The 08/23/23 Edition of The Fort Bend Star

Two FBISD students removed for having guns in backpacks

By Ken Fountain KFOUNTAIN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Fort Bend ISD experienced two incidents of students bringing guns to separate campuses last week. Both incidents remain under investigation.

On August 23, two students at Crawford High School and Dulles High School were found to have weapons and were removed from the schools.

“An unloaded handgun was found at Crawford High School on Wednesday, August 16, 2023, inside a student’s backpack. When the report was received, school administration and the campus officer immediately removed

VFW Post 942 to honor World War II hero Macario Garcia on Aug. 27

American Legion Post 942, based in Sugar Land, will host a reception honoring the late Macario Garcia, a former Sugar Land resident and a World War II recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor, on Sunday, Aug. 27 from 2-4 p.m. at the post, 311 Ulrich. Garcia was the first Ameeican of Mexican origin to receive the medal.

“Mr. Garcia passed away several years ago but we choose to honor his life and service to the country,” the post said in a press release. “The public and all veterans,

active and inactive, are invited to attend.”

According to the Texas State Historical Association, Garcia was born on Jan. 2, 1920, in Villa de Castaño, Mexico, to Luciano and Josefa García, farm workers who raised ten children.

“In 1923 the family moved to Texas; they eventually settled in Sugar Land. Like the rest of his brothers and sisters, he contributed to the family’s support by picking crops. He was working on the Paul Schumann Ranch near Sugar Land when he was drafted into the army on

November 11, 1942. García distinguished himself on the battlefield. He was wounded in action at Normandy in June 1944, but after his recovery he rejoined his unit, Company B, First Battalion, Twenty-second Infantry Regiment, Fourth Infantry Division,” the TSHA’s profile states.

“On November 27, 1944, near Grosshau, Germany, he singlehandedly assaulted two German machine-gun emplacements that were blocking his company’s advance. Wounded in the shoulder and foot, he crawled forward alone towards the

machine-gun nests, killed six enemy soldiers, captured four, and destroyed the nests with grenades. Only after the company had secured its position did García allow himself to be evacuated for medical treatment. He was awarded the Medal of Honor with twenty-seven other soldiers at a White House ceremony on August 23, 1945, by President Harry S. Truman. García also received the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, and the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, as well as the medal of Mérito Militar,

Fort Bend County holds party for Epicenter grand opening

Fort Bend ISD experienced two incidents of students bringing guns to separate campuses last week. Fort Bend Star fle Photo by Ken Fountain

By Ken Fountain KFOUNTAIN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Fort Bend County last week held a two-day opening celebration of the opening of the Epicenter, a brandnew multipurpose center in Rosenberg. The long-ingestation facility is owned by the county but operated by a private company in what is known as a “public-private partnership.”

Dulles High School student

Travios Slater, 18, is charged with unlawfully carrying a weapon in a prohibited space. He is being held in the Fort Bend County Jail on a $20,000 bond. Courtesy Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Offce

The festivities began with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony and a gathering for invited guests and media, where officials and others connected to the facility gave remarks from a stage in the center of the 230,000-square-foot arena’s massive floor.

On Saturday, the general public was invited to get a first look at the modernistic building located onA a 1.75-acre site at 28505 Southwest Freeway at State Highway 36, adjacent to the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds.

While owned by the county, the facility is managed by the for-profit The Sports Facilities Companies. Stonehenge Holdings served as the developer of the project. The facility will host special events (including next year’s Fort Bend ISD and Lamar CISD graduation ceremonies, sports, and entertainment offerings. Several Houston-area youth sports organizations, including Houston Volleyball Academy, have already con-

tracted to use the facility.

The approximately $120 million venue has not been without controversy. When Fort Bend Commissioners Court in 2022 approved spending up to $26.78 million on the facility’s operating expenses during its first years of existence, Precinct 3 Commisoner Andy Meyers, long known as a deficit hawk, raised concerns, according to previous coverage in the Fort Bend Star.

On Friday, however, Meyers was among the beaming county officials who took part in the ribbon-cutting ceremony and other festivities. Others included Fort Bend County Judge KP George and the other members of Commissioners Court (ex-

cept Precinct 2 Commissioner Grady Prestage, who was on vacation), and representatives of SFC and Stonehenge.

To a person, the speakers said the Epicenter represents a new era for both Fort Bend County and Rosenberg, the small community that is expected to be one of the fastest-growing places in the county in the coming decades.

