Spring - Klein Edition | March 2025

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Spring Klein Edition VOLUME 11, ISSUE 12 MARCH 19APRIL 15, 2025

2025 Camp Guide

Cracking down on crime

The Harris County Sheri’s Oce is reconguring its district boundaries to better patrol crime hotspots. Capt. Mike Koteras is leading the creation of a new district near I45.

“Just seeing the additional police vehicles and ocers coming and going will reduce the crime in this general location.” MIKE KOTERAS, CAPTAIN, HARRIS COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

Current boundaries

District 5

District 1

District 2

290

610

District 4

District 3

Proposed boundaries

District 5

District 1

District 2

290

610

District 4

District 6

District 3

SOURCE: HARRIS COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICECOMMUNITY IMPACT

INSIDE

JAMAAL ELLISCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Also in this issue

Subscribe to our free daily email newsletter!

Government: Learn why a local emergency services district is training Alaska’s future paramedics (Page 8)

Education: Find out how local schools are doing nancially, academically ve years after the pandemic began (Page 11)

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Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today with editions across Texas. Our mission is to provide trusted news and local information that everyone gets. Our vision is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team. Our purpose is to be a light for our readers, customers, partners and each other by living out our core values of Faith, Passion, Quality, Innovation and Integrity. About Community Impact

Market leaders & metro team

Reporters Jovanna Aguilar Asia Armour Angela Bonilla Melissa Enaje Valeria Escobar Wesley Gardner Rachel Leland Emily Lincke Ryan Reynolds Nichaela Shaheen Jessica Shorten Haley Velasco Aubrey Vogel Kevin Vu Graphic Designers Richard Galvan Ellen Jackson Matt Mills

Kim Giannetti General Manager kgiannetti@ communityimpact.com

Martha Risinger Jesus Verastegui Taylor White Ronald Winters Senior Managing Editor Matt Stephens Senior Product Manager Kaitlin Schmidt Quality Desk Editor Sierra Rozen

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Jason Culpepper Houston Market President jculpepper@ communityimpact.com

16300 Northwest Freeway Jersey Village, TX 77040 • 2814696181 CI careers

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Impacts

2 Uptown Cheapskate The thrift store buys and sells clothes and accessories. • Opened Feb. 27 • 6625 Spring Stuebner Road, Ste. 230, Spring • www.uptowncheapskate.com/location/spring 3 Slice of Venice Pizzeria The restaurant serves pizza, paninis and pasta dishes. • Opened in January • 5275 Louetta Road, Spring • Facebook: Slice of Venice Pizzeria 4 Five Below The store sells snacks, toys, home decor and more. • Opened Feb. 15 • 4613 FM 1960 W., Houston • www.fivebelow.com 5 Thai Garlic & Sushi The menu features Thai, Japanese and Hawaiian dishes. • Opened in late December 6 Luxe AF Motors The luxury and exotic car rental company also provides professional chauffeur services for special occasions. • Opened in early March • 3344 Spring Stuebner Road, Ste. C1, Spring • www.luxeafmotors.com 7 GloGeeks Houston The company offers custom outdoor lighting services. • Opened Feb. 17 • 8100 Cypresswood Drive, Houston • www.glogeeks.com 8 Prose Sterling One- and two-bedroom floor plans range from 696- 1,174 square feet at this new apartment complex. • 3645 FM 1960, Ste. 188, Houston • www.thaigarlicandsushitx.com

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249

1960

249

CUTTEN RD.

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9 Paleteria La Reina The shop serves ice cream, Mexican popsicles and more. • Opened Dec. 14

15 Advanced Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine

In the news

The clinic offers orthopedic services, imaging and physical therapy, and is moving from Hwy. 249. • Relocating this fall • 11520 Northpointe Blvd., Tomball • www.advancedosm.com

• 3710 FM 2920, Ste. 105, Spring • Facebook: Paleteria La Reina 2

Coming soon

In the news

10 Mambo Seafood The menu features fried seafood platters and more. • Opening in 2025

16 Los Cucos Mexican Restaurant After a fire destroyed the previous building in August 2023, the eatery rebuilt and reopened Feb. 14. • 22390 Hwy. 249, Houston • www.loscucos.com 17 Baldwin Boettcher Branch Library The newly constructed library reopened Jan. 13 after Hurricane Harvey destroyed the previous building. • 22248 Aldine Westfield Road, Humble • www.hcpl.net/locations/bb 18 NAM Resale Store Northwest Assistance Ministries reopened its resale shop Feb. 14 after renovations. • 15555 Kuykendahl Road, Houston • www.namonline.org 19 TOPS Surgical Specialty Hospital Jason Cunningham has been named the new CEO. • 17080 Red Oak Drive, Houston • www.tops-hospital.com 20 Courtyard Houston City Place The four-story, 125-room hotel is undergoing renovations through the second quarter. • 22742 Holzwarth Road, Spring • www.marriott.com 21 Residence Inn Houston City Place Renovations on the four-story, 128-suite hotel are expected to finish in the second quarter.

