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LAKE HOUSTON HUMBLE KINGWOOD EDITION
VOLUME 7, ISSUE 11 MARCH 22 APRIL 25, 2023
REDUCING THE FLOOD RISK The new design for the Lake Houston Spillway Dam Improvement Project would add 11 new gates near the existing dam structure. This visual is not an exact recreation of the project’s design.
Proposed
Existing
Sweet Granny Bea’s now baking treats in Humble
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Proposed dam improvements would:
Existing Proposed
Oklahoma City with no means of communicating with his wife. “I waited there for three days not knowing whether she was alive or dead or whether the house was destroyed,” said Rehak, a local ood expert who runs ReduceFlooding.com. “I was going crazy.” Rehak said his home, which is positioned just north of the San Jacinto River near Lake Houston, was the rst property positioned between his home and the river that did not ood during Harvey. Most of his neighbors’ properties, however, were heavily damaged. Provide ood damage reduction to more than 5,000 additional residential, commercial and industrial structures Provide an estimated $500 million in economic bene ts to the Lake Houston area over 50 years Allow the city to lower Lake Houston’s water levels roughly 10 times faster than the current dam structure
The additional gates would be built in the earthen embankment near the existing dam structure.
COURTESY CITY OF HOUSTON
Senior Activity Center project moves forward
SOURCE: CITY OF HOUSTONCOMMUNITY IMPACT
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Houston seeks additional $150M for Lake Houston dam improvement project When Hurricane Harvey inundated Harris County with more than 47 inches of rain over a four-day span in August 2017, Kingwood resident Bob Rehak was stuck in BY WESLEY GARDNER
CAMP GUIDE 2023
Local summer camps
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CONTINUED ON 18
Development booms in Valley Ranch after Grand Parkway extension BY HANNAH BROL
Since the opening of the Grand Parkway extension between New Caney and Baytown in May, devel- opment has ourished in Valley Ranch over the past several months with more on the horizon. Developed by The Signorelli Co., Valley Ranch is a 1,400-acre master-planned community located at Hwy. 59 and the Grand Parkway in New Caney. The community is segmented into districts based on designated use, with Valley Ranch Town Center—which includes more than 1.5 million square feet of retail and dining—experiencing the most CONTINUED ON 20
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Humble’s Mean Burger boasts quality ingredients
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Valley Ranch Town Center is home to more than 1.5 million square feet of shopping, dining and entertainment oerings. (Hannah Brol/Community Impact)
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LAKE HOUSTON HUMBLE KINGWOOD EDITION • MARCH 2023
Easter at Second A l i’ rce p t e
EASTER CELEBRATION SERVICES
FRI-SUN • APR 7-9 Worship and celebrate the risen Savior at one of our Easter services!
Visit second.org/easter or scan the QR code for more information.
Passion Week Experience Wed-Thu • Apr 5-6 • 8:30AM - 8:30PM
Prepare your heart for Easter as you walk through Christ's last days in an immersive, self-guided journey through the stations of the cross. Interactive guidebooks are available for preschool ages and up.
North Campus | 22770 Hwy 59N at Kingwood Dr.
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THIS ISSUE
ABOUT US Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today. We have expanded to include hundreds of team members and have created our own software platform and printing facility. CI delivers 35+ localized editions across Texas to more than 2.5 million residential mailboxes. MARKET TEAM GENERAL MANAGER Kim Giannetti EDITOR Hannah Brol REPORTERS Wesley Gardner, Emily Lincke GRAPHIC DESIGNER Ronald Winters ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Richard Hernandez METRO LEADERSHIP PUBLISHER Jason Culpepper MANAGING EDITOR Matt Stephens COPY EDITOR Adrian Gandara ART PRODUCTION MANAGER Ethan Pham CONTACT US 16300 Northwest Freeway Jersey Village, TX 77040 • 2814696181 CI CAREERS communityimpact.com/careers PRESS RELEASES lhknews@communityimpact.com ADVERTISING lhkads@communityimpact.com Learn more at communityimpact.com/advertising EMAIL NEWSLETTERS communityimpact.com/newsletter SUPPORT US Join your neighbors by giving to the CI Patron program. Funds support our journalistic mission to provide trusted, local news in your community. Learn more at communityimpact.com/cipatron
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS MONTH
FROM KIM: Summer is almost here, and that means the kids will soon be out of school. Lucky for you, we’ve included a list of camps to keep the kids active and entertained this summer. Some of the fun options oered by various local camps include dodgeball, ag football, swimming, arts and crafts, cooking, and more. Summer camps create memories your kids will always have for years to come. To learn more about this summer’s camp opportunities in the Lake Houston community as well as the Greater Houston area, see our annual Camp Guide on pages 12-13. Kim Giannetti, GENERAL MANAGER
