03-03-2021 Edition of the Fort Bend Star by Fort Bend Star

FBISD wants input on new school names - Page 3

The Ridge Point boys basketball team beat Cypress Creek on Saturday for a regional semiﬁnal berth. Read about all the playoff action on Page 4. (Photo by Landan Kuhlmann)

WEDNESDAY • MARCH 3, 2021

Visit www.FortBendStar.com

Fort Bend / Southwest • Volume 45 • No. 28

George, Jetton spar over storm response By Stefan Modrich SMODRICH@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

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As Fort Bend County continues to recover from Winter Storm Uri, two local elected officials have engaged in an icy blame game. State Rep. Jacey Jetton of House District 26 wrote a letter to Fort Bend County Judge KP George last Wednesday, Feb. 24, criticizing George’s handling of the

George

Jetton

mid-February which caused

storm, wide-

spread power outages and water-supply issues

amidst freezing temperatures. Jetton said he was met with resistance by George and the Fort Bend County Office of Emergency Management (FBOEM) in his efforts to open warming centers. Both men accused the other of putting politics ahead of their constituents. “We could have had sites set up across the county for people to go to,” Jetton wrote. “You

had an opportunity to save lives and you stood in my way of accomplishing this very important task and I demand answers.” During a phone interview Monday, Jetton said the county was “caught flat-footed.” Jetton said he made George and FBOEM aware the morning of Feb. 15 of the pending

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Rental help available to county residents By Stefan Modrich SMODRICH@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Area residents in need of relief with rent and utility payments due to the COVID-19 pandemic have additional resources available to them in the form of Fort Bend County’s emergency rental assistance program, which began on Feb. 17. Ed Sturdivant, the auditor for Fort Bend County, said the funding in this allocation complements the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act money the county received last April. As of Monday, Sturdivant said the county had received 2,000 tenant applications and 450 landlords had enrolled in the program. Both are figures Sturdivant said he expects to increase. From June to December of last year, the county

SEE ASSISTANCE PAGE 6

Fort Bend County Sheriff Eric Fagan, second from right, helps unveil a portrait of Walter Moses Burton during a news conference Friday at the old county courthouse in Richmond. Burton was the ﬁrst African American to serve in the position of county sheriff in the U.S. (Photo from Facebook)

Officials unveil portrait of county’s first Black sheriff By Stefan Modrich SMODRICH@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

As part of Fort Bend County’s commemoration of Black History Month, county officials unveiled a portrait of Walter Moses Burton, the first African American to hold the position of county sheriff in the U.S. County Judge KP George said the portrait will be displayed in one

because of men like Walter Moses Burton. He’s a trailblazer.” Burton was born in 1829 and died in 1913. He was elected the county’s sheriff and tax-assessor collector in 1869. Burton also served as a state senator from 187475 and 1876-82. As a lawmaker, Burton helped push through legislation that led to the creation of what is known today as Prairie View A&M University, one of nine

historically Black colleges and universities in Texas. “We respect, we remember, and we honor his contribution,” George said. “Some people leave this world but they leave their mark for all of us to learn from and cherish and hold close to our heart.” Fort Bend County Precinct 2 Commissioner Grady Prestage said Bur-

SEE PORTRAIT PAGE 6

Construction approved for multipurpose facility By Stefan Modrich SMODRICH@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

County Auditor Ed Sturdivant speaks during a 2020 news conference at the old county courthouse in Richmond. (Photo by Landan Kuhlmann)

Fagan

of the hallways inside the

old county courthouse in Richmond. Fort Bend County Sheriff Eric Fagan, who last year was elected as the county’s second AfricanAmerican sheriff, said Burton should be honored throughout the U.S. for his efforts to advocate for the integration and education of Black Americans and other minorities. “I’m very proud to stand here today,” Fagan said. “One of the reasons I’m standing here today is

A new multipurpose arena is set to come to Fort Bend County near the site of the county fairgrounds in Rosenberg. On Feb. 23, the Fort Bend County Commissioners Court approved the construction of the EpiCenter, a 230,000 square foot facility scheduled to be built by the end of 2022 on a 51.75-acre site near the

southwest corner of Highway 59 and State Highway 36. The total development cost of the project is expected to be $120 million. The EpiCenter concept emerged as a topic of discussion in 2015 when proposals for a facilities bond election were under the county’s consideration. The commissioners court authorized a feasibility

SEE ARENA PAGE 6

The Fort Bend County Commissioners Court has approved construction for the new Fort Bend County EpiCenter in Rosenberg. (Photo courtesy of Fort Bend County EDC)

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PAGE 2 • Wednesday,

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March 3, 2021

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Fort Bend state representatives Sugar Land ordinance aimed at streamlining storm recovery discuss potential ERCOT reform By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

The Sugar Land City Council has approved an ordinance aimed at streamlining residents’ recovery from the impact of Winter Storm Uri. According to a Feb. 24 news release from the city, Sugar Land will consider adjustments to winter water bills affected by high usage from winter storm damages in the case of water and surface water charges. The city said its 2021 winter averages will be based on last year’s averages in order to avoid higher-than-normal average water bills. The city’s permit and inspection process is also being streamlined to allow faster repairs to damaged homes and businesses through May 1. Permit fees for re-

pairs needed as a result of the winter storm will be temporarily waived, while inspections can be conducted in person, virtually or through the submittal of photo documentation to expedite the inspection process. Homeowners completing repairs on their homestead won't need to have the homestead exemption form notarized as part of the permit process, according to the city, while contractors registering with the city to perform repairs related to the winter storm will

have their annual registration fee waived. Restaurants with damage repairs can also have construction and pre-opening inspection fees waived. "Residents of Sugar Land have endured conditions no one should have to experience during the past week," Mayor Joe Zimmerman said in the news release. "Many have sustained damage to their homes and businesses and are facing extensive repairs. The ordinance we approved is intended to help our residents and businesses through the recovery process." Anyone with utility billing questions can call the city’s Treasury Management department at 281-275-2750. To learn more and to read the full ordinance approved by the city council, visit sugarlandtx.gov/RecoveryResources.