• 7728 FM 1960 W., Houston • www.mamboseafood.com

11 Amazing Explorers Academy The child care facility is geared for kids up to age 4. • Opening in April • 5701 Hampton Pointe Blvd., Spring • www.aexplorers.com 12 Duck Donuts Doughnuts and breakfast sandwiches are served. • Opening in March • 3555 Rayford Road, Ste. 70, Spring • www.duckdonuts.com/spring 13 Amplify Tomball The townhome community will have 170 units. • Opening in 2026 • 17318 N. Eldridge Parkway, Tomball • www.ascendantdevco.com/properties/amplify-tomball

22 Meyer Park Harris County Precinct 3 officials celebrated the opening of a new inclusive playground and three pickleball courts at Meyer Park on Feb. 5. The 8,650-square-foot playground features equipment for learning and playing, including an electric piano panel, chimes, a miniature truck and a playhouse.

• 7700 Cypresswood Drive, Spring • www.pct3.com/explore/parks

• 22814 Holzwarth Road, Spring • www.marriott.com

23 Pentecostals of Cypress Creek The church celebrated its 20th anniversary in February and has grown to 580 people since opening. • 16102 Kuykendahl Road, Houston • www.ipuhcc.us Base Power The energy provider began operating locally this February and offers a backup power battery with monthly membership plans. • www.basepowercompany.com

Relocations

14 Prismatic Salon The hair salon is moving to a larger space. • Relocating in early May • 8765 Spring Cypress, Spring • www.prismaticsalon.com

SPRING - KLEIN EDITION

Government

BY DANICA LLOYD

How ESD 11 is helping train Alaska’s future paramedics

Alaska native Sean O’Connor will soon be a full-time paramedic in his home state. As part of his education program, he traveled over 4,000 miles to train at Emergency Services District 11 in northwest Harris County, which he said has a larger population than the entire state of Alaska. In a nutshell O’Connor is a student at Kenai Peninsula College, a satellite campus of the University of Alaska Anchorage. Before graduating from the school’s paramedic program, students must leave the state to complete a 480-hour capstone internship. Program director Paul Perry said about 170 students have completed the associate of applied science degree in paramedic technology pro- gram, which is now in its 20th year. “It’s important for students to see things other than Alaska,” Perry said. “We can talk about it in class, but until you have a patient who has a snake bite, or until you have a patient who’s suering from a heat emergency, those are things that we can’t even teach outside of a textbook up here.” Diving in deeper Capstone internships take place in several dierent states, including four departments in the

Sean O’Connor, a paramedic student from Alaska, spent six weeks in January and February training at Harris County ESD 11.

DANICA LLOYDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

in Texas are among the most advanced in the U.S. when it comes to protocols, research and technology. The higher call volume is the primary reason students benet from Houston-area internships, he said. Departments in Alaska might get one or two calls a day for their entire city, while O’Con- nor said he experienced as many as 14 calls per shift during his time in Houston.

What’s next After the six-week internship, students return to take their nal exams and national registry exams. While many students—including O’Connor— return home to serve as full-time paramedics in Alaska, others have been hired in the Houston area after training with local departments, Perry said.

Greater Houston area: • Harris County ESD 11

• Fort Bend Emergency Medical Service • Montgomery County Hospital District • Harris County Emergency Corps Perry said emergency services departments

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BY EMILY LINCKE

Harris County early childhood education program facing closure A pilot program offering free early childhood edu- cation for children ages 4 and younger across Harris County could be ending soon once federal funding runs out, county commissioners said Feb. 6. The overview Officials launched Harris County’s Early Reach Education Access for Children pilot program in June 2023 to provide free, high-quality child care for fam- ilies in high-need areas, addressing the challenges faced by both children and child care providers in the county, Community Impact previously reported. It was launched using funds from the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act, which were temporary, meaning additional funding would eventually be needed, officials said. ARPA funds must be spent by the end of 2026.

County to look at $130M shortfall

Early reach centers

Precinct 1 Precinct 3

Precinct 2 Precinct 4

Harris County officials said at a Feb. 6 meeting they are anticipating a $130 million gap in funding of drainage projects due to inflated costs of construction materials. The full story Harris County’s subdivision drainage program was designed to reduce the risk of flooding for 45,000 homes countywide upon completion, as previously reported by Community Impact . The funding shortage follows a number of challenges for the program, including a $277 million funding shortfall announced in 2023, prompting the county to pause 33 projects under the program. Most of the $130 million gap could impact projects in Precinct 1, which makes up much of central Harris County, officials said.

290

99 TOLL

610

149

GALVESTON BAY

1,300 children across the county participated in the program

$15 guaranteed minimum wage for child care providers

4 and younger are ages of eligible children

$29 million in ARPA funding spent on the program

SOURCE: HARRIS COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

SPRING - KLEIN EDITION

Education

BY ANGELA BONILLA & EMILY LINCKE

Lone Star College OKs couseling program On Feb. 6, the Lone Star College System’s board of trustees unanimously approved the purchase of a comprehensive mental health counseling service program. Long story short According to the board agenda, the mental health counseling service would be a program conducted for three years with Communities in Schools of Houston for $9.5 million from the 2025 budget. Why it matters LSCS requested licensed professional mental health counselors to deliver “emo- tional, psychological and/or behavioral support during a crisis or difficult time for its student body,” according to the Feb. 6 meeting agenda.