FROM HANNAH: Since its construction seven decades ago, the Lake Houston spillway dam has remained largely unchanged outside of some minor repairs that took place in the mid-1980s. Nearly six years ago, Hurricane Harvey hit the Greater Houston area, overwhelming the dam with water being discharged at a rate of 425,000 cubic feet per second. Since then, ocials have been working to nd a solution to improve the dam’s capacity, though funding continues to be an obstacle. To learn more about the latest development in the project, see our front-page story, which continues on pages 18-19. Hannah Brol, EDITOR
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LAKE HOUSTON HUMBLE KINGWOOD EDITION • MARCH 2023
IMPACTS
Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon, relocating or expanding
NOW OPEN 1 Sweet Granny Bea’s opened at 403 First St. E., Ste. C, Humble, on Jan. 25, according to owner Bea Emanuel-Sims. Named for Emanuel-Sims’ grandmother, the bakery oers a selection of homemade desserts including pies, cheesecakes, cookies and brownies. 832-874-1070. www.sweetgrannybeas.com 2 Following a soft opening Feb. 4, J&CO Vintage Market is now open Fridays-Sundays at 20360 FM 1314, Porter. Owned by Jared and Christi O’Farrell, the business oers vintage, antique and unique home furnishings and decor. The business is planning to host its rst Market Trade Days on March 25. 281-726-1486. www.facebook.com/ jcovintagemarket73199 3 Club Champion announced the opening of its eighth Texas studio in Kingwood via a news release March 6. Located at 4417 Kingwood Drive, Kingwood, Club Champion ts, sells and builds custom golf clubs using brands such as Callaway, TaylorMade and Titleist. According to the release, the new 3,000-square-foot studio features two indoor hitting bays, a SAM PuttLab system, a demo matrix and a build shop for repairing and assembling golf clubs. The studio welcomes both walk-ins and appointments, which can be scheduled 4 Titan Environmental moved into its new building in New Caney in February. The 40,800-square-foot building is located at 18900 Ceila Way, New Caney, in the East Montgomery County Improvement District’s industrial park. Titan Environmental specializes in supplying, installing and manufacturing geosynthetics and engineering construction products. 713-849-1311. www.titanenviro.com 5 ARCpoint Labs celebrated a Nov. 28 soft opening for its new location at 17903 W. Lake Houston Parkway, Ste. 204, Humble. The business oers a variety of condential testing services for individuals, companies, and legal and health care professionals. The new Humble location will host a ribbon- online. 888-340-7820. www.clubchampion.com
cutting ceremony March 28. 717-864-6852. www.arcpointlabs.com/humble 6 On March 4, the Trail of the Lakes Municipal Utility District opened a 4-acre dog park in Humble, welcoming residents and their canine companions of all breeds and sizes. Located at 16323 Woodland Hills Drive, the park features walking paths, a splash pad, dog play zones and seating. A parking lot and walking trail were also added to connect the park with neighborhoods and trails in the area. 832-490-1500. www.trailofthelakesmud.com 7 Domino’s opened a new location March 15 at 22800 Hwy. 242, New Caney. The business serves pizzas, chicken wings, sandwiches, pastas and salads as well as desserts, such as chocolate lava cakes and cinnamon bread twists. 281-306-3636. www.dominos.com COMING SOON 8 In late March or early April, Crust Pizza Co. plans to open its newest Kingwood location at 4625 Kingwood Drive, Ste. 800. Crust Pizza Co. is based in The Woodlands, and the menu includes thin-crust pizzas as well as calzones, pasta and sub sandwiches. www.crustpizzaco.com 9 Valley Ranch Town Center’s new Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers location has been given an estimated opening date of early June. The restaurant will be located at 12105 Grand Parkway E., New Caney and oer a selection of chicken ngers and chicken sandwiches as well as sides like crinkle-cut fries, Texas toast and coleslaw. www.raisingcanes.com 10 An estimated opening date of mid- August has been set for the new Target under construction in Valley Ranch Town Center. Located at 11985 Grand Parkway N., New Caney, the new Target location will measure about 135,000 square feet once completed. www.target.com 11 Pacic Dental Services is planning to open a new location called New Caney Smiles in Valley Ranch Town Center. The dental o¡ce will be located in an o¡ce building that is under construction at 21856 Market Place Drive, New Caney. Construction on this space is expected
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The Kingwood-based business hosts artisan markets across the Houston, Austin and Dallas metros with vendors selling everything from high-end jewelry to artisan chocolate.
