2023
READERS’ CHOICE
Photos: Missouri City Kwanzaa Celebration - Page 8
281.690.4200 WEDNESDAY • JANUARY 3, 2024
Grand opening for Fulshear Branch Library set for Jan. 13 Community Reports The grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony of Fort Bend County Libraries’ Fulshear Branch Library will take place on Saturday, January 13, beginning at 10 a.m., at the new library, 6350 GM Library Road in Fulshear. The grand opening will be officiated by Fort Bend County Judge KP George, who will be joined by Precinct 1 County Commissioner Vincent Morales and other county and local officials. All area residents are invited to come out and take part in the grand-opening reception. The Fulshear Branch Library, which replaces the Bob Lutts Fulshear/Simonton Branch Library, is now the third largest library in the Fort Bend County library system. Designed by HuittZollars, the 2-story building is 41,980 square feet in size. Flintco is the general contractor. Construction of the new Fulshear Branch Library is the final phase of a $19.8-million bond referendum approved by voters in November 2015, which included $13.4 million for a new library to be built on the north side of the county. The library was designed to be family-friendly, with individual areas for children, teens, and adults. The general library areas on the first and second floors are enhanced by natural light from a series of glazed windows framing spectacular views of the area. The library includes an outdoor patio with charging stations, a drive-through book return in the parking lot, community meeting rooms, study rooms, a puppet theater, and a computer lab for technology classes and public use. Additional computers will be available for public use outside of the computer lab. The library has free WiFi access for individuals wishing to bring their own laptop computers to the library. Children will be delighted with the interactive game table in the Youth Department, as well as with the whimsical musical elements outside the library. The Youth Services department will offer a full range of children’s programs, including Mother Goose Time for infants, Toddler Time for children from 1 to 3 years of age, Preschool Story Time for 3- to 6-year-old children, and school-aged programs for children in grades K through 8. The library will offer book clubs and craft groups, and introductory computer classes for adults will soon be available. Patrons may learn computer basics, such as how to use a computer, how to search the Internet, and how to use Microsoft Office programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
SEE OPENING PAGE 2
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Stafford council wades into property tax discussion By Ken Fountain KFOUNTAIN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM
Continuing a discussion they began in November, Stafford City Council members recently held a meeting where they tossed around the idea of instituting a property tax for the first time in nearly three decades. The issue has long been considered something of a third rail in Stafford politics, as the seven-square-mile city is one of the only municipalities in Texas without a property tax and has long used that as one of its calling cards for attracting new businesses and residents. The late mayor Leonard Scarcella, who died in 2020 after a half-century in office, had put the zero-property
tax policy in effect in 1995. The city relies primary on sales taxes, as well as permits and other fees, to generate revenues. In recent years, however, concerns over the city’s budgetary constraints, ailing infrastructure and deferred capital improvement projects have brought the idea of a property tax to the fore, with even some sitting Council members who campaigned last year on a pledge of not instituting such a tax are considering the possibility. At its December 20 meeting, the council members heard a detailed presentation from Alka Shah, the city’s chief financial officer since June 2021, on Stafford’s financial position over
the past few years. Shah, the city’s accountant, repeatedly stressed that she was there only to provide information to the policymakers at the dais, not make a recommendation on what they should do. While most cities’ budget planning cycles have three aspects - operating budgets, capital improvement projects and five-year forecasts,
Shah said, Stafford in recent years has been focusing only on the operating budget and does not have the capacity to discuss capital needs or long-term innovation “simply because of a lack of resources.” In the two budgets that the city has put in place since she came on board, between 20 to 25 city jobs have not been budgeted for, Shah said. Most of those positions have been in the police and fire and public works departments. “The department heads are expected to manage their operations with slim and sometimes nonexistent resources,” she said. “Our financial resources and revenues are not adequate and highly volatile in nature.
As a result, maintaining a growing and healthy fund balance and implementing a conservative approach for revenue projecting is critical.” The council’s recent decision, under new Mayor Ken Mathews, to raise the salaries for the city’s police officers and firefighters and other employees in order to make Stafford more competitive with peer cities is appreciated, Shah said, but it was funded by dipping into the city’s fund balance, essentially its savings account. “Since these expenses are recurring in nature, I’m not sure how we can fund them again next year,” she said.
SEE DISCUSSION PAGE 2
Missouri City Kwanzaa See Page 8 - for more photos from the Missouri City Kwanzaa Celebration
Taraja and Tyler Pearson light one of the Kwanzaa candles while discussing the principle of Ujamaa, or creative economics, during the Missouri City Kwanzaa Celebration on December 26. Photo by Ken Fountain
TSTC provost discusses 2023 while looking forward to new year Community Reports The year 2023 was a big one for Texas State Technical College across the state and at the Fort Bend County campus in Rosenberg. With record enrollment, the groundbreaking for a new building and the addition of some programs, the campus had a lot happening. Bryan Bowling, provost for the campus, emphasized the collaborative efforts between TSTC, local and regional officials, and the community in helping spur along the growth. “We’ve had the Legislature support us and the community support us,” Bowling said in a press release. “That of course involves industry as well. We simply could not
have done it without all those pieces working together in concert.” In terms of enrollment, TSTC’s Fort Bend County campus saw a 20 percent increase from the fall semester of 2022 through the fall of 2023. It was the largest growth in enrollment that the campus had ever seen, with just under 800 students on campus this previous semester. The campus also saw the groundbreaking of the new Transportation Center of Excellence, set to open by fall 2025. In attendance at the ceremony were TSTC leadership, local government officials, and TSTC industry partners.
SEE PROVOST PAGE 2
TSTC partners with industry leaders to find students highly lucrative careers and teach them the skills needed to be successful. Courtesy TSTC
THE STAR
PAGE 2 • Wednesday, January 3, 2024
Fort Bend Chamber to host economic forecast talk on Jan. 9 Staff Reports On January 9, from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., the Fort Bend County Chamber of Commerce will host an event looking at the economic forecast for Fort Bend and the region. The event will be held at the chamber offices at 445 Commerce Green Blvd., Sugar Land. Jesse Thompson, a senior business economist with the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, Houston Branch, will give the talk titled “Prosperity and Progress: Fort Bend County’s Economic Forecast.” He will provide a brief analysis of the current and anticipated economic conditions in Fort Bend County for 2024.
