Self is new Sugar Land museum director - Page 2
Loosen up and exercise virtually with the City of Sugar Land next week. Read more inside today on Page 3.
WEDNESDAY • JULY 22, 2020
Fort Bend / Southwest • Volume 44 • No. 100
Visit www.FortBendStar.com
Police seeking public’s help in identifying remains By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM
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Police are asking for the public’s help in identifying a young female whose remains were found in Missouri City earlier this year. The Missouri City Police Department said in a July 14 news release that
multiple broken pieces of a female victim’s skull were found adjacent to a jogging trail near the 2400 block of Texas Parkway on Jan. 29. Police have described the victim as Hispanic or Native American, between 12 and 18 years old and having dark hair. A spokesperson for the police department said the death is being investi-
gated as a homicide. The spokesperson also said the department could not release any other details about the case. Anyone with information about the victim or her death is encouraged to call Detective Andrew Robb of the Missouri City Police Department at 281403-8700 or the Fort Bend County Crime Stoppers at 281-342-8477.
This is a composite sketch of a female whose remains were found in late January in Missouri City. Anyone with information about her or her death is encouraged to call MCPD or the Fort Bend County Crime Stoppers. (Photo courtesy of Missouri City Police Department)
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READERS'
CHOICE VOTING
Last week to get your votes in ON PAGE 2 Nehls wins Republican nomination for District 22 seat By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM
Fort Bend County Sheriff Troy Nehls has taken another step in his quest to represent the area in the United States Congress. The race for District 26 seat in the Texas House of Representatives also is set following two tight runoffs. According to unofficial election results released July 14, Nehls defeated Kathaleen Wall in the Republican primary runoff for the District 22 seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. He cruised to victory with just over 70 percent of the overall
SEE DISTRICT 22 PAGE 6
Nehls
Fort Bend County Judge KP George scrolls through his social media messages Monday afternoon. George responded to what he called racist, anti-immigrant comments directed at him, saying those remarks have become more prevalent during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo by Landan Kuhlmann)
County Judge responds to racist comments At left is a compilation of messages County Judge KP George said he has recently received on social media. (Contributed photo)
By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM
Fort Bend County’s top elected official fired back at racist, anti-immigrant comments he said have been made about him on social media. County Judge KP George, an Indian-American who immigrated to the United States and Fort Bend County more than 30 years ago from the small South Indian village of Kakkodu, said he has received a plethora of hateful and racist comments and social media messages in response to his handling of the COVID-19 outbreak in Fort Bend County. “When someone criticiz-
es my decisions that is their right as Americans,” George wrote in a letter he posted to Facebook and Twitter on Saturday. “However, when people choose to hurl racist, anti-immigrant garbage at my family, colleagues and me—that crosses a line.” George’s office provided examples of some of the criticism he’s received about his decisions during the COVID-19 pandemic. He issued a stay-at-home order in March and earlier this month required busi-
nesses to utilize masks, in both cases following the lead of other Texas counties, including Harris County. Shortly after the local mask mandate, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued an executive order requiring most Texans to wear face coverings when in public. “If KP George tries to take away our freedom… it will not be the first time a foreigner has attempted to do so. KP George is not an American,” said one online poster, whose name and photo were redacted in screenshots provided by the county. “How did Fort Bend
SEE COMMENTS PAGE 6
Updated TEA guidance provides flexibility for area districts By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM
Fort Bend ISD and Stafford MSD, which announced they would start the 2020-21 school year with online learning, recently received more leeway from the state when it comes to ensuring students are safe when they choose to return to campuses. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) released amended COVID-19 guidance last Friday, providing public school districts in the state with the ability to utilize
online-only instruction for up to eight weeks after the start of school. Once students have transitioned to on-campus instruction, the TEA said high schools can give students the option to continue receiving online instruction or attend in-person classes. The TEA previously said schools had to provide daily on-campus instruction for students whose parents or guardians want that within three weeks after the start of the school year. “We live in unnerving times, and COVID has been a major disruption
in all of our lives,” Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath said in a Friday video addressed to parents and teachers. “We’ve crafted a framework so that schools can open safely subject to a variety of adjustments to keep our staff and our students safe. We know we need to provide local schools flexibility to adapt to local health conditions, especially given the rise in COVID cases we’re seeing across the state.” Stafford MSD announced on Twitter later Friday that the district will conduct online
See parent survey story on page 2. learning with its “1 to 1” initiative, in which every student will have access to an iPad for online learning, for the first month of the school year, which begins Aug. 19. The decision came just days after Fort Bend ISD announced it would start the school year exclusively with online learning. “We recommend caution in sending students
Bostic
directly back to school for in-person instruction because of the current surge for COVID-19 cases,” SMSD said in a
SEE TEA PAGE 6
PAGE 2 • Wednesday, July 22, 2020
THE STAR
See us online www.FortBendStar.com
Self selected as director of Sugar Land museum By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM
The Houston Museum of Natural Science (HMNS) announced July 15 that Sugar Land resident Kavita Self has been promoted to serve as the new director of the Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land and the George Observatory in Needville. Self replaces Adrienne Barker, who recently left to be the site director at George Ranch Historical Park in Richmond. Self has previously headed up the museum’s volunteer program and most recently
Self
served as the program manager. Self has been with HMNS Sugar Land since 2013. “Science explains the world we live in – the way it was, the way it is – and will help us shape the way it
will be,” she said in a news release announcing her promotion. “I still remember my sense of wonder as a child discovering science and I get to recreate that every day at HMNS.” A Rice University alumnus, Self lives in Sugar Land with her husband, Sean, and their three children. She is also a member of the Fort Bend Junior Service League. “Kavita is a tireless champion of everything we stand for in our HMNS family,” HMNS Sugar Land president Joel Bartsch said. “I look forward to collaborating with her on making our museums the best that they can be.”