A major aspect of the Epicenter’s business model is the growing industry of “sports tourism,” in which smaller sports organizations hold their events at specialized facilities across the country. In recent months, the facility’s management has announced a string of partnerships with sports and entertainment promoters that it says will

put the facility on firm financial footing going forward.

On Saturday, hundreds of people turned out over an hours-long open house to check out the facility, which includes a large arena encased by a soaring, modernistic outer shell. A large fountain greets visitors to the entranceways, and large murals (designed by Houston artist Reginald Adams) depicting both the agricultural heritage of Fort Bend County and its modern, diverse population are seen inside.

Children (and others) shot hoops on the arena floor while other visitors checked out the booths from several

The chicken and waffles at Seven25 Café & Daiquiris on page 8

Offcials hold the offcial ribbon-cutting for the new Epicenter. L-R: Brenda Patton, Director of Community and Government Relations for Precinct 2 Commissioner Grady Prestage; County Auditor Robert Ed Sturdivant; Precinct 3 Commissioner Andy Meyers; Precinct 1 Commissioner Vincent Morales; Kevin Matocha, president of Stonehenge Holdings; County Judge KP Georg; Precinct 4 Commissioner Dexer McCoy; SFC parnter Eric Sullivan, and SFC general manager Toby Wyman.

Photo by Ken Fountain

Gabby Veasey, 13, and Zoey Crawford, 14, pose beside the 2022 World Series Trophy at the Epicenter. Both girls are players with the Houston Volleyball Academy. Photo by Ken Fountain

Kids shoot hoops on the floor of the new, massive Epicenter.

Photo by Ken Fountain

The floor of the Epicenter is seen from one of the upper levels. Photo by Ken Fountain

President Harry Truman awards the Congressional Medal of Honor to Sugar Land resident Macario Garcia in 1945. VFW Post 942 will host a reception honoring Garcia on Aug. 27. National Archives and Records Administration, via Wikipedia

A large fountain greets visitors to the new Epicenter in Rosenberg. Photo by Ken Fountain

University Branch library seeks donations for Community Arts & Craft Supply Swap on Sept. 2

To encourage creativity and reduce waste through reusing and repurposing, Fort Bend County Libraries will host a Community Arts & Craft Supply Swap on Saturday, September 2, in Meeting Room 1 of the University Branch Library, 14010 University Blvd in Sugar Land on the UH campus.

Throughout August 31, crafters and artists are encouraged to clean out their craft closets and donate any unwanted craft/art supplies in good, usable condition. Materials should be brought to the 2nd-floor reference desk or to one of the weekly Craft Squad Socials, which take place every Friday from 2-4 p.m., at the library.

Crafters who bring their unused craft supplies by August 31 will receive special early access (10-11 a.m.) to the Craft Swap on September 2.

From 11 a.m.-noon on September 2, the Craft Swap is open to everyone, including those who did not contribute supplies during the donation period. This is an excellent way for anyone thinking about trying a new craft or hobby to pick up start-up materials without investing any money.

Examples of accepted craft supplies include yarn, stickers, buttons, fabric,

unopened paint, brushes, knitting needles, crochet hooks, pens, markers, stamps, beads, scrapbooking materials, unused craft kits, and coloring books.

The Craft Squad meets weekly on Fridays, from 24 p.m., at the library. Anyone who enjoys crafts will have an opportunity to make new

crafty friends, learn a new craft or two, and share tips, tricks, and resources with fellow crafters.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information, see Fort Bend County Libraries’ website (www.fortbend.lib.tx.us) or call the University Branch Library (281-633-5100).

WATER DISTRICT NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON TAX RATE

The FORT BEND COUNTY M.U.D. #49 will hold a public hearing on a proposed tax rate for the tax year 2023 on September 12, 2023, at 12:00 p.m. at 180 Island Boulevard, Missouri City, TX 77459. Your individual taxes may increase at a greater or lesser rate, or even decrease, depending on the tax rate that is adopted and on the change in the taxable value of your property in relation to the change in taxable value of all other property. The change in the taxable value of your property in relation to the change in the taxable value of all other property determines the distribution of the tax burden among all property owners.

Visit Texas.gov/PropertyTaxes to nd a link to your local property tax database on which you can easily access information regarding your property taxes, including information about proposed tax rates and scheduled public hearings of each entity that taxes your property.

