The 05-29-24 Edition of The Fort Bend Star

Stafford pastor sentenced to year in prison for indecent assault

A Fort Bend County jury has convicted a pastor of a Stafford church of indecent assault for inappropriately touching a young woman in 2021, according to a news release from the Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office.

Gregorio Maldonado, 46, of Katy, was sentenced to one year in county jail and fined $4,000 for inappropriately touching a young woman in 2021.

Sugar Land, other entities grapple with public comment in wake of Middle East conflict

For several months, week after week, they came before Sugar Land City Council. During the public comment section at the beginning of each meeting, people passionately called for the Council to pass a resolution calling for a permanent ceasefire in the conflict between Israel and the group called Hamas in Gaza. And for all of those weeks, the Council members sat silently during the remarks.

That is, until May 7, when Mayor Joe Zimmerman

opened the public comments portion of the meeting with an announcement: people who began speaking on matters that were not directly related to matters on the agenda would be asked to stop. If they continued, the mayor said, they would be escorted out. If they resisted leaving, they would be arrested.

Most, but not all, of the speakers, have been ArabAmerican or Muslims. On at least two occasions, they were countered by speakers who defended the actions of Israel in the conflict or said that the dire foreign-affairs situation

was outside the purview of Sugar Land’s City Council.

Many of the speakers told harrowing stories of loved ones who are stuck in Gaza as the war, which was sparked by the Hamas attack of October 7 which took the lives of more than 1,000 Israelis and the kidnapping of many others, continued. Thousands of Palestinian civilians, including women and children, have been killed during the conflict while several international attempts at achieving a ceasefire have failed.

Sugar Land pays tribute to the fallen at Memorial Day event

According to lead prosecutor Michelle Anderson, Maldonado’s victim was a member of the Stafford church he pastored. The victim and her family lived with the defendant at the Katy residence where the offense took place.

On November 9, 2021, after everyone was asleep, Maldonado snuck into the victim’s bed, began to touch her inappropriately and make her touch him. The victim was afraid to make an initial outcry due to the defendant’s position in the church and his status in her family, according to the release.

Eventually, in January 2022, the victim told her father about the assault which led to a confrontation between Maldonado and the victim’s family. This confrontation was recorded by the victim’s father, In the recording, Maldonado apologized to the woman, said he could not remember what happened, and stated if anything happened “the devil” made him do it, according to the release.

At the close of trial, the defendant brought with him over one hundred members of his church. The young woman he victimized provided a victim impact statement where she addressed the defendant and those in the courtroom.

She thanked those church members in attendance who prayed for justice as justice had indeed been done.

Despite stifling temperatures and a thick layer of ozone-induced haze, hundreds of people from around the area turned out Monday at Sugar Land’s Memorial Park to pay homage to fallen U.S. service members at the city’s annual Memorial Day festivities.

The event, one of the largest in the Fort Bend County region, is one of the area’s signature events kicking off the summer season. But the event was replete with sober reminders of the meaning of the holiday, which pays tribute to members of all of the nation’s armed services who have lost their lives in the line of duty. Veterans from various branches, including members of several area veterans groups, along with their family members and those

of fallen service members were joined by residents with no direct connection to the military under the park’s large pavilion to take in the ceremony. Members of Boy Scout Troops 731 and 1731, both boys and girls, presented the colors during the event and laid wreaths honoring particular service members. Retired U.S. Army Brig. Gen. David Van Kleeck served as the master of ceremonies of the event. At one point during the ceremony, he movingly read the famous war poem “In Flanders Fields,” written by John McCrae, a Canadian physician who served in

on Monday. Photos by Ken Fountain

Sugar Land police officers flank a woman who continues to speak on the Israel/Hams conflict after being admonished not to by Mayor Joe Zimmerman. Photo by Ken Fountain

Gregorio Maldonado, 46, of Katy, was sentenced to one year in prison for inappropriately touching a young woman at the Stafford church he pastored.

Courtesy Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office

Sugar Land, like Fort Bend County at large, is a highly diverse locality, with a substantial population of people from the Middle East and Pakistan, a majority Muslim country. One of them is Mayor Pro Tem and District 2 Council member Naushad Kermally. His colleague, District 3 Council member Stewart Jacobson, is Jewish. Kermally did not respond to a call from the Fort Bend Star for comment for this story. Zimmerman and Jacobson both declined to comment.