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The fallout of Winter Storm Uri prompted the Texas House of Representatives to convene its Energy Resources and State Affairs committees last Thursday and Friday in response to the crisis that left thousands of Fort Bend County residents without power and/or water in the midst of freezing temperatures. Democrat State Rep. Ron Reynolds of House District 27, which includes Missouri City and Stafford, was the only Fort Bend County lawmaker to have a seat at the table as a member of the Energy Resources Committee. Reynolds said he recently had a conversation with Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, who formerly served as state representative in District 139, and refiled Turner’s House Bill 1986 that followed the 2011 storm and called for the Electricity Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) to have a plan in place for generating reserve power capacity in the event of future storms. Reynolds also filed House Bill 2078, which would mandate that all ERCOT board members are Texas residents. He said the failure to “winterize” wind turbines, natural gas pipelines and coal-fired plants is a responsibility shouldered by Gov. Greg Abbott and the Texas Legislature, not ERCOT or the Public Utility Commission (PUC) alone. “It’s troubling that this could have been prevented if we would have done some proactive measures to prepare ourselves for worst-case scenarios,” Reynolds said. “We failed on all levels.” Last Friday, five ERCOT board members who resided outside Texas resigned. A sixth potential board mem-

Now

Gates

Reynolds

ber, who according to ERCOT CEO Bill Magness was also an out-of-state resident, withdrew his application. There are a total of 16 seats on the ERCOT board, including five unaffiliated director positions that must remain independent of a business ERCOT oversees. “The area where we can improve our diversification is with our independent board members,” Magness said. “The rest of them are elected by those different industry segments or consumers, so we as a company don’t control who they elect, but certainly that’s a consideration for all those segments of the market to take a look at, too.” Republican State Rep. Jacey Jetton of Sugar Land represents House District 26, which includes Sugar Land and part of Richmond, and said he welcomes the recent resignations on the ERCOT board. “They obviously didn’t fare too well during this winter event,” Jetton said. “I think we need some fresh blood in there to look at things and investigate what happened and make sure this doesn’t happen again. I think it’s good to clean house a little bit right now.” Jetton said one of the critical failures of the grid was the inability to have a plan to imple-

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ment rolling blackouts. Many CenterPoint Energy customers were warned about shortterm outages, which quickly spiraled into widespread outages that lasted for several days. “We need to look at the technology that we’re using and find ways to isolate out those critical facilities like hospitals and then differentiate out the commercial versus residential and find ways to rotate that through equitably across the entire state,” Jetton said. “Some people were out for several days and some were only out for a couple of hours.” Republican State Rep. Gary Gates of Richmond represents House District 28, which includes parts of Rosenberg, Richmond and Katy. He said taxpayers and electricity consumers will need to be willing to withstand a rate increase to cover the costs of weatherizing critical power generation infrastructure, and that his colleagues may need to be open to connecting the Texas grid to that of its neighbors. “Maybe we need to not be so independent from the rest of the country as far as having electric lines that don’t cross state lines,” Gates said. “So in the event that this goes on in the future we can tap into neighboring states if they have the excess capacity.”

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Open letters amount to breakdown in communication If you’ve ever been in the middle of a fight between a couple or a pair of close friends, you know it can be a painfully awkward situation. Though as a reporter, I’m used to having “he said, she said” discussions, it can still be a bit unsettling to experience this at the highest levels of local government with so much at stake, even in the aftermath of Winter Storm Uri. I don’t know how long they have known each other, but I believe Fort Bend County Judge KP George and State Rep. Jacey Jetton to both be fundamentally decent family men who entered into public service with a desire to make a difference. I also know that plen-

Stefan Modrich

ty of local residents are disappointed in both of them for their inability to put aside partisan squabbles and figure out a way to collaborate for the best interests of those who they have been elected to serve. Jetton, the Sugar Land resident who represents District 26, wrote a letter to George, of Richmond, that seemed to give a voice to many who felt the county was asleep

at the wheel during the early stages of the cold snap that forced some to shelter in warming centers. I don’t know where the breakdown in communication occurred, and why Jetton had so much trouble getting in touch with George and his 10-person team at the Fort Bend County Office of Emergency Management (FBCOEM). Both men clearly were informed and had the ability to make things happen, though Jetton did out of courtesy defer to George’s jurisdictional authority until he felt he had no other option, as George has sometimes expressed similar sentiments about the

inconsistency of Gov. Greg Abbott’s limiting or extending the scope of power available to county judges as it relates to COVID-19 restrictions. They both spend plenty of time volunteering and sponsoring food drives and supplies drives for the benefit of their constituents And I think a sensible Fort Bend County resident should be able to look at this set of facts and find there’s a lot more common ground between the two then we might have assumed when we resist the human impulse to sort everyone into camps of “us” and “them.” Just like Jetton’s colleagues in the Texas Legislature have

mounted a bipartisan effort to hold the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) and the Public Utility Commission (PUC) accountable, there’s an opportunity to put Democratic and Republican agendas aside to compromise for the common good of their constituents. Inside and outside the world of politics, people who disagree with each other work together and solve problems all the time, and sometimes with a much lower margin for error and without the trappings of power, wealth, status and social media popularity It doesn’t matter to me who does it (preferably both) or even who

gets the credit for it, but George and Jetton need to swallow their pride and extend an olive branch and hash things out. Their neighbors want to know that they are capable of sitting down and showing up engaged and ready to work together, because citizens’ faith in their government accomplishing such a feat may be at a nadir right now. If they can pull that off and demonstrate in the next situation where their talents and skills are needed to solve a major problem that they have what it takes to make their communities better and transcend party lines, well, I’d say that’s a good way to move Fort Bend forward.

