Pecan Grove August 2023

+ OdayBara,akaFather Oday takesoverthe ring

Contents and Staff

6 FEATURE STORY

Sabrina Greenlee will be the guest speaker at the 6th Annual Healing & Hope Luncheon.

CHAIRMAN, EDITOR & PUBLISHER

Clyde King cking@hartmannews.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Marquita Griffin mgriffin@fbherald.com

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Ruby Polichino ruby@fbherald.com

Fort Bend couple purchases historic hotel on Gulf coast.

14 CUISINE

How about some savory, sweet and simple summertime salads?

WRITERS & CONTRIBUTORS

Marquita Griffin

Scott Reese Willey

Nick Irene

Brandon Norvell

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©2022 Pecan Grove Monthly. All Rights Reserved. Pecan Grove Monthly is a sister publication of Fulshear Living Monthly, Greatwood Monthly, West Fort Bend Living and is a publication of the Fort Bend Herald. Our publishing headquarters is 1902 S. Fourth Street, Rosenberg Texas 77471.

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From victim to victor

Sabrina Greenlee to speak at Healing and Hope luncheon

The founder of S.M.O.O.O.T.H., a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women impacted by domestic violence, will be the guest speaker at an annual event in Fort Bend centered on domestic violence.

Some may know the name Sabrina Greenlee after she shared her story of survival and overcoming obstacles last year with The Root’s Deputy Editor Tatsha Robertson, but on Oct. 17, Greenlee will continue to share her experiences, motivations and goals as a survivor of domestic violence at the Fort Bend Women’s Center 6th Annual Healing & Hope Luncheon — the center’s annual keynote event in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

The luncheon is set for 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Houston Marriott Sugar Land, 16090 City Walk and will benefit the Fort Bend Women’s Center.

As the only full-service domestic violence and sexual assault emergency shelter and crisis hotline in Fort Bend, the Fort Bend Women’s Center provided supportive services to 1,368 adults and 633 youth and assistance to 211 sexual assault sur vivors last year. Additionally, the center offered more than 9,300 mental health service hours and more than 36,500 case management service hours.

The nonprofit also reported that it received 11,221 calls to its crisis hotline.

“Healing & Hope [...] will provide a powerful testimonial of courage, strength, and resil ience,” stated Fort Bend Women’s Cen ter officials. “You will be inspired by the tenacity of a woman, who despite all odds, continued to persevere by not just surviving, but thriving.”

A POWERFUL STORY

Although most are appalled, shocked and grieved by the acid attack that blinded Greenlee in 2002, her story of overcoming physical, men tal and emotional brutality began in childhood.

When she was 10 years old she was sexual ly assaulted by a man she knew, and neither her mother nor grandmother believed her, and one of her brothers, who was 12 at the time, died in her arms after a car accident. She told The Root that following her brother’s death, her mother forewent the parental attention her surviving children needed, and by the time she was 18, Greenlee had become a teenage mother, had gone through harsh rela tionships and married an abusive man.

But the late Harris Steve Hopkins, came into her life when Greenlee said she was broken, lost and

needed saving. Greenlee said Steve, as he was known, never abused her, and the two had a son, who became NFL player DeAndre Hopkins. Greenlee said Steve also cared for her older two children as if they were his. But when their son, DeAndre, was a few months old, Steve died in a car accident.

In the years that followed, she had her fair share of turbulent experiences as she pushed forward as a single mother. In 2002, however, Greenlee suffered an encounter that put her life on an unanticipated trek and blinded her.

A man she was dating then had a girlfriend — a woman Greenlee was unaware of — who threw a mixture of Red Devil Lye and Clorox onto Greenlee.

Blood was everywhere, her skin was slipping off, she couldn’t see, and her ex-boyfriend took her to a nearby gas station. She describes the chaotic moment of having her ex and the store attendant throw water on her from a fountain in the back. Amid the pain and chaos, though, her ex-boyfriend abandoned her.

“I hear [the clerk], but I don’t hear him anymore,” she said in an interview with The Root. “Well, he leaves me there to die.”

But Greenlee didn’t.

She was put into a medically induced coma for about a month and when she woke, the road ahead of her consisted of pain, setbacks, and indescribable challenges as she tried to regain sight and move forward.

Greenlee had more than 30 surgeries on each eye, but the operations left her eyes weak, resulting in permanent detachment of her retinas. Greenlee is permanently blind in her right eye and has about 60 percent of sight in her left eye.

The woman who attacked her with the mixture was sentenced to 20 years in prison.

For a little more than three years, Greenlee said she stayed in her room except to go to eye appointments, and at a low point, considered throwing herself into traffic.

“I was broken and I was tired — so tired of being tired, I had to have people come in to come in and feed my children,” she said in a 2022 interview with The Root Institute. “Life was bad.”

The home she shared with her four children was located near a highway, and Greenlee said she figured she could touch each mailbox to reach it. It was her son, DeAndre Hopkins, who stopped her.

“I figured if I could get out of the house and

touch each mailbox [ ...] and get to the final mailbox, I would hear a car coming and throw myself in the road,” Greenlee said.

When she reached the second mailbox her son, who had been following her the entire time, “put his big hand on [her] shoulder” to stop her. They embraced. Greenlee said she was startled because she didn’t know her son was following.

“We never said a word, we start walking back to the house. I went back in my room and we went in his room, and we never talked about it again for years.”

RESTORING, RECREATING AND REPAIRING

Although she said her life has been “no crystal stair,” Greenlee credits her faith for fueling her confidence to inspire people to restore, recreate and repair themselves.

The South Carolina native, mother of four, and grandmother of six became the founder and CEO of S.M.O.O.O.T.H., Inc. — Speaking Mentally, Outwardly Opening Opportunities Toward Healing.

The nonprofit, which Greenlee launched about 10 years ago, connects survivors to reputable community aids, including counseling, personal and mental health, and financial and legal resources.