Sweet Granny Bea’s
Yummy Tummy Pastries
COURTESY SWEET GRANNY BEA’S
COURTESY YUMMY TUMMY PASTRIES
COURTESY VIBE ARTISAN MARKETS
FEATURED IMPACT NAME CHANGES Texas Artisan Markets will be rebranding as Vibe Artisan Markets this spring. According to CEO and founder Christina Terry, the name change will open the business up to expansion across other major U.S. cities outside of Texas. Founded in October 2020 by husband and wife Brad and Christina Terry, the Kingwood-based business hosts artisan markets across the Houston, Austin and Dallas metros with vendors selling everything from high-end jewelry and leather pieces to pottery and artisan chocolate. All markets are free to location at 20515 W. Lake Houston Parkway, Humble. O¡cials noted the new courts are coming as the company expands its pickleball oerings throughout the Greater Houston area with the opening of 37 permanent courts across eight locations. 832-445-3900. www.lifetime.life 18 Humble ISD o¡cials opened a new playground at Park Lakes Elementary in Humble on Feb. 16. O¡cials noted the new playground is coming as part of the district’s $775 million bond approved by voters in 2022. Located at 4400 Wilson Road, the new safari-themed playground features a roller slide, a zebra bouncy rider, a spiral slide, a cozy dome, a girae cutout and musical pieces to make sound. Additionally, the playground features swings, overhead climbers, a bouncy Jeep,
RELOCATIONS 15 By late spring, Yummy Tummy Pastries is planning to move within the city of Humble from 1005 First St. E. to 241 FM 1960 Bypass Road E. According to owner Letty Martinez, Yummy Tummy Pastries—which rst opened in 2010—oers staples such as strawberry shortcake, cookies and brownies as well as a rotating menu of seasonal items. The bakery also works closely with patrons to create custom cakes for a variety of celebrations ranging from birthdays to weddings. 281-446-0450. www.yummytummypastries.com EXPANSIONS 16 HCA Houston Healthcare Kingwood announced the opening of its second dedicated neuro-interventional radiology suite via a new release Feb. 17. Located at 22999 Hwy. 59 N., Kingwood, this is the hospital’s fourth neuro-capable room that uses the latest technology to diagnose and treat neurological conditions, such as strokes and brain aneurysms. According to the release, the suite’s image-guided technology enables physicians to treat many conditions that were previously only addressed through open surgery, resulting in less pain, fewer complications and a faster recovery for patients. 281-348-8000. www.hcahoustonhealthcare.com 17 Life Time Kingwood o¡cials are projecting a May opening for 22 new pickleball courts at the tness center’s
to nish in April; however, an opening date for the dental o¡ce had not been announced as of press time. www.pacicdentalservices.com 12 Elevated Land Solutions —a rm providing land development resources— will be moving to a new location in New Caney in mid-April, according to a spokesperson with the EMCID. The business’s location will be part of a 30,000-square-foot o¡ce building that is nearing completion at EMCID’s industrial park. The o¡ce building is located o Megan Way and Gene Campbell Road. 832-823-2200. www.elevationlandsolutions.com 13 Construction has been completed on a new MultiSeal location in New Caney, a spokesperson with the EMCID conrmed March 3. As of press time, a projected move-in date had not been announced, as MultiSeal is waiting on a few nal details to be completed. The business is located at the intersection of Christopher Way and Phillip Way in EMCID’s industrial park. MultiSeal manufactures tire sealants for industrial, agricultural and o-road vehicles. 800-577-3353. www.multiseal.us 14 Construction has begun at 21284 Hwy. 59, New Caney, on a new Saltgrass Steak House location, a spokesperson with public relations rm Total PR conrmed March 3. Slated to open later this year, the restaurant will be located in Valley Ranch Town Center and serve steaks, seafood, burgers and other American fare. www.saltgrass.com
spring pod steppers and a sensory wall. HISD o¡cials said the playground is open to the public when school is not in session. 281-641-3200. www.humbleisd.net/ple By the end of 2023, Comcast/Xnity will be expanding its new 10G internet network into Kingwood and in other areas of Southeast Texas soon after, according to a Feb. 21 news release from Comcast. This $100 million push will include the installation of 1,000 miles of “new ber- rich highways” that will provide almost 24,000 Kingwood homes and businesses with access. Construction has already begun for the Kingwood portion of this project. The initiative will provide network access to 80,000 total homes and businesses across Kingwood, New Caney, Pinehurst, Prairie View, Waller and Conroe. https://texas.comcast.com/expansion attend; are child and dog friendly; and feature live music, food and drinks. According to a Feb. 5 email from Christina Terry, Texas Artisan Markets already changed its name on its social media accounts to Vibe Artisan Markets and plans to launch its new website in late March. Christina Terry noted all changes associated with the rebrand should be completed by April. Vibe Artisan Markets regularly hosts events at Megaton Brewery, located at 808 Russell Palmer Road, Kingwood. 346-600-5166. www.vibeartisanmarkets.com
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LAKE HOUSTON HUMBLE KINGWOOD EDITION • MARCH 2023
TODO LIST
March & April events
COMPILED BY HANNAH BROL
Oil Boom Festival can celebrate the city of Humble’s history while enjoying live music and perusing a variety of food trucks and local vendors along Main Street. The event will also feature a beer garden, ra¤e opportunities, a plant sale and children’s activities. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Main Street, Humble. 281-446-4140. www.goodoildays.com 16 SHOP FOR SPRING Peruse more than 80 local artisans at Vibe Artisan Markets’—formerly Texas Artisan Markets—annual spring market. The dog- and child-friendly event will feature live music, spring photo opportunities, food trucks and craft beer. Noon-5 p.m. Free. Megaton Brewery, 808 Russell Palmer Road, Kingwood. 346-600-5166. www.vibeartisanmarkets.com 23 REMEMBER THE HOLOCAUST Join members of Kingwood’s Holocaust Remembrance Association in the annual March of Remembrance Texas, which will begin at Kingwood Middle School and conclude at the site of the nonprot’s future Holocaust Garden of Hope in King’s Harbor Waterfront Village. 2-5 p.m. Free. Kingwood Middle School, 2407 Pine Terrace Drive, Kingwood.