Kindergarten readiness

37.9%

Spring ISD pre-K students

82%

15.3%

Spring ISD students who didn't attend pre-K

Students are deemed ready for kindergarten when they exhibit adequate early literacy and reading comprehension skills.

20%

64.9%

Houston region pre-K students

81.7%

40.6%

Houston region students who didn't attend pre-K

English speakers Spanish speakers

35.1%

20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

SOURCE: KINDER INSTITUTE FOR URBAN RESEARCH HOUSTON EDUCATION RESEARCH CONSORTIUM/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Pre-K helps students prepare, study shows Spring ISD’s pre-K program led to higher kinder- garten preparedness and lower chronic absentee- ism for students, according to a study from Rice University’s Kinder Institute for Urban Research. The big picture The Houston Education Research Consortium

released research in November about how pre-K participation impacted students at public school districts across the Greater Houston area. In January, SISD released its pre-K program results. SISD students who attended pre-K in the district showed more readiness for kindergarten. Meanwhile, chronic absenteeism was 30.3% for SISD kindergarteners who didn’t attend pre-K compared to 22.4% for those who did. “We have seen the results firsthand, and we are determined to continue making early education a priority for our district,” SISD Superintendent Lupita Hinojosa said via a Jan. 8 news release.

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Education

BY EMILY LINCKE

Schools still battling inflated costs 5 years after pandemic’s start

Breaking down the data

For students in grades 3-8, KISD and SISD saw overall lowered student passage rates for the spring 2024 State of Texas Assessments of Aca- demic Readiness versus the spring 2019 scores, according to TEA data. “Unlike literacy, numeracy builds upon con- cepts/skills and during the pandemic there was interrupted education, thus creating gaps in the sequence of mathematical skills that needed to have been learned,” SISD leaders said.

the shortfalls to factors such as high rates of inflation and a lack of additional funding from the state. According to the TEA’s federal report cards: • Total per-pupil spending spiked 14.7% and 26% for KISD and SISD, respectively, from the 2018- 19 school year to 2022-23. • KISD and SISD saw a 13.3% and a 23.5% increase in instructional costs from the 2018-19 school year to 2022-23, respectively. “Despite these rising costs, our district remains committed to prioritizing student success, teacher retention and maintaining high- quality instruction and facilities,” KISD Chief Financial Officer Dan Schaefer said in an emailed statement.

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, Klein and Spring ISDs have experienced inflated instructional and operating costs, decreased overall student test performance, and lowered staff qualifications, federal report card data from the Texas Education Agency shows. This March marks five years since the coronavirus pandemic shut down schools and businesses across the globe in 2020, which left lasting impacts in many industries, including education. School districts across the Greater Houston area faced budget challenges for the 2024- 25 fiscal year; KISD and SISD anticipate about $33 million and $12 million general fund shortfalls, respectively, as previously reported by Community Impact . The districts attributed

Passage rate changes, 2019 vs. 2024 Data shows the difference in percentage points of students who passed the STAAR between spring 2019 and 2024. Klein ISD Spring ISD

-20-15

-10-5

+5 +10 +15 +20

3rd grade 4th grade 5th grade 6th grade 7th grade 8th grade 3rd grade 4th grade 5th grade 6th grade 7th grade 8th grade

District per-pupil spending

Difference in total spending: $1,322

Difference in total spending: $2,493

Klein ISD

Spring ISD

2018-19

2022-23

$6,000 $4,000 $8,000

$600 $800 $400 $200

Food services

General administration

Instructional staff

Pupils

Student transportation

Instruction

SOURCE: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Teacher experience 2018-19 2023-24

Dig deeper

Major takeaways

Since before the pandemic, the number of teachers without certifications for the subjects they’re teaching and the percentage of inexperi- enced teachers and principals have risen at both KISD and SISD, data shows. According to the TEA’s reports, teachers without certifications in their subject: • Rose 7.8 percentage points from the 2018-19 school year to the 2023-24 school year for KISD • Increased 21.2 percentage points for SISD from the 2018-19 school year to the 2023-24 school year

Klein ISD

Klein ISD Spring ISD Spring ISD

40%

Both districts have implemented programs to improve student academics in response to pandemic impacts. Examples include: • Tutorial and intervention programs • Targeted reading programs • More personalized student support

30%

20%

10%

Teachers not certified in subject

*Inexperienced teachers, principals

*INCLUDES EDUCATORS WHO RECENTLY ENTERED THE FIELD SOURCE: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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Transportation

BY DANICA LLOYD

TxDOT progressing on FM 1960 widening efforts Intersection and operational improvements are underway for the FM 1960 widening project extending from Hwy. 249 to Cutten Road in the Willowbrook area. What’s happening Officials with the Texas Department of Trans- portation said the work includes: • Concrete pavement reconstruction • New traffic signals • Sidewalk reconstruction and other accessibility improvements • Railroad crossing improvements The comprehensive project began in December 2023 and is on track to wrap up by mid-2026, TxDOT public information officer Bambi Hall said in an email. Drivers and pedestrians can expect closures throughout the project.

