The 11-01-23 Edition of The Fort Bend Star

2023

READERS’ CHOICE

Elkins tops Dulles in well-fought game - Page 3

281.690.4200 WEDNESDAY • NOVEMBER 1, 2023

Meyers appointed to state nuclear energy working group Staff Reports Gov. Greg Abbott and Public Utilities Commission of Texas (PUCT) Commissioner Jimmy Glotfelty last month appointed Fort Bend County Precinct 3 Commissioner Andy Meyers to the Texas Advanced Nuclear Reactor Working Group.

Fort Bend / Southwest • Volume 48 • No. 57 • $1.00

Visit www.FortBendStar.com

Fort Bend ISD to hold strategic plan summit on Nov. 1 Staff Reports

community-inspired strategic plan, centered on a vision for learning and anchored on the community’s highest hopes for all Fort Bend ISD students.

The general public is invited to attend.

On Thursday, Nov. 1, from 6-7:30 p.m. Fort Bend ISD will host a second Vision 2030 Summit, part of a four-phased comprehensive process to engage current FBISD stakeholders to design, create, and implement a

The development of the Vision 2030 strategic

plan will obtain district stakeholder input and engagement through summits, focus groups and an online survey.

Community stakeholders have an opportunity to participate during two upcoming education summits to share input and ideas to help align the

community’s vision with the district’s development of Vision 2030.

For more information about the Fort Bend ISD Vision 2030 and how community stakeholders can participate, visit www.fortbendisd.com/vision2030.

Sienna Art Festival set for Nov. 4

Fort Bend County Precinct 3 Commissioner Andy Meyers has been appointed to the Texas Advanced Nuclear Reactor Working Group.

Courtesy Fort Bend County

The 17 members of the working group include representatives of industry, academia and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT).

“These experts are leaders in nuclear energy, business, and academia and will be instrumental as we chart a path forward for advanced nuclear technology in Texas,” Glotfelty said is a news release. “The diversity and depth of their expertise will help us deliver a comprehensive and actionable plan to make our state the leader in nuclear energy.

I thank each of them for their willingness to participate and serve the interests of Texas consumers.”

Along with working group members, additional experts in fields relating to nuclear energy development, deployment, and distribution will join this effort on subgroups to ensure the full spectrum of ideas and options can be considered.

The working group will evaluate how advanced nuclear reactors can provide safe, reliable, and affordable power for Texas. Areas of study include safety advancements, financial incentives, state, and federal regulatory impediments to growth, permitting processes, and impacts to the Texas electric market. The working group must report its findings and recommendations to Abbott

by Dec. 1, 2024.

“An important priority for the State of Texas is to make the power grid more resilient as well as grow electrical capacity to accommodate the billions of dollars in industrial and commercial investments coming to our State, along with the jobs they create,” Meyers said in a news release.

SEE STATE PAGE 2

The fourth annual Sienna Art Festival will be held Saturday, Nov. 4, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Forest Lake Model Home Village in Sienna. Courtesy Sienna Art Festival

Staff Reports The fourth annual Sienna Art Festival will be held Saturday, Nov. 4, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Forest Lake Model Home Village, 1910 Regal Water Drive.

The event will feature nearly 50 artists as well as new artistic “Patio Party” tablescapes in outdoor living spaces of the model homes surrounding the festival site.

Each year, the festival showcases a variety of art, including oil and water paintings, photography, jewelry and more. This year, sculptures and art featur-

ing wood and textiles also will be on display and for sale during the juried event.

“We’re excited to have such a wide variety of art and some of the area’s best known artists participating,” Debra Jan Hall, artist and event organizer, said in a press release. “About a quarter of our participating artists were also juried into the Bayou City Art Festival, which is difficult to do.”

Winning artists will receive cash prizes, including $500 for Best of Show, while first place in the juried art competition wins $400. The second-place winner takes home $300 and third place wins $200.

The festival will include an expanded live music line-up, with Micah Edwards and his band taking the stage at noon and local favorites “Heights Fools on Stools” performing at 3 p.m. Children’s activities such as face painting, balloon art and more will also be on offer.

Cousins Maine Lobster, Chick-fil-A, Roco’s Grill & Smokehouse, Krazy Kups And Kones, Wood-Fired Pizza, Taco Vibez and Funnel Bar will be onsite selling food.

Attendees age 21 and older can purchase adult beverages from Texas Biergarten, Texas Leaguer Brewing Co. and Wine Vibes Micro Brewery & Bistro.