FOR the proposal: Terry Sparks, Donna Kottwitz, Dennis Hurta and Karen Overton

AGAINST the proposal: None

PRESENT and not voting: None

ABSENT: Bill Quinn

The following table compares taxes on an average residence homestead in this taxing unit last year to taxes proposed on the average residence homestead this year.

of the vendors who will call the Epicenter their home.

The Houston Texans and the Houston Astros also had a presence, including the 2022 World Series trophy the Astros won last year.

Gabby Veasey, 13, and Zoey Crawford, 14, both of Sugar Land, had their photo taken with the trophy. Both are members of Houston Volleyball Academy, which is contracted to use the Epi-

the Mexican equivalent to the Medal of Honor, during a ceremony in Mexico City on January 8, 1946,” the profile states.

Garcia received an honorable discharge and returned to Sugar Land, where he found that he had become a celebrity in the state. However, in September 1945, Garcia attracted media attention when he was refused service at a Richmond restaurant based on his race. When an outraged Garcia fought with the restaurant’s owner, he was arrested and

the student from the classroom, conducted a search, and confiscated the unloaded handgun.,” the district said in a statement.

In a separate incident that day, a similar report was made at Dulles High School.

“When the report was received, school administration and the campus officer immediately removed the

center for games.

“It’s great. I’m really excited to play here,” Veasey said.

Lou Mancinas, a board member of the Texas State Technical College Foundation, came to the event with his son Luke, 8. Both were impressed by the facility.

“This is a really wonderful addition to Fort Bend County,” Mancinas said.

One of the first major events at the Epicenter will be the inaugural “Fort Bend County Festival of One,” a

charged by police.

Public outrage over the incident ultimately led to the charge being dismissed, according to the TSHA.

“On June 25, 1947, García became an American citizen. He earned a high school diploma in 1951, and married Alicia Reyes on May 18, 1952. They raised three children. Like other GIs who returned from the war, García encountered many difficulties in finding employment. He eventually found a job as a counselor in the Veterans’ Administration, and remained with the VA for the next twenty-five years. In 1970 García and

student from the classroom, conducted a search, and confiscated the handgun [from a backpack].,” the district said.

The district said that criminal charges are being pursued in both incidents, and the students are no longer at their respective campuses. “We are thankful [the two matters were] resolved without incident and the community is safe,” it said.

Wesley Wittig, a spokesman for the Fort Bend District At-

free community event hosted by County Judge KP George and the Expose Excellence Youth Foundation, headed by District Attorney Brian Middleton. The festival will be held Saturday, Aug. 26, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

In addition to a range of family-oriented activities, the event will feature various vendors, including Fort Bend County departments, non-profits, and small businesses who will provide essential services such as back-to-school immunizations, eye exams, haircuts, and braiding services.

his family moved to Alief. He died on December 24, 1972, in a car crash and was buried in the National Cemetery in Houston,” the profile states.

“In 1981 the Houston City Council officially changed the name of Sixty-ninth Street to Macario García Drive. This 1½ mile thoroughfare runs through the heart of the city’s east-side Mexican-American community. In 1983 Vice President George Bush dedicated Houston’s new Macario García Army Reserve Center, and in 1994 a Sugar Land middle school was named in García’s honor,” according to the TSHA profile, which can be found at tshaonline.org.

torney’s Office, on Monday identified the suspect in the Dulles High School incident as Travios Slater, 18. He is charged with unlawfully carrying a weapon in a prohibited space, a third-degree felony. As of Monday, he was being held in the Fort Bend County Jail on a $20,000 bond.

“The Crawford HS incident involves a juvenile so there will be no further information coming as that is confidential by state law,” he said. In Texas, the statutory age of majority is 17 years.

NOTICE OF VOTE ON TAX RATE

If the district adopts a combined debt service, operation and maintenance, and contract tax rate that would result in the taxes on the average residence homestead increasing by more than 3.5 percent, an election must be held to determine whether to approve the operation and maintenance tax rate under Section 49.23602, Water Code. An election is not required if the adopted tax rate is less than or equal to the voter-approval tax rate.

The 86th Texas Legislature modi ed the manner in which the voter-approval tax rate is calculated to limit the rate of growth of property taxes in the state.

Bob Leared Interests 713-932-9011

University Branch Library staff member Katie Martinez with some of the materials that have been donated for the Community Arts & Craft Supply Swap on September 2. Courtesy Fort Bend County Libraries

Space Cowboys’ struggles continue with loss to Round Rock

By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

It has been a rough go of things in the second half for the Sugar Land Space Cowboys, who were hoping to get back on track last week. But things didn’t go as planned, with Sugar Land continuing to struggle thanks to a series loss against the Round Rock Express.

