12-2-2020 Edition of the Fort Bend Star

Catch the holiday spirit at local events - Page 7

Doña Leti’s provided a vibrant exhibition of flavorful Latin American cuisine during a recent vist. Read our review inside today's edition on Page 8. (Photo by Stefan Modrich)

WEDNESDAY • DECEMBER 2, 2020

Visit www.FortBendStar.com

Fort Bend / Southwest • Volume 44 • No. 15

SMSD applying for remote learning reimbursement By Stefan Modrich SMODRICH@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

We Cook! You Eat! Family Holiday Package Call for Details 9920 Hwy 90A Suite #D-120 Sugar Land, TX 77478 832-532-7816

Stafford MSD made an investment of $2.3 million to implement a 1-to-1 ratio with a goal of ensuring each of its students would have a device on which they could learn remotely. But the COVID-19 pan-

Rustika RustikaCafé & Bakery Rustika

Café Café & &Bakery Bakery NOWOPEN NOWOPEN Next to Corelli’s Italian NOW OPEN Next to Corelli’s Italian

CUSTOM CAKES + PASTRIES + COOKIES + COFFEE + SOUPS + SANDWICHES

Next to Corelli’s Italian

CUSTOM CAKES + PASTRIES + COOKIES + COFFEE + SOUPS + SANDWICHES

PLACE YOUR HOLIDAY ORDER TODAY!

demic necessitated that the district’s two-year technology rollout plan needed to shift to one that would be implemented in less than six months. “That speaks to the volumes of what coronavirus and this whole situation has caused districts to do,” said Jorge Rodriguez, the director of SMSDs’ Technology

Department. Now, the district will have an opportunity to be reimbursed for up to 75 percent of the money it spent on Apple iPads and WiFi hotspots. On Nov. 18, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced

SEE SMSD PAGE 4

Norman

Rodriguez

In their genes

CUSTOM CAKES + PASTRIES + COOKIES + COFFEE + SOUPS + SANDWICHES

RUSTIKACAFE.COM

281-494-4230

Cybersecurity expert offers shopping tips By Stefan Modrich SMODRICH@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

While Black Friday and Cyber Monday have come and gone, online shopping is increasingly a part of the holiday shopping experience. Fewer people are choosing to venture out among crowds of people in malls and shopping centers due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But with the convenience of one-click orders and scrolling through wish lists comes the responsibility to remain vigilant and safe online, said Rashmi Sheel, a cybersecurity expert in Sugar Land with CMIT Solutions, an Austin-based computer support company with four locations in Greater Houston and more than 150 across the U.S. and Canada. Sheel referenced a report from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) that recorded 15,000 online shopping complaints in April and nearly 19,000 in May. “Many of these consumers, they said that they responded to an ad, you know, on social media, and they ordered but the items never arrived,” Sheel said. “And 94 percent basically identified in their complaints that they were shopping through ads on Facebook or Instagram’s platform. Hackers are becoming very advanced in their methods to obtain compromised information. The tactics are constantly changing, especially with changes in our lifestyle habits. Hackers are taking advantage of the situation and they are very creative. So, again, a lot of people are spending time online. So are the hackers.” Another report issued by the FTC in October found that Americans lost more than $134 million on scams originating on social media in 2019, and through the first six months of 2020, that number had climbed to $117 million and the number of complaints of such scams has more than tripled compared to the previous year. Sheel said she generally works with manufacturing, engineering and financial institutions, but some of the

Liddie Owens smiles as she receives a hug from her granddaughter Liddie Elise, an 8-year-old Sugar Land resident who is using her skincare business to beneﬁt underprivileged children in Antigua and her father’s homeland of Dominica. (Contributed photo)

Sugar Land youth uses skincare line to connect to roots By Stefan Modrich SMODRICH@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Liddie Owens is a woman of ambition and action. The Rayville, Louisiana native grew up with 12 siblings and through her role as a senior pastor at Let’s Go Higher Ministries, has lived a life of service in the Greater Houston community and abroad. “I'm a country girl from the south,” Owens said. “And I always wanted to

Sheel

own a business. But none of us got to go to college or

anything.” The Sugar

Land

the island nation of Antigua and Barbuda and her father’s homeland of Dominica, another small country in a cluster of Caribbean islands. The business, Owens said, began in earnest this spring because of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic around the globe, particularly in smaller, developing countries in dire need of

SEE SKINCARE PAGE 4

Holiday Lights event aims to help nonprofits By Stefan Modrich

SEE TIPS PAGE 4

Shown is a sampling of Sugar Land resident Liddie Elise's skincare product. (Contributed Photo)

resident now has four grandchildren, including her namesake Liddie Elise, age 8. And the entrepreneurial spirit has been passed on from grandmother to grandchild. Liddie Elise has a kid-friendly skincare and fragrance business she markets through a Facebook page with upbeat video messages where she sings “This Little Light of Mine” and uses her platform to help underprivileged people in

SMODRICH@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

The economic decline that has resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic has spared few organizations, and nonprofits large and small in Fort Bend County are among them. “We recognize that during this (pandemic) that all the nonprofits are struggling,” Deacon Jones said. “We’ve got over 2,000 (nonprofits) in Fort Bend County alone. No money’s

coming in.” What could Jones, a special assistant to Sugar Land Skeeters president Chris Hill, possibly know about that? It turns out, quite a bit. The former Houston Astros coach and Chicago White Sox first baseman, 86, said the annual Sugar Land Holiday Lights event at Constellation Field is continuing a digital tradition of allowing nonprofits to issue on-

SEE LIGHTS PAGE 3

Pictured are the Sugar Land Holiday Lights during last year's event at Constellation Field. This year's event began Nov. 20 and ends Jan. 3. (Contributed photo/Sugar Land Skeeters)

THE STAR

PAGE 2 • Wednesday, December 2, 2020

Riverstone holiday market going virtual

Sugar Land set to host holiday drive-in movie series this month By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Area families looking for a little cheer and craving the feeling of heading to the movies can do

By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Land. The series was originally scheduled to kick off last weekend, but city spokesperson Doug Adolph said it was canceled due to inclement weather. Beginning Saturday, Dec. 5, there will be a new movie each Saturday night through Jan. 2, according to a news release from the city. "The drive-in movie event will support the local economy, provide a socially-distanced activity for residents to enjoy,” Sugar Land Director of Economic Development Elizabeth Huff said. Tickets will be sold online only for $20 per vehicle, and all movies will begin at 7 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit SugarLandMovieSeries.com.

both with an upcoming holiday movie series in Sugar Land. The city of Sugar Land announced Nov. 25 that it is partnering with Spectrum to celebrate the holidays with a six-week drive-in movie series at Crown Festival Park at Sugar

Buy 5

CUPCAKES and get 1 free 15850 Southwest Fwy. #100 Sugar Land, TX. 77478 281-565-6108 (This offering is not to be combined with any other offering. This store location only) www.gigiscupcakesusa.com

See us online www.FortBendStar.com

The annual Riverstone Holiday Market has been forced online this year due to COVID-19, but there are still plenty of ways for Fort Bend residents to get their Christmas shopping finished. Through Dec. 13, shoppers can browse the market’s website at riverstone.com/residents-holiday market to find custom jewelry, apparel for adults and children, handcrafted items and more. The website will then link to the vendor’s site, where payments and purchases

The annual Riverstone Holiday Market in Sugar Land will be online due to COVID-19. (Contributed Photo)

can be finalized. “So many people plan their holiday shopping

around the market,” Riverstone Lifestyle Director Laura Rosilez said in a news release. “We didn’t want to disappoint them or the artisans and crafters that participate year after year. The great thing about the virtual market is that it isn’t limited to a certain day or time. It’s always open.” Residents can have their items shipped to them or arrange for non-contact pickup at The Club at Riverstone, 18353 University Blvd. in Sugar Land, on Dec. 10. For more information on the virtual holiday market, community members can visit riverstone.com.