Through this platform, Greenlee and her team educate and empower women and children through outreach efforts and programs such as Pretty Scars Into Stars, 100 Shades of Purple, S.M.O.O.O.T.H. Santa, and the S.M.O.O.O.T.H. Transition Initiative.

Greenlee is also a recipient of the 2020 Houston Humanitarian Awards and that same year participated in a virtual panel discussion for domestic violence alongside Lisa Nichols hosted by Bank Of America.

She has been featured on ESPN, USA Today, and Living in Fear: Chronicles I and II, which won an Emmy, and regularly appears on local media outlets from South Carolina to Texas.

Greenlee recently emceed the women’s empowerment rally that hosted over 10,000 Houstonians and appeared on ABC News with the CEO of the National Domestic Violence Hotline.

Greenlee is also preparing for an autobiography film, “Sabrina,”

which is based on her life. The film will be released by BRON Studios.

“My mom has always put everyone before herself and sacrificed things unimaginable,” DeAndre Hopkins said in a statement regarding the film. “Now it’s time for people to see her true value and learn that giving up is not an option.”

AT LEFT: In February 2023, Sabrina Greenlee’s nonprofit S.M.O.O.O.T.H. partnered with another NFL mother and domestic violence survivor, Annie Apple, to host Super Bowl LVII SoftLife Fest in Arizona. The SoftLife Fest is intended for women who’ve survived hard times and are ready to embrace the power of gentleness and self-love.

Sabrina Greenlee is a nationally celebrated community activist, author, inspirational speaker, and domestic violence survivor who has dedicated her life to facilitating women’s growth and evolution.

Sabrina Greenlee/Instagram | S.M.O.O.O.T.H. founder and CEO Sabrina Greenlee thanked Houston’s 97.9 The Box and the Madd Hatta Morning Show in 2019 for the time given to share the nonprofit’s efforts and goals over the radio waves.

Sabrina Greenlee/Instagram ABOVE: Sabrina Greenlee with her son DeAndre Hopkins during the February 2023 fundraising event Sip, Shop, & Give Back at Blue Nile, which was a collaboration with Blue Nile, her son and S.M.O.O.O.T.H., Inc.

AU GU ST

Talk of the Town

Fort Bend couple purchases historic hotel on Gulf coast

by BRANDON NORVELL | bnorvell@fbherald.com

Coated with salt air under a summer sun lies a small coastal town called Port Lavaca. Engulfed with history, lies the remains of what used to be the Navidad Hotel. A building with bright blue walls that resembles the marina that it looks out upon.

One Rosenberg couple decided to grab their tool belts and restore what was formerly a hotel. Lesa and Jeff Junek, residents of the Richmond/ Rosenberg area, have had their hands full after purchasing the property.

Port Lavaca, known for saltwater fishing, was founded in 1840 due to the aftermath of the Linville raid. Later on, the town became known for its export of shrimp.

The property built in 1908 has since served as a hotel and an apartment complex. The property is a current work in progress, within its online listing the former hotel is stated to need roofing repairs. The price of the property was listed at $165,000 when the Junek family decided to make their purchase.

“Most people buy a sports car, we bought a hotel,” said Lesa. “I joke about it being a midlife crisis, but we are in our 50s if we are going to do something, now is the time to do it.”

The couple never saw themselves going on a path of property restoration projects; however, with time, effort, and sweat, they are taking it one step at a time.

“It all started as a joke, when I saw it listed I thought it was interesting and I joked with my daughter and son-in-law and said ‘If I bought this place, would y’all rent it for me?’ I did not mean it, they were looking for a place to live at the time,” said Jeff.

The building is an older building that has been abandoned for three years. The Juneks have worked on clearing out the previous collection of trash and furniture while envisioning the restoration of the property.

“We can see potential in the building, we like the whole historical vibe of the building, but you have to have vision. It is very very run down, it has been abandoned for three years, and even before that time, a lot had taken place in there that was not geared towards taking care of it,” said Lesa.

If the walls could talk, the history of the property would contain stories, but based on the architecture, the Juneks found pieces of history.

“Jeff started digging into it and found the original interior brick under the drywall. There is original wood flooring underneath the vinyl, and the original wood ceilings have been covered by drywall,” said Lesa.

The process of restoration is lengthy and difficult, and depending on the conditions of the build, it could need various steps. The couple plans on keeping as much history within the building while updating the plumbing and electrical so they can turn it into studio apartments.

“We are trying to restore as much of it as possible, starting this month with the foundation. We have got to get the foundation done before we can do anything else. We have done the cleanup, and we’ll have to get the roof redone,” said Jeff, “We are having to put more sweat equity into this than we had planned, but overall Lesa is really the researcher, so she is finding all the historical photos and deciding what we need to do to maintain the historical essence, and I am just herding cats trying to get the right subcontractors.”

The Juneks have already had their first potential resident visit the property.

“The old owner left all this stuff in there, and there was so much to clean out. One of the things that was left was all these beds and when we first walked through it, I saw all these footprints across the bedspread. I told my family ‘Those are raccoon foot-

prints’ and everyone saw and said ‘Sure they are, whatever’. A month later we come in to do some work, and I walk up the stairs into one of the rooms, and I look in the bathroom and this huge raccoon is taking up the whole bottom of the shower,” said Lesa.

The raccoon has not since returned; however, the couple did take steps to protect the property from unwanted guests. “We closed up the windows, because there was a lot of broken ones, but by the time we open, I am sure the raccoon will have another place to live, but we have not seen him since,” said Lesa.

This is not the first property the couple owns out in the area.

“We also own land out there in Port Lavaca, so we knew we liked the area. We were thinking about when Jeff retires someday, may - be we spend more time out there since we have some land at Magnolia Beach, it is just down the road from Port Lavaca,” said Lesa.

Jeff and Lesa have been married for 32 years, and have been in the Richmond-Rosenberg area for the past 30 years. When he is not working on restoring the property, Jeff works in IT — internet tech - nology.