County launches parent survey ahead of upcoming school year By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM
On July 17, Fort Bend County Judge KP George announced he is conducting a parent survey aimed at understanding how the county can support residents with school-aged children as they prepare for the upcoming academic year. Both Fort Bend ISD and Stafford MSD announced last week that they will begin the 2020-21 school year with online-only learning. The survey can be accessed in English at https://arcg.is/1ifO1n0
and in Spanish at https:// arcg.is/zfKyP. It consists of questions measuring parents’ feelings about their children's return to school, and about their access to child care and the internet as area districts attempt to navigate the obstacles caused by the
COVID-19 pandemic. George, a former Fort Bend ISD trustee, is a father of three children who have attended or are currently attending FBISD schools. “I know firsthand the tough decisions that schools and families face as they prepare for the upcoming semester,” he said in a news release. “We will use the responses to this survey as we advocate respectively and collaborate creatively with our partners to provide as many resources as possible to our residents during the fall 2020 semester."
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BUSINESS
Here
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2020 READERS' V CHOICE AWARDS
O TING ENDS JULY
27th
Let us know which business you consider the best in the respective category. ANIMALS & PET SERVICES ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Day Care/Boarding Service ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Grooming ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Veterinarian ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES/PRODUCTS ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Auto Dealer ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Auto Repair ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Auto Collision/ Body Shop ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------BEAUTY ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Day Spa ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Hair Salon ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Stylist ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Tanning Salon ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------DRINKING ESTABLISHMENTS ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Bar ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Coffee Shop ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Happy Hour ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Sports Bar ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------EDUCATION ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Learning Center ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Nursery/Day Care ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Private School ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Teacher ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ENTERTAINMENT & FINE ART ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Art/Craft Activity Venue ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Art Gallery ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Community Theater ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Family Entertainment Center ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Live Music Venue ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Local Museum ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------FOOD & RESTAURANTS ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Asian Restaurant ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Bakery ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best BBQ Restaurant ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Breakfast Spot ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Caterer ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Date Place ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Dessert ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Hamburger Joint ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Hot Wings ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Indian Restaurant ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Irish ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Italian -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Best Lunch Spot ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Mexican ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Other ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Pizzeria ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Place to Host a Party ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Sandwich Shop ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Seafood ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Service ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Steak House ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Sushi ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Takeout ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Tamales/Tacos ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------GENERAL SHOPPING ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Children’s Clothing Store ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Health Food Store ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Jewelry Store ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Liquor Store ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Local Furniture Store ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Musical Instrument Store ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Resale Shop ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Women’s Clothing Store ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------HEALTH CARE ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Assisted Living Home ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Chiropractor ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Cosmetic Surgeon ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Dentist ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Dermatologist ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Eye Care Provider ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Free-Standing Emergency Center ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Hospital ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Massage Therapist ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Orthodontist ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Orthopedist ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Pediatrician ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Primary Physician ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Senior Living Facility ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Urgent Care ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Weight Loss Facility ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Wellness Center ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Women’s Health Provider ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------HOME IMPROVEMENT/MAINTENANCE ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Appliance Store ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Cleaning/ Maid Service ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Electrician ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Flooring Store
Name: _____________________________________________________________________ Address: ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Garden/Landscaping Company ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best General Contractor ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Hardware Store ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Heating & Air Conditioning Service ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Home Decorating Store ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Interior Design/Decorator ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Pest Control Company ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Pool Company/ Service ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Plumbers ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Roofing Company ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------PROFESSIONAL SERVICES ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Attorney ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Bank/Credit Union ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Financial Advisor ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Custom Home Builder ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Developer ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Florist ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Funeral Home ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Insurance Agent ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Mortgage Company ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Real Estate Agent ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Real Estate Company ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------SPORTS & FITNESS ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Dance Studio ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Golf Course ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Sporting Goods Store ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Workout Facility/Gym ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best Yoga Studio -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
READERS’ CHOICE VOTING ENDS JULY 27TH @ 5PM
Thank you for taking the time to participate in our Fort Bend Star - READERS' CHOICE VOTING. Our goal is to provide you with the best business in Fort Bend County. Your answers will help us achieve that goal. Please write your best business the category form and send to us.