3 roads under reconstruction

1960

Asphalt reconstruction is underway on three Harris County Precinct 3 roads: • Root Road and Dowdell Road between Kuykendahl Road and Gosling Road • Kuykendahl Road from Creek Wood Drive to south of Northcrest Drive The $4.1 million project is expected to be completed by early April, officials said.

249

CUTTEN RD.

About 80% of the $27.3 million project is funded by federal sources, while 20% is covered by the state. Design work on the project dates back to 2006, Community Impact previously reported. Also of note East of Cutten Road, $10.5 million in pedestrian accessibility improvements are under construc- tion through I-45. The work includes utility adjustments and the construction of curb ramps, sidewalks, driveways and pedestrian signals. Work began in December and is expected to continue through the end of 2026, Hall said.

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Cracking down on crime From the cover

The overview

Total incident response by ZIP code, 2019-24

77090 had the highest number of cases countywide with 41,931 cases between 2019-24.

Key

Fewer than 1,000 1,001-5,000 5,001-10,000 10,001-15,000 15,001-20,000 More than 20,000

The Harris County Sheri’s Oce will be getting a sixth district later this year when new boundary lines go into eect. Capt. Mike Koteras, who is overseeing the new Spring-area district, said reducing each district’s geographic area will: • Allow for a greater concentration of deputies in each district • Reduce radio trafic on each district’s channel • Reduce response times for calls for service This change will also allow for more strategic patrolling of violent crime hotspots such as the FM 1960 and I-45 corridor, he said. “You can have a criminal oense—a violent crime—occur on the west side of I-45, and the criminals could run across I-45 and … some of the [deputies] on the other side of I-45 may not know what’s going on,” Koteras said. Organized violent crime in apartment complexes, aggravated assaults and robberies at businesses are some of the key concerns for this area, Koteras said. Residents also have “quality of life” concerns, such as trash dumping, loud noise, stop sign violators and speeding. Koteras said he’s also focused on combatting homelessness with an emphasis on mental health.

290

77388

610

77389

77373

77379

610

77073

77070

77068

77069

77090

NOTE: WHILE THE MAP SHOWS ALL ZIP CODES COUNTYWIDE, THE HARRIS COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE SERVES UNINCORPORATED AREAS OF HARRIS COUNTY. SOURCE: HARRIS COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICECOMMUNITY IMPACT He said over 60% of Harris County inmates are medicated for mental health issues.

improve public safety alongside the HCSO. “We know we’re not supposed to leave stu in our car because someone walking around might be looking for opportunity to commit crime,” said Tracy Harrison, vice president of public safety for the North Houston District. “It has to be a continued eort on educating and reminding people because ... they become complacent.”

“The overwhelming majority of people that live on the street [do so] because they are addicted to drugs and alcohol to cope with their mental illness, and they can’t get the assistance,” he said. Other local stakeholders have programs to

A closer look

How we got here

Crime prevention efforts

Harris County officials have implemented several initiatives to reduce crime in hotspots such as Cypress Station Drive, from increasing law enforce- ment presence to planning public art installations. Targeted gun violence prevention programs from Harris County Public Health include: • Relentless Interrupters Serving Everyone , which supports potential perpetrators or victims • Holistic Assistance Response Team , in which certified specialists have responded to over 17,400 nonviolent social service calls HCA Houston Healthcare Northwest CEO Joel North said the RISE program operates at his hospi- tal, a Level II trauma center that sees a “high rate” of gunshot wounds. “They actually have someone that’s stationed in our ER, and when individuals come in as victims of violent crimes, they become part of our care team and work with us to … try to find how they got there and how do we change those behaviors,” he said.

2005 The last reconfiguration of the HCSO’s patrol districts is completed. March 2022 Harris County Public Health launches RISE and HART programs in high-need ZIP codes. October 2023 Preparations for redrawing the HCSO’s patrol district boundaries begin. May 2024 Command staff selects the final map for new district boundaries. August 2025 The HCSO will launch the new district.

Targeting crime in Cypress Station Since increasing law enforcement presence in Cypress Station in August 2023, crime has decreased substantially, HCSO officials said.

After 1 year

Now vs. Q1 2023

-16% -36%

Total reported incidents Violent crime Gateway crimes* Family violence incidents

-21% -34% -22% -36% -29% -47%

-49% -61%

Aggravated robbery

*GATEWAY CRIMES INCLUDE PROSTITUTION, CRIMINAL MISCHIEF, UNLAWFUL CARRYING OF A WEAPON AND MARIJUANA POSSESSION. SOURCE: HARRIS COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE/COMMUNITY IMPACT Aggravated assault -30% -43% Deadly conduct -50% -88%

SOURCES: HARRIS COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE, HARRIS COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH/COMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY DANICA LLOYD

Some context

What’s next

Of the 10 Harris County ZIP codes where crime is most prevalent, five are in the Spring area, according to the HCSO. Lupe Washington, director of the Community Health and Violence Prevention Services division of HCPH, said the county analyzed gun violence

and social vulnerability data to determine where HART and RISE would launch. “These tend to be neighborhoods that have been historically underserved. They may be areas where there are food deserts; transportation may be an issue,” Washington said.

