July 25, 2018

Local tennis legend Chuck Sanchelli honored: Page 11

Matt Chavez swings at a pitch in a game earlier this season. He had 12 hits in 26 at-bats last week for a .462 batting average, earning him Skeeter of the Week honors by the Fort Bend Star. See story on page 11. (Photo by Joe Southern)

WEDNESDAY • JULY 25, 2018

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Fort Bend / Southwest • Volume 41 • No. 49

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Sugar Land presents proposed 2019 budget From staff reports FOR THE FORT BEND STAR

Sugar Land City Manager Allen Bogard and Director of Finance Jennifer Brown recently submitted a proposed $245 million budget for fiscal year 2019, which begins Oct. 1. The proposed budget, which reflects cautious optimism about the momentum being gained in the ongoing regional economic recovery, includes $218 million for operations and $27 million for capital projects – with no new programs or positions. The proposed budget is the result of months of preparation and financial policy discussions with the City Council and builds on resiliency initiatives started in the current year, such as: • a conservative approach to forecasting sales tax based on current year revenues; • implementing and maintaining belt-tightening cuts to recurring expenditures; and • ensuring that infrastructure rehabilitation is funded in the operating budget from more diverse and reliable revenue streams than previous funding from sales tax. “Our proposed budget is very conservative and possibly the most resilient we’ve ever filed. It includes investments in public safety training initiatives, drainage and infrastructure improvements to ensure our city remains safer than ever before, and technology enhancements to make our accountability initiatives more transparent,” said Bogard. “I’m incredibly proud of the flexibility of our departments and the adjustments made to maintain our financial strength and continue providing the high quality services that are important to our residents – even during challenging swings in the economy.” Bogard said Sugar Land continues to further assert itself as a premier regional entertainment, cultural and tourist destination – and an economic powerhouse within the Houston region. The city’s economic development efforts have benefitted residents through the growth in commercial property tax value – which makes up approximately 30 percent of the city’s tax base – and the generation of sales taxes, an

SEE BUDGET PAGE 14

By Joe Southern JSOUTHERN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Former slaves brought back into bondage through the state’s convict leasing program from 1878-1910 appear to be the people buried in the historic cemetery discovered earlier this year at the construction site of Fort Bend ISD’s James Reece Career and Technical Center. The revelation was made public July 16 when the school district held a media event at the site in the Telfair subdivision along with representatives of the Texas Historical Commission, Goshawk Environmental Consulting, Inc., and other organizations involved in exhuming and analyzing the 95 graves found at the site. “So far we have individuals ranging in age from 14 years of age to 50 to 70 years of age,” said Dr. Catrina BanksWhitley, research associate with the New Mexico Office of Archaeological Studies and bio-archaeologist and lead anthropologist for the exhumations and analysis at the site. “They’re all male except for one individual of the ones we have analyzed and they’re ranging in height from 5-foot-2 to 6-foot-2 at this point in time.” As of July 16, a team of about 1012 archaeologists, led by Reign Clark, Cultural Resources Director with Goshawk Environmental Consulting, had exhumed 48 remains and analyzed 20 of them. “It looks like folks were exposed to extremely hard labor,” Clark said. “Some of the muscle attachments are just massive.” Banks-Whitley said she has studied the musculoskeletal stress markers of the adults and handful of children buried there. “That’s were we look at where the muscle attachments are on the bone and as you continue to do heavy labor over and over again it actually changes the way the attachments on that bone look and in some cases it will change the shape of the bone. And so we can see that the majority of the individuals were doing extremely

The brick structure on the right was likely built in the 1920s, not long after the cemetery of leased convict laborers was abandoned and forgotten. Archeologists work at exhuming graves at the site under a tent. (Photo by Joe Southern)

Sketches show the positions of two of the skeletons exhumed by archeologists at the cemetery site. (Submitted photo)

heavy labor for a very long time,” she said. In addition to one woman discovered so far, Banks-Whitley said the youngest, age 14, is also the tallest at 6-foot-2. “All the individuals that have been analyzed thus far have traits of African-American heritage,” Clark said.

He said the people buried at the site were very poor. “We’ve found almost no grave goods, they’re very Spartan burials – simple pine boxes, the use of square-cut nails,” he said. “You have a few glass fragments here and there sometimes, very few personal affects, simple bone buttons, brass trouser

buttons, square-cut nails and one ring so far.” Other artifacts, including chains, files, bricks, and more, dating to the same time period but not related to specific burials, were on display at the site. The experts said they will likely be cleaned and sent to a museum for display. According to the school district, each exhumation takes approximately 36 to 48 person hours per grave, followed by four to eight hours for cleaning and an additional 12 to 15 hours for analysis. At the pace they are going Clark anticipates it will take about 40 more days to complete the work and to prepare the remains for re-interment. It has not yet been decided where the remains will go, but it will not be back in the same location. Determining the history Clark said the historical record and the physical evidence all point to the shallow graves being those of leased convict laborers. “We believe the cemetery dates to

Beating the heat at Constellation Field

THERESA@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

They want to crack the code. So on a sweltering Saturday morning at Community Impact Church, education leaders met with

FBISD board pares down $1.7 billion bond plan By Theresa D. McClellan THERESA@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

ented people who want to help and we have not all united. That is why (the Rev.) David (Sincere) and I want to bridge the gap. Find out what do the families want and how can we bring the community

Hoping to make the 2018 bond-funded capital improvement proposal more palatable, the Fort Bend Independent School District will look at two three-year bonds for less money than the $1.7 billion bond they considered as late as last month. The FBISD Board of Trustees received the newest configuration Saturday night of the monies needed to fund the district’s capital improvement needs. Already hearing community rumbling over a bond topping $1 billion, district officials looked for ways to pare down the request. So now they are dividing it into two three-year packages of a $992 million bond proposal that likely will not include metal detectors as a money saver. They also are no longer locked into a six-year plan, which the board appreciated. Initially, the board was told it would have to pursue the six-year bond because state officials were considering making changes that would make it harder to approve a bond without 30 percent voter participation. But after talking with state officials, the administration said it is more financially prudent to take its chances with the state rather thank risk presenting a bond that might not pass. “We talked with our friends in Austin and if that legislation

SEE LITERACY PAGE 10

SEE FBISD PAGE 2

Children play around at the splash pad at Constellation Field during a recent Sugar Land Skeeters baseball game. High temperatures of late have lots of people seeking ways to cool off. For more ways to enjoy a visit to a Skeeters game, see the story on page 11. (Photo by Bill McCaughey)

Community discusses early literacy options for elementary students By Theresa D. McClellan

SEE CEMETERY PAGE 13

parents and community collaborators to figure out what needs to happen to improve the educational, social, and behavioral needs of underperforming elementary students in the Fort Bend Independent School District. One effort bringing excitement is the Early Literacy

Center, located in the Ridgemont Elementary Building, 5353 Ridge Creek Circle. The pilot program is open to Blue Ridge and Ridgegate elementary students and educators want interested parents to complete an application process by Aug. 10 while spaces are available.

Interested parents are a key component. “I’ve always worked in Title One Schools and I love these kids,” said Megan Boler, literacy interventionist at Blue Ridge Elementary School. “There are so many challenges on a daily basis and so many skilled and tal-

THE STAR

PAGE 2 • Wednesday, July 25, 2018

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Lamar CISD Board of Trustees named Outstanding School Board From staff reports FOR THE FORT BEND STAR

Wonder Woman wows ’em Wonder Woman leads youngsters in exercises July 13 at the Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center. Her appearance drew a large crowd and was part of the center’s “Super Powered Summer.” (Photo by Joe Southern)

The Lamar CISD Board of Trustees has been named the 2018 Region 4 Outstanding School Board as part of the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA) Annual School Board Awards Program. The Lamar CISD Board of Trustees is also the Region 4 nominee for the 2018 Texas Outstanding School Board and is in the running to be named one of five Texas Honor Boards, one of which will be chosen as the Texas Outstanding School Board. The Texas Outstanding School Board will be announced at the 2018 TASA/TASB Convention, to be held Sept. 28-30. The Lamar CISD Board of Trustees was recognized for its exemplary level of dedication and commitment to the students and taxpayers in Lamar CISD as well as its positive working relationship between the board members and superintendent. The board successfully provided examples of docu-

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The Lamar CISD Board of Trustees, pictured with Superintendent Dr. Thomas Randle, has been named the 2018 Region 4 Outstanding School Board. (Submitted photo)

mentation and materials that demonstrated its commitment to excellence in each of the program’s 10 judging criteria: functions as a policy-making body; adherence to adopted board policies; support for educational performance in accordance with state-established standards; support for educational improvement projects and school transformation initiatives; commitment to a code of ethics; provision of financial support for the school system; participation in workshops and other performance improvement programs; placement of the welfare of children served by the school system above personal or political motives; public relations

H FBISD, FROM PAGE 1 passed in 2019, we’d say that’s fine, we could have an election in 2020 if need be. We don’t see them passing a bill and not giving schools districts a grace period. Taking that into consideration, we were comfortable with this proposal,” said district chief financial officer Steven Bassett. “Our job as trustees is addressing risk. We face the reality of the community reaction if they are asked to pass a bond three times larger than we’ve ever had. We decided a better risk is to do three years,” said FBISD Superintendent Charles Dupre.

