absolutely! Katy | Cover Story –
Traditionally fall means both back to school and back to community events in Katy. But this past year, our traditions – and our beloved community activities – were put on hold. So, what has happened with our valued community organizations in the past year? What is their focus, and what are their plans for the coming months?
We reached out to several organizations to find out just that – how are they are doing, and most importantly, how can we as a community help? In this special feature, absolutely! Katy Cares About Community, we highlight several non-profits and share a calendar of upcoming events. We hope to see you out and about in Katy – whether it’s virtual or in person – doing what we do best – support our community.
Texana Center: Expanding Autism Services to Meet Needs
Texana Center has expanded autism services significantly over the last 16 years. Now with over 10 unique programs, there is an option for almost everyone and any age to help them unlock their potential.
The newest expansion of autism services is in Fulshear where the Children’s Center for Autism quietly began serving children at their third location last summer. The program has their main location in Rosenberg and a second location in Sugar Land. The Children’s Center for Autism typically serves children ages three to eight, using applied behavior analysis treatment. An individualized treatment plan is created by a Licensed Board Certified Behavior Analyst to teach children how to interact and learn from their family, community and educational environments.
The Center for Advancement is the latest program created by Texana and provides classes and training for young adults with autism and/or intellectual disabilities. Classes include Social Connections Club; Computer classes for skills like coding and video editing; and the newest, a Culinary Class that includes everything from basic kitchen skills to a baking intro. With more classes waiting in the wings, this program is all about letting students explore their strengths and prepare them for competitive employment.
Finally, the Texana Fulshear campus is excited to announce the Texana Café, a retail-training center where students can get hands-on training, as well as learn to make and serve exceptional food. The Texana Café is looking forward to being open to the public soon.
For more information, visit texanacenter.com or email info@texanacenter.com.
Fort Bend Junior Service League and Memorial Hermann
Sugar Land Announce Partnership for the 2021 Sugar Plum Market
The Fort Bend Junior Service League (FBJSL) is pleased to announce the return of Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital (MHSL) as Title Sponsor for Sugar Plum Market. This year marks a milestone for the Market which has raised over $3.3 million for charitable organizations and scholarship programs.
“We are proud to re-commit our support as Title Sponsor of the Fort Bend Junior Service League’s Sugar Plum Market and look forward to celebrating its 20th Anniversary. We value our partnership and are humbled by our shared responsibility to serve our community,” said Malisha Patel, Senior Vice President and CEO of Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital and Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital.
FBJSL’s 2021 Market will be held in-person this year at the Stafford Centre Performing Arts Theatre and Convention Center with an additional full day of shopping starting Thursday, November 4th running through Saturday, November 6th. The event will kick off with a Preview Night Celebration on Wednesday, November 3rd.
FBJSL is grateful to the community for supporting the Market. In addition to Memorial Hermann Sugar Land, FBJSL is pleased to recognize other sponsors including: City of Stafford, Sterling McCall Toyota Fort Bend, Kendra Scott, Pamela Printing, absolutely! focus media, Amy & Gary Becker Foundation, Newmark Homes, KidzGrub, H-E-B, Trustmark National Bank, The Sansone Group at RE/MAX Fine Properties, Stewart Title, Johnson Development, Harris Machine Tools, Brandani’s Restaurant & Wine Bar, Allen Boone Humphries Robinson LLP, Title Partners and PB&J Pavement Marking.
Visit sugarplummarket.com for ticket information. Tickets will go on sale September 1st. Follow @sugarplummarket on Instagram and Facebook.
Texian Market Days Returns Saturday, October 23rd
at George Ranch Historical Park
Texas is known for wide-open spaces and the equally wide-open way its residents celebrate their heritage. Here in Fort Bend County, those two ideas will come together once again during Texian Market Days, held at the 23,000-acre George Ranch Historical Park, Saturday, October 23rd from 9 am to 5 pm.
When an authentic working ranch plans a party, the result is a uniquely wide-ranging event where visitors young and old can all find something to embrace. History, food, crafts and demonstrations come together in a day-long celebration of what makes Texans, well, Texans.
Food trucks, craft vendors and entertainment will be grouped near the big tent and provide a relaxing hub from which to venture out to the ranch. Activities of all types will unfold throughout the day – old-time baseball, historic home tours, riding teams and shooting demonstrations, Victorian tea parties allowing visitors to naturally create their own discovery paths. Focus on one or two activities, or sample them all as the day unfolds.
What are you doing on October 23rd? Come to “the Ranch” and make it a Saturday to remember.
To learn more or to purchase tickets, visit georgeranch.org. The George Ranch Historical Park is located at 10215 FM 762 in Richmond, TX, 77469.
Wild West Brewfest
With much anticipation, the Wild West Brewfest (WWBF) is excited to announce its return to Katy, Texas in 2021. This year’s event will be hosted this fall on the second weekend of November. “It is great to be back! We have sincerely missed our patrons,” said WWBF Chairman David Loesch.
The 2021 WWBF will feature over 100 brewers from across the country with 500+ beers. Come experience the event that has been voted the #1 Brewfest in North America by BeerYeti.com for multiple years in a row. Traditionally held in the spring, this year’s WWBF will be in November at Katy Mills Mall. Get ready to enjoy the cooler temps of fall and taste some of the best liquid!
