up its activities for the summer in August. Once the Summer Reading Club is finished, there will be a break in the library’s weekly children’s program schedule in preparation for the new school year. The regular schedule of children’s programs will resume in September.The library presents a variety of free children’s programs -- Mother Goose Time, Toddler Time, Story Time, Pajama Night Story Time, Kinder Korner, and School-Age Programs -- every month. These programs are free and open to the public.

Mother Goose Time, which takes place on Tuesdays at 9:45 am and 11:00 am, provides caregiver/infant activities and songs especially designed for the youngest book-lovers, from age 1 month to 12 months. The August schedule of Mother Goose Time activities is as follows: August 5 – Bang the Drum

Toddler Time -- Thursdays at 10:00 am -- offers caregiver/child activities, stories and songs for older babies, from 12 to 36 months of age. The August schedule of Toddler Time activities is as follows: August 7 – Parade About

Pre-school children will enjoy Story Time, where they hear stories, watch movies, and participate in age-appropriate craft activities, beginning at 10:00 am each Wednesday and Saturday. The August schedule is as follows: August 2 – Go, Gator, Go!, August 6 and 9 – Story Time Parade!

Pajama Night Story Time -- which usually takes place on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays at 6:30 pm – will not be presented in August.

The School-Age Programs -- crafts, movies, stories, and more for school-aged children in 1st through 5th grades -- takes place on Tuesdays, beginning at 2:00 pm and 3:00 pm. Free tickets, which are available Monday and Tuesday before the program, are required for the 2:00 pm programs. The August schedule is as follows: August 5 – Circus Dogs!

For more information, call the library’s Public Information Office at 281-341-2677.

Please Note...FORT BEND COUNTY

LIBRARIES TO CLOSE IN OBSERVANCE OF FAIR DAY

All branches of Fort Bend County Libraries will be

closed Friday, September 26, in observance of Fort Bend County

Fair Day. Regular library hours will resume on Saturday, September 27. For additional

information, contact the Public Information Office at

281-341-2677.

Please Note...FORT BEND COUNTY

LIBRARIES TO CLOSE IN OBSERVANCE OF LABOR DAY

All branches of Fort Bend County Libraries will be

closed Monday, September 1, in observance of Labor Day. Regular library hours will

resume on Tuesday, September 2. For additional information, contact the Public Information

Office at 281-341-2677.


Fort Bend County Libraries’ Albert George Branch Library, 9230 Gene Street in Needville, presents a variety of free children’s programs—Toddler Time, Story Time, and School-Aged Programs—every month.

SUMMER CHILDREN’S PROGRAM SCHEDULE AT ALBERT GEORGE BRANCH LIBRARY WRAPS UP IN AUGUST

The Children’s Summer Reading Club at Fort Bend County Libraries’ Albert George Branch Library, 9230 Gene Street in Needville, will wrap up its activities for the summer in August. Once the Summer Reading Club is finished, there will be a break in the library’s weekly children’s program schedule in preparation for the new school year. The regular schedule of children’s programs will resume in September.The library presents a variety of free children’s programs -- Toddler Time, Story Time, and School-Age Programs, -- every month. These programs are free and open to the public. Toddler Time -- Wednesdays at 10:15 am -- offers caregiver/child activities, stories and songs for older babies, from 12 to 36 months of age. The August schedule of Toddler Time activities is as follows: August 6 – Juggle Time.

Pre-school children will enjoy Story Time, where they hear stories, watch movies, and participate in age-appropriate craft activities, beginning at 10:15 am and 11:15 am each Thursday. The August schedule is as follows: August 7 – At the Circus.

The School-Age Programs -- crafts, movies, stories, and more for school-aged children in 1st through 5th grades -- will begin at 2:00 pm each Wednesday. The August schedule is as follows: August 6 – Wild Out Wednesday!

For more information, please call the branch library at 979-793-4270, or the Public Information Office at 281-341-2677.