HOW TO TURN IN YOUR VOTES ONLINE: FortBendStar.com/starreaderschoice EMAIL: jsazma@fortbendstar.com BY MAIL: Fort Bend Star 3944 Bluebonnet Drive Stafford, Texas, 77477
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Wednesday, July 22, 2020 • PAGE
3
Runoff served as test for November election If the statewide maskwearing order is still in place this November, be prepared to get a longer look of your face after you’ve presented a photo ID when you show up to vote during the general election on Nov. 3. The masks, which help combat the spread of COVID-19, will account for some additional time to determine the voter-to-photo ID match as was the case this past week during the primary runoff election in Fort Bend County. Admittedly, it was not that much more time. It wasn’t anywhere near as challenging as it probably is for law enforcement, when officers try to identify a masked person involved in a crime from surveillance footage. That footage is probably a bit grainy, too. But at the voting site, the view was live and much clearer. Because I qualified as a registered voter in Fort Bend County who completed the required training, last week I participated as part of a team of election workers led by precinct co-judges, and also did a couple of voter-to-photo ID matches when I relieved
Elsa Maxey
the point person. I was also privy to the operations from the administrative side of the vote. On Election Day, the job of the working teams at polling sites is to facilitate voters with a process intended on ensuring the right to vote in an honest and well-organized manner. We took an oath to do this and were sworn in at 6:30 a.m. before the polls opened at 7 a.m. We knew that our challenge was not only matching the masked faces to required photo IDs, but also to inform voters about the new voting equipment that was used for the first time in Fort Bend County. It replaced an older voting system that had been in operation for about 15 years. Bet you remember that little spinning metal wheel
and punch button right next to it at the voting booth. All gone! If you voted last week in the primary runoffs, you may have been among those in the electorate that complimented our team for having the new set-up. Personally, we did not have anything to do with it. But upon further review, we did. The Fort Bend County Commissioners Court, whose commissioners and county judge were elected by a voting majority, approved the new voting machines, about 1,700 of them, this January. So that means that as a majority, we were the ones that authorized the machine replacement and purchase by virtue of having elected the members of the commissioners court and county judge. Good call! If you have not voted using the new machines, you have another opportunity before the end of the year. The general election, which includes the presidential election and many other federal, state and local level offices, will be held on Nov. 3. Experts predict a record
voter turnout in numbers not seen in a century or more in U.S. politics, according to an article in U.S. News and World Report. Let’s brace ourselves for the overdrive, also predicted to be the case on the part of both major political parties. We had a clue of things to come from the recent voter turnout. Fort Bend County’s reported numbers for the July 14 primary runoff were not disappointing. Make a note that Fort Bend has seen electorate turnout numbers lower than 4 percent and it wasn’t that long ago. This time, 81,589 ballots were cast from a pool of 459,953 registered voters. That’s close to 18 percent … and in a runoff. This was in part due to the contentious race between Troy Nehls and Kathaleen Wall for the Republican nod for the U.S. House of Representatives seat in District 22. That turned out in favor of Nehls, the Fort Bend County Sheriff, for a place on the ballot this fall seeking to succeed U.S. Rep. Pete Olson. And on the Democratic Party’s side, there was more than one hotly contested
race, including the one in which Sarah DeMerchant was victorious for a run this fall for the Texas House of Representatives in District 26. DeMerchant will run against Republican primary runoff winner Jacey Jetton. That office is currently held by State Rep. Rick Miller, who is not running for reelection. With this kind of voter turnout, what Fort Benders are realizing is that if you don’t vote, this gives greater weight to the people showing up, who will have a disproportionate influence in the way government works. So, in keeping with things to come and for every local voter’s benefit, here’s the rundown on the new voting machines. Each is in a private voting booth, like before. But the voting process is now a two-step … very Texan, and somewhat a cross between old and new school. That’s because there’s a large, hard-stock paper ballot given to each voter and it’s taken to a digitized voting machine, where it is inserted to begin voting. That’s the first step. The candidate selections
are made on a screen with what is being called a disposable stylus. “It’s a Q-tip,” said a voter right after being handed one. Screen prompts on the voting machine allow for candidate choices and the last prompt is for printing the paper ballot. Here’s the second step: The paper ballot is taken by the voter and inserted in a large ballot box in the room, where the vote is literally “cast.” “That means we have a paper backup of each ballot,” said another voter right after she placed her ballot in the box. Our team also understood that before casting the paper ballot, a voter would have three times to redo selections, just in case a candidate may have been inadvertently selected by the voter, or due to a change of heart. After casting the ballot in the box, you’ll get to see an American flag waving on the screen with text indicating that the vote has been officially cast. It doesn’t get any better than that … a say in who will lead us.
