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Lake Houston Humble
Kingwood Edition VOLUME 10, ISSUE 7 NOV. 26 DEC. 29, 2025
Securing surface water
Major projects in Humble and Kingwood result in increased water rates
BY WESLEY GARDNER
A series of major water infrastructure projects spearheaded by the cities of Hum- ble and Houston have resulted in increased water rates from both cities. Ocials said the projects are needed to meet new groundwater standards set by the Harris-Galveston Subsidence District to reduce the potential for subsidence. In a Nov. 5 news release, Texas Water Foundation CEO Sarah Rountree Schlessinger said Texas voters’ recent approval of a constitutional amendment adding up to $20 billion over the next 20 years to the Texas Water Fund should help government entities secure additional fund- ing for water initiatives like infrastructure projects and awareness campaigns.
CONTINUED ON 20
W A T E R W O R K S B L V D .
Phase 2 of the city of Houston’s roughly $1.97 billion expansion of the Northeast Water Purication Plant in Humble is expected to be complete in 2025. The project is one of several investments local entities are making in water infrastructure to meet new groundwater regulations.
WATER WORKS WAY
N
COURTESY CITY OF HOUSTON
Also in this issue
Impacts Page 6 Find out more about Kingwood’s new coee and scone shop
Education Page 10 See Humble ISD’s progress on purchasing student devices
Community Page 19 Check out volunteer and donation opportunities in the Lake Houston area
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LAKE HOUSTON HUMBLE KINGWOOD EDITION
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Correction: Volume 10, Issue 6 Eli Lilly and Company’s new facility in Generation Park will span 236 acres.
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LAKE HOUSTON HUMBLE KINGWOOD EDITION
1314
Impacts
99 TOLL
VALLEY RANCH PKWY.
3 J. Jill The women’s clothing store oers sizes extra small through 4X with regular, petite and tall options. • Opened Oct. 21 • 780 Kingwood Drive, Kingwood • www.jjill.com 4 Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming The pet supply store oers personalized grooming, exclusive gourmet treats and all-natural products. • Opened Nov. 14 • 4521 Kingwood Drive, Ste. 120, Kingwood • www.woofgangbakery.com 5 The Cove Event Venue The wedding and event venue oers ample parking, customizable decor and a variety of venue packages. • Opened Nov. 2 • 1210 Hamblen Road, Kingwood • www.covevenue.com 6 Shipley Do-Nuts The bakery oers over 60 varieties of doughnuts and kolaches. • Opened Nov. 15 Embracing Hearts In-Home Care The Woodlands-based in-home care facility is now oering services in Kingwood and Humble. Founded by Amy Bozeman, the business oers personalized in-home care with services including dementia care, personal care, respite care, specialty care and veteran care. • Opened in August • www.embracingheartshomecare.com HTX Happy Tails Dog Walking & Pet Services Owned by Gabriela “Gaby” Briseño, this business oers pet boarding, dog walking and doggy daycare for customers in East Montgomery County and Kingwood. • Opened Sept. 1 • Location available upon booking • Facebook: HTX Happy Tails Dog Walking & Pet Services • 17155 Hwy. 59, Humble • www.shipleydonuts.com
LAKE HOUSTON WILDERNESS PARK
FORDRD.
494
WOODLAND HILLS DR.
1
N O R T H P A R K D
SORTERS MCCLELLAN RD.
13
4
12A
2
TREE LN.
11
WILLOW TERRACE DR.
3
16
Kingwood
TOWNSEN BLVD.
14
HAMBLEN RD.
5
UPPER LAKE DR.
1960
N. HOUSTON AVE.
8
FIRSTST.
1960
W. LAKE HOUSTON PKWY.
TIMBER FOREST DR.
Humble
15
59
WILL CLAYTON PKWY.
7
Atascocita
LAKE HOUSTON
6
9
RANKIN RD.
MADERA RUN PKWY.
12B
WOODLAND DAWN
17
MAP NOT TO SCALE
10
N TM; © 2025 COMMUNITY IMPACT CO. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
2 Sake Bon The restaurant oers all-you-can-eat Japanese cuisine, including soups, sushi, noodles, rice and hibachi. Appetizers oered range from edamame to spring rolls
Now open
1 Fig & Table Coee Co. Owned by Jeremy and Jessica Eslinger, the cafe oers coee, espresso, tea and scones. • Opened Nov. 1
and fried calamari. • Opened Oct. 27 • 4367 Kingwood Drive, Kingwood • www.sakebontx.com
• 2269 Northpark Drive, Kingwood • www.igandtablecoffeeco.com
Since 1980
FANS MIRRORS ACCESSORIES ...AND MORE DECORATIVE ARCHITECTURAL CONTROLS LANDSCAPE
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BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF
• Expanding in early 2026 • 3033 Woodland Hills Drive, Kingwood • www.wanderingmysticgames.com
Coming soon
Now open
7 Kelsey-Seybold Atascocita Clinic The clinic will oer adult primary and specialty care, as well as pediatric care with services including preventative and sick care. • Opening Dec. 1 • 17818 W. Lake Houston Parkway, Humble • www.kelsey-seybold.com
In the news
12 Humble ISD playgrounds A new “Wonders of the World” playground opened at Willow Creek Elementary on Oct. 29 and a new “Nest”-themed playground opened at Autumn Creek Elementary on Oct. 30. Both playgrounds are open to the public when school is not in session. • A Willow Creek Elementary, 2002 Willow Terrace Drive, Kingwood; B Autumn Creek Elementary,14910 Woodland Dawn, Humble • www.humbleisd.net 13 Woodland Hills Elementary Humble ISD oªcials celebrated the school’s 50th anniversary with a reception at the campus Nov. 12. Th school ¨rst opened in November 1975 and serves students in grades K-5.