LIBRARY’S TEEN SUMMER READING CLUB WRAPS UP IN AUGUST

Fort Bend County Libraries’ Youth Services department continues to have exciting plans for Fort Bend County teens this summer! All kinds of activities are taking place for this year’s Teen Summer Reading Club. The Summer Reading Club activities will wrap up in August, and the regular Teen schedule will resume in September.

Escape the heat and the boredom and come hang out at the library!

Teen programs at the Albert George Branch Library, 9230 Gene Street in Needville, take place on Thursdays, beginning at 2:00 pm. The August schedule is as follows:August 7 – Party Time!

The programs are free and open to the public. For more information, call the branch library at 979-793-4270 or the library’s Public Information Office at 281-341-2677.


Guarantee a copy of INSIDE ROSE-RICH MAGAZINE! Subscribe today and have it delivered to your home or business! Receive 4 quarterly issues for only $16.00!Just complete the form below and mail to: INSIDE ROSE-RICH Subscriptions 14 Wild Cotton Road, Rosenberg, TX 77471

Are Baby Teeth Important?Baby teeth are frequently called “primary teeth” because they represent our 1st set of teeth. Primary teeth, although temporal, are just as important as adult teeth. The primary teeth serve as guidance for the permanent teeth both in position as well as health. Generally speaking, if a child has good oral health and experiences a cavity free childhood, he or she will

enjoy similar advantages as an adult. Here are a few tips on how to promote a healthy mouth for your child:

Limit sugary snacks and beverages.•Avoid juices, even 100% juices.Avoid carbonated and sugared beverages.Avoid chewy and gummy snacks.

Eat wholesome foods.•Encourage drinking plenty of water and white milk.Encourage lean meats.Encourage fresh fruits and vegetables.

Brush and FLOSS daily, especially before •bedtime.

Usefluoridetoothpasteonceyourchildisable to expectorate.

Visit your pediatric dentist every 6 months •starting at 12 months of age.

It may seem that these tips are challenging. However, a little effort and creativity in meal planning will result in a healthy mouth for your child. This information has been provided as a courtesy by Dr. May W. Tape, a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. Dr Tape has practiced in the Rose-Rich area for over 14 years. Her office is located at 5501 Ave I in Rosenberg. Call now for an appointment for your child. 281-341-7733.

NAME: ________________________________________

ADDRESS: ____________________________________

CITY: ___________________ STATE: ___ ZIP: ________

PHONE: (________) ____________________________

Please make checks payable to:INSIDE ROSE-RICH MAGAZINE

Dr. May W. TapePediatric Dentist


Children’s CornerHi, I’m Zoey. Today, I’m going to talk about one of my favorite subjects. Dinosaurs! But, first,Ihavetomakesomeintroductions.These are my sisters, Kathryn, and Alegra. While I might wish they were dinosaurs sometimes when

they aggravate me, most of the time I’m glad they are not. Why would I want them to be dinosaurs when they aggravate me, right? Well, then, they would be extinct.Let’s talk about real dinosaurs, though. I won’t keep you long. And, since next quarter, I’m going to talk about the best places for a kid to shop, I thought this time around I would make our parents happy and talk about stuff that’s more educational. Did you know that there were more than 800 known types of dinosaurs? And there are a bunch more still undiscovered. An Iguanodon looks like a giant iguana and, in 1878, almost 40 oftheir fossils were found in Belgium. The lady who found Sue the dinosaur had skill and dedication and a lot of luck on her side. So if you want to be a paleontologist, you will need skill, dedication, and lots of luck.Mostofthetime,youonlyfindfossilswhenpartoftheboneis exposed by wind or rain.If you want to go dinosaur hunting, Mongolia and North Americaarethebestplacestofindfossils.However,ifyouDOfindthem,youstillhavealotofworkbecauseyouhavetoputall the bones together like a puzzle. I wonder if someone will everfindanybonesalongtheBrazos.That’s something to consider until next time.

by Zoey A. Megahey


Calendar of EventsLET IT RIDE sizzlin’ HOT Summer Concert Series—Friday, July 11, 2008 Third Street Park , Downtown Rosenberg