At the May 7 meeting, several speakers tried to test the boundaries of Zimmerman’s pronouncement. Zimmerman firmly reminded each speaker who began speaking about the conflict that they would be asked to leave. Ultimately, all of those in attendance left the meeting.

But they were back at the meeting on May 21. As several speakers began to again test the limits, Zimmerman was even more adamant. Sugar Land police officers were stationed beside speakers who continued to speak after Zimmerman’s warnings, until they again eventually left.

At the same time, attendees of the meeting could hear the chanting of a small group of protestors who were just outside the Council chambers windows on the Sugar Land Town Square Plaza. The protest continued throughout the meeting.

Doug Adolph, the city’s chief spokesman, told the Fort Bend Star that while many Texas municipalities, including the city of Houston, have “open” public comments at their respective meetings, Sugar Land does not. Texas state law, as in most states, allows governmental entities to set limits on the “time, place, and manner” of speech

in public settings.

“The city of Sugar Land recently relaxed its rules during City Council meetings to review procedures, minimize disruptions and consider any changes that may be needed,” the city said in an official written statement.

“Existing rules for public comment were reinstated beginning with the City Council meeting on May 7. Citizens addressing City Council during the public comment section of the agenda must limit their comments to items posted on the agenda. The city is committed to providing a safe, respectful environment during public meetings,” the statement said.

Sugar Land is not the only Fort Bend governmental entity that has grappled with its public comments policies since the conflict began. Residents, often standing in groups of two or more, at meetings of the Missouri City City Council over the same period.

Earlier, other speakers spoke at meetings of the Fort Bend Commissioners Court. But County Judge KP George quickly cut them off, telling them they could not speak on matters that were not on the agenda. Precinct 4 Commissioner Dexter McCoy, also a Democrat, did address the

matter by voicing his concern for civilians in Gaza.

And at a talk in March by U.S. Rep. Lizzie Fletcher, a Democrat whose 7th Texas Congressional district includes part of Fort Bend County, a couple of speakers were escorted outside an event space out after one of them began shouting loudly at Fletcher.

On April 15, the Missouri City City Council unanimously passed a resolution establishing a policy directing city staff to direct public inquiries on matters not directly related to city business to other agencies, including those of the federal government.

“Although the City occasionally receives requests that are not within its direct purview or control, the City desires to cooperate with other agencies by directing residents to the appropriate resources within those agencies,” the resolution states. Matters that the policy addresses could include “foreign policy and health care,” the resolution states.

Even so, several speakers have since continued to address City Council on the conflict, calling for a ceasefire, including on May 20. Thus far, Mayor Robin Elackatt and his colleagues on Council have taken no action to intercede.

“The defendant abused his position of trust, and the victim has had to wait years for her day in court. She has suffered invisible scars left by the defendant, some of which will remain for the rest of her life,” Anderson said in the release. “But she is a survivor. She now plans on using her traumatic experience to benefit other

Area singer Elisha Singer performed a stirring rendition of the National Anthem, which was immediately followed by a flyover by two World War II-era aircraft of the West Houston wing of the Commemorative Air Force, a nonprofit organization which restores, displays and flies military aircraft from that era.

Visitors were given small U.S. flags by members of Boy Scout Troops 731 and 1731 as they entered the park grounds, and were able to take in several military vehicles and displays of memorabilia provided by the Houston-based Sixth Calvary Historical Association

William Ferguson, Sugar Land’s at-large Position 1 council member, offered opening remarks on behalf of the city. He asked the capacityexceeding audience to take a look at each other.

“None of us look the same. I’m thinking most of us worship differently. And I know, certainly, we’ve all served in some different capacity. And all that makes us diverse in this city and this county is secondary to what binds us as a community,” Ferguson said.

“And today what binds us is our respect, our love, and admiration for those who serve in our military and those who have died in our military. And I am forever grateful to each one of them and to their families for their sacrifice and for the sacrifice that their families have made,” he said.

Ferguson noted that Memorial Park, established in 2002, is a 150-acre site that contains four separate monuments honoring the military or their family members.