What’s next PERMITS FILED WITH THE TEXAS
DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATION
8 Qargo Coee The cafe oers a variety of Italian-inspired pastries and drinks, including coee and tea, tiramisu, and breakfast and lunch options. Construction is projected to kick o in December and wrap up in March. • 8910 FM 1960 Bypass Road W., Ste. 950, Humble • www.qargocoffee.com 9 Dunkin’ The coee shop also serves a variety of doughnuts and food items. Construction is projected to begin in October and wrap up in December. • 15906 Woodland Hills Drive, Ste. 100, Humble • www.dunkindonuts.com 10 Sheldon Community Fire & Rescue The ¨re department broke ground Oct. 15 on its ¨fth station in Generation Park. Construction is expected to wrap up in July 2027. • 11159 W. Lake Houston Parkway, Houston • www.sheldonfd.org
16 Fuzzy’s Taco Shop The Kingwood eatery features a new model with a full-service dining experience and tableside service. The restaurant also oers an updated menu keeping the spotlight on tacos with new and fan favorites. The Kingwood location is owned and operated by Nazarian Global Enterprises, led by brothers Mir and Andrew Nazarian. • Opened Nov. 6 • 4360 Kingwood Drive, Kingwood • www.fuzzystacoshop.com 17 Taste of Paris Creperie & Cafe The cafe celebrated its ¨fth anniversary in August. In addition to sweet and savory crepes, the fast-casual eatery oers paninis, soups, salads and breakfast items. • 12230 W. Lake Houston Parkway, Ste. 115, Houston • www.tasteofpariscreperie.com Noah’s Give-AGift On Dec. 10, the Kingwood-based nonpro¨t will mark one year since its launch. Founded by Nicholas and Lindsay Carthen, Noah’s Give-A-Gift selects a school with high rates of students coming from low-income families and donate resources to help. • www.noahsgiveagift.org
• 2222 Tree Lane, Kingwood • www.humbleisd.net/o/whe
14 Sullivan’s Truck, Auto & Collision The business celebrated its 40th anniversary with a community event Nov. 15. Founder Danny Sullivan runs the auto shop with his son, co-owner Michael Sullivan, and daughter, Kelly Sullivan McGri, who oversees business development. Originally opened in 1985, the shop oers automotive service and maintenance as well as collision repairs and ¬eet services. • 22500 Loop 494, Kingwood • www.sullivanstruckandautorepair.com 15 Humble Area Assistance Ministries This year, the nonpro¨t marked 35 years of serving those in need across Northeast Harris County and East Montgomery County. To celebrate, HAAM oªcials launched a “$35 for 35 Years of Service” campaign, which encourages donors to give $35 per month to help fund the nonpro¨t’s programming.
Expansions
11 The Wandering Mystic In early 2026, owners Raymond and Katrina Kohl will add 1,400 square feet of space to the store, allowing them to expand the gaming area, retail space and oerings. The store features a mix of tabletop adventures, metaphysical treasures, eclectic gifts and local artwork.
• 1302 First St. E., Humble • www.haamministries.org
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Government
BY MELISSA ENAJE & EMILY LINCKE
Harris County raises property tax rates
Humble kicks o 2 Civic Center projects On Oct. 23, Humble City Council unan- imously approved about $1.15 million for the Humble Civic Center’s arena roof replacement and almost $183,000 to rebuild a chiller in the facility. About the projects The roof upgrade, which will be done by Garland/Design Building Solutions, is expected to be completed by January. The chiller project, which will be done by Hunton Services, will include replacing parts and cleaning and testing the electrical system. Ocials noted the project would not interfere with Civic Center events. City Manager Jason Stuebe said the roof project will cost less than the $1.2 million the city budgeted for in the scal year 2025- 26 budget, which was approved Sept. 11.
County Hospital District and the Port of Houston Authority on Sept. 24. The four rates make a combined county prop- erty tax rate of $0.6241 per $100 of valuation, an increase from the FY 2024-25 tax rate of $0.6038. The 0.55% increase will raise taxes on a $100,000 home by approximately $2.42 annually. The county’s tax rate document states the no-new-revenue tax rate will raise more taxes for maintenance and operations than last year’s tax rate. Over the last decade, taxes and service charges accounted for over 90% of the county’s general fund revenue.