“I have been working in IT for 30 years,” said Jeff, “I have got another 10 years before I retire, and this project is not a substitute for my work.” Lesa is a retired home school teacher.

“I am a certified teacher, I homeschooled our five kids all the way through and I am a grandmother now,” said Lesa.

While Home & Garden TV (HGTV) lead many to believe these types of restoration projects are easy, Jeff and Lesa know they have a big restoration project ahead of them, but they plan to take it one nail at a time.

Foster grad takes over the ring

by NICK IRENE | nirene@fbherald.com

Oday Bara was uncertain if his wrestling dreams would ever come true, but for this Foster High School graduate, the dream is just beginning as the three-time tag team champion. Known by his wrestling persona, Father Oday, Bara is the inspirational leader and mouthpiece of The 8th Day faction in the Texas independent scene.

Before adopting the wrestling identity, he was simply Oday

Photo Courtesy Of Port Lavaca Wave | Lesa and Jeff Junek stand proudly in front of their newly purchased property, a former hotel.

Bara, a child of Jordanian-born immigrants who settled in Houston in the 1990s. The family later relocated to Richmond, where the diverse population of Fort Bend County facilitated their assimilation.

“I have had a lot of memories, friends and family here,” Bara said. “It’s a very big part of my life. I am very proud of my heritage and culture and growing up in such a loving household and diverse community. I grew up with many people of Arabic descent, so it was easy to accumulate here. This is my home.”

While growing up in Richmond, Bara and his brother would clandestinely navigate their parents’ house in search of television so they could watch Monday Night Raw, despite their parents’ disapproval.

During visits to Jordan to see relatives, Bara and his brother would eagerly await the Thursday night reruns at 2 a.m. to catch the two-hour program.

Bara idolized wrestlers Bryan Danielson, Christian Cage and CM Punk due to their similar size and stature. Larger individuals like Hulk Hogan, The Rock, and John Cena have traditionally dominated wrestling. However, witnessing smaller athletes achieve world championships instilled in Bara the belief that he could pursue the same path.

“I saw a lot of myself in them,” Bara said. “They all have the essence of an underdog. I felt like I related a lot to them. They weren’t six-foot-five, 250-pound wrestlers who were super jacked.”

With these thoughts in mind, Bara decided to try out for the wrestling program at Foster High School under the guidance of then head coach Jeff Rayome.

As a Falcon, Bara made multiple appearances at regionals in the 152-pound and 132-pound weight classes. He also participated in cross country and debate, contributing to his cardiovas-

cular endurance and public speaking skills.

After graduating, Bara pursued his dream at the Reality of Wrestling school in Texas City, led by WWE Hall of Famer Booker T.

However, a severe injury nearly derailed his career before it began.

“I first started training in 2019 and had a couple of matches, but I got a really bad concussion,” Bara said. “I was only supposed to be out for a few weeks, but unfortunately, I have an autoimmune disease and because of that, it caused more complications.”

Bara’s condition resulted in chronic inflammation, forcing him to stay away from the ring for 13 months.

“Most of my joints were so stiff that I couldn’t move my body,” Bara said. “I was just in constant pain. I remember being stuck in bed for four or five months and couldn’t move. It was among the hardest and darkest moments of my life.”

While family doctors advised him to quit wrestling, a second opinion allowed Bara to return with even greater motivation.

Upon his comeback with New Texas Pro Wrestling, based in Houston, Bara was able to incorporate his personal experience into his on-screen persona.

“It’s more of a lifestyle than a character,” Bara said. “I feel like it is just an extension of myself. I struggled to find hope during those painful times and was stuck in my thoughts. I knew I would return, reinvent myself, and stick out, so The 8th Day was born. It takes you from some of the darkest moments into the light.”

Fans and colleagues regard New Texas Pro as one of the premier independent wrestling promotions in the country, so the opportunity was undeniable.

To Bara, The 8th Day represents a fresh start and transformation.

Continued on page 13

2023 Pecan Grove Volunteer Fire Department Annual 5 Miles My Way photos by

MICHELLE CORNELL

1Meredith (Mom) Parkman, Travis (8) and Joel (10) get set to race.

2Olivia Huckman, Kay Danziger and Vannessa Huckman..

3Jennifer Vontz helped judge the bike contest and will be roller-blading later in the event.

4Lauren Labrose wins first place in the bikie judging contest.

5Michael Witherspoon(6) places 3rd in the biking judging.

6Alex Torres (9) places 2nd in the bike judging contest.

7Lady bikers crossing the finish lineShelby Nilsen and Chrissi Labrose

8Travis High School ROTC cadets Liam Alfred (Junior), Odyssues Matthew (Senior) and Cameron Johnson (Senior).

92nd place biker Adam Nilsen, 1st place winner Braden Nilsen, and 3rd place David Partridge. See more photos at www.fbherald.com

“It symbolizes a day beyond the constraints of the seven-day week,” Bara said. “It represents a new chapter in your life. During those months in bed, I yearned for a fresh beginning and a rebirth. It’s what I want for myself and others.”

However, fans at the Houston Premier Arena and online perceive Father Oday and the group not as righteous but rather as obnoxious and preachy, leading to some of the loudest boos in New Texas.

Bara, who was not ready to wrestle, used his debate skills to instruct his “followers” to distribute pamphlets detailing his message to bring hope and promote love and peace to the audience, even when fans are unreceptive.

“I’ve always seen myself as a good guy, but sometimes people fear what they don’t understand,” Bara said. “I believe I’m not doing anything wrong. That’s why I emphasize the fans so much because I need them to believe. The 8th Day guided me through those difficult times, and I want to share that with the world.”

Initially alone, Bara was soon joined by another trainee, a powerhouse named Tracey Moore, who transformed into Brother Tracey to become his tag team partner.

The duo elicited intense responses from the crowd, with Oday adding new members like Holy Roger and veteran wrestler Shawn

Hendrix to the faction.

