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FBCSO responds to Roberts' harassment claim By Landan Kuhlmann
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New England Patriots linebacker Elandon Roberts claims he was harassed by a Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office deputy during a March traffic stop in front of his Richmond home. The sheriff’s office
responded Friday, apologizing to Roberts and saying an edited video of the incident helped spur a controversy that has made national headlines. According to a USA TODAY report that included dashcam footage of the stop, Roberts, 25, was stopped March 10 shortly before 10 p.m. in the Pecan Grove subdivision in
Richmond and complained of harassment. The report said the deputy, Adam Watkins, referred to Roberts as a “big black man” when calling for backup. The FBCSO said Roberts was given a citation for allegedly driving 59 mph in a 35 mph zone and not being able to provide proof of insurance. During the stop, Sheriff Troy Ne-
hls said Roberts was told to get back in his car, and complied immediately. Roberts’ attorney has requested an investigation into the traffic stop, according to USA TODAY. “Unfortunately, these types of things are happening all too often to
SEE FBCSO, PAGE 7
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Efforts now underway to reduce E. coli in Big Creek By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM
Big Creek in Fort Bend County has long been a popular spot for recreation, with its 222 square miles servicing 414 miles of waterways. State and local officials are responding to a threat to its public safety – elevated levels of fecal matter – with a large-scale waterquality project that could begin within a year. Representatives from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) gathered July 11 with Fort Bend County stakeholders and a few residents to discuss water-quality issues impacting the Big Creek watershed and provide an opportunity to give feedback on potential paths forward. “Some of these issues have risen to the point of triggering a need to address those issues,” H-GAC senior planner Justin Bow-
SEE CREEK, PAGE 7
Ibrahim Ali takes a swing during practice for the Sugar Land Youth Cricket Club on Monday at the Four Corners Community Center. The organization stands to benefit from Fort Bend County's first public cricket field, which was unveiled earlier this month. (Photo by Landan Kuhlmann)
County's first public cricket field caters to diversity By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM
Since 2013, the Sugar Land Youth Cricket Club has taught kids ages 7 and up the skills and training for cricket. The organization did so consistently despite rarely knowing the site of an upcoming session, making it an uphill battle. “Without a dedicated ground, we had no idea when we were going to practice next,” said assistant manager Ajay Bhora, whose son plays with SLYCC. But such uncertain-
ty is no more, as the SLYCC is among many organizations and community members that stand to benefit from the recent culmination of an initiative aimed to serve a culturally diverse county. Earlier this month, Fort Bend County Judge KP George and Precinct 4 Commissioner Ken DeMerchant inaugurated Fort Bend County’s first public cricket field at the Four Corners Community Center in Sugar Land. "Many members of our diverse community have approached my administration about recreational facilities that meet their needs,” said George,
who is Indian-American. “Cricket is one of the most widely played sports in Fort Bend County. From starting this conversation last November, to seeing children play on it this week, this was a vision and now a fulfilled promise. I encourage all to use this field for many years to come.” Barely a week later, the impact of access to the sport already has been felt among the community’s Aarnav Gopinath prepares to throw during a Sugar Land youth population. Sugar Youth Cricket Club practice. (Photo by Landan Kuhlmann) Land Youth Cricket Club has begun practicing and will begin playing league practice here. He knows of his son Aarnav, who games next month. the importance of hav“He’s much more en- ing something like this,” SEE CRICKET, PAGE 8 thusiastic about coming to Praveen Gopinath said
Residents recall moon-landing memories near 50th anniversary By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM
When Neil Armstrong took that first step off Apollo 11 onto the surface of the moon July 20, 1969, it was a seminal moment for the United States. Events around Fort Bend County, such as the
50th anniversary festival from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at the George Memorial Library in Richmond, will commemorate the event. It also holds a special place in the memories of some of the county’s residents. Ralph Youngblood, a 75-year-old Sugar Land resident, watched the landing on an old black-
and-white TV given to his family as a gift. “Our kids were very young at that time, but we sat them in front of the TV, too,” he said. “We thought the modern times had come, and that science had reached the ultimate peak.” Fellow Sugar Land resident Jack Daniels, a native
Texan who was teaching at the University of Southern
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Mississippi at the time of the landing, said the space program represented a beacon of hope in a dark time for the U.S. after the 1968 assassinations of Robert F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King, Jr. “There was a spirit of optimism here with the space program – at that time, we were exhilarated
by it,” he said. “Amidst all of that was the success of the space program. In spite of the tragic happenings, we could still see reason for optimism, which was big.” As he remembered watching live with his
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PAGE 2 • Wednesday, July 17, 2019
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SMSD reveals plan for new STEM campus for 2021-22 From Staff Reports
The Stafford Municipal School District is on the verge of a historic addition. During a community meeting at the Stafford Centre last week, the district revealed plans to open a comprehensive STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) magnet school for the 2021-22 school year. It will be the
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first campus of its kind in Fort Bend County and eventually serve students in grades 3-12. Last week’s announcement featured breakout
sessions on robotics, coding, biomedical and more to introduce the community to the concepts the school will offer its children.
FBISD to provide money, land as part of cemetery agreement From Staff Reports
Fort Bend ISD will pay the county $1 million to help with costs associated with reinterning and memorializing the remains of 95 African Americans that were discovered last year during construction of the district’s James Reese Career and Technical Center, FBISD said in a July 11 news release. As part of the agreement
between the school district and Fort Bend County Commissioner’s Court, which both have approved the terms, FBISD also will convey an area of the cemetery and provide an additional 10 acres for a memorial park. House Bill 4179, signed into law last month by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, gave Fort Bend County the legal authority to own and operate a cemetery. The “Sugar Land 95,” as
they have been called, are believed to have been part of the state’s convict labor leasing program in the late 1800s. FBISD also said the Texas Historical Commission, with guidance from the Texas Attorney General, extracted genetic material from the remains that will be used for DNA analysis and curated at the Texas Archaeological Research Laboratory at the University of Texas.
Fort Bend area representatives to speak at Texas politics luncheon From Staff Reports
Stat lawmakers representing Missouri City. Sugar Land, and the rest of Fort Bend County, will meet with the public during a special "Inside Texas Politics" discussion next
week. Representatives RickMiller (District 26), Ron Reynolds (District 27), John Zerwas (District 28) and Phil Stevenson (District 85) will speak during a luncheon at Safari Texas Ranch July 23 fro 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Moderated by Marvin Marcel of Governmental Consulting Services, the panel will discuss the accomplishments and disappointments of the recently-concluded 86th Legislature from the perspective of area representatives.