can compete in a 1-mile kid’s race, 1-mile adaptive race, 5K run/walk or 5K run/walk for seniors. The proceeds from this annual event will benet the YMCA’s annual campaign and programs. 8-10 a.m. $25-$55. Lake Houston Family YMCA, 2420 W. Lake Houston Parkway, Houston. 281-360-2500. www.ymcahouston.org/lake-houston- family-ymca APRIL 01 RAISE FUNDS FOR PARKINSON’S The Parkinson’s Friends and Family 5K Fox Trot will include a 3.1-mile walk through the greenbelt in Kingwood Lakes. In line with the event’s “Be a Hero” theme, children are encouraged to dress as their favorite hero. Prizes will be awarded to those who raise the most funds, and Starbucks and snacks will be available on-site. 9 a.m.-noon. $35 (per individual); $50 (per family of ve or less, $10 per additional family member). Kingwood Methodist Church, 1799 Woodland Hill Drive, Houston. https://give.michaeljfox.org/event/2023- kingwood-foxtrot/e462276 01 CELEBRATE HUMBLE’S OILY ROOTS Attendees of the annual Good Oil Days
APRIL 01
HUNT FOR EASTER EGGS FORD STADIUM
24 THROUGH 25 PURCHASE PLANTS Attendees can peruse nearly 1,200 varieties of plants at Mercer Botanic Gardens’ annual March Mart plant sale. This in-person event will be limited to Friends of Mercer Botanic Gardens members on March 24 from 8-10 a.m. before opening to the public. 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. (March 24), 8 a.m.-4 p.m. (March 25). Free. Mercer Botanic Gardens, 22306 Aldine Westeld Road, Humble. 713-274-4166. www.friendsofmercer.com 25 RUN FOR A CAUSE At BridgeFest 2023, participants During the East Montgomery County Improvement District’s annual Eggcellent Event & Spring Mini-Market, attendees can peruse local vendors while children hunt for Easter eggs. There will be four Easter egg hunts starting with children with disabilities and those age 2 and younger at 10 a.m., followed by ages 3-4 at 10:30 a.m., ages 5-7 at 11 a.m. and ages 8-12 at 11:30 a.m. 9 a.m.-noon. Free. Ford Stadium, 22784 Hwy. 59, Porter. 281-354-4419. www.emctx.com (Courtesy EMCID)
MARCH 24 SUPPORT CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES In celebration of its 10th anniversary, Houston nonprot Revive to Survive will host a charity dinner dance dubbed “A Mistycal Night.” Semiformal attire is requested, and proceeds from the event will provide aid to children with disabilities. 7 p.m.-1 a.m. $100 (per ticket), $1,500 (per table). Humble Civic Center, 8233 Will Clayton Parkway,
Humble. 281-236-8985. www.revivetosurvive.org
888-546-8111. www.holocaust remembranceassociation.org
Find more or submit Lake Houston-area events at communityimpact.com/event-calendar. Event organizers can submit local events online to be considered for the print edition. Submitting details for consideration does not guarantee publication.
The most notorious of these was the unruly city of Borger, Texas. Based on memoirs and trial transcripts, Boomtown follows land promoter Ace Borger, who capitalized on oil strikes in the Texas Panhandle. With the notorious Two-Gun Dick Herwig installed as sheriff, the town is soon overrun with wild dancehalls, bootleg liquor joints, and gambling halls. In the 1920s, wildcat oil strikes, overnight wealth and Prohibition gave rise to lawless new towns. FRIDAY MARCH 31, 2023 7PM
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TRANSPORTATION UPDATES
COMPILED BY HANNAH BROL & HANNAH NORTON
Texas communities receive $73M to improve local roads The U.S. Department of Transpor-
UPCOMING PROJECTS
WILL CLAYTON PKWY.
annual deaths since 2005. “Preliminary data indicates [fatalities] will remain near those levels in 2022, even getting worse for people walking, biking or rolling as well as incidents involving trucks,” according to the DOT. Two types of grants are awarded through the SS4A program. Action plan grants can be used to create and update roadway safety plans, including goal-setting, safety analysis, public engagement and policymaking. Implementation grants help communities put their existing action plans into place through infrastructure and safety strategies. Three Texas cities were awarded implementation grants, including the city of Houston, which received $28.7 million for the Bissonnet Corridor Safe Streets Project. Action plan grants were awarded to 25 Texas communities, including Houston’s East End District and the Houston- Galveston Area Council. “We are proud that these grants
PUTTING SAFETY FIRST The U.S. Department of Transporta- tion announced funding allocations that will be used to increase roadway safety and prevent fatal accidents.
tation awarded $72.7 million to 28 cities, counties, tribes and planning organizations throughout Texas. The funds will be used to create and implement plans to increase roadway safety and prevent fatal accidents. The DOT announced that $800 million will go to 510 projects in 49 states and Puerto Rico through the Safe Streets and Roads for All program. The program was created under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. According to a news release, $5 billion will be allocated to local, regional and tribal organizations over ve years. The SS4A program is part of the DOT’s long-term goal of zero deaths or serious injuries on throughout the country in trac crashes in 2021, the department reported. This was a 10.5% increase from 2020 and the highest number of roadways across the nation. Nearly 43,000 people died
BLACKSTONE TRAILS DR.
The U.S. Department of Transportation awarded:
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ALL INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE WAS UPDATED AS OF MARCH 2. NEWS OR QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE OR OTHER LOCAL TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS? EMAIL US AT LHKNEWSCOMMUNITYIMPACT.COM. Harris County Precinct 3 o cials, the project aims to improve driver safety and is expected to wrap within the third quarter of 2023. Timeline: April-third quarter 2023 Cost: $370,000 Funding source: Harris County Precinct 3 Atascocita Road, Blackstone Trails Drive intersection improvements Construction is expected to begin in April on a project to install a new tra c signal at the intersection of Atascocita Road and Blackstone Trails Drive in Atascocita. According to
$72.7 million to 28 cities, counties, tribes and planning organizations throughout Texas Implementation grants to 3 Texas cities
Action plan grants to 25 Texas communities
SOURCE: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION COMMUNITY IMPACT
will directly support hundreds of communities as they prepare steps that are proven to make roadways safer and save lives,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in a statement. Applications for the second round of program funding will be available in April.