New this year is a tour of model homes with a spotlight on Patio Party Hacks, where themed arrangements by Texas Party Box and Aryce Designs will be displayed at each of the nine models surrounding the shaded festival lawn. Themes include It’s Fall Y’all, Boho Date Night for Two, Barbie Party and Not Your Average Holiday Party.

“In addition, visitors can register to win prizes at each model home,” said Allison Bond, Sienna Marketing Director.

“Approximately 1,600 people enjoyed the easy vibe of last year’s festival,” Bond said. “The additional entertainment and over-the-top

artistry of the patio tablescapes will make this event an even bigger draw.”

Tickets are on sale at https://www.siennatx.com/ art-festival and cost $10 for adults and $5 for students.

Children ages 12 and under are admitted for free. Free shuttle service will run from Sawmill Lake Club, 10323 Mount Logan, to the event.

Festival sponsors include Wellby Financial, Sugar Land Arts Fest, Shea Homes, David Weekley Homes, Memorial Hermann Sugar Land, Coventry Homes, J. Patrick Homes, Jamestown Estate Homes, Tri Pointe Homes, Toll Brothers and Texas Children’s Urgent Care Sugar Land.

Sugar Plum Market to be held Nov. 2-4 Staff Reports The Fort Bend Junior Service League will hold its 22nd annual Sugar Plum Market November 2-4, with a special Preview Night Celebration on Wednesday, November 1, at the Stafford Centre.

The market will be open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday, and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday.

This popular annual shopping event kicks off the holiday season for many in Fort Bend County and features over 100 unique vendors. The Sugar Plum Market is the signature

fundraising event for Fort Bend Junior Service League and all proceeds benefit many nonprofit organizations in Fort Bend County.

Since its inception in 2001, the market has raised over $4.4 million.

The Fort Bend Junior Service League is an organization of women committed

to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women, and to improving the Fort Bend County community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.

Learn more and purchase tickets at www.sugarplummarket.com.

THE STAR

PAGE 2 • Wednesday, November 1, 2023

Call for artists for Sugar Land Arts Fest now open The Sugar Land Cultural Arts Foundation has opened the call for artists to participate in the 2024 Sugar Land Arts Fest, a two-day festival highlighting the cultural and artistic diversity of Fort Bend County and beyond that will be held next spring.

Created by the Sugar Land Cultural Arts Foundation and presented by Primeway Federal Credit Union, the Sugar Land Arts Fest is open to all professional and amateur artists specializing in 14 mediums, including calligraphy, ceramic/pottery, photography, painting, drawing, mixed media, and much more.

“Attendance at the Sugar Land Arts Fest continues to grow each year with participation by local, regional, national, and international artists. The Arts Fest committee works diligently to create an atmosphere that promotes and honors professional and amateur artists for their talent and creativity,” said Debra Jan,

Artist Committee Chair for the festival. “As a participating artist, I highly recommend and encourage artists to participate.”

The Sugar Land Arts Fest is accepting artists’ applications through March 1, 2024. More information about the various categories, participation fees, and a registration application can be found on the Sugar Land Arts Fest website for artists interested in showcasing their artwork.

Now entering its third year, the Sugar Land Arts Fest will take place April 27-28 at Smart Financial Centre in Sugar Land. The family-friendly event will feature live entertainment, cuisine from local restaurants, a children’s activity tent, and a wine and beer garden.

To learn more about the Sugar Land Art Fest, visit www.sugarlandartsfest. com

Fort Bend County Libraries’ University Branch Library will hold a special program providing a basic introduction to Alzheimer’s disease and dementia on Saturday, Nov. 4, beginning at 2 p.m., in Meeting Room 1 of the library, located at 14010 University Blvd in Sugar Land, on the UH campus.

Volunteers from the Houston and Southeast Texas Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, will present provide ann overview of dementia and

STATE FROM PAGE 1

“We must also build on the lessons learned during Winter Storm Uri as well as power supply challenges this summer. Advanced nuclear technology like Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) offers options to deploy safe, reliable, carbon-free power over the next few years.

During the past year I met and engaged with leaders involved in the Houston En-

Alzheimer’s disease, including the early warning signs, the diseases’ progression, the diagnosis process, and resources, treatments, and medications that are available.

Attendees will learn how to decode behavioral messages and identify common behavior triggers and hear about strategies to help intervene with some of the most common behavioral challenges of Alzheimer’s disease.

Attendees should park inside the gated lot (Visitor Lot 4). Bring the parkingticket 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.