Now a prominent act for New Texas Pro, The 8th Day has enjoyed three reigns as the promotion’s tag team champions—an achievement Bara never thought possible, especially in his first match back.

Their first reign began on Aug. 27, 2022, almost bringing Bara to tears upon their victory.

“Being placed in that position was initially nerve-racking, but it signaled that the company trusts me,” Bara said. “We were entrusted with carrying those titles, and it meant a lot to me. I can never repay that trust. It boosted our confidence, and we began to believe in ourselves.”

Supporting Bara on his journey to championship glory was Kiefer Bartek, the promoter of New Texas Pro Wrestling.

Bartek, a wrestler himself, recognized Bara’s determination to excel, which became impossible to ignore.

“I can’t speak highly enough of Oday,” Bartek said. “He works diligently, possesses creativity, and constantly pushes himself to grow both as a person and as a wrestler. He is one of the brightest talents at New Texas Pro and has the potential to reach new heights in this industry.”

While Bara remains hopeful for a television opportunity, he derives more satisfaction from the journey than the destination.

@cpjrphotography |Father Oday, AKA Oday Bara, poses with one-half of the New Texas Pro Tag Team Championships during his first reign as champion.

Cuisine Corner

Corn Salad

INGREDIENTS

¼ cup white sugar

6 ears fresh corn, shucked (a 16-ounce package of frozen corn can be substituted for fresh corn)

2 Roma tomatoes, seeded and diced

1 red bell pepper, minced

1 bunch green onions, thinly sliced

½ cup sour cream

⅓ cup mayonnaise

¼ cup fresh basil leaves, cut into very thin strips

¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons cider vinegar

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

DIRECTIONS

1Fill a bowl with ice water. Stir sugar into a large pot filled with water; bring to a boil. Add corn; cook until kernels are softened, about 2 minutes. Drain and transfer corn to ice water until cooled; drain. Cut kernels from the cob with a sharp knife.

2Combine corn, Roma tomatoes, red bell pepper, and green onions in a bowl. Stir sour cream, mayonnaise, basil, Parmesan cheese, and cider vinegar together in a bowl until dressing is smooth; season with salt and pepper. Fold dressing into corn mixture. Chill in the refrigerator until flavors combine, 8 hours to overnight.

Crab Salad

INGREDIENTS

1 pound imitation crabmeat, flaked

½ cup finely chopped celery, or more to taste

½ cup reduced-fat ranch dressings

⅓ cup mayonnaise

1 tablespoon white sugar, or to taste

1 teaspoon minced fresh parsley

DIRECTIONS

Gently mix crabmeat, celery, ranch, mayonnaise, sugar, and parsley in a salad bowl until thoroughly combined. Refrigerate, stirring occasionally, for 8 hours to overnight. Stir again just before serving.

Herb ‘n Honey Cucumber Tomato Salad

INGREDIENTS

3 cucumbers, peeled and sliced

2 large ripe tomatoes, sliced (cherry tomatoes can serve as a substitute)

2 green onions, sliced thin

8 leaves fresh basil, chopped

½ cup crumbled feta cheese

½ cup seasoned rice wine vinegar

½ cup honey

DIRECTIONS

Layer cucumbers, tomatoes, green onions, and basil in a bowl; top with feta cheese. Drizzle rice wine vinegar over the surface; top with honey.

Mexican Bean Salad

INGREDIENTS

1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed & drained

1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, rinsed & drained

1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, rinsed & drained

1 green bell pepper, chopped

1 red bell pepper, chopped

1 (10 oz) package frozen corn kernels, thawed

1 red onion, diced

½ cup olive oil

½ cup red wine vinegar

¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro

2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 clove garlic, crushed

2 tablespoons white sugar

1 tablespoon salt

1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin

1 ½ teaspoons ground black pepper

½ teaspoon chili powder, or to taste

1 dash hot pepper sauce, or to taste

DIRECTIONS

1Combine beans, bell peppers, corn, and red onion in a large bowl.

2Whisk olive oil, vinegar, cilantro, lime juice, lemon juice, garlic, sugar, salt, cumin, and black pepper together in a small bowl. Season with chili powder and hot sauce.

3Pour dressing over bean mixture and toss well. Refrigerate until chilled, about 1 hour. Serve cold.

Quinoa Beet Salad

INGREDIENTS

½ pound beets, peeled and sliced

2 cups water

1 cup red quinoa

½ cup olive oil

½ cup red wine vinegar

1 ½ teaspoons white sugar

1 clove garlic, crushed

1 teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

5 ounces goat cheese, crumbled 3 ounces arugula, chopped

2 green onions, sliced

DIRECTIONS

1Place a steamer insert into a saucepan and fill with water to just below the bottom of the steamer; cover pan and bring water to a boil. Add beets, cover pan, and steam until just tender, 7 to 10 minutes. Set aside.

2Place 2 cups water and quinoa in a saucepan; bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until quinoa is tender and liquid has been absorbed, about 15 minutes.

3Meanwhile, whisk olive oil, red wine vinegar, sugar, garlic, salt, and black pepper together in a large bowl.

4Remove quinoa from heat, then immediately add 1/2 of the vinegar dressing while fluffing quinoa with a fork; reserve remaining dressing. Cover and refrigerate quinoa until cool, at least 1 hour.

5Stir goats cheese, arugula, green onions, beets, and remaining dressing into cooled quinoa mixture. Toss lightly before serving.

Spinach and Strawberry Salad

INGREDIENTS

2 bunches spinach, rinsed and torn into bite-size pieces

4 cups sliced strawberries

½ cup vegetable oil

½ cup white sugar

¼ cup white wine vinegar

2 tablespoons sesame seeds

1 tablespoon poppy seeds

¼ teaspoon paprika

DIRECTIONS

1Toss together spinach and strawberries in a large bowl.