“This is evidence of the city of Sugar Land’s commitment to the veterans, and to those who have paid the largest price in their life for the community. And the city of Sugar Land will always stand firm for you for what you’ve done for us,” he said.

The main speaker of the event was U.S. Army Maj.

victims; she plans on going to the police academy to become an investigator for sexual crimes.”

“Indecent Assault was a Class C offense, like a traffic ticket, until 2019 when the Texas Legislature increased the severity of the crime,” District Attorney Brian Middleton said in the release. “This is the first case of its kind tried in Fort Bend County. The verdict and sentence set a precedent that the people of

Gen. Anthony Woods, commanding general of the Texas State Guard, one branch of the Texas Military Department, commonly referred to as the Texas National Guard, with the Texas Army National Guard and the Texas Air Guard.

“Being here is a testimony, an example of the spirit of Sugar Land as one of the fastest-growing cities in Texas. You pride yourself in your independence. You pride yourself in not talking about the word ‘diversity’, but being that,” Woods said.

Referring to the extreme weather that recently affected the greater Houston region, Wood told the attendees “you refuse to let the events of the last two weeks keep you from honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Being here today shows your unquestionable commitment to those who have died for our freedom.”

Woods told the audience the Texas State Guard is the only one of the three branches of the Texas National Guard that reports only to the President, not to the President and the Texas Governor.

“Our sole mission is to serve Texans and the state of Texas,” he said, providing direct support to civilian authorities during natural disasters and other events.

“The United States of America is a blessed country,” he said, noting that separated by two oceans from much of the rest of the globe, the nation has seen only a handful of military attacks in its history. “The beauty of today is that we don’t take our blessing lightly.

“Every year until the day I die I will always appreciate the sacrifice made by those who were willing to leave their homes, leave their families, not knowing if they would ever return,” he said, adding that is a message he imparts to the soldiers of the Texas State Guard.

“What we owe them is peace of mind. So when a disaster comes, and they will come, what they owe that soldier or that airman who has put themselves in harm’s

Fort Bend County will not allow this kind of disgusting behavior and will not tolerate gross abuses of power.” The defendant was tried before Judge Dean Hrbacek in County Court at Law No. by Anderson and Assistant District Attorney Collin Scovill. Indecent Assault in this case is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to 365 days in county jail and a fine up to $4,000. Maldonado was probation eligible.

way is the peace of mind that when things fall apart here at home, their families are well taken care of, and that is the commitment and the dedication of the Texas State Guard,” he said.

Harkening back to Ferguson’s comments. Woods told the audience members that there are differences among them.

“We look differently, we serve differently, we pray differently. But one thing we all have in common is that we’re all Americans. We will defend and protect our homes at all cost. Is is ingrained in us - to serve. That’s what we want to do. All of us serve in different capacities in different ways. Just because you didn’t wear a uniform, don’t minimize the service that you offer those who are in uniform.

“We do it with honor. We do the job, we don’t take what we don’t need, and we don’t break the law when we’re defending our freedom. And that’s the difference between us and others. And when we do it that way, when we return with honor to our families, we do it with pride. We hold our heads up high. We join organizations after we leave the uniformed service, and we continue to be a part of what we know is right,” he said.

“We defend each other as a nation, as a city, and we defend each other as a state. When these heroes are taken way, whether it’s the military or first responders, we recognize the gap. We recognize the empty space. Therefore, we will continue to honor them for their service, their commitment, and their ultimate sacrifice,” he said.

Members of the Sugar Land Police Department Honor Guard performed a 21-gun salute, followed by a rendition of “Taps” by Andy Andrews, a bugler with the Katy-based Lone Star Symphonic Band, which provided most of the music during the event. At the conclusion of the event, attendees exchange greetings with each other and the presenters and took in the various monuments of the park.