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 University Branch Library (281-633-5100) or the library system’s Communications Office (281-633-4734).

@FORTBENDSTAR COMMUNITY EVENT?

ergy Transition Initiative (HETI), as well as nuclear researchers at Texas A&M, UT, Abilene Christian, and other Universities on the advancements being made to transition to a lower carbon economy, which includes commercializing advanced SMR technology,” Meyers said.

“Part of the reason why I worked with fellow Commissioners to establish Fort Bend County’s Industrial Development Opportunities Committee is to attract

more advanced manufacturing, distribution, and industrial operations to our County and Region,” he said.

“This effort positions Fort Bend County and our State to better to attract significant investments from major employers, to create high paying jobs and diversify our tax base. They can also be instrumental in enabling the development of SMR manufacturing operations and the supply chain to support them,” he said.

Fort Bend libraries to hold Novel-Writing Month activities in November Staff Reports

University Branch Library to hold program on Alzheimer’s disease on Nov. 4 Staff Reports

See us online www.FortBendStar.com

In recognition of National Novel-Writing Month in November, Fort Bend County Libraries encourages fledgling writers or anyone who has ever wanted to write a novel to join in this coast-to-coast annual writing challenge.

Established in 1999, National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is a creativewriting project designed to empower and inspire vibrant creativity among aspiring writers, who are encouraged to write 50,000 words of a novel in the 30 days of November.

Throughout the month, Fort Bend County Libraries will host programs intended to encourage new writers by providing tips and tricks, writing and publishing advice, and support from other aspiring novelists.

The Story Spinners Writing Club, which normally meets once a month at George Memorial Library in Richmond, will meet weekly on Thursdays, November 2, 9, 16, and 30, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. The topics will be “Beginnings,” “Ambiance,” “Action,” and “Plot Holes.” From beginning blogger to published novelist, writers of all genres and experience levels are welcome to join the Story Spinners Writing Club to write, share, learn, support, network, and critique each other’s work.

Write-ins – informal gatherings where novice writers can network with each other for encouragement and inspiration – are scheduled on Mondays, November 6, 13, 20, and 27,

ond half, participants will have a chance to exercise these skills and draft their own stories. A resident of Pearland, Lewis is the author of the sci-fi novel “Argentum: Recursion.”

This workshop is made possible by the Friends of the Missouri City Branch Library.

Aspiring writers are invited to participate in FBCL’s annual Book Festival on Saturday, November 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at George Memorial Library. This event will include writers’ workshops for children as well as adults, meet-andgreet opportunities with local authors, and a keynote address by Rubén Degollado, author of “The Family Izquierdo”. A complete schedule of the day’s programs can be found on the FBCL website.

The Mission Bend Branch Library will host a Writer’s Workshop on Monday, November 27, beginning at 6 p.m. In this introductory workshop, learn how to use words to sketch a story, then fill in colorful details to create a literary masterpiece from one’s imagination. Registration required.

at two locations: George Memorial Library in Richmond from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., and at the Sienna Branch Library from 5 to 8 p.m. Join fellow writers for quiet writing time, word sprints, and feedback.

The “Prose Pros Writing Group” at the Cinco Ranch Branch Library will have a demonstration of the features and tools available in FBCL’s Online Writers’ Corner on Monday, November 6, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Those attending will learn about three unique tools – PressBooks Public, the Indie Author Project, and the BiblioBoard Library – that enable writers, as well as readers, to create, publish, and discover digital content made by and for the local community. New writers are encouraged to attend this open meeting.

Additional demonstrations of FBCL’s Online Writers’ Corner will take place at the Sugar Land Branch Library (Wednesday, November 15, at 10:30 am; and Thursday, November 16, at 6:30 p.m.) and at the Mission Bend Branch Library (Wednesday, November 15, at 6 p.m.).

Seating is limited at these demonstrations, and registration is required at these locations only.

The Missouri City Branch Library will host a “Nothing Too Novel” writing workshop on Saturday, November 11, from 2 to 4 p.m. Local author KC Lewis will share the basic steps for getting started, from brainstorming, researching, setting goals, and time management, to editing, revision, and publishing.

During the workshop’s sec-

These events are free and open to the public.

For more information, or to sign up for the programs requiring registration, see Fort Bend County Libraries’ website (www.fortbend. lib.tx.us), click on “Classes & Events,” select the library, and choose the program on the calendar, or call the library system’s Communications Office (281-633-4734).