The first was in 2009 when they also were named as one of the five Texas Honor Boards. The Lamar CISD board members are James Steenbergen, president; Kay Danziger, vice president; Kathryn Kaminski, secretary; members Mandi Bronsell, Dr. Tyson Harrell, Joe Hubenak, Melisa Roberts; and Dr. Thomas Randle, superintendent. “Our Board members are truly dedicated to Lamar CISD and they are so deserving of this honor,” said Randle. “Above all, they want what is best for our students. Their collective efforts will continue to move us forward and I am so proud of their exemplary work in a time of great change.”

efforts, including community awareness; and maintenance of harmonious and supportive relationships among board members. “Despite the great challenges it has faced, such as enduring Hurricane Harvey and a fast-growing community, the Lamar CISD board has remained steadfast in its commitment to do what is best for children. This is evident in their ethical approach to service and practice of continual improvement,” said Dr. Pam Wells, executive director of Region 4 Education Service Center. This is the second time the Lamar CISD Board of Trustees has been named Region 4 Outstanding School Board. Board Vice President Addie Heyliger said she understands the approach, “but I felt like I was pigeonholed into this box to make this decision because of paranoia and fear of legislation. It’s a good presentation but I’m still mulling it over.” The board received the newest proposal two days before the meeting. Officials noted they have been “under-investing” in school facilities and it is starting to show up with the need for new roofs, air conditioning systems, and other infrastructure. Trustee Jim Rice added that Bassett’s presentation illustrated the damage a 2.5 percent cap has on the school

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district. He said its more proof that, “Austin legislators need to stay out of the schools.” “They tell us what to set the minimum rate at, they are messing in our business needs and they need to stay out of it. But because of your careful stewardship, we are in this position,” Rice told Bassett. The new proposals would likely not include metal detectors in the school and they are looking at green initiatives as a way to save money. District Police Chief David Rider said they will include final recommendations from the safety committee in August. He not-

SEE FBISD PAGE 10

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Missouri City man convicted of theft of over $22,000

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A jury convicted Kevin Untray Hines of felony theft and misapplication of fiduciary property on July 12. The 40 year-old Missouri City man stole over $22,000 from an out-ofstate business between 2013 and 2014. Hines requested the court to determine his punishment and the case was reset to Aug. 23 for the judge to Kevin Untray Hines consider a presentence in- could obtain “income vestigation report. based” loans for busiAccording to Assistant nesses and could secure District Attorney Abdul a $400,000 loan for Pair’s Farukhi, Herbert Pair, the business if Pair wired him owner of Pair’s Printing money at regular interand Graphics based out vals. Hines promised Pair of Mobile, Ala., met Kevin that the money would be Hines through a mutual returned once the loan friend. Hines was recom- funded. mended as a loan broker Hines was to hold the that could help minority- funds in trust, but inowned businesses. The stead spent the money defendant represented Pair wired as quickly as himself as person who it arrived. Hines used the

money to purchase electronics, plane tickets, and frequently dined out over a year and a half between 2013 and 2014. Hines never obtained, nor tried to obtain, a loan for Pair. The prosecution matched the transactions from Pair’s accounts to Hines’s accounts and Hine’s spending to demonstrate the defendant’s intent to misapply the funds entrusted to him and deprive Pair of his money. Hines testified at trial. His first defense was that he did not spend the money Pair sent but that a third party did. Hines then claimed the money was gifted to him. Hines denied there was a loan that he was working on for Pair. When confronted with the emails, text messages, and audio recordings of the conversations between Hines and Pair, Hines then claimed someone else had access to his phone. When Pair was asked

why he trusted Hines, Pair stated he trusted Hines because he was a man of the cloth. Hines is a pastor at a local church and had also worked previously in customer service positions for banks and airlines. “This case is about trust and Kevin Hines used his standing in the community to abuse the trust placed in him,” said Farukhi, lead prosecutor on the case. “The jury saw through the defendant’s con and the guilty verdict reflects justice has been done.” The case was tried in the 240th District Court before Presiding Judge Chad Bridges. Both crimes are third-degree felonies, punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000. Hines is probation eligible. Assistant District Attorneys Abdul Farukhi and Scott Carpenter prosecuted the case. Attornes Kendric Ceasar represented the defendant.

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OakBend’s employee giving campaign raises over $200,000 From staff reports FOR THE FORT BEND STAR

OakBend Medical Center celebrated the success of the hospital’s employee giving campaign, “Seeds of Generosity,” by holding a reception in the Joe and Doris Gurecky Atrium after hours. The three-week cam-

paign, which ran from May 1-18, raised more than $102,000 for the hospital’s Vision 2020 Campaign. In addition to their $102,000 The Madison Charitable Foundation matched up to $100,000, making the total monies raised more than $202,000. The money raised in this year’s campaign will go toward the hospital’s

Vision 2020 campaign for improvements to common spaces on the first floor of the Jackson Street campus. “We are so proud of OakBend’s employees. Their generosity knows no bounds,” Board President Jeff Council said. “They believe in our vision and mission and are more than willing to help make a difference in our hospital.”

WE MAKE YOUR EXPERIENCE AS PERFECT AS THE MOMENT. Houston Methodist Childbirth Center at Sugar Land understands that your pregnancy and childbirth experience is unique to you. That’s why we offer our support, guidance and expertise from the first weeks of pregnancy through the arrival of your baby — because every mother deserves an experience as perfect as the moment. Amenities include: • Private and family-centered labor and delivery suites • Postpartum care and education, as well as breastfeeding support • Level II special care nursery with neonatal-trained staff to monitor high-risk and premature babies Come take a tour of our Childbirth Center or sign up for one of our classes by visiting houstonmethodist.org/events or call 281.205.4514 to find an OB-GYN near you.

Community Baby Shower | Thursday, Aug. 2 | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital | Brazos Pavilion Conference Center For more information, visit events.houstonmethodist.org/babyshower-sl or call 281.274.7500.

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Wednesday, July 25, 2018 • PAGE

Exhumations reveal dark chapter in Sugar Land’s past Exhuming the graves at the historic cemetery discovered at the construction site of the Fort Bend ISD’s James Reese Career and Technical Center has unearthed a dark side of Sugar Land’s history. Although it is no secret that much of Sugar Land and most of early Texas was built upon the backs of black slaves, little is known or acknowledged about the continued use of slave labor following the Civil War. These skeletons in Sugar Land’s closet are crying out with ghost stories of their own. Edward H. Cunningham and Littleberry Ellis formed a partnership that led to the creation of the Imperial Sugar Company. They built their empire by buying up local plantations from owners who could no longer make a go of it after the end of the war and slavery in 1865. Although the war was over, slavery was not – at least not for the owners of Imperial Sugar. From 1878 to 1910 they utilized the state-sanctioned

FAITH, FAMILY & FUN JOE SOUTHERN EDITOR

use of leased convict labor to work their sugarcane crops and do much of the hard labor involved in bringing sugar to market. Almost all of the convicts were black and former slaves. Many of them were incarcerated for minor offenses and trumped up charges. The leased convict system was designed as a way to keep slavery going long after it had been made illegal. The convicts got little or nothing (usually the latter) for their work while the state pocketed a tidy sum from their efforts. The plantation owners got cheap labor and higher profits. In 1910 the state put an

end to the dubious practice, but by then the damage had been done. There are 95 bodies testifying to the crimes committed against them in the cemetery. As of July 16, the day the school district invited the media to see and learn about the exhumations, the experts had removed 48 of the bodies. Of those that had been analyzed, all were black, one was female, and they ranged in age from 14 to approximately 70 years. All showed signs of extreme stress and hard labor. Among the artifacts found that were not related to the individual burials but were related to the time period were chains, the heads of hoes, and other tools. That means children worked alongside the elderly, bound by chains as they performed ungodly tasks in the relentless Texas heat and humidity. They didn’t have such modern conveniences as insect repellant or sunscreen. Despite the hard labor and long hours, no one provided

for them or their families. The state and the sugar company benefitted greatly from this atrocity. The laborers in this particular case only received an early death and burial in an unmarked pauper’s grave. Had it not been for the accidental discovery of bones while a water line was being trenched to service the new building, these individuals would remain undiscovered, paved over and forgotten for all time. There is one person who hadn’t forgotten. Reginald Moore has been studying Sugar Land’s prison history and had a pretty good idea there was an unmarked cemetery at the site. At first no one took him seriously. They do now. Because of his persistence, the school district did keep an archeologist on site during construction. Once the foundation was set and no human remains found, the archeologist left and was about to file a report when the discovery was made. The graves are not

under the building nor the parking lot, so most of the construction could continue once the perimeter of the cemetery had been determined. One of the things I’ve learned and appreciated about the Texas Historical Commission over the years is its commitment to honoring the slave population. I was working in Hempstead when Bernardo Plantation was discovered. The archeologists there were just as determined to discover and document the artifacts of the slave quarters there as they were the plantation house. Later, when I was working in Sealy, I did a lot of reporting on the archeology being done at San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site. There, too, an extra effort was being made to document artifacts associated with slaves. Now here in Sugar Land, this entire project is focused on slaves. The artifacts and evidence are painting a new picture in this dark chapter of Texas history.

This presents a great opportunity to right some wrongs and play long overdue tribute and honor to these men, women, and children who contributed so very much to the success of the state and this city. We will rewrite the history books with the things we are now learning. We can never repay the debt owed them but we can now pay them tribute, dignity, and honor. By literally digging up the past we have a chance to forge a new future enlightened by the stories these bones have to tell us. This is a chance to better understand our past and our prejudices, and to work for a future together where everyone’s contributions are acknowledged and appreciated and none are forced. This is an opportunity to come together, heal generational wounds, and to move forward in a unified future. This part of our past is hideously ugly and brutal. Our future is what we make of it. Let’s make it a good one.

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Letter to the Editor

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Missouri City needs better leadership Dear Editor, It’s hard not to be very impressed by a list of the positives of living in Missouri City. We have: 1) Easy access to Houston and Sugar Land and all of their amenities; 2) Great home affordability; 3) Diversity like few towns in Texas; 4) An excellent school district, and in essence, a quality of life that consistently ranks high. Yes, we are good, but what changes would make us World-Class and First Tier? Moreover, how do I, as a Missouri City resident,

make my voice heard? The answer to these questions is simple. Vote, and more importantly, vote for leadership. Does leadership really make a difference? A good example is the City of Sugar Land, which consistently ranks in the top 20 and sometimes the top 10 best cities in Texas to live in. Over the past few years, they’ve built a Town Centre that is the envy of all of Texas with nearby dining which is unsurpassed. The City of Sugar Land just keeps on

improving because their leaders have taken the initiative and surpassed all expectations, just like Missouri City needs to do. Good leadership should define what’s most important for the majority of residents and point the city in that direction. First, Missouri City is a community of families, a large number of which are young but all are interested in an improved quality of life. Are the candidates we’re voting for interested in helping our families or do they have some other

agenda? For many years, the city seems to have been focused on running its two golf courses, clubhouse, and tennis facility, which service about 5 percent of our city’s residents. Obviously, we need leaders who will change the focus, take the initiative and improve the lives of the families who make up such a significant percentage of our city’s population. Sugar Land has its Town Centre, a very walkable area that is frequented by all of its residents. Missouri City very much needs

similar family-friendly, walkable venues that benefit all of Missouri City’s residents. The city has plenty of empty parking lot space near Highway 6 and along many of its major streets where this could happen, so that could be at least one focus. We need leaders who will foster public/private partnerships and ventures. There are these and many other opportunities for leaders with initiative, negotiating skills, and enthusiasm to make Missouri City better for the families BONDED & INSURED

that live here. Elections are coming up and Missouri City has an obvious need for leaders who are in touch with the reality of what Missouri City has become. Our situation calls for women or men who will take charge and get ahead of the game. Leaders with fresh, innovative ideas and lots of energy will help Missouri City stay competitive and keep the city’s future bright. Howard E. Moline Missouri City