Missouri City accepting filings for mayor, city council By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM
The Exchange Club of Missouri City recently donated $8,000 to the Fort Bend Court Appointed Special Advocates to help their mission of child abuse prevention. They also collected toys, blankets, masks and art supplies for kids in need. (Contributed photo)
Missouri City mayoral and city council candidates wishing to place their name on the ballot for November can file with the city through Aug. 17. Up for grabs on Nov. 3 are the mayoral spot currently held by Yolanda Ford as well as At Large Positions 1 and 2 and the Missouri City Council, currently held by Vashuandra Edwards and Chris Preston. There will also be a special election for a proposition regarding the adoption of the firefighters’ and police
officers’ civil service law. With City Hall still closed to the public due to the COVID-19 pandemic, interested candidates can place their application in the drop box by the City Hall front lobby door or mail it to the office at 1522 Texas Pkwy. They can also fax their applications to 281-403-
8699. Early voting will run Oct. 19-30, with Election Day scheduled for Nov. 3. For additional information or any questions regarding Missouri City elections, residents can contact City Secretary Maria Jackson at maria. jackson@missouricitytx. gov or 281-403-8686.
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.
The City of Sugar Land will host a virtual series of summer community activities beginning next Sunday, July 26 to celebrate National Parks and Recreation Month. (Photo from Facebook)
Sugar Land set to host virtual 'Summer Series' By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM
The City of Sugar Land will host a series of virtual community activities in the last week of July to coincide with National Parks and Recreation Month. Coined the “Summer Series,” the city will host events such as virtual dance lessons, cooking demonstrations and fitness and exercise classes as well as bingo nights and trivia competitions from July 26-31. The week will end July 31 with a virtual concert hosted by local band Counterfeit and special performances by speed painter Visual Paint and dance group Tropical Rhythms. All events can be seen live on the parks department’s Facebook page at facebook.com/ SugarLandParks/. For more information
about the upcoming Virtual Summer Series, visit Sugar Land Parks and Recreation at sugarlandtx. gov/SpecialEvents or call
281- 275-2825. For other updates, follow Sugar Land Parks and Recreation on social media @SugarLandParks.
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Living with Raynaud’s Disease
Raynaud’s disease is a condition that causes some areas of the body to feel numb and cold as a result of cold temperatures or stress. Areas of the body that might be affected are the fingers and toes. In Raynaud’s disease, the small arteries that supply blood to the skin become narrower. This limits the flow of blood to affected areas. Raynaud’s disease may be caused by smoking, carpal tunnel syndrome, or injuries to the hands or feet. Symptoms of Raynaud’s disease may include cold fingers or cold toes. Medications that help widen arteries and increase blood flow may be used to treat Raynaud’s disease. Calcium channel blockers such as amlodipine (Norvasc) work to relax and open small arteries in the hands and feet. Side effects may include lightheadedness. Alpha blockers such as prazosin (Minipress) and vasodilators such as nitroglycerin cream also work to relax arteries. Side effects may include dizziness.
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
THANK YOU FOR READING
CHURCH OF CHRIST
STAFFORD CHURCH OF CHRIST • 281-499-2507 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 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
“For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.” - 1 Corinthians 13:12:
THE STAR
PAGE 4 • Wednesday, July 22, 2020
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Wednesday, July 22, 2020 • PAGE
5
Fort Bend Chamber to host political webinar Thursday noon-1 p.m. During the webinar, Stein will discuss the state's election opportunities, maneuvering through the elections in 2020, forecasts for the upcoming election cycle, and voting in a pandemic. Stein is a Lena Gohlman Fox Professor of Political Science at Rice
From Staff Reports
The Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce’s Government Division will host a virtual event, “Politics, Public Policy, and the Pandemic” with Professor Robert Stein from Rice University this coming Thursday from
University, Faculty Director of the Center for Civic Engagement, Fellow in Urban Politics at the Baker Institute, and former Dean of the School of Social Sciences. His current research, funded by the Pew Charitable Trusts, Arnold Foundation and the National Science Foun-
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NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING Due to the recent response efforts related to COVID-19, the City of Sugar Land will hold a Virtual Steering Committee Meeting on Wednesday, July 29, 2020 from 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. for the 2020 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update. Please utilize the following meeting link to attend the meeting: https://bit.ly/3eHRGz7 The purpose of the July 29th meeting is to review the Draft Plan and solicit comment from stakeholders and the general public prior to Plan submittal to the State. Stakeholders are invited and encouraged to participate in the Plan update and public comments.