Sugar Land lost all six games of their series against Round Rock, running their losing streak to a seasonlong nine games entering this week’s home series against the Las Vegas Aviators. The Space Cowboys are now 14-31 in the second half, and sport a 47-73 overall mark on the season.

On the heels of the previous week’s offensive outburst in El Paso, Sugar Land found runs tough to come by last week against Round Rock. The Space Cowboys scored just 18 runs in six games and mustering just 28 hits as a team in the series.

However, there were still a few performances that stood out during the week. Outfielder and Astros No. 6 overall prospect Joey Loperfido was solid in his first taste of TripleA last week following a recent promotion, reaching base in nine of his 21 plate appearances (.409 OBP) for the week, along with smashing a homer and a double and driving in all three Sugar Land runs in the Space Cowboys’ 8-3 loss on Aug. 18 as part of a week which saw the 24-year-old post an .880 OPS overall.

Marty Costes, meanwhile, went 2 for 7 with a triple and two walks in limited action – with rehabbing Astros outfielder Michael Brantley playing multiple times – while driving in a run in the series, while catcher Cesar Salazar drew seven walks en route to reaching base in nine of his 15 plate appearances and Shay Whitcomb had a team-high five RBIs in the series.

With some spotty starting pitching performances for most of the week, it was largely on the Space Cowboys’ bullpen to try and keep Sugar Land in

games, and many did a fine job doing just that. Enoli Paredes pitched a pair of scoreless innings against Round Rock last week with four strikeouts, while Jake Cousins hurled two perfect innings along with four strikeouts of his own. There were also strong outings from Seth Martinez, Shawn Dubin, Joe Record, and Austin Hansen, all of whom threw two shutout innings apiece last week.

Jimmy Endersby was also impressive in relief, throwing 1.2 shutout innings with three strikeouts. Endersby has been on a roll of late, posting a 2.19 ERA in 15 appearances out of the bullpen over the last calendar month (24.2 innings) while allowing opponents to hit just .198 with a .618 OPS against him in that span as of Monday.

The lone strong starting performance of the week against Round Rock was from Astros No. 3 overall prospect – and top pitching prospect – Spencer Arrighetti, who threw five shutout innings with six strikeouts in the Space Cowboys’ 4-3 loss on Aug. 16. Arighetti has now allowed three earned runs or fewer while going at least five innings in three of his last four starts.

The Space Cowboys were off on Monday, and were slated to finish off a two-week homestand with a six-game series against the Reno Aces at Constellation Field beginning Tuesday night.

Upcoming promotions

There will be a Space Cowboys/University of Houston Corey Julks jersey giveaway on University of Houston night Aug. 25, and additionally it’s the second Brewfest of the season. Faith & Family Night is on Saturday, August 26 with a postgame concert by Sidewalk Prophets, and it is Orion’s Birthday is on Aug. 27 with an Orion jersey giveaway.

On the other side of Labor Day, Deaf & Hard of Hearing Awareness Night comes up on Sept. 7 followed by the Space Cowboys Spooktacular and Colon Cancer Awareness Night on Sept. 8.

MONTHLY BUSINESS MAGAZINE

Shawn Dubin pitched two shutout innings for the Sugar Land Space Cowboys last week against the Round Rock Express, but Sugar Land failed to win a game series. Photo from Facebook

Second Half

Cowboys Corral: Joey Loperfido a prospect worthy of attention

By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

I know it’s been awhile since we had this column, and that’s largely because I wanted to make sure that when it appears on your newsfeed or in the paper that’s tossed in your driveway each week, it’s not something that’s not another type of oversaturated coverage.

For those who have not seen these, an explainer is in order. You will see an overview of the player before personal observations as a lifelong baseball fan who loves to watch every game possible while studying statistics/data and attempting to understand what it means for both present and future projections. My prediction for their immediate future will be at the end.

We’re bringing it back this week, because a player recently promoted to the Triple-A Sugar Land Space Cowboys – outfielder Joey Loperfido –is worth keeping an eye on as the regular season winds down.

And it’s not just because of his production, which has been elite across three minor league levels this season. It’s because this writer loves to shine a light on those who have burst on the scene, especially when he is the product of a school not known for its prowess on the diamond – Duke University.

Loperfido is currently ranked by MLB Pipeline as the Astros’ No. 6 overall prospect.