Lynn Ashby Columnist

By Lynn Ashby

HE KITCHEN –

TWhat do you do with chopped beef that has been sitting in a non-working refrigerator for four days? Can I donate molding mayonnaise and wilted lettuce to the Houston Food Bank? Like thousands of other folks in and around Houston, I am still trying to clean up the mess left by several baking days with no electricity. And all the while I am getting ready for some uninvited guests like Alberto, Beryl and Chris and maybe even Rafael, Sara and William. Yes, hurricane season is about to begin, June 1, when the Red Cross toss-

By Mark Garay MARKGARAY426@GMAIL.COM

EDITORIAL

What’s the hurry, Cane?

es out the first doughnut. Hurricanes are one of the pleasures of living in the Houston region along with mosquitoes, smog and the Astros’ bullpen. This year’s hurricane season could be one of the most active ever recorded, says a team of experts at Colorado State University. Two points: They always predict a record hurricane season, and why are the predictors at Colorado State University? That’s a wide beach. Not to be outdone, there is a prediction of as many as 33 named storms possible from that other frontier of beach-front experts at, uh, the University of Pennsylvania. A normal hurricane season in the Atlantic Ocean produces about 14 named tropical storms. This year both teams of “experts” are predicting far more. What’s the difference between a tropical storm and a hurricane? A tropical storm gets a name when its sustained winds reach 39 mph; it becomes a hurricane when its winds reach 74 mph. About those names. Before hurricane forecasters started naming storms, they would have to refer to them by saying something like, “There’s a

storm 250 miles southeast of Galveston,” but then it would move, as storms tend to do, so the weather folks in Galveston would warn, “There’s a storm 100 miles southeast of Galveston.” When they screamed, “The storm has hit gobble, gabble, help!” and silence, you would know exactly where the storm was. In 1953, the U.S. began using female names for hurricanes. By 1979, male and female names were being used. The names alternate between male and female. They are given in alphabetical order, but there are no Q, U, X, Y or Z names because of the lack of usable names that begin with those letters. The name lists repeat every six years unless a storm is so severe that the World Meteorological Organization’s Hurricane Committee (WMO), which hatches these names, retires that name. So we won’t see another Katrina, Ike or Harvey. Incidentally, there is no Stormy Daniels. In 2013, Houston U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee criticized WMO because there were no African-American names for storms and hurricanes. “All racial groups should be represented,” she complained. The

Congresswoman suggested names such as Keisha, Jamal, and Deshawn. If we do have those 33 storms predicted and we only have 21 names, WMO has a lifeboat, so to speak. They have a supplemental list of 21 names that will be used. This season we go from Alberto to William. One name, Isaac, may cause confusion. The Great Galveston Storm of 1900 was the deadliest natural disaster in the nation’s history. It left up to 12,000 fatalities. The quartermaster of the U.S. Army reported back to Washington: “Galveston is destroyed beyond its ability to recover.” Today many know about the disaster from a 2000 bestseller, “Isaac’s Storm,” by Erik Larson, in which he tells the story of the storm featuring Isaac Cline, the chief meteorologist at the Galveston office of the U.S. Weather Bureau. Since hurricanes were not named, today a lot of folks refer to it as Isaac’s storm. The only (sort of) good thing that came out of the disaster was that the hurricane spooked potential investors, who turned to Houston instead. You ask: “How about me?”

Ticket thicket

First, look for tell-tale signs that a storm is approaching. This includes the absence of the weather report on local TV because the weather reporter has fled. See if there is a doughnut in your front yard. Be aware if the Realtor who regularly shows houses in your neighborhood is getting out her glass-bottom boat. Check with the zoo. If the animals are lining up two-by-two, that’s a sign. As I have mentioned before, west Houston is protected from flooding by the Addicks and Barker dams, controlled by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. My old neighborhood, Running Rats Acres, was spared flooding by Hurricane Harvey, but then it was devastated when the Corps of Engineers, in order to prevent flooding, opened the floodgates and swamped vast parts of west Houston, including me. Check with the Army. If they are not stringing razor wire along the Rio, they may be opening the floodgates again.

Much depends on where you live. If you live in Kingwood, you are still drying out from the recent floods and are in no mood to consider a swimming pool in your den.