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7 Share your Non Profit Events in 40 words or less Contact:

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713-371-3740 NOTICE TO CREDITORS

AMERICAN LEGION POST 942, 311 ULRICH, SUGAR LAND ANNOUNCES ITS

Notice is hereby given that the original letters testamentary for the estate of JOAN D. BECKER, Deceased, was issued on October 23, 2023, in Docket No. 23-CPR-039854 pending in County Court No. 3 of Fort Bend County, Texas to HEATHER ANN FELDMAN.

1ST ANNUAL FAMILY CAMPAIGN

AMERICAN LEGION

$12

942

TO SUPPORT AND MAINTAIN THE POST, NOVEMBER 4, 2023, FROM 11 AM TO 4 PM.

AVAILABLE FOR A DONATION WILL BE BRISKET, PORK OR SAUSAGE SANDWICH WITH CHIPS AND DRINK. ALSO, AVAILABLE WILL BE A BAKED POTATO WITH CHOICE OF MEAT WITH DRINK FOR A $15 DONATION. THERE WILL ALSO BE A RAFFLE, LIVE SUCTION AND CRAFT SHOW. ALL VETERANS AS WELL AS THE PUBLIC ARE INVITED.

POST

The residence of the independent executrix is in Fort Bend County, Texas. The mailing address is 5510 Shadywood St., Sugar Land, TX 77479.

All persons having claims against this estate which is currently being administered are required to present them within the time and in the manner prescribed by law.

DATED THIS 24th DAY OF October, 2023. ____________________________________ WYATT D. LOVE State Bar # 24107849 Attorney for Estate 14141 S. Wayside Dr. Houston, TX 77048 281-728-5690 | 713-644-9830 (facsimile)

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Wednesday, November 1, 2023 • PAGE 3

SPORTS

HS football roundup: Elkins tops Dulles in well-fought game

Jordan Caldwell makes a reception in the back of the end zone to put Elkins on top.

Dulles’s Victor Aderungboye gains a few yards on a short reception before being tackled by Elkins’s Camari Lewis and Jordan Mitchell..

Photos by Cory Byrnes

By Cory Byrnes CJAMESWRITELLC@GMAIL.COM

The Elkin Knights and the Dulles Vikings faced off on Friday at Mercer Stadium in a tightly contested game. Elkins played a balanced game with 125 yards passing led by Jordan Caldwell and 167 yards rushing led by Elon Conley and Brandon Renfro.

Dulles struggled to get their offense rolling with 87 yards passing led by Alexander Johnson and

Victor Aderungboye and 165 yards rushing led by Camden Ross who had 130 yards during the game.

Elkins scored first midway through the first quarter with a 30-yard run by #1 Conley. It would be 7-0 through the half. On the first drive of the third quarter, Dulles marched downfield and answered the earlier Elkins Touchdown. The crowd came alive until the PAT attempt was blocked by Elkins making it 7-6.

A reception by Elkin’s

Jordan Caldwell’s in the back of the endzone in the third quarter extended Elkins’s lead to 14-6.

Dulles would answer with another touchdown early in the fourth quarter, pulling Dulles supporters back into the game. But here was a flag on the play, forcing them back further on the 2-point conversion attempt.

They would come up short with the Elkins defenders swarming the ball, making it 14-12. Dulles had a couple more opportunities

Missouri City Green to host textile recycling event on Nov. 4 Staff Reports On Saturday, Nov. 4, from 9 a.m.-noon, Missouri City Green and the City of Missouri City will host a free Textile Recycling Event at Freedom Center Church, 2303 FM 1092 (Murphy Road), Missouri City.

Residents are invited to clean out their closets and drop off clothing and other textiles in poor condition and inappropriate to donate to local thrift shops. Only items in vehicle trunks for contactless drop-off will be accepted.

Among the items that can be recycled are hats, gloves, shoes, sandals, slippers, sleeping bags,

backpacks, stuffed animals, bedding, blankets, towels, linens, clothing (adults and children), curtains, draperies, and more. For a full listing of items, as well as other information, visit www. missouricitygreen.org.

Textile recycling targets textiles going into landfills, not items being donated to charities, churches, non-profits and other organizations. Residents are encouraged to

donate items in good condition to a local charitable organization.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, 85 percent of textiles that can be recycled are not. Missouri City Green will be working with Green City Recyclers to keep these textile recyclable items out of landfills.

For more information, visit https://greencityrecycler. com.