Harris County commissioners unanimously approved an increase in the county’s scal year 2025-26 no-new-revenue property tax rate Nov. 4. The breakdown Commissioners adopted the $2.76 billion FY 2025-26 general fund budget and tax rates for the Harris County Flood Control District, Harris
Harris County’s total tax rate over time
Total tax rate (per $100 valuation)*
-0.92%
$0.6 $0.8 $0.4 $0.2 0
$0.6299 $0.6299 $0.6117 $0.5992
$0.6038 $0.6241
$0.5813 $0.5305
$0.5302
2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24
2024-25 2025-26
*THE TOTAL TAX RATE INCLUDES THE TAX RATES FOR HARRIS COUNTY, THE HARRIS COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT, THE HARRIS COUNTY HOSPITAL DISTRICT AND THE PORT OF HOUSTON AUTHORITY.
SOURCE: HARRIS COUNTYCOMMUNITY IMPACT
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9
LAKE HOUSTON HUMBLE KINGWOOD EDITION
Education
Humble ISD invests more than $3M in computers to expand device access
Humble ISD personal devices
Student enrollment Autumn Creek Elementary 998 Centennial Elementary 1,172 891 Fall Creek Elementary 762 Pine Forest Elementary 606 447 West Lake Middle School 1,359 1,044 796 569
Number of computers
80%
Humble ISD has spent more than $3 million in September and October purchasing additional computers in line with the district’s goal of having at least one computer for every student. A closer look HISD Chief Technology Ocer Chris Cummings briefed trustees on the district’s eorts during the board’s Oct. 21 meeting. Cummings said HISD currently has roughly three computers for every four students. However, he said that ratio varies by campus, with 24 of the district’s 45 campuses already at or above the one-computer-per-student ratio. Cummings added he believed every campus throughout the district would meet at least an 85% threshold of computers for every student by the end of November.
In addition to devices, Cummings said the district was also in the process of updating the district’s technology infrastructure. “Without having a robust foundation on the infrastructure side, none of [the device purchases] matter,” Cummings said, noting the updates were made largely using funds allocated in the district’s $775 million bond package approved in 2022. What’s next HISD Deputy Superintendent Terry Perkins said the district needs to begin planning for a large wave of additional purchases that will likely be needed beginning in 2029. In a roughly 15-month span during the COVID- 19 pandemic, Perkins said the district purchased around 26,000 devices that will be at or near the end of their life cycle in June 2029.
76%
75%
74%
77%
Atascocita High School
76%
2,770
3,644
Kingwood High School
77%
2,205
2,869
NOTE: ONLY HUMBLE ISD CAMPUSES THAT HAVE AN 80% OR LOWER RATIO OF DEVICES TO STUDENTS ARE INCLUDED. SOURCE: HUMBLE ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY WESLEY GARDNER
Humble ISD targets college, career, military readiness scores
Humble ISD ocials are putting new systems and support programs in place to raise the district’s col- lege, career and military readiness scores in future Texas Education Agency accountability ratings. Breaking it down According to district data, HISD’s score for total CCMR criteria came out to 62% for the 2024-25 school year—20 percentage points behind the state average of 82%. Melissa Leigh, HISD senior director of personalized student success, noted the data used to compile HISD’s accountability rating for the 2024-25 school year reects student outcomes from the 2023-24 school year. What’s being done Among the new programs implemented in the 2024-25 school year include Texas College Bridge, which Leigh said provides college prep courses that can help students avoid having to take remedial coursework at more than 100 partner
2024 25 college, career and military readiness scores Criteria
Humble ISD
State
62%
82%
Total credit for CCMR
Scored at or above college ready standard on SAT, ACT, TSIA, or earned credit for a college prep course Met criterion score on advanced placement or International Baccalaureate program exam
34.2%
57.4%
23.5%
21.1%
37.9%
25.1%
Earned college credit for a dual credit course
19.4%
35%
Earned industry-based certication
26.1%
5.7%
Completed an OnRamps course and qualied for college credit
NOTE: THIS LIST IS NOT INCLUSIVE OF ALL CCMR INDICATORS.
SOURCES: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY, HUMBLE ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT
process of implementing a platform that will help the district keep better track of student CCMR progress. Leigh noted the platform should boost CCMR scores by helping ensure students complete their CTE pathway prior to graduating.
colleges and institutions. Leigh said the district’s inclusion in the program will help bolster CCMR data by providing students with more opportunities to earn credits for college prep courses. Additionally, Leigh said the district is in the
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LAKE HOUSTON HUMBLE KINGWOOD EDITION
1485
Transportation
99 TOLL
BY HANNAH BROL
VALLEY RANCH PKWY.
1314
LAKE HOUSTON WILDERNESS PARK
Porter
Ongoing projects
LAKE HOUSTON WILDERNESS PARK
494
Ongoing projects
FORD RD.