THE STAR
See us online www.FortBendStar.com
Wednesday, July 17, 2019 • PAGE
3
In fluctuating world, baseball strike zones should buck the trend As a general rule, sports fans aren’t good with change – at least not at first. We stomp our feet and throw tantrums about “the good old days” when things weren’t constantly in flux. Then after a few weeks, we forget the reason for our anger and realize change isn’t all bad. To that end, some things – like the strike zone in baseball – should never be in flux. Which is exactly why an experiment in the Atlantic League, which includes the Sugar Land Skeeters, is a major step forward in making the professional game better. The independent league, which is employing several experimental rules this year as part of an agreement with Major League Baseball, made history during its July 10 all-star game when it used an automated ball-strike system to help the homeplate umpire call pitches. A 3-Doppler radar screen directly behind home plate transmitted info to a TrackMan-integrated system, which then transmitted the ball/strike determination to the umpire to make the call. As with all the experi-
Landan Kuhlmann LEAD REPORTER
mental rules, MLB wants to see how it works and could adopt an automated ball-strike system in the coming years. It’s unclear what the Skeeters’ all-stars thought about the historic use of baseball technology, because they’re not talking about it. The team declined comment on the four players’ behalf, with media relations manager Ryan Posner saying the team didn’t feel comfortable commenting on the system until it’s had a more extended run time. As a fairly recent convert from “baseball purist” status when the Astros shifted from the National League to the American League in 2013, adjusting to the designated hitter didn’t take overnight. It took me a few years to come around to the idea that I didn’t pay to
watch pitchers hit – I pay to watch hitters hit, and pitchers pitch. To that end, those players have fought an uphill battle to do their jobs due to one major factor – constantly fluctuating strike zones. Despite the purist in me screaming to hold this notion in, there’s no way I can do so. Yes, there’s the launchangle revolution and the allegedly “juiced” baseballs. But here’s the thing: when something is constant, as the two aforementioned trends have been for several years now, players can adjust their approach and how they attack. Coming from a former baseball player, a wide or tight strike zone is irksome. However, consistency goes a long way – and that’s all that can be asked. Some umpires are naturally pitcher- or hitter-friendly. That’s fine. But how can you adjust to consistently inconsistent strike zones? Most hitters at any level – and vice versa with pitchers – are difficult enough to face without dealing with that extra opponent. This an epidemic that has plagued baseball since
the dawn of time, with no real effort to curb it. Only just recently did the idea of an automated strike zone catch on – and for the life of me, I cannot understand the opposition to it. There are those who claim human error to be “part of the game.” And to an extent, that’s fair. Umpires are taking on the burden of making dozens (in the case of base umpires) or hundreds (in the case of home-plate umpires) of split-second decisions per night with athletes that are, in most cases, in peak physical condition. It’s a tough gig, which is why I typically try to stay away from criticizing those in blue every night. On the flip side, if we have the technology to help make them better, why just sit on our hands instead of utilizing it? We’ve done so with instant replay and should do the same in this respect. Umpires shouldn’t decide baseball games; the players should. Further, the “pace of play” uproar – which seems to be all the rage for change nowadays – could also benefit from the change. Poorly called games and
inconsistent zones lead to longer at-bats, and subsequently longer innings and games. If they’re serious about addressing the perceived issue, why not take action on something which would actually make a difference? So I think the Atlantic League is taking a step in the right direction and that the MLB could benefit by implementing this sooner rather than later. Once they conduct an extended run to work out the kinks, of course. We’ve already seen instant replay phased in to varying degrees over the last several years. And despite the occasional hiccup, most feedback I’ve seen on the development is positive – even from those who staunchly opposed some forms of it at first. With as much responsibility as umpires shoulder each night, no matter what level of baseball, there are bound to be some missteps. Major league umpires have admitted to miss at least 4-5 ball/strike calls each
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Sugar Land police searching for two theft suspects From Staff Reports
Authorities are asking for help identifying two suspects they say used fraudulent credit cards to purchase thousands of dollars’ worth of products in Fort Bend County. Sugar Land police say mail stolen from at least four residential mailboxes in Sugar Land from February through April was used to order the cards, which have been used to purchase more than $20,000 worth of products from Sam’s Club stores in the region. Police say surveillance video inside the stores iden-
merchandise that included electronics, groceries and gift cards. One suspect is described as a black male between 23 and 25 years old who is between 5-foot-8 and 5-10 and weighs 175-200 pounds. The other is identified as a black female between 25 and 35 who is between 5-7 and 5-10 and weighs 120-140 pounds. Anyone with information Police are asking for help identifying the pictured suson the suspects is encouraged pects, who they say used fraudulent credit cards to purto call the Sugar Land Police chase Sam's Club merchandise. (Photo from Sugar Land Department at 281-275-2540 Police Department) or Fort Bend County Crime tified two suspects, and 2015-17 Nissan Rogue on Stoppers at 281-342-8477. cameras at one of the homes tape. They say a man and the suspects targeted in the a woman used the frauduSugar Creek subdivision lent cards to purchase a caught their gray or silver Sam’s Club membership and
night. There’s no shame in that – it’s actually quite impressive given the volume – but why not reduce that margin of error to zero if we have the means? It may not seem like much, but a single ball or strike call can change the entire outlook of an at-bat and subsequently an inning and game. These men in blue do the best they can, but why not help them in every way possible? Now, there might be some glitches or issues, which an article in The Athletic detailed after the game last week, where a pitch received near the dirt was called a strike by TrackMan due to it nicking the bottom of the zone on its way to the plate. That’s natural with any new experiment. But there are so many things in the game of baseball that the players cannot control. Let’s not give them an extra opponent to contend with when a solution is so readily available and raring to go.