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NOV. 2-5 THE HOBBY CENTER SAROFIM HALL PAWPATROLLIVE.COM

Elkins’s Elon Conley receives the handoff from quarterback Michael Holmes.

and was close on several drives, but two untimely interceptions by the Elkins defensive backs ended up being something Dulles could not overcome.

Just after the two-minute warning Elkins was able to put together one last scoring drive ending in a 62-yard touchdown run by Brandon Renfro. making the final score 21-12 Elkins.

Elkins is now 2-7 for the season, while Dulles is 1-8.

Byrnes is a freelance writer based in Sugar Land.

Last week’s scores Fort Bend ISD Ridge Point 42, Travis 0 Hightower 71, Clements 13 Marshall 48, Galena Park 14 Kempner 27, Rosenburg Terry 49 Bush 7, Fort Bend Austin 14 Willowridge 56, Dayton 22 Stafford MSD Spartans 17, El Campo 27 Lamar CISD Terry Rangers 49, Kempner 27 Foster Falcons 12, Magnolia 13 Rosenberg Mustangs 20, Montgomery 52

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PAGE 4 • Wednesday, November 1, 2023

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Jingle Tree features a showcase of beautifully decorated trees and décor, up for bid in a week-long, online silent auction.

Proceeds support the Museum’s daily operations, expand access to underserved communities and support innovative sensory-friendly programming.

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Wednesday, November 1, 2023 • PAGE 5

EDITORIAL A community of cartels?

LYNN ASHBY Columnist

By Lynn Ashby ASHBY2@COMCAST.NET

S

OUTHEAST TEXAS – Note the houses hidden behind brick walls.

Thick hedges and pine trees blocking views.

The babble in Spanish from the locals. Where do they work? What suspicious source is their income? Drug cartels, no doubt. Note this is an unincorporated community. No mayor, fire or police department. Odd. Why is that? I am referring, of course, to River Oaks. More Cartier than cartel. The Spanish is spoken by the gardeners.

The other community involved is the notorious Colony Ridge. Not many people had heard of it – until now. Colony Ridge is a modest (read: poor and struggling) com-

munity of about 40,000 population some 30 miles northeast of Houston in Liberty County.

It is made up mostly of blue-collar workers who need a house for their family but can’t afford Houston, so they moved there. They tend to mind their own business and keep a low profile.

Then the Terror Team of Abbott & Patrick (motto: “Strawmen ‘R’ Us”) caught notice. You see, Gov. Greg Abbott and Lite Guv Dan Patrick are on a tear about Colony Ridge. Why? Because it fits right into their political philosophy: Divert & Divert. Somehow they got wind of the little community and immediately sounded the alarm that it was a hotbed of drug cartels run by illegal immigrants. Texas Monthly has just a long article of this fishy situation which I shall milk shamelessly.

The tempest in a teapot fury began when the Texas GOP passed a resolution in late September calling on the Legislature to take action “to prevent further settlement of illegal aliens in Colony Ridge and any other areas of Texas.” Four far-right state legislators called on their colleagues to seize control of Liberty

County as part of an effort to “clean up and clean out” Colony Ridge. Gov. Abbott, smelling raw meat for his right-wing supporters (are there any other kind?) has even directed the Legislature during its October special session to take up legislation concerning public safety and home ownership in Colony Ridge. Lite Guv Patrick took a helicopter ride over the community to see for himself the dire situation. Fortunately, he didn’t strafe anyone. Atty. Gen. Ken Paxton is investigating the situation including by asking the developers for a list of their customers.

More American patriots piled on. According to Texas Monthly, the Daily Wire warned ominously that Colony Ridge “could become a strategic asset for [drug] cartels” full of shanties and trash and feral dogs that has somehow been hidden from the world for more than a decade. It’s a “magnet” for all the “invaders” streaming across Joe Biden’s open borders.

Republican Congressman Ronny Jackson, whose district is hundreds of miles away in the Panhandle, complained that “this haven for criminal cartels is terrorizing the state.” In late April, Francisco Oropeza, a

Mexican national allegedly killed five of his neighbors.

Two days later, Gov. Abbott incorrectly called the victims “illegal immigrants.”

(At least one of the victims was a legal U.S. resident.)

A few days after the shooting, Todd Bensman, who works for the Center for Immigration Studies, which is listed as a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center, published a story with a headline “Texas Massacre Happened in America’s Largest Illegal Immigrant ‘Colonia’ — and Major U.S. Media Won’t Say So.” That’s because the shooting didn’t occur in Colony Ridge.