Jesse Thompson, a senior business economist with the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, Houston Branch, will provide an economic forecast for Fort Bend County on January 9. Courtesy Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas
Thompson, who joined the Federal Reserve in 2010, performs research and analysis on issues
affecting the Houston and Gulf Coast economy, according to his profile on the bank’s website. In particular, he studies issues surrounding area hydrocarbon industries. He also collects information for the Dallas Fed’s Beige Book summary of current economic conditions. The event will be moderated by Darrell W. Groves and Patrick Houck, cochairs of the chamber’s Business and Professional Division. Individual member registrations for the event are $30. At-the-door registrations are $40. For more information and to register, visit fortbendchamber. com.
PROVOST FROM PAGE 1
“The biggest milestone this year was truly breaking ground on the new building,” Bowling said. “Over the course of 2024, we’ll get to see that unfold before our eyes, potentially alongside other opportunities we don’t yet see.” Looking ahead toward the new year, Bowling emphasized the importance of staying connected to industries in the region. From its curriculum to its lab equipment, everything that TSTC does is designed to train students to meet the needs of the Texas workforce, he said. “Our whole operation is truly dedicated to purely aligning and innovating in curriculum, which means we have to have the most
DISCUSSION FROM PAGE 1
“We have never paid attention to capital needs of operating departments,” Shah said. “Honestly, I’m embarrassed to inform you that items used by various departments, including police, are aged, and some of them are older than15 years.” “Our infrastructure is also crumbling and needs attention,” she said. All of the city’s combined needs require a steady and reliable source of revenues, and the “business model” of the zero-property tax policy is not up to the task, Shah said. More and more of the sales tax revenues have been transferred from capital and long-term projects into paying the city’s operating expenses, she said. “We need to change our strategy from being reactive to proactive to be successful,”
OPENING FROM PAGE 1
2023 saw the groundbreaking for TSTC’s new Transportation Center of Excellence to be built on the Fort Bend County campus in Rosenberg. Courtesy TSTC
sincere and intimate relationship with industry,” Bowling said. No matter a person’s background or outlook in life, Bowling encouraged those looking for a career path to consider attending TSTC in 2024. “If you’re someone who likes to tinker, if you’re a
dreamer, there is a pathway for you,” he said. “We understand how your brain works because many of us share that same construct. Come see us, and we’ll figure this out together -- and it’ll be a lot of fun doing it.” For more information, visit tstc.edu.
EXPERIENCED IN TOTAL HOME REPAIRS! Roof Replacement & Repairs Shower, Siding & Additions • Framing • Sheetrock • Painting • Fences • Concrete/Granite • Tile, Brick & Laminate • Tree Service
A wide variety of books for children and adults are available for recreational reading and research. Magazines, newspapers, and audiovisual materials are also on hand. The library offers an online digital collection of ebooks and e-audiobooks, as well as emagazines and streaming movies that can be accessed from home. A generous assortment of research databases is available for patrons to access in the library or from home. “Part of our library mission is to provide an environment of lifelong learning and enrichment for the entire, diverse community, and this new venture just reinforces our commitment to providing a continuum of service for people of all ages,” Library Director Clara Russell said. “We hope the residents in the area will find the new
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she said. Shah’s presentation was interspersed with a wideranging discussion among Council members. Position 6 Council member Tim Wood, elected last May on a platform of not instituting a property tax, seemed to be particularly alarmed by the city’s financial picture as outlined by Shah. “To me, it comes down to what kind of city do we want to have,” he said. In order to return the city to financial sustainability and provide the infrastructure and amenities that residents came to expect in the 1990s, Wood said, “we have got to substantially increase our revenues.” Conversely, Position 3 Council member William Bostic, who in November reiterated his firm stance against such a tax, noted that since Mathews and the new council came aboard last year they begun to implement new rev-
enue streams which he said are not yet accounted for. “This is a problem that’s been festering for years,” he said. “I understand some things haven’t been built, but we’re slowly building that backlog. It’s going to take time.” Position 2 Council member Virgina Rosas said that no one in the current administration or council is to blame for the city’s current predicament. “It’s the positive we’ve come to be in by natural growth that we’ve experienced,” she said. “But it’s something that this council and this mayor has to meet head on.” “We don’t want to be the council where the city goes bankrupt,” Rosas said. “That’s the direction we’re headed. We’re going to go bankrupt if we don’t do something.” In the end, the council decided to continue the discussion at a later specially called meeting.
library a pleasant and enjoyable place where they can study or just relax with a good book.” The hours of operation for the new Fulshear Branch Library are as follows: Monday, 12:00 noon - 9:00 pm; Tuesday and Wednesday, 10:00 am 6:00 pm; Thursday, 10:00 am - 9:00 pm; Friday, 12:00
noon - 5:00 pm; and Saturday, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm. The library is closed on Sundays. For more information, see the Fort Bend County Libraries website (www. fortbend.lib.tx.us) or call the library system’s Communications Office at (281-633-4734).
The grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony of Fort Bend County Libraries’ Fulshear Branch Library will take place on Saturday, Jan. 13, beginning at 10 a.m. Courtesy Fort Bend County Libraries
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832-860-1054
713-433-6421 14700 Almeda Rd Houston, TX 77053 www.HoustonHumane.org
MISHKA
Worship Directory FORT BEND COUNTY
METHODIST CHURCH
EPISCOPAL
CHRIST CHURCH SUGAR LAND • 281-980-6888
ALL SAINTS EPISCOPAL CHURCH • 281-499-9602
A United Methodist Community 3300 Austin Parkway • Sugar Land, TX 77479 Rev. Dr. Daniel Irving, Senior Pastor Sunday Schedule 9:30 am Blended Worship 9:30 am Sunday School for all ages 11:00 am Traditional & Contemporary Worship www.christchurchsl.org
605 Dulles Avenue, Stafford, TX 77477 SUNDAY: 10:30 am Worship Holy Eucharist www.allsaints-stafford.org
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH • 281-240-3195 502 Eldridge Rd. -Sugar Land, TX 77478 Reverend Dr. Fred Seay, Pastor Sunday Worship In Person 11:00 am / Nursery Available Worship Online on YouTube www.fpcsl.org
Introduce Your Congregation to the Community with a listing in our Worship Directory
CHURCH OF CHRIST
STAFFORD CHURCH OF CHRIST • 281-499-2507 402 Stafford Run Rd. -Stafford, 77477 Stephen Higley, Preacher Sunday Bible Study 9:30 am Sunday Worship 10:30 am Wednesday 7:00 pm www.staffordcoc.com
Scripture of the week
“To me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”
Call Anqunette for more information
713.371.3740
- PHILIPPIANS 1:21
Hi there, my name is Mishka! I enjoy laying in bed all day and playing with my toys! I am such a sweet girl and get along great with other cats! Stop by the Houston Humane Society and consider making Mishka an addition to your family! ADOPT MISHKA!