Harris County’s 2022 bond program funded $100 million in public safety facilities, including $7.6 million to open a patrol station for the new HCSO district near Cypress Station Drive. Koteras said the building will feature: • Quarterly safety briefings • Space for community groups to meet

Cases per 100 residents, 2019-24 While ZIP code 77090 has the highest crime rate and lowest median household income locally, ZIP code 77389 has the lowest crime rate and highest median household income. Income and crime rate comparison

• A manned drone patrol tower • Recharge rooms for officers

Leading up to the district’s launch, Koteras said his team is focused on community engagement, including education about crime prevention and resources such as the Crime Stoppers anonymous tipline. “It’s important for [residents] to feel safe so they stay here, they want to live here, they want to work here, they want to invest here,” Harrison said.

$145.2K

$150K

$110.7K

$101.6K

$85.9K

$86.7K

$72.3K

$73.6K

$72.4K

$100K

$48.2K

$50K

77068

77069

77070

77073

77090

77373

77379

77388

77389

100

*MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME DATA IS FROM 2023. SOURCES: HARRIS COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE, U.S. CENSUS BUREAU’S AMERICAN COMMUNITY SURVEY 5-YEAR ESTIMATES/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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Community

Camp Guide

2025

Alodia Basketball Academy Type: day, sports Ages: kindergarten-eighth grade Dates: May 27-Aug. 14

Camp Lone Star Type: arts, day, sports Ages: 7-11 Dates: June 2-July 18 Cost: $300-$375 per week • Camp Lone Star, 22610 Tuwa Road, Tomball • www.camplonestar.org

Cost: TBD • Kinsmen Lutheran Church, 12100 Champion Forest Drive, Houston • www.kinsmenlutheran.org/camp-hope Camp Invention: Discover Type: academics, arts, day Ages: entering kindergarten-sixth grade; seventh-ninth grade (Leaders-in-Training) Dates: June 9-27 Cost: $275-$290 per week • Locations vary • www.invent.org/programs/camp-invention Camp Kinsmen Type: day Ages: entering first-eighth grade Dates: June 2-6, June 30-July 3, July 7-11, July 14-18, July 21-25, July 28-Aug. 1, Aug. 4-8 Cost: TBD • Kinsmen Lutheran Church, 12100 Champion Forest Drive, Houston • www.kinsmenlutheran.org/camp-kinsmen

Cost: $155 per week (half-day), $245 per week (full day) • Salem Lutheran Church, 22601 Lutheran Church Road, Tomball; Creekside Park Junior High School, 8711 Creekside Green Drive, The Woodlands • www.alodiacamps.com Art Camps at Cordovan Art School Type: arts, day Ages: 5-16 Dates: May 27-Aug. 12 Cost: $240-$479 per week • Cordovan Art School, 8905 Louetta Road, Spring • www.cordovanartschool.com

Creator Camp Type: academics, arts, day Ages: 6-13 Dates: June 2-Aug. 8

Cost: $159-$178 (two-day), $238-$269 (three-day) • Cunae International School, 5655 Creekside Forest

Drive, The Woodlands • www.creatorcamp.org

Cypress Academy Ninja Type: day, sports Ages: 4-14 Dates: June 2-Aug. 8 Cost: $260-$290 per week

Camp Hope Type: day Ages: entering kindergarten-seventh grade Dates: June 9-27

R A

Take an ordinary summer to extraordinary with a unique experience that brings the thrill of outdoor adventure to day camp. Campers will explore a variety of activities that spark imagination, inspire fun and create lasting memories. ll explore a variety of e lasting memories. ue experience that brings

SCAN TO LEARN MORE

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

• Cypress Academy Ninja, 7602 Dowdell Road, Spring • www.cypressacademyninja.com/summer-camps

Spring

Houston

Cypress Academy Type: day, sports Ages: 4-14 Dates: June 16-20, July 21-25, Aug. 4-8 Cost: $215-$250 per week • Cypress Academy, 23200 Kuykendahl Road, Tomball • www.cypressacademy.com/summer-camps John Wesley Methodist Church Type: day, sports Ages: 3 through completed fifth grade Dates: June 16-20 Cost: $25 • John Wesley Methodist Church, 5830 Bermuda Dunes Drive, Houston • www.jwchurch.org National Youth Theater: Camp Oz Day Camp Type: arts, day Ages: 6-12 Dates: June 23-27 Cost: $175-$200 per week • Church Project, 602 Pruitt Road, The Woodlands • www.nationalyouththeater.org/day-camps

inSPIRE Rock Climbing Camp Type: day, sports Ages: 6-12 Dates: June 2-Aug. 1 Cost: $279 per week • inSPIRE Spring, 403 E. Louetta Road, Spring • www.inspirerock.com/camps

