VOTE
Johnny Teague
www.JohnnyTeague.com
FOR CONGRESS
Gino's Italian serves pizza slices, CBD products - Page 8
WEDNESDAY • JANUARY 19, 2022
Tony
Wadhawan
For Judge
POL. Ad. Paid for by the Tony Wadhawan Campaign, Cynthia L. Gray Treasurer.
“A Product of Fort Bend … Now Serving Fort Bend“
Visit www.FortBendStar.com
Fort Bend / Southwest • Volume 46 • No. 22
Area couple raising HOA protection awareness By Matt deGrood MDEGROOD@FORTBENDSTAR.COM
I t’s a new twist on a tale as old as suburban Texas. A Sugar Land couple are mad at their local homeowners’ association in First Colony, not because they think the organization is being overly restric-
tive, but because they say it’s not doing enough to protect their view from a construction project next door. While the issue, at least at first glance, would appear to be one between two neighbors, Rick and Cathy Bayles both acknowledge that their neighbor hasn’t done anything wrong, and
there’s nothing they can do to halt the project. Instead, the Bayleses say they are working to increase awareness about homeowners’ associations in general, and wish the First Colony Community Services Association had done more to stick up for them, and not just their neighbor’s property rights.
Rick Bayles points to a neighbor's property where construction is ongoing. (Photo by Matt deGrood)
Not everyone agrees with the Bayleses, however. The neighbor,
SEE HOA PAGE 7
Helping out
Fort Bend, Justice of the Peace Judge Patricia David
Committed to ensuring resilience, fairness, & equity. Pol. Ad Paid For by Patricia David Campaign, FB JP3.
Lady Bulldog hoops proving to be among area's elite By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM
Gabby Johnson has become accustomed to being the chaser every year as the Austin Lady Bulldogs’ basketball team has usually been closer to the cellar than the ceiling of District 20-6A. It’s a different story this season, however, and the Lady Bulldogs are out to prove they deserve to be part of a conversation about the area’s elite squads. Austin was 21-4 overall and 7-0 in 20-6A competition entering play this week, having already secured their first 20-win season in 10 years. “It’s a huge change (being the one chased)," said Johnson, a senior and four-year starter who is the Lady Bulldogs' second-leading scorer with 16.7 points per game. "The last few years, people viewed us as an easy win. Now I hear people coming up to us and being amazed that we’re undefeated (in district).” And for one of the first times in her career, Johnson is not just a one-person show. Freshman Andrea Sturdivant has burst onto the scene alongside the established star, pacing the
SEE BULLDOGS PAGE 3
A physician speaks with a blood donor at a Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center drive. The organization is encouraging people in the Houston region to donate blood twice this year. (Contributed photo)
Demand for blood donations prompts surge of pop-up drives By Stefan Modrich SMODRICH@FORTBENDSTAR.COM
In response to a surging demand for blood donations, pop-up collection events are springing up across Fort Bend County. Cameron Palmer, spokesperson for the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center (GCRBC), said there has been an increase in hospital usage for blood and blood products now that elective surgeries that were postponed in the earlier stages of the COVID-19 pan-
demic have mostly returned, as well as surgeries for trauma patients. “Overall, we’ve seen about a 10 percent increase from our blood products and about an 8 percent increase just for red blood cells alone,” Palmer said. Sarah Goodman, another spokesperson for GCRBC, said the organization needs to collect 1,000 units (roughly a pint in volume) per day to meet the demand to supply the Houston region, which is anchored by the largest medical center in the U.S. The organization typi-
cally receives between 800 and 1,200 units per day in donations - enough to supply enough blood for a day's supply, according to Palmer. But the donations wouldn't be enough to sustain demand for several days, he said. Organization administrators hope to generate enough donations to maintain a reserve capacity of more than three days-worth of blood, in case a power outage or other disaster shuts down collections for any period of time, Palmer said. Goodman added the blood shortages some facilities are
experiencing are in part due to a reluctance of many at-home workers to venture out into the community. "Going in and having some kind of medical procedure taking place is scary enough,” Goodman said. “From having a swab shoved up your nose (for COVID-19 testing) it's scary to go then maybe have a needle put in your arm (for a vaccination). But from our experience, the majority of our donors come from people in the workplace and our high schools, and those were the two places that shut down over
the last two years.” And with many adults still working from home because of the pandemic, Palmer said the GCRBC is encouraging athome workers to donate blood twice in 2022. Palmer also said all GCRBC staff members are vaccinated and wear masks, donors are socially distanced whether they are at a brick-and-mortar donor center or at a mobile donation site. “We're trying to get the
SEE DRIVES PAGE 7
FBISD advances on Sugar Land 95 exhibit By Matt deGrood MDEGROOD@FORTBENDSTAR.COM
Austin Lady Bulldogs point guard Andrea Sturdivant passes the ball during Saturday's game against the Clements Lady Rangers. Sturdivant is the leading scorer for the Lady Bulldogs, who are 21-4 overall and 7-0 in District 20-6A. (Photo by Landan Kuhlmann)
F ort Bend ISD is moving forward with its plans to build an exhibit and cemetery to honor the 95 people whose remains were discovered on school district property, known as the Sugar Land 95, and could have an exhibit ready for the public as soon as this spring, according to the district.
Unmarked graves like this outside the James Reese Career and Technical Center in Sugar Land are currently the only onsite evidence of the Sugar Land 95. (Photo by Matt deGrood)
Chassidy Olainu-Alada, the district’s community and civic engagement coordinator, unveiled FBISD’s plans for the site at a meeting earlier this month. The remains of the Sugar Land 95 - who were believed to be Black people who were part of a state-convict leasing program to farm sugarcane more than a century ago - were discovered in 2018 during the construction of FBISD's James Reese Career and Tech-
nical Center. The district will open an exhibit to the public sometime later this year – likely when the current omicron wave of the coronavirus subsides, she said. It will feature two exhibits that teach students about the history of the leasing program, and the scientific process that led to the identification of the
SEE SL 95 PAGE 7
JERRY FLOWERS
Real Estate Agent, MBA, CNE, ABE Army Veteran (RET) • 832-702-5241 Jerry@dreamhomesbyjerry.com
4500 Highway 6, Sugar Land, TX 77478
THE STAR
PAGE 2 • Wednesday, January 19, 2022
3 Generations of Quality Service, Integrity & Honesty
Autos foreign & domestic Vehicle + RV detailing
Family Owned and Operated in Fort Bend County
Since 1951
Now
Then Charlton’s Garage & Station & Auto Sales in Stafford, Texas, 1951-1970. Owned by E.C. Charlton.
See us online www.FortBendStar.com
County fair accepting scholarship applications By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM
Current garage at Staffordshire & Fifth St. Stafford, Texas.
Still the Same Great Service!