LEGALS NOTICE TO CREDITORS No. 20-CPR-033939 Notice is hereby given that on June 26, 2020, Letters Testamentary upon the Estate of NORMA JEANNE HONEYCUTT, Deceased, were granted to the Independent Executor, Stephen Douglas Bain, by the Probate Court of Fort Bend County – Court at Law 5, Fort Bend County, Texas, in Cause No. 20CPR-033939, pending upon the Probate Docket of said Court. All persons having claims against said Estate are hereby instructed to present the same within the time prescribed by law to the personal representative at the address shown below: Stephen Douglas Bain, Independent Executor Bain & Barkley, A Partnership of Professional Corporations 14090 Southwest Freeway, Suite 450 Sugar Land, Texas 77478
NOTICE OF DIVORCE ACTION Jerrius Kyle Buffer, whose whereabouts is unknown, must answer Jesse A. Pierce’s Petition for Divorce and other relief by 11th day of September, 2020 (30 days after the date of the last publication), or thereafter, a judgment by default may be rendered against him in Case No. 55-DR-2020-000001.00, Circuit Court of Pike County, Alabama. Done this the 20th day of July, 2020. Clerk of Circuit Court of Pike County, Alabama Jamie G. Campbell Attorney for Jesse A. Pierce 904 South Brundidge Street Post Office Box 325 Troy, Alabama 36081
For more information on the HMP Update, including access to the 2014 Plan, please go to http://www.sugarlandtx.gov/HMP. For additional information please contact Patrick K. Hughes, Assistant Fire Chief, at phughes@sugarlandtx.gov, Phone: (281) 275-2860 or: Chrissie_Angeletti@tetratech.com, Phone: (512) 917-7513.
NOTICE TO BIDDERS BRIDGE REHABILITATION FOR VARIOUS LOCATIONS The City of Sugar Land seeks bids for performing all work required for the following project in the City: BID NO. 2020-21: BRIDGE REHABILITATION FOR VARIOUS LOCATIONS BIDDER’S NAME, ADDRESS, AND DUE DATE Specifications and bidding documents may be obtained by registering with Public Purchase www.publicpurchase.com. 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, July 30, 2020, at which time bids will be publicly opened and read. Bids received after the opening date and time will not be considered.
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HIRELOCAL LEGALS AT&T Mobility Services, LLC (AT&T) proposes to construct a 25’ utility pole (30’ overall) near 10315 Wylde Point LN in Missouri City, Fort Bend County, Texas (Project 48034). In accordance with the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and the 2005 Nationwide Programmatic Agreement, AT&T is hereby notifying the public of the proposed undertaking and soliciting comments on Historic Properties which may be affected by the proposed undertaking. If you would like to provide specific information regarding potential effects that the proposed undertaking might have to properties that are listed on or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places and located within 1/2 mile of the site, please submit the comments (with project number) to: RAMAKER, Contractor for AT&T, 855 Community Dr, Sauk City, WI 53583 or via e-mail to history@ramaker. com within 30 days of this notice. NOTICE TO JOSE JAIME SUAREZ Cause No. 199565-1 In the Chancery Court of Knox County, Tennessee
A non-mandatory pre-bid meeting for all interested parties will be held at 2:00 p.m., August 3, 2020, via virtual meeting. Details for attending the pre-bid meeting will be posted on CivCast www.CivCastUSA.com Questions regarding this bid must be submitted online to the www. CivCastUsa.com system or contact Marcel Khouw, P.E., at (713) 462-3178 or by email mkhouw@idseg.com by Thursday, August 6, 2020 on or before 5:00 P.M. The City Council will award the contract as provided in the Invitation to Bid. The City of Sugar Land will give notice of the contract award within sixty (60) calendar days after the opening date and time.
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★★★★★★★★★★ LEGALS NOTICE TO CREDITORS Notice is hereby given that original Letters Testamentary for the Estate of Rodolfo (Rudy) S. Alvarado, Deceased, were issued on June 29, 2020, under Docket No. 20-CPR¬034436, pending in County Court No. 5, Fort Bend County, Texas, to Thomas R. Alvarado. Claims may be presented in care of the attorney for the estate, addressed as follows: Representative, Estate of Rodolfo (Rudy) S. Alvarado, Deceased, c/o The Stone Law Firm, 2245 Texas Drive, Suite 300, Sugar Land, Texas 77479. 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 July 17, 2020. Nancy Stone, Attorney for Applicant Lift Station Control Panel Replacement Project (the “Work). Sealed, competitive bids will be received no later than 2:00 P.M., August 12, 2020 in the District Office located at 10347 Clodine Road, Richmond, Texas 77407. Plans, specifications and bidding documents for the project are available at the following locations:
CRISTINA SOFIA BARROSO, Petitioner, v.
In general, the work consists of replacing the control panels at four lift stations and two detention ponds. A pre-bid conference call with prospective bidders will be held on Thursday, July 30, 2020, at 2:00 P.M. Prospective bidders shall contact Mr. Hector Pena, P.E. at hpena@ardurra.com for details on how to join the pre-bid conference call. Owner will be bound by the terms of this invitation only to the extent funds, from whatever source, are available. All bids must be accompanied by proposal guaranty in the form of a Certified or Cashier’s Check, or Bidders Bond drawn to the order of Fort Bend County MUD No. 25, and in the minimum amount of five percent (5%) of the total amount of the bid. No proposal may be withdrawn for a period of ninety (90) days after receipt of bids except with the approval of Owner. Owner reserves the right to reject any or all bids or to accept any bid from any responsible person which will be most advantageous to it and result in the best and most economical completion of the Work. The successful bidder will be required to provide a Performance Bond and Payment Bond in full amount of the contract. Leonela Ruvalcaba, Executive General Manager
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Sealed bids 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 13, 2020, at which time bids will be publicly opened and read. Bids received after the opening date and time will not be considered.