THE STAR
See us online www.FortBendStar.com
Wednesday, January 3, 2024 • PAGE 3
The Reid Feed Retrospective: Our Community in 2023 Janet Sue
Ryan Lee
Art and Culture Columnists
By Ryan Lee Reid and Janet Sue Reid
A
s Robert Burns’ Auld Lang Syne plays and 2023 draws to a close, we just wanted to put an exclamation point on a year that had plenty to celebrate and plenty to reflect upon. This is a retrospective of places we’ve been this year, cool things we’ve experienced, and the delicious foods we’ve eaten that make us grateful for our Fort Bend community and culture.
Though we live in Sugar Land, we are constantly on the move not just in Fort Bend and the greater Houston area, but out of Texas as well. The year 2023 has been a particularly travel heavy year for work as well as us hosting many international and out-of-state guests. Every time we travel, we can’t wait to come home. We miss not just our physical environment, but the warmth of the people and the diversity of culture. Guests who come to visit us are blown away by their positive experience here. Preconceived notions of what “Texas” is and what “Texans” are like are obliterated during their Sugar Land stays. From high-caliber hospitality to refined food they didn’t know existed here because of the absence of Michelin stars in Texas, we heard so many times that people had no idea that the Houston area had such diversity and inclusivity. We must also give an honorable mention to Sugar Land Methodist Hospital as well since their level of medical care, patient compassion, and efficiency of service they offer compared to other states has been so impressive that we have had visitors move to Sugar Land based purely on their positive experiences here. As we look back on 2023, we have seen new places open like Izakaya Ten in Sugar Land and longstanding places close like Kim Son in Stafford. Some places have evolved like the expansion of Alex’s Kitchen and the major facelift of storefronts in the Township in Missouri City. So without further ado, here are some of the places and cultural events in Fort Bend that we have particularly enjoyed this past year. Maple Street Biscuit Company - Though this is a national franchise, crispy chicken strips and warm flaky biscuits are something most restaurants offer, yet often execute poorly. However, this is not the case with Maple Street Biscuit Company which just opened in Aliana in Richmond. We dug right into the Crispy Maple which is Bissell Family Farms Classic Syrup, Fried Chicken, and Bacon on a baked to order warm buttery biscuit. The chicken was crispy and tender in all the right places. This bird is only second to its sauces which are made in house, varied, and fantastic. We are also obsessed with their flavorful fried green tomatoes served with ranch and their sweet and salty maple kettle chips that are cooked to order. 4836 Waterview Town Center Dr Suite 300, Richmond maplestreetbiscuits. com/locations?l=48408084 Brick Rodeo at Sugar Land Marriott - This was by far the Lego event of the season in Sugar Land. Held in July, Brick Rodeo was a massive event that brought together vendors from around the country with one of a kind builds, sets, and mini figs. Our kids’ minds were blown
and judging by the faces of the other attendees, they were as well. Hosted in the grand ballroom of the Sugar Land Marriott, this was a can’t miss for anyone who has that itch to build with those timeless blocks. We particularly loved the geeky whimsy of Lego artist, Ian Summers. He brought unexpected humor to retro gadgets. Check out his Instagram @bricktacular_builds Brick Rodeo brickrodeo.com Pane E Vino - Located close to the corner of Westpark Tollway and The Grand Parkway in Richmond, this Italian restaurant has a parmesan cheese wheel pasta that will make you want to jump into the wheel and swim around in the melted emulsified cheese. Pane E Vino’s Routa al Parmigiano is their homemade fettuccine tossed in a cream sauce inside a giant parmesan wheel. The wheel is carted to your table then tossed tables side with a kiss of truffle olive oil. This is our 11-year old’s favorite dish. He goes into full cheese mode, which later often results in him being sprawled out in the back seat of our car on the way back home. 7109 Katy-Gaston Rd Suite 1000, Richmond paneevinokatytx.com Sugar Land Town Square - The heart and soul of Sugar Land and the location of City Hall, Sugar Land Town Square is our city’s social hub. It’s a place where we can eat, shop, and catch up with friends and family all within walking distance. 2023’s Fall Fest was warm weather-wise, but we’re glad we went. We met old friends and made new friends. Whenever we’re in Town Square, we try to pop into Art Museum Texas to check out the work of local Fort Bend artists. This Fall Fest, we had the pleasure of meeting Ana Villaronga-Roman, the museum’s curator. Her mission is to curate a self-sustaining communitycentric art museum while engaging the public. Next time you find yourself in Sugar Land Town Square, stop by to discover and support Texas local and contemporary art. Admission is free. 16165 City Walk, Sugar Land artmuseumtx.org sugarlandtownsquare.com PJ’s Coffee - PJ’s has finally arrived in Sugar Land in the Greatwood neighborhood. PJ’s is a New Orleans-style coffee shop that offers drinks and bites in the traditional Louisiana style. Most importantly though is the ridiculously delicious beignets they cook fresh for each order. They are worth the wait. Seriously, since their opening a few months ago, our neighbors and we have developed a serious beignet habit requiring us to drive by multiple times a week. Their beignets are pillowy, soft, tender, and full of flavor. PJ’s is also a great local meeting place to sit and enjoy coffee, grab a beignet, or just throw on some headphones and get some work done. It also helps that the local owners and operators, Esmeralda and Michael Padgett, are as nice and welcoming as they come. 17211 W. Grand Parkway South Sugar Land tinyurl. com/PJs-Sugarland BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir - Whenever we show anyone pictures of our son’s 6th-grade cultural anthropology field experience to the Mandir, they ask us, “What country is he visiting?” They cannot imagine this massively large and ornate Indian architectural marvel is not only in the USA, or Texas, but less than 15-minutes away in Stafford. The Mandir welcomes people of all faiths and backgrounds and is open year-round. Our son went to visit the Mandir as five religious sites as part of their concept-based curriculum in school and said, it was one cool temple,” which is high praise from him. 1150 Brand Lane, Stafford baps. org/Global-Network/NorthAmerica/Houston.aspx
Our arts-and-culture columnists offer a retrospective of interesting places, cool things, and delicious foods they experienced in 2023 that make them grateful for the Fort Bend community and culture. Photo montage by Janet Sue Reid