Move to the Heights, named because they are 6 inches higher than the rest of Houston. Think you are safe from the loss of power because you live on the ninth floor of a condo and the building has its own generator? Think twice if the generator is in the basement. Incidentally, ERCOT assures us that there will no power shortage if a hurricane hits Texas because its power plants are in excellent shape: the gerbil and its treadmill have passed inspection. Get a manual can opener because your electric model won’t work. Open your garage door because it, too, is opened by electric power, not that you are going anywhere. Batteries for your radio and flashlight which you can never find in the dark. Maybe you need a flashlight to find your flashlight. You may want to stay put to show your courage so the National Guard rescuers can risk their lives by dangling from a steel cable in the roaring rain to pull you off your roof. Just be glad it’s the National Guard and not the Corps of Engineers.

Ashby is knee-deep at ashby2@comcast.net

“Money, it’s a crime / Share it fairly but don’t take a slice of my pie / Money, so they say / Is the root of all evil today / But if you ask for a rise it’s no surprise that they’re giving none away” - Pink Floyd, “Money”

I’ve recounted this story before. 1982. I was dispatched to my nearest Ticketmaster outlet. My mission: to purchase four tickets for an upcoming Eric Clapton concert. I carried the mon-

ey from my friends and strode into the Ticketmaster office, in this case an exchange window set up in the depths of a Macy’s department store, somewhere between lingerie and women’s coats. I remember approaching the clerk. But it all just sort of ends there. As I emerged from the mall door, I did not have Clapton tickets. And as my friends wondered why when I met them in the car, I had no answer. Instead of one of my generation’s greatest guitar heroes, I’d used the money which was not mine to score seats for people who didn’t want them. All for a then obscure local band called Y and T. Why? I don’t know. I was reminded recently of my abhorrent behavior by a high school friend who was there that day. He likes reminding me of the time I “didn’t buy Clapton tickets”. For him, it’s just easier than

University Branch Library to host performance of

Mark Garay Columnist Community Reports

Big’ on June 5

In conjunction with Fort Bend County Libraries’ Summer Reading Challenge, the University Branch Library will host a production of “Chicken Big”, a children’s theater performance, on Wednesday, June 5, beginning at 2 p.m., in the Meeting Room of the library, 14010 University Blvd in Sugar Land, on the UH campus.

This family-friendly performance is based on a children’s book written by Keith Graves and adapted to the stage as a one-act musical by Books Alive!

In this quirky revision of the classic “Chicken Little” story, a very small hen lays a big, giant egg. Out of this egg came one big, humongous something. No matter how hard they try, the chickens can’t make sense of the gigantic new member of their family -- until he saves the day.

The performance is presented by ARTreach’s Books Alive! program, which develops and performs musical-theater performances based on beloved children’s books that inspire literacy and promote theatrical creativity, while sending many positive messages. Recommended for children in grades K-5, this performance is made possible by a gift from Janet and Michael Brown.

The performance is free and open to the public. Space is limited, and free tickets (available one hour before showtime) are required for entrance. The library is unable to

calling me a moron. But what I’ve never mentioned was what the tickets cost: somewhere around $15.00 each. Fifteen dollars would cover a Clapton seat. Late last year, I spent nearly $1,000.00 for three tickets to take my kids to see the 50-year-old band Chicago at Sugar Land’s Smart Financial Centre. Three tickets over $300 each? To see a band with no current album or hit? For mediocre seats? No reduced parking rate? So, it was no surprise last week that my news ears perked up when I saw that the U.S. Department of Justice was suing Ticketmaster for monopoly violations. I decided to dig.

Ticketmaster and its modern brother Live Nation are huge. Last year, the combined company made $23 billion. A consumer lawsuit two years ago claims 70 percent of all major concert venues is booked through Ticketmaster. Legal experts argue that Ticketmaster has

remained largely unchecked for 15 years. So, the DOJ and 29 states and the District of Colombia, say Live Nation and Ticketmaster’s exorbitant fees and inherent structural failures have infuriated both artists and fans alike. They allege Live Nation has put a stranglehold on fair commerce by swallowing up smaller competitors and otherwise more modest regional venues. The DOJ also accuses the company of using coercive threats and intimidations, leading to practices that are anticompetitive and illegal. The goal is to break up the company’s monopoly by breaking up the company. The DOJ says the monopoly must end to restore competitive incentives.