Northland Christian School Cougar Camp Type: academics, arts, day Ages: 5-11 Dates: June 3-July 26 Cost: $230-$260 per week • Northland Christian School, 4363 Sylvanfield Drive, Houston • www.northlandchristian.org

CONTINUED ON 19

Summer ART CAMPS

NOW ENROLLING

Encouraging independent learning in a supportive, teacher-guided environment. Infants 6 weeks – Primary kindergarten SCHEDULE

$100 OFF REGISTRATION Exp. 4/19/2025

Buy 3, Get 4th Camp FREE* or $25 off any Half-Day Camp Sale applies to 5-Day Camps *Only pay supply fee for 4th camp. Cannot be combined with other offers Expires March 31, 2025 Art Classes / Art Camps / Pottery / Parties CordovanArtSchool.com

A TOUR TODAY!

JOIN US FOR OUR OPEN HOUSE CALL FOR DETAILS

13654 SCHROEDER RD, HOUSTON, 77070 | ARKAACADEMY.COM | (346) 314-8760

SPRING - KLEIN EDITION

Join us in celebrating the ��-Year Journey of Making Art Matter In Town Green Park & Along The Woodlands Waterway®

Buy Tickets

www.TheWoodlandsArtsCouncil.org �� Juried Fine Artists Live Music Kids Art Activities Food & Drinks

at St. Timothy’s

Join Us (DVWHU 6XQGD\ Service Times, $SULO : Join Us (DVWHU 6XQGD\ Service Times, $SULO :

at St. Timothy’s

Palm Sunday - April 13 7:30am Quiet 10:00am Combined Tradi�onal/Contemporary

Holy Wednesday - April 16 6:00pm Holy Eucharist 6:40pm Tenebrae Palm Sunday - April 13 7:30am Quiet 10:00am Combined Tradi�onal/Contemporary Holy Wednesday - April 16 6:00pm Holy Eucharist 6:40pm Tenebrae

7:30am 8:45am 11:00am Quiet Traditional Contemporary Easter Egg Hunt for all kids up to 12 at 10:15am 7:30am 8:45am 11:00am Quiet Traditional Contemporary Easter Egg Hunt for all kids up to 12 at 10:15am

Maundy Thursday - April 17 7:00pm Holy Eucharist with Foot Washing and the Stripping of the Altar 8:30pm All-Night Vigil Good Friday - April 18 12:00pm Good Friday Liturgy Mass of the Pre-Sanc�fied and Adora�on 5:00pm Rosary 6:00pm Sta�ons of the Cross Holy Saturday - April 19 7:30pm Easter Vigil with Bap�sms Maundy Thursday - April 17 7:00pm Holy Eucharist with Foot Washing and the Stripping of the Altar 8:30pm All-Night Vigil Good Friday - April 18 12:00pm Good Friday Liturgy Mass of the Pre-Sanc�fied and Adora�on 5:00pm Rosary 6:00pm Sta�ons of the Cross Holy Saturday - April 19 7:30pm Easter Vigil with Bap�sms

6�� o�e�a �d� Spring, TX 77379 281-255-4111 6�� o�e�a �d� Spring, TX 77379 281-255-4111

6W7LPRWK\lV 6W7LPRWK\lV Anglican Church Anglican Church

Visit www.sttimothysanglican.org for a full worship schedule. Visit www.sttimothysanglican.org for a full worship schedule.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Community

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

School of Rock Type: arts, day Ages: 4-18 (varies by camp, location) Dates: June 2-Aug. 1 Cost: $199-$450 per camp • School of Rock, 22424 Hwy. 249, Ste. A, Tomball; School of Rock, 21117 I-45, Ste. 600, Spring • www.schoolofrock.com Sixth Grade Strings Camp Type: arts, day Ages: entering sixth grade (Klein ISD students) Dates: June 9-13 Cost: $100 • Klein Collins High School, 20811 Ella Blvd., Klein • www.cypresscreekface.org/education/ strings-camp-2025 St. Timothy’s Anglican Church Type: Vacation Bible School Ages: 3-12 Dates: June 16-20 Cost: $5 • St. Timothy’s Anglican Church, 6819 Louetta, Spring • www.sttimothysanglican.org

Summer Strings Type: arts, day Ages: entering seventh-ninth grade Dates: July 7-11 Cost: $200 (Klein ISD students), $225 (non-KISD students) • Klein High School, 16715 Stuebner Airline Road, Klein • www.cypresscreekface.org Trinity Klein School Type: academics, arts, day, sports Ages: entering first-sixth grade Dates: June 2-Aug. 1 Cost: $240 per week (three days), $300 per week (five days) • 5201 Spring Cypress Road, Spring • www.sites.google.com/trinityklein.org/ tksummercamp YMCA Adventure Camp Type: academics, arts, day, sports Ages: 5-15 Dates: June 8-Aug. 15 Cost: $225 per week, $45 registration fee • D. Bradley McWilliams YMCA at Cypress Creek, 19915 Hwy. 249, Houston • www.ymcahouston.org

CONTINUED FROM 17

Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts Type: arts, day Ages: 5-12 Dates: June 2-Aug. 1

Cost: $180 per week (half-day), $250 per week (full day) • Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts, 6815 Cypresswood Drive, Spring • www.pearlmfa.org

Playhouse 1960 Type: arts, day Ages: 5-19 Dates: June 2-July 20

Cost: $285 per two- or three-week camp • Playhouse 1960, 6814 Gant Road, Houston • www.playhouse1960.com

Primrose Schools Summer Adventure Club Type: academics, arts, day, sports Ages: 5-12 Dates: May 30-Aug. 12 Cost: $235 per week • Locations vary by camp • www.primroseschools.com

This list is not comprehensive.

