Born In The Bend

Terri Vela, City Manager at City of Richmond Texas, joins the pod to discuss the coordination behind the scenes of Richmond’s charming city. From infrastructure to events, development to volunteering, no single day looks the same for Terri as she and her team work to build a better and more beautiful Richmond. Talking points include coordinating events like the arts festival and farmers market, strategic partnerships between government and nonprofit groups, and Terri’s future hopes for growth and construction in downtown Richmond.

Sarah Beth Baca, local artist, author, community liaison and activist, talks about the seasons of her life and the impact art has had throughout. As a wife, mother, and full-time artist, Sarah has learned how to balance art with life and keep an open mind about the journey to making art a profitable and impactful career. From face-painting to expressionism, mixed media to oil and acrylic, Sarah has so many experiences, insights, and advice to share about finding passion in chaos, meeting the needs of your community, and staying curious about the creative opportunities ahead of you.

Sandy McGee, Restaurateur and Owner of Sandy McGee’s Restaurant & Bar, serves up tasty tales and delicious insights on what it’s like to feed Fort Bend. From in-home catering to a little house in Rosenberg to a remodeled restaurant mecca in Historic Downtown Richmond, Sandy has seen it all and still has more cooking up for us to look forward to. Talking points include the highs and lows of the restaurant business, her family and their involvement in Sandy McGee’s, and the infamous broccoli cheese soup that inspires daily lunch lines of hungry patrons.

October Smith, Ranch Manager at Long Acres Ranch, comes inside from the great outdoors to talk about a beautiful private green space in the middle of the bustling suburbs and shops of Richmond. Located in the heart of Richmond, Long Acres Ranch provides a unique, natural environment for educational and recreational activities and promotes the appreciation of nature and open space. Talking points include oodles of ologies for kiddos and adults, outdoor activities for nature lovers of all ages, and how to get involved in upcoming ranch opportunities.

Noell Myska and Heather Hernandez join the pod to talk about serving the Fort Bend community through equine-assisted learning and therapeutic horsemanship at Reining Strength. Founded in 2014, Reining Strength Therapeutic Horsemanship provides equine-assisted services for people ages 2 and up, children and adults, with physical, cognitive, social, or emotional needs. Talking points include different groups that benefit from therapeutic horsemanship, how to get involved as a volunteer, and what the upcoming Derby Day event (May 4) has in store.

Greg Babst, Emergency Management Coordinator at Fort Bend Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management, brings emergency prep to the pod and tackles the tips for hurricane safety. Hurricane season starts this May in Fort Bend, but the impacts of these natural disasters can be felt both before and after this time of heightened awareness. Greg talks through setting up a 72-hour kit, tapping into EOC’s resources, and getting prepared at the upcoming Fort Bend Ready event on April 27th.

Season 5 has officially arrived, and Em & Aim are so excited to catch up with listeners and look ahead for what’s to come on Born in the Bend! Aimee discusses new additions to the Jax & 7th and Blockhouse Coffee family, including LIT Bookbar and Mugz Coffee. Emily gives listeners a sneak peek of the upcoming Fort Bend Museum gala, “A Night in the Garden” taking place on April 6th. Additional talking points include summer travels, listener recommendations, and home remodels.

Rebekah Dahl and Brad Scarborough, Founders of The Music Box Theater, bring their musical and comedic talents to the pod and talk about their unique variety show theater. This husband and wife duo work alongside the awesome Houston-based company at Music Box to delight audiences of all ages. Highlights of this episode include getting an in-depth look at upcoming Music Box Theater shows (including A Beatles Holiday Cabaret 2023) and hearing an exclusive musical performance from Rebekah and Brad.

Rainey Webster, Executive Director of the Rosenberg Railroad Museum (RRM), forgoes the planes and automobiles this week to talk to us about trains and the railroads that have built the Texas we know today. The Rosenberg Railroad Museum educates and engages members of the Fort Bend community of all ages about the importance and impact of railroads and train technology. Stops along our journey include field trips for local schools, the current photography exhibit, and how you can visit and volunteer.

Adam and Jamie Busch from Family Style Design Co spend the season in style with us and talk about the upcoming happenings at their beautiful home decor shop. Inspired by family and influenced by their love of gift-giving, Adam and Jamie bring beautiful things to the Fort Bend community through decor, consultations, design services, and community events. Design elements of this episode include gift-giving as a family love language, community table dinners, and Christmas concerts.