1 Northpark Drive overpass, reconstruction projects
59
Project: A two-part project, A the Northpark Drive overpass project will widen the road to a six-lane divided roadway between Hwy. 59 and Russell Palmer Road and add an overpass over the Union Pacic Railroad tracks and Loop 494. B The Northpark Drive reconstruction project will reconstruct Northpark Drive to a six-lane divided roadway between. Russell Palmer Road and Woodland Hills Drive. The project will also include a pedestrian underpass near Glade Valley Drive. Update: According to the Lake Houston Redevelopment Authority website, two trac changes began Oct. 8 and are expected to be in place for three months. During both trac shifts—which are located between Hwy. 59 and Loop 494, and at the intersection of Northpark and Kings Mill Park drives—the contractor will be installing additional stormwater drainage infrastructure and reconstructing the existing roadways. During these phases, left turns from Kings Mill Park Drive onto the westbound Northpark Drive will not be permitted. • Timeline: April 2023-fourth quarter 2026 (Segment A), October 2028-2030 (Segment B) • Cost: $76.8 million (Segment A), $72.7 million (Segment B) • Funding source: city of Houston, LHRA/Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No. 10
1A 1B
D
RUSSELL PALMER RD.
SORTERS MCCLELLAN RD.
WOODLAND HILLS DR.
Kingwood
D
TOWNSEN BLVD.
2 FM 1960 widening projects Project: Another two-part project will widen FM 1960 from a four-lane asphalt roadway to a six- lane divided concrete roadway between Business FM 1960 and the McKay Bridge at Lake Houston. Update: TxDOT ocials said A Segment A will wrap up by February, while B Segment B work is expected to be completed before Christmas. • Timeline: late 2021-February 2026 • Cost: $58.2 million (Segment A), $70 million (Segment B) • Funding source: TxDOT F I RST ST. 1960
UPPER LAKE DR.
W. LAKE HOUSTON PKWY.
2B
MOONSHINE HILL RD.
2A
1960
LAKE HOUSTON
TWIGSWORTH LN.
Humble
FARMINGHAM RD.
TIMBER FOREST DR.
WILL CLAYTON PKWY.
LAKE HOUSTON
Atascocita
MAP NOT TO SCALE N
GREENS RD.
MADERA RUN PKWY.
ALDINE BENDER RD.
First in the Texas Medical Center WITH THIS DISTINCTION
Harris Health Ben Taub Hospital
12
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY JULIANNA WASHBURN
Ron Papsdorf, HGAC’s chief transportation ocer, discusses priorities in Greater Houston area
Community Impact interviewed Ron Papsdorf, the Houston-Galveston Area Council’s chief trans- portation ocer, about the state of transportation in the Greater Houston area. HGAC is a regional organization through which local governments consider issues and cooperate in solving problems in areas such as transporta- tion. Papsdorf, who stepped into the role of chief transportation ocer in June, spoke about the region’s greatest transportation priorities and challenges. What are your responsibilities as the chief transportation o cer? I have the honor of working with a group of dedicated professionals in service to the Houston region. With the Transportation Policy Council, we partner with local, regional and state agencies to plan, prioritize and invest in transportation system improvements to improve the lives of the people who live and work here. That means marshaling our resources to achieve the region’s transportation goals: improve safety, keep the system well-maintained, move people and goods eciently, strengthen economic competitiveness and protect the environment. What are the biggest priorities for transportation and mobility in the Greater Houston area? I view addressing the region’s safety, congestion and air quality issues as paramount. If we can address those core issues, we will have a trans- portation system that contributes to a thriving and livable region. As an example, during the last three months of 2024, we experienced over 47,000
crashes on the region’s transportation system. Not only was each of those crashes probably the worst thing that happened that day to the people involved in them, but those crashes also make it harder for people to get to work on time, slow down the deliv- ery of goods to our stores and put our emergency responders at risk. That adds to our congestion, worsens our air quality and hurts the economy. What are some of the challenges this area has when it comes to transportation and mobility? The Houston region is large, dynamic and growing. Our population tripled over the past 50 years to 7.7 million people, and we expect to grow by another 3 million people over the next 20 years. ... We also have challenges with congestion and our ability to eciently move freight through the region. In fact, according to a study by the American Transportation Research Institute, the Houston region has eight of the nation’s top 100 truck bottleneck locations and two of the top 10. As a port region, our economy depends on being able to move goods eciently. Are there any new trends you are seeing in mobility needs across the region? Like most regions around the country, we’re still experiencing changes in travel patterns post- COVID, from some people working from home some of the time. E-commerce and increased home deliveries are inuencing transportation needs. Finally, changing technologies like self-driving vehicles, articial intelligence ... will change the way we use and experience the transportation system over time.
COURTESY HOUSTONGALVESTON AREA COUNCIL
What do you want people to know about HGAC and the role it plays in the region’s transportation and mobility projects? At our core, we are conveners. We bring people together to wrestle through dicult issues and collaborate to make the best possible decisions to address the region’s transportation problems and build a livable future. We support that by collect- ing, analyzing and sharing data and information, and preparing plans and strategies.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity. For a longer version, visit communityimpact.com .