Overview Loperfido came to the Astros as a seventh-round draft pick in 2021 by way of Duke University – not typically known for its baseball program. Since having its first player drafted in 1971, Duke has produced 92 total draft picks and 11 major leaguers according to Baseball Reference’s database. For comparison, the University of Texas has 291 draft picks (71 in MLB) in that time frame, while LSU has seen 215 draft picks and 68 of them reach MLB.

The 24-year-old spent four seasons at Duke, hitting .317 with a .907 OPS while helping the Blue Devils to three

NCAA tournaments and two Super Regionals along with 120 victories. Since being drafted, Loperfido has continued to hit, slashing .288/.386/.495 (.881 OPS) in 972 plate appearances since his selection, including .290/.384/.543 (.927 OPS) in 424 plate appearances across three minor league levels this season. He was sporting a .940 OPS in Double-A Corpus Christi (2nd in the Texas League) along with a .548 slugging percentage (3rd) and 19 home runs (8th) prior to his promotion on Aug. 15.

Landan’s lowdown

Even as a lifelong baseball fan and avid watcher of the Astros and their prospects, I admittedly didn’t know a lot about Loperfido. Then I began studying his production, and was even more intrigued by

his performance given that his alma mater. And the more I dig, the more excited I become.

It’s easy to see Loperfido’s progress in many facets of his game over his first two full seasons of pro ball, and he is clearly an advanced hit tool player with a great feel for hitting. He sported a .316/.408/.492 slash line in 464 plate appearances in 2022 across two levels, with a 21.9 percent strikeout rate and 11.5 percent walk rate –good zone discipline, which is always a great foundation for any hitter. He has continued this season, producing a .290/.384/.543 line with a similar strikeout rate (22.4 percent) and increasing his walk rate to 12.7 percent. So what can we take from that? The first thing many will notice is the power uptick, with his Isolated Power shoot-

First Colony library to host program on managing emotions on Aug. 26

Staff Reports

Fort Bend County Libraries’ First Colony Branch Library will present the program “How to Make Emotions Your Friend” on Saturday, August 26, from 2-3 p.m., in the Meeting Room of the library, 2121 Austin Parkway, Sugar Land.

Licensed professional counselor Nicole Ponce will explore the purpose of different emotions. Learn how to manage them in the healthiest way and how to feel more

in control of one’s response to emotions.

Ponce has more than 10 years of experience working with and treating anxiety disorders and other mentalhealth concerns.

The program is free and open to the public. For more information, see the Fort Bend County Libraries website (www.fortbend.lib.tx.us) or call the First Colony Branch Library (281-238-2800) or the library system’s Communications Office (281-633-4734).

Fort Bend ISD

Career & Technical Education

Career and Technical Education Methods of Administration (MOA)

Annual Public Noti cation of Nondiscrimination

Fort Bend ISD offers career and technical education programs in Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, Architecture and Construction, Arts and Audio Video, Business Marketing and Finance, Education and Training, Health Science, Hospitality and Tourism, Human Services, Information Technology, Law and Public Services, Manufacturing, STEM, Transportation, Distribution and Logistics. Admission to these programs is based on student course selection and appropriate completion of pre-requisite coursework.

It is the policy of Fort Bend ISD not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex or handicap in its vocational programs, services or activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.

It is the policy of Fort Bend ISD not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, handicap, or age in its employment practices as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. Fort Bend ISD will take steps to assure that lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in all educational and vocational programs.

For information about your rights or grievance procedures, contact the Title IX Coordinator at holly.robles@fortbendisd.com, 281-634-7232, and/or the Section 504 Coordinator at Ronje.Gonzales@fortbendisd.com, 281-634-1242.

ing from .176 last season up to .253 this season as of this writing – which is not only noticeable, but significant, as is a nearly 100-point upswing in any category. So what has helped him do it?

tential factors at play here.

First off, he’s simply hitting the ball hard and elevating it more than he did last sea son. In 2022, Loperfido had a 46 percent ground ball rate – the type of batted ball least likely to be a hit – with a 29.1 percent fly ball rate and 24.9 percent line drive rate. And while the ground ball rate (45.9) is nearly iden tical and the line drive rate down (22.6 percent) compared to last year, the fly ball rate has spiked to 31.5 percent so far in 2023. And while bat ted ball data is not publicly available for Double-A as to the exit velocity and launch

quickly made himself a known commodity in the Astros’ minor

while currently-rehabbing outfielder Michael Brantley

But here’s the thing – he’sdition to 108 starts and 943 innings between all three outfield spots, Loperfido has made at least 45 starts and played 400 or more innings at both first base and second base since being drafted and spent significant time there (102 games) in college. And -