LEVEL ONE BAND—Friday, July 18, 2008Third Street Park, Downtown Rosenberg

ROB DARIEN & THE OUTSIDE DOGS—Friday, July 25, 2008Third Street Park, Downtown Rosenberg

EZRA CHARLES “The King of Texas Blues and THE WORKS—Friday, August 1, 2008Third Street Park, Downtown Rosenberg

2nd Annual Progressive Business Blender—Thursday, August 7, 2008 5:00-7:30PMDowntown Rosenberg Antique District. For more information regarding the event, call Jenny Zapalac at the Rosenberg-Richmond Area Chamber of Commerce at 281-342-5464 ext. 206 or visit www.roserichchamber.org

SHEILA MARSHALL—Friday, August 8, 2008Third Street Park, Downtown Rosenberg

“Fashions from the Cotton Patch” Fashion Expo & Luncheon – Saturday, August 9th Doors open to the public at 11:00AMBud O’Shieles Community Center. 1330 Band Road Rosenberg, TX 77471

MOFO PARTY BAND—Friday, August 15, 2008Third Street Park, Downtown Rosenberg

“The Lighter Side of Politics with the Capitol Steps:- Friday, August 15th. 6:30-10:00PMThe Wharton County Junior College Foundation.Safari Texas Ballroom 11627 FM 1464, Richmond, TX 77469. Proceeds fund student scholarships, faculty

development and academic programs at Wharton County Junior College. Individual Tickets: $85.00

2008 Back-to-School Health Fair – Saturday, August 16th 9:00AM-12:00PMFort Bend Family Health Center 400 Austin Street, Richmond, TX 77469Complimentary back-to-school immunizations, dental screenings and cleanings, and vision screenings

Gala for Helping Hands – Saturday, August 16th 6:00PM-10:00PMSafari Texas Ballroom 11627 FM 1464, Richmond, TX 77469. Brotherhood Band. Live and silent Auctions, Dinner and Dancing.

33rd Annual Festival of Glass & Antique Show – Saturday, August 16th 9AM – 5PM; Sunday, August 17th 10AM-4PM.Fort Bend County Fair Grounds $5 admission is good for both days.

Fiestas Patrias Festival – Saturday, September 13th Noon-5PM.Moore Home, Richmond, TX 77469

2008 “Haute in Havana” Charity Ball & Casino—Saturday, October 11, 2008Sugar Land Marriot Town Square. Proceeds from the

event benefit Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Pediatric Services. For more information, visit www.fbjsl.com or email to [email protected]

25th Annual Texian Market Days—Saturday, October 25, 2008, 9:00AM-5:00PMGeorge Ranch Historical Park. For more information call 281-343-0218 or visit www.georgeranch.org.


Dining GuideChick-fil-A at Rosenberg24734 Southwest Freeway281-342-9898, www.cfarosenberg.com. “We didn’t invent the chicken, just the chicken sandwich.”CATERING NOW AVAILABLE!Serving Sugar Land, Rosenberg, Richmond, Wharton, Needville,& surrounding areas.

La Casona Mexican Restaurant3806 Avenue I, Rosenberg TX 77471La Casona Banquet Hall

5118 Avenue H, Rosenberg, TX 77471For information, call: 281-344-8777,Fax: 281-344-8491.

Italian Maid Café Restaurant & CateringAlex Ciocca & Lanie Alvarez, Owners300 Morton Street, Richmond, TX 77469Tel: 281-232-6129 or 281-344-8955www.italianmaidcafe.com

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To list a restaurant, the first 50 words are free. Please email listings to

[email protected]


Pets of Rose-Rich

In memory of Mikos1991-2005

Rest in peace Casey

Sparkle & CompanyImportant Numbers

Rosenberg Animal Control1207 Blume RoadRosenberg, TX 77471(832) 595-3490

Fort Bend Animal Control1210 Blume RoadRosenberg, TX 77471(281) 342-1512

Paws Hoofs Claws Animal Rescue Sanctuary5818 Trinity RoadNeedville, TX 77461(832) 595-5678

SPCA-Houston900 Portway DriveHouston, TX 77024(713) 869-SPCA24-Hour Hotline: (713) 880-HELP

TO SEARCH FOR A LOST PET:[email protected]

To submit tips, photos, or phone numbers related to animals, please call Leslie at (713) 293-2980. You can also send an email to [email protected]


Pets of Rose-Rich“Ah, the great outdoors! Thanks goodness my humans remember to have me vaccinated!”