Ready to fix that fence? BAPTIST CHURCH

HERITAGE BAPTIST CHURCH • 281-403-4994 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 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

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH • 281-499-3502 3900 Lexington Blvd., Missouri City, TX 77459 8:00 am: Chapel Worship 9:15 am: Sunday School For All Ages 10:30 am: Open Skies Worship in the Fellowship Hall 10:30 am: Sanctuary Worship For more information, please visit www.fumcmc.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

CHURCH OF CHRIST

MISSOURI CITY CHURCH OF CHRIST • 281-261-8944 2019 Bright Meadows Dr. - Missouri City, TX 77489 www.mocitycoc.org Sunday morning services: 10:15 am

(includes separate youth, bible hour and nursery services)

Sunday evening services: 5:00 pm Bible Study (all ages): Sun 9:00 am & Wed 7:00 pm Tuesday Adult Bible Class: 10:30 am In the heart of Mo City - with the city at heart

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

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

SOUTHMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH • 281-499-2310 4200 Cartwright Road, Missouri City, 77459 Sunday School 9:00 am Fellowship & Coffee 10:00 am Worship 10:30 am www.southminpres.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 “Say to those with fearful hearts, ‘Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you.’” -Isaiah 35:4

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THE STAR

PAGE 6 • Wednesday, July 25, 2018

See us online www.FortBendStar.com

Fort Bend Boys Choir tours western Canada From staff reports FOR THE FORT BEND STAR

The Fort Bend Boys Tour Choir recently returned from an 11-day 14700 Almeda Rd. summer performance tour Houston, TX 77053 to Western Canada where www.HoustonHumane.org they represented Fort Bend County and the State of Texas as musical ambassadors. The tour to British Columbia and Alberta, Canada, wrapped up a successful 36th concert season. The Tour Choir had five “official” concerts, including joint performances with Zing. Children’s Choir, the British Columbia Boys Choir and the Calgary Boys Choir. However, they also had a number of impromptu performances for Hello, my name is Martha. I am a brown and black domestic shorthair mix and I am just over 2 years old. Come by and visit with the public in their hotels, at tourist sites and even me today. I would love to meet you! mid-air during their flight to Canada. Of course, it was not all work, no play for the choirboys. They also explored caves and parks, went on educational tours, by Dr. Eric Tepper traversed across suspenBOARD CERTIFIED PODIATRIST, ACCPPS sion bridges and played

713-433-6421

FOOT FACTS

LESS MAY BE BETTER As medical technological advances increase, new methods of treating foot problems are developed. Minimally Invasive Foot Surgery (MIFS) is an excellent example of medical treatment that may be able to replace some older, traditional practices. There are many important advantages to MIFS. Procedures are usually performed in the doctor’s office with a local anesthesia rather than in a hospital or surgical facility under general anesthesia. Not only is surgery more convenient, but it is also less expensive when hospital charges are eliminated. MIFS incisions are smaller and tend to heal more rapidly with less scarring. Since this type of surgery generally doesn’t involve insertion or removal of screws, pins, or plates, casts are not necessary. Simple wound dressings are sufficient. HINT: Ask the podiatrist whether traditional surgery or MIFS treatment is the better option for correcting your foot problem. If surgery is called for in your case, we’re sure you’ll be happy to hear that today’s procedures, such as the minimally invasive surgery mentioned above, make the process easier and smoother, usually with less recover time. And, as always, good postoperative results require proper foot care and support to prevent future problems. We follow all surgeries with complete instructions for home care. If your feet are bothering you, we suggest a call to our office at 3143 Hwy. 6 South, 281-980-3668.

Members of the Fort Bend Boys Tour Choir pose for a picture at Lake Louise, Banff, Alberta Canada. (Photo by Terri Cannon/Spider Photography)

desire to sing at their best … it was such a lovely experience I’ll never forget. Thank you, Fort Bend choristers, for taking us to another dimension where all is simply perfect.” Any boy who loves music and singing can audition for the Fort Bend Boys Choir

tourist at museums and historical sites. Life change happened during this Canadian performance tour, not only for the talented choirboys but also their audiences as well. One patron said, “Magical voices, adorable harmony, amazing spirit, kindness and

by special appointment this summer. Boys with unchanged voices should be at least eight years of age or going into the third grade for the upcoming school year. For more information, contact the Fort Bend Boys Choir office at 281-240-3800 or visit www.fbbctx.org.

Learn to protect pets at hurricane preparedness symposium From staff reports FOR THE FORT BEND STAR

A Hurricane Preparedness Symposium sponsored by Fort Bend Pets Alive! and Texas Humane Legislation Network will take place on July 28 to bring awareness to the community about disaster preparation with pets for the hurricane season. The 2018 hurricane season is supposed to be as bad or worse than 2017, and the public needs to be in-

formed on what to do with their pets in case of evacuation. Speakers include: Alan Spears, Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator at Fort Bend County; Jeffrey Stewart of Fort Bend Red Cross; Salise Shuttlesworth, J.D. Executive Director of Friends For Life; and Laura Donahue Halloran, Executive Director of

Texas Humane Legislation Network. To help unite displaced pets with owners, FBPA! will give out 120 vouchers for free microchips to attendees who attend the full symposium, as well as transportable water dishes and some other raffle items. Extra microchip vouchers will be donated to the a lo-

cal non-profit group that serves Fort Bend County. The symposium is cohosted by Fort Bend Pets Alive! and Texas Humane Legislative Network (THLN) and co-chaired by U.S. Rep. Pete Olson and Rosenberg Councilmember Jacob Balderas. Attendees must register at Eventbrite.com. Each registration must have a name and each registrant must be 18 years of age or above. Actual microchipping will not take place at the symposium.

07-25-18 Dr. Tepper - 2x4 - ff-1

TEXAS COMMISSION ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

McElvy Vasquez Media &

NOTICE OF RECEIPT OF APPLICATION AND INTENT TO OBTAIN WATER QUALITY PERMIT RENEWAL PERMIT NO. WQ0012003002

PUBLIC COMMENT / PUBLIC MEETING. You may submit public comments or request a public meeting on this application. The purpose of a public meeting is to provide the opportunity to submit comments or to ask questions about the application. TCEQ will hold a public meeting if the Executive Director determines that there is a significant degree of public interest in the application or if requested by a local legislator. A public meeting is not a contested case hearing. OPPORTUNITY FOR A CONTESTED CASE HEARING. After the deadline for submitting public comments, the Executive Director will consider all timely comments and prepare a response to all relevant and material, or significant public comments. Unless the application is directly referred for a contested case hearing, the response to comments, and the Executive Director’s decision on the application, will be mailed to everyone who submitted public comments and to those persons who are on the mailing list for this application. If comments are received, the mailing will also provide instructions for requesting reconsideration of the Executive Director’s decision and for requesting a contested case hearing. A contested case hearing is a legal proceeding similar to a civil trial in state district court. TO REQUEST A CONTESTED CASE HEARING, YOU MUST INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING ITEMS IN YOUR REQUEST: your name, address, phone number; applicant’s name and proposed permit number; the location and distance of your property/activities relative to the proposed facility; a specific description of how you would be adversely affected by the facility in a way not common to the general public; a list of all disputed issues of fact that you submit during the comment period and, the statement “[I/we] request a contested case hearing.” If the request for contested case hearing is filed on behalf of a group or association, the request must designate the group’s representative for receiving future correspondence; identify by name and physical address an individual member of the group who would be adversely affected by the proposed facility or activity; provide the information discussed above regarding the affected member’s location and distance from the facility or activity; explain how and why the member would be affected; and explain how the interests the group seeks to protect are relevant to the group’s purpose. Following the close of all applicable comment and request periods, the Executive Director will forward the application and any requests for reconsideration or for a contested case hearing to the TCEQ Commissioners for their consideration at a scheduled Commission meeting. The Commission may only grant a request for a contested case hearing on issues the requestor submitted in their timely comments that were not subsequently withdrawn. If a hearing is granted, the subject of a hearing will be limited to disputed issues of fact or mixed questions of fact and law relating to relevant and material water quality concerns submitted during the comment period. TCEQ may act on an application to renew a permit for discharge of wastewater without providing an opportunity for a contested case hearing if certain criteria are met. MAILING LIST. If you submit public comments, a request for a contested case hearing or a reconsideration of the Executive Director’s decision, you will be added to the mailing list for this specific application to receive future public notices mailed by the Office of the Chief Clerk. In addition, you may request to be placed on: (1) the permanent mailing list for a specific applicant name and permit number; and/or (2) the mailing list for a specific county. If you wish to be placed on the permanent and/or the county mailing list, clearly specify which list(s) and send your request to TCEQ Office of the Chief Clerk at the address below. INFORMATION AVAILABLE ONLINE. For details about the status of the application, visit the Commissioners’ Integrated Database at www.tceq.texas.gov/goto/cid. Search the database using the permit number for this application, which is provided at the top of this notice. AGENCY CONTACTS AND INFORMATION. All public comments and requests must be submitted either electronically at www.tceq.texas.gov/about/comments.html, or in writing to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Office of the Chief Clerk, MC-105, P.O. Box 13087, Austin, Texas 78711-3087. Please be aware that any contact information you provide, including your name, phone number, email address and physical address will become part of the agency’s public record. For more information about this permit application or the permitting process, please call the TCEQ Public Education Program, Toll Free, at 1-800-687-4040 or visit their website at www.tceq.texas.gov/goto/pep. Si desea información en Español, puede llamar al 1-800-687-4040. Further information may also be obtained from Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 25 at the address stated above or by calling Mr. Christopher Munson, P.E., Ardurra Group, at 346-666-5092. Issuance Date: July 16, 2018

Looking For Local Events?

ADDITIONAL NOTICE. TCEQ’s Executive Director has determined the application is administratively complete and will conduct a technical review of the application. After technical review of the application is complete, the Executive Director may prepare a draft permit and will issue a preliminary decision on the application. Notice of the Application and Preliminary Decision will be published and mailed to those who are on the county-wide mailing list and to those who are on the mailing list for this application. That notice will contain the deadline for submitting public comments.

