Fort Bend County foodies are invited to dine out for a cause April 6-19, as 13 restaurants participate in the inaugural Fort Bend Restaurant Weeks.

What residents need to know: The event—which is sponsored by UpClose Magazine, inKind and Amaro Law Firm—will benefit the East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry, a nonprofit organization dedicated to easing hunger, preventing homelessness and uplifting the community.

Participating restaurants will offer various specials such as three-course meals, free appetizers or specific menu items with various giveback options, according to its website.

Quote of note: “We are thrilled to join forces with UpClose Magazine and dozens of local restaurants that support the food pantry,” said Stacey Williams, executive director for the East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry. “EFBHNM feeds thousands of families each year, and partnerships like these help ensure that the food pantry can continue serving our neighbors in need.”

Turan Uyghur Kitchen has opened a second Greater Houston location in Katy, owner Ali Omar said.

What they serve: The restaurant—which specializes in Central Asian, Uyghur cuisine—takes pride in using fresh spices and only “premium” meats for their dishes, Omar said.

Popular items include pearl noodles, kabobs, tugur dumplings and a meat pie called uyghur goshnaan.

About the owner: Originally from East Turkestan, Omar said he’s had customers come from Katy and Spring to eat at the restaurant’s Chinatown location, so he decided to open a new one to be closer to them.

• 402 W. Grand Parkway, Ste. 108, Katy

Harris County workers will now have a seat at the table in discussions about workplace regulations, grievances and salaries after commissioners approved a new policy allowing labor organizations to advocate on behalf of county employees—a first for a Texas county.

At a glance: Commissioners Court passed the Harris County Consultation Policy March 19 in a 3-1 vote, with Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey as the dissenting voice. Judge Lina Hidalgo was absent during the meeting.

Harris County employees will have the option to select a labor union organization to serve as a “consultation agent” on their behalf. Organizations must receive signatures from 20% of eligible county workers to serve as an agent, County Attorney Jonathan Fombonne said.

Some context: State law bans political subdivisions from entering collective bargaining contracts with labor organizations. However, officials from the county attorney’s office told Community Impact the policy does not violate the statute because it creates a consulting framework, not bargaining rights.

The impact: Approximately 5,200 county employees will be eligible to work with the consultants, officials said. 

There are several places to visit in the Greater Houston area to celebrate MLB’s Opening Day. Check them out below. This is not a comprehensive list and events are subject to change.

Stats Sportsbar
For the Astros Opening Day, Stats will be hosting a watch party with 23-ounce beers, $1 wings all night, $2 off Stats’ signature drinks and old fashioneds and $5.50 purple Gatorade shots.

• March 26, 5 p.m.
• Free (admission)
• 10850 Louetta Road, Houston

• March 26, 3 p.m.
• Free (admission)
• 2503 Covey Lane, Pearland

• March 26, noon-3 p.m.
• $62-$498 (March 26 game ticket)
• 501 Crawford St., Houston

From water parks built for thrill-seekers to tranquil lagoons perfect for relaxing, there are several ways for Houston-area residents to cool off this summer.

Big Rivers Waterpark & Adventures: Located in New Caney, this water park also features amusement park rides, an inflatable course, zip lines, ax-throwing, a maze, a gator exhibit and a petting zoo.

• Open for Spring Adventure days in March; all water attractions open select days April 3-Sept. 30
• $19.99 (single-use day ticket March 7-29), $44.99 (single-use day ticket April 3-Sept. 30), $99.99 (season pass), free (age 2 and under)

• Open year-round
• $34-$55 (half-day pass), $49-$79 (full-day pass), $65-$269 (season pass)

• Open select days May 2-Sept. 7
• $42-$90 (daily admission), $89-$150 (season pass)