Boot Shooters at Texas Leaguer Brewing Company - In short, Boot Shooter’s steaks are killer! We happened upon them one Thursday night at Texas Leaguer Brewing Company in Missouri City, which happened to be their steak night. Not expecting much, we ordered one steak to share among us. After one bite, we realized we made a massive mis-steak. It was so juicy and flavorful, we went right back to Boot Shooters food truck and ordered three more steaks. I started talking to Gordon Tewart, who co-owns Boot Shooters with Damon Uherek, about how well-cooked they were and how much flavor their steaks packed. It turns out, this little humble food truck, sous vides their steaks in their secret marinade. Next time you’re saddled up at the Texas Leaguer Brewing Company on Thursdays for Steak Night, wander down to Boot Shooters food truck. I mean is there anything better than a Boot Shooter’s steaks hot off the grill and a Czech Swing beer fresh from the tap? 3503 Pike Rd, Missouri City txleaguer.com bootshooterstx.com Ryan Lee Reid Music Studio - The king of Texas music in Fort Bend. Well, I guess we might just be a little bit biased. Based in Sugar Land, Ryan Lee Reid is a classically trained pianist and American Neoclassicist musician. He performs, composes, sings, and educates from Bach to Rachmaninoff, rock to pop, jazz to blues, beats to synths and country to boogie woogie. Call (713) 725-7589 or visit RyanLeeReid.com Brandani’s - A true Fort Bend gem of a family restaurant, this is a place that anyone of any age or palette can eat and enjoy. As you can tell from the picture of our 11-year-old son digging into Brandani’s wild boar appetizer of braised wild boar in a pomodoro sauce with goat cheese and fried eggplant, the food is always well-executed and hits the spot. He goes to middle school right around the corner so we know if he ever skips school, then we know exactly where to find him! Owners Ron and Claire Brandani’s stellar hospitality has made this one of our most frequented restaurants in 2023. Read our full review at tinyurl. com/Brandanis-ReidFeed. 3340 FM 1092 Rd., Ste. 160 Missouri City brandanis.com
Izakaya Ten - Izakaya Ten opened at the beginning of 2023 in Sugar Land. From the Fat Bao and KA Sushi family, Izakaya Ten brings cool Japanese pub culture vibes to Fort Bend. With vintage Japanese posters and lucky cats painted with pop culture references like Star Wars and Pokémon, they offer fresh sushi, ramen, robata (grilled skewers), and agemono (fried) dishes. Their gyoza (chicken and pork dumplings) are incredible. They are juicy and are cooked to perfection resulting in the crispy outer shell that’s shaped like a halo illuminating the wonders of their dumplings. Not only do they have a great deal for lunch Monday through Friday (11 a.m.-3 p.m.) with items as diverse as Tamago sando, egg salad sandwich with tater tots, to spicy tuna tacos in crispy gyoza shells and coleslaw as well as miso soup and house salad, they have one of the best happy hours in Fort Bend, held every weekday from 3-6:30 p.m. During this epic happy hour, we always order their chicken karaage ($3) in multiples. Seriously, we order two orders of karaage at a time up to three to four times in a sitting. We also frequently get the hama chili and salmon carpaccio crudos ($9), as well as some sake either hot or cold ($3) for a refreshing pairing. 3355 Hwy 6 Ste. A, Sugar Land izakayatentx.com University of Oxford Alumni Society Event In 2023, the Houston Oxford Society hosted its Robert Burns Night and Lunar New Year event in Sugar Land for the first time as the holidays aligned. As Janet Sue Reid is an Oxford alumni, it was a merry night filled with Oxonians reciting poetry of Robert Burns to Ryan Lee Reid playing the music of the Bard that capped off a unique event. Guests wore traditional dress from their cultures as varied as men in kilts wearing the tartans of their respective clans to women in hanboks. alumni. ox.ac.uk B.B. Italia - From the Houston-based Berg Hospitality Group, this is their Italian concept that relocated to Sugar Land Town Square at the end of 2022. We’ve had many meals there with their homemade focaccia, classic bolognese, and mega sized Italian sundae topped with chocolate sauce and mini cannolis. The fried
mozzarella on their kids menu is a wonderful crispy fried cheesy concoction perfect for dipping in marinara sauce. There’s also a live pianist on Friday and Saturday nights. 16250 City Walk, Sugar Land bbitaliabistro. com Sugar Land Fire Department at New Territory National Night Out - In a society that is slowly becoming more isolated due to the technological evolution of smartphones and social media, National Night Out is a refreshing throwback to the days of face-to-face interaction with neighbors. We hosted our subdivision’s National Night Out party for the first time this past October. Along with an opportunity to gather with our neighbors who are beyond kind, we got to meet the first responders for our community. The Sugar Land Fire Department came by with their fire truck. The kids of course loved it and got to go inside to check out all the cool equipment. Ryan aptly performed Jerry Lee Lewis’s “Great Balls of Fire” for the firefighters. Detectives from the Sugar Land Police Department also came by. Though the kids were initially apprehensive, they warmed up quickly when they learned interesting CSI forensic science fun facts from them. Ryan had to perform George Strait’s “Ace in the Hole” and Coolio’s “Gangster’s Paradise” for them for more good times. After our National Night Out party, we may just find ourselves knocking on our neighbor’s door if we need a cup of sugar instead of placing an order from our Instacart app. tinyurl.com/ New-Territory-NNO Mando’s Kitchen - Chef Mando Llanes of Mando’s kitchen is a personal chef with a background filled with experiences as diverse as Fort Bend. He is a veteran, a kind neighbor who donated a kidney in a random act of kindness, a culinary school graduate, and honed his cooking skills at Navy Blue, Federal American Grill, and Pearl & Vine. Chef Mando utilized his classical French cooking school to cook an unforgettable Thanksgiving meal in Sugar Land. Chef Mando took us through a culinary journey that left us more stuffed than our turkeys. We started with charcuterie cones and a delectable
butternut squash soup. Then we had smoked turkey, stuffed turkey roulade, mini beef Wellingtons, mini mushroom Wellingtons for the vegetarians, homemade sourdough bread shaped like pumpkins, spicy cornbread, soft Parker House rolls, his signature parsnip pomme purée, yam casserole, creamed corn, truffle lobster mac and cheese, Spanish rice, and assortment of mini desserts. Chef Mando and his wonder team create memorable food events that are both aesthetically pleasing and delectable. Call (337) 296-6999 or visit facebook.com/mandoskitchen and instagram.com/mandos_kitchen_htx Cooking with a Twist If there were ever two things that go together, cooking and a date night would be at the top of the list. This was our first experience with Cooking with a Twist in Stafford. We had a terrific date night filled with good eats, a pasta making class, and unforgettable memories. This year, when our youngest son turned nine, rather than a typical birthday party at a trampoline park or arcade, he said he wanted to have a cooking birthday party. We weren’t brave or insane enough to try to do it ourselves for a large group of elementary kids, so instead we called Cooking with a Twist. They made the magic happen with a custom menu of our son’s favorite dishes - homemade pasta with a bolognese sauce and chocolate dirt cups with gummy worms. For the adults, we had their signature chicken and red velvet waffles as well as an immensely flavorful dirty rice that had a fantastic kick to it. Cooking with a Twist created a unique and educational experience that the kids were fully engaged in and the adults could simultaneously enjoy. The best part about it was all of the parents finally had a wonderful excuse to have our kids cook for us for once. 13003 Murphy Road, B-7, Stafford cookingwithatwisthouston.com Janet Sue Reid, “The Culinary Cowgirl”, and Ryan Lee Reid, “The Piano Cowboy”, are artists and creators. They transform space and time to move and heal people through art. They live in Sugar Land with their children. Find their full bios and contact them through ReidFeed.com