281-499-1126 • Staffordshire Rd at 5th Street Stafford, TX 77477 • www.Charltonsbodyrepair.com Monday – Friday, 7am-6pm
Those were the days - Charlton’s Body Repair - 01-31-18- 3colx3”
3 GENERATIONS OF PATIENTS
“ I met Dr. Harris 30 years ago at church and have been coming to him as a patient ever since. When my husband was told he needed back surgery, we came to SLHC first. Dr. Harris was able to relieve his back pain and he never had another issue! Recently my car door had trouble opening so I crawled across the seats to the other side and hurt my knee. But I wasn’t worried because I knew where to go; SLHC. I worked with Dr. Brazzell who did Pressure Wave Therapy. That did the trick! My whole family comes in for treatment. We are a sports family, and like to stay active. Thanks to SLHC we can! Please, try them first! - Opel Goff
Local students involved with the Fort Bend County Fair and Rodeo still have a chance to apply for a scholarship through the fair to help with paying for a college education. The Fort Bend County Fair
is accepting applications for its annual scholarship program until Jan. 27, according to a news release from the organization. Up to 50 Fort Bend County students will receive $4,000 scholarships this year, the release said, and there will also be three "Fair Queen" scholarships awarded. The Fort Bend County
Fair has been providing student scholarships through the program since 1979, the organization said, including $185,000 worth of scholarships last year. For more information on the 2022 scholarship rules and how to apply, interested students can visit fortbendcountyfair.com or call the fair office at 281-342-6171.
New COVID testing site open in Missouri City By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM
Fort Bend Health and Human Services announced the opening of a COVID-19 testing site last Thursday morning at the Landmark Community Center, 100 Louisiana St. in Missouri City. This was the second new testing site the county set up in the span of a week, following the drive-through site at Brazos River Park in Sugar Land on Jan. 7. There have been at least 114,575 confirmed cases
of COVID-19 in Fort Bend County as of Monday, with nearly a third of those cases having been in Sugar Land and Missouri City. Prior to the Omicron variant arriving in Fort Bend County, four county-operated testing locations had the capacity to do 150 tests per day, according to county spokesperson Tami Frazier. On Dec. 27 - the first day the county opened after Christmas - Frazier said the county had more than 25,000 calls to its COVID testing line, prompting the county to double testing capacity to about
300 per day. She said greater access was still needed, which drove the county to open the two newest sites. The Sugar Land mega site has the ability to administer 1,500 tests per day, while the Missouri City site can do 300 tests per day, according to Frazier. The site operates from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Residents who would like to be tested at the Missouri City site are asked to register at mycovidappointment.com/location/ landmark-community-center/pre-schedule.
Want the BEST DEAL for your Cable and Internet?
GOFF22STAR
See
YOUR BUSINESS
No Deposit!
Here
Call Us Today for a Quick Quote!
844-560-9986
281-690-4200
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 Neuropathy
• • • •
Parkinson’s disease and tremors Sleep disorders Spinal disorders Stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA)
Your health is our priority. You can be confident we are taking every necessary precaution to keep you safe, including requiring COVID-19 vaccinations for all of our physicians and staff.
SCAN HERE
TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT To schedule an appointment, scan the QR code, visit houstonmethodist.org/neuro-sl or call 281.274.7979.
THE STAR
See us online www.FortBendStar.com
Ridge Point girls win I-10 Shootout title Landan Kuhlmann
★ BULLDOGS FROM PAGE 1 Lady Bulldogs in scoring at 17.7 points per game. “I’ve never really practiced all week before, so this is all kind of new – but all that work helps,” Sturdivant said of what’s helped her excel. “I’ve never really spent this much time in the gym before.” Second-year head coach Laqueisha Dickerson said Sturdivant has been a key to the Lady Bulldogs’ success this season by taking some of the pressure off Johnson. “You have to hate losing more than you love winning, and that’s Andrea…When you have kids all in with that kind of mentality, you know you have something special. She has a lot of stuff to work on, but she’s a 15-year-old kid that literally changed a program,” Dickerson said. Buying in Dickerson was also quick to mention the leadership of her senior star. “That's just who she is, not just for our program but for our school," Dickerson said of Johnson, who is also a volleyball player committed to Tennessee State. "In 20 years, when people look back at her career here, her name is going to be forever imprinted on the
The Ridge Point Lady Panthers soccer team celebrates after winning the I-10 Shootout in Katy on Jan. 15. Ridge Point swept through the tournament, improving to 6-0 on the season. (Photo from Twitter)
Three different players scored for Kempner (3-4) against Mayde Creek on Jan. 14, with Ava Baley, Elizabeth Werts, and Dalia Ghazal each finding the back of the net. Madison McCoy scored once apiece for the Austin Lady Bulldogs against Cypress Creek on Jan. 13 and Alvin on Jan. 14. Gabby De Jesus scored twice in their 3-1 victory over Alvin, then twice more in a 3-0 win over Katy Taylor as the Lady Bulldogs (3-3) finished 2-1 in Katy. The Elkins Lady Knights defeated Spring Woods 2-1 on Jan. 11, then went 2-1 at the I-10 shootout. Sarah Lovetinsky and Ellie Pitts each scored two goals for the Lady Knights (7-2) in a 4-0 win over Santa Fe on Jan. 13, while freshman Amelia Olawu had a pair of her own in a 3-2 win over Oak Ridge on Saturday. It was the fourth multi-score outing of the season for Olawu, who has a team-leading 10 goals so far. Travis went 1-2 at the I10 shootout, defeating Klein Forest 4-0 on Jan. 13 before dropping decisions to Grand Oaks (2-0) on Jan. 14 and Katy
Mayde Creek (3-2) on Saturday. Elsewhere, the Dulles Lady Vikings were the champions of the San Bernard Classic on Jan. 14-15. They split a pair of games on Jan. 14 with a 2-1 loss to Cy Springs in penalty kicks and beating Rosenberg Terry. Then on Saturday, they won 3-1 in penalty kicks against Shadow Creek to take home the title. Boys The Austin Bulldogs won their only game of the week, a 2-1 victory over Katy on Jan. 14. Alfio Parisi and Kam Cortez each scored for Austin (4-0), while Dillon Trimble had an assist. Tim Koon scored both goals for Clements in their 3-2 loss to Cy Ridge on Jan. 14, which dropped them to 1-4 on the season. Elkins had a 1-2-1 week in tournament play, dropping to 1-4-1 overall on the season. Zachary Bowers once each in a 2-1 loss against Clear Lake on Jan. 11 and a 2-1 win over Fulshear on Jan. 13 before scoring both of the Knights’ goals in a 2-2 draw against Friendswood Jan. 14
athletic program. She knows what it takes be a competitor. Having two stars whose relationship is just as symbiotic off the court as on it certainly doesn’t hurt, either. “I would characterize it as a big sister/little sister relationship. They have a great relationship…They can both correct each other, and receive it well – they respect each other enough to be able to do that,” Dickerson said. Johnson echoed her head coach. “(Andrea’s) my best friend on and off the court,” she said. Changing the culture And that relationship has fueled what might wind up being a program-changing season. The Lady Bulldogs have not sniffed a district title in more than 15 seasons, and not since 2013-14 have they had a winning campaign. And it certainly looked like a tall task when Dickerson took over last season's team, which had seven seniors. “Anytime you come into a program and you have players who are already established and used to a system or doing things a certain way of doing things, it’s about getting kids to buy in... I want to make sure that I’m putting them in the best position to be successful,” Dickerson said.