With Jose Abreu’s struggles and uncertainty surrounding Brantley’s return and futureity should give him a leg up on other prospects provided his production continues. If he’s not a September call-up next month, look for Loperfido to have a pretty decent shot at making the team out of Spring Training next season.

en Agricultura, Alimento y los Recursos Naturales, Arquitectura y Construcción, Artes en Tecnología y las Comunicaciones de Audio/Visual, Educación y Entrenamiento de Negocios, Finanzas, Ciencias de la Salud, Hospitalidad y Turismo, Servicios Humanos, Tecnología Informática, Ley y Seguridad Pública, Producción en Fábricas, Mercadotécnia, Ciencias-Tecnología-Ingeniería-Matemáticas (STEM por sus siglas en inglés), Transportación, Distribución y Logísticas. La admisión a estos programas está basada en la selección de cursos del alumno y previamente haber completado satisfactoriamente los cursos requeridos. actividades vocacionales y brinda igualdad de acceso a los Boy Scouts y otros grupos juveniles designados por motivos de raza, color, origen nacional, sexo o impedimento, tal como lo requieren el Título VI de la Ley de Derechos Civiles de 1964, según enmienda; Título IX de las Enmiendas en la Educación de 1972, y la Sección 504 de la Ley de Rehabilitación de 1973, según enmienda. empleo por motivos de raza, color, origen nacional, sexo, impedimento o edad, tal como lo requieren el Título VI de la Ley de Derechos Civiles de 1964, según enmienda; Título IX de las Enmiendas en la Educación, de 1972, la ley de Discriminación por Edad, de 1975, según enmienda; y la Sección 504 de la Ley de Rehabilitación de 1973, según enmienda. habilidad en el uso del inglés no sea un obstáculo para la admisión y participación en todos los programas educativos y vocacionales.

Título IX en del programa de educación técnica y vocacional, (dirección de holly.robles@fortbendisd.com, 281-634-7232, y/o el Coordinador de la Sección 504 en Ronje.Gonzales@fortbendisd.com,

Outfelder Joey Loperfdo (pictured) was recently promoted to Triple-A Sugar Land. The 24-year-old has

league system. Photo from Facebook

LYNN ASHBY Columnist

By Lynn Ashby ASHBY2@COMCAST.NET

THE CLASSROOM – Welcome, students, to the first class in Journalism 101 here at Texas A&M. As you may know, this school once had a Department of Journalism, but it was abolished. Something about teaching the truth. One of its graduates was that noted journalist, Lyle Lovett. But now we are back to teach how journalists work, why they work and why they aren’t woke. I’d like to set forth a few rules for the classroom. You ag majors please don’t bring your lab work from other classes. Those chickens and goats make such a racket.

Members of the Corps of Cadets, do not march in. Band members can leave your tu-

Maroon is also a verb

bas and bass drums in the hallway. For all of you, this is not a football game so you don’t have to stand the entire class. Turn off your tape recorders, iPhones and videos. What I say will certainly be used against me. But for the record, I love Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick.

I see most of you already have your textbooks. That must have been difficult since many books on my list have been deemed “unpatriotic,” “left-of-center” or “marginally suspicious of treason,” the latter being banned since it contained a chapter on the First Amendment. I still can’t figure out why the textbook on “Transitions of Type” was excluded except one regent said, “I don’t want any trans taught at A&M.” During this semester we shall discuss the following: “How to Spot Fake News,” “The Wit and Wisdom of Melania Trump” and see several shows with Sean Hannity. Please hold your applause. Also we shall hone your ability to write alternative facts.

Incidentally, why any of you would want to go into journalism eludes me. There are no

jobs awaiting you. Take up a profession that has a future like beekeeping or valet parking. Anyway, today let’s start with some do’s and don’t’s.

Don’t use the term “Hullabaloo, Caneck! Caneck!” It might be a secret code used by the deep state. Public officials will stonewall your embarrassing questions about their sexual harassment charges for as long as they can, then will snort, “That’s old news.” If you are interviewing a politician on TV, don’t let her reply to your inquiry by saying, “That’s a great question.”

Do not use unsubstantiated numbers. British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli said, “There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies and statistics.” Here is an example: In 1990, the U.S. Census Bureau announced that the College Station-Bryan area led the nation in the percentage of movers. Forty-one percent of the area’s residents had moved within 15 months. Of course they moved! They were college students. Every single year tens of thousands of you move to A&M in the fall and move out in the summer.