Fort Bend ISD seeking out input on new school names By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

The Fort Bend ISD community has been invited to provide input on naming two new schools coming to the district. FBISD said in a news release that its new elementary will be located in Sugar Land’s Riverstone community, while a new high school will be built on the southeast side of the district on FM 521 near Arcola and Sienna.

E E E E

The district said nominations of places or people to be considered as namesakes can be submitted through online nomination forms through March 10. Each nomination must include a written statement of 250 words or less explaining its significance. If the nomination is a person, FBISD said the person should have at-

itu a ry

tained prominence locally or nationally and made a significant contribution to society. Any nomination of a place should include its historical relevance. Community members can submit nominations for the elementary school at survey.k12insight.com/ survey.aspx?k=RQsQQS VXsQPXsPsPsP&lang=0 &data=. Nominations for FBISD’s 12th high school will be accepted at survey. k12insight.com/survey.as px?k=RQsQQSVXsQPYsP sPsP&lang=0&data.

E E E E

HENRY SHAWN HINCH SEPTEMBER 9, 1975

Henry Shawn Hinch passed away at the early age of 45 on February 25th 2021 after battling Covid-19. Known to all as “Shawn”, he loved his family, his country and the military. He joined the Navy in 1994 at the age of 19 after graduating from Cleburne High School. He did his basic training in Tennessee and then was stationed in Florida, Virginia and Oklahoma. He proudly served onboard the USS George Washington, the USS Eisenhower and was stationed on the USS Carl Vinson during the 911 attack on the United States. Shawn was in the Navy until 2007 when he was medically retired from service holding the rank of AT1. Shawn met Melissa shortly before entering the Navy. They continued their relationship by phone and mail for a while and in 1998, Shawn returned to the Missouri City area while on leave and their relationship renewed. By July of 1999 they were married. In 2006, while stationed in Virginia their first son, Matt was born. In 2007, they moved to Missouri City to be closer to family and in preparation for future medical surgeries. In 2009, they welcomed their second son, Brett. After the Navy, Shawn attended classes at the University of Houston where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree. This he did while he had 2

FEBRUARY 25, 2021

surgeries to replace both hip joints and was undergoing dialysis. He was blessed to receive ‘the gift of life’ by being the recipient of a donated kidney in 2012. Shawn was employed at S &B Engineering. While he really enjoyed his work, his greatest love was his family. He spent countless hours with them in whatever they ‘thought’ they wanted to try—be it football, baseball, basketball, soccer, martial arts, shooting sports, hunting, fishing, boy scouts, 4-H, raising rabbits, goats, or longhorn cattle. Whatever they wanted to do, he was there for them. Shawn was introduced to archery while in the Navy. He had a passion for the sport and loved to share it with others. He was a certified coach and was instrumental in helping start the Greater Pearland Archery Club that is

home to some of the best archers in the State of Texas. He is survived by his wife of 22 years, Melissa (Eichler) Hinch and two children Matthew & Brett; Father, Henry V. Hinch and wife Debbie Johnson of Kerrville, TX; Mother, Kay (Schlebach) and husband Floyd Hodges of Cleburne TX; in-laws; Rhonda and Bill Exley of Normangee TX, and Danny Eichler of Sugar Land, TX; sisters, Elizabeth (Hinch) and husband Michael Cravens of Colorado Springs, CO, Brandi Hinch of Cleburne TX and Traci (Hinch) and husband Tim Smith of Cleburne TX; brother Henry Tibbits of Spokane WA; step-siblings: Jessica Johnson and husband Patrick Bennett of Cypress TX, Matt Johnson and wife, Danielle of San Marcos TX, Serena Hodges of Cleburne, TX, Cassidy Hodges of Cleburne, TX, Tiffany Hodges of Cleburne, TX and Emily (Hodges) and husband Tommy Douglas of Walnut Springs, TX. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. The family requests that in lieu of flower, please show your support to Donate Life of Texas. https:// www.gifttool.com/donations/ Donate?ID=2139&AID=2832 Service to be announced at a later date.

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Worship Directory FORT BEND COUNT Y

BAPTIST CHURCH

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

CHRIST CHURCH SUGAR LAND • 281-980-6888 A United Methodist Community 3300 Austin Parkway • Sugar Land, TX 77479 Sunday Worship in the Sanctuary Simple Service / Prayer & Communion: 8 am Contemporary: 9:15 am / Traditional: 10:30 am Modern: 10:30 am Sunday School for all ages available at 9:15 www.christchurchsl.org EPISCOPAL

ALL SAINTS EPISCOPAL CHURCH • 281-499-9602 605 Dulles Avenue, Stafford, TX 77477 SUNDAY: 10:15 am Worship Rite Two www.allsaintsstafford.org

CHURCH OF CHRIST

STAFFORD CHURCH OF CHRIST • 281-499-2507 402 Stafford Run Rd. -Stafford, 77477 SUNDAY: Worship: 10:30 a.m. www.staffordchurchofchrist.org LUTHERAN CHURCH

FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH, LCMS 281-242-7729 800 Brooks St., Sugar Land Sunday: 8:00 am Traditional Worship 9:15 am Sunday School 10:30 am Contemporary Worship (Nursery Available) 4:00 pm Spirit of Life Worship PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

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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

Scripture of the week

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world..” - John 16:33

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PAGE 4 • Wednesday, March 3, 2021

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@FtBendAthletics:

Ridge Point upsets Cy Creek, reaches ﬁrst regional semiﬁnal By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