2Whisk oil, sugar, vinegar, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, and paprika together in a medium bowl. Pour over the spinach and strawberries, and toss to coat.

Stacked Tomato and Burrata

INGREDIENTS

1 vine-ripened tomato, cored and cut into 1/2-inch slices

flaked sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

¼ cup burrata cheese, or more to taste

1 tablespoon torn fresh basil leaves, or to taste

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

DIRECTIONS

Place a tomato slice on a plate; season with sea salt and black pepper. Spread burrata cheese over tomato slice and top with torn basil leaves. Drizzle with olive oil. Top with another tomato slice. Repeat cheese and tomato layering process with remaining slices, finishing with a tomato slice.

NOTE: Mozzarella cheese can be substituted for the burrata cheese, and the balsamic vinegar can be drizzled between the layers.

Taco Salad

INGREDIENTS

1 pound lean ground beef

1 (16 ounce) can chili beans

1 (16 ounce) bottle French dressing

1 (1.25 ounce) package taco seasoning mix

1 (14.5 ounce) package tortilla chips

1 head iceberg lettuce, shredded

2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese

1 cup chopped tomatoes

½ cup prepared salsa

4 tablespoons sour cream

DIRECTIONS

1Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir ground beef in the hot skillet until browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes. Drain and discard grease. Stir in chili beans, French-style dressing, and seasoning mix. Fill the empty dressing bottle 2/3 full of water and add to the skillet. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 15 minutes.

2Crush the bag of chips, open the bag, and toss crushed chips into a large bowl. Add lettuce, cheese, and tomatoes. Pour meat mixture into the bowl; mix well. Top with salsa and sour cream.

Tiger Salad

INGREDIENTS

½ English cucumber

1 ¼ teaspoons salt, divided

3 large green onions, white and tender green parts only

1 large green bell pepper

1 large red bell pepper

2 tablespoons unseasoned rice vinegar

1 ½ tablespoons toasted sesame oil

¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

2 cups chopped fresh cilantro, leaves & stems

DIRECTIONS

1Cut cucumber in half lengthwise and gently scrape out seeds with a spoon. Cut each half crosswise into 2-inch pieces. Cut each piece lengthwise into thin, uniform strips and transfer to a bowl. Toss cucumber with 1 teaspoon salt and let stand 15 minutes.

2Meanwhile, cut green onions and bell peppers into thin, uniform strips, about 2 inches long.

3Transfer cucumber to a fine-mesh sieve, rinse, and drain well. Whisk together vinegar, sesame oil, crushed red pepper, and remaining ¼ teaspoon salt in a large bowl. Add cucumber, green onions, bell peppers, and cilantro, and toss well.

Watermelon Salad

INGREDIENTS

¾ cup halved, thinly sliced red onion

1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

1 ½ quarts seeded, cubed watermelon

¾ cup crumbled feta cheese

½ cup pitted black olive halves

1 cup chopped fresh mint

2 tablespoons olive oil

DIRECTIONS

1Place the onion slices in a small bowl with the lime juice. The acid of the lime will mellow the flavor of the raw onion. Let stand for 10 minutes.

2In a large bowl, combine the watermelon cubes, feta cheese, black olives, onions with the lime juice, and mint. Drizzle olive oil over it all, and toss to blend.

Avocado Green Goddess Dressing

INGREDIENTS

1 avocado, peeled and pitted

1 cup mayonnaise

5 anchovy filets, rinsed and chopped

2 tablespoons chopped green onion

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 clove garlic, chopped salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS

Combine avocado, mayonnaise, anchovy,

green onion, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper in a blender; process until smooth. Transfer to a jar with a lid and chill for 24 hours before serving.

Balsamic Vinaigrette

INGREDIENTS

½ cup extra virgin olive oil

½ cup white balsamic vinegar

1 clove crushed garlic

1 teaspoon ground mustard

1 pinch salt ground black pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, garlic, and mustard powder. Season to taste with salt and black pepper. Stir in minced fresh herbs if desired.

Hanks ready for Foster’s revamp

New Falcons’ coach, campus athletic coordinator up to task

story & photo by NICK IRENE nirene@fbherald.com

After a decade as defensive coordinator, Shane Hanks enters his first year as Foster’s head football coach, aiming to restore the Falcons’ postseason regularity.

Hanks has been with the school since 2009, initially serving as the running backs coach until 2013, when he became the defensive play caller. Hanks assumed the head coaching duties from Shaun McDowell, who joined Grand Oaks as the program’s new head coach after the previous season.

McDowell had been at the helm for 10 seasons, compiling an 89-41 record with playoff appearances from 2013 to 2020. On Feb. 13, Hanks was officially promoted to head coach and campus athletics director.

“It’s exciting to be in this position,” Hanks said. “This is my 27th year coaching and this has been a seamless transition so far. I’m not coming to a new school and having to learn about the kids and the facility. We want to instill our core values and understand Foster’s culture.”

Hanks emphasized the importance of class, character, integrity, and discipline as the team’s focal points.

NThe 2023 season holds special significance for Hanks, as he can coach his son Konnor during his senior year.

Before his role on the staff as offensive coordinator at Foster High School, Hanks served as the head coach at Shepherd High School in Class 3A for three seasons, which provided him with valuable leadership and administrative skills and a deeper understanding of the coaching and teaching fields and budget management.

After making the playoffs for 10 consecutive seasons, the Falcons have missed out on postseason play in the past two years.

Although Foster started the 2022 season with a 5-0 record, the team stumbled in three of its last five games in district action, failing to qualify for the playoffs in the process.

Last season, the Falcons finished fifth place in the district, behind Magnolia West, who secured the postseason berth through a head-to-head tiebreaker.

Throughout 2022, Hanks’ defense remained impressive, allowing an average of 14 points per game.

While Hanks wouldn’t consider the 7-3 season in 2022 disappointing, the highly competitive District 20-5A challenges the Falcons to regain their former glory.