You aspiring sportswriters, no good sports story goes

without lots of clichés. They are not the New York Yankees but the Pinstripes. The Dallas Cowboys are either the ‘Boys or America’s Team. In a bad season, they are the Houston Lastros. The ball was hit like a frozen rope. He was as cool as the other side of the pillow. Try not to tell the reader who won a game, how and the final score until maybe the tenth paragraph.

When you signed up for classes in journalism, you were led to believe this department would be headed by a famed Black journalist and scholar, Dr. Kathleen McElroy. She is a graduate of A&M and served for four years as director of the UTAustin School of Journalism and Media. She worked for 30 years at The New York Times, was a Pulitzer Prizes juror and has done research on the relationship between the news media and race — including in newsroom practices. Dr. McElroy was considered quite a catch and was welcomed here at A&M with great fanfare.

Oops. Her hiring ignited an Aggie bonfire. Regent Mike Hernandez said in an email

to President M. Katherine Banks and Chancellor John Sharp that “granting tenure to somebody with this background is going to be a difficult sell for many on the (board).” He suggested they “put the brakes on this.” He added: “The New York Times is one of the leading main stream media sources in our country. It is common knowledge that they are biased and progressive leaning. The same exact thing can be said about the university (small u) of Texas. Yet that is Dr. McElroy’s résumé in a nutshell.”

President Banks received several negative calls from former students including an organization called the Rudder Association. The Sul Ross Group of aging Ags also voiced its displeasure. Dr. McElroy was then offered a five-year, non-tenured position, and then a one-year contract which could be rescinded at any time.

After the dirty dust had settled, President Banks resigned as did José Luis Bermúdez as interim dean of College of Arts and Sciences, which includes the journalism department, though he remains a professor here. Chancellor Sharp,

taking a line from Sergeant Shultz in “Hogan’s Heroes,” said, “I see nothing. I was not here. I did not even get up this morning.” Dr. McElroy said no thanks and was paid off with $1 million, which is almost more than our head football coach Jimbo Fisher spills. You all know the embarrassing story of A&M professor Joy Alonzo who was placed on administrative leave after she was accused of making personal attacks against Lt. Gov. Patrick during a guest lecture at UTMB in Galveston. That accusation fell apart but it showed who actually runs Texas A&M. The latest problem has been with the 12th Man Trust set up to fund our athletes. The IRS said the group couldn’t do that and the fund was dissolved. In a press release they said, “The last thing we would want to do is bring any dishonor to Texas A&M University.” It’s too late. Any questions? Yes, you in back. Oh, why do our university leaders keep bowing to politicians and wealthy outsiders? That’s a great question but that’s old news.

Ashby gigs ‘em at ashby2@ comcast.net

The “Reel Talk” film series at Fort Bend County Libraries’ University Branch Library will feature a documentary about social networking on Monday, August 28, from 6-8 p.m., in Meeting Room 1 of the library, 14010 University

Blvd in Sugar Land on the UH campus.

The film to be shown is “The Social Dilemma”. This documentary explores the dangerous impact of social networking, which can be used to manipulate and influence the public.

713-433-6421

14700 Almeda Rd Houston, TX 77053 www.HoustonHumane.org

GOLDFISH

The documentary explores topics such as: technological addiction, mental health, fake news, propaganda, artificial intelligence, and psychological manipulation.

This Netflix film is rated PG-13. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver

to attend this screening.

The movie screening is free and open to the public. 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).

Hi I’m Goldfish! I was left on property at HHS. A little about myself... I love head rubs and sitting on people’s laps. I am also good with other cats and kids too!

Come down to HHS for a meet and greet. I can’t wait to find my forever home. ADOPT GOLDFISH

ONGOING

THE ADVENTURE BEGINS FOR A GIRL WHEN A NEW TROOP IS FORMED!

Girl Scout Sign-Up Days for GIRLS, gr K to 12 First Colony and surrounding areas: Telfair, Avalon, Riverstone, Commonwealth, Dulles Sat., Aug. 26, 10:30am, First Colony Library Wed., Aug. 30, 6:30pm, St Laurence Catholic Church-Parish Hall

Wed., Sept 6, 6:30pm, Jacks Conference Center email us: gstroop.organizer@gmail.com

HONORING MR. MACARIO GARCIA, ONE OF WORLD WAR II MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENTS

On Sunday, August 27, 2023, from 2-4 pm, American Legion Post 942, 311 Ulrich, Sugar Land, will host a reception honoring Mr. Macario Garcia, one of World War II Medal of Honor Recipients. Mr. Garcia passed away several years ago, but we chose to honor his life and service to this country.