Merry Christmas

Hearing noises in the attic? it’s probably not Santa

from all of us at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Mention this ad and receive

$50 off of $250 or more

can not be combined with any other offers or special pricing 1118 E Hwy 90A, Richmond, TX www.integrated-pest.com

MERRY CHRISTMAS & Happy Holidays!

RMPL 13459 • www.BenFranklinPlumberHouston.com

Balance & Vertigo Problems?

Even Santa gets his hearing checked every year!

& A Prosperous New Year in 2020!

The Audiologists at Advanced Hearing Center would be happy to check it for you. advancedhearingcentertx.com

Best Wishes, 2020

Strands Salon Family

281-342-3086

281-491-0200

READERS’ CHOICE

photo was taken Dec/2019

1223 Lake Pointe Parkway Sugar Land, TX 77478

Expert gastroenterology care

CLOSE TO HOME

Houston Methodist Welcomes Dr. Franz Schneider

Houston Methodist Gastroenterology Associates at Sugar Land is committed to personalized care and has immediate access to the full range Houston Methodist Welcomes Dr. Franz Schneider of techniques to test the structure and function of the entire gastrointestinal Houston Methodist Gastroenterology Associates at Sugar Land is committed to tract. Dr. Franz Schneider, board-certified gastroenterologist, provides the personalized care and offers advanced techniques for the entire gastrointestinal tract. best possible care with extensive training in diagnosing and treating Dr. Franz Schneider, board-certified gastroenterologist, provides the best possible the following: care with extensive training in diagnosing and treating: • Esophageal reflux and peptic ulcer • Irritable bowel syndrome • Esophageal reflux and peptic ulcer • Irritable bowel syndrome • Liver disease • Gastrointestinal cancer • Liver disease • Gastrointestinal cancer • Inflammatory bowel disease, • Pancreatic and biliary diseases WELCOMING • Inflammatory bowel disease, • Pancreatic and biliary diseases Crohn’s disease and Franz Schneider, MD • Swallowing Crohn’s disease and disorders • Swallowing disorders Gastroenterology ulcerative colitis ulcerative colitis Physicians and staff at Houston Methodist are taking every precaution to keep you safe.

B

59

D. LV

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

HOUSTON METHODIST SUGAR LAND HOSPITAL MEDICAL OFFICE BUILDING 3

SUGAR LAND

6

R

B

LV D

.

FI R S TC

OL ON Y

Dr. Schneider is available to safely see patients in person or virtually, as needed.

59

G TO N

BL VD

.

M IA

L

XI LE

EE TW AT ER

AC

N

TO W

SW

B

N

C

LV D

.

EN

TE

.

W

IL

S

TR

E

VD BL

16605 Southwest Fwy. 16605 Southwest Fwy. Medical Office Building 3, Suite 335 Medical Building 3, Suite Sugar Land,Office TX 77479

Sugar Land, TX 77479 houstonmethodist.org/spg 281.276.1960 houstonmethodist.org/spg 281.801.9303

335

THE STAR

See us online www.FortBendStar.com

Wednesday, December 2, 2020 • PAGE

3

Making the best of COVID-era Thanksgiving As someone who has oscillated between a pessimist and an optimist over the years, I find myself obligated to express my gratitude for just how many things I am fortunate to have going my way in this life. I am gainfully employed, doing work I enjoy and appreciate, and receiving unprompted and unexpected notes of goodwill and thanks from people in the community. I am also grateful for constructive feedback and continuing to learn to improve as a writer, a reporter, and a person as I continue to cover a community that has gratefully welcomed me here. I was actually able to celebrate the holiday with

to receive a COVID-19 test, which gave me the confidence I needed that I would be able to travel safely to and from my destination. I’m thankful for the airline workers, healthcare workers, first responders, and everyone who made it possible for me to scan my boarding pass with a simple tap of my watch face that made the simple gesture of retrieving my phone from my pocket seem clumsy and inefficient by comparison. I’m thankful that my aunt who visited from Florida and the rest of my family took precautions to be mindful of my 80-year old grandmother, and that we were able to safely socialize with her

Stefan Modrich

my family in Chicago instead of waiting for agate to refresh and be flowed into a standings and transactions page in a lonely and quiet office. That’s how I spent Thanksgiving at my previous job as a sportswriter in the Rio Grande Valley. I’m thankful I was able to drive through the Minute Maid Park parking lot in less than 30 minutes through a long line of cars

after coordinating physically-distanced visits and dinner drop-offs. I’m also grateful for friends near and far that still make the effort to check in with me. Whether I hear from them every day or once a month, there is a place for all of them, and WhatsApp, FaceTime and Zoom remain deeply in my debt for their ability to keep me connected to those whose company I would cherish, but whose virtual company I will happily take as a consolation prize. My father, after several different stages and phases of disciplined and restrictive diets, ate meat for the first time in 15 years this Thanksgiving. We ate my sisters’

homemade pecan pie — and this perhaps best represents my evolution into a true Texan — was shocked to find out that she and several others in my immediate family had never even tried it before. The secret was the chocolate chips — a true game-changer. Instead of football, I told my family I wanted to watch this year’s Fort Bend Interfaith Service, which is still on YouTube and worth a watch if you haven’t already seen it. My grandma said that this year’s Thanksgiving dinner was the best. And she is known for her hyperbole, so while I’d be inclined to take it with a grain of salt, I think the fact that she had re-

FBISD educators named to statewide boards By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Two key players in Fort Bend ISD’s fine arts programs were selected to statewide offices for their respective specialties last month. The district announced Monday that Fine Arts Director James Drew was elected as a board member for the Texas Music Administrators Conference (TMAC), while Assistant Director of Fine Arts for Dance, Theatre, and Arts Integration Travis Springfield was elected to the board of the Texas Educational Theatre Association (TxETA). Drew will serve a fouryear term on the TMAC board, serving one year in each officer position –

★ LIGHTS FROM PAGE 1 line ticket voucher promo codes that will put $2 in the coffers of participating organizations for each ticket sold using the code. Jones has become an ambassador for the event and educating attendees about the ways their voucher purchases will help give back to their communities. He estimated he’s helped sell about 10,000 tickets so far. “I’m going around to everybody and handing out the vouchers,” Jones said.

Drew

Springﬁeld

to college, according to FBISD. "I am thrilled to have the opportunity to give back to an organization that has given me so much to me in my career as a theatre educator," he said. “…I look forward to doing my part to continue the legacy of

advocacy and support for which TxETA is known." Visit texasmusicadmin. com to learn more about the Texas Music Administrators Conference, and txeta.com to learn about the Texas Educational Theatre Association.

“And plus telling them about the nonprofit aspect of it also.” A few of the participants in this year’s event, which began Nov. 20 and runs through Jan. 3, include Achieve Fort Bend County, the Fort Bend Education Foundation, Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels, Friends of Texas Wildlife, and SIRE. As for whether or not the practice of donating a portion of ticket sales to charity will continue during the 2021 baseball season, Jones said it will depend

on the Skeeters’ new parent club, the Houston Astros, who recently agreed to make the Skeeters their Triple-A affiliate in the Pacific Coast League. “That decision has to be made sometime later on when they come in, I would think,” Jones said. “But it might be something they would entertain.” Selling tickets for Holiday Lights, Jones said, is not too different from selling tickets to a baseball game. “It’s a matter of getting butts in seats and seeing a good show,” Jones said.