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LAKE HOUSTON HUMBLE KINGWOOD EDITION • MARCH 2023
SOMETHING New! INTO Dive
FM 1960
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Exciting NEW things are happening in our Balmoral master-planned community in 2023–a new phase, new builders and new model homes to tour! Homebuyers say “yes” to a Balmoral address because of our location, many housing choices by leading builders, and world-class amenities — including the award-winning Amenity Village that is anchored by the state’s first Crystal Lagoons® amenity. With so much to offer, it’s easy to see why happy homebuyers are eagerly choosing Balmoral.
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*The Balmoral Crystal Lagoon operating schedule and availability is subject to change without notice. Please visit Balmoral clubhouse for full details. 2/23
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DEVELOPMENT
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Humble City Council awards $5.76M contract for new senior activity center
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BY WESLEY GARDNER
associated with the city’s new senior activity center. According to budget documents, approximately $769,000 of the $888,000 will be used to fund the construction of the senior activity center, which was originally projected to cost around $5.25 million when the city’s budget was approved in September. “We did receive bids that were higher than anticipated due to increased costs across the board,” Stuebe said during the Feb. 23 meeting. In January 2022, council members approved the selection of Brown Reynolds Watford Architects Inc. to provide architectural and engineering design services for the city’s new senior activity center. According to Stuebe, the new senior activity center will consist of a 10,000-square-foot facility that will include classrooms, a game room, a
Construction on the city of Humble’s new senior activity center is projected to begin in April—more than two years after council members voted to demolish the city’s old senior activity center in September 2020. At its March 9 meeting, Humble City Council approved a roughly $5.76 million contract with Purcell Construction to build the new facility. According to City Manager Jason Stuebe, city ocials are hoping to host a groundbreaking ceremony in early April. Stuebe noted the project will take roughly one year to complete once construction of the new facility has begun. During their Feb. 23 meeting, council members approved a roughly $888,000 budget amendment to the city’s scal year 2023 budget that will largely cover additional costs
Humble City Council approved a roughly $5.76 million contract with Purcell Construction to build the city’s new senior activity center during its March 9 meeting.
RENDERING COURTESY CITY OF HUMBLE
ACTIVE AND ENGAGED Until the city of Humble’s new senior activity center is completed, the Humble Civic Center—8233 Will Clayton Parkway—will continue to host events and outings for area seniors. For a full list of programming, visit www.humblecc.com/senior-activities.
CLASSES AND ACTIVITIES Bingo: Wed. 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Bowling: Tue. 11 a.m. Bridge: Tue. 12:30-3 p.m. Putting green: Tue. 8 a.m.-noon
HEALTH AND FITNESS Rhythm walking: Mon.-Thu. 10 a.m. Line dancing: Tue. 12:30-2:30 p.m. Pickleball: Mon.-Thu. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Chair yoga: Wed. 10-10:45 a.m.
SOURCE: CITY OF HUMBLECOMMUNITY IMPACT
library, a multipurpose room and a full kitchen. Until the new center is completed, Humble seniors will continue to use space at the Humble Civic Center
and the Phillip Cezeaux Recreation Building—located at 8233 Will Clayton Parkway—as they have since programming was reinstated in spring 2021.
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LAKE HOUSTON HUMBLE KINGWOOD EDITION • MARCH 2023
CAMP GUIDE
GUIDE
A noncomprehensive list of camps in the area
Parents looking for camps for their children have a number of options to choose from in the Lake Houston area. This list is not comprehensive.