Present

40th Anniversary

DE L

APPLICATION. Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 25, P.O. Box 2847, Sugar Land, Texas 77487, has applied to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to renew Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (TPDES) Permit No. WQ0012003002 (EPA I.D. No. TX0132217) to authorize the discharge of treated wastewater at a volume not to exceed an annual average flow of 1,000,000 gallons per day. The domestic wastewater treatment facility is located at 10347 Clodine Road, Richmond, in Fort Bend County, Texas 77407. The discharge route is from the plant site to Red Gully Tributary No. 2; thence to Red Gully; thence to Upper Oyster Creek. TCEQ received this application on June 4, 2018. The permit application is available for viewing and copying at the Sugar Land Branch Library, 550 Eldridge Road, Sugar Land, Texas. This link to an electronic map of the site or facility’s general location is provided as a public courtesy and not part of the application or notice. For the exact location, refer to the application. http://www.tceq.texas.gov/assets/public/hb610/index.html?lat=29.662777&lng=-95.676111&zoom=13&type=r

W E N IVE RING THE

SATURDAY, AUGUST 18, 2018 10am -2pm 12016 University Blvd, Sugar Land FREE ADMISSION for the first 200 attendees, then reduced admission until 2pm Sponsorships and Vendor Space available

CALL TODAY! 281-690-4210 Find them on pg 12

THE STAR

See us online www.FortBendStar.com

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FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO RSVP CALL BARBARA • 281-265-0000 LEGALS Porter Superior Court Valparaiso Indiana Cause Number: 64D02-1801-DN-000794 Marriage of Yaminibahen B Patel (Petitioner) vs. Bharat Thakorbhai Patel (Respondent) You are sued by the Petitioner. The nature of the proceedings against you is a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage which is on file in the Office of the Clerk. Your Final Hearing is August 21, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at the Porter Superior Court, 16 Lincolnway, Valparaiso, Indiana 46383. If you fail to file a written appearance with the Clerk and serve a copy on Petitioner’s counsel, you may not receive notice of any further proceedings in this action. Your continued failure to appear may result in a final judgment by default. If you have a claim for relief against the Petitioner you may be required to assert such claim in a written pleading to be filed with the Clerk. Any claim or defense you may have in response to the Petition may be raised without written claim. The following manner of service is hereby designated: Service by Publication Law Office of Traficante 2047 Crisman Rd. Portage, IN 46368 (219) 762-6615

•Warehouse Job Opening! •Tuition assistance for students •Flexible hours for students •Top pay & benefits •Hardworking, responsible individual for shipping, receiving & shop work •HS diploma required • Some college a plus •Chance for advancement •Smoke-free environment •Stafford, Texas - Near Kirkwood & 59

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Wednesday, July 25, 2018 • PAGE

TAROT CARD & CRYSTAL READINGS

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M AT H / C O M P U T E R TUTOR - Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, word processing, spreadsheet, graphics. Bill Stewart. BSEE 281-341-1582.>+

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IZAM’S TREASURES

281-341-0496

LEGALS Invitation for Proposal The City of Stafford is requesting proposals from qualified insurance companies to provide Fully Insured Medical and Dental Proposals. In addition, the City is seeking Proposals for Basic Life/AD&D, Voluntary Life/AD&D, Long Term Disability and Full EAP. Proposals, in duplicate, must be sealed and marked applicably as follows: Fully Insured Proposal (Medical, Dental, Basic Life/AD&D, Voluntary Life/AD&D, Long Term Disability and/or Full EAP) 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 Monday, August 13, 2018. Proposals are expected to be awarded on or before Wednesday, August 29, 2018, at the City Council meeting with coverage to be effective October 1, 2018. For further information and specifications, please contact Shanell Garcia, Director of Human Resources, City of Stafford, at 281-261-3929. 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 CITY HALL ANNEX FOUNDATION REPAIR

NOTICE TO BIDDERS NEXT GENERATION SECURITY GATEWAY 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: BID NUMBER: ITB 2018-25 Next Generation Security Gateway LOCATION OF WORK: Various Locations Throughout the City of Sugar Land Plans, specifications, and bidding documents may be obtained by registering with Public Purchase www.publicpurchase.com or by contacting jposcovsky@sugarlandtx.gov 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 9, 2018, at which time bids will be publicly opened and read. Bids received after the opening date and time will not be considered. Questions regarding this bid must be submitted online to Public Purchase www.publicpurchase.com by Thursday, August 2, 2018 on or before 3:00 P.M. The City will award and give notice within sixty (60) calendar days after the opening date and time.

NOTICE TO BIDDERS PUBLIC WORKS ROOF REPLACEMENT

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: CIP PROJECT NAME: City Hall Annex Foundation Repair CIP PROJECT NUMBER: MU1805 LOCATION OF WORK: 10405 Corporate Drive, Sugar Land, TX 77478

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: CIP PROJECT NAME: Public Works Roof Replacement CIP PROJECT NUMBER: MU1804 LOCATION OF WORK: 111 Gillingham Lane, Sugar Land, TX 77478

Plans, specifications, and bidding documents may be obtained by registering at Public Purchase www.publicpurchase.com.

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 9, 2018, at which time bids will be publicly opened and read. Bids received after the opening date and time will not be considered.

A non-mandatory tour for all interested parties will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 31, 2018, City Hall Annex, 10405 Corporate Drive, Sugar Land, Texas 77478.

A non-mandatory tour for all interested parties will be held at 9:00 a.m., Tuesday, July 31, 2018, Public Works, 111 Gillingham Lane, Sugar Land, Texas 77478.

Questions regarding this bid must be submitted online to the www.publicpurchase.com by Thursday, August 2, 2018 on or before 12:00 p.m.

The City will award and give notice of the contract award within sixty (60) calendar days after the opening date and time.

THE STAR

PAGE 8 • Wednesday, July 25, 2018

F ORT B END NEW LISTING

See us online www.FortBendStar.com

H OME S HOWCASE NEW LISTING

NEW LISTING

F ORT B END

OXFORD/COMMONWEALTH - Popular Designed Upgrades through out this Gorgeous Home in Highly Sought after Commonwealth. Backs to a Wooded Greenbelt Levee - No Back Neighbors. Rich Hardwoods & Tile throughout 1st floor. (‘18) New Ext./Int. Paint, (‘18) Master bath w/new high-end Granite Counter tops, brush nickel water faucets & framed mirror.(‘18) New Roof 50 year shingles w/ Ridge Vents. New (‘18) Blinds. Home also has a Water Softener and Reverse Osmosis on Kit. sink. Double Paned Windows. 16 Seer 2 stage HVAC. Lushly landscaped back yard w/auto. sprinkler sys. & large tired wood deck for entertaining. $389,900 Call Virginia Mack 281-207-5200 (VM4123 SI)

OXFORD/COMMONWEALTH – Wonderfully Updated/Upgraded Perry 2-Story home w/Master down located on a double culdesac street. Fresh Neutral Paint & Carpet 2017. Updated Kitchen w/SS appls. & re-finished darker style cabinets. Master Bath Upgraded w/Frameless Shower Enclosure, Granite Counter, Tile Walls w/Shadow box & Accent Tile. Updated Light Fixtures & Hardware. Formal Living room w/Gas Log Fireplace. Huge Gameroom Upstairs w/Double Bi-Folding French Doors to Study. No Backyard Neighbors. $389,000. Call Virginia Mack 281-207-5200 (VM3914BS)

NEW LISTING

H OME S HOWCASE THE ESTATES OF OYSTER CREEK – Hidden Jewel of Sugar Land. Semi-Custom Neighborhood w/Low Taxes! Det. 3 Car Garage & Porte-Cochere. Culdesac street. Beautiful Architectural Designed Home w/Juliette Style Balcony over Lg. Foyer. High-end Amenities Throughout. Rich 5” Slat Hardwood Floors. Real Wood Plantation Shutters Throughout! French Doors open to the For. Living Room which could also be a Library. Open concept style Kit. w/SS Appliances, Granite Counter Tops, Island, Built-in Desk Area, Butler’s Pantry, Walk-in Pantry & Abundance of Cabinet & Counter Space. Main Room features a Cast Stone Gas Log Fireplace w/Built-in Shelves & Cabinets on each side. Covered Balcony & Covered Back Patio. $549,900 Call Virginia Mack 281-207-5200 (VM919PS).

The Virginia Mack Team

NEW LISTING

ABR, CBR, CRS, GRI, HALL of Fame, PLATINUM CLUB

3 OFFERS 3 DAYS

(281) 207-5200 RE/MAX Southwest • (281) 491-1776 X5200

COMMONWEALTH PARK/COMMONWEALTH – Beautiful Upgraded Stately Home on a Large Corner Lot

with a Side-Loading Garage. Located on a Double Cul-de-Sac Street! Over $50K in Updates! Also features a “Laguna Style” Heated Pool w/Tanning Ledge. The Backyard Backs to a Greenbelt! (2017) painted kit. cabinets. (2017) new water heater. (2015) Upstairs AC System. High-end Engineered Wood in formals, family room, staircase steps & master bedroom (2015) & Upgraded Carpet (2016). Huge Upstairs Game room that leads to all 4 bedrooms & study! 2” Faux Blinds throughout. A wall of Custom built-ins in Formal Living Room. The backyard is perfect for outdoor entertaining. It features a large extended patio area & a private pa $489,900 Call Virginia Mack 281-207-5200 (VM47SS)

AnitA Milne

RIVERS EDGE - Come discover all the small town country feel of living in Rivers Edge. Lovely 3 + Flex Room (could be Study/Media/Music/Exercise/Den or For. Liv. Room) home with partial wrap around front porch & Flagstone walk-up path. No Back Neighbors! Open Concept Floor Plan. Laminate “wood like” flooring. Lots of Architectural Flair - Art Niches, Columns (in & out) & Archways. Interior Paint & Carpet (2015). Kitchen features SS Appliances & Extended Breakfast Bar. Living Room with Cast Stone Style Gas Log Fireplace. $230,000 CALL VIRGINIA MACK 281-207-5200 (VM2615OR)

D SOL

www.ftbendhomes.com www.virginiamack.com e-mail:virginiamack@ ftbendhomes.com Each office Independently Owned & Operated

COMMONWEALTH PARK – RARE NewMark Home In Highly Sought After Commonwealth! New (2018) Painted Interior Walls. Beautiful 5” Brazilian Hardwoods & 20” Porcelain Tile Downstairs. Updated Kitchen Appliances & Granite Counter Tops & Island. Great Location with Exemplary Schools. Close to Area Shopping & Dining. $374,900 Call Virginia Mack 281-207-5200 (VM75BC).

COMMONWEALTH PARK - Wonderful Updated Perry Home with 3rd floor bonus rooms! Resort Style Sculpted Pool with corner ledge, flagstone edging, heated spa, rock waterfall, outdoor shower, lush landscaping, decking style padio. Upgraded Master suite with frameless shower enclosure, updated tile walls with shadow box, sitting ledge, rain shower & body sprayers. New Carpet & Paint (2018). Large Game Room & much more! $524,900 Call Virginia Mack 281-207-5200. (VM3909SM)

PRICE REDUCED

281-413-9732 PARKGLEN

SOLD HORNBROOK 3/2/2 • $169,000

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GREATWOOD KNOLL – Fabulously upgraded Home with pool/spa/tanning ledge w/umbrella, Pool sweep included. Note: High vaulted ceilings. Hardwood flooring. Upgraded Kitchen w/granite counter tops, SS appliances. Upgraded Executive Master bath w/ Frameless Shower enclosure. Granite counters, jetted tub, large walk-in closet. Upstairs Game-room. Private backyard.New Furnace 1/2018. $299,500. Call Virginia Mack 281-207-5200 (VM210KF).