On the heels of the winningest season in school history, the Ridge Point boys basketball team is authoring another historic season. The Panthers continued it last weekend, taking down a state-ranked opponent to keep the school’s deepest playoff run alive. Ridge Point upset Cypress Creek – the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches’ 24th-ranked team in Class 6A – by a score of 41-39 Saturday night at the Merrell Center in Katy, advancing to the Region III-6A semifinal for the first time. The Panthers were scheduled to face 12thranked Humble Atascocita at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at Delmar Fieldhouse in Houston. At the end of the defensive struggle against Cy Creek, the Panthers (145) snapped the Cougars’ 19-game winning streak and held them to their lowest scoring output of the season. Luis Rodriguez led the Panthers with 12 points, while Caleb Hill finished with 11 points. The 39 points allowed was the Panthers’ secondlowest point total allowed this season, and continued a dominant defensive playoff run that has seen them give up just 46.3 points per game in three contests. Ridge Point was not the only boys team to stay alive over the weekend. Stafford continued its push for a return to Class 4A state tournament, while the Elkins Knights continued their recent run of playoff excellence. The Spartans advanced to their second consecutive Region III-4A semifinal

Ridge Point's Reggie Prudhomme tries to drive past a Cypress Creek defender during a Region III-6A quarterfinal basketball game last Saturday at the Merrell Center in Katy. The Panthers beat the Cougars to advance to the program's first regional semifinal. (Photo by Landan Kuhlmann)

with two wins last week, defeating Cuero on Feb. 24 and Corpus Christi Miller on Feb. 26. In the win over Miller, Dorian Henry led four players in double figures for the Spartans (19-4) with 24 points. Glenn Bishop had 15 points, while Xavier Iyalla and Z’Corrian Haynes had 10 points apiece. Stafford was slated to play Somerset at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Cuero High School. Elkins, meanwhile, defeated Houston Heights

last Saturday afternoon at Hopson Fieldhouse to reach the program’s fourth regional semifinal in the last six years. The Knights (18-1) – ranked 7th in Class 6A – were scheduled to face Humble Summer Creek, which is ranked 14th, at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Delmar Fieldhouse. Hightower saw its hopes of returning to the state tournament dashed with a loss to Crosby in a Class 5A area-round game Feb. 24 at Butler Fieldhouse. Jacory Chatman led the Hurricanes

with 19 points, while Bryce Griggs had 11 points and five assists. Hightower finished the season with a 17-3 overall record. District 20-6A champion Travis fell to Cy Creek Feb. 24 at the Merrell Center in Katy, ending the season at 17-5. After upsetting Katy Taylor on Feb. 20, Bush bowed out of the postseason with an overtime loss to Heights on Feb. 23. Girls Dulles’ historic season ended in the regional quarterfinals with a loss to Katy Tompkins on Feb. 24 at the Merrell Center. It was

the first loss of the season for the Lady Vikings (241), who got 19 points from Nya Threatt along with 12 points and five rebounds from Dai Dai Powell. While they will lose three-time all-district selection Victoria Moore to graduation, the Lady Vikings look to be locked and loaded for next season. They will likely return four starters in Threatt (the District 20-6A Most Valuable Player), Powell (the district’s co-defensive player of the year), as well as all-district selections Jakiya Thompson and Peyton Overton.

Boys Playoff Scores Feb. 23 Heights 57, Bush 52 (OT) Feb. 24 Elkins 54, Memorial 40 Ridge Point 71, Bellaire 42 Stafford 66, Cuero 30 Cypress Creek 74, Travis 54 Crosby 70, Hightower 54 Feb. 26 Stafford 75, Miller 50 Feb. 27 Elkins 55, Heights 45 Ridge Point 41, Cy Creek 39 Girls Playoff Scores Feb. 24 Katy Tompkins 55, Dulles 40

The Hightower Hurricanes are one of the multiple area baseball teams who have had good starts to their 2021 season, sitting at 5-0. (Photo from Hightower Baseball Twitter)

Area baseball, softball teams off to strong starts By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

The Monthly Business Magazine

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After having the 2020 season cut short due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the area’s high school baseball and softball teams have sprung into action with hot starts this year. The Dulles Vikings have had the best start among the area’s Class 6A baseball teams, going 4-1 at the Katy ISD tournament to open the 2021 campaign. Dulles most recently beat Katy Mayde Creek on Feb. 25, then split a pair of games against Katy and Cypress Springs on Feb. 26. The Vikings will play Richmond Foster at 5 p.m. Thursday. Elkins is on a two-game winning streak after defeating Houston Memorial and Spring Woods on Feb. 26, moving to 2-2 on the young season. Joseph Binder has led the way at the plate, hitting .500 with a double and a triple in 13 at-bats. Logan Abadie, Ethan Muniz, Adam Wade and Amir Sabahi are tied for the team lead with four RBIs apiece. The Knights will play Cy Falls on Thursday. The Bush Broncos have bounced back from a season-opening loss to Houston Macarthur on Feb. 25 with consecutive wins over Cypress Lakes and

Houston Westfield, and stood at 2-1 on the season heading into Tuesday’s game against Katy Morton Ranch. Travis is 2-2-1 so far in tournament play. Nick Massarini is hitting .308 with two home runs for the Tigers, with both of those homers coming in a 15-6 win over Katy Taylor on Feb. 26. Travis will continue non-district play with a game against Cy Springs on Thursday. Austin has started the season 1-2 following losses to Langham Creek on Feb. 25 and Cy Woods on Feb. 26, sandwiched around a win against Katy Mayde Creek on Feb. 26. Ridge Point also had a rough start to the year, going 2-4 at last week’s Katy ISD tournament. In Class 5A action, the Hightower Hurricanes are now 5-0 on the season taking down Willowridge on Feb. 23 and Houston Eisenhower and Sterling on Feb. 26. They also beat Scarborough on Feb. 27. Kempner sits at 1-2 on the season and was looking to snap a two-game losing streak in Tuesday’s scheduled game against Angleton. Willowridge is 0-4 on the season, and was scheduled to play Hightower on Tuesday, while Marshall was 0-4 heading into Tuesday’s