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IN RE: HUITZILLIN MORELIA SUAREZ A CHILD UNDER THE AGE OF18 DOB: 09/25/2005
CIP PROJECT NUMBER: WA2003 LOCATION OF WORK: 5505 Homeward Way, Sugar Land, TX 77479
4603 Thompson Chapel Road, Sugar Land, TX 77479 Plans, specifications, and bidding documents may be obtained from www.CivCastUSA.com, search project name “Homeward Way, New Territory and Thompson Chapel WP Ground Storage Tank Re-hab” or document may be viewed at the office of the Design Engineer at the following location: IDS Engineering Group, 13430 Northwest Freeway, Suite 700, Houston, TX 77040. (713) 462-3178
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CRISTINA SOFIA BARROSO has filed a Petition for Name Change of Minor Child against you in the Chancery Court for Knox County, Tennessee. It is ordered that publication be made for four successive weeks, as required by law, in The Fort Bend Star, a newspaper published in Stafford, Texas, notifying you, Jose Jaime Suarez, that you are hereby ORDERED to file an Answer to the Petition for Name Change of Minor Child with the Knox County Clerk & Master, 400 W. Main Street, City County Building, Suite 125, Knoxville, Tennessee 37902, and to serve of copy of that Answer upon Counsel for the Petitioner, Attorney Elizabeth Maxey Long, Shepherd and Long, P.C., at 200 E. Broadway Avenue, Suite 410, Maryville, TN 37804, within 30 days from the last date of publication, exclusive of the last date of publication, or a judgment by default may be entered against you. You may view and obtain a copy of the Petition for Name Change of Minor Child and any other subsequently filed legal documents in the Knox County Clerk & Master’s Office at the address shown above.
Rehabilitation of the 0.25 MG Ground Storage Tank No. 1 at the Homeward Way Water Plant, 0.50 MG Ground Storage Tank No. 2 at the New Territory Water Plant and the 0.35 MG Ground Storage Tank No. 1 at the Thompson Chapel Water Plant
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cannot be combined with any offer
The City will award the contract and give notice of award within sixty (60) calendar days after the opening date and time.
CIP PROJECT NAME:
Eddie Allum
Free Estimates
JOSE JAIME SUAREZ, Respondent.
NOTICE TO BIDDERS REHABILITATION OF THE 0.25 MG GROUND STORAGE TANK NO. 1 AT THE HOMEWARD WAY WATER PLANT, 0.50 MG GROUND STORAGE TANK NO. 2 AT THE NEW TERRITORY WATER PLANT AND THE 0.35 MG GROUND STORAGE TANK NO. 1 AT THE THOMSPON CHAPEL WATER PLANT. The City of Sugar Land seeks bids for furnishing all labor, material, and equipment, and performing all work required for the following project in the City:
♠
Frank Garza, owner
For questions regarding this bid, please post on Public Purchase www. publicpurchase.com no later than 3:00 p.m. Thursday, July 23, 2020.
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THE STAR
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County let a foreigner, an America hater, become so powerful?” Said another commenter about George: “He came here for freedom, and opportunities, then this (expletive) is trying to destroy and take away our freedoms.” In response, George cited his family’s history in Fort Bend County – where he has lived for decades and become a U.S. citizen – as well as his history of public service that includes serving on Fort Bend ISD’s Board of Trustees before being elected county judge. Combatting the COVID-19 pandemic has become George’s most pressing issue. As of Tuesday, the county had reported 5,995 cases of COVID-19, the contagious disease caused by the new coronavirus strain. That is more than triple the number of cases the county had in May, when Abbott began reopening the state after several Texas counties, including Fort Bend, were under local stay-at-home orders. There have been at least 72 deaths in Fort Bend due to COVID-19, while 2,130 people have recovered. “As your County Judge,
★ TEA FROM PAGE 1 statement posted to its website Friday. ”As the situation continues to change, this means many of our decisions regarding the protocol and measures needed to ensure the safety and health of our students and staff will be made in real time.” As of Tuesday, Stafford had 223 reported cases of COVID-19, the contagious disease caused by the new coronavirus strain, according to Fort Bend County. There has been a total of 5,995 cases among county residents, with COVID-19 having caused at least 72 deaths and 2,130 patients having recovered. Both SMSD and FBISD already had been planning to offer a hybrid model between faceto-face instruction and online curriculum once students were cleared to begin returning to classes. During the period of distance learning to start the school year, FBISD
See us online www.FortBendStar.com
I’ve had to make a lot of decisions over the last few months to tackle the COVID crisis head-on. I want everyone to know that these decisions aren’t taken lightly,” George wrote in his letter. “They’re made in consultation with the relevant medical and scientific experts, and with input from community leaders and residents, and in all cases, my Christian faith guides my decision-making: will this help Fort Bend County residents?” Some residents have showed their support for George on various social media platforms. “I may disagree with some of your decisions, but there is no place for these type of comments, especially in our county,” one resident said on Twitter. “All I ask is that every decision you make is, in your opinion, what’s best for the people you serve. I may disagree, but I will respect you in the end.” Several elected officials from the Houston region also have expressed support for George, including Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and U.S. Rep. Pete Olson, who represents much of Fort Bend County. “These are not values of the Fort Bend County that I have been privileged to rep-
resent in the United States Congress for 12 years,” Olson tweeted July 18. “Hate is not welcome here.” George said he knows many may not agree with his choices. He also said there is no room for personal insults. He later urged citizens to call out racist and anti-immigrant sentiments, while citing the county’s diverse population. According to a 2018 survey by Rice University’s Kinder Institute, Fort Bend County has become one of the U.S.’s most ethnically diverse counties with a relatively equal mix of Black, white, Hispanic and Asian residents. “What has always made this country great is that anyone can come here and make something of themselves,” George said. “… I want you to know I am an American by choice with a deep and abiding passion for the values and opportunities that make this the greatest country on Earth. “… Stand up for your neighbors, your coworkers, and your children’s classmates. Stand up for Fort Bend, our nation's most diverse county. In doing so, you’ll be standing up for a better future America, the land of the free and home of the brave.”