NEW LISTING

BEARD REALTY GROUP

MEADOWS PLACE

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NEW LISTING

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Incredible opportunity to build in a private retreat on a heavily wooded 2 lot homesite on The Colorado River. 15 Homes already there! Community Pool / HOA / Caretaker / Access by Tram or Barge. $75,000 CALL BARBARA MONTGOMERY

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Lovely 2 story home in the heart of Quail Valley, close to the golf course and Quail Valley Center. Large corner lot, large enough for a pool! Updated kitchen with granite and a gas cook top. Large kitchen and breakfast area! Slate floors, wood laminate floors upstairs. Bring an offer! $269,000 CALL BARBARA MONTGOMERY

713-898-3938 BM5906LFC

BM3046BB

www.fortbendstar.com LOOKING FOR

LOCAL

EVENTS?

Find them on the Community Calendar EACH WEEK!

07-25-18 ANITA MILNE

A Helping Hand from

Ed’s Pharmacy 3740 Cartwright Road (@ FM 1092)

(281) 499-4555

Pharmacists Important in Heart Care

A recent study in Canada published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology showed that pharmacists can help reduce the risk of events such as a heart attack and stroke in people with poorly controlled risk factors for heart disease. High risk individuals for heart disease were divided and sent to one group of pharmacists for medication therapy management. Another group received normal, non-specialized care. At the end of the three month research, people who received medication therapy management with their pharmacist had a twenty one percent lower risk of heart problems compared to the other group. Other benefits that were seen in the intensive group included a reduction in blood pressure, a reduction in smoking, and a reduction in an important marker for the people with diabetes. Medication therapy management is a service provided by many trained pharmacists where a person’s medications are reviewed and managed to help improve overall health. 07-27-16 - Ed’s Pharmacy - 2 x 4.5

40th Anniversary of Delivering the News SATURDAY, AUGUST 18, 2018 10am -2pm

281-690-4200 • 281-690-4237 (fax) • www.fortbendstar.com OUR STAFF JONATHAN McELVY

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12016 University Blvd, Sugar Land Free Admission for the first 200 attendees, then reduced admission until 2pm Sponsorships and Vendor Space available CALL TODAY! 281-690-4210.

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Wednesday, July 25, 2018 • PAGE

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GRAND OPENING

THE STAR

PAGE 10 • Wednesday, July 25, 2018

of 2 Best 017 FORT BEND STAR

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See us online www.FortBendStar.com

H FBISD, FROM PAGE 1 ed that the expense of metal detectors could be prohibitive and not necessarily the only safety measure to consider. A woman representing the small group of mothers in the audience told the board she was opposed to the idea of a marshal in the schools which would arm teachers as part of a safety measure. Arming teachers was also among the proposals that the police chief’s committee was considering. “What will our community tolerate, that’s what a lot of this is about. The last time we cut that bond in half because we felt like the community could not tolerate higher bonds and that’s what we’re doing now,” said Trustee Kristen Tassin. “We knew all along that planning for six years was difficult but we were pushed and steamrolled into planning for things that you all know from experience this is not good to do. So from that standpoint, I feel

H LITERACY, FROM PAGE 1 RIVERPARK WEST .$279,000 GREATWOOD .................. $469,900 WIMBLEDON CHAMPIONS GARDEN

Open Concept 5 years young Reduced- Gorgeous, former model home, $279,000 beauty, 4BR/3.5 BA. Priced below 4636SF with 4 car garages + Porte Cochere. THIS TWO STORY 3/4 BEDROOM GARDEN Market Value! Guest Bedroom HOME IS A MUST SEE. (6226 AAC) Lots of Upgrades. Hurry! (7910EH) with en-suite bath (21714 PML)

together so they can advocate for themselves and improve the learning environment.” Boler was one of several FBISD representatives who showed up Saturday at the church ready to roll up their sleeves and fight for the children. The meeting was organized by Sincere, a local minister and education advocate. Sincere sat on the school district’s facilities planning committee and was filled with dismay when he learned that 60 percent of the students in the Willowridge High School feeder pattern are reading below capacity. He and his wife grew up in the neighborhood and attended Willowridge and he vowed Saturday to rousing the community to get more parental involvement. “We’re dedicated to knocking on doors and connecting with parent and the commu-

like it’s sound. I want to make sure we include everything recommended in safety and security, that is at the top of my list.” She added that she wanted to make sure there is adequate funding for the core of each school. “I want to make sure we get that right,” she said. Trustee Grayle James agreed about the importance of core expansion which means larger lunch spaces and auditorium because it’s

hurting the students. Parents have complained that schools are so overcrowded that there is not enough room to accommodate everyone for lunch periods and students are not allowed to be social. “I have been in middle schools where they have a silent lunch it’s not good for kids,” said James. Formal recommendations from the administration will be on the Aug. 6 workshop agenda and action would take place on Aug. 13, Dupre said.

nity. So I’m here to help bridge the gap,” he said. Diana Sayavedra, Chief Academic Officer for FBISD, explained that the district is trying new things and “overhauling the curriculum” and looking to create “bi-literate” children meaning students learning dual languages and being able to “read, write and think” in dual languages. One parent suggested that the district look not only at Spanish-speaking children learning English but English speaking children learning Spanish to give them an edge by being proficient in two languages. Sayavedra noted that studies show that 95 percent of children can learn to read and the remaining 5 percent can also learn with multiple efforts. “There are so many needs of 75,000 students. We have not been able to sustain a high level of achievement. But at the core, reading is fundamen-

tal. We built the early lit center to crack that code so they are reading at grade level and we will work through high school with innovative programming,” Sayavedra said To address reading issues early, the district is also looking at all-day programming for 3-5-year-old special education students with learning disabilities. They are also looking at bringing what Sincere called “wrap-around” programs to address the social, behavioral, and education needs of the young ones. “We are looking at whatever it takes and we are trying to think of everything,” Sayavedra said. “Our intention is to fill those gaps early.” Pamela Shaw, director of collaborative communities, said she will work with faithbased partners. “We know the community is rich with those who want to help,” she said. For more information, contact ELC@fortbendisd.com.

07-25-18

SUGAR MILL.............$348,500

Great corner lot on a cul-de-sac street. Beautiful 5 bedrooms/Gameroom/Sunroom/Formals. New carpet. Wood floors in formals. Island kitchen (820 WBC)

LINKWOOD.......................... $369,900 NEW TERRITORY........... $293,500

Close to Med Center! Large lot, approx.. 2985sq.ft/FCAD, 4-3.5-2, A cozy home with nice floor 10158 sq. ft./CAD, Flooded by Harvey. plan! Both formals + master bedroom downstairs + Selling As-Is, no repairs. Remodel or tear game room up, etc.. Well-maintained, (4815SP) down and build new.(3834LD)

SUGAR LAKES ......................... $464,900 STEPHENS GRANT ....$475,000 SIENNA POINT............. $249,900 5/3.5/3, 3672sq.ft/FCAD, Beautiful cozy home on a large lot - room for pool. Granite counter tops in island kitchen. Hardwood floor. Recent roof. Walk to lake. low property tax. A must see! (619 OCD)

Priced for quick sale. 5/3.5/3, 4038sq.ft/FCAD, Large lot - room for pool, Granite counter tops. Remodeled upstairs bathroom. Hardwood floor, New AC, Clements High Schools. (2622 SG)

BONBROOK PLANTATION.. $259,900

WATERSIDE ESTATES .......$229,900

4/3.5/3 Wood floors, master down, game room plus bed room & full bath up! Big private back yards! (9226W)

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GORGEOUS LOT, 3.253 Acres per CAD, backs to Oyster Creek. On a short cul-de-sac street with Pecan and Oak Trees. (614 OSC)

TELFAIR ......................... $579,888

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5 BED/4 1/2 BATH TWO STORY HOME IN GATED Beautiful Weekley home, 2760SF, 4/2.5/2, Like NEW CONSTRUCTION on HUGE Premium Lot! 4/2.5/2 FEATURING TWO BEDROOMS DOWNSTAIRS High ceiling, study. Just updated new carpet, Lennar home has open Kitchen/Living/Dining layout w/all MAINTAINED METICULOUSLY BY ORIGINAL wood floor, new paint. Sprinkler. (910FH) Bedrooms upstairs! PERFECT for Entertaining! (1919MS) OWNERS.(13126 EOMD)

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Those were the days - Charlton’s Body Repair - 01-31-18- 3colx3” RIVERPARK....... Lease $2,000/month GREAWOOD TRAILS .$300,000 TOWNSOFGRANTSLAKE lease$1,395/month

4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, fireplace, fenced backyard, pet Village Builder 1 story on beautiful tree Grants Lake, Townhome, wood floors in dining/ friendly, w/d/fridge included. (3111 IRL) lined street. Updated kitchen and master living, fenced patio, 2 bedrooms, 1.5 baths. (2910 bath. Excellent condition!(1502ST) GL #1103)

WINDSOR ESTATE......$354,888

SUGAR MILL .................$255,000

4 bedroom 3.1 Bath 3363 SQFT, from the Four bedroom, three full baths. designer collection of DR Horton one of Americas Nice wooded lot with no back top builders. Large corner lot of a of the Cul-De- neighbors (507ML) Sac with a great view of the lake (13731CC)

LAKE POINT SUBDIVISION . $975,000

Beautiful 3 BR waterfront home on Brooks Lake. Walk to shopping and dining! Must see! (1334LP)

A life of distinction deserves celebration.