HONDA & ACURA CAR REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE CARE

EVERY

Call Craig or Mark Today 281.498.6364 • Over 100 Years Combined Experience • Averaging 20%-30% Saving Over Dealership Prices

• Genuine Honda Parts • Factory Trained Technicians

HOME

EVERY

WEEK

OIL & FILTER CHANGE

C&M-SPECIALIST-INC 12999 Murphy Road #D2 (Behind Subway)

with 30K, 60K or 90K major service

HOURS: MON-FRI

713-686-4936 ItJustBroke.com

A division of Home Hands Group LLC • Bonded & Insured

BUSINESS HONOR ROLL The beginnings & growth of many of Fort Bend County’s leading businesses

CONGRATULATIONS! YOUR BUSINESS WILL HAVE AN ANNIVERSARY IN 2021! Let all of Fort Bend County in on the celebration by placing your business name & the number of years you are celebrating in both publications. Featured in both the Fort Bend Star Newspaper and the Fort Bend Business Journal.

SAT. & SUN.

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

HO S S INE BUS

Flu Shot during Pregnancy Protects Newborns

Recent research indicates that flu vaccines given during pregnancy can protect newborns against the flu. However, the length of protection against the flu in infants has been unclear, until recently. A new trial involving over one thousand babies, compared babies born to mothers who received the flu shot to babies whose mothers received a placebo during pregnancy. Blood samples of both newborns were taken periodically between seven days and twenty-four weeks after life to determine the level of protection against the flu virus. Results of the study showed that flu shots given to mothers protected most infants in the first two months of life. The flu is a contagious respiratory infection caused by different influenza viruses. A yearly flu shot is considered by health experts as one of the best ways to lower the chances of getting the flu. Some side effects of getting a flu shot include soreness, swelling, fever, and aches. These side effects are usually short-lived and mild. 09-07-16 - Ed’s Pharmacy - 2 x 4.5

OF OWTH

D GR

S AN NING

IN E BEG

TH

1234

3-45 713-12 ebsite.com essw busin 00 • www. ED 19 BLISH • ESTA

TY’S COUN

D

N RT BE

45

RS YEA

e Nam ness fford 77022 Busi Sta Your dress Drive •4567

RS YEA

1234

50

nes fford 7702 Busi Sta Your dress Drive •4567 1234

3713-12 ebsite.com essw busin 00 • www. ED 19 BLISH • ESTA

Ad

3713-12 ebsite.com essw busin 00 • www. ED 19 BLISH • ESTA

Ad

43

RS YEA

YEARS44

e Nam ness fford 77022 Busi Sta Your dress Drive •4567

RS YEA

44

1234

e s Nam

nes fford 77022 Busi Sta Your dress Drive •4567

RS YEA

45

LEAD

e s Nam 2

Ad

S

USIN ING B

48

nes fford 7702 Busi Sta Your dress Drive •4567

Addre

L

ESSE

e s Nam 2

e Nam ness fford 77022 Busi Sta Your ss Drive • 67

1234

3713-12 ebsite.com essw busin 00 • www. ED 19 BLISH • ESTA

Ad

3713-12 ebsite.com essw busin 00 • www. ED 19 BLISH • ESTA

Ad

Your Business Name e s Nam

RS YEA

e Nam ness fford 77022 Busi Sta Your ss Drive • 67 1234

ROL R O N

OF FO

RS YEA

1234

SOME

49

50

(281) 499-4555

281-690-4200

We’re your solution!

7:30am - 5:45pm • CLOSED

from

Your Countywide Newspaper

Tired of your fence looking like this?

secretary, vice president, president and past president. The board is made of administrators from school districts around the state to “promote and support music education and music educators through collaboration, networking and the sharing of best practices.” “I look forward to serving our students, teachers, and administrators over the next four years by advocating for quality music programs at every campus in Texas," Drew said in a news release. Springfield, meanwhile, will serve a six-year term on the TxETA board, serving two years each as president-elect, president and past president. The TxETA’s goal is to support educational theatre at all levels from elementary

C&M SPECIALIST

cently experienced a hospital stay (unrelated to the coronavirus) and continues to undergo physical therapy from home might have something to do with that. It could also be that she prefers her daughter’s excellent cooking, but that’s too simple an explanation for me. While I did miss the usual large gathering of relatives, I’m happy to know that they all did things a bit differently this year. But in the end, it was a sacrifice they were all willing to make if it meant that we can allow those who have been tasked with the thankless mission of trying to restore order and normalcy to our overall public health to do their jobs.

3-45 713-12 ebsite.com essw busin 00 • www. ED 19 BLISH • ESTA

Addre

nes fford 77022 Busi Sta Your dress Drive •4567

40

1234 Address Drive • Stafford 77022 713-123-4567 1RS 4 www.businesswebsite.com YEA 1234

3713-12 ebsite.com essw busin 00 • www. ED 19 BLISH • ESTA

Ad

RS YEA

e Nam ness fford 77022 Busi Sta Your dress Drive •4567

2RS 4 • ESTABLISHED 1900ou•r Business Nam YEA

1234

e

42

Y

e Nam ness fford 77022 Busi Sta Your dress Drive •4567

RS YEA

1234

e Nam ness fford 77022 Busi Sta Your dress Drive •4567 1234

1234

3713-12 ebsite.com essw busin 00 • www. ED 19 BLISH • ESTA

Ad

2 rd 7702 • Staffo ss Drive3-4567 713-12 ebsite.com essw • busin 00 w. 19 ww ED BLISH • ESTA