But she said it was never about the caliber of players in the program. She said there was always untapped potential – it just needed the right mix of ingredients. “The goal (when I came in) was to shift and change the culture here,” she said. “Austin has always had talent – Gabby was here two years before I was, doing the exact same thing she’s doing now. She’s just doing it more consistently and at a higher level.” And following a districtopening 65-48 win over traditional 20-6A power Dulles – which had won 18 straight district games dating back to 2019 – on Dec. 8, the buzz began to make its way into their purview. It’s a new sensation for the Lady Bulldogs, who sit in the driver’s seat in District 20-6A heading into the second half of district play. Johnson said there has been no letdown heading down the stretch. “I think (the biggest change from last year) is really about how coach is on us to be great. She never lets us take a rest, and that really just binds us as a team and helps us play as one,” she said. “…It’s really just about staying disciplined and working hard.” “We’re shocking everybody, really,” she added.
3
Get out and help your Fort Bend County community Matt deGrood MANAGING EDITOR
SPORTS REPORTER
Multiple Fort Bend ISD girls’ soccer teams headed north to Katy for the I-10 Shootout last weekend, and several area teams produced strong showings, but one stood out above the rest. The Ridge Point Lady Panthers paced the area's girls squads, going 3-0 on the weekend to claim a second title in tournament play to begin the year and showing they are still a force to be reckoned with in the region despite graduating 11 seniors from last year’s team. Ridge Point (6-0) had a pair of 1-0 wins over San Antonio Johnson on Jan. 13 on Katy Jordan on Jan. 14 before taking down Cy Woods by a score of 5-1 in the Falcon Bracket final. Zoe Main scored the lone goals for the Lady Panthers against both Johnson and Jordan. Hannah Warken was the star of the match in the final against Cy Woods, putting home a careerhigh four of the Lady Panthers’ five total goals in the contest. Other tournament action Following a hiccup in the season’s opening week, the Kempner Lady Cougars looked more like last season’s team with a 2-1 week at the tournament. Kempner beat Cy Ridge on Jan. 13 and Katy Mayde Creek 3-0 on Jan. 14 before falling to Grand Oaks 4-0 in the tournament final on Saturday.
Wednesday, January 19, 2022 • PAGE
Looking back over my first months as managing editor of the Fort Bend Star, my favorite days have been those where I’ve had the opportunity to get out and meet people in the community. I can, for example, still remember vividly that mixture of excitement and nervousness (I didn’t want to make a fool of myself) that came when I was preparing to visit the Sikh temple Gurdwara Sahib of Southwest Houston, and the kindness that greeted me there. Taking the tour of the Black Cowboy Museum in Rosenberg and chatting with Larry Callies is another good example – there’s simply no replacement for community, the sense of really getting to know one another. The coronavirus pandemic has wrought untold damage on so many aspects of our lives ever since it first arrived in Fort Bend County in March 2020 – from the loved ones who’ve lost their lives to the business interruptions. Included in the changes brought on by the pandemic is a growing sense of isolation. In some ways, that
growing sense of isolation might even predate the pandemic. Increasingly, our lives in 2022 have moved online, and we’ve become content to divide ourselves into separate clusters, around shared interests and experiences. It seems to me that the roots of our increased partisanship might lie in this trend. Even in my capacity as a journalist I haven’t been spared all of the effects of that isolation. Where before the pandemic I might take every opportunity I have to get out and meet the people I’m writing about, now I’m more selective and careful. Can I conduct this interview over the phone, or do I need to visit in-person to properly tell it? In the pages of this edition, our reporter Stefan Modrich told an important story about how hospitals across Fort Bend County are in desperate need for blood to perform surgeries and other procedures that were delayed because of the pandemic, and the struggle to find donors. The need has spurred officials with the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center to ramp up their efforts to host blood drives, and spread the word about the demand. Administrators who spoke with Modrich for the story told him the reason for the lack of donors might be as simple as many residents are still afraid to venture out of their homes during the
pandemic. That fear isn’t unwarranted. Time and time again since March 2020, we’ve been told that it’s important to limit our exposure to the virus, to do our part to keep the hospitals from overflowing. And many of us have taken those words to heart. While it’s good that we’re all doing our best to stay safe during the pandemic, I think it’s also worth taking Modrich’s story as a call to action for all of us here in Fort Bend County this week. Spokespeople for the organization told Modrich this week that they are taking many steps to ensure the safety of donors. And it’s clear there’s a real need for help. When people talk about Fort Bend County, its diversity and sense of community are often among the first things discussed. In many ways, Fort Bend County stands as a shining example to the rest of the country of what a place can look like with a diversity of perspective and approaches working together in harmony. It’s up to us to live out that promise in our dayto-day interactions with the community. Even if it’s not donating blood, there’s something each and every one of us can do to combat that sense of isolation, to bring ourselves together in community with one another. Fort Bend County will be all the better for it.
Worship Directory FORT BEND COUNT Y
BAPTIST CHURCH
CHURCH OF CHRIST
HERITAGE BAPTIST CHURCH • 281-403-4994 2223 FM1092 • Missouri City, TX 77459 John Strader , Senior Pastor Sunday Bible Study 9:30 am Sunday Worship 10:45 am 6:00 pm Wednesday 7:00 pm AWANA/Youth www.hbctx.org METHODIST CHURCH
STAFFORD CHURCH OF CHRIST • 281-499-2507 402 Stafford Run Rd. -Stafford, 77477 SUNDAY: Worship: 10:30 a.m. www.staffordchurchofchrist.org
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
CHRIST CHURCH SUGAR LAND • 281-980-6888
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH • 281-240-3195
A United Methodist Community 3300 Austin Parkway • Sugar Land, TX 77479 Sunday Schedule 8:30 am Blended Worship 9:30 am Sunday School for all ages 10:30 am Traditional & Contemporary Worship www.christchurchsl.org
502 Eldridge Road, 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
EPISCOPAL
ALL SAINTS EPISCOPAL CHURCH • 281-499-9602 605 Dulles Avenue, Stafford, TX 77477 SUNDAY: 10:30 am Worship Holy Eucharist www.allsaints-stafford.org
Scripture of the week
“What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” - ROMANS 8:31
Find the Star online
| FORTBENDSTAR.COM
THE STAR
PAGE 4 • Wednesday, January 19, 2022
See us online www.FortBendStar.com
Leading Medicine
IN ALIANA Quality Primary Care — Now in Aliana Houston Methodist Primary Care Group is coming to Aliana to support the growing Sugar Land community. Opening in January 2022, our new practice will offer primary care with on-site access to specialty care and lab services, all in one convenient location, close to home.