13
LAKE HOUSTON HUMBLE KINGWOOD EDITION
Community
BY JOVANNA AGUILAR & HANNAH BROL
Holiday Events Guide
2025
December Christmas Parade of Lights
This 34th annual event will include a “Twelve Days of Christmas”-themed parade on Humble’s historic Main Street followed by a vendor market, kid’s activities and Santa at Uptown Park. • Dec. 2, 6:30 p.m. • Free (admission) • Main St., Humble (parade), 310 E. Main St., Humble (vendor market/kid’s activities) • www.cityofhumbletx.gov Lake Houston’s Got Talent 2025 The Village Center’s Christmas Candyland-themed annual talent show will feature dinner and performances by local talent, including singers, dancers and artists. • Dec. 4, 6-9 p.m. Santa’s Workshop Take photos with Santa, make ornaments, decorate cookies and participate in a silent auction at this event hosted by the Humble/Kingwood Houston Metro Go Texan Rodeo Committee. • Dec. 6, 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. • Free (admission) • Porky’s Backyard, 5131 Atascocita Road, Humble • www.rodeohouston.com Kingwood’s Annual Christmas in the Park This annual event will include photo opportunities with Santa and the Grinch, live entertainment, holiday shopping, food trucks and a Christmas tree lighting. • Dec. 6, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. • Free (admission) • Town Center Park, 8 N. Main St., Kingwood • www.jg-events.com Lake Houston Christmas Boat Parade View a parade of holiday-decorated boats in Lake Houston. Boats will depart from the Lake Houston Brewery docks and make their way around the lake, followed by dinner and awards at the brewery. • Dec. 6, 5 p.m. • Free (admission) • $35 (general admission) • The Nathaniel Center, 804 Russell Palmer Road, Kingwood • www.thevillagecenters.org
Kingwood Christmas Market This holiday market hosted by The Livable Forest will feature shopping, food, music, performances, crafts, trackless train rides, a petting zoo and pictures with Santa. • Dec. 13, noon-5 p.m. • Free (admission) • Town Center Park, 8 N. Main St., Kingwood • www.theliveableforest.com
Home for the Holidays The holiday market will feature more than 100 merchants selling unique gifts, seasonal decor and treats. The event will also feature a photo booth and food trucks. • Dec. 6, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Dec. 7, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. • $6-$25 (admission), free (age 12 and younger) • Humble Civic Center, 8233 Will Clayton Parkway, Humble • www.homefortheholidaysgiftmarket.com
A Christmas to Remember Celebrate the season with Opera Leggera’s holiday musical featuring cherished carols, festive favorites and joyful performances. • Dec. 12, 7:30 p.m., Dec. 13, 7 p.m., Dec. 14, 4 p.m.
The Grinch Market The Lake Houston Farmers Market will host a holiday- themed market with shopping and photo opportunities with the Grinch. • Dec. 14, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. • Free (admission) • Town Center Park, 8 N. Main St., Kingwood • www.jg-events.com Hanukkah Celebration Celebrate Hanukkah with music, storytelling, dreidels, donuts, giveaways and the lighting of the menorah.
• $15-$28 (admission) • The Nathaniel Center, 804 Russell Palmer Road, Kingwood • www.operaleggera.com
Kingwood Christmas Cookie Dash Participate in this second annual race featuring a 5K, 10K 10K relay or a kids dash option in partnership with Dirty Dough of Kingwood. • Dec. 13, noon-5:30 p.m. • $15-$50 (admission) • Town Center Park, 8 N. Main St., Kingwood • www.radracingcompany.com Homestead for the Holidays Experience the traditions of earlier times with a 19th- century holiday event featuring music, holiday crafts, photo opportunities with Santa and concessions, as well as a plant sale hosted by the Jesse Jones Park Volunteers. • Dec. 13, 3-6 p.m. • Free (admission) • Jesse H. Jones Park, 20634 Kenswick Drive, Humble • www.pct3.com
• Dec. 14, 4-7 p.m. • Free (admission) • Kings Harbor,
1660 W. Lake Houston Parkway, Kingwood • www.holocaustremembranceassociation.org
Inspire ND’s Pics with Santa Geared for families with children with autism and other special needs, this sensory-friendly event will include photos with Santa, holiday games and crafts, and festive snacks. • Dec. 16, 4-6:30 p.m. • Free (admission) • Lake Houston Family YMCA, 2440 W. Lake Houston Parkway, Kingwood • www.inspirend.org
• 10614 FM 1960, Huffman • www.lakehoustonbrew.com
Mistletoe Market Shop for vintage-inspired clothing, home decor, candles and soaps at this holiday market, which will
also feature food trucks. • Dec. 12-14, 9 a.m.- 2 p.m.