“Our kids are good and they work really hard,” Hanks said. “We have to try some new things and hopefully that can get us over the hump. We have to play well on offense, defense and special teams and play smash-mouth football inside. We got to play hard and within the rules of the game.”

Foster will start the season looking to replace the contributions of several key seniors who graduated last year, including quarterback JT Fayard and running back and safety Ashton Ojiaku, who is starting his freshman season playing Division I football at Rice University.

The Falcons will kick off the 2023 season against George Ranch at Traylor Stadium on Aug. 25.

Foster also takes on Travis Aug. 31 at Traylor Stadium in non-district play before opening up the league slate as the road team against Terry Sept 7.

The Falcons then play Angleton, Friendswood and Magnolia West in consecutive weeks at home before a road game against Kempner Oct. 5.

Foster finishes the season with a home game against Manvel before a road contest at Magnolia before the final against Fulshear Nov 3.

Fort Bend Junior Service League recruiting new members

The Fort Bend Junior Service League announced the opening of its annual recruitment drive for the 2023-2024 league year and is encouraging women at least 21 years old who are interested in community service, fellowship, and philanthropy to apply. Interested individuals can access the membership application at www.fbjsl.org.

Rosenberg Lions Club spotlights 2023-2024 scholarship winners

The Lamar Consolidated ISD 2023-2024 Scholarship recipients were recognized and honored recently at the Lions Club meeting at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. The families of the students were also present.

Lions are involved in community service and extend the mission of service every day in local communities, in all corners of the globe. Their services are broad covering sight, health, youth, elderly, the environment and disaster relief. The Lions Club international network has grown to include more than 200 countries and geographic areas.

For information regarding the Rosenberg Lions Club’s scholarship program, contact Lion Scholarship Chair, Vickie Lynn Tonn at vickietonn@yahoo.com.

Interview practicum preps TSTC students for job hunt

Students sat down nervously across a table from coaches prepped to ask them questions. At the start of a 30-minute timer, the interviews began.

More than 40 Texas State Technical College students worked

From left are Amanda Rodriquez from Terry attending UT Austin, Vickie Lynn Tonn Director and Scholarship Chair and Alfredo Enrique from George Ranch attending TSTC Fort Bend.

on their interview skills over two days at a recent interview practicum held at TSTC’s Fort Bend County campus.

The days were split into two sessions each, with students rotating between interview coaches three times.

“I’ve received a lot of positive feedback,” said Isaiah Albright, an Electrical Lineworker and Management Technology student working toward his associate degree. “Speaking for everyone here, we were all nervous starting, but now it really feels like I’m being prepared for an actual interview.”

Each of the students brought with them resumes that they had prepared with the help of TSTC Career Services representatives. While some students were interviewed in pairs due to the large number of them, each practice interview was treated as much like a real one as possible.

The coaches, a mix of TSTC staff and faculty in addition to industry representatives, asked broad questions about whatever industry the students are training for.

One of the coaches on the second day was Sarah Woods. She is a student in the HVAC Technology program working toward a certificate of completion and an associate degree. After being interviewed on day one, she volunteered to do the interviewing on day two. With a background working in the HVAC industry, she felt a need to help other students prepare to enter the workforce.

“I feel like I’m contributing and helping provide a more realistic response for what employers want,” Woods said. “I really try to help them (the students) think outside the box.”

With most of the students in attendance being close to graduation, it was a good opportunity for them to prepare before having to job hunt.

Kent Weed, a Career Services representative, said sharpening

interview skills is key to obtaining a good job.

“We try to encourage students to let us help them be prepared for interviews,” Weed said. “Even outside of this event, we do one-on-one interviews with those who are close to graduating. If they are driving on the way to (an interview), we tell them they can call and we’ll ask them questions to help calm them and feel more prepared.”

Registration for TSTC’s fall semester is underway. For more information, go to tstc.edu.

• Chalk paint by Annie Sloan •

•

Photo Courtesy Of TSTC | Students at TSTC’s Fort Bend County campus work on their interview skills with coaches from both TSTC and industry partners.

2023 Fort Bend County Fair entertainment lineup released

The Fort Bend County Fair and Rodeo Association announced the six musical acts to entertain and energize the community this fall during the Fort Bend County Fair and Rodeo running Sept. 29 - Oct. 8.

The fair’s most notable acts include famous country star Tracy Byrd and Grammy-winning swing band Asleep at the Wheel. Byrd, who performs on Oct. 7, has released numerous award-nominated albums throughout his two-decade career. Some of his No. 1 hits include “Holdin’ Heaven,” “Watermelon Crawl,” and “The Keeper of the Stars.” Asleep at the Wheel was formed in 1970 and has won 10 Grammys throughout an illustrious career. Popular songs include “The Letter That Johnny Walker Read,” “Choo Choo Ch’Boogie,” and “Route 66.”

Art & Entertainment

Jennifer Williams, president of the Fort Bend County Fair Association, and Barbara Robertson, spokesperson for the Fort Bend County Fair, spoke excitedly about the 2023 lineup.“Here at the Fort Bend County Fair, with the artists we bring, you can truly enjoy a lot of different types of music,” Robertson said. “I think our board really worked hard to bring a lot of different artists where people will find who they like.”

Houston-born and raised country artist Josh Ward will open the 10-day festivities on Sept. 29. Ward makes his second appearance at the fair since 2012 and has had seven consecutive

Tracy Byrd

Josh Abbot Band

Josh Ward Southhall

No. 1 hit singles in Texas, including “Together,” “Change My Mind,” and “Broken Heart.”

Local favorites, the Josh Abbott Band, will play on Sept. 30. The Lubbock-based band has sold more than 300,000 albums and is best known for their songs “Settle Me Down,” “Oh, Tonight,” and “She’s Like Texas.”