• Chronic disease management
• Physicals and health screenings
• Management of depression and anxiety
• Routine immunizations
NR D.
• Preventive care
99
MA SO
• Acute care
.
ST
We are safely seeing patients of all ages — in person and virtually — for you and your family’s essential primary care needs, including:
W. B E LLFOR T
• Women’s health
Schedule online at houstonmethodist.org/aliana-pcp or call 713.394.6638.
HOUSTON METHODIST IN ALIANA W. AI R PORT B LV D.
See us online www.FortBendStar.com
THE STAR
Wednesday, January 19, 2022 • PAGE
5
THE STAR
PAGE 6 • Wednesday, January 19, 2022
See us online www.FortBendStar.com
HIRELOCAL • SHOPLOCAL • EATLOCAL Texas
Boarding – Daycare – Baths
TRACY WALKER,
Deion Whorton Sr.
• Cage Free Daycare • Private Outdoor Park • Overnight Boarding
Doggie Daycare
Agent ChFC, CLU, CASL, CPCU
CEO/Founder
77 Sugar Creek Center Blvd. Ste # 697 Sugar Land, TX 77478 Bus. 281-937-4086 deion.whorton@pcsrcm.com www.pcsrcm.com
Safe - Clean - Fun Five Stars on Google & Yelp Check us out and get ½ off on your first visit
15510 Lexington Blvd., Ste. P Sugar Land, Texas 77478-4173 Bus. 281-265-0711 • Toll 888-850-8491 Fax 281-466-4260 • Cell 281-380-7786 Tracy@agentwalker.com
Helping healthcare professionals in private practice stay private and profitable.
1100 FM 1092 (Murphy Rd.) Missouri City Tx 77459
281-331-6307 www.TexasDoggieDaycare.com
Tree Trimming & removal • landscape design • professional planTing
Locally owned and operated for over 25 years
Free estimates
832-768-1897
281-498-3410 • 11720 Wilcrest Dr. HTX. 77099
Free
Install, repair, sell all makes/models of garage doors & openers
alliancegaragedoorstx.com
at home consultation for landscaping design. ($99 Value)
residential/commercial
www.hhpstx.com | 832•641•8600
CMB HEALTHCARE, INC. BOOKKEEPING : TAX PLANNING & PREPARATION : PAYROLL
WHEN IT COMES TO THE NUMBERS
Pediatric Private Duty Nursing
Jeff Borkovich Commercial Sales Agent “MAKE IT HAPPEN” JeffBorkovich@AggieNetwork.com (713) 817-5521 HoustonRestaurantSpace.com
4434 Bluebonnet Dr., Ste 133 Stafford, Texas 77477
(281) 712-4989 T2BOOKSANDTAX.COM
Roseline A. Ogbeifo
YOU CAN COUNT ON US!
Phone: 281-818-7965 Fax: 281-936-0299 After Hours: 832-888-6272 cmbhealthcare@gmail.com
Not all Things That Can Be Counted; COUNT, And Not all Thngs That Count; CAN BE COUNTED!
A DS
CLASSIFIED ADS THAT GET RESULTS CALL US AT 281-690-4200
C LASSIFIED HELP WANTED
HOME IMPROVEMENT
GARAGE CLASSIFIED ADS THAT GET RESULTSSALE? CALL US DS C LASSIFIED A AT 281-690-4200 LET THE TRANE ON SALE!
BID COORDINATOR Organized, self-motivated individual needed to assist construction project manager with bidding commercial projects to include emailing, calling and logging bids Must be computer literate and have excellent telephone & people skills Construction experience preferred. Excellent benefits. Email resume to jane@regas.com
PROJECT COORDINATOR Organized, self-motivated individual needed to assist construction project manager with projects to include contracts, P.O.’s and scheduling field services. Must be computer literate and have excellent telephone & people skills Construction experience preferred. Excellent benefits. Email resume to jane@regas.com
AIR CONDITIONING • HEATING
• Great Prices • Rebates! • Financing • Warranties XR 16 SYSTEM
LIMITED TIME! CALL NOW!!
Call 281-468-4250 anytime www.criticalairac.com
Mike Schofield
TACLA021957E (Licensed & Insured) MNB ENTERPRISES LLC • DBA CRITICAL AIR
281-217-5799
FOR SALE
Call this paper to place your ad in millions of homes.
ADOPTION
ADOPTION. California couple promises baby loving home, secure future. Devoted grandparents, educational opportunities, gentle pet. Generous living expenses. Andrew and Erin 1(747)788-0260 or attorney 1(310)663-3467
EDUCATION / INSTRUCTION Attention Active Duty & Mil‐ itary Veterans! Begin a new career and earn your Degree at CTI! Online Computer & Medical training available for Veterans & Families! To learn more, call 833-970-3466. (MF 8am-6pm ET). TRAIN ONLINE TO DO MED‐ ICAL BILLING! Become a Medical Office Professional online at CTI! Get Trained, Certified & ready to work in months! Call 855-609-2604. (M-F 8am-6pm ET)
FINANCIAL
Over $10K in debt? Be debt free in 24-48 months. Pay a fraction of what you owe. A+ BBB rated. Call National Debt Relief 866-949-0934.