scheduled game against Fulshear. In Class 4A, Stafford beat Willowridge 11-1 and Alief Taylor 15-0 on Feb. 26, moving to 2-1. Softball Austin’s Lady Bulldogs are 3-1 in the early going to lead FBISD’s Class 6A teams. They split a pair on Feb. 25 with a loss to Langham Creek and a win over Houston Memorial, then beat Stratford and Katy Taylor on Feb. 27. Dulles is off to a 3-2 start after last week’s Spring Branch ISD tournament, defeating Spring Woods and Sealy on Feb. 25. The Lady Vikings then dropped a pair to Klein Cain on Feb. 26 and Montgomery on Feb. 27. The Clements Lady Rangers are 1-5 in the early going, with the lone win coming on Feb. 27 against Cy Springs. Maddox Darnell hit a grand slam against Cy Springs. Among the area’s Class 5A action, the Kempner Lady Cougars snapped a two-game losing streak with a 5-1 win over Westside on Feb. 25, and are now 1-2 on the season. In Class 4A action, the Stafford Lady Spartans went 4-1 at a home tournament last week. See fortbendstar.com for a list of last week's scores.

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Wednesday, March 3, 2021 • PAGE

OakBend Medical Center revises policy to allow more visitors By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

OakBend Medical Center, which has locations at 1705 Jackson St. and 22003 Southwest Fwy. in Richmond, announced Feb. 25 that the hospital is modifying its COVID-19 visitor policy to allow for more visitors. The hospital will allow one adult visitor (at least 18 years old) per day per

non-COVID, non-isolation patient as well as for those in the Labor and Delivery Unit and the emergency room. For patients in Labor and Delivery, one visitor can also stay overnight. Patients under age 18 or those who are disabled, impaired or require medical assistance will be allowed one caretaker, according to the hospital, as will patients who are in OakBend’s Skilled Nursing Facility. Those who are in

hospice care or end-of-life situations will be allowed to have two visitors for a brief period. The hospital has been restricting visitors for the last several months to help slow the spread of COVID-19, but had begun allowing one adult visitor per patient per day in early January. “We deeply appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to keep our community healthy,” OakBend CEO

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Joe Freudenberger said in a news release. OakBend also said there will be no visitors allowed for patients who have tested positive for COVID-19, are in isolation or the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). All visitors to OakBend Medical Center will be required to wear a mask and will be provided a surgical mask to wear throughout their visit upon entry. Visiting hours are from 8 a.m.-9 p.m. daily.

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LEGALS NOTICE TO ALL PERSONS HAVING CLAIMS AGAINST THE ESTATE OF REBECCA A. FRAZIER, DECEASED NO. 20-CPR-035206 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT CO-EXECUTORS Notice is hereby given that on February 2, 2021 the following qualified as Co-Executors of the above Estate: Rebecca A. Morello and Richard A. Frazier, Jr. In County Court at Law No. 2 of Fort Bend County, Texas, in Cause Number 20-CPR-035206, pending upon the Probate Docket of said Court. All persons having claims against said Estate being administered are hereby requested to present the same within the time prescribed by law to:. Rebecca A. Morello and Richard A. Frazier, Jr. Independent Co-Executors c/o Louis M. Ditta, Attorney Ditta Law, P.C. 2900 Weslayan, Suite 150 Houston, Texas 77027

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INVITATION TO BID Sealed bids, in duplicate, addressed to Park at Eldridge, Inc. for Construction of Detention, Water, Sanitary Sewer, Drainage Facilities and Paving and Appurtenances to serve The Park at Eldridge in the City of Sugar Land, Texas. Located at the southwesterly corner of Eldridge Road and West Airport Blvd. Bids will be received at the office of Beeson Properties, 1020 West Loop North, Suite 200, Houston, TX 77055, until 2:00pm, March 18, 2021, and then publicly opened and read aloud. Questions may be addressed in person at the above address or by telephone to Tom Simmons at (713) 622-5595 no later than March 11, 2021. Plans, specifications, and bid documents may be viewed free of charge (with an option to purchase hard copies) at the office of Beeson Properties. Reproduction charges will apply. A Cashier’s Check or bid bond in the amount of 5% of the total amount of the bid must accompany each bid. The successful bidder must furnish a payment and performance bond acceptable to the owner.

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.

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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING SPECIAL EXCEPTION REQUEST FROM THE STREET SIDE YARD SETBACK REQUIREMENT IN THE STANDARD SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (R-1) ZONING DISTRICT FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 3103 MESQUITE DRIVE Zoning Board of Adjustment Public Hearing 5:00 p.m., March 17, 2021, City of Sugar Land City Council Chamber, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, hosted via live stream at http://www.sugarlandtx.gov/1238/ SLTV-16-Live-Video or https://www.youtube. com/sugarlandtxgov/live, and Sugar Land Comcast Subscribers can also tune-in on Channel 16 to hear all persons interested in the proposed Special Exception to the Street Side Yard Setback for 3103 Mesquite Drive, Lot 24 & part of 25, Block 15, Settlers Park Section II, in the Standard Single-Family Residential (R-1) District.

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LEGALS NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING SPECIAL EXCEPTION REQUEST FROM THE REAR YARD SETBACK REQUIREMENT IN THE RESTRICTED SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (R-1R) ZONING DISTRICT FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 602 CHEVY CHASE CIRCLE Zoning Board of Adjustment Public Hearing 5:00 p.m., March 17, 2021, City of Sugar Land City Council Chamber, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, hosted via live stream at http://www.sugarlandtx.gov/1238/SLTV-16Live-Video or https://www.youtube.com/ sugarlandtxgov/live, and Sugar Land Comcast Subscribers can also tune-in on Channel 16 to hear all persons interested in the proposed Special Exception to the Rear Yard Setback for 602 Chevy Chase Circle, Lot 1, Block 9, Sugar Creek Section 1, in the Restricted Single-Family Residential (R-1R) District.

