Holiday book sale set for Dec. 7 at Mission Bend Branch Library
Community Reports
The Friends of the Mission Bend Branch Library will host a Holiday Book Sale on Saturday, December 7, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., in the Meeting Room of the library, 8421
Addicks Clodine Road, in northeast Fort Bend County.
People who love books, people who love bargains, and people who need to get rid of some spare change will find a lot in common at the book sale, where they will discover adult and children’s books, all at prices that are hard to beat.
Items of special interest at this book sale include: World War II history books, CDs, DVDs, children’s titles, adult fiction, cookbooks, and other nonfiction.
Prices range from 50 cents to two dollars, with special items slightly higher. Cash is accepted; bills larger than $20 cannot be accepted. Credit cards are also not accepted.
Donations of gently used books (fiction and nonfiction adult, youth, and children’s hardback and paperback books that are clean and not torn), CDs, DVDs are always welcome and may be taken to the library throughout the year during regular business hours. Textbooks published within the past five years are also accepted.
Items that cannot be accepted include cassettes, VHS tapes, encyclopedias, magazines, medical/legal/ computer books older than 2020, or books that are damp, moldy, dirty, or insect ridden.
The Friends of the Mission Bend Branch Library organization is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt corporation. Donations and contributions to the Friends are tax-deductible.
The Friends of the Mission Bend Branch Library organization is instrumental in funding library programs such as the children’s Summer Reading Challenge. Proceeds from the book sale and annual membership dues also help to underwrite the costs of special programming and various cultural events at the Mission Bend Branch Library.
Membership applications will be available for people who would like to join the Friends of the Mission Bend Branch Library. For more information, see the Fort Bend County Libraries website (www. fortbend.lib.tx.us), or call the Mission Bend Branch Library (832-471-5900).
Staff Reports
An inmate at the Fort Bend County Jail recently died by suicide, according to a statement from the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office.
Ricardo Gray, 25, was awaiting trial on a pending murder charge, according to a report from Houston Public Media based on a death notice filed with the Texas Attorney General’s Office. According to the report, Gray was first taken to
Oak Bend Hospital in Richmond before being transferred to Ben Taub Hospital in Houston, where he died.
The incident took place in early November and remains under investigation.
In a written statement obtained by the Fort Bend Star, the sheriff’s office said it “is deeply saddened by the decedent’s decision to hurt himself and the internal inquiry and death investigation did not find any policy infraction on the
part of the jail staff. As the Medical Examiner’s autopsy report is not yet complete, the investigation remains open.”
“The Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office takes its responsibility for inmate management very seriously and ensures each person is treated appropriately and within the constructs of relevant laws,” the statement said.
The office said its booking procedures are designed to “ ensure each inmate receives assistance when
needed and demonstrated. For example, each inmate is assessed as to level of consciousness and health, including mental health, at booking. Jail medical staff also evaluate inmates at booking and render decisions as to placement and healthcare assistance. Inmates who have been a patient or client of a state mental health facility are referred for a mental health evalu-
INTERFAITH THANKSGIVING
epresentatives from many Fort Bend County houses of worship participate in the lighting of the Unity Lamp during the Fort Bend Interfaith Community Thanksgiving Service at Christ Church Sugar Land on November 25. See more photos on page 4.
Staff Reports
Hosts of prospective students could be seen walking the halls of Texas State Technical College’s Fort Bend County campus during the annual Discovery Day event on November 22. The day comprised students from over 20 high schools being invited to see what the college had to offer, ask questions of staff and TSTC students, and perhaps discover career paths.
Chemese Armstrong, enrollment executive at the Rosenberg campus, was excited for the incoming students to see all that TSTC has to offer.
“We want people to not only understand what we have, but
why,” Armstrong said. “My wish is that people will come to know the programs and, hopefully, some will learn we are the best option for them.”
Visiting students were taken on guided tours of each of the campus’s programs and given short presentations by instructors, after which they were able to explore the facilities.
Instructors of the programs showed off the equipment and labs, and were able to describe some of the benefits of attending, such as hands-on training, quick but meaningful degrees, and close relationships with industry professionals.
ation by the medical staff.” The office said that a magistrate is notified within 12 hours when an inmate who demonstrates developmental and mental health concerns is booked into the jail. The magistrate may then order a mental health evaluation, according to the statement.