The multi-day event will kick off on the evening of Thursday, November 11th with the K-Town Throwdown at 6 pm followed by the Launch Party on Friday, November 12th from 7 to 10 pm. The official Wild West Brewfest will be held on Saturday, November 13th from 3 to 9 pm. Enhanced VIP tickets are available. Hang out with friends in multiple party zones, enjoy awesome food trucks and live music, all while giving back to the community.
The WWBF was founded by Katy Rotarians in 2011. It was volunteer created, is volunteer-run and 100% of all proceeds are given back to the local community in student scholarships and donations to charitable organizations. Formed in 1946, The Rotary Club of Katy has a strong membership of local businesses and professional men and women. The club is part of Rotary International and the non-profit organization plans activities and fundraisers to contribute to the local and international community. “We enjoy promoting our craft beer community, our sponsors and the Rotary Club all while giving back to many communities in and around Katy and Houston. The event has raised over $800,000 – every dollar going back into the community,” said Loesch.
For more information and to purchase tickets to the 2021 WWBF, visit wildwestbrewfest.com and follow us on Facebook. We can’t wait to see you this November in Katy, Texas!
The Arc of Katy Continues to Create and Expand Opportunities
for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
The Arc of Katy is committed to conquering social isolation that is often experienced by people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), such as Autism Spectrum Disorders and Down syndrome.
Participants, age 16 to 60 plus, are active members of the Katy community. They enjoy experiences with friends, visiting area attractions and engaging in community events and healthy activities.
As The Arc of Katy begins its 31st year, it offers an adult activity day program five days a week from September through May; summer program sessions for adults and teens age 16 years and older from June through August; weekend social events; Empowerment through Knowledge classes for care givers and educators; and The Arc of Katy Cares community service opportunities. The need continues to grow for affordable community programs to supplement what area schools provide for students with special needs, and to continue to enhance the wellbeing and inclusion of people with IDD after they are no longer in school. Therefore, The Arc of Katy plans to expand programs to include more participants and to add new opportunities.
The Arc of Katy invites the community to support its growth by donating, supporting fundraising events and serving as staff or volunteers. Learn more at www.thearcofkaty.org or contact the organization at info@thearcofkaty.org or call 832.754.9802. Also, plan to attend The Arc of Katy 2021 Gala on Friday, December 3rd, 2021 at 6:30 pm at Beckendorff Farms.
The Rosenberg Railroad Museum
Clang, Clang! Get on board! The Rosenberg Railroad Museum (RRM) has fully reopened and is looking forward to an amazing fall festival season!
There are so many cool things to see and do at the museum! Whether you are a train fan or just looking for a fun educational family outing, the museum has something for everyone. Check out their upcoming events planned for the fall as well as new rotating exhibits.
Kicking off their fall season on September 11th is Discovery Day with free admission.
On Saturday, October 9th, the RRM will host the ever popular Fall Fun Fest, an annual fall fundraiser be-nefiting the museum. Rounding out the month of October, the RRM will have a Halloween Family Fun Day on Saturday October 30th.
New this year, Curator Cecilia Abad introduced a rotating exhibit area to the Museum Gallery. Rotating exhibits offer an in-depth look into different topics. The current exhibit, Women in Railroading, is on display until November 7th. The next rotating exhibit will be Presidents and Railroading on display from November 10th thru February 20th.
The recently renovated Education Station offers a large model train exhibit room, children’s playroom, a classroom for Scout Merit Badge classes, Wig-Wag Fridays for preschoolers and exhibit enrichment classes. School field trips and group tours are always welcome by appointment.
The Rosenberg Railroad Museum is a hidden gem, nestled in historic downtown Rosenberg. For more information, visit www.rosenbergrrmuseum.org or call 281-633-2846 to learn more.
Reining Strength Therapeutic Horsemanship
At Reining Strength Therapeutic Horsemanship (RSTH), by partnering with horses, they help people realize their individual potential through customized equine assisted services.
RSTH is a Premier Accredited Center through the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International, and they provide therapeutic horsemanship programs for people of all ages – children and adults – who have physical, cognitive, social or emotional needs. By partnering with horses, RSTH helps people realize their individual potential through customized equine assisted services.
There are a wide variety of people who benefit from therapeutic horsemanship. They include, but are not limited to, individuals with diagnosis of Anxiety, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Cerebral Palsy, CVA or Stroke, Down Syndrome, Intellectual Disabilities, Learning Disabilities, Multiple Sclerosis, PTSD, Spina Bifida, Traumatic Brain Injury and various Genetic Syndromes. RSTH offers group and private riding lessons. Client lessons are taught by a Certified PATH International Instructor. Client riding sessions are available Monday thru Friday during the current session.
RSTH loves volunteers! They are the backbone of Reining Strength. You’ll never find a more rewarding volunteer opportunity. There are so many ways to help. The best way to learn about what RSTH does is to come see them in action. Schedule a tour at the Reining Strength facility, located at 7126 FM 359 Road in Richmond, Texas, 77406, or visit the RSTH website for more information on touring, giving or volunteering at Reiningstrength.org or call 832-451-6874.