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2223 FM1092 • Missouri City, TX 77459 Ed Byrnes, Senior Pastor Sunday Bible Study 9:30 am • 6:00 pm Sunday Worship 10:45 am • 6:00 pm Wednesday: 7:00 pm Bible Study / AWANA “A Place To Call Home” - www.hbctx.org INDEPENDENT BAPTIST
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Sunday evening services: 5:00 pm Last Sunday 1:30 pm Bible Study (all ages): Sun 9:00 am & Wed 7:00 pm Iron Mens Bible Study 1st Monday 6:30 pm
GLORY BAPTIST CHURCH • 281-499-0440
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211 Brand Lane Drive • Stafford, Texas 77477 Serving Stafford for 34 years Preaching the word - Singing the Hymns Worshipping the Lord Jesus Sunday 10:00 am Teaching - 11:00 am Preaching 6:00 pm Worshiping Wednesday 7:00 pm Praying www.gloryfbc.com
402 Stafford Run Rd. -Stafford, 77477 SUNDAY: Bible Study: 9:30 a.m. Worship: 10:30 a.m. Afternoon Worship 5:00 p.m. WEDNESDAY : Bible Study 7:00 p.m. www.staffordchurchofchrist.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: 8:15 am Contemporary: 9:30 am / Traditional: 10:55 am Sunday School for all ages available at 9:30 & 10:55 am. www.christchurchsl.org
SUGAR LAND METHODIST CHURCH • 281-491-6041 431 Eldridge Road, Sugar Land, TX 77478 Worship @ 8:30, 9:45 and 11:00 am Bible Study, all ages, @ 9:45 am www.sugarlandmethodist.org EPISCOPAL
ALL SAINTS EPISCOPAL CHURCH • 281-499-9602 605, Dulles Avenue, Stafford, TX 77477 SUNDAY: Bible Study: 9 am Worship: 10:15 am THURSDAY: Bible Study 11:30 am www.allsaintsstafford.org
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF SUGAR LAND • 281-240-3195 502 Eldridge Rd. Sugar Land, Tx 77478 Sunday School: 9:30 a.m. Sunday Worship: 8: 30 a.m. and 11 a.m. www.fpcsl.org PCUSA 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
Scripture of the week
“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.” - Proverbs 13:20
THE STAR
PAGE 4 • Wednesday, July 17, 2019
See us online www.FortBendStar.com
@FtBendAthletics:
Host families provide Skeeters taste of home By Landan Kuhlmann
ATLANTIC LEAGUE STANDINGS Freedom Division
LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM
York Revolution Sugar Land Skeeters S. Maryland Blue Crabs Lancaster Barnstormers
Each time Cody Stanley steps to the plate at the Sugar Land Skeeters’ home field, he does so more than 1,200 miles from his actual home. But from how Stanley tells it, he might as well be right back in Clinton, North Carolina, when he leaves Constellation Field and makes the short drive to the place he usually sleeps. He stays with community member Gail Bartz, who he considers his host mother. “I’m from a small town, where everyone’s nice and everybody knows everybody,” Stanley said. “That’s exactly what it feels like whenever her family comes over to the house and treats me like a part of their family. It’s hard to find people like that in this day and age.” Giving the Skeeters a home away from home is the idea behind a host family program that is common in minor league baseball. Stanley is one of 16 Sugar Land players living with a host family this season. For Bartz, it was a nobrainer to take Stanley in just days before the 2019 campaign started. “We just clicked. He was such a nice, polite young man – I was very impressed by that,” she said. “My daughter tried to buy (Stanley and a teammate) a drink, and Cody said, ‘I’m sorry I can’t, because I’m driving tonight.’ So I knew off the bat this was going to be a young man who was very responsible. I just trusted him, it felt right, and I haven’t regretted it for a
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Skeeters catcher Cody Stanley poses with adopted nieces and nephews, from left to right, Brady and Ryan Williams and Logan, Gavin and Kate Sutter. They call him their "Buncle," or "baseball uncle". (Submitted photo)
because this can be a very temporary spot for them,” said Posner, who manages the program that’s been in effect since the Skeeters’ inaugural season in 2010. Pitchers Danny Reynolds, who is from Nevada, and native Texan Nick Rumbelow stay in Sugar Land with host mom Judy Bowe. While they are thousands of miles away from the big leagues in an industry that can throw curves at every turn, Reynolds and Stanley both said the transition has been made easier with the help of their host families. “(Bowe) is just such a motherly figure that’s caring and nurturing of me and whoever else may be staying with her,” Reynolds said. “We don’t have to worry about food, water or a roof over our heads. It takes a lot of those variables
moment.” Stanley, who previously spent seven seasons in the St. Louis Cardinals’ organization and had a brief taste of Major League Baseball in 2015, serves as the backup catcher for the Skeeters. His wife, Mercedes, also stays with Bartz when she visits from North Carolina. Though it varies from year to year, Skeeters media relations manager Ryan Posner said the team is able to find host families for about 75 percent of its 25-man roster. Posner said neither the team nor the players compensate the host families, who can take advantage of incentives regarding season tickets and parking passes. “It gives them a place to feel at home while they’re not at home instead of living out of a hotel room,
JULY
TEAM SCHEDULE
LAN 12:35
NB 6:05
LI
1
5:35
LI
7
14
7:05
LI
1
TUE
5:35
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8 15
7:05
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2 9 16
WED THUR
5:35
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11:05AM
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10 17
21 5:30 22 5:30 23 10:00 24 SMD YRK YRK YRK 1:00 28 7:05 29 7:05 30 7:05 31 HIG LAN LAN LAN
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LI - LONG ISLAND SOM - SOMERSET NB - NEW BRITAIN SMD - SOUTHERN
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18
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19 RD SMD 5:30 25 6:00 26 HIG HIG 5:35 27 7:05 28 LI SOM
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ATLANTIC LEAGUE TEAMS | HOME • AWAY BRI - BRIDGEPORT LAN - LANCASTER
GB
L
GB
Long Island Ducks 44 29 0 Somerset Patriots 44 30 0.5 High Point Rockers 42 32 2.5 New Britain Bees 36 36 7.5 RESULTS July 12 Skeeters 5, Ducks 0 July 13 Ducks 6, Skeeters 4 July 14 Skeeters 3, Ducks 2 July 15 Ducks 5, Skeeters 4
Cody Stanley, middle, with his wife, Mercedes, right, and Skeeters host mom Gail Bartz. (Submitted photo)
out of the equation. … Her willingness to take in someone she’s never met before and have such an open heart that’s willing to go the extra mile even though she doesn’t need to, is so special.” Families like no other The connection goes beyond the baseball field. Reynolds said if the team is in town but not playing that day, Bowe will take a break from cleaning the pool or
the patio so the pair can chow down on some breakfast at Cheesecake Factory or the Toasted Yolk Café is Sugar Land before coming home to chill by the pool and do their own thing. Then at night, it’s back together again. “Usually we’ll go grocery shopping for dinner and eat dinner together as a family,” Reynolds said. Stanley has formed an instant bond with Bartz’s daughter and grandkids,
SUGAR LAND SKEETERS
MON
L
36 0 37 0.5 44 8.5 48 10
Liberty Division
2019 2017
SUN
W
37 37 28 24
5:35
6
NB 6:05 13 LI 5:35 20 SMD 5:30 27 HIG 6:05 29 SOM
FIREWORKS
YRK - YORK REVOLUTION HIG - HIGHPOINT
713-433-6421
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Fort Bend youth teams headed to state tourney From Staff Reports Hello, my name is Jerry. I am a black and tan Labrador Retriever mix and I am a little over 6 months old. Come by and visit with me today. I would love to meet you!