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The agenda item for this meeting will be placed on the City of Sugar Land website at www. sugarlandtx.gov under “Meeting Agendas” Zoning Board of Adjustment no later than Friday, March 12, 2021. Request details or provide feedback on the proposed Special Exception online at www.sugarlandtx.gov/ PublicHearingComment or contact City of Sugar Land Planning Department at (281) 275-2218.

As of the date of this publication (March 3, 2020) the Centers for Disease Control recommends social-distancing and the avoidance of large and small gatherings in public spaces in order to limit the spread of COVID-19. As a result, the City of Sugar Land has elected to conduct this meeting online. Members of the public wishing to view the meeting live may do so at the links above. Members of the public desiring to make comments during the public hearing may submit their written comments to the Office of City Secretary (citysec@sugarlandtx.gov). Comments should reference the hearing in the subject line, must be received by 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 17, 2021, then will be read into the record during the public hearing. Members of the public desiring to make their comments during the published date and time of the public hearing must e-mail (citysec@sugarlandtx. gov) or call ((281) 275-2730) the Office of the City Secretary by 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 17, 2021 to register and receive instructions for direct participation during the hearing.

Should the Centers for Disease Control, and/or the prevailing appropriate authority, lift the restrictions related to social-distancing and the avoidance of large and small gatherings in public spaces prior to 72 hours of the date of the public hearings, the City of Sugar Land will provide notice to the public on the Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting agenda at www.sugarlandtx.gov under “Meeting Agendas.”

THE STAR

PAGE 6 • Wednesday, March 3, 2021

★ ARENA FROM PAGE 1 study that was completed in 2018 and, according to a news release, “showed that market demand exists to support the facility.” County Judge KP George said Monday that in light of Winter Storm Uri and the widespread power and water outages that affected the Houston area that a contingency plan with backup power generators was “absolutely” under consideration. While George said the county is not building an emergency center with the EpiCenter, he reiterated the building’s functionality as a “multiuse” facility and cited the area’s elevation as one of the strengths of the venue’s location. “That is the highest point in Fort Bend County,” George said. “That area doesn’t get flooded under any normal circumstances.” This, George said, will allow the building to also serve as an operations center and evacuation emergency shelter for hurricanes or other disasters.

★ SPAR FROM PAGE 1 outages and the potential that rolling blackouts would last longer than planned. In his letter, Jetton said George was reluctant to set up warming centers because he did not want to encourage residents to drive on icy roads. The county subsequently set up warming centers in Missouri City, Richmond and Katy, according to George. “The point of the letter was to uncover all of the issues and shortcomings across the board that we need to make sure we’re

★ ASSISTANCE FROM PAGE 1 provided $34 million in rent, mortgage and utility aid with its previous program. County residents

See us online www.FortBendStar.com

The county’s plans for the facility are for it to host a variety of events, including conferences and trade shows, festivals and fairs, graduations, sports and recreation, spectator events, community events and agriculture, livestock or equestrian shows. The project will be built utilizing a “public-private partnership delivery method often used for developing similar facilities,” according to a news release. Under the agreement, the county will lease the property to a developer that will construct the project and lease the building back to the county. The county will retain ownership of the land and will own the building when its debt is paid. The news release from the county cited county commissioners Vincent Morales of Precinct 1 and Grady Prestage of Precinct 2 as contacts for the project. Neither responded to emailed questions seeking more information about the specifications of the planned facility and who will use it.

The new EpiCenter will host a variety of county events, such as festivals, fairs, graduations and livestock and equestrian shows. (Photo courtesy of Fort Bend County EDC)

prepared for next time,” Jetton said. Jetton said George was the first person he called after receiving a briefing Feb. 15 following the communication he had with the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) and CenterPoint Energy. George said he did not speak with Jetton and did not mention Jetton in his response in a letter he posted on Facebook last Thursday. George said in a phone interview that omitting Jetton from the letter was intentional. George said he relayed to the public the information CenterPoint told him about blackouts, and that

he was “very frustrated” with the communication from the state, including Texas Gov. Greg Abbott blaming windmills for the outages before Abbott walked back his comments and stated that all energy sources were responsible for the grid failure. In his letter, George listed the county’s efforts working with local officials and nonprofits, and praised the community and first responders. “As Texans, we can walk and chew gum at the same time,” George wrote. “We will help our neighbors in crisis and advocate for comprehensive, statewide change.”

Some county residents said Jetton, a Sugar Land resident, was standing up in what they perceived to be a vacuum of leadership throughout the energy and water crisis caused by the inclement weather. “(George) has a history of not being willing to work hand in hand with people who have opposing political views,” Robert Stratton wrote on Facebook. “And now, again, at the expense of the citizens of Fort Bend County.” Another of George’s constituents said the blame for the storm response should lie with him.

“He likes to point the fingers at others, yet he is the highest county official and is ultimately the one responsible at the end of the day,” Maria Casas of Missouri City wrote on Facebook. But others said the political battles between the two elected officials were a distraction. “As one of your constituents, I’d much rather you focus on the people who created the problem rather than the people who were forced to respond to it on short notice,” Kirk Cowell, a Richmond resident, wrote on Facebook. Carol Vale, a Cinco Ranch resident, said she was concerned because

she had signed up for emergency text alerts from both Fort Bend and Harris County but did not receive them. But she did not blame George for the outages, saying it was not his fault that CenterPoint and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) did not account for them. “I’m not sure he or any other person in his position, whatever the political party could have done anything differently,” Vale wrote. “Power was out for the majority of Texas. How do you set up warming centers when you don’t know when or where outages will happen?”

who meet the income requirements and are not a participant in another federally-funded rental program are eligible, Sturdivant said. The current program will provide rent and/ or utility assistance for

up to 12 months or until funds are exhausted. To qualify for assistance, the annual income threshold for a single-person household is $44,000. For households of up to eight people, the income limit is $84,000 annually.