THE STAR
PAGE 4 • Wednesday, January 3, 2024
See us online www.FortBendStar.com
EDITORIAL Unpredictable predictions Lynn Ashby Columnist
By Lynn Ashby ASHBY2@COMCAST.NET
L
et’s pop the champagne and toot the horns! A new year is upon us! And it is time for my totally reliable predictions. So clip and save enough money to pay your water bill. In all modesty, we were 100 percent accurate last year: There was an election and somebody won. And I have proof that both the Rockets and the Texans had a mathematical chance to finish the season. Now I will say the sooth.
January – With 43 college football bowl games and 86 teams participating, no wonder Texas A&M gets a bid. A bowl official explains: “Who cares about their lousy team? We just want to see the Aggie band.” State Sen. John Whitmire is sworn
in as the new mayor of Houston. When reporters remind Whitmire that, if elected, he promised he would fill all the potholes, put a police officer on every street corner, clean up the pollution and cut taxes, he replies, “And just watch me on the second day.” Alexandra del Moral Mealer demands a recount. February – Special counsel Jack Smith receives a valentine from one D.T., Mar-a-Lago, Florida. Smith is delighted until he discovers the envelope contains a white powder. Gov. Greg Abbott calls the Texas Legislature into a 20th session, explaining: “Texans want their taxes to go to private schools they can’t afford to send their own kids to.” A Houston driver is arrested for using her turn signals. She is charged with “trying to make the rest of us look bad.” March – The State Board of Education votes unanimously to ban any textbook teaching “sects education.” When it is pointed out that sects and sex are totally different, one member explains: “We’re dealing with a slippery slope here.” The Houston Zoo announces it was scammed into buying
two wildebeests, instead of its original order, explaining: “These are fake gnus.” President Joe Biden, facing pressure to stem the flow of illegal immigrants, announces a new get-tough policy: “We will stop every third male over 21. For humanitarian reasons, women and children get a bye.” April – Sen. Ted Cruz declares: “This country should deport all troublemaking, bomb-throwing immigrants.” When it is noted that Cruz, himself is an immigrant, he replies: “I had Congressional immunity. And what about Hillary and Benghazi?” Shahe Ohtani buys the Los Angeles Dodgers. Taylor Swift buys Nashville. Contractors say they finished their work at Bush International Airport although the FAA complains that the control tower is in a basement and the runways have HOV lanes. May – Tucker Carlson debuts his new program on the Tucker Carlson Network, which means he shouts from his front porch. HISD Superintendent Mike Miles announces that, since HISD is now a District of Innovation, it no longer has to follow state rules. “So we don’t really
need teachers.” He says he’ll use money saved to produce his new Broadway musical, “Miles of Smiles” staring himself. June – Texas Atty. Gen. Ken Paxton says the state should not only pay the $3.3 million judgement against him stemming from a case won by former aides, but “it’s the taxpayers’ duty” to pay for his electric, gas and groceries bills. Hurricane season officially begins as NOAA acknowledges that it forecast six to 11 major hurricanes in 2023 but only three hit shore and none came to Texas. For 2024, the meteorologists firmly predict: “there will be hurricanes or maybe not. You can count on NOAA.” President Joe Biden announces a new get-tough policy on illegal immigrants: “At every border crossing, I will install coin-operated turnstiles.” July – Gov. Abbott, rebuffed by a federal judge in the governor’s attempt to line the Rio Grande with huge balloons, has authorized Operation High Voltage Rubber Ducky. He explains, “That should keep out the kids.” Katy ISD announces it has hired HISD Superintendent Mike Miles to see if its schools really need books. British con-
sulate announces: “Due to circumstances beyond our control, we will be closed on the Fourth of July.” August – President Joe Biden announces a new get-tough policy on illegal immigrants: “I have ordered an express line for six asylum seekers or less.” Reporters quiz Mayor John Whitmire about his promise, if elected, to fill all the potholes. The mayor reprimands the reporters, saying “That’s old news.” Sen. Ted Cruz is deported to Canada. September – Texas A&M’s football team loses to Houston Community College, 97 to 7. HCC has a night game, too. Gov. Abbott announces his new border policy; “Land mines.” Harris County Democrats demand District Attorney Kim Ogg resign due to “her record of selective investigations. Only Republicans break the law.” October – Fox News proclaims Donald Trump to be the winner of the 2024 presidential elections. CNN notes the elections haven’t even been held yet. Fox labels CNN “un- American.” Citizens Against COVID-19 Vaccinations demands a ban on haystacks, warning: “There may be needles in there.” Elon
Musk proclaims himself the 51st state. Taxpayers demand to know why they are paying ICE to string barbed wire along the Rio Grande while paying ICE to cut it down. November – After going 0-11, Texas A&M announces it has fired its head football coach, adding, “At least we only gave him a 20-year contract.” Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick is caught voting both under his current name, Dan Patrick, and his original name, Dannie Scott Goeb. FEMA proudly announces that its afterhurricane disaster relief in Houston “worked splendidly.” When it is pointed out that no hurricanes hit Houston, FEMA replies, “See there?” December – Texas Medical Board says, following legal advice, it will not render an opinion on head colds. ERCOT says that, due to a possible power blackout, Texans should not string their Christmas trees with electric lights, explaining: “Candles on dry pine trees look lovely.” Houston Mayor John Whitmire, missing for three days, is found at the bottom of a Sage Road pothole. Ashby predicts at ashby2@comcast.net
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL
THE PUZZLES.