Ages: 5 15 Dates: May 30 July 28 Cost: $205 per week DAY SP
3603 W. Lake Houston Parkway, Kingwood 7138258375 www.summersciencecaravan.com PORTER 7 Krafty Shack will host half- and full-day camp sessions this summer with oerings including crafts camp, art camp and sewing camp. Full-day camp will be a combination of art or sewing camp followed by craft camp, with lunch included. Free activities for children will also be available including Tuesday drawing club from 4:30 6 p.m. for age 6 and older; Wednesday story reading from 3 4 p.m. for all ages; and Thursday craft club from 4:30 6 p.m. for age 5 and older. Ages: 5 and older (crafts camp), 6 and older (art camp and full-day camp), 10 and older (sewing camp) Dates: May 29 July 28 (crafts camp); June 5 9, 19 23, July 10 14, 24 31 (art camp); June 12 16, July 17 21 (sewing camp) Cost: $20 per day (crafts camp), $150 per week (art camp),
A+ Academics ART Arts DAY Day NIGHT Overnight SP Sports REL Religious
2420 W. Lake Houston Parkway, Kingwood 2813602500 • www.ymcahouston.org 5 School of Rock oers weekly camps for musicians of all skill levels with themes including “Rock 101,” “Pop Legends,” “The Beatles” and “Classic Rock.” Ages: 7 18
HUMBLE 1 CampVentures, hosted by Kiddie Academy of Atascocita, includes hands-on, themed activities and eld trips. Ages: 5 12 Dates: May 29 Aug. 9 Cost: $295 per week, $100 registration fee DAY 12010 Madera Run Parkway, Humble 3464448700 • www.kiddieacademy.com 2 Imagine Early Education and Childcare of Eagle Springs oers both three- and ve- day camps centered around dierent themes to best t children’s interests, ranging from superheroes and culinary to arts and crafts. Ages: 5 13 Dates: May 30 Aug. 5 Cost: $180 per week (three-day camp), $300 per week (ve-day camp) DAY 6002 Atascocita Road, Humble 2816235965 www.imaginechild.com/eagle-springs
KINGWOOD 3 Creativity Shell will be hosting various camps designed for dierent interests ranging from baking and robotics to sewing and pottery. Camp sessions will run weekly from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. with lunch options available for $8 per day. This year, Creativity Shell will also be oering a new Creativity Sprouts Program for preschoolers. Ages: 3 5 (Creativity Sprouts Program), 5 and older (summer camps) Dates: May 30 Aug. 4 Cost: $250 per week (sewing/art camps), $300 per week (cooking camps) A+ ART DAY 3939 Glade Valley Drive, Kingwood 8329439767 • www.creativityshell.org 4 The Lake Houston Family YMCA will host weekly adventure camps with activities including range sports; outdoor education; swimming; canoeing; and science, technology, engineering and mathematics—or STEM—and project-based learning.
Dates: June 5 Aug. 11 Cost: $550 per camp ART DAY 1580 Kingwood Drive, Kingwood
2813587625 • www.schoolofrock.com 6 Coach B’s Summer Science Caravan is a weeklong STEM camp designed to help middle school students learn beyond the textbook and begin dreaming about their futures. The camp oers activities such as indoor skydiving, conducting medical school science experiments, building and ghting robots, and learning how to £y an airplane using a real-life £ight simulator. Grades: 5 8 Dates: June 5 9, 12 16, 19 23, 26 30 Cost: $699 per week A+ DAY
$150 per week (sewing camp), $275 per week (full-day camp) ART DAY 22043 E. Hammond Drive, Porter 2813597775 • www.kraftyshack.com
NOBODY DOES CAMP LIKE THE Y!
From day camps around the Houston area to overnight camp at YMCA Camp Cullen, your child or teen will make their mark and find adventure and fun this summer at the Y!
Learn more at ymcahouston.org.
YMCA Mission: To put Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. Everyone is welcome.
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2023
COMPILED BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF
LOCATIONS VARY 8 Armored Sports will host sports camps featuring dodgeball, basketball, soccer and £ag football games at Atascocita Methodist Church and Second Baptist Church-North Campus. Ages: 4 12 Dates: June 26 30, July 31 Aug. 3 (Atascocita Methodist Church); June 26 29, July 24 27 (Second Baptist Church-North Campus) Cost: $110-$125 per week DAY SP REL Atascocita Methodist Church, 19325 Pinehurst Trail Drive, Humble; Second Baptist Church- North Campus, 22770 Hwy. 59, Humble 8327254858 • www.armored-sports.com 9 Eight Primrose Schools in the Lake Houston area will host their annual Summer Adventure Club , with science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics—or STEAM—themes including robotics, coding, art, cooking and science. Frequent eld trips are included. Ages: 5 12
VIRTUAL CAMPS 10 Language Kids World helps children connect to culture through language £uency and fun with its immersion summer camps in Spanish, French, Mandarin Chinese and American Sign Language. Programs are taught by native-speaking language educators in a play-based and innovative environment. Ages: 3 11 Dates: June 5 Aug. 18 Cost: $275-$320 per week A+ www.languagekids.com/camps WORTH THE TRIP 11 Camp Blessing is a residential Christian summer camp geared for children and young adults with disabilities and their siblings. The fully accessible camp is designed to meet the varying needs of campers diagnosed with intellectual and developmental disabilities who may also use wheelchairs, walkers or crutches. Ages: 7 and older Dates: May 30 Aug. 6 Cost: $1,695 (need-based scholarships oered on a case-by-case basis) NIGHT REL
7277 Camp Blessing Lane, Brenham 2812595789 • www.campblessing.org 12 Camp Olympia is a private, overnight summer camp located on Lake Livingston that oers one-, two- and three-week camp sessions. Camp activities include wakeboarding, golf, horseback and a challenge course. Ages: 6 16 Dates: May 28 Aug. 5 Cost: $2,285 (one week), $4,450 (two weeks), $5,575 (three weeks) NIGHT SP 723 Olympia Drive, Trinity 9365942541 • www.campolympia.com 13 Carolina Creek Christian Camps o er The Wild Camp for grades K 5, Creekside Camp for grades 5 9, Elevate Camp for grades 9 12 and Family Camp for all ages. Family Camp is free for children age 4 and younger. Grades: K 12 Dates: May 29 Sept. 5 Cost: $149-$879 per camp NIGHT REL 84 Wimberly Lane, Huntsville (Creekside and Lakeview); 3129 FM 980, Huntsville (The Wild) 9362618334 • www.carolinacreek.org
4
Lake Houston Family YMCA
COURTESY YMCA OF GREATER HOUSTON
14 YMCA Camp Cullen immerses its campers in nature throughout their time at the camp, which is located o of Lake Livingston. Camp activities include water sports, hiking, equestrian activities and adventure courses. Ages: 7 17 Dates: June 4 Aug. 6 Cost: $1,195 per week (if enrolled before May), $1,295 per week (if enrolled after May) NIGHT SP 460 Cullen Loop, Ste. A, Trinity 9365942274 • www.ymcacampcullen.org
Dates: Begins May 29 Cost: varies by camp ART DAY Location varies by camp Phone number varies by camp www.primroseschools.com
512-232-5000 EdServices@austin.utexas.edu
Birthday Parties Art Camps
where meets fun
Sewing Camp
Embroidery Service
Encouraging FAMILY FUN
Scan to sign up for camps
SUMMER CAMPS Sign up at KrafyShack.com $20
E nroll anytime in UT's online high school courses to catch up or get ahead. Full-time d iploma p rogram and single courses available including Honors and A P TM subjects .