Maybe this kerfuffle is not a top priority among other Texans as it with our state leaders. They seem to be focused on transgender students participating in school athletics, telling book sellers to go through every single book they sell or have sold to our schools, looking for obscenities.

Suspects included Anne Frank’s “The Diary of a Young Girl” and “Lonesome Dove.” Or finding our attorney general innocent of a laundry list of crimes. In a new report by Environment America, Texas ranks first among all states for toxic discharges into streams, rivers and lakes. Overall,

we rank 42nd in air and water quality.

The investigation into Colony Ridge also comes as our esteemed Legislature is wrestling with Gov. Abbott’s pet project: taxpayers’ funds going to private schools. He would not include any other items (except probing into Colony Ridge) such as pay raises for our teachers. They rank 26th nationally by more than $7,500 below the average.

In their quest to investigate a hapless collection of non-voting (many in Colony Ridge are illegal immigrants) folks, Abbott & Patrick are overlooking – excuse the cliché -- the 400-pound gorilla in the room. I am referring, of course, to that ant hill of crime and secrecy in west Houston: Piney Point Village. The hideout is chock-a-block with McMansions, swimming pools and Lamborghinis. Fortunes made from oil & gas? More likely meth & crack. It is the wealthiest place in Texas, as ranked by per capita income. The median income for a household in the village is $184,991, and the median income for a family is $200,000. This explains why the median home value is almost $2 million. Look-

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ing for illegal immigrants?

Piney Point Village abounds in them. They are hard to spot: disguised as a pickup truck towing a trailer full of lawn mowers and leaf blowers.

As Dan Patrick takes a helicopter to hover over this nest of bandits, maybe he should be warned that Piney Point Village is red, like in Republican red – with deep pockets and a hefty checkbook. In recent decades, Piney Point Village has consistently supported Republican candidates.

George W. Bush got 92 percent of the vote in his 1998 gubernatorial re-election bid. The zip code 77024, which includes the portion of Piney Point Village north of the Buffalo Bayou, was the eighth-largest contributor in the nation to John McCain’s 2008 presidential election campaign. Mitt Romney received 82 percent of the village’s votes in 2012. Donald Trump won handily in the 2016 presidential election and got even more votes in 2020.

Maybe Divert & Divert isn’t the correct political philosophy for Abbott & Patrick. More like Sound & Fury Signifying Nothing.

Ashby sounds off at ashby2@concast.com

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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

Call Anqunette for more information

713.371.3740

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

“Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.”

- PSALM 9:10

ACROSS

1. Recesses 6. Slanderous defamation 12. Fruit phrase: Life is just ....

16. Undergraduate degree 17. A way of damaging 18. Indicates position 19. Equally 20. Manuscript (abbr.)

21. ___ Lanka 22. Thus 23. 4th tone of scale 24. Town or commune in France 26. Sharp inclination 28. Watering holes 30. 1st state (abbr.)

31. Cattle genus 32. Type of American Indian 34. Before 35. Hairless 37. Hosts film festival 39. African tribe 40. Loud crowd noise 41. Quarter 43. Swiss capital 44. Sandhurst (abbr.)

45. Golfer Snead 47. Bachelor’s of Applied Science 48. A radio band 50. Assist in some wrongdoing

52. SW German state ___: Wurttemberg 54. Rosary component 56. Expresses surprise 57. Hot Springs state (abbr.)

59. Soak flax 60. Atomic #73 61. Exist 62. Megabyte 63. Energy in the form of waves or particles 66. Farm state (abbr.)

67. WWII flyer’s phrase: On ______ 70. Store fodder for preservation 71. Lubed

DOWN

1. Lowered in prestige 2. Turin river 3. Moves through water 4. Disappearing shade trees 5. Standard operating procedure 6. A shrill cry 7. Japanese apricot 8. Emergency Response Notification System (abbr.)

9. Sparta’s ancient rival city 10. The Ocean State 11. Jack-tar

12. Sleeveless Arab garments 13. Abstains from food 14. Waxed finish 15. Conditions of balance 25. Cloud of interstellar dust 26. Turf 27. Political action committee 29. Repentant act 31. B.B. King sang them 33. Salesman’s items 36. Every 38. Neither 39. African nation 41. Hindu’s creator god 42. The bill in a restaurant 43. Edict 46. Maritime 47. Small bright tropical fish 49. Cockered 51. Mountain lakes 53. No longer alive 54. Unoriginal 55. Costly 58. Finger millet 60. Aaron Spelling’s child 64. Dekaliter 65. Initial public offering 68. Not out 69. Thou

W

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CellAr

A. growth B. moist C. darkness D. fungi

Free legal clinic for veterans offered on Nov. 4 Staff Reports Veterans can visit a free, in-person legal clinic on Saturday, Nov. 4, from 9 a.m.-noon, at the Katy VA Outpatient Clinic, 750 Westgreen Blvd.