All Game Are Subject To Change
2019 Promotional Schedule
FOOT FACTS by Dr. Eric Tepper
DAILY PROMOTIONS
Margarita & First Responder Monday: Discounted margaritas; free tickets for Military & First Responders with proper ID Silver Skeeters Tuesday: Free game ticket with purchase of Silver Skeeters Membership (55+) Dollar Dog / White Claw Wednesday: Dollar hot dogs; discounted White Claws Thirsty Thursday: $2 beer and sodas Fireworks Friday: Postgame fireworks shows Saturday Giveaway / Concert: Giveaways or a postgame concert Sunday Funday: Autographs, pregame catch on the field, postgame Kids Run the Bases (Dr. Larry Caldwell)
July Promotions 12th: Fireworks / Swatson Christmas Bobblehead Giveaway (Assured Flow Solutions) 13th: Parrothead Night with Jersey Giveaway (Texas Direct Auto) 14th: Sunday Funday 15th: Margarita & First Responder Monday 16th: Silver Skeeters Tuesday (Advanced Hearing Center) 17th: Super Splash Day 29th: Margarita & First Responder Monday 30th: Silver Skeeters Tuesday (Advanced Hearing Center) 31st: Dollar Dog Wednesday / White Claw Wednesday
who he said are over at the house multiple times per week. “They’re one of the nicest families I’ve ever met in my life. I’ve had three host families in my entire career. They’ve all been great, but Ms. Gail is special,” he said. “It’s so incredible to be able to see that dynamic at work.” Bartz said the feeling is mutual. Her grandkids have taken to calling Stanley their “Buncle,” or “baseball uncle.” “They’ve got signs for him and everything. People around us have no clue why, but it’s so sweet. He fits into the family so well,” Bartz said with a laugh. “I call him my baseball son, and I nag him like a mom.” In Reynolds’ case, Bowe is the epitome of a baseball mom – a combination of nurturing heart and tough love. “She’s just as blunt as she can be, but still has those motherly tendencies where she tries to make you feel good,” he said. “But if I come back and I don’t pitch well, she’ll tell me, ‘Danny, I love you – but you sucked today.’ She’ll butter you up and then hit you with the truth. I definitely appreciate that.” Stanley offered much the same praise for Bartz, saying she is tough and driven but also sweet. He considers her both an inspiration and an example. Bartz also considers it a match made in baseball heaven. “He’s my family,” she said. “I would do it again in a heartbeat if I could get another Cody.”
BOARD CERTIFIED PODIATRIST, ACCPPS
SHOCKWAVE THERAPY
Podiatrists are continuously seeking therapies to improve patient outcomes without invasive surgery. Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology (EPAT) has proven to be an effective treatment for chronic heel pain. The podiatrist locates the sorest spot on the bottom of the patient’s foot. A special wand is placed directly on that spot. Sound waves are transmitted by a machine through the wand with gradually increasing intensity. These sound waves break up scar tissue and increase blood flow to the area so that damaged tissues are able to regenerate and heal. Treatments usually last for five to ten minutes and are administered weekly for about five weeks. Reduction in pain is often noticeable after the first treatment and maximized within three months.
Two area Little League teams will be playing for state championships this weekend. The Lamar National 11U and 12U teams from Richmond have made the Texas East state Little League tournament and will travel to Tyler on Saturday. Lamar and Richmond will host a pep rally at the George Park fields Thursday to celebrate. The 12U team, if it wins the state tournament and subsequent regional tournament, will advance to the Little League World Series.
HINT: Ask your podiatrist if EPAT options are right for your podiatric issues. Videos of EPAT treatments are available to watch online. When your feet cause you pain, there are many steps you can take to get relief. The first, and probably most important, is a visit to your podiatrist. When foot problems have got you down, let us do what we do best—accurately diagnose and compassionately treat the problem so you’re back on your feet quickly and painlessly. Located at 3143 Hwy. 6 South, we are currently accepting new patients for complete podiatric care in a friendly, comfortable atmosphere. Please call us, 281-980-3668, for an appointment.
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Wednesday, July 17, 2019 • PAGE
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Unity of community spurs Meadows Place to build inclusive playground By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM
Within the one square mile that is Meadows Place, it’s a tight-knit family affair. That’s no more evident than in a three-year vision to build a playground for children of all abilities. The idea is nearing culmination, with construction to begin in August. Near the intersection of Pender Lane and Brighten Lane, the city of Meadows Place and Mayor Charles Jessup are in the final stages of overhauling an old portion of the playground with artificial turf and allinclusive equipment for children and individuals with disabilities. Jessup said the journey began in 2016, when the city’s Youth Action Council (YAC) and director Colene Cabezas planted the seed during a state convention. Meadows Place YAC is a group of 9th-12th graders serving as the voice of teens in the community, promoting leadership through volunteerism and making a positive impact. “They saw a kid that was in a wheelchair that was having a tough time getting around to things, so they thought they could do something about that here in Meadows Place,” Jessup said. Jessup took the suggestion of a youth group member to the city council, where he said it was overwhelmingly approved. So during the last few years, some of the older equipment has been removed, while swings and other equipment specifically for those with disabilities are in the works. “We’ve got trails and things to get to all the other equipment, but (children with disabilities) can’t get it into some of the other equipment. That started a conversation, and it grew from there,” Jessup said.