ARE YOU BEHIND $10k OR MORE ON YOUR TAXES? Stop wage & bank levies, liens & audits, unfiled tax returns, payroll issues, & resolve tax debt FAST. Call 844606-1554 (Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-5pm PST)
$30 OFF any repair
cannot be combined with any offer TACLB019260E
VIAGRA and CIALIS USERS! 50 Pills SPECIAL $99.00 FREE Shipping! 100% guaranteed. CALL NOW! 877-266-9827
Cable Price Increase Again? Switch To DIRECTV & Save + get a $100 visa gift HEALTH & MEDICAL card! Get More Channels For Stroke and Cardiovascular Less Money. Restrictions apdisease are leading causes ply. Call Now! 866-507-1326 of death, according to the American Heart Association. EXPIRES SOON: Switch to Screenings can provide DISH + get a 2 YEAR PRICE peace of mind or early detec- LOCK!! Plus get Free Pretion! Contact Life Line mium Channels for 3 mos. Screening to schedule your Free Installation (up to 6 screening. Special offer - 5 rooms)! 866-393-1134 screenings for just $149. Call Cross country Moving, 1-866-563-3640 MISCELLANEOUS Long distance Moving Company, out of state move $799 SAVE BIG on HOME INSUR‐ Long Distance Movers. Get ANCE! Compare 20 A-rated insurances companies. Get a Free quote on your Long disquote within minutes. Aver- tance move. 1-844-452-1706 age savings of $444/year! Call Empire Today® to Call 855-993-0514! (M-F schedule a FREE in-home es8am-8pm Central) timate on Carpeting & FloorDISH Network. $59.99 for ing. Call Today! 190 Channels! Blazing Fast 1-855-404-2366 Internet, $19.99/mo. (where available.) Switch & Get a Credit Card Debt Relief! ReFREE $100 Visa Gift Card. duce payment by up to 50%! FREE Voice Remote. FREE Get one LOW affordable payHD DVR. FREE Streaming on ment/month. Reduce interALL Devices. Call today! est. Stop calls. FREE no1-855-419-7188 obligation consultation Call Attention: Oxygen Users! 866-892-2773 Gain freedom with a Portable Oxygen Concentrator! No DIRECTV for $69.99/mo for more heavy tanks and refills! 12 months with CHOICE Guaranteed Lowest Prices! Package. Watch your favorite Call the Oxygen Concentralive sports, news & entertaintor Store: 844-866-4793 ment anywhere. One year of BATHROOM RENOVA‐ HBO Max FREE. Directv is #1 TIONS. EASY, ONE DAY up- in Customer Satisfaction (JD dates! We specialize in safe bathing. Grab bars, no slip Power & Assoc.) Call for flooring & seated showers. more details! (some restricapply) Call Call for a free in-home con- tions sultation: 877-661-6587 1-877-666-2821
The Generac PWRcell, a so‐ lar plus battery storage system. SAVE money, reduce your reliance on the grid, prepare for power outages and power your home. Full installation services available. $0 Down Financing Option. Request a FREE, no obligation, quote today. Call 1-855913-2156
ACE TILE
Carpet • Remodeling • Ceramic Marble • Wood Flooring • Tile & grout cleaning & sealing • Laminate Wood Flooring • Granite Slab Countertops
DONATE YOUR CAR FOR KIDS! Fast Free Pickup – Running or Not - 24 Hour Response - Maximum Tax Donation – Help Find Missing Children. Call Now: 844-6965418
Attention: Auto Injury Victims. If you have suffered a serious injury in an auto accident, call us! Our attorneys BATH & SHOWER UP‐ have the experience to get DATES in as little as ONE you the full compensation DAY! Affordable prices - No you deserve! Call Now: 877-649-4577 payments for 18 months! BATH UP‐ Lifetime warranty & profes- BEAUTIFUL sional installs. Senior & Mili- DATES in as little as ONE DAY! Superior quality bath tary Discounts available. and shower systems at AFCall: 833-566-0676 FORDABLE PRICES! Lifetime TRAIN ONLINE TO DO MED‐ warranty & professional inICAL BILLING! Become a stalls. Call Now! Medical Office Professional 866-751-0138 online at CTI! Get Trained, Certified & ready to work in Green Roads' Pain Relief Cream. Great for backaches, months! Call 866-717-8606 arthritis, muscle aches & LONG DISTANCE MOVING: more. Get pain relief exactly Call today for a FREE QUOTE where you need it most. Use from America’s Most Trusted code: PAIN to get three FREE Interstate Movers. Let us take gifts! Visit http://greencbdtothe stress out of moving! Call day.com/sapa now to speak to one of our WANTED TO BUY Quality Relocation SpecialTOP CA$H PAID FOR OLD ists: 855-632-1769 GUITARS! 1920-1980 Gibson, Never clean your gutters Martin, Fender, Gretsch, Epiagain! Get Gutter Guards in- phone, Guild, Mosrite, Rickstalled to protect your home! enbacker, Prairie State, Easy installation, affordable, D'Angelico, Stromberg. And and will last a lifetime! Call Gibson Mandolins / Banjos. now for a FREE QUOTE 877-913-2958 888-381-1343 PAYING TOP CA$H FOR NEW AUTHORS WANTED! MEN'S SPORT WATCHES! Page Publishing will help you Rolex, Breitling, Omega, self-publish your own book. Patek Philippe, Heuer, DayFREE author submission kit! tona, GMT, Submariner and Limited offer! Why wait? Call Speedmaster. Call 866-405-1893 now: 833-668-1386
281-898-0154
Eddie Allum
Elite Construction 346-306-3627
HIRE
LOCAL
FB Group: Elite
Exterior - Interior Painting / Sheetrock / Granite / Roofs / Pressure Wash Carpentry / Tile Work / Bath Remodeling Hardiplank Siding / Floors / HVAC Plumbing / Electrical
Tree Trimming & removal • landscape design • professional planTing
Free
SERVICES
at home consultation for landscaping design. ($99 Value)
Misdemeanors
www.hhpstx.com | 832•641•8600
$
p.p. 500 DWI • Theft
Drug • Assaults Divorce • Child Support
Locally owned and operated for over 25 years
Attorney D’Angelo M. Lowe 7322 Southwest Frwy., Ste. 1065, Houston, TX 77074
832-953-LOWE (5693)
Free estimates
832-768-1897
alliancegaragedoorstx.com
Install, repair, sell all makes/models of garage doors & openers residential/commercial
MATH/COMPUTER TUTOR Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, word processing, spreadsheet, graphics. Bill Stewart. BSEE 281-3411582.>+
SERVICES
SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER
Follow Us!
♠
Call TODAY for FREE ESTIMATE
Gary Garbs - Owner ggelite4u@gmail.com
Regional Classified Ads
THE FOLLOWING ADS HAVE NOT BEEN SCREENED BY THE SOUTHEASTERN ADVERTISING PUBLISHERS ASSOCIATION (SAPA); Therefore, any discrepancies thereof shall not be the responsibility of the aforementioned association. Your publisher has agreed to participate in this program and run these ads as a service to the Southeastern Advertising Publishers Association.