HUTCHINSON .............. $625,000 LAKE POINTE ................. $470,000 M ESCALERO............ $3,500,000

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SUGAR CREEK ............. $399,000 RIVERSTONE............. $499,900 LAKE POINTE............ $399,000 Great 4 bedroom home with a Breathtaking 5 BR, 5/2 Barth, 4268 SQFT, MUST pool. Recently remodeled kitchen SEE Gourmet kitchen, Master suite/bath, Game room, and master bath. (819 M) separate media room. 3 car tandem garage. (6419 FCL)

Beautiful 2 store home on a lake. 4 bedroom 3.1 Bath 3032 sqft. Schedule an appointment today. (926 PLD)

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THE STAR

See us online www.FortBendStar.com

Wednesday, July 25, 2018 • PAGE

@FtBendAthletics:

Skeeters win 6 of 7 last week to re-claim first place By Bill McCaughey FOR THE FORT BEND STAR

The Sugar Land Skeeters ended last week in first place in the Freedom Division with a 9-4 second half record, 2.5 games ahead the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs. They have won nine out of their last 10 games. Last week Last Monday, the Skeeters entertained the Road Warriors and came away with a 3-1 win. In the bottom of the third inning, Matt Chavez singled home Alvaro Rondon, and Barrett Barnes scored on Slade Heathcott’s fielder’s choice. Designated hitter Anthony Giansanti was 23 at the plate. On Tuesday, the Skeeters scored two runs on Courtney Hawkins’ 14th home run of the season in the bottom of the eighth inning to win 4-2. Kraig Sitton pitched seven innings and gave up just one earned run. On Wednesday afternoon, the Skeeters won 5-0. Derek Norris and Giansanti had home runs for the Skeeters, and Albert “Coco” Cordero was 3-4. Matt Sergey threw six innings of shutout ball to get the win.

Matt Chavez swings at a pitch in a game earlier this season. He has 12 hits in 26 at-bats for a .462 batting average, earning him Skeeter of the Week honors by the Fort Bend Star. (Photo by Joe Southern)

Barrett Barnes slides safely into second during a recent game against the Road Warriors. Barnes had two home runs, including a grand slam, Sunday during a 12-2 victory at the York Revolution. (Photo by Joe Southern)

On Thursday, the Skeeters let the Road Warriors be the home team, but the result was the same as the Skeeters won 8-5. Chavez was 3-5 and Felipe Paulino pitched the ninth inning to get his 20th save. On Friday, the Skeeters traveled to York and were shutout 1-0 by the Revolution. Saturday’s game was rained out, and a doubleheader was scheduled for Sunday. The Skeeters won the first game 12-2. Bar-

rett Barnes was a one man wrecking crew as he went 4-5 with two home runs, one a grand slam, with five runs-batted-in and scored four runs. In the five-inning nightcap, the Skeeters won 5-1. Hawkins had a home run and two runs-batted-in, and Juan Silverio hit the first home run of his Skeeters career. This week The Skeeters continue on the road with a threegame series with New Britain. They return home

on Friday for a seven-game series with York. Friday night is fireworks Friday. After Saturday’s game, there will be a Roger Creager concert. On Sunday, kids can run the bases and play catch on the field. Skeeter Bytes The Skeeters have a 12-game home winning streak. The Skeeters longest home winning streak is 14 games, set in 2013. The Skeeters are third in the league in attendance with 198,990 in 43 games

FOLLOW SPORTS

There is more than baseball at a Skeeters game By Bill McCaughey FOR THE FORT BEND STAR

If the baseball action at Constellation Field seems a little slow, just wait until the inning is over. That’s when the fun begins. Between each half-inning, anything from a race with a tyrannosaurus rex to a trivia contest to building a cheeseburger contest may be happening, all under the direction of ringmaster Jessica Munoz. Munoz has worked for the Skeeters for four years and is in her second year as the Skeeters’ on-field host, her official title. “I host the on-field promotions for the fans. All of the activities are fun, and the fans seem to enjoy them,” Munoz said. Off the field, Munoz is a kindergarten teacher for Fort Bend ISD. “This is my fun job. I work for the Skeeters during the summer and at nights when school and baseball overlap,” Munoz said. The Skeeters may introduce a new contest, such as the tyrannosaurus rex race when the movie Jurassic World was being released, or a Star Wars related contest when its latest movie was released, but for the most part, the

contests remain the same each game. Munoz is not worried about the contests becoming stale. “It’s the contestants that keep the activities fresh. You never know what answer they are going to give to a trivia question,” Munoz said. “We have had a few close calls where a kid has run the wrong way and almost collided with a player, but everything has turned out great. I love doing this and love working for the Skeeters.” If you can’t wait until the inning is over, the Skeeters have an installed a sports court where the merry-goround used to be. “Each year we ask ourselves what can we do to improve the game day ex-

perience for our fans. This year we realized we have activities for the younger kids such as the wading pools and water sprays, but we weren’t addressing the teenage market,” Skeeters’ owner Kevin Zlotnik said. “The carousel has been a prominent feature of Constellation Field but we decided to replace it with a sport court, so teenagers may shoot baskets and play basketball during the game. We will watch to see how popular it is.” And there is nothing like having a bucket of water poured on you to cool you off on a hot baseball evening. The kids seem to be having so much fun, you may be tempted to step under the bucket yourself.

FOR THE FORT BEND STAR

Chuck Sanchelli has been a tennis player, coach and advocate all his life. This fall he will go back to where it all started as his high school, Central Catholic High School in Lafayette, Ind., has constructed an eight-court tennis facility and will name court number one after him. Sanchelli is currently the Director of Tennis for Fort Bend Tennis Services in Sugar Land, but when Sanchelli played at Central Catholic the school did not have its own tennis courts, and he was one of the few high school players in any sport who was his own coach. “Nobody really played high school tennis in the late 1960s,” he said. “My sister and I had to drive from Lafayette to Indianapolis every week to practice. About a month ago, the school called me and said a donor had provided funds for eight tennis courts and they wanted to name court one after me. That was a shock to me. I feel very proud and very

humble.” Sanchelli went on to play at Purdue University and after graduating in 1973, he played on the United States Tennis Association (USTA) Satellite Tour. The Satellite Tour is for younger players with the best chance of moving onto the regular tour. “I played the Satellite Tour but just couldn’t move up. I played in some tournaments with Jimmy Connors, but he was the kid that was always winning everything,” Sanchelli said. He then joined the French Lick, Indiana Sheraton Resort as its first tennis pro. “The resort had the best basketball court in the area and it was next to the tennis courts. This high school kid named Larry would show up almost every day to shoot baskets. He seemed to be pretty good, but we were more interested in playing tennis. I hear basketball worked out well for Larry Bird,” Sanchelli said. Sanchelli is a baseline player. “I will grind it out with you from the baseline. I will rally until I wear you

down,” Sanchelli said. “I will make you run a lot.” In the mid-1970s, Sanchelli thought Texas had some growth opportunities. “I moved to Texas and just started applying for jobs. I got hired at John Newcombe’s Tennis Ranch in New Braunfels,” Sanchelli said. “After a few years, I was assigned to the Quail Valley Tennis Club.” Sanchelli is now the Director of Tennis for Fort Bend Tennis Services, which is a group of tennis professionals who provide tennis lessons for kids starting at four years old and up to adults. The group uses school and park courts in the Sugar Land and Missouri City area and is available the whole year. “We welcome adults at any level. We have a lot of adults who played 20 years ago and now that the kids are gone, they have time to play tennis again,” Sanchelli said. “We have about 400 students and six pros. We have classes that are once a week and some

SEE SANCHELLI, PAGE 14

League. Skeeter of the Week Matt Chavez is the Fort Bend Star Skeeter of the Week. He had 12 hits in 26 at-bats for a .462 batting average.

2ND HALF STANDINGS

Freedom Division W L GB Sugar Land Skeeters 9 4 0 S. Maryland Blue Crabs 5 5 2.5 York Revolution 6 7 3 Lancaster Barnstormers 5 6 3 Liberty Division W L GB Somerset Patriots 10 2 0 Long Island Ducks 6 6 4 New Britain Bees 6 6 4 Road Warriors 1 12 9.5

facebook/FortBendStar twitter.com/FtBendAthletics

Mission Bend/ Sugar Land Location 8910 Hwy 6 S. Houston, TX 77083 281-258-4351

Teenagers break in the new Sport Court at Constellation Field. (Photo by Bill McCaughey)

Chuck Sanchelli has tennis court named for him By Bill McCaughey

for an average of 4,628 fans per game. Somerset leads the league with a 5,133 average. Courtney Hawkins leads the league with 16 home runs, and is second with 55 runs-batted-in. Matt Chavez is third in the league with a .336 batting average. Felipe Paulino leads the league with 20 saves. Juan Silverio played his first three games with the Skeeters last week. Silverio played with the Laredo Lemurs in 2015 with current Skeeters Denis Phipps, Luis Pollorena and Matt Sergey. Pitcher Ben Griset was signed by the Mexican

Stafford Location 3531 S. Main Stafford, TX 77477 281-410-2009

ERcare24.com

JULY

2018 2017

SUGAR LAND SKEETERS

TEAM SCHEDULE

SUN 6:05

LAN 4:05

LI 6:05

MON

1 8

22 YRK 6:05 29 YRK

12:00PM

7:05

TUE

5:30

WED THUR

TBD

5:30

FRI

SAT

5:35

YRK YRK TBD LI LI 5:35 9 5:35 10 5:35 11 5:35 12 7:05 13 6:05 14 RD SMD ALL-STAR SMD BREAK SMD SMD RD 7:05 16 7:05 17 11:05AM 18 7:05 19 5:30 20 5:30 21 RD RD RD RD YRK YRK 7:05 23 7:05 24 7:05 25 5:35 26 7:05 27 6:05 28 NB LAN NB NB YRK YRK 7:05 30 7:05 31 10:05 26 5:35 27 7:05 28 6:05 29 LI YRK YRK LI SOM SOM SOM

ATLANTIC LEAGUE TEAMS | HOME • AWAY BRI - BRIDGEPORT LAN - LANCASTER

LI - LONG ISLAND SOM - SOMERSET NB - NEW BRITAIN SMD - SOUTHERN

FIREWORKS

YRK - YORK REVOLUTION RW - ROAD WARRIORS

All Game Are Subject To Change

2018 Promotional Schedule DAILY PROMOTIONS Margarita & Dollar Dog Monday / Military Monday: Dollar hot dogs and discounted margaritas. Those with a military ID get in free Two for Tuesday: Buy one field box ticket and get one field box ticket free, half priced groups Kids in Free Wednesday: Kids (12 and under) get in free. Field box only, excludes performance groups. Not applicable 6/13 or 7/18. Thirsty Thursday: $2 beer and sodas Fireworks Friday: Postgame fireworks shows Saturday Giveaway: Giveaways or a postgame concert Sunday Funday: Autographs and giveaways, pregame catch on the field, postgame Kids Run the Bases (Dr. Larry Caldwell)

1 4 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 27 28 29 30 31

Sunday Funday 4th FEST Fireworks Christmas in July / Snow Globe Giveaway (Sugar Land Holiday Lights - 2,000) Sunday Funday Margarita Monday / Dollar Dog Monday / Military Monday Two for Tuesday Super Splash Day (11:05 AM Game) Thirsty Thursday Fireworks Roger Creager Post Game Concert (Silver Eagle) Sunday Funday Margarita Monday / Dollar Dog Monday / Military Monday Two for Tuesday

THE STAR

PAGE 12 • Wednesday, July 25, 2018

See us online www.FortBendStar.com

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 W’s” Who, What, When, Where, and Why. Email to Editor@FortBendStar.com or mail to: Fort Bend Star, 3944 Bluebonnet Drive, Stafford, Texas 77477.