Volunteer attorneys will offer advice and counsel on legal issues including family law, wills and probate, consumer law, tax law, property issues, and disability issues.

The clinic is part of Texas Veterans Legal Aid Week, a

statewide effort to provide legal clinics and pro bono legal services to veterans in cities across Texas. Texas is home to the nation’s largest veteran population, with more than 1.5 million veterans residing throughout the state.

The Katy legal clinic is presented by Houston Volunteer Lawyers and the Houston Bar Association’s Veterans Legal Initiative. The legal clinic is open to all U.S. veterans, as well as spouses of deceased veterans, and no appointment

is necessary. All veterans can receive one-on-one legal advice from volunteer attorneys at the clinic. Low-income veterans who need additional free legal representation in civil matters and qualify financially can apply for pro bono services at the clinics.

For more information, contact Andrew Lehmann, Houston Volunteer Lawyers, at 713-228-0733 or veterans@hvlp.org, or visit texaslawhelp.org.

THERE’S A

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THE STAR

See us online www.FortBendStar.com

Wednesday, November 1, 2023 • PAGE 7

Searching for hope in a fraught time

By Ken Fountain KFOUNTAIN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

L

ast week, I saw an exhibit called “Fighting: Ukrainian War Photographers” presented by FotoFest, the world-renowned photographic arts organization based in Houston. (In the interest of full disclosure, I’ll mention that a few years ago I worked with FotoFest doing outreach for one of their large biennial exhibitions, focused on environmental issues.)

This excellent exhibit takes up nearly all the wall space of Silver Street Studios, a massive, converted warehouse in the Houston Arts District outside downtown. It took more than an hour to see the whole exhibit, which encompasses nearly the entirety of the Russian-launched war against Ukraine, at least thus far.

The exhibit opened on October 5 - just two days before the attacks of the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas in Israel. As I took in the photographs of devastated cities, wounded people, and refugees, I couldn’t help but think not only of that war but also of the terrible situation now going on in Israel and Gaza. (The exhibit, which is not for the squeamish, remains on view through November 18.)

I embark on this column with more than a little trepidation. I think I’m like many, if not most, Americans who do not have strong identifications with the peoples enmeshed in this conflict in that we don’t quite know how to properly respond. We might not have yet resolved our own feelings about what has happened, what is happening, and what is going to happen in the days, weeks, and months ahead.

I’ve mentioned before that as a young man, I served in the U.S. Navy. My service happened to coincide with the end of the Cold War. I remember the excitement we all felt when we watched the Berlin Wall come down. I also remember watching on a small television in my workspace aboard my ship when Nelson Mandela walked triumphantly through the streets of South Africa after being released from prison.

(Years later, I heard Mandela

speak at Rice University, one of the few times in my life when I’ve been in the presence of a genuine hero.)

It was also not long afterward that Israeli and Palestinian officials agreed to the Oslo Accords, and it seemed a solution to that long-intractable dispute might be close at hand. It really seemed then that the world was moving toward a better way of doing things.

Alas, we all know that wasn’t the case. The new world order did not come as expected, and the decades since have shown that the end of history is not even remotely in sight.

When I woke up to the news of the October 7 attacks, I felt sickened by what I was hearing. I also felt a sense of despair about what an inevitable Israeli response would mean for innocent Palestinian civilians. And I’ve struggled to reconcile my visceral reactions with my longstanding hopes for a sustainable, peaceful solution to this decades-long problem.

I don’t pretend to be a great geopolitical thinker.

I know full well that I cannot begin to untangle the complicated history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and all of the issues that surround it. And I know, as someone who has watched this conflict from afar all my life, that I cannot begin to understand the emotions

of those whose personal histories are connected to what is happening.

In recent days, I’ve reached out to two friends, one Jewish-American and one Muslim-American, both of whom I know to be intelligent, open-minded, and kind people, to get their perspectives. I know (and they both reminded me of this) that neither of them speaks for the entirety of those communities, both of which are multifaceted with a wide range of viewpoints on the situation. I didn’t set out to talk to them for the purposes of writing a column, and nothing they said to me will be quoted here.