previously said daily online engagement will be required of students and no extracurricular activities – including athletics and fine arts – will take place. SMSD parents have been asked to fill out an online form on the district’s Stafford Learns website by July 27. The form must be completed before a child can attend SMSD for the 2020-21 school year. “It is our full intention to get all students and staff back in school as soon as we are able to do it safely,” SMSD Superintendent Robert Bostic said. “However, at this time in our community, the COVID-19 numbers are rising and we have to do what we have to do.” One week prior to the start of on-campus activities and instruction, the TEA said school systems must post for parents and the general public a summary of their plan— developed in consultation with teachers, staff, and parents — they will fol-
low to mitigate COVID-19 spread in their schools based on the requirements and recommendations outlined in TEA’s public health planning guidance. Among other things, the TEA’s guidance addresses sanitization and safety procedures for classrooms and school buses, saying schools should incorporate outside air flow when possible. It also calls for social distancing both during class and at lunch as well as the use of masks as most Texans who are at least 10 years old are required to wear face coverings in public per an executive order by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. The TEA also outlined protocols for separating students who show symptoms once they are on campus. It also suggests using physical dividers between desks and bathroom sinks. The complete TEA guidance can be viewed at tea.texas.gov/sites/ d e f a u l t / f i l e s /c o v i d / Covid-19-SY-20 -21-Public-Health-Guidance.pdf.
★ DISTRICT 22 FROM PAGE 1 vote and will face Democrat Sri Preston Kulkarni in the general election in November for the right to succeed Pete Olson, a six-term congressman who is retiring. “What a journey this campaign has been. I’m overwhelmed and humbled by y’all’s support and faith,” Nehls said in a Facebook post after results came in. “Now the real work begins and I can’t be more excited to continue this journey with y’all.” Kulkarni garnered the Democratic nomination with 53.1 percent of the overall vote in the March 3 primary, defeating
Jetton
Kulkarni
Derrick Reed, Nyanza Moore and Carmine Petrillo. He is making his second bid for the District 22 seat after losing to Olson by five percentage points in 2018. DeMerchant
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Nehls, meanwhile, is making his first congressional bid after serving as county sheriff since 2012. District 26 in the Texas House saw runoff elections on both sides of the aisle, and both races were tight to the end. Sarah DeMerchant – the wife of Fort Bend County Precinct 4 Commissioner Ken DeMerchant – narrowly defeated Suleman Lalani in the Democratic runoff by appearing on 52.3 percent of ballots cast. Meanwhile, Jacey Jetton edged out Matt Morgan for the Republican nomination by receiving about 52.4 percent of the vote. In other notable area runoffs, Eric Fagan staved off Geneane Hughes in the Democratic runoff for Fort Bend County Sheriff. Fagan received 50.1 percent of the vote to edge Hughes by a mere 26 votes. He will now face Nehls’ twin brother, Trever, also a Republican, in the November election. Incumbent Daryl Smith won re-election as Precinct 2 Constable in November after he defeated Tonja Beard in the Democratic runoff with 64.6 percent of the vote Tuesday night. He will be unopposed in November. All results are unofficial until canvassed.
See us online www.FortBendStar.com
THE STAR
Wednesday, July 22, 2020 • PAGE
TOO SOON TO STOP.
TOGETHER, WE CAN STOP THE SPREAD. When COVID-19 first hit our cit y, Houstonians rallied together to stop its spread. But the job’s not done yet. It ’s simply too soon to stop practicing the behaviors we know help protect ourselves, our loved ones and our communities. • Wear
your mask
• Wash
your hands
• Keep
6 feet apart
• Stay
home when you are sick, except to get medical care
memorialhermann.org/coronavirus
#CountingOnHou
7
THE STAR
PAGE 8 • Wednesday, July 22, 2020
See us online www.FortBendStar.com
Jones accepts job as city manager for Missouri City By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM
Missouri City’s municipal government announced Monday afternoon that Odis Jones has accepted its job offer to become its eighth city manager. A news conference to introduce Jones to the public has been scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday.