• $3.50-$15 (admission) • Humble Civic Center, 8233 Will Clayton Parkway, Humble • www.vintagemarketdays.com
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
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LAKE HOUSTON HUMBLE KINGWOOD EDITION
PORTER 23611 Hwy 59 (281) 354-0733
HUMBLE 19322 US-59 (281) 540-7202
ATASCOCITA 7034 FM 1960 E (281) 812-3100
KINGWOOD 1420 Kingwood Dr (281) 359-7115
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Community
BY HANNAH BROL
Volunteer Guide
2025
Learn more about volunteer and donation opportunities in the Lake Houston area. For specic volunteer requirements, contact the organization directly. This list is not comprehensive.
youth and their families to build brighter futures. • Sample activities: assisting with neuro-martial arts ¥itness class; sorting items at The Village Thrift Shop; playing games or creating art with Villagers in the residential program; helping with special fundraising events and beauti¥ication projects • Donations accepted: monetary, various items can be donated to The Village Thrift Shop • The Village Centers, 3819 Plum Valley Drive, Kingwood; Thrift Shop, 25432 Loop 494, Porter • www.thevillagecenters.org
Human services
Animal welfare
Paw Pact Rescue The nonprot rescues, rehabilitates and nds forever homes for animals in need. • Sample activities: fostering animals; working cat care shifts at the Summerwood and New Caney PetSmart locations; transporting pets for surgeries; organizing the storage unit; assisting during adoption events • Donations accepted: monetary, Amazon wish list for supplies such as cat food, dog food and cat litter • 12712 W. Lake Houston Parkway, B169, Houston, TX 77044 (mailing address) • www.pawpactrescue.com
Civic
Friends of the Library Kingwood The nonprot organization’s mission is to support the Kingwood Branch Library. • Sample activities: assisting in the used bookstore by providing customer service, organizing books and restocking shelves; or at the FOLK Center by listing books to be sold on Amazon • Donations accepted: books, puzzles, media • 4400 Bens View Lane, Kingwood • www.kingwoodfolk.org
J’s House The nonprot provides transitional housing and therapeutic care to children in foster care. • Sample activities: mentoring, tutoring, reading, leading Bible studies, assisting with special events, cooking, fundraising, administrative tasks, lawn care • Donations accepted: monetary; in-kind donations such as clothing and toiletries; Amazon wish list for case-speci¥ic needs • Kingwood (exact location not disclosed publicly) • www.jshouse.org
Causes
Holocaust Remembrance Association HRA 18 is dedicated to building bridges of understanding, healing and hope through remembrance and education about the Holocaust. • Sample activities: assisting with and supporting community events and the Upstander Stone Project; serving as docents or maintenance helpers at the Holocaust Garden of Hope; administrative support • Donations accepted: monetary, in-kind contributions, sponsorships • P.O. Box 9046, Kingwood, TX 77339 (mailing address) • www.hra18.org Inspire ND The Kingwood-based nonprot’s mission is to create truly inclusive communities for people with neurodiversity through education and engagement. • Sample activities: running activity stations, games and registration; helping with event setup and cleanup • Donations accepted: monetary; event donations such as bingo prizes, candy, entertainment services, food and drinks • P.O. Box 5640, Kingwood, TX 77325 (mailing address) • www.inspirend.org Myocarditis Foundation The organization aims to raise awareness of myocarditis—the inammation of the heart’s muscular wall—which, while rare, can be deadly if left untreated. • Sample activities: handing out flyers and pamphlets about myocarditis at community events • Donations accepted: monetary • 800 Rockmead Drive, Ste. 155, Kingwood • www.myocarditisfoundation.org The Village Centers The nonprot creates inclusive opportunities for people with disabilities and works in partnerships to empower
Education
Revolutionary Education The nonprot is dedicated to inspiring the next generation with educational, patriotic events about the American Revolution. • Sample activities: event work including management, setup, teardown and leading educational stations; administrative work; help with fundraising • Donations accepted: monetary, in-kind contributions, sponsorships • 2940 Oak St., Kingwood • www.reved1776.org
and execution • Donations accepted: Target or Walmart gift cards; high-need items such as laundry pods, toilet tissue,
paper towels and household cleaners • 1590 FM 1960 Bypass Road E., Humble • www.fplh.org
Youth sports
Humble Atascocita Baseball Association The community-based, nonprot youth baseball organization is dedicated to providing a safe, fun and competitive environment for players of all ages and skill levels. Fall registration opened Nov. 24. • Sample activities: coaching or assisting a youth baseball team; assisting with special events, tournaments and registrations days • Donations accepted: N/A • Lindsay Lyons Park, 2310 Atascocita Road, Humble • www.humblebaseball.com Lake Houston Family YMCA This local YMCA serves the Humble and Kingwood community through programs and social services designed to help individuals and families learn, grow and thrive. • Sample activities: coach youth sports teams, mentor youth and serve on the board of advisors • Donations accepted: monetary • 2420 W. Lake Houston Parkway, Kingwood • www.ymcahouston.org
Environment
Trees for Kingwood The nonprot is dedicated to restoring Kingwood as “The Livable Forest.” • Sample activities: planting trees, watering trees, clearing vines during Median Madness events • Donations accepted: monetary donations can be made through the KSA Parks Foundation or the Trees for Houston (Kingwood) website • 1075 Kingwood Drive, Ste. 100, Kingwood • www.treesforkingwood.org