MONTH OF JULY FAMILY PROGRAMS

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

Sugar Land Branch Library, 550 Eldridge, presents a variety of free children’s programs – Mother Goose Time, Toddler Time, Story Time, and School-Age programs – every month. The programs are free and open to the public. There are also month programs for middle school students and family events. For more information, call 281-238-2140 or 281-633-4734.

ESL CONVERSATION CIRCLES

Are you learning to speak English? Would you like some practice in a casual, informal atmosphere? Fort Bend County Libraries presents “ESL Conversation Circles” for non-English-speaking people to gather and practice their English skills. The programs are free and open to the public. For more information, call George Memorial Library at 281-3412652, the Cinco Ranch Branch Library at 281-395-1311, the Sugar Land Branch Library at 281-238-2140, or the First Colony Branch Library at 281-238-2800.

MONDAY, JULY 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 CRAFTY STITCHES

This weekly share group will meet at First Colony Branch Library on Mondays, from 2-4 p.m., 2121 Austin Parkway in Sugar Land. Share tips, get ideas and inspiration. All experience levels welcomed. Bring your projects and supplies. Free and open to the public. For more information, call 281-238-2800 or 281-633-4734.

JULY 5-25 ESL FALL CLASS REGISTRATION

The Literacy Council of Fort Bend County will hold registrations in Katy, Richmond, and Missouri City. For information and specific locations, contact Marisela Morales at 281-240-8181, or mmorales@ftbendliteracy. org

SATURDAY, JULY 28 STUDENT PHYSICALS

Houston Methodist Orthopedics and Sports Medicine at Sugar Land is offering student physicals from 9 a.m. to noon at 16811 Southwest Fwy., Sugar Land. The physicals are for all Fort Bend ISD, Stafford MSD and all other student athletes needing a physical. The complete evaluation is $20 (cash only) for students ages 12-18. Orthopedic, sports medicine and cardiology physicians will be on-site to provide additional clearance as needed. Proceeds generated are donated back to the athletic training program of the school the student attends. For more information, call 281-275-0447.

TUESDAY, JULY 24 FREE BACK-TO-SCHOOL IMMUNIZATIONS FOR FORT BEND CHILDREN

The Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Houston/Galveston have joined forces to bring a free immunizations from 1-4 p.m. at the Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center. Participants must be in line prior to 3:30 p.m. No pre-registration is required but space is limited. Parents and guardians must bring child’s immunization records and must accompany child. Transportation for $2 per person roundtrip is available through Fort Bend County. Call 281-633-7433 for transportation availability and to make transportation reservations.

The First Tee of Greater Houston is partnering with Hope For Three at the Quail Valley Country Club, 6-7 p.m. Children on the autism spectrum and their siblings, aged 7 to 16. Basic skills and golf etiquette will be taught in this fun and inclusive class! Pre-registration required. For more information or to register, visit hopeforthree.org/FirstTeeGolf or call 281245-0640.

QUAIL VALLEY WINE SOCIETY MEETING

Join us for a fun evening of education and social interaction. Quail Valley Community Centre, 2880 La Quinta, Missouri City. Five wines, each served with food pairings. For more information, contact Jacki Pauley at 281-437-6798 or jackipauley@comcast.net

FRIDAY, JULY 27 ALL ABOUT YOGA

The University Branch Library will present the class at 10 a.m., 14010 University Blvd. in Sugar Land. Learn the benefits of yoga, various postures, and the correct way to breathe for maximum benefit. People of all levels welcome. Wear comfortable clothing, bring a yoga mat and a water bottle. Free and open to the public. For more information, call 281633-5100 or 281-633-4734.

SATURDAY, JULY 28 ENGAGED? INVEST IN YOUR FUTURE

Join Pitcher Ministries at Brazos Professional Building, 130 Industrial Blvd., Sugar Land, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Learn how to navigate the storms of life ($30/couple). Receive $60 off Texas Marriage License. www. pitcherministries.org, 832-945-5323 or contact@pitcherministries.org.

BRANDING YOURSELF AS AN AUTHOR

First Colony Branch Library will be the setting, 1-3 p.m., Austin Parkway in Sugar Land. Aspiring writers learn how to promote themselves and how to build brand awareness through use of social media. Attendees should bring laptops, notebooks, or any other materials used for writing. Free and open to the public. For more information, call 281-238-2800 or 281-6334734.Monday, July 30

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WEDNESDAY, AUG. 1 THE BASICS: MEMORY LOSS, DEMENTIA, AND ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE

Is forgetfulness a normal sign of aging, or a sign of Alzheimer’s disease? Learn the early signs of Alzheimer’s at the University Branch Library, 6:30 p.m., 14010 University Blvd. in Sugar Land. Free and open to the public. For more information, call 281-633-4100 or 281-633-4734.

THURSDAY, AUG. 2 PARENT SUPPORT GROUP

For parents of children with an intellectual or developmental disability (I/ DD). 11:30 a.m., at The Arc of Fort Bend County, 123 Brooks St. Sugar Land. The topic is “Strategies for a Successful Back-to-School.

TEXAS INDIGENOUS SNAKES

Learn about snakes at the Rosenberg Civic Center, 3825 Hwy. 36, Rosenberg, 6:30 p.m. The program includes venomous snakes. For more information, call 281-633-7033 or email mmcdowell@ag.tamu.edu

FRIDAY, AUG. 3 BRING YOUR OWN CRAFT

Sugar Land Branch Library will host the event, 1-3 p.m., 550 Eldridge. Share tips, get ideas and inspiration, and enjoy fellow crafters. All experience levels welcome. Bring your projects and crafting supplies. Free and open to the public. For more information, call 281-238-2140 or 281-633-4734.

SATURDAY, AUG. 4 TEXAS VETERANS BENEFITS FAIR

The free benefits fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Stafford Civic Center, 1415 Constitution Ave, Stafford. Veterans can learn about state and federal benefits available to them. For more information, call 1-800-252-VETS (8387), or visit TexasVeterans.com.

BARGAIN BOOK SALE

Hosted at the First Colony Library, 2121 Austin Parkway, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Paperbacks, hardbacks, DVDs, children’s/youth books, nonfiction at bargain prices. Donations of good condition books, CDs, and DVDs are accepted during the sale or any time the library is open. Proceeds benefit the library and its programs.

FRIDAY, AUG. 10 NIGHT OF FUN AND GAMES

For 11-18-year-old Fort Bend residents with an intellectual or developmental disability. Parents get to take a break. Staffed with an ABA trained event director, two behavior technicians and teen and adult volunteers, 6-9 p.m. at Texana Learning Center, 2715 Cypress Point Dr., Missouri City. For more information and to register or volunteer, visit www.arcoffortbend.org/2018-tween-teen-respite-program.

NOW THROUGH AUG. 12 YMCA OPERATION BACKPACK, DONATIONS DROP OFF

WEDNESDAY, JULY 25 FREE GOLF CLINIC FOR KIDS

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Fun-filled week of crafts, Bible stories, music, games and snacks for children ages 4 to completed 5th grade, from 9:30 a.m. to12:30 p.m. Faith Fellowship Church, 2723 Kingsbrook Lane, Missouri City. Free. Register at aabchouston.org or call 281-208-4800.

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This annual event asks residents to purchase school supplies and a backpack and drop them at a YMCA or participating businesses. Drop off locations include: Fort Bend Family YMCA, 4433 Cartwright Road, Missouri City; T.W. Davis Family YMCA, 911 Thompson Hwy, Richmond; First Colony Christian Church, 4141 Sweetwater Blvd., Sugar Land; First Choice ER locations throughout Fort Bend County; Ashley Home Store, Southwest Freeway at First Colony Blvd.; and Memorial Hermann Sugar Land, 17500 West Grand Parkway South, Sugar Land. For a list of items requested, visit: https://patch.com/texas/sugarland/ymca-operationbackpack-drop-locations-sugar-land.

TUESDAY, AUG. 14 BACK-TO-SCHOOL BASH FOR CHILDREN WITH I/DD

Children age 0-21 with an intellectual or developmental disability are invited to the Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center Sensory Friendly Hour (9-10 a.m.) A free Family of 4 Pass is available to a child with I/DD, whose parents RSVP by Aug. 7 to kaxtell@arcoffortbend.org.

FORT BEND-HARRIS RETIRED EDUCATORS LUNCHEON

All retired public school personnel are invited to the “O Happy Day” luncheon, 11 a.m. at Sugar Land United Methodist Church, 431 Eldridge Road. This annual kick off meeting celebrates the new school year for retirees. For more information, call 281-499-5885.

SATURDAY, AUG. 18 H.O.P.E (HELPING OUR PARENTS EXCEL) AUTISM RESOURCE FAIR

Hope For Three Autism Advocates is hosting the fair at Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital, from 10 a.m. to noon. Visit a variety of providers, therapists, nutritionists and professionals. Free and open to the public. Pre-registration required. For more information or to register, visit hopeforthree.org/event/hopefair or call 281-245-0640.

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OPERATION BACK PACK DROP

Love and Unity Works is sponsoring the 5th Annual event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Fellowship of Love Church, 10223 Clodine Road, Richmond. Free back packs, gift cards, haircuts, workshops, moonwalks and more. You must pre-register by visiting https://obpd2018.eventbrite. com or calling 281-497-1971.

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 22 SPORTING CLAYS TOURNAMENT

The Kick Off Reception for the Boys and Girls Clubs tournament will take place at OCuSoft, 3044 Southwest Fwy, Rosenberg, beginning at 8 p.m. Learn more about the Fort Bend Boys and Girls Clubs and sign up for the tournament. For more information and to RSVP, email lrenaud@ bgcgh.org.

THURSDAY, AUG. 23 IS YOUR RETIREMENT AT RISK WORKSHOP

St. Catherine of Sienna Episcopal Church 4747 Sienna Parkway, Missouri City, is hosting the session, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Speakers will provide insights on how to be prepared in retirement and to manage retirement savings. Free and open to the community. For more information, contact melinda@siennachurch.org or call 281-778-2046.

TUESDAY, SEPT. 10 PECAN GROVE WOMEN’S CLUB

The group will meet at the Pecan Grove Plantation Country Club at 9:30 a.m. The fall program offers a fabulous quilt show. The quilts will be presented by members. Make reservation by contacting Kay at 281-2384002 kkmcninch@yahoo.com or Linda at 281-342-8575 lindasaad@gmail. com. Reservation deadline is Sept.6.