“When inmates have a prior documented condition,
special attention is provided to ensure the inmate receives treatment and medication as needed. Inmates can also request and receive medical assistance, including mental healthcare. Some inmates are housed in an acute mental health housing unit when merited,” the statement said. Inmates who have demonstrated thoughts of suicide are observed every 30 minutes, and those who have engaged in self-harm activi-
ties are observed every 15 minutes, according to the statement. This observation and monitoring system is enhanced with electronic visual observation and presence of other electronic technology that includes two-way dialogue with inmates,” the statement said.
If you or anyone you know is experiencing thoughts of suicide, call or text the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
Ricardo Gray, 25, an inmate in the Fort Bend County Jail who was awaiting trial on a murder charge, died by suicide in early November, according to the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office.
EDITORIAL
A mandate that will live in infamy
HE HEADLINE
T– “Who Will Be the Democratic Presidential Nominee?” I can’t stand it. I’m punch drunk. I’m not ready for another political war, and quite probably neither are you. The donkey’s body is still warm and already the White House wannabees are lining up. Before we start looking at the future, we must take one last, pitiful look at our past, particularly here in Texas. Nationally, the good news is that we did not witness another storming of the U.S. Capitol. Those “martyrs” and “patriots” remain at their Proud Boys rallies and marching through streets waving their swastikas. Their candidate, Donald Trump, won fair and square, if you discount lies, misinformation and fear mongering. But it was not exactly “a powerful and unprecedented mandate,” as he claims. Kamala Harris received 73,890,245 votes (48.2 percent) to Trump 76,532,047 votes (50.0 percent.)
Unprecedented mandate?
Lynn Ashby Columnist
ASHBY2@COMCAST.NET
Lyndon Johnson won the popular vote by a whopping 22.58 per cent in 1964. Joe Biden beat Trump with a 4.45 per cent margin in 2020. Trump’s “unprecedented mandate” was 1.8 percent. That margin, historically speaking, is very small. It puts him in 14th place among post-Second World War presidential victories. To be fair, Trump won handily in the Electoral College by 312 to 226. Trump can claim the title of being the first Republican to win the popular vote in 20 years. In Texas, it was more lopsided with Trump receiving 6,375,376 votes (56.26 percent) to Harris’s 4,806,474 votes (42.41percent), a victory margin of nearly 14 percent, the second-largest margin for any presidential candidate in Texas history. Trump also received the largest vote total ever received by a Republican presidential candidate in any state in American history. Incidentally, speaking of
How was your Thanksgiving?
All things considered, mine was pretty good. The vagaries of newspaper publication being what they are, I had an early deadline for last week’s edition, which meant I had a bit more time off from thinking about the paper than I’m used to (which is, truth to tell, next to none at all).
My sister visited for the week from out of state, which was very nice. Whenever she’s in town, we try to find things to do in the area that she would normally not have a chance to do at home. In recent years, she’s been getting into bird-watching a bit, so we took her to Cullinan Park in Sugar Land and to see the spectacular new “Birds of the World” exhibit at the Houston Zoo.
We also attended the annual Fort Bend Interfaith Community Thanksgiving Service, this year held at Christ Church Sugar Land, a congregation of the United Methodist Church. It’s the second time I’ve attended the Fort Bend event, although I previously had attended a similar event that was held at the Rothko Chapel in Houston’s Museum District. The first time I attended the Fort Bend service was two years ago, right after taking this role at the Fort Bend Star. You can see some
of my photos of this year’s event on Page 4 or online at fortbendstar.com/community.
As always, it was great to see people from a wide variety of the religious traditions that comprise the Fort Bend area getting together in a beautiful space to learn a little about their neighbors’ faiths and enjoy some delicious food and each other’s company at the reception afterward. Something else I like to do when my sister is in town is take her to one of the many excellent museums we have in our region. I’m a member of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, and this year I wanted her to see one of its newest exhibitions, “Living with the Gods: Art, Beliefs, and Peoples.” The exhibition was designed to celebrate the MFAH’s centennial, and they say it’s one of their best ever. The exhibit is curated by Neil MacGregor, a former longtime director of the British Museum in London, who has also written a book and produced a BBC radio series and podcast on the same subject. It draws on most of
margins of victory, Ted Cruz beat Colin Allred by a greater margin than Cruz defeated Beto O’Rourke in 2018.