Grammy-nominated La Energía Norteña will grace the stage on Oct. 1. The Dallas-based group, known for its Norteño and Regional Mexican music, has gained a significant following since its formation in 2010. The band is best known for their songs “Me Dejé Llevar,” “Hasta El Último Día,” and “Tú No Eres Nada.” Oklahoma-based Southall rounds out the lineup and will perform on Oct. 6. Notable songs include “Why” and “Clean Slate.”

Tickets are now on sale at fortbendcountyfair.com.

Second Street Brass to perform summer concert

Second Street Brass will perform a selection of light-hearted tunes in Richmond on Aug. 12.

From 2-3 p.m. in the meeting room of the George Memorial Library at 1001 Golfview Drive in Richmond, Second Street Brass will entertain the audience with songs from popular movie themes and folk songs to jazz classics and traditional hymns put to modern adaptations.

Formed in 2013, the musical ensemble has been performing in the Rosenberg area at fundraising events, private parties, and for CAST Theatrical Company for several years. All the musicians are also members of the Rosenberg Symphonic Band.

The summer concert performance is free and open to the public. For more information visit www.fortbend.lib.tx.us, or call George Memorial Library at 281-342-4455 or the library system’s Communications Office at 281-633-4734.

In addition to the Second Street Brass’ summer concert, George Memorial Library offers more free monthly programs for children. The library regularly presents a variety of free children’s programs, adult computer classes, book clubs, and special programs for people of all ages each month. All programs are free and open to the public. For more information, visit Fort Bend County Libraries website at www.fortbend.lib.tx.us or call George Memorial Library (281-342-4455) or the library system’s Communications Office at 281-633-4734.

CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS:

Craft packets will be given out at the end of each program, so that children may take them home to enjoy. The library announced Pajama Night Story Time, After-School Breaks, and Creative Connections will resume in September.

Family Story Time

When: Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10:15 to 10:45 a.m. in the

Meeting Room. (The program will not be held Aug. 2, 3, 9 and 10).

What: Families with children of all ages will enjoy stories, songs, and action rhymes. Aug.16 and 17: Bedtime; Aug. 23 and 24: Music & Sounds; and Aug.30 and 31:Alphabet/ Counting

YOUNG ADULT PROGRAMS:

Intended for teens in grades 9-12.

YA Game Night

When: Thursdays, Aug. 3 and 17, 6-7 p.m. in Room 2A.

What: A variety of board games, video games, card games, and chess sets will be available, but those attending are welcome to bring their own favorite games, as well. Snacks will be provided.

Young Adult Advisory Council

When: Thursday, Aug. 10, 6 -7 p.m. in Room 2C.

What: Teens entering grades 9-12 who are interested in an exciting new leadership opportunity and volunteer service hours are invited to attend this meeting of the Young Adult Advisory Council. Members will have a chance to share ideas about library programs, help out at events, give suggestions for teen services, books, and movies, and meet new people.

Information Literacy: Read Between the Lines

When: Thursday, Aug. 31, 6-7 p.m., Room 2C

What: Teens will learn how to locate, evaluate, and use information to make informed decisions and participate effectively in a world filled with fake news.

ADULT PROGRAMS:

Autumnal Adult Coloring

This program is for adults and teens, 16 years old and older. Registration required.

When: Saturday, Aug. 5, 10:30 a.m.- noon, Meeting Room

What: Learn more about adult coloring which has been shown to lower heart rates and is thought to lower blood pressure. The creative process of coloring can also be a way to exercise the brain. Unwind and relax while re-discovering this favorite childhood activity and demonstrating strokes of creative genius.

Story Spinners Writing Club

When: Thursday, Aug.17, 5:30-8:30 p.m. in Room 2C.

What: This month’s topic is “Showing vs. Telling.” From beginning blogger to published novelist, writers of all genres and experience levels are welcome to write, share, learn, support, network, and critique each other’s work. Writing prompts, brainteasers, and brief exercises will be available to ignite the imaginations of any and all wordsmiths who wish to hone their craft. This program is recommended for adults and teens aged 14 and up.

ADULT BOOK CLUBS

Heavy Inks Graphic Novel Book Club

When: Saturday, Aug. 19, 11 a.m.-noon, Room 2B

What: Readers of all ages who enjoy illustrated novels and comic books are invited to join this book club specifically for graphic-novel enthusiasts. For August, readers will discuss Giant Days, Volumes I-III, created by John Allison. This title is available in print; call the library to check availability of additional print copies. This book club meets on the third Saturday of every month.

Book Break Book Club

When: Thursday, Aug. 17, noon- 1 p.m., Room 2A

Asleep at the Wheel

La Energia Nortenia

What: A variety of popular fiction is discussed in this book club, which meets on the third Thursday of every month. Those attending may bring a lunch. This month, readers will discuss Rules for Visiting, a novel written by Jessica Francis Kane. This selection is available in print and digitally as an ebook and e-audiobook on OverDrive/Libby; call the library to check availability of additional print copies.

Use It or Lose It: there’s an expiration date on a young boy’s voice

Audition for the Fort Bend Boys Choir

by TIANA MORTIMER, FBBCTX Executive Director

So many activities … so little time. That is often a parent’s lament when choosing activities for their children. Can we fit in swimming or baseball when we already have music lessons and soccer?

Here is a helpful hint, especially when it comes to boys – keep the music lessons. And if that young boy loves to sing?

Schedule an audition with the Fort Bend Boys Choir now.

Did you know there is an expiration date on a young boy’s voice?

Admittedly, boys can sing anywhere, anytime. However, the unchanged treble voice of a young boy, you know, the one that is high and pure and sounds like an angel

— that voice comes with an expiration date. You will not know exactly when it will change, but that change is inevitable. Hormones slowly take over, the voice starts to crack and deepen and that lovely, unchanged singing voice is gone forever.

There are many lost opportunities for vocally talented boys when parents overlook choir activities or put them off for something else.

The Fort Bend Boys Choir of Texas, a nonprofit boy choir organization, has been making a difference, one boy at a time for 42 years. They are holding auditions by special appointment throughout the summer for young boys with an unchanged voice. The good news is that no experience is required.