www.myACandHEAT.com
♠
FOR SALE
COMMUNITY KNOW! 281.690.4206
281-492-3450
TAROT CARD & CRYSTAL READINGS
Just Call Tammy
281.232.4436
FortBendStar fortbendstar.com
THE STAR
See us online www.FortBendStar.com
Wednesday, January 19, 2022 • PAGE
7
Fort Bend Home & Garden Show brings home improvement to life Stefan Modrich See Fortbendstar.com for related video REPORTER
If you’ve ever wondered what goes on at the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds when the Fort Bend County Fair is over, the answer is: plenty. The most recent event — the Fort Bend County Home & Garden Show — was hosted primarily indoors last Saturday and Sunday and was wellattended despite gusts of wind that reached speeds of 40 miles per hour or more in some areas when I made my way to the fairgrounds on Saturday afternoon. The home and garden show featured booths from vendors dedicated to home improvement, decorating and interior design as well as landscapes and outdoor entertainment. It also showcased a winter gift market with boutique clothing, jewelry and home goods, as well as beer and wine sampling, and another building devot-
★ HOA FROM PAGE 1 for instance, argues this is a case where she followed every rule in the book, and should be allowed to build. And the homeowners’ association argues it does its best to work with all residents. “It’s unconscionable that the HOA wouldn’t even inform the neighbors,” said Rick Bayles, who has lived in the First Colony subdivision with his wife, Cathy, for 34 years. “Why didn’t they tell the neighbors? We’re trying to put major pressure on the board to wake up, and start treating us like homeowners.” The Bayleses live on a circle drive in the Travis Park neighborhood of First Colony. For years, the couple caught a pristine view of Sweetwater Country Club’s golf course, which runs along the back side of the neighborhood, along with a nearby body of water. Because the Bayleses’ neighborhood was full of existing homes and many families that had been there, like the Bayleses, for decades, they assumed they’d have their view for life. But in June 2021, construction materials, including trash cans, began arriving at a nearby home, according to Cathy Bayles. The Sugar Land couple soon learned their neighbor planned to connect their garage to the rest of the home and add a secondstory garage apartment – a project that would obstruct the Bayleses view, Rick Bayles said. Some seven months later, the project still hasn’t ended. Rick and Cathy Bayles still awake most mornings to the sounds of hammers and saws next door, they said. Renuka Jain, who owns the neighboring property in question, said residents in homeowners’ associations must understand that they give up certain rights when they purchase homes there in exchange for certain other rights. “It’s a beautiful subdvision, but living there comes with complying with certain rules,” she said. “I’d also like to have more choices, but it’s the trade we all made.” In Jain’s case, she followed all of the city and community building guidelines in planning her home addition, she said. “We’ve complied with all the rules and regulations,” she said. “While I understand the construction is disruptive, this is the way the process works.” The homeowners’ association, meanwhile, responded to questions about the dispute with a single written statement. “The First Colony Community Services Association strives to provide quality service while encouraging residents to take pride in their home,” the statement said. “As a board, we work with all our residents, neighborhoods
A vendor serves a customer during the Fort Bend County Home & Garden Show last Saturday at the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds in Rosenberg. (Photo by Stefan Modrich)
ed entirely to food samples. There were also free seminars for attendees on a range of topics. Lauren Sotomayor hosted a charcuterie board class and Madeleine Banks held a primer on how to use custom-created fabrics to personalize your home’s interior. Rob Burden of Austin-based LALO Tequila held a “Tequila 101” class for those looking for the best ways to use the spirit in cocktails.
Food trucks Crazy Cookers, Foreign Policy and Tacos y Gorditas Rioverde sold their fare on the grounds as well. One of the first vendors I met was Sharon Hoermann of South Texas Pecans in Yoakum. Her husband Jason Hoermann has been managing the family’s pecan orchard since 2015, which was started by Jason’s grandfather in 1971. “We care for about 500 acres,” Sharon said. “We
and community partners in setting residential community standards.” At the crux of the Bayleses’ argument is the idea that the homeowners’ association could have done more to protect their property rights. “We’re really on a mission now to make sure nobody goes through this again,” Rick Bayles said. “At a minimum, we want to make sure neighbors know when something like this is going to happen. And, ideally, we’d have approval.” The HOA did not address a question regarding notification to nearby homeowners, instead referring to its statement. The project meets all city codes, and Sugar Land officials say their ability to intervene beyond that is limited. In Rick Bayles’ mind, this is where the homeowners’ association should come into play, he said. “I’ve spoken with previous members of the board, who’ve told me if these exact plans had been presented to them, they would have said 'no,' ” he said. “The association has some leeway, and this would have been 'no' up until 2019.” The First Colony Community Services Association’s website includes several forms and guidelines on what residents can and cannot do with their properties. For example, the association’s property improvement procedures and deed restriction guidelines booklet is 147 pages long, includes rules and regulations for everything from where a basketball hoop can be installed on a house to how many bird baths a property can have. And some specific neighborhoods within the subdivision have even more specific guidelines, according to the website. Ultimately, however, all improvement projects are subject to approval or disapproval from the association’s governing board, according to association documents.
“As provided in Article VIII, Section 5 of the declaration, ‘the property improvement committee shall have exclusive jurisdiction over modifications, additions or alterations made on existing residential, structures containing residential improvements or structures on any tract and the open space,’” according to the association’s guidelines. How far the association should go in using that leeway depends on who you ask, however. Homeowners' associations have become an increasingly contentious topic among homeowners across Texas in recent years as more and more neighborhoods fall under their control. About 2.1 million residents in 1970 lived in about 10,000 communities scattered across the country, according to data from the Community Associations Institute, an international membership organization. By 2018, that number had grown to be about 73 million people in some 347,000 communities, according to the data. Residents in organized communities like First Colony pay dues each year that can run in excess of $600, Rick Bayles said. And they do so because of the expectation that the associations will protect their property values and the appearance of the neighborhood, he said. The Bayleses have enlisted the help of a public relations consulting firm, Dolcefino Consulting, to get the word out about the limited protections offered by HOAs, they said. The Bayleses filed an appeal of the board’s decision to approve the construction project and it was rejected, they said. At this point, the nearby project will end, and there’s little the Bayleses can do to stop it, they said. Now, it’s to warn others about what could happen in other neighborhoods, they said.
have a commercial kitchen on site that everything gets processed in. We shell our own pecans, we make our own flavors. We press our own pecan oil as well.” Sharon told me she attended a market at the fairgrounds in October and plans to return again in March. She said her most popular product is probably her cinnamon-glazed pecans. “It’s not too crunchy,” she said. “The kids tell
me it tastes like cinnamon toast crunch cereal.” Next, I met Danessa Yaschuck. Danessa and her husband Brent Yaschuck are beekeepers and honey purveyors based in Damon. In 2015, the Yaschucks were living in Sienna, when they began their beekeeping as a hobby. Now their honey can be found in 15 local H-E-B grocery stores. “We were selling honey off of our golf cart next to the elementary school in the corner,” Danessa said.”Everybody was like, ‘What farmers markets do you go to?’ And we're like, ‘Oh, we don't go to any.’” Due to popular demand, the Yaschucks started their own farmers market, and then their business took off. Three years later, they moved out to the countryside, and now they manage more than 300 hives at SweetNes Honey Apiaries & Beetique near Brazos Bend State Park. At SweetNes, you can buy raw local honey, bee
pollen, honey sticks, candles and beeswax, and more. Another merchant at the market I met on Saturday was a newcomer to Rosenberg. Julie Montoya, a retiree from the Travis County Clerk’s Office in Austin, told me she’s been retired since 2020, but already had “put her foot in the door” attending markets across Central Texas for the last five years with her boutique business, Jules and Coco. At her booth, I found Texasshaped necklaces, wooden earrings, and decor sporting the logos of various Texas universities. “I like doing new events in different cities,” Montoya said. “So that's my goal for 2022.” Next up at the fairgrounds is the spring market, from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday-Saturday and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, March 11-13. For more information, visit homefortheholidaysgiftmarket.com.