Addre

3713-12 ebsite.com essw busin 00 • www. ED 19 BLISH • ESTA

Ad

37

RS YEA

38

e Nam ness fford 77022 Busi Sta Your ss Drive • 67

RS YEA

39

RS YEA

0

3713-12 ebsite.com essw busin 00 • www. ED 19 BLISH • ESTA

Ad

1234

e Nam ness fford 77022 Busi Sta Your dress Drive •4567

3-45 713-12 ebsite.com essw busin 00 • www. ED 19 BLISH • ESTA

Addre

4 Publication: Wednesday December 30th 34 e Nam ness fford 77022 Busi Sta Your dress Drive •4567

RS YEA

1234

e Nam ness fford 77022 Busi Sta Your ss Drive • 67

3713-12 ebsite.com essw busin 00 • www. ED 19 BLISH • ESTA

Ad 1234

3713-12 ebsite.com essw busin 00 • www. ED 19 BLISH • ESTA

Ad

RS YEA

35

36 Deadline: Tuesday December 22th 6 3-45 713-12 ebsite.com essw busin 00 • www. ED 19 BLISH • ESTA

dre 34 Ad

12

e Nam ness fford 77022 Busi Sta Your ss Drive • 67

RS YEA

3

3713-12 ebsite.com essw busin 00 • www. ED 19 BLISH • ESTA

34 Ad

12

e Nam ness fford 77022 Busi Sta Your dress Drive •4567

RS YEA

1234

e Nam ness fford 77022 Busi Sta Your dress Drive •4567

RS YEA

3-45 713-12 ebsite.com essw busin 00 • www. ED 19 BLISH • ESTA

Addre

20

Call your Marketing 20 Consultant at 2 1234

e s Nam 2

nes fford 7702 Busi Sta Your dress Drive •4567

3713-12 ebsite.com essw busin 00 • www. ED 19 BLISH • ESTA

Ad

RS YEA

281-690-4206 1234

3713-12 ebsite.com essw busin 00 • www. ED 19 BLISH • ESTA

Ad

2

e Nam ness fford 77022 Busi Sta Your ss Drive • 67 1234

nes fford 7702 Busi Sta Your dress Drive •4567 1234

e s Nam 2

RS YEA

3-45 713-12 ebsite.com essw busin 00 • www. ED 19 BLISH • ESTA

Addre

15

S

nes fford 7702 Busi Sta Your dress Drive •4567 1234

1234

e s Nam 2

RS YEA

25

e Nam ness fford 77022 Busi Sta Your dress Drive •4567

RS YEA

3713-12 ebsite.com essw busin 00 • www. ED 19 BLISH • ESTA

Ad

3713-12 ebsite.com essw busin 00 • www. ED 19 BLISH • ESTA

Ad

5

RS YEA

10

RS YEA

12

e s Nam

RS YEA

sines

e s Nam

2

rd 7702

nes fford 77022 Busi Sta Your dress Drive •4567 1234

3713-12 ebsite.com essw • busin 1900 www. SHED

Ad

3713-12 ebsite.com essw busin 00 • www. ED 19 BLISH • ESTA

Ad

e Nam ness fford 77022 Busi Sta Your dress Drive •4567 1234

3713-12 ebsite.com essw busin 00 • www. ED 19 BLISH • ESTA

Ad

se

THE STAR

PAGE 4 • Wednesday, December 2, 2020

★ SKINCARE FROM PAGE 1 resources as basic as food and clothing. “In my heart, I said if I ever had a granddaughter, I was going to encourage her to go into business,” Owens said. “I want to say that to encourage somebody to know that not all bad things happened during the pandemic, something good happened.” Liddie Elise was born in Sugar Land and spent summers with her grandmother growing up while her father served in the military. Owens has lived in Sugar Land and been a practicing minister for 15 years. “She got a chance to see a lot of young girls that were in poverty, you know, who are underprivileged,” Owens said. “So it just stayed in her heart.”

★ TIPS FROM PAGE 1 same advice she gives her clients is applicable to consumers as well. And though consumer fraud tends to make the most headlines, she said small business owners are among the most frequent victims of scams and also need to be vigilant when managing their online commerce as well. According to Verizon’s 2020 Data Breach Investigations Report, 43 percent of cyberattacks were against small businesses. “Consumers should be more aware while they are shopping online,” Sheel said. “Right now, people can basically do shopping from anywhere, use any device. But then they have to kind of be aware of their identity, and basically, protect their passwords on

★ SMSD FROM PAGE 1 a $420 million reimbursement program to cover costs incurred by Texas public schools that purchased Wi-Fi hotspots and/or eLearning devices like laptops or tablets so students could continue to learn remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic. The program is jointly managed by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) and uses federal CARES Act dollars. A district is eligible for reimbursement if it locally purchased eLearning devices and/or WiFi hotspots during or after the 2019-20 school year, according to a news release from the governor’s office. TEA’s guidelines indicate laptops, including Chrome-

right out of my garage,” Owens said. “We just want to be a blessing to the people in the islands because they are hurting. I know we’re hurting in America, too, but I know that they're hurting (in the islands).” She said she sent off six barrels last week and is looking to send seven more before Christmas as it takes three weeks for food and supplies to arrive by boat. Owens said it is her calling, not only to help others, but to show her granddaughter how to do the same. “This year, God just, you know, just laid it on my heart in a hidden way that I feel bad for people,” Owens said. “And when you get to the poor, you loan to the Lord. So it was in our hearts because we saw the need there.”

her spare time, is happy to lead the charge. “The world needs love,” Liddie Elise said. “So we

should be kind and generous.” Owens has long led a separate initiative to

deliver barrels of nonperishable food to Antigua, but the efforts have since intertwined with her granddaughter’s blossoming entrepreneurship. So far, Liddie Elise has sold 100 jars of her skincare solution, priced at $7.95 each. She has sent $400, or a third of her profit, to purchase clothes, including underwear, tennis shoes and socks, for girls in Antigua and Dominica. Owens said it costs $500 to send a barrel overseas, and if people would like to make an impact, they can also donate beans, peas, rice or other nonperishable goods, which can be dropped off at 7601 West Sam Houston Parkway Suite #600 in Houston. As of Nov. 30, she said she had sent 28 of them this year. “This business and this ministry was birthed in Sugar Land with 10 barrels

· If working on a shared computer, lock the screen before moving away from it. · Avoid storing passwords on your browser. · Be sure the URL at the top of your browser contains a lock symbol with HTTPS at the start of your web address, that ensures your connection is encrypted and keeps personal information like credit cards or passwords private. · Be wary of emails, texts, online ads, or websites that offer heavy discounted or free items. · Look very carefully for the sender's email address or any odd language in the email. · Avoid shopping online

with a debit card and use a credit card instead if possible. · Use a password manager to generate and store complex, unique passwords. Sheel also urges caution when downloading shopping apps on a mobile device, and suggests searching for Google reviews or Amazon reviews from users. “If you don't know a brand, be very careful about it, go look up the brand name’s reviews or Google the brand name with word scam next to it,” Sheel said. “So if there is a store that has been open for less than six months, it may be a red flag. So look for the history and the review of the seller. When the reviews have been written, there should be a period of time, not just a bunch of reviews that appeared on the same day, and it could be a red flag.

So always shop from sellers that you know, or have been reviewed consistently.” Another tip: Use a credit card instead of a debit card, because Sheel said it is crucial to not provide any more information than you need to when shopping online. Additionally, a credit card is a more flexible payment method and offers you more options if your data is compromised. “This limits your personal liability in the case that it is a scam, or data gets stolen, at least you know you have the ability to block a transaction and dispute it on your credit card,” Sheel said. If a deal appears too good to be true, Sheel said, that’s because it likely is a scam. “Never click links in (suspicious) emails or ads, because sometimes these links will

download malicious software onto your computer,” Sheel said. “It could be malware, it could be ransomware. So don't click on the links. Instead, go to the URL, type in the address and if you have a good antivirus or anti-malware (program), it will most probably detect it. Sheel also recommends virustotal.com, a free website that detects fake URLs from legitimate public ones and can also scan downloaded files for viruses. If you suspect you have been victimized in an online shopping scam, COVID-19 related or otherwise, there are several avenues to report wrongdoings. You can file a complaint or suspicious online activity with the Internet Crime Complaint Center, www.ic3.gov, with the FTC at reportfraud.

ftc.gov or the FBI by visiting fbi.gov and contacting your local field office. Not all hackers are sophisticated, Sheel said, but it is still important to remain cognizant of the risks of working on a public or unsecured network. “(Hacking) is a lucrative way to kind of get into the dark web,” Sheel said. “There are people sitting in basements looking for somewhere to get easy money. Even small businesses or residential people, we all have tax information or computers, but if we are in an unsecured network, and they are able to access your system, the hacker will try to maximize their financial gains. So in this day and age, we can’t say it's just a larger organization or government, it is all of us who are vulnerable to attacks.”

books, tablets, and/or hotspots, along with required fees such as Chromebook licenses, hotspot data plans and internet filtering of illicit or inappropriate content in compliance with CIPA (Children’s Internet Protection Act) are eligible expenses for districts seeking reimbursement. A spokesperson for Fort Bend ISD said the district is considering whether to apply for the reimbursement program, along with pursuing other funding options related to operating during the pandemic. During a Nov. 21 Zoom interview with Rodriguez and SMSD Chief Financial Officer Dedrea Norman, Rodriguez said their district’s goal is to ensure every student has a device by Dec. 4 The district paid for the devices using its fund balance, Norman said.