Krafty Shack 281-359-7775
22043 E. Hammond Dr., Porter, TX 77365 281-359-7775 kraftyshack.com
For more informatio n visit highschool.utexas.edu /hs_courses
13
LAKE HOUSTON HUMBLE KINGWOOD EDITION • MARCH 2023
COUNTY & SCHOOLS
News from Harris County & Lone Star College System
Harris County Commissioners Court will meet at 10 a.m. April 4 and 25 at 1001 Preston St., Ste. 934, Houston. 713-274-7000. www.harriscountytx.gov Humble ISD board of trustees will meet at 7 p.m. April 11 at 20200 Eastway Village Drive, Humble. 281-641-1050. www.humbleisd.net Lone Star College board of trustees will meet at 5 p.m. April 6 at 5000 Research Forest Drive, The Woodlands. 832-813-6500. www.lonestar.edu MEETINGS WE COVER NUMBER TO KNOW At a Feb. 21 County commissioners discussed conditions for inmates at the county jail, approving $1.65 million in contracts and reports aimed at assessing facilities and improving inmates’ quality of life. Among the contracts approved by commissioners meeting, Harris were a $1.4 million contract with AECOM Technical Services Inc. to develop a plan for assessing the county’s detention facilities and a $250,000 contract granting each county jail inmate two additional free phone calls as well as video visitation services. $1.65M
Harris County Public Library System eliminates late fees
Local drainage projects on hold due to funding gap
Lone Star College System board of trustees votes unanimously to raise tuition starting fall 2023
PROJECTS IN PROGRESS Harris County commissioners paused 33 projects totaling $303 million under the Harris County Flood Control District’s Bridge Subdivision Drainage program due to a funding shortfall.
RAISING RATES Lone Star College System’s
in-district, out-of district, dual credit and international/out-of-state tuition rates will increase this fall.
HARRIS COUNTY The Harris County Commissioners BY JOVANNA AGUILAR
BY CASSANDRA JENKINS
budget—assessed value, student growth and state funding. In the mid- dle of all that, we are thinking about what the tax rate might be and what the homestead exemption might look like, too. We are trying to be responsive to taxpayers as well as our students.” According to LSCS information, in-district tuition will increase from $96 to $103 per credit hour. The 7.3% increase from the 2022 rate increase is a larger percent change than the 6.6% increase from $88 to $96 per credit hour the year prior. Out-of-district tuition increased by 7.8% from $214 per credit hour in 2022 to $231, while out-of-state and international tuition jumped by 7.8% from $269 in 2022 to $290. Dual-credit tuition increased by more than 50%. The previous $26 fee increased to $40 per credit hour, according to information from LSCS. Registration for the fall semester will start April 6. The scal year 2023- 24 budget will be approved in August.
BY EMILY LINCKE
LONE STAR COLLEGE SYSTEM Trustees unanimously voted March 2 to increase Lone Star College System tuition starting in the fall. Tuition will increase across in- and out-of-district tuition costs, out-of- state tuition, and dual-credit tuition. LSCS Chancellor Stephen Head said in 2016, the board agreed to equalize the percentage of the budget that students and taxpayers pay in a scal year. The upcoming increase is part of that plan. “This current year, taxpayers were paying 60% of the costs while students were only paying 32%,” he said. “Our goal is to be in the middle.” Head said the board agreed to pause tuition increases in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The decision caused the taxpayer portion to surpass the 35% goal. “We don’t think it’s fair for the taxpayers to be paying more than half of the cost,” he said. “There are a number of factors that aect our
Funding obtained: $556M Funding needed: $277M Harris County Bridge Subdivision Drainage program
59
HARRIS COUNTY Commissioners voted Feb. 21 to pause dozens of road and bridge drain- age projects due to a $277 million funding gap for the Bridge Subdivision Drainage program. Projects under the Bridge Subdivision Drainage program target reducing ood risk for more than 45,000 homes across Harris County. The 33 proj- ects commissioners opted to pause on Feb. 21 can be resumed once funding is obtained, according to county ocials. These projects are estimated to cost a total of about $303 million to complete. “Pausing the projects is not doing away with the projects,” Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia said. When the Harris County Flood Control District’s $2.5 billion bond was approved in 2018, the 96 projects comprising the Bridge Subdivision Drainage program were expected to cost $460 million. Now, with cost increases due to ination and supply chain issues, the same projects are expected to cost $832 million; the county has $556 million in funding ready. Under the Bridge Subdivision Drainage program, 13 projects are almost completed, 13 are under
Fall 2022
Fall 2023
Total cost: $832M
Dual-credit tuition $26 per credit hour $40 per credit hour Out-of-district tuition $214 per credit hour $231 per credit hour International/out-of- state tuition $269 per credit hour $290 per credit hour In-district tuition $96 per credit hour $103 per credit hour