Adventure Woods Day Camp: A Summer of Adventurous Christ-Centered Experiences—Right in Your Community!

Primrose School of Spring-Klein 22003 Bridgestone Lane Spring, TX 77388 281.350.9595 PrimroseSpring-Klein.com We build character with a little help from our Friends.

Day camp designed for children ages 7-11 Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m Bible Study, Canoeing & Kayaking, Tomahawks & Slingshots, Challenge Course, Swimming, Rock Wall, Arts & Crafts, and much more! Campers will have the opportunity to explore God’s creation, discover more about Jesus, and make lifelong friends.

CAMP LONE STAR (979) 968-1657 · registration@camplonestar.org 22610 Tuwa Road, Tomball, TX 77375

Each Primrose school is a privately owned and operated franchise. Primrose Schools is a registered trademark of Primrose School Franchising SPE, LLC. ©2025 Primrose School Franchising SPE, LLC. All rights reserved.

SPRING - KLEIN EDITION

2025

PERSONALIZED 24/7 MEMORY CARE SERVICES TAILORED TO THE UNIQUE NEEDS OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DEMENTIA OR ALZHEIMER’S.

Fun for the Entire Family Entire Family CELEBRATING OUR 25 TH YEAR! HERITAGE FESTIVAL

German Food · Carnival · Kids Area Street Performers · 200 Street Vendors and 4 Music Stages

March 28th-30th Fri: 6 pm -10 pm · Sat: 10 am -10 pm · Sun: 10 am -6 pm FREE ADMISSION, PARKING & SHUTTLE Shuttle parking is in the East lot of HCA Houston Healthcare - Tomball with shuttle running continuously on Saturday & Sunday.

2025

F e s t . o

Fun for the Entire Family Entire Family CELEBRATING OUR 25 TH YEAR! HERITAGE FESTIVAL

German Food · Carnival · Kids Area Street Performers · 200 Street Vendors and 4 Music Stages

MEMORY CARE APARTMENTS STARTING AT $1,999/MO.* *plus level of care Private apartments are available!

OUR DEDICATED STAFF PROVIDES COMPASSIONATE CARE, ENGAGING ACTIVITIES, AND DELICIOUS MEALS IN A SAFE AND SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT. ENJOY A VARIETY OF AMENITIES INCLUDING OUR AWARD-WINNING MONTESSORI-BASED SPARK ACTIVITIES PROGRAM

10120 Louetta Rd, Houston, TX 77070 (832) 761-7632 www.aubergevintagelake.com

e s t o

A-Rated, Tuition-Free, Public Charter School | Where Students Invent Their Futures

Locations SST Champions 15015 T.C. Jester Blvd. Houston, TX 77068 (281) 893-0802 PreK-5th Grade SST Champions College Prep 15015 T.C. Jester Blvd. Houston, TX 77068 (281) 836-5742 6th-12th Grade SST Willow Creek 22719 Kuykendahl Rd. Spring, TX 77389

sstschools.org

Extracurricular Activities Specialized clubs and organizations that include:

College, Career, and Military Readiness Preparing students for successful futures through hands-on training. Before and After School Care Supervised care for students to accommodate parents’ busy schedules.

What We Offer: Academics Hands-on, project-based

(346) 435-9395 Prek-6th Grade SST Spring 2105 Louetta Rd. Spring, TX 77388

STEM-focused curriculum Robotics Athletics Math League Drama and many more!

Character Education Developing our students’ positive character traits, values, and behavior.

(281) 528-0096 PreK-7th Grade

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Business

BY JOVANNA AGUILAR

National Museum of Funeral History acquires certied Shroud of Turin Founded by the late funeral director Robert Waltrip in 1992, the National Museum of Funeral History houses the evolution of funeral practices, museum president Genevieve Keeney said. The most recent addition is the Shroud of Turin, known to the Catholic community as the cloth Jesus Christ was buried in. Zooming in An imprinted image on the Shroud is believed to have been created by the light of the resurrection, but its authenticity remains a topic of debate, Keeney said. The museum will hold an exhibit in April featur- ing an artistic interpretation, including art pieces of the Shroud from dierent time periods, allowing attendees to draw their own conclusions. The history Led by Keeney, a funeral director and embalmer who joined the museum in 2006, the National Museum of Funeral History showcases exhibits dat- ing back to the earliest recorded history of burials. “[Funeral artifacts] tell how we have evolved and how we’ve been caring for our dead for hundreds of years. And so [Waltrip] felt it was important to capture, maintain and showcase the history of our industry,” Keeney said. Keeney said the History of Cremations is the most visited exhibit in the museum as it is the top burial method used in funeral practices today.