All I know is that it is sickening to have to spend a stack to share a concert experience with my kids. But I’m very lucky. I can’t imagine how many people saw those ticket prices and just turned the page. I didn’t feel like I

had much of a choice. When again will Chicago be in Sugar Land? When again will I be able to share this gift of my early musical awareness with the two people I most love? I chose to spend a grand to create a family memory. And I think the price for that threehour gift was far too high and inexplicably absurd. Entertainment is not a natural resource-based endeavor, unless you have a show about logging. Instead, it is a commodity, the value of which is much more nuanced and subjective. The home-building industry is dependent in large part on the price of lumber. But when you ask upon what the entertainment industry is priced, the answers are less defined and harder to pinpoint. How quantifiable is popularity? Is there a metric that defines such a measure ? I can’t find one. And so the price of live show tickets is based less on a standard practice, and more on a loose protocol, at best. I

have never understood how shows are priced, presumably because nothing like that even exists. If I’m wrong, set me right. I’m proud that Fort Bend County has concert venues like Smart Financial. It’s not small, but it feels intimate. To have such ready access to live music and a comedy stage is not an assumed community perk for me. I’ve taken my family to see a half dozen shows there. But each was followed by a serious belt tightening and at least one cancelled dental appointment. Every time I visit, I have to save money due to the new vacant chunk that occupies my bank account. We are lucky here. But it would be nice to afford what’s available. Sadly, concert fees are making that really hard. If the government is right, change is needed. Until then, enjoy the back row.

Garay can be reached at MarkGaray426@gmail.com

accommodate daycare groups at this performance. The performance will be repeated at Fort Bend County Libraries’ George Memorial Library in Richmond and Cinco Ranch Branch Library in Katy in July. For more information, see the Fort Bend County Libraries website (www. fortbend.lib.tx.us) or call the University Branch Library (281-633-5100) or the library system’s Communications Office (281-633-4734). PARKING INSTRUCTIONS: Park inside the gated lot (VISITOR LOT 4). Bring the parking-ticket stub to the check-out desk inside the library to be validated by library staff. Parking is free if the ticket is validated by the library. Parking outside the gated lot may result in a parking violation from the University of Houston.

Sugar Land Memorial Day Ceremony

Photos by Ken Fountain

It was a sweltering morning Monday, but that didn’t stop hundreds of folks from turning out at Sugar Land’s Memorial Park for the city’s annual Memorial Day celebration. The event featured patriotic music, speeches by dignitaries, displays of military vehicles and equipment, a flyover of WWII-era aircraft and more.

Singer Elisha Johnson performs the National Anthem at the beginning of the ceremony.

U.S. Army Reserve Brig. Gen (Ret.) David Van Kleeck serves as emcee during the Sugar Land Memorial Day Celebration.

Randy Compton of Pearland shows of a 1800s-era U.S. Army rifle to Adam Frese of Sugar Land.

Sugar Land At Large District 1 Council member William Ferguson offers opening remarks during the ceremony.

Maj. Gen. Anthony Woods, commanding general of the Texas State Guard, speaks with Raj Bhalla of Sugar Land after the event’s conclusion.

With Remembrance Tower seen behind them, canoeists on the lake of Memorial Park pause as the names of Sugar Land residents who died in service are read aloud.

Members of the Sugar Land Police Department Honor Guard fire a 21-gun salute.

A family takes in the Gold Star Families Memorial Monument at Sugar Land’s Memorial Park.

Veterans of Foreign Wars member Robert Maiellaro, who served as a Navy pilot in the 1950s and 1960s, take photographs before the ceremony begins.

Mehra Din of Richmond carries a U.S. flag on the outskirts of the ceremony.

Boy Scout Troop 731 member Connor Ouderkich and his sister, Boy Scout Troop 1731 member Ava Ouderkich, hand out flags to a family coming to attend the Sugar Land Memorial Day Celebration at Memorial Park on Monday.

U.S. Army Reserve Brig. Gen. (Ret) David Van Kleeck greets U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. (Ret) Keith Taylor of Houston after the ceremony’s conclusion.

Members of Boy Scout Troops 731 and 1731 salute the U.S. flag after posting it at the start of the ceremony.

Jeremy Sweet, of the Sixth Calvary Historical Association, shows off a private collection of Vietnamera military memorabilia to Ahmed Burney of Stafford at the Memorial Day event.