The program is a continuation of the last Operation Connectivity grant implemented by Abbott’s office in May Norman said SMSD will be applying for the maximum 75 percent reimbursement allowed and the district plans to submit its application in the first phase, which runs from Nov. 20 through 11:59 p.m. Dec. 1. She said the district worked with vendors over the Thanksgiving break to ensure it had all of the proper documentation in hand and that invoice payments were made. The TEA warned school districts in a Nov. 20 webinar that it hopes to fully fund applicants at 75 percent, but it expects to ratably reduce the amount it reimburses applicants during the second and third phases of the program, which span from Dec. 2-7 and Dec. 8-11, re-

spectively. “To secure 1-to-1 devices for our students is something we had in the works,” Norman said. “But like many other districts, we were placed in a position to move a lot faster with the rollout of devices to students. And so we knew that our number one concern was education and making sure our students had what they needed, not only laptops and iPads, but also hotspots. And back in January, Jorge and I worked together on securing additional hotspots for our students. So we were already moving in that direction. What this funding (would do) for us, though, it definitely frees up dollars from our fund balance that really wasn't planned for this fiscal year in terms of the 1-to-1 initiative. So the reimbursement dollars are much needed. And we look forward to claiming our submissions and to get our reimbursement (in a timely manner).” Norman added the district would explore other funding sources that will allow it to capture the remaining 25 percent of the device-related expenses, or $575,000, if SMSD is approved for the CARES Act funding. The district worked across four academic levels encompassing early childhood education (pre-K) and K-12 to plan its device distribution, Rodriguez said. SMSD ordered about 350 iPads for Pre-K and kindergarten classes, and first through fifth grade classes received approximately 980. There were about 165 devices for students in grades 6-8 and an estimated 1,200 for grades 9-12. Of the nearly 2,700 devices the district purchased, 80 percent of early childhood students should have a device in their hands, Rodriguez said. The percentage

of deployed devices is comparable for SMSD’s middle school students, at 75 percent, but drops to 50 percent for both elementary school and high school students. “We made a calculation of how many students we expected to have, when August and September came around,” Rodriguez said. “And then added about 5 to 7 percent extra iPads to accommodate any changes that may come. We have been moving very, very quickly to grab these devices.” Curbside pickup for iPads at SMSD began Nov. 16 and continues this week, Dec. 2-4. “We know that not everyone could make it to the distribution, not all parents can make it, Rodriguez said. “So once we are completed with most of them where we get close to about 80 to 90 percent distribution curbside, then any devices that are left over, we would hand them out inside the classroom during the first or second period, depending on, you know, how many kids we have in most schools. Rodriguez said the district conducted a survey in the spring to assess how critical the need was for families who didn’t have access to the internet, a cell phone or a computer at home to do their work. The survey showed SMSD at the time that approximately 1,100-1,200 students didn't have a device at home. Rodriguez said the district pooled together close to 800 devices, which were distributed between May and August “to try to bridge the digital gap.” For the remaining 300400 students, Rodriguez said most of those families have come to pick up their device. “Although our intent is for

everyone to have an iPad, the 1-to-1, currently, most of the students do have a device at home now, even though it's not a district-provided one,” Rodriguez said. Norman added that of those students without a district-issued device, most returned to face-to-face instruction when SMSD allowed that option in early October. She emphasized the quick turnaround of the application is a crucial element of TEA’s grant process, consistent with other grants the agency has managed in the past. “(TEA) wants us to be able to utilize these dollars,” Norman said. “I think it doesn't look good for our state, if these dollars have to be sent back if they're not utilized. So they put forth every effort that they can to ensure that the districts understand what the requirements are around the grant and to work very quickly to secure or seek their reimbursement.” Norman said TEA will determine how much funding to allocate to eligible districts by Dec. 31. As for the district’s next steps, Norman said SMSD will continue to survey its student and parent population and offer assistance with training on the iPads and remote tech support, including a Parent Tech Help Form and a hotline managed by Rodriguez and his staff. “We already provide quite a bit of training for parents in terms of navigating on devices,” Norman said. “But we'll continue to do that and push out surveys, just to monitor their ability to get on and navigate around on their devices without trouble or problems. It doesn’t stop with us distributing devices. We will continue to put things in place to monitor the success of this initiative.”

Soon, it dawned on Owens that there was a practical way for Liddie Elise to help with her mission. “What she wanted to do was start her own business,” Owens said. “I spoke to her about it and said, ‘What do you want to do?’ And she said, ‘I like smelling good. So I'd like to have a skincare business.’ So she and I put our heads together, and I said, ‘What is the fragrance that you would like to do?’ And she told me she loves lavender, and she loves natural products. And so we just started it right here in my kitchen.” Owens, a mother of five children and a grandmother to four, said she envisions getting her other grandchildren involved one day. But for now, Liddie Elise, only in third grade and still making time to read and paint in

tablets or smartphones.” Below are some of Sheel’s tips for a secure online shopping experience:

BAPTIST CHURCH

HERITAGE BAPTIST CHURCH • 281-403-4994 2223 FM1092 • Missouri City, TX 77459 John Strader , Senior Pastor Sunday Bible Study 9:30 am Sunday Worship 10:45 am 6:00 pm Wednesday 7:00 pm AWANA/Youth www.hbctx.org METHODIST CHURCH

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

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

See us online www.FortBendStar.com

Liddie Owens seals a barrel full of food and supplies to be sent to underprivileged people in Antigua. (Contributed photo)

CHURCH OF CHRIST

STAFFORD CHURCH OF CHRIST • 281-499-2507 402 Stafford Run Rd. -Stafford, 77477 SUNDAY: Bible Study: 9:30 a.m. Worship: 10:30 a.m. Afternoon Worship 5:00 p.m. WEDNESDAY : Bible Study 7:00 p.m. www.staffordchurchofchrist.org LUTHERAN CHURCH

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

Want the BEST DEAL for your Cable and Internet?

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH • 281-240-3195 502 Eldridge Road, Sugar Land, TX 77478 Reverend Dr. Fred Seay, Pastor Sunday Worship In Person 11:00 am / Nursery Available Worship Online on YouTube www.fpcsl.org

Scripture of the week

“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.” - 1 Corinthians 16:13

No Deposit! Call Us Today for a Quick Quote!

844-560-9986

THE STAR

EVERY HOME, EVERY WEEK.

See us online www.FortBendStar.com

Wednesday, December 2, 2020 • PAGE

C LASSIFIED C LASSIFIED

A DS

CLASSIFIED ADS THAT GET RESULTS CALL US AT 281-690-4200

LEGALS

A DS

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING SPECIAL EXCEPTION REQUEST FROM THE REAR YARD SETBACK REQUIREMENT IN THE STANDARD SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (R-1) ZONING DISTRICT FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 56 BRADFORD CIRCLE Zoning Board of Adjustment Public VICINITY MAP: Hearing 5:00 p.m., December 16, 2020, City of Sugar Land City Council Chamber, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, hosted via live stream at http://www.sugarlandtx.gov/1238/ SLTV-16-Live-Video or https://www.youtube. com/sugarlandtxgov/live, and Sugar Land Comcast Subscribers can also tune-in on Channel 16 to hear all persons interested in the proposed Special Exception to the Rear Yard Setback for 56 Bradford Circle, Lot 17, Block 1, Commonwealth Park Section 2, in the Standard Single-Family Residential (R-1) District.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CLASSIFIED ADS THAT GET RESULTS CALL US SPECIAL EXCEPTION REQUEST FROM THE REAR YARD SETBACK REQUIREMENT IN THE AT 281-690-4200 RESTRICTED SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (R-1R) ZONING DISTRICT FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 4023 MONTICELLO DRIVE Zoning Board of Adjustment Public VICINITY MAP: Hearing 5:00 p.m., December 16, 2020, City of Sugar Land City Council Chamber, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, hosted via live stream at http://www.sugarlandtx.gov/1238/ SLTV-16-Live-Video or https://www.youtube. com/sugarlandtxgov/live, and Sugar Land Comcast Subscribers can also tune-in on Channel 16 to hear all persons interested in the proposed Special Exception to the Rear Yard Setback for 4023 Monticello Drive, Lot 1, Block 2, Sweetwater Section Four, in the Restricted Single-Family Residential (R-1R) District.