Human services
Family Promise of Lake Houston The nonprot seeks to help families as they break the cycle of homelessness. • Sample activities: mock job interviews, meal preparation, yard work/landscaping, event planning
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LAKE HOUSTON HUMBLE KINGWOOD EDITION
Securing surface water From the cover
The overview
Water infrastructure projects The cities of Humble and Houston currently have four major water infrastructure projects being completed in Humble and Kingwood. 1 City of Humble water line A 3,000-foot water line will be constructed connecting the city of Houston’s water supply to Humble Water Well 6. • Timeline: January 2026-July 2026 • Cost: $2.4 million • Funding source: city of Humble 2 Kingwood Central Wastewater Treatment Plant The project will replace the plant’s lters and bar screens—key components that remove solids and
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A total of four major water projects are currently underway in the Humble and Kingwood areas. Among the projects is Humble’s $2.4 million water line project. Humble City Manager Jason Stuebe said the project will construct a roughly 3,000-foot water line connecting Houston’s water supply—located at the intersection of Hwy. 59 and Rankin Road—to Humble’s Water Well 6, located on Rankin Road. “This is a vital project, ... [since the city of Humble needs] to take more surface water from the city of Houston,” Stuebe said. Additionally, Phase 2 of Houston’s $1.97 billion expansion of the Northeast Water Purication Plant in Humble is expected to be substantially complete in late 2025, said Drew Molly, chief water ocer for Houston Public Works. Molly noted that the project, which includes the construction of a new wastewater treatment facility adjacent to the original facility, will increase the amount of water that can be treated at the plant from roughly 80 million gallons per day to 400 million gallons per day. Separately, Houston Public Works is spearheading two additional projects in Kingwood, including a $12 million project at the Kingwood Central Wastewater Treatment Plant to improve the plant’s ltration system, and a $6 million project at the Forest Cove Wastewater Treatment Plant to replace aging ultraviolet disinfection systems.
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debris early in the treatment process. • Timeline: summer 2025-winter 2027 • Cost: $12 million • Funding source: city of Houston
N
3 Forest Cove Wastewater Treatment Plant The project will replace aging ultraviolet disinfection systems at the wastewater treatment plant. • Timeline: summer 2025-winter 2027 • Cost: $6 million • Funding source: city of Houston
4 Northeast Water Puri cation Plant A new treatment facility will be constructed next to the existing plant and sized to achieve 320 million gallons per day of treated water capacity in addition to the current 80 million gallons. • Timeline: March 2024-winter 2025 • Cost: $1.97 billion • Funding source: city of Houston
SOURCES: HOUSTON PUBLIC WORKS, CITY OF HUMBLE¤COMMUNITY IMPACT
Residential water rate increases
The impact
Some context
Houston (April)
Humble (May)
Usage 1-3,000 gallons
In May, water and sewer rates jumped by about 20% each for the average residential customer in Humble after council members approved new rates, according to previous reporting. Humble’s water is supplied, in part, through groundwater pumped from ve local wells, but also through surface water, which is purchased from Houston, according to the city of Humble’s website. “We will be, in eect, doubling how much we have to purchase from the city of Houston,” Stuebe said. While Humble’s waterline project will help the city meet HGSD requirements, he said another water and sewer rate adjustment may be imple- mented in January. “We’re trying to break this up to make it as easily swallowable as possible,” Stuebe said. In April, Houston Public Works ocials raised water rates by an average of 6% for customers,
The rate increase in Humble is coming as the city begins to adhere to regulations implemented by the HGSD that require government agencies to increase the amount of surface water they use from 30% to 60%, Humble Public Works Director Mark Arnold said. HGSD data from 2019-23 shows the Greater Houston area continues to experi- ence subsidence, or the collapsing of the land due to movement beneath the earth’s surface. According to previous reporting, HGSD General Manager Mike Turco said subsidence is often caused when entities use groundwater as opposed to surface water. To alleviate subsidence, Turco said water authorities are required to follow HGSD’s regulatory plan of having 60% of their water supply coming from surface water by the end of this year and 80% by 2035.
Increased from $1.50 to $1.65 per every 1,000 gallons consumed Increased from $15.61 to $18.73 per month
Increased from $7 to $7.50 per every 1,000 gallons consumed Increased from $2.53 to $3.16 per every 1,000 gallons consumed
3,001-10,000 gallons
NOTE: HOUSTON RATES BASED ON 58 INCH SIZE WATER LINE; HUMBLE RATES NOT BASED ON WATER LINE SIZE. SOURCES: HOUSTON PUBLIC WORKS, CITY OF HUMBLECOMMUNITY IMPACT
though the actual rate increase is dependent on individual water usage, according to the city’s website. The increase is the fourth of ve planned rate hikes approved in 2021 to help fund improve- ments to the city’s sewer system. The last rate increase approved as part of the consent decree will go into eect April 1, 2026, according to the city’s website.