Sugar Land Fire-EMS Capt. Michael Bell shows of Engine No. 5 to a family.

Jenny Pless of Sugar Land, in red-white-and-blue garb, watches the festivities from the sidelines.

Associate director Terry Crummer conducts the Katy-based Lone Star Symphonic Band in patriotic musical pieces during the ceremony.

Justin McDonald of Houston takes a look at the inside of Memorial Park’s Remembrance Tower, which pays homage to fallen Sugar Land residents from all branches of the U.S. military.

Young boys holding small U.S. flags play while waiting for the ceremony to begin.

Boy Scout Troop 1731 members Alexa Ouderkick, left, and Nina Brunello lay a wreath honoring fallen service member William Ham, Jr. inside Memorial Park’s Remembrance Tower.

The Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra Chorus will embark on a journey of choral music through the ages at a performance on June 2, 3 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 3900 Lexington Blvd., Missouri City.

“Echoes from the Cathedral” is a trek through the canon of choral music to a new Requiem movement by chorus director Ray Rhoads. The first part of the concert focuses on pre-Renaissance

and Renaissance music from composers Heinrich Schütz (1585-1672), Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina (1525-1594), Thomas Tallis (1505-1585), and Richard Farrant (1525-1580). These composers focus on sacred motets for four voices in clear harmony, known for their simplicity and crystalline beauty.

The next section of the concert focuses on composers from the Baroque and Classical areas with works by Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750), Wolfgang Ama-

deus Mozart (1756-1791), Ignaz Holzbauer (17111783), and Franz Joseph Haydn (1732-1809). These works have complex but traditional harmonies with counterpoint. They run the gamut from Protestant Chorales to delicate works for four voices.

The third section of the concert centers on Romantic choral music. The composers highlighted are Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893), and Johannes Brahms (1833-1897). These works are lush and singing,

with rich harmonies and exotic counterpoint. The last section of the concert anchors the concert in the modern day, with works by Randall Thompson (1899-1984), Ray Rhoads, Chorus Director, John Rutter (b. 1945), and Martin Shaw (1875 -1958). This section overflows with singable melodies, great harmonies, and straightforward textures. Learn more about the concert at fbso.org. Tickets are available online at https:// bit.ly/FBSOECHOES24.

ONGOING

ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

In conjunction with the Literacy Council of Fort Bend Bend County, GPBC will offer ESL classes on Tuesday nights from mid August 2024 through May 2025. We are located at 12000 FM 1464 Richmond across from Austin HS. 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

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND CONCERT HONORS FALLEN HEROES

The Exchange Club of Sugar Land presents “A Night to Remember” on Sunday, May 26, at 7:05 p.m. The patriotic concert features a brass band, Grammy winning singers, ballet dancers and a 30-member chorus. The concert takes place in Sugar Land Town Square, in front of the City Hall Façade. Bring a chair and join us!

“A Night to Remember” is FREE and open to the public. Canned food donations are encouraged for East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry.

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF FORT BEND

The League of Women Voters of Fort Bend, a nonpartisan organization, will provide voter registration and education events prior to the Feb. 5 deadline to be a registered voter in the March 5 Primary election. Locations, dates, and times include: (1) Wednesday, 1/24 -- Fort Bend YMCA, 4433 Cartwright Rd, Missouri City 7:30am - 12:30pm and 5 - 7pm; (2) Thursday, 1/25 -- First Colony Library 3:30 - 5:30pm; (3) Sat., 1/27 -- Cinco Ranch Library 10:30am - 1:30pm and University Branch Library 11am - 2pm; (4) Tuesday, 1/30 and Wednesday, 1/31 -- WCJC Sugar Land, Brazos Hall, 9am - 2pm; (5) Thursday, 2/1 -- ThriftWise, 501 Hwy 90E, Richmond -- 10am - 1pm. Register to vote, update your current voter registration, and get nonpartisan voting information at any of these events, or contact lwvfortbend@gmail.com.