From left to right, Eric and Blake Helfman of Helfman Ford, Helfman Ford General Manager Jeff Smith, Meadows Place YAC Director Colene Cabezas, Mayor Charles Jessup and Multi-Medical Equipment & Supplies' Adam Burck pose with wheelchairs donated by Burck's company. Meadows Place is constructing an inclusive playground with help from Burck and the Helfmans. (Submitted photo)
“They said, ‘We won’t be here to see it, but if we start fundraising now, at some point in the future, someone will benefit.’ And we think that’s a worthwhile goal. Instead of an instant gratification, they went out and put together a long-term project.” Over the last three years, the YAC has conducted fundraisers at city events and taken part in city auctions to help fund the revamped park, which Jessup said will cost about $225,000. The YAC raised about $7,000, and other installments of $40,000 came from the Helfman family, which owns Helfman Ford at 12220 Southwest Fwy. “We appreciate the Helfmans’ commitment to community service, are excited by their energy and, with their help, expect even greater things for Meadows Place,” Jessup said. Eric Helfman said he heard about the plans for the playground through a chance encounter with a customer who told him of the community’s need. “She really was asking
for just a swing set, but then I thought why stop there? There might be more people in the community who
could use something of that nature – it turns out there were so many more people who would appre-
thank you for reading!
ciate having something like that,” he said. “What people in a community want and need to feel is that sense of being included. Despite the differences the community has, they can all appreciate each other because all their needs are able to be addressed.” Additionally, Sugar Land-based Multi-Medical Equipment & Supplies recently donated 10 new, wheelchairs as part of the ongoing effort to make Meadows Place parks and facilities more accessible. “If I can give back and make an impact on my community that’s supported me and stay local, I’m going to do it,” said Adam Burck, owner of the medical supplies company. “I’m trying to stay loyal to those who have supported me.”
Ultimately, Helfman said, inclusivity can be a binding and unifying force. So he was glad to contribute to his neighbors. “That’s powerful, because when people feel a part of things, I think they’re less likely to have the sort of problems other communities have when there’s a lack of communication or connection,” he said. “When you get that sense of ownership and being a part of a community that feels heard, that’s something that elevates a community. It creates so much vitality for the community as a whole.” Jessup thinks the park is only the beginning of what’s to come for the city. “We’re going to keep chipping away,” he said. “We’ve got big ideas, and we manage to get them done.”
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NEVER MISS A STORY FORTBENDSTAR.COM LEGAL NOTICE TO CREDITORS Notice is hereby given that original Letters Testamentary in the Estate of JESSICA CHEN, Deceased, were issued to AMIEE GARCIA, INDEPENDENT EXECUTOR on June 19th, 2019, in Docket No. 19-CPR-032845, pending in the County Court-at-Law No. 6 of Fort Bend County, Texas, to: AMIEE GARCIA. The post office address to which claims may be presented and which is preferred by the personal representative is: DAVID R. DOEHRING Attorney for AMIEE GARCIA, INDEPENDENT EXECUTOR OF THE ESTATE OF JESSICA CHEN, 2000 South Dairy Ashford, Ste 298 Houston, Texas 77077 All persons having claims against this Estate which is currently being administered are required to present them within the time and in the manner prescribed by law. DATED the 8th day of July, 2019. DOEHRING & DOEHRING David R. Doehring By: _________________________________ DAVID R. DOEHRING 2000 South Dairy Ashford Suite 298 Houston, Texas 77077-5725 TEL (281) 497-0093 FAX (281) 497-8630 ATTORNEYS FOR THE INDEPENDENT EXECUTOR OF THE ESTATE OF JESSICA CHEN Invitation for Proposal The City of Stafford is requesting proposals from qualified insurance companies to provide Fully Insured Medical and Vision Proposals. Proposals, in duplicate, must be sealed and marked applicably as follows: Fully Insured Proposal (Medical and/or Vision) and delivered to the Office of the City Secretary, City of Stafford, 2610 South Main, Stafford, Texas 77477, to arrive no later than 4:00 p.m. local time Wednesday, July 31, 2019. Proposals are expected to be awarded on or before Wednesday, August 21, 2019, at the City Council meeting with coverage to be effective October 1, 2019. For further information and specifications, please contact Shanell Garcia, Director of Human Resources, City of Stafford, at 281-2613929. This is a negotiated proposal, and as such, award will not necessarily be made to the bidder submitting the lowest priced proposal. The City of Stafford reserves the right to negotiate the best responsive proposal satisfying the City’s requirements, waive any informalities, waive the requirements set forth in Section 1550.052 or 1550.053(2) of the Texas Insurance Code, and to reject any and all proposals.
NOTICE TO BIDDERS PURCHASE OF AUTO PARTS The City of Sugar Land seeks bids for performing all work required for the following project in the City:
Sealed bids in triplicate, one (1) original and two (2) copies, shall be delivered to the City of Sugar Land, Office of the City Secretary, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Suite 122, Sugar Land, Texas, 77479, on or before 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 1, 2019, at which time bids will be publicly opened and read. Bids received after the opening date and time will not be considered. For questions regarding this bid, please contact Jason Poscovsky, CPPO, CPPB, Contracts Manager jposcovsky@sugarlandtx.gov no later than 3:00 p.m. Thursday, July 25, 2019. The City will award and give notice within sixty (60) calendar days after the opening date and time.
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All Bids shall be accompanied by a cashier’s or certified check upon a national or state bank in the amount of five percent (5%) of the total maximum bid price payable without recourse to the City of Stafford, Stafford, Texas, or a bid bond in the same amount from a reliable surety company, as a guarantee that bidder will enter into a Contract. The notice of award of Contract shall be given by the Owner within sixty (60) days following the opening of bids. Checks submitted as bid security will be returned to the respective bidders within ten (10) days after bids are opened, except checks, or bonds, which the Owner elects to hold until the successful bidder has executed the Contract. Thereafter, the remaining checks, including security of successful bidder, will be returned within five (5) days. Remaining bid bonds will not be returned unless requested by Bidder.