Drymalla Construction Company, LLC (CM at Risk) is soliciting Qualifications/Proposals from Subcontractors/Suppliers for the Lamar CISD New Elementary School No. 35. Project consists of a new Elementary School Facility, located at 24735 East Ramsey Way, Richmond, Texas 77406. Refer to the Project Documents for a full description of scope. Pre-Proposal Conference to be held Friday January 5, 2024, 2:00 pm via web-conferencing, information to follow. Qualifications/Proposals are due at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, January 17, 2024 at the offices of Drymalla Construction Company, LLC, 608 Harbert, Columbus, Texas 78934, via fax 979-732-3663, or email to bid@drymalla.com. NO PHONE BIDS WILL BE ACCEPTED. For information on how to obtain copies of the Request for Qualifications/Proposal documents call 979-732-5731, or email Larry Bookout at lbookout@drymalla.com . Documents are also available online at planroom.drymalla.com.
Solutions in this issue’s classsied section.
COMMUNITY EVENT? Check out community calendar
on
PAGE
7
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL
ACROSS 1. Express disgust or contempt 4. Do-nothings 10. Before 11. Gave birth to a horse 12. Spanish pain 14. Khmer Rouge’s Pot 15. Tory opposition 16. Even chance 18. Horse feedbag 22. Selshness 23. Windward Island nation 24. On and on:ad ___ 26. 2nd musical tone 27. A steady brisk pace 28. People in southern India 30. Withered, dry 31. Central nervous system
34. Short composition for solo instrument 36. Communist 37. Specic localities 39. Garden cultivator 40. Stratford’s river 41. Atomic #34 42. Stalkless leaves 48. Signicant other 50. Chilled 51. Dakar is the capital 52. Amuse & delight 53. Explorer Vasco da ____ 54. Annoy 55. 365 days (abbr.) 56. Peremptory command 58. Born of 59. Particle neness grades 60. Obtain
SUDOKO
DOWN 1. Colas 2. Awaken 3. Better half 4. In event that 5. Demotes 6. City in NE Pakistan 7. Lotus roadster model 8. University board trustees 9. 40th state 12. Egyptian Sun god (var. sp.) 13. Hindu exercise discipline 17. Small coin (French) 19. More naked 20. Feel deep affection for 21. A protected community 25. Nation of birth 29. Two people singing 31. Applauding sounds 32. Variable stars 33. Reject 35. Building up 38. Not a fraction 41. Sailor 43. An evening party 44. Hollow for a light bulb 45. Type 46. Dutch portrait painter Sir Peter 47. River of Hesse 49. N. Botswanan lake 56. 1/10 gram (abbr.) 57. Original Hawkeye actor’s initials
Drymalla Construction Company, LLC (CM at Risk) is soliciting Qualifications/Proposals from Subcontractors/Suppliers for the Lamar Consolidated ISD Bid Package #6 consisting of Judge R.H. “Sandy” Bielstein Middle School, Water and Sanitary Sewer Improvement, Sanitary Lift Station, Paving and Drainage Improvement for East Ramsey Road, Rancho Bella Boulevard and Farmdale Road, Left and Right Turn Lanes on F.M. 723, and Judge R.H. “Sandy” Bielstein Middle School & Elementary School #35 Mass Grading. Project consists of a new Middle School Facility and various site earthwork, utility and offsite improvement scopes. Refer to the Project Documents for a full description of scope. Qualifications/Proposals are due at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, at the offices of Drymalla Construction Company, LLC, 608 Harbert, Columbus, Texas 78934, via fax 979-732-3663, or email to bid@drymalla.com. NO PHONE BIDS WILL BE ACCEPTED. Pre-proposal meeting (virtual) will take place January 5, 2024, from 2-4 pm. For information on how to obtain copies of the Request for Qualifications/ Proposal documents call 979-732-5731, or email Sharon Fisher at sfisher@drymalla.com. Documents are also available online at planroom.drymalla.com.
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THE STAR
See us online www.FortBendStar.com
Wednesday, January 3, 2024 • PAGE 5
In 2024, changes are gonna come Ken
Fountain Editor
By Ken Fountain KFOUNTAIN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM
S
o, it’s 2024. What do we do now?