The Post-Mortem Photography wall features photos of the deceased. Photographing family members at the time of their death was a funeral practice used in American and European cultures in the 19th century.

PHOTOS BY JOVANNA AGUILARCOMMUNITY IMPACT

E Y

415 Barren Springs Drive, Houston www.nm.org

The National Museum of Funeral History’s latest artifacts come from Egyptian funeral practices.

SPRING KLEIN EDITION

Events

State

BY JOVANNA AGUILAR

BY EMILY LINCKE, JESSICA SHORTEN & AUBREY VOGEL

4 legislative updates from Houston-area lawmakers

March

April

‘Peter and the Star Catcher’ Playhouse 1960 presents a play about orphan boys who meet the daughter of an English lord on a ship. • March, 21-23, 28-29, April 4-5, 8 p.m.; April 6, 3 p.m. • $22-$24

Canadian Brass Cypress Creek FACE presents Canadian Brass at The Centrum, featuring musical styles from trademark Baroque and Dixieland tunes to Bach and Handel. • April 5, 7:30 p.m. • $45-$75 • 6823 Cypresswood Drive, Spring • www.cypresscreekface.org Pickleball and Cornhole tournament The Champion Project is hosting a pickleball and cornhole tournament fundraiser at Community Fieldhouse to raise money for youth in foster care. • April 11, 1-5 p.m. • $150 (per pickleball team), $100 (per cornhole team) Easter celebration City Place is holding an Easter celebration featuring crafts, a petting zoo and the Easter bunny. • April 19, 3:30-6:30 p.m. • Free (admission) • 1250 Lake Plaza Drive, Spring • www.cityplacenow.com • 2007 Riley Fuzzel Road, Spring • www.thechampionproject.org

With all committee assignments officially announced for the Texas House, both chambers of the legislature are beginning to move bills to various Senate and House committees. Here are four local bills Community Impact staff are keeping an eye on as bills begin to move into the next stage in the legislative process. 1 Magnolia could see driver’s license mega center State Rep. Cecil Bell Jr., R-Magnolia, launched an initiative to construct a new driver’s license mega center in the Magnolia area. Bell’s office filed House Concurrent Resolution 11 in November in an effort to order the Texas Department of Public Safety to prioritize the center’s construction. Concurrent resolutions must be approved by both houses of the Legislature but are often used to provide direction to state agencies and boards.

3 Lawmakers hope to up emergency preparation in senior living facilities Two bills filed by Sen. Carol Alvarado, D-Houston, and Rep. Ana Hernandez, D-Houston, aim to improve emergency preparedness in senior living facilities, according to filings. Alvarado’s proposed bill, Senate Bill 481—referred to a committee Feb. 3—would call for facilities to create emergency response plans. Hernandez’s legislation, House Bill 2218, would require generators for emergencies in facilities with elevators. 4 Legislators push for Anti-Human Trafficking Intelligence Center Senate Bill 389, filed by Sen. Mayes Middleton, R-Galveston, aims to create an Anti-Human Trafficking Intelligence Center under the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation to serve as the state’s primary entity for tracking and response efforts regarding human trafficking.

2 Houston lawmakers look to regu- late cottage food production industry The state Health and Human Services Commission would oversee the production of food made and sold from individuals’ homes if House Bill 2588 passed. Filed by state Rep. Lacey Hull, R-Houston, the bill also prevents local governments and health departments from regulating and requiring licensure or permitting to operate.

• 6814 Gant Road, Houston • www.playhouse1960.com

‘The Art of Ezra Tucker’ The Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts is showcasing an exhibition focused on the historic Black experience in the American West. • Through March 22, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. • Free (admission) • 6815 Cypresswood Drive, Spring • www.pearlmfa.org Spring Fire Department demonstration The event at Hurricane Harbor will feature a firefighter challenge, helicopters, live music, car extrications, food trucks and family-friendly activities. • March 29, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. • Free (admission) • 21300 I-45 N., Spring • www.springfd.org

What can a cottage food production make?

Healthy Kids Running Series The national community-based nonprofit provides an inclusive running series for kids ages 2-14 at the D. Bradley McWilliams YMCA at Cypress Creek. • March 23, April 6 and 13, 4 p.m. • $22.20 (per race) • 19915 Hwy. 249, Houston • www.healthykidsrunningseries.org

Allowed

Not allowed

Baked goods Fermented vegetable products Fruits (frozen and fresh)

Meats Seafood Ice and ice products Raw milk Low-acid canned goods

Dried herbs and seasoning mixes

SOURCE: TEXAS LEGISLATURE ONLINE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

SPRING STUEBNER 6603 Spring Stuebner Rd (281) 288-0239

NORTH LOUETTA 1614 Louetta (281) 350-1198 KUYKENDAHL 13313 Kuykendahl (281) 873-5220

LOUETTA 7314 Louetta (281) 370-1986

WILLOWBROOK 6927 FM 1960 W (281) 580-1734

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