A patient donates blood at a Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center drive. The organization is encouraging people in the Houston region to donate blood twice this year. (Contributed photo)
★ DRIVES FROM PAGE 1 community to come out and try to get some more blood on the shelves,” Palmer said. Shannon Maddasion, school director of Children’s Lighthouse in Richmond, represented one of the many Fort Bend County-based organizations who have partnered with GCRBC. She said there were six donors who gave blood at a Jan. 5 event at the early childhood school and daycare center. According to GCRBC, one blood
★ SL 95 FROM PAGE 1 remains and learning about the property, she said. “The exhibit will provide us with an enrichment opportunity for our students as they participate in tours at the Reese center,” she said. The opening of the new exhibit is the first in a series of phases planned for the Sugar Land 95. Late in 2021, the district’s board of trustees approved a $170,000 contract with a renowned architecture firm to design an outdoor exhibit space and cemetery for the Sugar land 95. The district contracted with MASS Design Group, a Boston-based architectural group that has focused in recent years on museums and exhibits geared toward forgotten aspects of history and racial justice. The firm garnered hon-
donation has the potential to save three lives. Maddasion said Children’s Lighthouse usually has its blood drive events every six months, with the next one planned for June. In addition to the Sugar Land Neighborhood Donor Center, 4949 Sweetwater Blvd., there are several locations scheduled to hold blood drives in the coming days and weeks across Fort Bend County, according to GCRBC’s search tool. From 8 a.m.-1:45 p.m. Thursday, the Amazon facility in Fresno is
hosting its pop-up drive. Cox Media Group is hosting a blood donation event from 10 a.m.-2:15 p.m. Saturday at 6113 Long Prairie Trace in Richmond. Cox and Best Buy are holding a blood drive from 3:30-6:45 p.m. on Monday at 24230 Commercial Drive in Rosenberg. Marshall High School in Missouri City is holding its blood drive from 8 a.m.-1:45 p.m. Monday. To schedule a blood donation appointment or for more information, visit giveblood. org or call 713-791-6373.
ors in recent years for its work on the National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery, Alabama. Also informally known as the National Lynching Museum, the facility sitting on a 6-acre site overlooking the Alabama state capitol opened in 2018 and is dedicated to the more than 4,400 victims of racial lynchings across the south, according to a New York Times article about the memorial. Representatives with the design group will meet with residents and community
members starting in March during a 10-week community engagement, Olainu-Alade said. The district will host four sessions to give residents a chance to voice their input, she said. Construction crews first found the remains of 95 people in 2018 while doing work on the James Reese Career and Technical Center. Historians have said the people buried there were part of the state's convict-leasing program, which operated during the late 1800s and early 1900s.
713-433-6421
14700 Almeda Rd. Houston, TX 77053 www.HoustonHumane.org
Hi, I am 2-year-old Emilla! I am such a goofy girl with a bright personality. I get so so so so excited to see you and get attention from people that I feel like I am going to explode!! I really love meeting new people and want you to know it. I am clever and know how to jump very high. I can even jump over fences. I am good with other dogs and will sometimes jump over to their kennel just to say hi. I am very friendly with lots of energy that I will need to have an outlet for once I am adopted. I would love to be your friend! I was also rescued from an animal shelter in New Orleans following hurricane Ida.
For questions, call us at 281-690-4200 or email to : Jsazma@fortbendstar.com
Visit her today at Houston Humane Society- 14700 Almeda Rd. M-F 11 AM -5:30 PM
THE STAR
PAGE 8 • Wednesday, January 19, 2022
See us online www.FortBendStar.com
Review: Worth taking a flier on Nibbles & Sips: vegan pop-up stand opening Gino’s Italian Joint in Rosenberg Longtime permanent Sugar Land location By Stefan Modrich
By Stefan Modrich
SMODRICH@FORTBENDSTAR.COM
SMODRICH@FORTBENDSTAR.COM
Fate has an interesting way of intervening whenever we decide to dine out. When I was looking for a place to visit in Rosenberg, I came across a place called Edible Candy Bites Distribution Co. I looked at the menu, which features pizza, cannolis, and other Italian classics. Oh, and they also serve pizza with CBD sauce, as well as other CBD candies, brownies and cookies. I was already interested enough in the premise, even though I am not a CBD user. And then, last Thursday, the company announced it was rebranding to become Gino’s Italian Joint. But fear not, if you are a customer seeking CBD products. Edible Candy Bites Distribution Co. remains in operation at Gino’s Italian Joint, as well as within the company’s location at The Painted Tree, a collection of boutique stores and shops in Sugar Land. It also has an online store. The restaurant has a traditional feel, with red and white checkerboard tablecloths and miniature Italian flags at every table. Even the restroom is wallpapered with newspapers recounting historic elections and heroic
Shown is a slice of pizza with Italian sausage and pepperoni from Gino’s Italian Joint in Rosenberg. (Photo By Stefan Modrich)
responses to natural disasters in Texas and across the U.S. There’s a window with a clear view of the kitchen where chocolate chip cookies sat on a baking sheet, ready to be placed in the oven. Gino’s is a cozy place with limited seating indoors, but on a nice day, the patio provides a nice place to people-watch in the city’s historic downtown. A large, 18-inch cheese pizza starts at $20 and can cost as much as $34, like the bada bing pizza with pepperoni, mushrooms, onion, bell pepper, black olives, Italian sausage, bacon, meat-
balls and jalapeños. So unless you’re dining with a group, a slice ($4) probably makes the most sense. And Gino’s does serve a generously large and piping-hot New York-style slice. Additional toppings are $1 each. The Italian sausage had a tangy zip to it, and also strong hints of fennel. And the thin pepperoni slices had a slightly sweet aftertaste whose flavors blended well with the gooey mozzarella cheese. I also ordered a regular cannoli ($5), a chocolate shell is available for the diehard sweet tooth. I thought the fried dough shell was well-constructed, though the powdered sugar dusting was messier than the cannolis I grew up eating. The ricotta filling was light and fluffy, and a tad sweeter than I wanted it to be.
I BUY JUNK CARS YO COMPRO CARROS VIEJOS
No Title, No Problem! Payment Up To $600 Call Selvin
832-878-2551
Whether you’re a CBD user or an Italian food connoisseur, you’re likely aware that quality options for either category are scarce in Fort Bend County, and the fact that Gino’s caters to both markets makes it a place worth visiting at least once.