I mean this only partly in jest. In last week’s column, I discussed the upcoming election season, early signs of which point to the kind of vitriol we’ve become all to accustomed to in recent years. But as important as politics might be, it isn’t all-encompassing, no matter what the partisan cable networks might lead us to believe. Just like everywhere, here in Fort Bend County we have a lot more on our
minds - the health of the economy, the state of our neighborhoods and immediate surroundings, how are careers are going, and as always, the weather. (One thing I’m really grateful for this New Year is that we didn’t experience anyting like the extreme cold snap we did last year.) Most importantly, we think about how our families, friends, and neighbors are faring. As we’ve discussed, Fort Bend is in the midst of a lot of change - demographic, economic, political, even structural. And as comfortable as some of might be with the status quo that existed here for decades, it’s unlikely that these changes could ever be reversed, or even halted. This is not unique to Fort Bend. The greater Houston region, the state of Texas, and the country at large are seeing all of these changes and then some. Should we all just roll
over and accept change without challenge? Of course not. There is a place, even a necessity, for respecting the past and hewing to tradition, and for closely examining what negative consequences might come with all of the change we’re witnessing. I work in the media, and for the past year or so, much of the discussion in the industry has been about how artificial intelligence, or AI, is going to impact the industry as a whole and journalists’ individual careers. Will algorithms soon be taking my place covering City Hall and Commissioners Court meetings and putting me out of my job? In the short term that seems unlikely, but who knows? Leaving aside the presidential election, here in Fort Bend and Texas we’ll have a lot of local races to pay attention to this year, beginning with the March primaries. Local candidates
for state and federal offices will be vying for places on the ballot. Later we’ll have elections in the various school districts and municipal entities. Whatever our partisan inclinations, it’s vital that we support candidates we believe truly have the interests of the populace at large at the heart of their campaigns. To do this, we need to pay attention. Following local news (particularly from, ahem, the Fort Bend Star) is one of the best ways to do this. We journalists work hard to keep up with all of the issues, the races, the candidates and their positions. It’s really our first responsibility. I recently came across a quote from Founding Father and President James Madison: “A popular government without popular information, or the means of acquiring it, is but a prologue to a farce or a tragedy; or, perhaps both.” A sobering (and, for me, daunting) quote in-
deed. It’s a hard challenge to live up to, especially in an era of dwindling recourses. When not reading the Star, Fort Bend residents can also find almost all of the meetings of their particular political entities broadcast online. Here at the Fort Bend Star, we’ve gone through some changes ourselves over the last year. One of my closest colleagues, Landan Kuhlmann, a one-time news reporter and then sports reporter for the Star, left for an exciting new opportunity elsewhere in Texas. I hated to see him go. But we welcomed some new writers into the fold, including local columnist Mark Garay, a retired television news professional, columnist-at-large Lynn Ashby (one of my earliest journalism inspirations), feature writer Dayna Worchel, and our newest writers, husband-and-wife arts and culture columnists Ryan Lee and Janet Sue
Reid of “The Reid Report.” Together, they’ve helped to bring more breadth to the Star’s coverage of this increasingly vibrant community, and I’m proud to have them. I’m looking forward to adding some new voices in the coming year. As 2024 begins, I’d like to renew my commitment to bringing Fort Bend readers the kind of coverage they need and should expect from their local newspaper. As mentioned, a lot happened in 2023, and it can sometimes feel like a grind to put out the paper each week. But it never stops being important. As always, I invite you to reach out to me to discuss your concerns, your hopes and your ideas on how to make Fort Bend County the best place it can be, and also to send me story ideas, news tips, and the like. Fountain can be reached at KFountain@fortbendstar.com
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THE STAR
PAGE 6 • Wednesday, January 3, 2024
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Wednesday, January 3, 2024 • PAGE 7
Deadline is noon every Friday. Limit entries to the “5 Ws” Who, What, When, Where, and Why. Email to awilliams@txstreetmedia.com
FOR NON-PROFIT EVENTS
ONGOING BOYS CAN SING WITH THE AWARD-WINNING AND EMMYNOMINATED FORT BEND BOYS CHOIR!
Do you know a boy who loves music and singing? If so, encourage him to audition for the Fort Bend Boys Choir of Texas! No previous singing experience is necessary and boys should be around eight years of age or older with an unchanged voice. Boys have a limited time to sing in the unchanged, treble voice so it is important to take advantage NOW! At this time, auditions are by special appointment at the First United Methodist Church Missouri City, 3900 Lexington Blvd., Missouri City, TX. Visit the Fort Bend Boys Choir’s Audition page at https://fbbctx.org/auditions/ or call (281) 240-3800 for more details. Make the holiday season brighter for you and the boys in your life … check out the award-winning and Emmy nominated Fort Bend Boys Choir today as they celebrate this season’s theme: Singing Boys are Nothing but Treble!
SAVE THE DATE JANUARY 27, 2024 FELICIA SMITH JIGSAW PUZZLE COMPETITION
Register now for the family fun Hope For Three Autism Advocates, Felicia Smith Jigsaw Puzzle Competition. This exciting event is on January 27, 2024, at Fort Bend Christian Academy, North Campus Gymnasium, 1250 7th., Sugar Land 77478. Teams of four, young and seasoned, have two hours to complete a 250-500-1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle. Awards immediately follow, and bragging rights are guaranteed! Check-in is at 9 am, and the timed competition is from 10 am to noon. The event is one way the local nonprofit raises awareness and funds for families with autistic children and loved ones. Register your team ($160) now. To volunteer, serve as a sponsor, or for autism resources, visit www.hopeforthree.org
AMERICAN LEGION POST 942 311 Ulrich Street, Sugar Land meets the fourth Tuesday of each Month at 7:00 pm. All Veterans are welcome.
LOVING FRIENDS IS A GROUP OF WOMEN AND MEN WHO ARE WIDOWS AND WIDOWERS THAT MEET MONTHLY FOR LUNCH, FRIENDSHIP, AND SOCIALIZATION Lunches. are planned for the fourth Tuesday of the month at various local restaurants. Please contact Bobbie Tomlin at {281} 967-0718 For more information about us and to learn about this month’s planned lunch. We hope to meet you soon.
QUAIL VALLEY GARDEN CLUB The Quail Valley Garden Club is very busy, not only with meetings, but with some fun “stuff” for our members and the community. Please find our fall schedule of events that the QVGC will be involved with this fall leading up to the holidays.
ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH In conjunction with the Literacy Council of Fort Bend Bend County, GPBC offers ESL classes on Tuesday nights 6-8:30 from August 22, 2023 through May 21, 2024. We are located at 12000 FM 1464 Richmond. Our students speak several languages and encompass many faiths. All are welcome. For more information call 281-277-2200 and ask for ESL information. You may also email ESL@grandparkway.org
FBJSL IS ACCEPTING CAF GRANT APPLICATIONS
ALIEF AARP CHAPTER 3264
Meets the first Thursday of every month at 10:00 a.m. at Salvation Army Church, 7920 Cook Road, Houston, TX 77072. Educational Program/Entertainment at each meeting. Bus Trips every month. Seniors 50 and above invited. Call 281-785-7372 for more information.