The agenda item for this meeting will be placed on the City of Sugar Land website at www.sugarlandtx.gov under “Meeting Agendas” Zoning Board of Adjustment no later than Friday, December 11, 2020. Request details or provide feedback on the proposed Special Exception online at www.sugarlandtx. gov/PublicHearingComment or contact City of Sugar Land Planning Department at (281) 275-2218.

As of the date of this publication (December 2, 2020) the Centers for Disease Control recommends social-distancing and the avoidance of large and small gatherings in public spaces in order to limit the spread of COVID-19. As a result, the City of Sugar Land has elected to conduct this meeting online. Members of the public wishing to view the meeting live may do so at the links above. Members of the public desiring to make comments during the public hearing may submit their written comments to the Office of City Secretary (citysec@sugarlandtx.gov). Comments should reference the hearing in the subject line, must be received by 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 16, 2020, then will be read into the record during the public hearing. Members of the public desiring to make their comments during the published date and time of the public hearing must e-mail (citysec@sugarlandtx.gov) or call ((281) 275-2730) the Office of the City Secretary by 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 16, 2020 to register and receive instructions for direct participation during the hearing.

As of the date of this publication (December 2, 2020) the Centers for Disease Control recommends social-distancing and the avoidance of large and small gatherings in public spaces in order to limit the spread of COVID-19. As a result, the City of Sugar Land has elected to conduct this meeting online. Members of the public wishing to view the meeting live may do so at the links above. Members of the public desiring to make comments during the public hearing may submit their written comments to the Office of City Secretary (citysec@sugarlandtx.gov). Comments should reference the hearing in the subject line, must be received by 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 16, 2020, then will be read into the record during the public hearing. Members of the public desiring to make their comments during the published date and time of the public hearing must e-mail (citysec@sugarlandtx.gov) or call (281) 275-2730) the Office of the City Secretary by 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 16, 2020 to register and receive instructions for direct participation during the hearing.

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

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING SPECIAL EXCEPTION REQUEST FROM THE REAR YARD SETBACK REQUIREMENT IN THE RESTRICTED SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (R-1R) ZONING DISTRICT FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 4807 BURBURY STREET Zoning Board of Adjustment Public Hearing VICINITY MAP: 5:00 p.m., December 16, 2020, City of Sugar Land City Council Chamber, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, hosted via live stream at http://www.sugarlandtx.gov/1238/SLTV-16Live-Video or https://www.youtube.com/ sugarlandtxgov/live, and Sugar Land Comcast Subscribers can also tune-in on Channel 16 to hear all persons interested in the proposed Special Exception to the Rear Yard Setback for 4807 Burbury Street, Lot 17, Block 3, Sutton Forest Section Two, in the Restricted SingleFamily Residential (R-1R) District.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING SPECIAL EXCEPTION REQUEST FROM THE REAR YARD SETBACK REQUIREMENT IN THE STANDARD SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (R-1) ZONING DISTRICT FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 3002 S. BLUE MEADOW CIRCLE Zoning Board of Adjustment Public Hearing VICINITY MAP: 5:00 p.m., December 16, 2020, City of Sugar Land City Council Chamber, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, hosted via live stream at http://www.sugarlandtx.gov/1238/SLTV-16Live-Video or https://www.youtube.com/ sugarlandtxgov/live, and Sugar Land Comcast Subscribers can also tune-in on Channel 16 to hear all persons interested in the proposed Special Exception to the Rear Yard Setback for 3002 S. Blue Meadow Circle, Lot 56, Block 2, Colony Bend, Section 2, in the Standard Single-Family Residential (R-1) District.

The agenda item for this meeting will be placed on the City of Sugar Land website at www.sugarlandtx.gov under “Meeting Agendas” Zoning Board of Adjustment no later than Friday, December 11, 2020. Request details or provide feedback on the proposed Special Exception online at www.sugarlandtx. gov/PublicHearingComment or contact City of Sugar Land Planning Department at (281) 275-2218.

As of the date of this publication (December 2, 2020) the Centers for Disease Control recommends social-distancing and the avoidance of large and small gatherings in public spaces in order to limit the spread of COVID-19. As a result, the City of Sugar Land has elected to conduct this meeting online. Members of the public wishing to view the meeting live may do so at the links above. Members of the public desiring to make comments during the public hearing may submit their written comments to the Office of City Secretary (citysec@ sugarlandtx.gov). Comments should reference the hearing in the subject line, must be received by 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 16, 2020, then will be read into the record during the public hearing. Members of the public desiring to make their comments during the published date and time of the public hearing must e-mail (citysec@sugarlandtx.gov) or call (281) 275-2730) the Office of the City Secretary by 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 16, 2020 to register and receive instructions for direct participation during the hearing.

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

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING SPECIAL EXCEPTION REQUEST FROM THE STREET SIDE YARD SETBACK REQUIREMENT IN THE INTERIM SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (R-1-I) ZONING DISTRICT FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 7710 OLD TREE COURT Zoning Board of Adjustment Public VICINITY MAP: Hearing 5:00 p.m., December 16, 2020, City of Sugar Land City Council Chamber, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, hosted via live stream at http://www.sugarlandtx. gov/1238/SLTV-16-Live-Video or https:// www.youtube.com/sugarlandtxgov/live, and Sugar Land Comcast Subscribers can also tune-in on Channel 16 to hear all persons interested in the proposed Special Exception to the Street Side Yard Setback for 7710 Old Tree Ct, Lot 7, Block 2, Greatwood Tuscany Place, in the Interim Single-Family Residential (R-1-I) District.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING SPECIAL EXCEPTION REQUEST FROM THE REAR YARD SETBACK REQUIREMENT IN THE INTERIM SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (R-1-I) ZONING DISTRICT FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1514 MOON SHADOW COURT Zoning Board of Adjustment Public VICINITY MAP: Hearing 5:00 p.m., December 16, 2020, City of Sugar Land City Council Chamber, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, hosted via live stream at http://www.sugarlandtx.gov/1238/ SLTV-16-Live-Video or https://www.youtube. com/sugarlandtxgov/live, and Sugar Land Comcast Subscribers can also tune-in on Channel 16 to hear all persons interested in the proposed Special Exception to the Rear Yard Setback for 1514 Moon Shadow Ct, Lot 13, Block 2, Greatwood Trails Section Two, in the Interim Single-Family Residential (R-1-I) District.

The agenda item for this meeting will be placed on the City of Sugar Land website at www.sugarlandtx.gov under “Meeting Agendas” Zoning Board of Adjustment no later than Friday, December 11, 2020. Request details or provide feedback on the proposed Special Exception online at www.sugarlandtx. gov/PublicHearingComment or contact City of Sugar Land Planning Department at (281) 275-2218.

As of the date of this publication (December 2, 2020) the Centers for Disease Control recommends social-distancing and the avoidance of large and small gatherings in public spaces in order to limit the spread of COVID-19. As a result, the City of Sugar Land has elected to conduct this meeting online. Members of the public wishing to view the meeting live may do so at the links above. Members of the public desiring to make comments during the public hearing may submit their written comments to the Office of City Secretary (citysec@sugarlandtx.gov). Comments should reference the hearing in the subject line, must be received by 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 16, 2020, then will be read into the record during the public hearing. Members of the public desiring to make their comments during the published date and time of the public hearing must e-mail (citysec@sugarlandtx.gov) or call ((281) 275-2730) the Office of the City Secretary by 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 16, 2020 to register and receive instructions for direct participation during the hearing.