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Sealed Bids, in duplicate, addressed to The Mayor and City Council, City of Stafford, Stafford, Texas, Fort Bend County, will be received at City Hall, 2610 South Main St., Stafford, Texas 77477, until 2:00 P.M., Thursday, July 25, 2019, and then publicly opened and read immediately thereafter in the Council Chambers for furnishing all labor, material, and equipment and performing all work required for the construction of “West Airport Boulevard Expansion”.
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The successful bidder must furnish Performance Bond and Payment Bond upon the forms which are attached hereto in the amount of one hundred (100%) percent of the contract price within 15 days after receipt of the contract documents. Payment and performance bonds shall be issued from sureties with a minimum “A” or “A-” rating from Best’s Key Rating Guide and who are licensed by the Texas Department of Insurance to do business in Texas and to issue said bonds. The bonds must be signed by an authorized representative of the surety and licensed by the State Board of Insurance.
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Specifications and bidding documents may be secured from R. G. Miller Engineers, Inc., 16340 Park Ten Place, Suite 350, Houston, Texas. In conformance with applicable statutes, the general prevailing wage rates in the locality in which the work is to be performed have been ascertained, and such rates shall be the minimum paid for labor employed upon this project.
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The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive informalities in bidding. In case of ambiguity or lack of clearness in stating the prices in any bid, the Owner reserves the right to consider the most advantageous construction thereof, or to reject the bid. The award will be made to the responsible bidder submitting the lowest acceptable bid.
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A Non-Mandatory Pre-Bid Conference for prospective bidders, suppliers, etc., will be held on Tuesday, July 16, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. at, R. G. Miller Engineers, Inc., 16340 Park Ten Place, Suite 350, Houston, Texas 77084 in accordance with the Instructions to Bidders, Paragraph 21.
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Notice of Public Hearing PROPOSED REZONING OF 5.80 ACRES FROM STANDARD SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (R-1) TO PLANNED DEVELOPMENT (PD) DISTRICT FINAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN – GRANTS LAKE TEMPOS SECTION ONE (TOWNHOME COMMUNITY)
The agenda item for this meeting will be placed on the City of Sugar Land website at www.sugarlandtx.gov under “Meeting Agendas” City Council no later than Friday, August 2, 2019. Request details or provide feedback on the proposed Rezoning online at www.sugarlandtx.gov/PublicHearingComment or contact City of Sugar Land Planning Department at (281) 275-2218.
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BIDS will be submitted in sealed envelopes upon the blank forms provided and marked in the upper left hand corner “Bid for Construction of West Airport Boulevard Expansion” to be opened at 2:00 P.M., Thursday, July 25, 2019. BIDS received after closing time will be returned unopened.
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City Council Public Hearing: 6:00 p.m., VICINITY MAP: August 6, 2019, City of Sugar Land City Council Chamber, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North to hear all persons interested in the proposed rezoning of approximately 5.80 acres from Standard Single Family Residential (R-1) to Planned Development (PD) District Final Development Plan for the existing Grants Lake Tempos Section One (townhome community) located along Grants Lake Boulevard to the south of State Highway 6; further identified as being located in the Elijah Alcorn League, Abstract One, Fort Bend County, and platted in 1982 as 5.80 Acres, Grants Lake Tempos Section One, Volume 32, Page 3 of the Plat Records of Fort Bend County, Texas
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★ MEMORIES, FROM PAGE 1 family, Daniels could only smile. “There’s so many songs written about the moon, and so many optimistic thoughts about it – it was unbelievable, it was awe-inspiring. We had accomplished something Russia had not accomplished,” he said. “All I can say is that it was an astonishing sight. To witness this live, and know that Houston played a part in
it, was a great feeling. I’m a Texan, and that’s always filled me with pride.” Youngblood later became connected to the historic event in more ways than one. Two years after the Apollo 11 landing, he said his family moved to Dickinson, where many of NASA’s workers resided. Gene Kranz – NASA’s second Chief Flight Director who directed many missions, including the Apollo 11 landing – was a neighbor. “My wife took part in a
vegetable class with his wife – they would go get vegetables together, and his kids played with my kids. It was routine to us. My son-in-law’s father worked for NASA and knew all the astronauts,” Youngblood said. “It seemed routine back then, because they were just folks in the neighborhood. Looking back, it surprises you that it was so historic.”
risk there is to the public,” Bower said. According to project manager Earlene Lambeth with the TCEQ’s Office of Water, work on Big Creek started in 2002 when it made the 303-D list – the state's list of impaired and threatened waters such as stream and river segments or lakes. States are required to submit their list for Environmental Protection Agency approval every two years, after which H-GAC and the EPA study seven years of trends to gauge potential risks. Though the fecal matter levels are elevated and some residents at the meeting were surprised by that, Bower said it is not cause for alarm as long as the improvement project comes together. There will be no Big Creek waterways closed to the public. “We’re just taking the information and working with the stakeholders to find a solution. We’re not restricting public access in any way,” Bower said. “This is a waterway that has had some issues since 2002, so there’s nothing overly concerning on the water-quality side that would make the county shut it down.” The main sources of contamination in largely rural areas such as those Big Creek serves, according to Bower, can come from humans – such as wastewater plants/systems, septic/ aerobic systems or illicit sewage and dumping – or
animals/wildlife such as pets and livestock. How the area urbanizes in the coming years could also have an impact on the study and methods by which the H-GAC attempts to remedy the situation. “We are a watershed in transition, and that’s going to impact how sediment is traveling through the system,” Bower said. H-GAC and the TCEQ are planning another public meeting in August to present an initial report based on stakeholder feedback. Following the August meeting, the two organizations and residents will collaborate on a potential implementation plan, a process officials hope to begin in fiscal year 2020. “This was not a problem that happened overnight, and the solution itself will not happen overnight,” Bower said. “What the sources are now are not necessarily what they will be 10-20 years from now. We have to consider that. “A lot of (this study) will be based on your knowledge of what’s feasible for your communities, what will or won’t fly and what you believe is a priority. Nobody is going to have as good a handle on it as someone who works and lives here on a daily basis.” For more information or to give feedback on the project, contact Bower at 713-499-6653 or justin. bower@h-gac.com.
erts a citation, which Nehls said was later downgraded to a warning after an internal review of the incident. Patrol Captain Steve Holtz said the deputy who conducted the stop was about four months out of the police academy at the time of the incident and believes that inexperience played a role in how things panned out. “He told me he was nervous about the time, and I take that into account. That changes how we look at things,” Holtz said. “He received a verbal reprimand and was receptive to what I had to say.” Nehls said he had a 20-minute meeting with Roberts after the incident, apologizing for the length of the stop and for the deputy screaming at Roberts’ family members to remain inside the home while waiting for backup. “I didn’t like the way it was conducted or how he interacted with the family. We can train and work on these things,” Nehls said. “Everything that happens, and fails to happen, is my responsibility. I apologize for the way (Roberts) was treated and how you felt at that point in time. I’m sure he felt a little uncomfortable, and I’m sorry for that. I’m sure (the deputy) has
learned from this experience, and I think he will continue to learn. We all make mistakes in our law enforcement careers.”