Court unanimously approved a proposal by the Harris County Public Library to end library late fee nes on books and DVDs on Feb 21. “The elimination of late fees makes HCPL the open, free public resource it was always meant to be,” HCPL Execu- tive Director Edward Melton said. The HCPL has waived late fees since the COVID-19 pandemic forced the closure of all its branch locations in March 2020, and the policy is now permanent, according to an HCPL news release. In accordance with the new policy, patrons will continue to be charged for lost or damaged items, but returning items after their due dates will not result in a fee. Outstanding overdue nes will be waived, although it might take some time before these changes are reected on library accounts, according to the HCPL. N Octavia Fields Branch Library 1503 S. Houston Ave., Humble
Project status Total number of projects: 96
33: Paused 23: In design process or status yet to be determined 14: Construction to begin in 90 days 13: Near completion 13: Under construction
SOURCE: HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT COMMUNITY IMPACT
construction, and 14 are set to begin construction within 90 days. The remaining projects are in the early design process. Commissioners unanimously voted Feb. 21 to fund the 26 projects that are under construction or nearly completed. Precincts 1, 2, 3 and 4 are home to four, seven, 20 and two paused projects, respectively.
SOURCE: LONE STAR COLLEGE SYSTEM COMMUNITY IMPACT
PORTER 23611 Hwy 59 (281) 354-0733 HUMBLE 19322 US-59 (281) 540-7202
KINGWOOD 1420 Kingwood Dr (281) 359-7115 ATASCOCITA 7034 FM 1960 E (281) 812-3100
Stones painted for the Holocaust Remembrance Association’s Upstanding Stone Project will be placed in the nonprot’s Holocaust Garden of Hope.
COURTESY HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE ASSOCIATION
NONPROFIT
Founder Rozalie Jerome, left, stands with members of the Holocaust Remembrance Association to promote several of the Kingwood nonprot’s initiatives.
HOW TO HELP Patrons supporting the Holocaust Remembrance Association at its Beauty for Ashes luncheon can be honored at the nonprot’s upcoming Garden of Hope, which will be debuted April 23. Individual ticket Engraved stone at the entrance of the Garden of Hope $75 $1,800
WESLEY GARDNERCOMMUNITY IMPACT
Holocaust Remembrance Association Kingwood nonprot promotes healing, Holocaust education R ozalie Jerome has dedicated much of her adult life to healing—healing for herself, for her family and for a generation of individuals who were aected by the Holocaust. BY WESLEY GARDNER
The Holocaust Remembrance Association hosts and helps to facilitate a number of Marches of Remembrances each year to honor those who were aected by the Holocaust. Jerome noted one focus of the nonprot is to raise up the rescuers instead of xating on the atrocities. Additionally, Jerome said the nonprot is preparing for the opening of its Holocaust Garden of Hope—a free outdoor museum that will focus on the Holocaust experiences of children using paintings, sculptures and interactive displays to deliver its message of hope in a family-friendly format. Jerome noted the rst phase of the garden— which she said she hopes will inspire attendees to visit Holocaust Museum Houston—will be debuted at this year’s March of Remembrance in Kingwood on April 23. Reecting on everything that has led to the creation of the Holocaust Remembrance Association, Jerome said she hopes the nonprot will set an example for the children it engages. “I want the next generation to see what happened when good people remained silent,” she said. “We walk because we’re saying we’re going to actually do something once we see antisemitism or any kind of prejudice.”
Large engraved stone in the garden Landscape painting in the garden Tree planting in the garden Tree planting and founders painting in the garden
$2,500 $5,000 $7,500 $10,000
Jerome established Kingwood nonprot the Holocaust Remembrance Association in early 2021 to help sensitize individuals to the atrocities committed during the Holocaust and facilitate healing, reconciliation and education. Jerome’s parents, who grew up in a small town in Hungary, were Holocaust survivors—a fate she said was not shared by many of the people around them. “Most of my family [members] were taken to Auschwitz and murdered,” Jerome said. “A couple of my family members—my parents, of course— were hidden by Christians who put their feet to their faith and hid them.” While Jerome’s parents eventually escaped to America during the Hungarian Revolution in 1956, she said she believed they never truly escaped the trauma they endured while ghting for their survival during the Holocaust. After visiting her father’s hometown of Sopron in Hungary, Jerome said she was called to open the nonprot in Kingwood in 2021.
Holocaust Remembrance Association 804 Russell Palmer Road, Kingwood 713-942-8000
https://holocaustremembranceassociation.org Hours: Tue.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. noon-5 p.m., closed Mon.
NORTHPARK DR.
59
494
RUSSELL PALMER RD.
N
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The Nathaniel Center 804 Russell Palmer Road, Kingwood, TX
Tickets and Information LHMAS.org 832.779.1492 LHMAS is a 501(c)(3) organization
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LAKE HOUSTON HUMBLE KINGWOOD EDITION • MARCH 2023
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