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

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING SPECIAL EXCEPTION REQUEST FROM THE REAR YARD SETBACK REQUIREMENT IN THE STANDARD SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (R-1) ZONING DISTRICT FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 4843 PERIWINKLE COURT Zoning Board of Adjustment Public Hearing 5:00 p.m., December 16, 2020, City of Sugar Land City Council Chamber, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, hosted via live stream at http://www.sugarlandtx.gov/1238/SLTV-16-Live-Video or https://www.youtube.com/sugarlandtxgov/live, and Sugar Land Comcast Subscribers can also tune-in on Channel 16 to hear all persons interested in the proposed Special Exception to the Rear Yard Setback for 4843 Periwinkle Ct, Lot 47, Block 2, Lexington Meadows, in the Standard Single-Family Residential (R-1) District. The agenda item for this meeting will be placed on the City of Sugar Land website at www.sugarlandtx.gov under “Meeting Agendas” Zoning Board of Adjustment no later than Friday, December 11, 2020. Request details or provide feedback on the proposed Special Exception online at www.sugarlandtx. gov/PublicHearingComment or contact City of Sugar Land Planning Department at (281) 275-2218. As of the date of this publication (December 2, 2020) the Centers for Disease Control recommends social-distancing and the avoidance of large and small gatherings in public spaces in order to limit the spread of COVID-19. As a result, the City of Sugar Land has elected to conduct this meeting online. Members of the public wishing to view the meeting live may do so at the links above. Members of the public desiring to make comments during the public hearing may submit their written comments to the Office of City Secretary (citysec@sugarlandtx.gov). Comments should reference the hearing in the subject line, must be received by 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 16, 2020, then will be read into the record during the public hearing. Members of the public desiring to make their comments during the published date and time of the public hearing must e-mail (citysec@sugarlandtx.gov) or call ((281) 275-2730) the Office of the City Secretary by 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 16, 2020 to register and receive instructions for direct participation during the hearing. Should the Centers for Disease Control, and/or the prevailing appropriate authority, lift the restrictions related to social-distancing and the avoidance of large and small gatherings in public spaces prior to 72 hours of the date of the public hearings, the City of Sugar Land will provide notice to the public on the Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting agenda at www.sugarlandtx.gov under “Meeting Agendas.”

VICINITY MAP:

5

THE STAR

PAGE 6 • Wednesday, December 2, 2020

See us online www.FortBendStar.com

@FtBendAthletics:

Marshall clinches District 11-5A championship By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

The race for the District 11-5A championship has long seemed like a mere formality. Marshall ended any remaining suspense last week by solidifying its spot at the top. The Buffalos wrapped up their second district title in the last three seasons with a 69-14 victory over Sterling last Friday night at Hall Stadium. It was the 14th consecutive win – and the 13th straight district victory – for the Buffalos (8-0, 7-0 district), who will play in a final pre-playoff tune-up against Madison this weekend.

Friday’s game looked much like any Buffalos game over the last few seasons, with Marshall racing out to a 32-6 advantage by the end of the first quarter and not looking back in a game that was called due to lightning early in the fourth quarter. Quarterback Roland Harvey threw four touchdown passes to three different receivers. Junior receiver Chris Marshall, who has nine Division I college offers, caught two of them for his third multi-score game of the season. Javion Matthews and Darius Williams each caught a touchdown pass, while four different Buffalos scored on the ground. Elsewhere in the area’s Class 5A action, Willowridge has

Marshall's Javion Matthews stiff arms a defender during an Oct. 24 against Waltrip. The Buffalos beat Sterling on Saturday to clinch the District 11-5A title. (File photo by Landan Kuhlmann)

bounced back from its Nov. 12 loss to Marshall with back-to-back

wins over Sterling on Nov. 20 and a 15-0 win over Madison last Sat-

urday, clinching its third straight postseason berth in the process. The Eagles (7-1, 6-1) rode quarterback Rufus Scott’s fifth multi-score game and a stout defense to victory against Madison, pitching their third shutout of the year. Ridge Point is headed back to the postseason after a 27-20 victory over Travis on Nov. 20 clinched the Panthers’ fourth District 206A championship in the last five seasons. Travis (4-3, 3-1) is also headed back to the playoffs for a seventh consecutive season. Last Week’s Scores Marshall 69, Sterling 14 Clements 7, Bush 0 Willowridge 15, Madison 0 Foster 7, Travis 3

George Ranch 28, Elkins 0 Katy Paetow 10, Hightower 7 This Week’s Games Thursday Austin vs. Alief Elsik, 6 p.m. Travis at Houston Memorial, 6:30 p.m. (Tully Stadium) Dulles at Alvin, 7 p.m. Friday Kempner vs. Angleton, 7 p.m. Clements vs. Spring Woods, 7 p.m. Ridge Point vs. Strake Jesuit, 7 p.m. (Hall Stadium) Marshall at Madison, 7 p.m. (Barnett Stadium) Willowridge at Galena Park, 7 p.m. (GPISD Stadium) Saturday Hightower vs. Wisdom, 1 p.m. (Hall Stadium)

Lady Vikings off to best start since 2008-09 season By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

The Dulles girls basketball team is no stranger to recent success, sporting three playoff appearances in the last four seasons while reaching the area round in each of the last two. The Lady Vikings’ hot start to the 2020-21 campaign, however, could have them dreaming of bigger goals. Off to one of the best starts in school history, the Lady Vikings are 7-0 heading into Wednesday’s matchup against the Houston Heights Lady Bulldogs, who are ranked 17th

in Class 6A by the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches. Highlights of Dulles’ early run include a 46-44 road win Nov. 24 against Shadow Creek – ranked 13th in 6A by to the TABC. Junior point guard Nya Threatt is leading the way so far for Dulles, averaging a team-leading 18.9 points and nearly six rebounds per game. In the Nov. 24 win against Shadow Creek, Threatt scored 17 points while adding nine rebounds and six steals. Victoria Moore has also been strong, averaging better than 12 points per contest. The 7-0 record marks the

Lady Vikings’ second-best start since the turn of the century, trailing only the 14-0 start during the 200809 season, when they made their second of back-to-back regional semifinal playoff appearances. On the boys’ side, the Elkins Knights (3-0) – owners of seven playoff appearances in the last 10 seasons – have shot up to No. 5 in Class 6A in the most recent TABC rankings released Monday morning. Sophomore guard Chris Johnson has been the trigger man for the Knights, averaging close to 18 points per contest while shooting 63

C LASSIFIED

percent from the field. Senior Shane Bell is averaging 16.7 points and six rebounds per game, and Joshua Fanuiel is averaging more than 12 points on 57 percent shooting. The Knights will look to stay undefeated when they face Houston Eisenhower at 7 p.m. Friday. Other notable action Boys Hightower remained No. 2 in Class 5A in the TABC’s recent rankings after a 1-1 start to its season. Following a loss to Humble Atascocita on Nov. 25, the Hurricanes bounced back with an 89-70 win over Stafford last Friday as star

A DS

guard Bryce Griggs picked up right where he left off in the state tournament last season. Griggs scored 35 points and grabbed seven rebounds against Atascocita, then scored 33 points while dishing out 11 assists against Stafford. In other boys’ action around the area last week, Dulles remained unbeaten with a 68-61 overtime victory against Alief Elsik on Nov. 24. The Vikings are now 4-0, their best start since boasting a 5-1 mark in the 2017-18 season. Travis has also begun strong despite dropping out of the TABC’s recent rankings. The Tigers are 4-1 following a

Nov. 24 win against Marshall. Girls After a regional appearance last season, Hightower’s Lady Hurricanes have gotten off to a bit of a rocky beginning in 2020-21. They have fallen to 13th in the most recent TABC rankings after a 1-2 start to the season, but looked to get back on track Tuesday night against Angleton. Ridge Point has also evened their record at 3-3 following a 61-47 win over Klein Oak Nov. 23. Senior guard Raven Adams led the way, pouring in 26 points against Klein Oak and reaching 1,000 career points in the process.