14090 S.W. Freeway Suite #200
281-243-2344 (Direct) Sugar Land, TX 281.243.2300 (Main) • KenWoodPC.com
SUGAR LAND ROTARY CLUB
Sugar Land Rotary Club, the nation’s oldest community service organization, wants you to be its guest at a meeting that could turn out to be the best fit for getting involved with a local, non-political, humanitarian service organization with a global presence to satisfy your passion. We’re on a quest for new members! Call or email Dean Clark, 469-850-2424, dean7351@gmail. com. We’re a friendly group that meets once a week for lunch.
FT. BEND ACCORDION CLUB
Meets on the 4th Sunday of every month from 2:pm - 4:pm at: CHRIST CHURCH SUGAR LAND (in the Chapel) 3300 Austin Parkway, Sugar Land, TX 77479 FREE and Open to the Public! We welcome everybody! If you play accordion, beginners to professional and would like to play Call, Text or email: Vince Ramos Cell: 281-204-7716 vincer.music@gmail.com
FORT BEND JUNIOR SERVICE LEAGUE RECRUITING NEW MEMBERS FOR 2022-2023 YEAR
To join, the membership application can be accessed at https://www.fbjsl.org/join/how-to-become-a-member/. FBJSL will also be hosting multiple virtual and in-person recruitment events over the summer where potential new members can learn more about the League. Information regarding attending these events is available at www.fbjsl.org or on the FBJSL Facebook page at www.facebook.com/FortBendJuniorServiceLeague/.
LITERACY COUNCIL OF FORT BEND COUNTY
We enhance lives and strengthen communities by teaching adults to read. We need your help. Literacy Council is actively recruiting Volunteer Tutors to provide instruction for English as a Second Language (ESL) Levels 0-5, three hours a week. For more information, call 281-240-8181 or visit our website www.ftbendliteracy. org
JAM WITH SAM
Join Sam Grice Tuesday evenings at 6:30 for a casual evening of music. We play a variety of music including bluegrass, country, gospel and some western. We request acoustic instruments only please. We welcome both participants and music lovers who enjoy listening to good live music. There’s no charge and we welcome beginners and gladly offer gentle assistance. We meet at First Presbyterian Church, 502 Eldridge Rd, Sugar Land. Please call Sam at 832-428-3165 for further information.
GIVE A GIFT OF HOPE
Give a Gift of Hope one-time or monthly. Your help provides access to therapies and services children with autism might otherwise go without. Please consider Hope For Three in your Estate, Planned, or Year-End Giving. Register now, or learn more about exciting events: www.hopeforthree.org/events
DVD-BASED ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS WITH NO HOMEWORK REQUIRED
Weekly class designed to help you understand and appreciate the Bible by giving you a better sense of the land and culture from which it sprang. The class meets at 9:30 am every Sunday at First Presbyterian of Sugar Land (502 Eldridge Rd.). For more information call 281-240-3195
EXCHANGE
We provide grants of up to $5,000.00 to charitable causes serving Fort Bend County with requests to fund a critical need, pilot a program, or expand a significant service to the community. If your agency or organization is interested in applying for a CAF grant, please visit the Request Support page of the FBJSL website (www. fbjsl.org/request-support). All applications should be submitted via e-mail to brccom@fbjsl.com
EXCHANGE, America’s Service Club, always welcomes guests and is in search of new members! Various Fort Bend clubs exist and can accommodate early morning (7 a.m.), noon and evening meeting time desires. For more info, contact Mike Reichek, Regional Vice President, 281-575-1145 or mike@reichekfinancial.com We would love to have you join us and see what we are all about!
THE SANCTUARY FOSTER CARE SERVICES
MISSOURI CITY AARP CHAPTER 3801
We are a child placing agency that provides wrap around care support for foster children and foster families. We provide free therapy services, 24 hr. crisis intervention, respite/alternative care services and community-based support. For more info, www.sanctuaryfostercare.org
EXPERIENCE COUNTS! 35+ YEARS SERVING FORT BEND COUNTY
Meets the second Monday of every month at 11:30 a.m., at 2701 Cypress Point Dr., Missouri City Rec Center. Lunch, education, and entertainment. All seniors over 50 invited. For more information, call 713-859-5920 or 281-499-3345.
713-371-3740
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THE STAR
PAGE 8 • Wednesday, January 3, 2024
See us online www.FortBendStar.com
Missouri City Area Kwanzaa Community Celebration On Tuesday, December 26, the City of Missouri City hosted the seventh annual Missouri City Area Kwanzaa Community Celebration at its community center. The secular holiday founded in 1966 is a seven-day celebration of the history and culture of African Americans, based on seven principles. The event included presentations, music and dance performances, and a community meal.
Photos by Ken Fountain
A table featuring seven candles, representing the seven principles of Kwanzaa, is seen before the of the Missouri City Kwanzaa Celebration.
Paintings by artist Keyasha Lacole, one of the vendors at the celebration, illustration some of the Kwanzaa principles.
Arleen Woodson checks out some of the wares of vendor Atuba a the Missouri City Kwanzaa Celebration.
Some of the Kwanzaa-themed items for sale by one of the vendors.
Winter Allison, 6, does some Kwanzaa-themed coloring at the start of the celebration.
Missouri City District B Council member Jeffrey L. Boney discusses one of the seven Kwanzaa principles.
Patricia Willias, center, leads the attendees in a rousing official start to the Missouri City Kwanzaa celebration.
Young dancers with NIA Rites of Passage and Royal Dance Elite Eagles perform at the start of the celebration.
Young dancers with Jessica Dynasty Dance Team perform in the Snowfest Parade.
Drummers perform an African drum call during the celebration.
Mshinda Nyofu and Lynette Reddix greet attendees at the outset of the Missouri City Kwanzaa Celebration.
James Allen recites a Yoruba (West African) Creation Story enacted by young dancers.
Mshinda Kyofu talks about the seven principles of Kwanzaa.
Aset Hetep, with two young assistants, recites a “Libation to Our Ancestors” during the celebration.
T H E M O N T H LY
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