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Those were the days - Charlton’s Body Repair - 01-31-18- 3colx3” ★ CREEK, FROM PAGE 1 er said. “Everything that is happening in a drainage area eventually makes its way down to the water, for better or worse.” Bower said Big Creek, based on a 2018 study that considered data from 2009-16, has been identified by the TCEQ as failing to meet the state water-quality standard for recreational contact, which applies to places where there is a significant risk of water ingestion because of activities such as wading and swimming. Big Creek’s primary water-quality challenge is elevated levels of fecal bacteria, which can be harmful to health, the economy and the environment. There also are concerns about suitability for aquatic life. The standard against which Big Creek is measured is 126 colonyforming units of E. coli per 100 milliliters of water. According to data gathered by TCEQ and H-GAC surveyors, 62 percent of the samples collected for the ongoing study contained E. coli levels that were higher than that standard, posing a noticeable – but not irreparable – risk. Bower said he wasn’t aware of any illnesses or deaths related to the contamination. “How much E. coli we see helps us gauge how much waste and how much
★ FBCSO, FROM PAGE 1 African Americans,” Roberts said in a statement to USA TODAY. “People are becoming desensitized to them. Being harassed in your own yard simply because you are a 'big black man’ should never become the norm.” FBCSO released a 16-minute video of the stop Friday. Nehls said a video included in the USA TODAY report was edited and an inaccurate portrayal of the incident. “What happened is people are trying to make this a racial issue, and it is not one,” Nehls said. “Fort Bend County is one of the most diverse counties in the country, and we are successful because of the relationships we’ve built. We trust them, and they trust us. There have been travesties in interactions between white and black that have caused some of the most civil unrest in this country. There have been trying times, but we haven’t experienced that in Fort Bend County.” Following the initial stop, Nehls said about eight minutes passed while the deputy called for backup before getting out of his patrol car and issuing Rob-
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THE STAR
PAGE 8 • Wednesday, July 17, 2019
★ CRICKET, FROM PAGE 1 his fourth year with SLYCC. “It’s 100 degrees, but he’s always saying, ‘I’ve got to go play and run.’ ” As the organization has expanded since its inception – from 25 kids in 2013 to 120 this year – SLYCC has by and large been able to provide many avenues for instruction, such as experienced coaches
to ensure the kids have the proper training and equipment to safely play the game. However, until the Four Corners Park opened last week, SLYCC was forced to utilize baseball fields and basketball courts around the area to teach their craft to the next generation. Eventually, manager Malay Vyas said they needed more space. Before the opening at Four Corners Park, he said the
next-closest cricket field was 45 minutes away in Katy, which he believes deterred some from pursuing the sport. “It’s so incredibly important for the development of cricket to have a local space to practice,” Vyas said. “The development of kids’ sports is dependent on that.” Since the park’s opening, about 60 more parents have inquired about join-
Dulles High School Class of 1979 40th Class Reunion SATURDAY, AUGUST 3, 2019 • 7-11PM QUAIL VALLEY CITY CENTRE $50/person until July 1st. $65/person after July 1st and at the door To reserve your spot make checks payable to Dulles Class of ‘79 Mail checks to: Dulles Class of ‘79 P.O. Box 2369 Stafford, TX. 77497
For more information please Contact Lisa Long 281-690-4222 Or email Llong@fortbendstar.com
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ing the organization in just over a week. “Parents are putting in the effort to get their kids here to practice, and we are not going to waste their time now that we have a dedicated ground,” Bhora said. “It’s not just about playing or hitting a shot. We can run it like an academy.” Added Vyas: “Because this is a neighborhood park, people don’t have to drive. (This park) is just like batting cages in baseball. Every little league field has a batting cage next to it – that’s what we need. Cricket needs areas for the kids to practice batting and bowling.” Growing a culture In a diverse county such as Fort Bend, there is no shortage of cultures. And according to Vyas, cricket
in America is where soccer was in the 1970s in the sense it’s usually played by people of a particular heritage -- in this case, many of them from Indian heritage. DeMerchant worked with Fort Bend County’s Parks and Recreation Department to start the groundwork toward the initiative last year and said no property tax dollars were used to fund it. “The county has so much to give especially to its youth, who are our future, and this is a great start,” DeMerchant said. As part of additional efforts to expand the sport, the SLYCC coaches have gone into Fort Bend ISD schools and demonstrated cricket as a sport and physical education activity, and most schools now have it listed as part of their cur-
riculum. Vyas said sports like softball, baseball and cricket – and their heritages – do not have to stand against each other. Through efforts such as the Four Corners Park implementation, the sport’s reach is expanding just like Fort Bend itself. “We have a lot of families who have migrated here, especially from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and other countries, and for people from those countries, cricket is a national pastime, also for most of the parents that are trying to pass the tradition down,” said Missouri City resident Jackson Justin, whose son Jason has played cricket for two years. “There are very few kids interested in this game, so I’m lucky that he's interested."
COMMUNITY CALENDAR FORT BEND COMMUNITY CALENDAR IS FOR NON-PROFIT EVENTS. Deadline is noon every Friday. Please keep wording to a minimum. 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. MONTH OF JULY CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS Missouri City Branch Library, 1530 Texas Parkway, presents a variety of free childrenÕ s programs -- Toddler Time, Story Time, Pajama Night Story Time, and SchoolAge Programs -- every month. Free & open to the public. For more information, visit www.fortbend.lib.tx.us or call 281-238-2100.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 17 SUMMER SAFETY EVENT Commissioner Ken DeMerchant is hosting a Summer Safety event at the Four Corners Community Center Gym. Open to all neighborhoods in the Fort Bend County. The event is being coordinated due to the recent drownings in the area. Keeping our communities safe is one of our primary goals especially during summer when children are off from school.