Now comes the Democrats’ blame game, the finger-pointing and the outwith-the-old. The head of the Texas Democratic Party has already resigned. His successor must feel like becoming commander of Pearl Harbor on December 8th . Pundits will explain what went wrong with the losers. (Where were they with their wise pontificating during the campaigns?).
I have covered a bunch of political campaigns and the saddest sight is, after the results are in, the loser’s silent hotel ballroom is grim. The lights are dimming, the floor is covered with “Jones For (fill in the bank)” or “Win With…etc.” OK, Democrats, you bombed, particularly in Texas. Lick your wounds, find a bartender’s shoulder to cry on. Once again you proved your incompetence and lack of leadership, but your next presidential campaign is, sigh, 2028. We know who the Dems won’t field: “Border Czar” Harris, Hunter Biden and probably not his father. So who? That above-mentioned headline: “Who Will Be the Democratic
the world’s major (and some perhaps not-so-major) faith traditions over thousands of years, making connections between them and showing how they incorporate many of the same themes, albeit in very culturally specific ways. For instance, there are galleries that show how different faiths use both water and fire in their rituals. Another gallery draws comparisons and contrasts between the lives of Jesus Christ and the Buddha, while yet another describes the importance of the written word in the three Abrahamic religions –Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
Last week was the third time I’ve seen the exhibit (it takes quite a while to see the whole thing), and I also heard the excellent members’ preview lecture by MacGregor (available online at mfah. org/exhibitions/living-withthe-gods). I’ve written before about my long standing interest in the world’s religions, so this exhibit, which remains on view through January 20, is right up my alley. But this time, coming right off attending the Fort Bend interfaith event, I thought about a very recent event in the news.
On November 22, the Republican-majority Texas State Board of Education voted 8-7 “to allow Bible-infused teachings in elementary schools under optional new curriculum that could test boundaries between religion
Presidential Nominee?” is over a New York Times’ op/ ed by Frank Bruni who ticks off the usual suspects and I have a few of my own. Harris’s choice for vice president, Minnesota Gov. Tim Waltz, got a lot of national attention and GOPers could only lay one glove on him: He didn’t actually serve in combat, as a film clip showed him claiming. He later explained he “misspoke.” California Gov. Gavin Newsome is telegenic, good-looking and a smooth campaigner. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro is bright, a vote-getter. Some say he should have been the Dems’ veep nominee. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan. Michelle Obama is extremely popular, although she says she has absolutely no interest in the job. Just remember that Trump beat two women — Harris this time, Hillary Clinton before — and many Democrats partly blame sexism. Besides, another former president’s wife ran for the job, but she didn’t do so well. U.S. Rep. Ruben Gallego, a former Marine, just won his Senate race in Arizona while Trump beat Harris there by more than 5 percentage points.
Transportation Secretary
and public classrooms in the U.S.”, as reported by the Associated Press. According to the AP, the measure passed despite “criticism that the lessons would proselytize to young learners and alienate students of faiths other than Christianity. Supporters argued the Bible is a core feature of American history and that teaching it will enrich lessons.” I had wanted to watch the board meeting as it streamed online, but other commitments intervened. I still would like to, and the recording can be accessed at www.adminmonitor.com/ tx/tea.
Reportedly, school districts are not required to adopt this curriculum, although there are substantial financial incentives attached to doing so. In a time when public schools districts are increasingly strapped for resources even as the demands made on them increase, it might be very hard for districts not to take the deal. Now, I haven’t seen many of the specifics of this curriculum beyond what I’ve read in news reports. But based on what I’ve read, I have concerns.