The public and all veterans, active or inactive are invited to attend.

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

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 281-785-7372 for more information.

FORT BEND COUNTY LIBRARIES’ ONLINE BOOK CLUB

Online meetings on the fourth Wednesday of every month. Free and open to the public. Registration is required; to register online www.fortbend.lib.tx.us, “Classes & Events,” select “Virtual Programs,” find the program on the date indicated. Participants may also register by calling George Memorial Library (281-342-4455).

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:pm4: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: 281-2047716 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 281240-8181 or visit our website www.ftbendliteracy.org

WITH SAM

JAM

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.

THURSDAY MORNING

BIBLE STUDY FOR MEN

Sugar Land First United Methodist Church, 431 Eldridge Road offers a Thursday Morning Bible Study For Men. This group is ongoing and uses a variety of studies throughout the year. The breakfast, coffee and donuts are free. Join us any time! Thursdays, 6:30-7:30 am in Wesley Hall. Call the church office at 281-491-6041 or Mike Schofield at 281-217-5799 for more 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 281240-3195

EXCHANGE,

EXCHANGE

Review: Seven25 Café & Daiquiris o ers Southern comfort food and hospitality

By Ken Fountain KFOUNTAIN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

One positive aspect to being a non-foodie restaurant reviewer is that it forces you to get out of your comfort zone. Left to my own devices, I usually stick to a fairly select number of places to go out to eat. But since taking on this role, I’ve had to go to a lot of Fort Bend County restaurants that I wouldn’t ordinarily frequent.

Such was the case last weekend when a friend and I went to Seven25 Café & Daiquiris, a fairly new establishment on Highway 6 in Missouri City. Seven25 refers to itself as a familyowned establishment which specializes in “scratch Southern food” (think soul food or Southern comfort food) with a pub and cocktail bar.

After having a little trouble finding it (it’s tucked away in the back of a shopping center near the Academy store), my friend and I arrived at a fairly early hour on Sunday, before the church crowd could settle in, and we had the place

virtually to ourselves. The proprietors were extremely welcoming, as befitting a family-owned place, and made us feel right at home. And “home” is the operative word, because Seven25 prides itself in using fresh foods to prepare completely on site.

The place is rather small (maybe “cozy” is the better word), but it’s bright and cheerful. One wall has a floral motif, including brightly colored artificial flower arrangements. Above the small bar is a multicolored, rotating disco-type light which proved an interesting addition to the ambience.

The menu, while not exactly expansive, offers a variety of the kind of dishes you’d expect at a Southern comfort food restaurant, with an emphasis on fried foods as well as barbecue and boudin. They also feature daily specials.

This being a Sunday, and with it being my first visit, I went with the special - fried chicken and waffles, a combination I’ve never before experienced before despite my Texas upbringing. My

Seven25 Café & Daiquiris

Address:39050 Highway

6, Ste. 120

Hours: Noon - 9 p.m.,

Tuesday through Thursday;

noon-1 a.m., Friday and

Saturday; 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Sunday (closed Monday)

Entrée prices: $8-20

Kid-friendly: Yes

Alcohol: Yes

Senior discount: No

Healthy options: Well ...

Star of the show:

Chicken and Waffles

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

friend with the brisket plate.

Since it was also fairly early on a Sunday, I didn’t partake of a daiquiri. First of all, it’s not really my drink (I’m usually a beer or wine guy), and I felt some sense of vestigial guilt about ordering

such a “transgressive” cocktail. You daiquiri aficionados will just have to experience that for yourselves.

It took just a bit to receive our orders, but that was fine because the staff went all out to keep us apprised and make

sure we were doing all right.

When my plate arrived, I was very satisfied. It’s been a long time since I regularly had fried chicken, but mine were excellent, with little of the greasiness that I’m accustomed to. The waffles hit

the spot. My friend likewise enjoyed his barbeque plate.

It’s really too seldom that I branch out and go to unfamiliar restaurants, particularly small ones like Seven25. I’m glad that I did, and I think if you go you will be, too.

FORTBENDSTAR. COM

A BETTER

TO CANCER CARE in Sugar Land

The friend chicken and waffles at Seven25 Café & Daiquiris really hit the spot during a recent visit.

Photo by Ken Fountain