SATURDAY, JULY 20 NASA’S APOLLO 11 MISSION DOCUMENTARY Hosted by the Missouri City Branch Library, 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., 1530 Texas Parkway. Released in 2019, the film focuses on the first spaceflight to land men on the moon. The documentary is rated G. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver. Free & open to the public. For more information visit www. fortbend.lib.tx.us or call 281-238-2100.
SATURDAY, JULY 27 ANNUAL STUDENT PHYSICALS Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine in Sugar Land is offering annual student physicals from 9 a.m. to noon for Fort Bend ISD, Stafford MSD and any other student needing a physical. at 16811 Southwest Fwy., Sugar Land, TX, 77479. Physicians will be on-site to provide additional clearance as needed. The cost is $20 (cash only) for ages 12 through 18. Be sure to bring a completed UIL Physical Evaluation form, from events. houstonmethodist.org/physicals-sl along with the Houston Methodist release form. Proceeds from the physicals are donated back to the athletic training programs of Fort Bend ISD schools. For more information, call 281.275.0447.
ONGOING FORT BEND-HARRIS RETIRED EDUCATORS LUNCHEON Fort Bend-Harris Retired Educators (FBHRE) will kick off the 2019-2020 school year with an 11 a.m. Ò O Happy Day LuncheonÓ on Thursday, August 8, at Sugar Land First United Methodist Church, 431 Eldridge Rd, within the Great Hall. Business meeting will follow along with information about benefits. FBHRE is the local unit for the Texas Retired Teachers Association (TRTA). All retired public school personnel are invited. For more information, call 281-499-5885.
AHFC JUNIOR HURRICANES (JHSL) Registration For the FALLl 2019 - Now Open - The Junior Hurricanes Soccer League (JHSL) is led by professional United States Soccer Federation (USSF) licensed staff and is designed for boys & girls who want to play and have fun in a safe and developmentally appropriate environment. The JHSL program is being offered at multiple locations and in conjunction with CFSA at the Schiel Road Complex.To learn more about each location and to register please visit www.albionhurricanes.org. Season begins
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in September! For those wishing only to train, join us in Katy for AHFC Friday Night Academy. Visit Katy Youth Soccer to register for this Friday Fun Program. AHFC is proud to partner with New Territory and offer New Territory Thursday Night Academy, a 5-week Skills Program. Email us at jhsl@albionhurricanes.org for more information or questions. Office Phone:713-939-7473 Want a more competitive program? Join AHFC! Call us and we can find you a team: 713-939-7473. Website: www. albionhurricanes.org
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, call 281-222-4888.
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.
WHILE WE’RE WAITING SUPPORT GROUP For Bereaved Parents - grieving the loss of a child at any age. Meets the third Thursday of every month, 7 p.m., at the First Colony Church of Christ, 2140 First Colony Blvd., Sugar Land. For more information, call 281-4132484
BINGO AT THE VFW Help support our veterans! Play bingo at Post 3903 every Tuesday and Saturday night at 7:15 p.m. 1903 First St, Rosenberg. All prizes paid in cash. Pull Tabs, $200 Bonanza, $300 Coverall, $750 Coverall, kitchen & bar service.
ALZHEIMER’S CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP Caregivers of patients with AlzheimerÕ s disease or other related dementias are invited to attend the first Thursday of each month, 7-8:30 p.m. at St. JohnÕ s United Methodist Church, 400 Jackson Street in Richmond, across from the historic Fort Bend County Courthouse. Free and open to the public. For more information, call 713-314-1313 or 1-800-272-3900.
QUAIL VALLEY WINE SOCIETY Meets the fourth Wednesday of every month for education of wines, food pairings and fellowship at the Quail Valley City Centre, 2880 LaQuinta, Missouri City. For more information, call 281-437-6798 or jackipauley@comcast. net
4-H, FOOD & NUTRITION Fort Bend 4-H is looking for input from the community on how it can better serve the public. To learn more about 4-H projects, join 4-H at 7 p.m. at the University Library ( 14010 University Blvd Sugar Land), visit fortbend4h. eventbrite.com or call 281-342-3034.
STORY SPINNERS WRITING CLUB Hosted by the George Memorial Library, 1001 Golfview in Richmond. 5:30 to 8 p.m. All levels welcome to write, share, learn and support. Free and open to the public. The program meets on the third Thursday of every month. For more information, call 281-342-4455 or 281633-4734.
ADOPT A SHELTER CAT Fort Bend Pets Alive is partnering with Half Price Books in Sugar Land to find homes for shelter cats and to promote literacy among young readers. School aged children are invited to come read to a cat, receive an Ò I read to a catÓ bookmark and be eligible to adopt a cat for 50 perecent off that day. Held 1:30- 4:30 p.m. the first Saturday of every month at 3203 Hwy 6 S, Sugar Land.
FORT BEND RECOVERS HURRICANE HARVEY HELP Those needing help with a recovery plan for home repairs, or any unmet needs, Fort Bend Recovers is here to help. Call one of these Helplines today: Case Management Helpline 281-207-2555, Spiritual/Emotional Helpline: 281-207-2505, Lone Star Legal Aid 866-659-0666. A case manager will contact you and get you started on your road to recovery.Visit www.fortbendrecovers.org for more information and to donate.
CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS The Sienna Branch Library, 8411 Sienna Springs Blvd in Missouri City presents a variety of programs every month. Free and open to the public. For more information, call 281-238-2900 or 281-633-4734.
EVERY TUESDAY PRAYER CONNECTIONS Prayer warriors interceding for Fort Bend County and beyond. Please call in every Tuesday from 9-10 PM CST. NO matter how little or big your prayer request is. Call 605-313-4812 Access code: 230514# No fee.
SECOND FRIDAY OF EACH MONTH CRAFTERS OUTREACH Crafters meet at St. Catherine of Sienna Episcopal Church 4747 Sienna Parkway, Missouri City to crochet and knit chemo caps for local hospitals and lapghans for area nursing homes. Join us anytime from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information please contact Melinda@ siennachurch.org.
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