As I’ve mentioned often, I grew up in Alief, which then and now is a very diverse place. I had friends of many of the faiths represented in the MFAH exhibit, including Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and Sikhs. A world civilizations class I took in high school explored the ori-
Pete Buttigieg? We may be ready for a gay president. We just picked a man convicted of sex abuse. Texas Gov. Greg “It’s not my fault” Abbott says he’s not interested in running. That denial was issued by his (“Abbott in 2028”) campaign manager. You’ve probably never heard of Governors Andy Beshear of Kentucky, Roy Cooper of North Carolina, J.B. Pritzker of Illinois and Wes Moore of Maryland, but recall that two obscure Southern governors from obscure states, Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter, won the presidency. When they announced their candidacies they had respectively 1 and 2 percent national recognition.
We must think outside the ballot box. It has been said that one reason Harris lost was that she didn’t connect with America’s workers. How about Shawn Fain, president of the United Auto Workers?
A guy who knows words and, like another TV star who has national fame, Mark Cuban, has been mentioned as having presidential potential. Cuban also says he’s not interested in the job. (See: Abbott, Greg.) All this time we have only been discussing who might be the Democratic candidate for president, but what about
gins and tenets of all of these faiths and many others and their roles in their respective societies. And of course the Western and U.S. history courses I took included much material on the role Christianity and its various denominations played in our history.
But in none of those classes, which I took way back in the 1980s (also known as the “Reagan Era”) did I ever feel like I was being proselytized to believe in any faith – for good reason. Thinking back to my school years, I recall a story I’ve told in this space before. While in middle school, I stupidly repeated an antisemitic remark that I’d heard a relative use to a friend who calmly replied that he was Jewish. As I previously wrote, it was one of the most humiliating moments of my young life, and I vowed to myself not to ever say anything like that again. We remained friends, but I can’t help but believe he didn’t think of me in quite the same way as before I made that dumb comment.
Imagine you are a young person of a minority faith – or no faith whatsoever –who knows that most of your classmates are of another faith. Now imagine that your teachers are emphasizing that particular faith in their lessons about U.S. history or other topics. How do you imagine that child would feel, on top of all the other social pressures that young people
the GOP nominees? Our upcoming veep will be JD Vance. (Like Dr Pepper, no periods.) He is a sure shot to be a vice president who moves up a slot, like Harris and Dan Quale. Then there is Abbott, Robert Kennedy, Jr., unqualified cabinet secretaries, several Republican governors we never heard of, and – don’t laugh, Donald Trump. Yes, 78-year-old Trump, soon to be the oldest president in our history, faces the 22nd Amendment of the Constitution which says that presidents can only serve up to two full terms, but Trump told a group of GOP colleagues, “I suspect I won’t be running again, unless you do something. Unless you say, ‘He’s so good, we have to just figure it out.’” And he said another time: “We’re going to win four more years in the White House, and then after that, we’ll negotiate, right? Because we’re probably — based on the way we were treated — we are probably entitled to another four after that.” We can always amend the Constitution. Keep your yard signs. Ashby is worn out at ashby2@omcast.net
experience?
There’s no doubt that Christianity played a very significant part in the European colonization of the Americas and the formation was what is now the United States. What often goes unspoken in these conversations is that a great many of those early American settlers came to these shores because they were fleeing religious persecution that was happening not between Christians and people of other faiths, but between Christians of different denominations. That is precisely why the Founding Fathers put the idea of a separation of church and state, as contained in the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment, into the U.S Constitution. I have no truck with Christianity, or any other faith for that matter. Religion can and does have a very positive effect on people, including young people. But I’ve always believed that people’s faiths are their own business and that of their families and places of worship. It’s too early to say if any Fort Bend school districts will choose to adopt the newly approved curriculum. But particularly in a place as diverse as Fort Bend County, we’d all do better to respect each others’ beliefs to the greatest extent possible.
Fountain believes at KFountain@fortbendstar.com
Attendees stand for the service's closing song, "Let There Be Peace on Earth" Photos by Ken Fountain
Representatives of the Zoroastrian, Jewish and Hindu communities participate in the lighting of the Unity Lamp.
Choir members from the Houston South Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints perform the song "Because I Have Beaen Given So Much."
An Ismaili Muslim choir from the Ismaili Council for the Southwestern USA performs during the service.
Tyler Townsend of St. Mark's Episcopal Church offers a prayer of Thanksgiving from the Book of Common Prayer. With Cantor Renee Waghalter of Congregation Beth El beside her, Sara Gratz performs a rendition of Psalm 121 "Esa Einai".