Neither was it my intention to get some high-level intelligence about what is happening, but rather a small sense of what it feels like to be Jewish or Muslim during this moment. We’ve all heard the reports of increased incidents of antisemitic and anti-Muslim attacks, both in America and abroad. These things have been with us for much too long, but the current situation has inflamed them.

I came away from both conversations feeling emotionally spent but also somewhat elevated. I learned a lot from both their perspectives, but I also came away with a renewed sense of what I’ve deep down always believed. All of us, no

matter our nationality, ethnicity, faith (or lack thereof), or economic circumstances, largely want the same things in life. We want to live meaningful, productive lives. We want to raise our families in peace. We want a sense of belonging. And we want to feel safe in pursuing these things. Most of us also want those things for others, even those whose identities don’t align with our own.

In today’s polarized world, in a media landscape that increasingly seems to try to drive us further apart, it can be hard to remember this basic, human truth. I work in the media, and I’ve seen this firsthand, although I work in my current role to refrain from that kind of coverage.

As I wrote in a previous column, I’ve long endeavored to learn about other parts of the world, and other perspectives on the world. One of the wonderful things about living in the greater Houston area is that as one of the most diverse metropolitan regions in the country, we have a wealth of opportunities to do just that, and a number of great organizations and institutions that can help us.

Among the local organizations that I’ve turned to over the years are, in alphabetical order, Asia Society Texas Center, the Baker Institute for Public Policy, the Fort Bend Interfaith Commu-

nity, Holocaust Museum Houston, Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston, the Ismaili Jamatkana and Center in Sugar Land, the Minaret Foundation, the Rothko Chapel, and the World Affairs Council of Greater Houston. Of course, these are only a smattering of the organizations where you can begin to get some grounded information. You can also visit a nearby place of worship of a faith other than your own. In my experience, most are eager to welcome and engage visitors, without proselytizing.

The “Fighting” exhibition I mentioned at the start of this column is divided into several sections, arranged more or less chronologically.

The final one is titled “Hope.”

Among the photographs are ones depicting people who have returned to the streets of their cities which have been liberated, children playing on swing sets outside ruined apartment buildings, young couples (both members serving in the Ukrainian armed forces) getting married. At the end of a long hour spent looking at images of devastation, it was an uplifting way to end the visit. A little hope is something we could all use right about now.

Fountain maintains hope at KFountain@fortbendstar.com.

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 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.

MUSIC MAGIC FOR 6 & 7 YEAR OLD BOYS STARTS OCTOBER 3

The Fort Bend Boys Choir of Texas is offering Music Magic, an 8-week music enrichment program for six and seven year old boys. The class meets from 6:30-7:15 p.m. on Tuesdays starting October 3, 2023 and ending on December 5, 2023. (They will not meet on Halloween or Thanksgiving week.) Music Magic brings music alive through 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. To find out more about Music Magic, visit: https:// fbbctx.org/our-programs/music-magic/.

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.

EXPERIENCE COUNTS! 35+ YEARS SERVING FORT BEND COUNTY 14090 S.W. Freeway Suite #200

281-243-2344 (Direct) Sugar Land, TX 281.243.2300 (Main) • KenWoodPC.com

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

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.

Have a Non Profit?

Need to get it out there?

Put here in our community calendar!

THE STAR

PAGE 8 • Wednesday, November 1, 2023

See us online www.FortBendStar.com

2 023 2023

WINNERS

Best Day Spa

Best Criminal Attorney

Rich Rose Spa

KW Law Firm (Katie Wilson)

Best Hair Salon

Best Personal Injury Attorney

ROUCOU Salon

Best Audiologist

Amaro Law Firm

Fort Bend Hearing

Best BBQ

Best Chiropractor

Witt BBQ

Freedom Chiropractor

Best Pest Control

Best Dentist

Integrated Pest Management

Dr. Tamara Osina

Best Insurance Agency

Best Dermatologist

State Farm-Jeremy Adams

Complete Dermatology

Best Plumbing Company

Best Eye Care Provider

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing

Dr. Ohon

Best Private School

Best Hospital

Harvest Green Montessori

Methodist Sugar Land

Best Teachers

Best Medical Supply Store

Ms. Kumar Ms. Fatema

Mobility Plus S.L.

Best Orthodontist Dr. Mahlmann

Best Orthopedist Dr. Jeffery B. Wood

Best Pediatrician Dr. Cassandra Dickerson

2023

READERS’ CHOICE

READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS 2023

THANK YOU FOR VOTING!