“You do have to demonstrate a reduction in household income,” Sturdivant said. “You could have had something that resulted in a higher cost due to the pandemic, or you experienced other financial hardship. We

look for every opportunity to make you eligible within the guidelines.” The application can be found at the following link: https://grantcare. fortbendcountytx.gov/ fort-bend-cares-resources-form.php?f bclid=IwA

R1M27RYbdRf83ObynQ7FT11qOav6nVJ1bnw7ZEMeR7740Sp6iJcz5TK38 Additional information can be found on the county’s website, www. fortbendcountytx.gov, or by calling 281-238-2273.

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A sudden (acute) onset of liver damage can occur as a result of taking certain over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications. The liver is an organ responsible for clearing the blood from bad chemicals, making important proteins, and changing harmful chemicals into something the body can use. It also makes bile. Bile acid helps the body digest fats. Symptoms of acute liver failure include yellowing of the skin, swelling of the belly, confusion, and feeling sleepy. Untreated liver damage can lead to bleeding, infections, and swelling of the brain. Taking more than the recommended dose of Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is a leading cause of acute liver failure. Taking too much of this OTC drug can lead to liver failure which requires immediate medical attention. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) can worsen liver damage in people who already have liver problems. Antibiotics such as isoniazid and nitrofurantoin may cause acute liver damage in certain individuals.

★ PORTRAIT FROM PAGE 1 ton and other local Black civil rights icons like Arizona Fleming, Lula Belle Goodman, a longtime Fort Bend ISD teacher, and Billy Baines — FBISD’s first Black principal — have had elementary schools named after them in Fort Bend Houston, Fresno and Missouri City, respectively. Prestage said Burton had limited authority to arrest white citizens during his tenure as sheriff, as a result of the Jim Crow laws that governed Fort Bend County in the aftermath of the Reconstruction Era following the Civil War all the way through the Civil Rights Era during the 1960s. “For many years, I felt like a lone wolf,” Prestage said. “But I’m happy to see everybody embracing

A portrait of Walter Moses Burton, Fort Bend County's ﬁrst Black sheriff, was recently unveiled by county oﬃcials and will be displayed at the old county courthouse in Richmond. (Photo from Facebook)

it, and that’s what makes Fort Bend County special.” Also present at the ceremony were County Commissioner Vincent Morales of Precinct No. 1, Beverly Walker, the county’s district clerk, Carmen Turner, the county’s tax assessor-collector, and Bridgette Smith-Lawson, the first Black woman to be elected to the office of county attorney in Texas. “African Americans run deep in the soul of Fort Bend County,” Walker said. “We’ve made indelible marks.” Follow us on social media @FortBendStar

06-08-16 - Ed’s Pharmacy - 2 x 4.5

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THE STAR

See us online www.FortBendStar.com

Wednesday, March 3, 2021 • PAGE

County oﬃcials open new vaccine registration portal doses of the Pfizer vaccine. According to the county’s COVID-19 data hub, the county has had 50,425 confirmed cases, and 46,723 people recovered from the virus that causes COVID-19 as of Tuesday. There have been 503 deaths among county residents due to COVID-19. To find a vaccine provider near you, visit the Texas Division of Emergency Management’s interactive map at the following link: https://tdem. maps.a rcg is.com/apps/ webappviewer/index.html ?id=3700a84845c5470cb0d c3ddace5c376b. Residents can call the county’s vaccine hotline at 832-471-1373 with questions. Barbara Martinez, the director of clinical health services at FBCHHS, said patients will be notified by either email, text message or a phone call to schedule an appointment.

By Stefan Modrich SMODRICH@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Fort Bend County Health and Human Services (FBCHHS) has opened its new vaccine registration portal, Fort Bend County Judge KP George announced Friday. Those in the Phase 1A and 1B priority groups as designated by the Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS) can register at https:// vaccinewaitlist.fortbendcountytx.gov/. According to TDSHS’s Week 12 vaccine allocation plan, FBCHHS at 4520 Reading Rd. in Rosenberg received 10,530 doses of the Pfizer vaccine. Also in Week 12, Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital was allocated 8,190 Pfizer vaccine doses and Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital got 2,340 Pfizer doses.

Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Surgical Hospital, Sugar Land Rehabilitation Hospital and Jester IV, a psychiatric facility at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice prison in Richmond each got 200 Moderna vaccine doses. St. Hope Foundation in Sugar Land, Fort Bend Family Health Center AccessHealth locations in Missouri City, Stafford, and Richmond, and Titaniumrx Pharmacy in Richmond each received 100 Moderna vaccine doses. In Week 11 of the plan, FBCHHS received 9,360

For questions, call us at 281-690-4200 or email to : Jsazma@fortbendstar.com

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Formerly known as the Fort Bend Newcomers Guide, the Fort Bend Star Guide is a twice a year product that serves as a guide to everyday living in our unique community. Where to go, places to see, things to do and services that are available in Sugar Land, Missouri City, Richmond, Rosenberg, Stafford, and Fort Bend County.