Boys from all over the Greater Houston area, not just Fort Bend, can reap the benefits of a unique music education not found anywhere else. The fall 2023 season kicks off Aug. 17, meeting every Thursday evening at the First United Methodist Church-Missouri City. To audition, boys should be around eight years old or going into the third grade when school starts. For boys ages six and seven, the Fort Bend Boys Choir offers Music Magic, an eight-week music enrichment program and no auditions are required. This class meets on Tuesdays starting in October.

Don’t let a young boy’s voice go unheard! Schedule an audition today.

Landon Bynum and Grant Mosely encourage auditions.

Fort Bend Master Gardeners education center earns award

story & photo by NICK IRENE nirene@fbherald.com

The Fort Bend Master Gardeners have earned first-place honors from the state for their Vegetable Garden Enhancement Project.

The thrilling news was announced during its annual luncheon at The Range in Rosenberg in late June.

Louie McDaniel, the Texas Master Gardener Volunteer Ambassador, presented the Search for Excellence Award to the Fort Bend chapter in the Teaching Site category.

The award was secured at the Master Gardeners State Conference in May. This category acknowledges a project that establishes a new or significantly improves an existing physical location for educational purposes, showcasing or sharing the best horticulture practices.

The teaching site must be fixed or permanent; examples include a demonstration garden; a school or community garden; a help desk; and/or a permanent educational display at an extension office.

Carol Gaas, President of Fort Bend Master Gardeners, was grateful to the state organization for the honor privilege.

“We very much appreciate that we had the opportunity to create this garden because it impacts the citizens of the Fort Bend County area with all of the fresh produce we produce to give to our local food banks,” Gaas said. “It was a culmination of efforts

by different master gardeners to make this happen and the citizens who have supported us through our fundraising efforts to create the garden.”

The garden comprises 17 cedar planters growing over 30 varieties of vegetables, an herb garden, a native plants garden, and a 625-square-foot pavilion complete with a 1,625-gallon rainwater irrigation system. The gardeners cultivate tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplants, peppers, and other fresh produce.

Master Gardener Karen Zurawski further mentioned that the gardeners harvested 230 pounds of food to donate to the Richmond food pantry. The gardeners anticipate donating approximately 1,500 pounds of fresh vegetables each year, hoping to reach 2,000 pounds soon.

Gaas encourages the community to visit the education center on Band Road to witness the garden firsthand.

“We don’t want to be the best-kept secret,” Gaas said. “We want people to come out and see this, learn from what we are planting, and try it themselves in their backyards.”

For more information, please visit fbmg.org.

Texas Master Naturalist training class opening

Become a member of the Coastal Prairie Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalist program by enrolling in the Fall 2023 training class on Aug. 19 from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.

The Coastal Prairie Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalist is looking for people interested in making a contribution to the beneficial management of Texas natural resources by being actively involved in the chapter, which covers Fort Bend, Waller and Wharton counties.

The Fall 2023 training class will begin with an in-person meeting on Aug. 19, with the other classes being held Tuesday evenings via Zoom and field sessions taking place on Saturdays. The program lasts approximately 13 weeks with about 14 sessions.

The chapter encourages early registration because “classes fill up fast” and only 24 spots are open to registrants.

After completing the initial training, the candidate must provide at least 40 hours of volunteer service in the Fort Bend, Waller and Wharton communities (up to 20 hours may be completed outside of those counties) to become a Certified Texas Master Naturalist.

Candidates will also obtain eight additional hours of Advanced Training.

The course fee will be due when the candidate’s application

From left are Fort Bend Master Gardeners President Carol Gaas, County Extension Director Dr. Amy Ressler, Texas Master Gardener Volunteer Ambassador Louie McDaniel, Program Coordinator Brandry Rader and County Horticulture Extension Agent Boone Holladay.

is approved. As part of the course fee, each student will receive the textbook “Texas Master Naturalist Curriculum.” Couples who share a textbook will get a discount.

To register online visit txmn.org/coastal.

Living Sustainably Club: Design for Abundance: Permaculture Basics

The Fort Bend County Libraries’ Living Sustainably Club will meet 6-7 p.m. on Aug. 21 to discuss permaculture.

Suzanne Bonefas from the Association for Regenerative Culture, will share the basic elements and ethics of permaculture, a system for developing agricultural ecosystems that are intended to be sustainable and self-sufficient. An approach to agriculture that adopts elements seen in natural ecosystems, permaculture explores the relationship that exists between humans, plants, animals, and the Earth. Learn how the concepts of permaculture can be applied to various aspects of life, as well as to growing food.

The Living Sustainably Club meetings are live-streamed through Webex so the public can participate virtually and interact with others in real-time. Guest speakers will share information on various topics that focus on discussing, educating, and demonstrating how everyone can live sustainably within a budget. Registration required. Call 281-633-4726.

OSFree Fall Garden TipsT

n Saturday, Aug. 26 at the George Memorial Library, library staff will provide an overview of fall vegetable gardening. Hear about when to plant vegetables, such as lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and broccoli. The discussion will be held from 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. in Room 2A. For more information visit www. fortbend.lib.tx.us.

COMPLEX NEUROLOGICAL CONDITIONS Treated in Sugar Land

At Houston Methodist Neuroscience & Spine Center at Sugar Land, our physicians collaborate across specialties to diagnose and treat common to complex neurological disorders. With innovative and advanced treatment options, we provide personalized comprehensive care — close to home.

Our team of physicians treats a variety of conditions, including:

• Alzheimer’s disease and memory disorders

• Aneurysms

• Brain tumors

• Multiple sclerosis

• Neuropathy

SCAN HERE

• Parkinson’s disease and tremors

• Sleep disorders

• Spinal disorders

• Stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA)

TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

To schedule an appointment, scan the QR code, visit houstonmethodist.org/neuro-sl or call 281.274.7979.