The Missouri City Council voted 4-2 to appoint Jones during a contentious special meeting on July 6. Jones previously served as Hutto’s city manager from November 2016-December 2019. According to a January report by the Austin American-Statesman, Jones received a severance package worth $412,000 from Hutto, which had investigated Jones for possible
misconduct but found that allegations raised against him had no merit. Hutto city leaders did not disclose the details of the allegations, according to the report. In a news release from Missouri City, Jones’ former colleagues praised his work. “Mr. Jones’ efforts in Hutto were exemplary; he restored solvency to the city, developed an out-
standing workforce and achieved every challenge the city council set out for him including leading the city through an explosion of economic growth," Hutto Mayor Doug Gaul said in a news release. "We wish him well in Missouri City.” Jones earned a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Central Michigan University, a master’s degree in Public Administration from Western Michigan University and completed
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Deadline is noon every Friday. Limit entries to 40 words and answer the “5 Ws” Who, What, When, Where, and Why. Email to editor@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. JULY 1-31 HOPE FOR THREE GRATITUDE CHALLENGE Hope For Three, Autism Advocates invites you to its Gratitude Challenge 2020. The virtual event, set for July 1Ð 31, will use the social media platform, Facebook (@hopeforthree), but will also appear on Instagram and Twitter. The purpose of the challenge is to help autism families, supporters and followers to foster an attitude of being grateful in their daily lives. Each day, a suggestion and an empowering quote/ word, will be posted on Facebook. Participants are then encouraged to implement, as well as, comment on their experience. For more information, visit, like and follow Hope For three at @hopeforthree or email hope@hopeforthree.org. Information regarding programs, events and volunteer opportunities can be found at hopeforthree.org. FORT BEND-HARRIS RETIRED EDUCATORS Fort Bend Ð Harris Retired Educators are Zooming! Monthly virtual meetings will be held by Fort BendHarris Retired Educators beginning in August. Members will be invited by email to our kick-off meeting held on Aug. 13 at 10 a.m. You will receive an email with meeting ID # and a password from fbhres@gmail.com. If you have not yet joined, please send your check for $45 made out to FBHRE to Cathy Duvall, Treasurer, 7131 Trailbrook Dr. , Sugar Land, TX 77479. $35 is sent to Austin for state dues and $10 goes to our local unit. If you have recently retired and are interested in joining, please send request to cmduvall@aol.com HOPE FOR THREE STRIKE OUT AUTISM The first-ever Hope For Three Virtual “Strike Out” Autism jersey auction is underway. Now through Aug. 16, you can bid on your favorite Sugar Land Skeeters custom autism jersey on the Live Source App. The Virtual Auction, sponsored by Fred and Mabel R Parks Foundation, is part of, the 8th Annual “Strike Out” Autism Family Fun Event, which was
cancelled in April due to the pandemic. Sugar Land Skeeters will don the custom-made autism jerseys, courtesy of OCuSOFT, Inc. Aug. 16 when they take on the Sugar Land Lightning Sloths at 5 p.m. All proceeds benefit the Hope For Three Family Assistance Program. For details on how you can participate and win, visit hopeforthree/events. ALBION HURRICANES FC AHFC has multiple campuses in and around Houston, including Sugar Land. The club invites all interested players from ages of 7-18 to contact the campus director about team placement. Interested players should pre-register before coming out. Visit albionhurricanes.org/afhcstaff for contact information. DVD-BASED ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS WITH NO HOMEWORK REQUIRED Weekly class designed to help you understand and appreciate the Bible by giving you a better sense of the land and culture from which it sprang. The class meets at 9:30 am every Sunday at First Presbyterian of Sugar Land (502 Eldridge Rd.). For more information call 281-240-3195 EXCHANGE EXCHANGE, 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! SIENNA CRAFT/SEWING GROUP Sienna Craft/Sewing group. Meets every Tuesday from 10-noon at Sawmill Clubhouse in Sienna Plantation. We sew, crochet, knit, needlepoint, etc. contact Livia Erich at 281-543-3524 or liviaerich@ yahoo.com for additional information.
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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, taxfree 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 281-413-2484. AMERICAN LEGION 271 MEETING We meet the first Thursday of every month at the Post Hall, 4520 Hwy. 36 in Rosenberg. A covered dish meal is served to members at 6:30 p.m. followed by meetings at 7:30 p.m. For more information, call 281-341-9966. AMERICAN LEGION 294 MEETING Meets the first Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. at the Old Hickory Inn BBQ, 3334 FM 1092, just north of Highway 6 in Missouri City. For more information, please call 713-376-7295. 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 St. in Richmond, across from the historic Fort Bend County Courthouse. Free and open to the public. For more information, call 713-314-1313 or 1-800272-3900. 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.
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281-240-8701
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281.243.2300 •
One Sugar Creek Center Blvd.
Suite 300, Sugar Land, TX
www.KenWoodPC.com