Gino’s Italian Joint
Address: 808 3rd St., Rosenberg Dining Options: Dine-in, takeout Hours: 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday Entree prices: $4-$34 Kid-friendly: Yes Senior discount: No Alcohol: No Healthy options: House salad ($8) Star of the show: Sausage and pepperoni slice Rating: CHEAP TRASH HAULING FAST Home/Business • FREE ESTIMATES
WE WILL BEAT ANY PRICE
20% Off
With Ad #1 Cheapest Trash Hauling / Demolition Co. in TX! If You’ve Got It, We’ll Haul It. 7 Days Same Day Service • In Your Area
AAACheapTrashHauling.com Insured
COMMUNITY
CALENDAR
713-235-0560
What grew out of a spiritual trip to Peru and a journey of animal rights activism has taken Roozi Khani and his wife Jaime Grubbs on an entrepreneurial ride as they launched their first restaurant in Sugar Land on Tuesday. Khani said in a phone interview with the Fort Bend Star that he had hosted a friends and family event on Monday at Pythagoras, 14019 Parkway Blvd., a vegan restaurant with a “conscious food philosophy.” The restaurant’s namesake is the ancient Greek philosopher Pythagoras, and Khani said he was inspired by ancient doctrines that emphasized humane treatment of animals from other philosophers and historical figures. It also has a space theme on its website and menu, with Grubbs referring to the restaurant on social media as “the mothership” and in dishes such as the “cosmic pepperoni” and “supreme alien” pizzas. The “bacon-wrapped” wings from Pythagoras are made with sugar cane and soy protein. “Going vegan is going back to our roots,” Khani said. “It’s nothing new, it’s not a trend.” The 38-year-old Iranian immigrant first moved to California at age 18, and then moved to Houston in 2008. He met his wife while working at the J.W. Marriott Galleria hotel, and both Khani and Grubbs have extensive experience in management roles in the hospitality industry. It wasn’t until 2017, though, that the couple had the idea to start selling their vegan dishes, which they began doing once a week at Axelrad, a Midtown bar. They then moved on to catering weddings and events and serving up their fare at Urban Harvest Farmers Market and various vegan festivals across Houston, Austin and Dallas. Khani and his team were gear-
ing up to open the restaurant last spring, but Winter Storm Uri caused extensive damage to the building. In addition, he made the decision to invest in new kitchen equipment to eliminate any risk of cross-contamination from the building’s previous tenant, Formosa Seafood Co. “This has been a 15 month project for us,” Khani said. “Everything was completely gutted out. It was not easy, but great things don't come easy.” The restaurant opened up with a limited menu and hours at first, with a plan to open for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week. Pythagoras is open from 12-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. For more information, call 832461-7022. Jersey Mike’s to open in Rosenberg, fundraise for CAFB A new Jersey Mike’s Subs location is set to open Wednesday in Rosenberg, according to a news release from Splash Communications. The sandwich chain, located at 6726 Reading Road, is hosting its grand opening Wednesday, and will hold a fundraiser to benefit Child Advocates of Fort Bend through Sunday. Customers with a special fundraising coupon can make a minimum $2 contribution to Child Advocates of Fort Bend in exchange for a regular sub. Customers must have a coupon to be eligible, according to a news release. The franchise is led by owners Vivek, Adi and Shawn Sondhi. “Please join us as we open our doors and raise funds for Child Advocates of Fort Bend to help support this excellent cause,” Adi Sondhi said in a news release. “We are truly looking forward to providing our guests with the authentic Jersey Mike's experience.” Jersey Mike’s is open from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. daily. For more information, call 832-241-6241.
Deadline is noon every Friday. Limit entries to 40 words and answer the “5 Ws” Who, What, When, Where, and Why. Email to jsazma@fortbendstar.com or mail to: Fort Bend Star, 3944 Bluebonnet Drive, Stafford, Texas 77477.
FOR NON-PROFIT EVENTS
In light of the COVID-19 outbreak and the cancellation of several community gatherings, please check with each organization for updated information about the status of their events. JANUARY 20 LAMBDA SIGMA CHAPTER OF DKG ZOOM MEETING Thursday, January 20th, the local chapter, Lambda Sigma, of Delta Kappa Gamma, an international professional society of leading women educators will ZOOM this month's meeting. Members will be receiving an email invitation with password along with 2022-2024 officer slate nominees. Please contact Mary Ann Dolezal to turn in raffle money. Guest presenter: Glen Cole with Edward-Jones. Program: Financial Planning. Women educators who are interested in learning about DKG , contact dkglsnews2020@gmail.com JANUARY 22 FELICIA SMITH JIGSAW PUZZLE COMPETITION Register now for the Sixth Annual Hope For Three Autism Advocates Felicia Smith Jigsaw Puzzle Competition presented by LearningRx Sugarland. This exciting event takes place on January 22, 2022, at the historic Landmark Community Center, 100 Louisiana St., Missouri City. Teams of four, young (ages eight and up) and seasoned, have two hours to complete a 500-piece jigsaw puzzle. Awards ceremony immediately follows with first through fifth places recognized. Bragging rights are guaranteed! Registration at 9 am, competition 10 am-12 pm. The event EXPERIENCE COUNTS! 35+ YEARS SERVING FORT BEND COUNTY 281-243-2344 281.243.2300
14090 S.W. Freeway Suite #200 Sugar Land, TX
(Direct)
(Main) • KenWoodPC.com
Honored to be your choice for life insurance. LISA N SIMS, AGENT Monday - Friday 9 - 6 Saturday 10 - 2 After hours by appointment
11647 S Highway 6 Sugar Land, TX 77498 Toll Free: 281-201-2448 lisa@agentlisasims.com
Dine-In Open!
TAKE-OUT & CATERING
AVAILABLE
is one-way the local nonprofit group raises awareness and funds for families and children living with autism. Hurry, limited seating, register today (team of four $140) at www.hopeforthree.org/events FEBRUARY 10 FORT BEND-HARRIS RETIRED EDUCATORS MEETING Meeting, Thursday, February 10th, at 1:00 p.m., Venue Room, Sugar Land First United Methodist Church, 431 Eldridge Rd. (as of now) Program: Human Trafficking presented by Elijah Rising. Please bring a Valentine's Day card for Stilwell Retirement Living. Arrive earlier to socialize, sign in and pay dues if you haven't. All Fort Bend and Harris County I.S.D. retired public educators are invited. More information, call 713-206-2733. ONGOING 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 and his friends every Tuesday Night at 6:30 pm at First Presbyterian Church, 502 Eldridge Road, Sugar Land, Texas. The group plays folk, country, bluegrass, religious and patriotic songs. Call Sam at 832428-3165 or the church office at 281-240-3195 for more information. THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY FOR MEN Sugar Land First United Methodist Church, 431 Eldridge Road offers a Thursday Morning Bible Study For Men. This group is ongoing and uses a variety of studies throughout the year. The breakfast, coffee and donuts are free. Join us any time! Thursdays, 6:30-7:30 am in Wesley Hall. Call the church office at 281-491-6041 or Mike Schofield at 281-217-5799 for more information.
SUGAR LAND AMERICAN LEGION American Legion Freeman Post 942 meets the fourth Thursday of every month at the Post facility, 311 Ulrich, Sugar Land, Texas, at 7:00 PM. All veterans are welcome. Post hall is available for rental for events. Call 713-553-5370 if interested. 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. BECOME A FOSTER GRANDPARENT Volunteers are needed to be a role model, mentor and friend to children with exceptional needs in the community. Training, mileage reimbursement, tax-free monthly stipend if eligible. Call today to help change the world, one child at a time in Rosenberg. For more information, call 281-344-3515.
19 years
family owned and operated LUNCH SPECIALS HOME MADE TAMALES & TORTILLAS MARGARITA’S TO-GO!
SOUTHWEST FREEWAY 281.240.3060 12821 LasHaciendasGrill.com
11555 West Airport, Meadows Place, Texas, 77477 • 281-277-3367
Daily SpecialS! Open 7 DayS a week