Diego

“Exercise is good for me, buddy,

but it sure wears me out. Ummm,

this bed is so soft and comfy.”

Coco“Hmm, I wonder where I hid that slipper.”

Lazarus

Higgins & Angel

“It isn’t easy being this beautiful. Our humans keep

us well-groomed.”

Roscoe & Jasmine

“Keeping up such beautiful flowers is hard work in this heat! Our humans keep us

well-hydrated with lots of water.”

Bandit

“Just one more snack! PLEASE!! Your cooking is

soooo yummy!

Missy

“Oh, those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer...”

“I survived being in my house

for 18 days after Hurricane

Katrina. My humans found

me through petfinders.com” Gigi

Many thanks to Rose-Rich Veterinary Clinic. 2203

Thompson Rd, Richmond, TX 77469. (281) 342-3727. www.roserichvet.com


To Advertise with

INSIDE ROSERICHMAGAZINE

Call the Sales Department

at

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Did You Know...?Fleur de Lis (pronounced flur duh lee). Also called the fleur de lys, this ancient symbol has myriad meanings.In English, the fleur-de-lis means “flower of the lily”.

In AD 800, Pope Leo III crowned Charlemagne emperor. Reportedly, the pope presented the new emperor with a blue banner covered with golden fleur-de-lis.

The fleur-de-lis became the heraldic symbol of the kings of France. 1211-1376 France Ancient Herald. 1376-1791 France Modern Herald.

As a religious symbol, it represents the Holy Trinity & is also associated with the Virgin Mary.

Although many other countries use the fleur-de-lis for one reason or another, Spanish King, Juan Carlos I, and the Kingdom of Spain uses the fleur-de-lis as the only remaining monarch of the House of Bourbons.

On a lighter note, since 1967, the fleur-de-lis has been the emblem of the NFL’s New Orleans’ Saints.


Two sisters enjoying at day at the park.

Home at last after a long day of fun and napping in her mom’s car.

Mabel Polk’s 89th Birthday.

Setting up for a party at the Italian Maid Cafe.

Enjoying the summer air.

La Casona Banquet Hall’s Business Blender began with their ribbon cutting. Front Row: Joy Dowell, Jenny Zapalac, Brent Mahlmann, Omar Vega, Jerry Gonzalez, Shirley Jackson, Jose Zamora, Kristin Ferguson, Tom Wilson, Mary Doetterl. Back Row: Judy Lynn, Diane Elko, Alicia Casias, Bob Hargarther,

Lou Jackson, Katie Higgins.

The Houstonian Country Club Business Blender. From L-R: Leslie Ferdinand,Cherie Vasquez, Shirley Jackson, and Robert Jimenez.

Brazos River Provisions Company Ribbon Cutting. Front Row: Tom Wilson, Alicia Casias, Mr. and Mrs. Mercado, Laurie, Stephanie and Mike Mercado, Kristin Ferguson, Jenny Zapalac, Katie Higgins. Back row: ??, Bob Hargarther, Josie Trentacoste, James Duke, Vickie Autrey, Kim Bersnhausen, Rebecca Covell, Shirley Jackson, Justin Vickery, ??, Matt Fielder, Lou Jackson.

Ray’s Gourmet Country Ribbon Cutting. First Row: Shirley Jackson, Gena Ricklefson, Kristin Ferguson, Gail Parker, Maria Pedersen, Soren Pedersen, Mr. & Mrs. Ray Salti and parents,

Lynn Horn, Laura Garcia, and Melody Hess.

Cody Siebert, holding the reins of her horse, along with her two partners and staff of

BLS Wealth Management.

Enjoying the Twin CitiesRecreation and Residents of Rose-Rich

inside rose rich magazine

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cowboy bill u page

rosenbergrichmond area

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