Representatives of Hindus of Greater Houston perform a dance of gratitude and prayer of universal blessing for all.
Small Business Saturday
Cindy Amaya of "I Plant in Clay" displays some of
Cynthia and Kalyssa Lauer.
Photos by Ken Fountain
Pearland-based jigsaw puzzle designer Austin Wresti of Pearland shows off some of his Houston and Texas-themed puzzles to Joyce Victory of Sugar Land.
Children's author Valdene Mark discusses her books with Jackie Jones of Missouri City.
Patrick Waldner of Friendswood tries one of Sugar Land-based specialty chocolate designer Phillip Green chocolate samples from Interstellar Confections.
Erika Tinnin and Kirsten Drews sample nonalcoholic cocktails from Chuan Liu of Houston-based Levels of Grandeur.
Ron and Adrienne Martinez of Sugar Land check out some of the glasswork on offer from Austin-based artist Manda Barnes.
Laura Sand of Houston samples some of the specialty drinks on offer by Margaret Adams.
Some of the holiday-themed decor on display in Sugar Land Town
THANKSGIVING WEEK
November 23–December 1
10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Closed Thanksgiving Day
NEW YEAR’S EVE
Tuesday, December 31
10 a.m.–5 p.m.
CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY
December 21–December 30
10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Closed Christmas Day
NEW YEAR’S DAY 2025
Wednesday, January 1 12 p.m.–5 p.m.
The Tidelanders harmonize for Fort Bend residents
The holiday season is synonymous with tradition whether it’s gathering with family, decorating the tree, or enjoying a warm cup of cocoa while listening to your favorite Christmas songs. For many area residents, one of the most delightful traditions of the season is the return of The Tidelanders, Houston’s allmale a cappella chorus, as they perform their annual Christmas concert. This year’s performance will be a festive afternoon of holiday music, delivered in the unmistakable four-part harmony of barbershop style.
On Saturday, December 7, from 2-3 p.m., The Tidelanders will perform at Fishers of Men Lutheran Church (2011 Austin Parkway, Sugar Land). The show is a perfect way to immerse yourself in the Christmas spirit while supporting our local musicians. Whether barbershop music makes you wax nostalgic or if you’re new to the genre, this concert will be an afternoon filled with holiday cheer.
There’s something undeniably special about a cappella music, especially when it's sung in the barbershop style. Known for its tight, harmonious chords and in-
tricate vocal arrangements, barbershop singing creates a unique sound that’s as rich as it is uplifting. The Tidelanders have mastered this art, performing everything from Broadway show tunes and pop hits to country classics and patriotic anthems. Their holiday performances are a highlight of the holiday season, blending both traditional Christmas carols and more modern holiday songs.
Under the direction of Patrick MacAlexander, who has more than 22 years of experience in barbershop music, The Tidelanders are committed to delivering an entertaining and professional show. MacAlexander's leadership ensures that each performance is polished and full of energy, making their concerts a treat for both seasoned barbershop fans and newcomers alike. This year, the chorus will be performing a blend of secular and religious holiday favorites,
creating a festive atmosphere that appeals to a wide audience. From the timeless “Silent Night” to the lively “Jingle Bells,” the Tidelanders are sure to bring joy to your holiday season.
The Tidelanders’ concerts are known for their sense of community. The chorus has been an active part of the Houston area since its founding in 1946, and their mission is to bond people together through the joy of singing. This concert isn’t just about listening to beautiful music. It’s about connecting with others and sharing in the festive spirit of the season while creating a sense of unity and celebration in the community.
The Tidelanders also pride themselves on offering a performance that’s enjoyable for all ages. It is hard to find live music performances that are not just family appropriate, but also a unique family outing that people actually want to go to because it is both familiar and different.
The Tidelanders are more than just a performing group. They’re a community-oriented organization. In addition to their concerts, they work to support vocal music education and have a strong presence in the local schools, including performances at schools like Stephen F.
Application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for a MIXED BEVERAGE PERMIT (MB),by Gary Merritt dba Philly Boyz Cheesesteaks, to be located at 1715 Texas Parkway, Missouri City, Fort Bend, County, Texas. Officers of said corporation are Gary Merritt, Katrina Merritt.