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY WESLEY GARDNER
Wastewater treatment process 1 Preliminary treatment
A closer look
What’s next
Raw sewage is pumped through screens to remove large debris, followed by a grit removal system to extract sand, silt and other materials. 2 Biological treatment Oxygen is introduced to support microorganisms that consume and break down organic pollutants.
According to the Houston Public Works website, the wastewater treatment plants in Kingwood use a multistage treatment process designed to remove organic matter, solids and harmful pollut- ants from wastewater. These processes make the water safe enough to be discharged back into the environment, contributing to ecosystem health and pollution control. Currently, Houston Public Works’ Wastewater Operations Branch operates and maintains 38 wastewater treatment plants, a water collection system consisting of more than 370 lift stations, which help pump water and wastewater to treatment facilities, and more than 6,100 miles of wastewater pipelines. While Molly said the Kingwood area does not have any additional major wastewater projects coming soon, the city of Houston is considering appropriating roughly $4.5 million in funding for planned improvements at the Kingwood West Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Schlessinger said the voter-approved constitutional amendment will direct up to $1 billion of sales tax revenue per year from 2027-47 to the Texas Water Fund, which she noted will be helpful for local government entities by allowing them to obtain nancing from the Texas Water Development Board. According to the Texas Water Development Board’s website, the Texas Water Fund can be used to help fund the following projects and services: Water infrastructure projects for rural political subdivisions and municipalities with a population less than 150,000, like the city of Humble The statewide water public awareness program
3 Clarication The treated wastewater ¦ows into secondary clariers, where solids settle.
4 Disinfection The claried water undergoes disinfection to eliminate pathogens.
Water conservation strategies Water loss mitigation projects
5 Biosolids management The solids removed during treatment are further treated and reused as benecial soil amendments or fertilizers.
SOURCE: TEXAS WATER DEVELOPMENT BOARDCOMMUNITY IMPACT
SOURCE: HOUSTON PUBLIC WORKSCOMMUNITY IMPACT
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LAKE HOUSTON HUMBLE KINGWOOD EDITION
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Dining
BY JOVANNA AGUILAR
At Conchas Cafe Bakery, customers can select their own items and pay at the counter.
Conchas are seashell-shaped sweet breads avored with cinnamon and topped with sugar.
PHOTOS BY JOVANNA AGUILARCOMMUNITY IMPACT
Conchas Cafe Bakery oers pan dulce in Humble
• Iced horchata coee • Iced strawberry matcha • Iced Choco Abuelita • Iced matcha horchata Staying local
When Marisol and Jorge Cuevas opened Conchas Cafe Bakery in July 2024, they set out to bring a taste of home to their community in Humble. The family-run bakery, operated alongside their children, serves traditional Mexican pan dulce and coee, which Marisol Cuevas said is a sweet re ection of her roots and the community she has called home since she was 15. Craving pan dulce? Conchas Cafe Bakery is a product of the couple’s desire to create a business where their children, Aaliya, Ozzy and Ivan Cuevas, could work together and learn about entrepreneurship, Marisol Cuevas said. The bakery oers traditional Mexican pan dulce, freshly made from scratch every morning. To ensure authentic pan dulce, the bakery operates with a professional chef and recipes made in house. With about 1,200 baked goods made daily, Marisol Cuevas said the conchas tend to be the rst to run out. Conchas are seashell- shaped sweet breads avored with cinnamon and topped with sugar. Other best sellers include the borrego—a cylinder-shaped concha stued with Nutella or cajeta, a caramel milk spread—and the bolillo relleno, a savory bread stued with ham and cream cheese. To pair with its freshly baked delights, Conchas Cafe Bakery oers coee with coee beans sourced from Austin. Some favorites from the menu include:
A variety of doughnuts are also available.
Located on Main Street in Humble, Conchas Cafe Bakery oers dozens of baked goods to choose from on a self-serve basis, ranging from 80 cents to $2 a piece. With the holidays approaching, Marisol Cuevas said the bakery plans to oer seasonal baked goods and seasonal hot coee options such as champurrado—a Mexican hot chocolate made with dough our and piloncillo, a raw form of pure cane sugar. As longtime Humble residents, Marisol Cuevas said the family-operated bakery often participates in community events such as Humble’s Sip & Shop event and the annual Good Oil Days Festival. Open seven days a week, Marisol Cuevas said when there are left overs the bakery donates its bread to people in need to support its community and serve freshly baked bread the following day. After over a year of operating, Conchas Cafe Bakery has quickly become a gathering place where people share bread, coee and stories, Marisol Cuevas said. Looking ahead, she noted Conchas Cafe Bakery plans to expand its dining area to oer more seating options for customers to enjoy their baked goods, coee and company.
Polverones are Spanish shortbread cookies.
N
409 E. Main St., Humble www.conchascafebakery.com
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LAKE HOUSTON HUMBLE KINGWOOD EDITION
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