NO HOCUS POCUS IN MUSIC MAGIC CLASS FOR 6 & 7-YEAR-OLD BOYS! Young boys need music in their life for mental, physical and emotional growth and the best place to receive quality music instruction is with the Fort Bend Boys Choir of Texas! They offer Music Magic, an eight-week music enrichment class for six and seven-year-old boys. The Fort Bend Boys Choir of Texas, currently in its 42 nd season, brings music alive with the use of movement, musical games, singing and other child-centered activities. Boys learn about pitch matching and rhythm awareness in addition to developing large muscle coordination, increased focus and better musicianship. Music Magic helps boost brainpower, sparks creativity and forges strong connections with others. No auditions are necessary for the class – just a love of music and singing! Serving as Music Magic director is Founder and Artistic Director William R. Adams who leads this class on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 p.m. – 7:15 p.m., beginning March 19 and ending May 14 at the First United Methodist Church Missouri City, 3900 Lexington Blvd., Missouri City. Music Magic will then sing at the Fort Bend Boys Choir’s annual Spring Concert on Saturday, May 18! Classes are limited in size so please call the choir office at (281) 240- 3800 to pre-register or visit their Music Magic web page at https://fbbctx.org/our- programs/music-magic/. Be sure to stop by their Facebook page for the latest on the Fort Bend Boys Choir's Music Magic class and the organization's public performances.

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.

F BJSL IS ACCEPTING CAF GRANT APPLICATIONS

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.

THE SANCTUARY

FOSTER CARE SERVICES

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

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 281785-7372 for more information.

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, nonpolitical, 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.

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.

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

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!

MISSOURI CITY AARP CHAPTER 3801

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.

Summer camp 2024 Guide Guide

MISSOURI CITY

CAMP OLYMPIA

Day, Sports Ages: 4 - 14

Dates: June 10 - Aug. 2

Cost: $220-$310 weekly

$250 (beginning April 1)

$275 (week of camp) 7100 Knights Court www.olympiatx.com

FORT BEND FAMILY YMCA

Academics, Art, Day, Sports Ages: 5 - 15

Dates: May 30 - July 28

Cost: $75 per session, per child 4433 Cartwright Road www.ymcahouston.org

i CODE

Academics, Art, Day Ages: 6 - 18

Dates: May 29 - Aug. 2

Cost: $279 - $459 weekly 4899 Hwy. 6, Ste. 113C www.icodeschool.com/sugarland117

STAFFORD

CLASS 101

Academics Ages: 13 - 17

Dates: June 3 - Aug. 2

Cost: $800 (6 week course)

$3,999 (college planning) 609 Dulles Ave., Ste. 500 www.class101.com/sugarlandtx

STUDY DORM

Academics

Dates: June 3 - Aug. 2

Ages: 6 - 17

Cost: $150-plus weekly 609 Dulles Ave., Ste. 500 www.mystudydorm.com/ summer-camp-houston

SUGAR LAND

ART CAMPS AT CORDOVAN ART SCHOOL

Art, Day Ages: 5 - 16

Dates: May 28 - Aug. 18 (Summer)

Cost: $204 $569 weekly 3219 Hwy. 6 www.cordovanartschool.com

ELDRIDGE PARK COMMUNITY CENTER

Academics, Sports

Ages: chess, medical 5 - 16; soccer 4 - 14

Dates: June 24 - July 26

Cost: $160-$493 weekly DATES AND PRICES VARY BY CAMP. 2511 Eldridge Road www.sugarlandtx.gov

IMPERIAL PARK RECREATION CENTER

Sports Ages: 4 - 17

Dates: June 3 - Aug. 2

Cost: $132 - $438

AGES, DATES, AND PRICES VARY BY CAMP. 234 Matlage Way www.sugarlandtx.gov

INSPIRATION STAGE

Art, Day Ages: 4 - 16

Dates: May 31 - Aug. 4

Cost: $210-$285 weekly 2210 Lone Star Drive www.inspirationstage.com

PINE COVE

Art, Day, Night, Sports Grades: 1 - 6

Dates: June 24 - 28

Cost: $359 weekly 13223 Southwest Freeway www.pinecove.com

SPANISH SCHOOLHOUSE

Spanish, Day, Sports Ages: 3 - 8

Dates: June 3 - July 26

Cost: $245 (two days), $649 (five days) 1120 Soldiers Field Drive www.spanishschoolhouse.com