MAR 21
Dew House Dedication
Four years ago, Feb. 26, 2006, a wrecking ball was dodged and a piece of this
area
’s history was saved for future generations. Thanks to the community minded and
extremely generous support of Sienna Johnson Development in conjunction with
Historic Houston, Fort Bend County and the city of Missouri City, the old Dew
Plantation House was relocated to Kitty Hollow Park. Cut into two parts the
house was moved in a historic midnight parade down State Highway 6. Many of the
area subdivisions rest on what was once Dew Land and Thomas Tristam Dew was
Missouri City
’s first Justice of the Peace.
On Sunday, March 21, from 1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m., the house—having undergone extensive renovation—will be dedicated, with a Grand Opening in late fall. Stained glass windows
designed and created especially for the house by artisan Ed Schwer, will be
unveiled that day.
When Schwer was 59, and contemplating retirement in 1993, his wife was very
clear in relaying to him that she did not want him to become
“a couch potato” and encouraged him to take college courses in pottery, wood carving and stained
glass. Eventually Ed himself volunteered to teach classes at their church in
Pittsburgh. He taught about 400 individuals the art of stained glass and wood
carving before their move to Quail Valley, where they relocated to be near
their children and grandchildren. He continues to teach in Missouri City. He
has dedicated the Dew house panels to the memory of his wife, Marlene.
When the DeWalt Heritage Project Committee of the Fort Bend County Museum
Association expressed an interest in stained glass panels for one of the doors
in the Dew House, a previous student of Schwer
’s suggested him for the work. Schwer met with special project historian Diane
Ware to talk about the Dew family and their place in Fort Bend County history,
which is how the theme for the window evolved. Their focus for the window was
to become a pictorial essay of sorts reflecting the interests of the Dew
family, which included cattle, sugar cane, cotton, oil, as well as the
railroad. Schwer
’s wife was very involved in the project helping him with Internet research and
color selection for the stained glass. Sadly and suddenly she passed away on
Halloween eve 2009 before having had a chance to see the finished stained glass
windows, which will be showcased on the upper floor front door.
The granddaughter of Dr. Hugh Saunders Dew, Sue Brinkman Alston, is designing
and making the draperies for many of its windows.
Community Garage Sale, march 6
Sugar Land First United Methodist Church will host its annual community-wide
garage sale in the parking lot at Eldridge Road and Seventh Street on Saturday,
March 6, from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Area residents are encouraged to participate by
renting one or more spaces to sell their own treasures or stopping by to shop
in the many booths filled with other people
’s treasures. Booth rental is $25 for a 20-foot by 20-foot space and $35 for a
20-foot by 30-foot space. All proceeds from the sale benefit the ministry and
mission work of the church
’s youth choir. For more information, or to rent a space, call the church office
at 281-491-6041.
cradle of texas chorus, mondays
The Cradle of Texas Chorus of Sweet Adelines International is open to women of
all ages who enjoy singing four-part harmony, barbershop-style. Sugar Land
chapter meets on Mondays from 7 p.m.-9 p.m. at Christ United Methodist Church,
3300 Austin Parkway, Sugar Land. For more information, call 713-774-3975.
fort bend lawyers care legalline, march 3
Low income residents of Fort Bend County can get free answers to legal
questions. This service is sponsored by Fort Bend Lawyers Care the first
Wednesday of every month.
Call LegalLine at 281-239-0015 from 7 p.m.-9 p.m.
aNNIE RETURNS TO STAFFORD CENTRE, MARCH 5-7
Often, It’s a Hard Knock Life for Fort Bend Theatre, but The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow thanks to the generous co-sponsorship of the City of Stafford. Once again
award-winning Fort Bend Theatre will be presenting the Broadway musical
Annie at the Stafford Centre, 10505 Cash Road, Stafford, March 5-7.
Annie was the debut performance at the Stafford Centre in 2004. Featuring over 100
local performers and musicians, it was used as the
“test run” for the new Stafford Performing Arts Centre, and both were received with
community acclaim and packed houses. Six years and many shows later, both
organizations have met with state and national recognition, and have proven
themselves to be the premium presenter of arts to the Fort Bend area.
The hit Broadway musical Annie, winner of seven Tony Awards, won audiences’ hearts around the world. Boasting one of Broadway’s most memorable scores, including It’s the Hard-Knock Life, Easy Street, NYC and the ever optimistic Tomorrow, Annie will bring a smile to everyone’s face and will be a show you will want to see anew.
Although many of the debut orphans have now entered college, several of these
local stars will now be appearing in adult ensemble roles for this 21st season
celebration of Fort Bend Theatre. Featuring a full professional orchestra,
amazing sets and costumes, and over 100 performers, this delightful musical
comedy is sure to be a winner for the whole family.
Tickets are available online at www.fortbendtheatre.com. For more information, call the theater box office, 2815 N. Main Street, at
281-208-3333.
“god bless texas” event, march 6
On Saturday, March 6, Cookie Joe’s dancers switch their dance shoes for boots to kick off the second annual “God Bless Texas” benefit festival deep in the heart of Sugar Land.
In 2009, the inaugural event exceeded goals by bringing in more than $12,000 to
support Cookie Joe
’s Dancin’ School’s commitment to the Star of Hope Homeless Mission, Making Strides for a Cure
Against Breast Cancer and Dance for Children with Special Needs.
New activities planned for 2010 are the roping contest, horseshoe toss, and an
expected favorite, the
“Dunk Your Teacher” tank. All this added to entertainment, silent and live auctions, food, moon
walk and train rides, this year is going to be even better.
Special guest Brent Clanton of CNN 650AM radio will serve as auctioneer, and the
students of Dancin
’ School will dance their hearts out. Come to the high kickin’, two steppin’ party at Dancin’ School, 1415 Highway 6. Festivities begin at 1 p.m.
hubenak elementary pto fun run/carnival, march 6
Hubenak Elementary PTO is hosting its first annual Fun Run and Carnival on March
6, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Joe Hubenak Elementary, 11344 Rancho Bella Parkway,
Richmond.
The Fun Run and Carnival will help fund field trips, equipment and school
activities. Sponsors and volunteers are needed to help. Advertising booths are
available for $30 (half table) and $50 (whole table). For information, contact
Kaye at
kthom44531@aol.com.