ONGOING RICHMOND-ROSENBERG ALZHEIMER’S CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP

Caregivers of patients with Alzheimer’s disease or other related dementias are invited to attend the first Thursday of each month, 7-8:30 p.m. at St. John’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

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

The Pregnancy Resource Medical Center has moved to 4411 Avenue N in Rosenberg across from Navarro Middle School. Volunteers are needed on a continual basis. For information on volunteering or supporting the PRMC in other ways, email info@prmcfortbend.org.

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 281-633-4734.

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 “I read to a cat” 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.

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SHRED PAPER AND DISCARD ELECTRONICS

Visit Thornton Middle School, 1909 Waters Lake Boulevard, Sienna, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Purge unneeded papers, old cell phones, hard drives and more with ProShred. Enjoy DJ Rico, complimentary popcorn and watermelon, various food trucks will be there as well. For more information, visit www.siennaplantation.com.

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Wednesday, July 25, 2018 • PAGE

Plastic tarps and sandbags mark graves that are set to be exhumed and analyzed by state officials. (Submitted photo) Reign Clark, right, cultural resources director for Goshawk Environmental Consulting, gives instruction to students who came to study the archeology during the exhumation of graves at a cemetery discovered at a school construction site. (Submitted photo)

H CEMETERY, FROM PAGE 1 use before the state took over this area for use as a prison,” he said. “We believe it’s associated with the Ellis Number One convict labor camp. In fact, Bullhead Bayou probably served as the southern boundary for that labor camp. The owner of this property obtained a charter for convict labor from the state of Texas around 1878, so 1878 gives us the beginning mark in time for beginning use of this place as a cemetery.” Edward H. Cunningham and Littleberry Ellis purchased failing plantations in the area following the Civil War and formed a partnership that led to the creation of the Imperial Sugar Company. “Based on the land use here, Litteberry Ellis purchased this property and adjacent properties for a total of 12,500 acres between 1876 and 1878,” Clark said. “In 1878, Ellis obtained a charter for use of convict labor here in pursuit of growing sugarcane. He and his partner held this land until 1910 when the Texas Legislature outlawed the use of convict labor. At that same time the Legislature appropriated funds to purchase a total of 50,000 acres of land in this vicinity, including the land we’re standing on, for use as a penitentiary. That began the use of this place as a state-sanctioned prison, around 1910-1912.” Banks-Whitley said placement of the graves supports the assumption, noting they were not all buried at the same time, eliminating the possibility of a mass death due to disease or disaster. “They did not bury everybody at the exact same depth. Some people are very shallow … and we’ve got some where we’ve had to remove over a meter of dirt before we could find the remains,” she said. Reginald Moore, a local resident and former prison guard, has been studying Sugar Land’s prison history since 1999 and was the one who informed the district they it might find a cemetery at the construction site. “From research and from geographics and the soil conditions that was here and from other resources that I had, I just knew, and had a good feeling, that this site was conducive to where burials would have been,” he said. He believes there are more undiscovered cemeteries out there. “We’re believing there are other camps that were out here and we know that there was one over here where the Lutheran Church is at up on Brooks Street was a camp. We know where the University of Houston (at Sugar Land) is at was a camp, we know there was a camp where the old (Houston) Museum of Natural Science is at, the black prison building, is a camp,” he said. “There is the possibility that for every one of those camps, there is scattered possible grave sites.” Clark agreed. “If we use this site as an analog, probably,” he said. The practice of leasing convicts was often a tool for reenslaving freed blacks. Many were incarcerated for minor offenses or on trumped-up charges. “So they were free men that had been re-institutionalized,” Moore said. Lost in time Clark said it is very likely the cemetery was quickly abandoned to time and history. The remains of brick walls likely built in the 1920s are still on the site, overlapping the cemetery. “The brick structure is visible in 1930 aerial photography,” he said. “But the bricks don’t date from a period much older than that. It’s related to the use of the place by the state as a penitentiary. What you actually see is three walls of brick there. On the back side it was a pole

A ring found in one of the graves. (Submitted photo)

barn. … More than likely it was an implement shed. “There’s actually two individuals buried there where they built the walls right over them and the builder’s trench for the wall did not enter the burials. So it’s likely the individuals that built this did not know the graves were there until construction of the front wall. We found that a grave was hit and we found that bone material was put back in the builder’s trench. So sometime back in the 1920s it was found that these interments were here,” he said. Patricia Mercado-Allinger, state archeology division director and state archeologist for the Texas Historical Commission, said discovery of the site after 110 years provides a rare chance to fill in some of the gaps in the historical record. “The significance of this discovery is that we now have the opportunity to add to our knowledge of the history of Sugar Land and the prison farm history,” she said. “It’s something that Mr. Reginald Moore had always cautioned people about. There had to be burials out here somewhere. It’s been an amazing discovery to make that we never knew we were going to have the chance to discover.” Clark, who has been onsite since February, said he was exited about the condition of the burials and the information they should yeild. “The condition of these burials and the placement of these burials, the fact that the burials are fully in place, the articulation, the fact that most of the burials have not been disturbed in any way, the bone materials that is here, the individuals that are here, the preservation is so great that we can learn

an unbelievable amount from these individuals – how they lived, essentially how they died, their treatment in the convict labor camp here. It’s truly a closed population of between 140 and 110 years ago that was completely unknown until February,” he said. Next steps and education Once all the remains are exhumed and analyzed, a decision will need to be made as to where they will be reinterred. “Next we are going to need another court order to figure out where we go from here,” said FBISD board president Jason Burdine. “Like most things we do, we’re bound by the law.” In the meantime, Burdine said construction is continuing at the career and technology center and the district is still aiming at an opening date in the fall of 2019. “There’s been only one wing that’s been impacted,” he said. “I think we’re going to be able to move the program around as necessary so we can continue on with the center.” FBISD Superintendent Dr. Charles Dupre said the cemetery will have an impact on the new facility. “It’s going to have everything from high-tech to welding to medical technology. It’s going to be an exciting, vibrant place. And this experience is definitely adding to the feel that this site, this building is going to have,” he said. Burdine said the district will place an emphasis on history as it relates to the site, but he knows children will likely be telling ghost stories because of the nature of the cemetery. “I think that we would like to be able to present history

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in a way – of course there’s always going to be stories and myths and things and I suppose that’s all part of being a kid – but I think we can present this in a way that will honor these people,” he said. “I think it’s important that we find out who they are, where they came from, what it is they did and really just educate our kids. That’s part of the process as well. I would like for students that attend here to know what happened, who these people were, so I think we can turn this into more of an educational story instead of a folk story, so to speak.” One of those student might be Tyler Burrous. He is a rising junior at Austin High School and was part of a select group of students who got to observe the archeology and exhumations a week earlier. “We got to see several bodies in the actual gravesites and we learned the process of how they removed the bodies by hand,” he said. “It takes about three hours by hand to get one body out and then remove it bone by bone by bone.” He said he was honored to be chosen to participate. “The fact that this is a historical site and I might never get to see something like this ever again. And the fact that there’s over 50 bodies here and it’s science and I think science is really cool,” he said. Dupre said he is appreciative of Moore’s study and persistence to make sure the cemetery was preserved and

the buried individuals honored. “We appreciate all of his leadership and the guidance he’s provided because he’s given me much information about his research and I think what he has done compared to what we are learning through the archeologists is going to be very valuable to our state and certainly to Fort Bend County and the City of Sugar

Land and Fort Bend ISD,” Dupre said. “I was very elated that perhaps these guys would be recognized; we’d have some kind of memorial in the museum put up, some type of acknowledgement and apology and even some type of restitution for the sweat equity they put in to make this state and this city and this county what it is,” Moore said.

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THE STAR

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H SANCHELLI, FROM PAGE 10 that are twice a week. In the summer we have a camp for kids. We will provide whatever level of instruction you want. Some people just want to get some exercise, while others want to win a club championship.” Since coming to Texas, Sanchelli has organized and founded numerous programs. He has served as the tournament director for the Houston Coca-Cola Open, co-founded the Houston Parks and Recreation Department’s National Junior Tennis League, was the founding pro for the West Houston Ladies Tennis Association League, which now has 4,000 players, founded the Southwest Houston Junior Team Tennis League, and co-founded the Houston Professional Tennis Association. Sanchelli has also

H BUDGET, FROM PAGE 1 important source of revenue to support city services. Commercial development is a major part of how the city is able to maintain the second lowest tax rate in Texas for cities with populations over 60,000. Additionally, a 2016 survey showed that commercial and

Chuck Sanchelli works with Wyatt Calkins, 9, on his forehand. (Photo by Bill McCaughey)

served the USTA as chairman of numerous Texas committees and as a referee and umpire. “I am most proud of giving back to the game. Those positions have allowed me to give back to the game. We teach lots of kids and lots of adults. It’s getting young kids to like tennis that really makes me proud,” Sanchelli

said. “At the groundbreaking ceremony at Central Catholic last spring, a woman came up to me and said I had coached her in tennis. She then started her kids in tennis and they continue to play. She became the tennis coach at her school and taught many more kids to play tennis. That’s what it’s all about.”

non-residents bring in nearly 75 percent of sales tax revenue, further reducing the tax burden on residents. With that said, sales taxes associated with the oil industry can be extremely volatile. As a result, the city has focused on efforts to improve resiliency during economic downturns – such as initiatives to reduce dependence on sales taxes to

fund operating expenditures and infrastructure rehabilitation. Funding for infrastructure – such as streets, sidewalks, parks and municipal facilities – is a critical part of the operating budget, as it ensures that the city’s assets are properly maintained. Additions to the budget include increases to the base budget – such as increases in costs of contracted services – and a 3 percent performancebased merit pool consistent with the city council-adopted compensation philosophy. A main component of the budget is compensation and benefits, with nearly half of the general fund comprised of public safety services. Overall, approximately 75 percent of general fund expenditures are directly tied to employee compensation. The city does not give cost of living increases.

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BioEnergetic Works Haeckerville Pharmacy Dr. Ferryl B. McClain D.Ph, R.Ph 9402 Hwy 6 Suite 400 Missouri City, TX 77459 832.628.6894 info@bioeworks.com www.bioeworks.com Scheduling and Pricing www.bioenergeticworks.as.me “Curiosity will conquer fear more than bravery will.” - James Stephens

Correction A story about Dr. Ferryl McClain’s bioenergetic pharmacy in last week’s edition had an incorrect phone number. The correct number is 832-628-6894. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.