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THE STAR

PAGE 8 • Wednesday, March 3, 2021

See us online www.FortBendStar.com

Review: Stafford Kabab & Grill adds character to South Asian cuisine scene By Stefan Modrich SMODRICH@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Last month, I was among the first visitors to Stafford Kabab & Grill, one of the city’s newest restaurants, having opened at the end of January a stone’s throw from where U.S. Highway 90A meets Dulles Avenue. The small, no-frills, Halalfriendly Indian restaurant offers a plethora of South Asian staples and has made a splash in a competitive marketplace. So I decided to check in again recently to see how they were doing. As I alluded to in a column back on Feb. 2, Stafford Kabab is still growing into its space and a bit rough on the edges. Its website had been under construction for some time, but is now up at 90kabab.com if you want to peruse its menu before stopping by. The dining room may not win any awards for interior design, but expect friendly service and a good, authentic Indian meal. If you’re really looking for the dish that sets Stafford Kabab apart, go with the Goat Biryani ($16). It can be tedious to pry the

Pictured is the Goat Biryani from Stafford Kabab & Grill during a recent visit. (Photo by Stefan Modrich)

meat off the bones, but it is ultimately worth the effort, especially when paired with deliciously seasoned rice.

The highlight of my second visit was not the Chicken Reshmi Kabab ($7.99), plated as two chick-

en sausage links that were only missing the skewers to complete the fresh-offthe-grill plating aesthetic.

COMMUNITY

CALENDAR

Rather, it was the pairing of the meat with both the naan ($1.49) and Paratha ($2.99). These two classic Indian flatbreads are so delicious that they could be a meal unto themselves with the right amount of melted butter. Stafford Kabab was very generous with the serving size, bringing a warm basket filled with each bread. Another exciting aspect of eating Indian food is the manifold ways in which it expands your palate. I was glad to see three different dipping sauces brought out with the Chicken Reshmi Kabab, including a classic green chutney, a blend of cilantro, lime juice and green chili peppers. There was also the raita, a yogurt-based sauce used to counter some of the spiciest elements of popular dishes like biryani. But the X-factor was the tamarind chutney. I’m well-versed in the utility of tamarind as a spice and as a dessert in Mexican culture, but was unaware of its potential in South Asian cooking. Its sweet and sour flavor was distinct, and with the raita acting as a palate cleanser, it allowed me to sample the naan and paratha

with both dipping sauces. I’d recommend using the naan and paratha to make a wrap with the chicken. It may seem difficult to find a place that is both small yet safe enough to socially distance, a place that is quiet but friendly, and reasonably affordable for feeding a family. But Stafford Kabab seems to check these boxes. And while there may be a few others out there, I’ve never regretted supporting a local business, particularly one that is just getting started in the midst of trying circumstances.

Stafford Kabab & Grill

Address: 4133 S. Main St., Stafford Dining Options: Dinein, curbside pickup, delivery via DoorDash Hours: 7:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Saturday, 7 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday Entrée prices: $10-$16 Kid-friendly: Yes Senior discount: No Alcohol: No Healthy options: Yes Star of the show: Goat Biryani

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. MARCH 5 MOVIES IN WESSENDORFF PARK Richmond is bringing back the monthly Free outdoor movies, beginning with National Treasure at Wessendorff Park, 500 Preston St. beginning March 5. The free outdoor ﬁlm screening is organized by the city of Richmond and will be held in Wessendorff Park with plenty of room for distancing and kids to run. As in past years, Rotary Club of Richmond will supply free popcorn and the city will provide water. Families are encouraged to bring their own chairs and blankets. SATURDAY, MARCH 6 ELECTRONICS RECYCLING EVENT Missouri City Green and the City of Missouri City will host an Electronics Recycling event at the Public Safety Headquarters at 3849 Cartwright Road 77459 from 8am to 12pm. View acceptable items at www. missouricitygreen.org. Donations will help fund this event. MAY 8 CHILD ADVOCATES OF FORT BEND’S ANNUAL GALA FOR THE CHILDREN 30TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION! Join us to honor 19,000 children in Fort Bend County who have been abused and neglected Saturday, May 8 - 6 pm, Sugar Land Marriott Tickets $125. Sponsorships $2500 - $10,000 www.cafb.org

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MARCH 11 FT. BEND/HARRIS RETIRED EDUCATORS NEXT ZOOM MEETING is Thursday morning, March 11th, at 10:00. Program: The Sugar Land 95 (leasing the work of the prisoners to private individuals or corporations 1879 - 1909). Speaker: Chassidy Olainu-Alade, FBISD's coordinator for community and civic engagement. Paid members will receive an emailed zoom invitation a week prior to the meeting. Further information for any retired educator, email cmduvall@aol.com. ONGOING 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 YearEnd Giving. Register now, or learn more about exciting events: www.hopeforthree. org/events VIRTUAL The Temple Experience featuring Dr. Temple Grandin Ð February 20, 2021 Tickets, spectacular sponsorships and creative underwriting opportunities available. AMERICAN LEGION MEETINGS. Will be the fourth Tuesday of every month at the Raymond Freeman Post 0942, 311 Ulrich, 7:00 pm, Sugar Land, Texas. 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

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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, AmericaÕ 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 713-8595920 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. DAV CHAPTER 233 MONTHLY MEETING The second Tuesday of every month at the United Way Fort Bend Center, 12300 Parc Crest Dr., Stafford, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. For more information, email maw0500@gmail. com.

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“Magic Donuts melt in your mouth” Store Hours Monday - Sunday: 4:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Tel: 281-242-1881 907 Eldridge Rd. Sugar Land, TX 77478

11555 West Airport, Meadows Place, Texas, 77477 • 281-277-3367

Daily SpecialS! Open 7 DayS a week

Dine-In Open!

TAKE-OUT & CATERING

AVAILABLE

18 years

family owned and operated LUNCH SPECIALS HOME MADE TAMALES & TORTILLAS MARGARITA’S TO-GO!

SOUTHWEST FREEWAY 281.240.3060 12821 LasHaciendasGrill.com

HIRELOCAL • SHOPLOCAL • EATLOCAL