The Tidelanders harmonize for Sugar Landers: Watch The Tidelanders, a men’s a cappella singing chorus specializing in the barbershop style of musical singing, perform an afternoon of holiday music. They will sing classic and new Christmas songs in a cappella four part harmony on Saturday, December 7 at Fishers of Men Lutheran Church, 2011 Austin Parkway, Sugar Land. The Christmas concert starts at 2 p.m.. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. Image by Janet Sue Reid
Austin High School in Sugar Land and Crockett Middle School in Richmond earlier this year.
Details:
TidelandersXmas
Tickets are available for purchase in advance for $22.13 (which includes all service fees) at houstontidelanders.org
Tickets can be purchased at the door for $27.38.
You can listen to The Houston Tidelanders Christmas album on Pandora at: tinyurl.com/
The Tidelanders’ Christmas concert is on Saturday, December 7 at Fishers of Men Lutheran Church, 2011 Austin Parkway, Sugar Land. The performance starts at 2 p.m.. Doors open at 1:30 p.m.
Ryan Lee Reid, "The Piano Cowboy", and Janet Sue Reid, "The Culinary Cowgirl", are artists and creators. They transform space and time to move and heal people through art. They live in Sugar Land with their children. Find their full bios and contact them through ReidFeed.com.
Fort Bend Boys Choir! No experience is necessary and boys should be around eight years of age or older with an unchanged voice. Auditions are by special appointment at the First United Methodist Church Missouri City, 3900 Lexington Blvd., Missouri City, TX. Visit the Fort Bend Boys Choir’s webpage at www.fbbctx.org or call (281) 240-3800 for more details about auditions. Benefits as a choir member include greater self-esteem and self-confidence, better work ethic and a sense of belonging and community. A boy’s voice has an expiration date so it is important to audition when boys’ voices are still unchanged. Auditions are free!
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.
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.
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, 832-987-4193, dean7351@gmail.com We just started a new evening club also. Contact me for more info.
FT. BEND ACCORDION CLUB
Meets on the 4th Sunday of every month from 2:pm - 4:pm at: CHRIST CHURCH SUGAR LAND (in the Chapel) 3300 Austin Parkway, Sugar Land, TX 77479 FREE and Open to the Public! We welcome everybody! If you play accordion, beginners to professional and would like to play Call, Text or email: Vince Ramos Cell: 281-204-7716 vincer.music@gmail.com.
LITERACY COUNCIL OF FORT BEND COUNTY
We enhance lives and strengthen communities by teaching adults to read. We need your help. Literacy Council is actively recruiting Volunteer Tutors to provide instruction for English as a Second Language (ESL) Levels 0-5, three hours a week. For more information, call 281-240-8181 or visit our website www.ftbendliteracy.org.
GIVE A GIFT OF HOPE
Give a Gift of Hope one-time or monthly. Your help provides access to therapies and services children with autism might otherwise go without. Please consider Hope For Three in your Estate, Planned, or Year-End Giving. Register now, or learn more about exciting events: www.hopeforthree.org/events.
DVD-BASED ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS WITH NO HOMEWORK REQUIRED
Weekly class designed to help you understand and appreciate the Bible by giving you a better sense of the land and culture from which it sprang. The class meets at 9:30 am every Sunday at First Presbyterian of Sugar Land (502 Eldridge Rd.). For more information call 281-240-3195
EXCHANGE
EXCHANGE, America’s Service Club, always welcomes guests and is in search of new members! Various Fort Bend clubs exist and can accommodate early morning (7 a.m.), noon and evening meeting time desires. For more info, contact Mike Reichek, Regional Vice President, 281-5751145 or mike@reichekfinancial.com We would love to have you join us and see what we are all about!
MISSOURI
5920 or 281-499-3345.
FAFSA WORKSHOP
On Saturday, December 7, from 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m., College Community Career will host a free FAFSA Workshop at the CCC office, 11104 W. Airport Blvd.
students will be applying for FAFSA for the first time. Many marginalized students, such as those who are undocumented, from low-income backgrounds, and first- generation students, have concerns about how they can receive financial aid. Spanish-speaking advisors will also be available to help