CLASSIFIED ADS THAT GET RESULTS CALL US AT 281-690-4200

HOME IMPROVEMENT

C LASSIFIED

Interior and Exterior Sheetrock Repair

Pressure Washing

A DS

House Painters Plus ction Satisfanteed Guara

14 yrs. exp.

“Where Quality Counts”

TRANE ON SALE!

Driveway - Gates & Operators • Free Estimates

281-344-9212

LIMITED TIME! CALL NOW!!

TACLA021957E (Licensed & Insured) MNB ENTERPRISES LLC • DBA CRITICAL AIR

Check it out!

Attention Viagra users: Generic 100 mg blue pills or Generic 20 mg yellow pills. Get 45 plus 5 free $99 + S/H. Guaranteed, no prescription necessary. Call 855-398-1878

MISCELLANEOUS

Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today. 15% off Entire Purchase. 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-888-927-8649

DENTAL INSURANCE from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 350 plus procedures. Real dental insurance - NOT just a discount plan. Do not wait! Call now! Get your FREE Dental Information Kit with all the details! 1-866-694SAVE BIG on HOME INSUR‐ 6148 www.dental50plus.com ANCE! Compare 20 A-rated /southern #6258 insurances companies. Get a quote within minutes. Aver- DIRECTV - Every live foot‐ age savings of $444/year! ball game, every Sunday Call 855-993-0514! (M-F anywhere - on your favorite device. Restrictions apply. 8am-8pm Central) Call IVS - 1-877-666-2821 DISH Network. $59.99 for 190 Channels! Blazing Fast GENERAC Standby Genera‐ Internet, $19.99/mo. (where tors. The weather is increasunpredictable. Be available.) Switch & Get a ingly FREE $100 Visa Gift Card. prepared for power outages. FREE Voice Remote. FREE FREE 7-year extended warHD DVR. FREE Streaming on ranty ($695 value!) Schedule ALL Devices. Call today! 1- your FREE in-home assessment today. Call 1-833-953855-419-7188 0224 Special financing for Donate your car, truck or qualified customers. van. Help veterans find jobs or start a business. Call Patri- SERIOUSLY INJURED in an otic Hearts Foundation. Fast, AUTO ACCIDENT? Let us FREE pick-up. Max tax-de- fight for you! Our network duction. Operators are has recovered millions for standing by! Call 1-844-982- clients! Call today for a FREE consultation! 1-888-409-1261 2392 Thinking about installing a new shower? American Standard makes it easy. FREE design consultation. Enjoy your shower again! Call 1-844254-8510 today to see how you can save $1,000 on installation, or visit www.newHughesNet Satellite Inter‐ showerdeal.com/sapa net - 25mbps starting at $49.99/mo! Get More Data Guaranteed Life Insurance! FREE Off-Peak Data. FAST (Ages 50 to 80). No medical download speeds. WiFi built exam. Affordable premiums increase. Benefits in! FREE Standard Installa- never tion for lease customers! Lim- never decrease. Policy will ited Time, Call 1-855-942- only be canceled for nonpayment. 1-866-915-2530 3256

Become a published au‐ thor! Publications sold at all major secular & specialty Christian bookstores. CALL Christian Faith Publishing for your FREE author submission kit. 1-877-484-4025

$30 OFF any repair

Applying for Social Security Disability or Appealing a Denied Claim? Call Bill Gordon & Assoc. Our case managers simplify the process & work hard to help with your case. Call 1-844-408-7325 FREE Consultation. Local Attorneys Nationwide [Mail: 2420 N St NW, Washington DC. Office: Broward Co. FL (TX/NM Bar.)] A-1 DONATE YOUR CAR, RUNNING OR NOT!! FAST FREE PICKUP. Maximum tax deduction. Support United Breast Cancer Fdn programs. Your car donation could save a life. 855-701-6346

• Pay per mile/ load • Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Ins, PTO • Must have Class A CDL with Tanker Endorsement

2yr price guarantee, FREE Installation! Save HUNDREDS Internet

DIRECTV.

as

low

as

$14.95/mo! 1-855-977-7405

832-496-2349

Call

Reynolds

Nationwide

1-888-648-3604

You can also visit our Website to fill out an application at

reynoldsnw.com

★★★★

★ FIND THE STAR ONLINE

FORTBENDSTAR.COM

★★

TIMESHARE CANCELLATION Avoid Timeshare Cancella‐ tion Scams. Consumer protection attorney will get you a legal low flat fee cancellation for less, with a 100% money

back

guarantee.

TimeShareBeGone A+BBB rating and

has

an

5 star re-

views. To request a quote,

BATHROOM RENOVA‐ call 1-800-223-1770 or go to: TIONS. EASY, ONE DAY up- outlegally.com dates! We specialize in safe bathing. Grab bars, no slip flooring & seated showers. WANTED TO BUY Call for a free in-home conCASH FOR CARS! We buy sultation: 877-925-9682 COMPUTER ISSUES? GEEKS ON SITE provides FREE diagnosis REMOTELY 24/7 SERVICE DURING COVID19. No home visit necessary. $40 OFF with coupon 86407! Restrictions apply. 844-315-8054

We're hiring detailed oriented Cleaning Technicians Please call 281.238.5762 or email Resume to sugarland@youvegotmaids.com YOU'VE GOT MAIDS OF SUGAR LAND

• Home daily

over Cable and

Call for appt.

SEEKING EMPLOYMENT

• $5,000 safety bonus

Add

Hair Stylist/ Colorist Rhonda Dickerson

HELP WANTED

• Sign on bonus of $6,500

VIAGRA & CIALIS! 60 pills SATELLITE TV for $99. 100 pills for $150. FREE shipping. Money back DISH TV - Over 190 Chan‐ guaranteed! 1-866-863-0142. The Generac PWRcell, a so‐ nels Now ONLY $59.99/mo! lar plus battery storage system. SAVE money, reduce your reliance on the grid, prepare for power outages and power your home. Full installation services available. $0 Down Financing Option. Request a FREE, no obligation, quote today. Call 1-855913-2156

Help Me Rhonda! Hair Designs

cannot be combined with any offer

Benefits Include:

Call this paper to place your ad in millions of homes.

HEARING AIDS!! Buy one/get one FREE! Highquality rechargeable Nano hearing aids priced 90% less than competitors. Nearly invisible! 45-day money back guarantee! 844-357-4008

www.myACandHEAT.com

CLASS A CDL DRIVERS NEEDED

Regional Classified Ads

Portable Oxygen Concen‐ trator May Be Covered by Medicare! Reclaim independence and mobility with the compact design and longlasting battery of Inogen One. Free information kit! Call 855-727-9628

281-492-3450

MATH/COMPUTER TUTOR Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, word processing, spreadsheet, graphics. Bill Stewart. BSEE 281-3411582.>+

TACLB019260E

FOR SALE

Recently diagnosed with LUNG CANCER and 60+ years old? Call now! You and your family may be entitled to a SIGNIFICANT CASH AWARD. Call 844-791-6012 today. Free Consultation. No Risk.

Eddie Allum

AIR CONDITIONING • HEATING

Local Businesses!

www.criticalairac.com

HEALTH & MEDICAL

• Laminate Wood Flooring • Granite Slab Countertops

Call TODAY for FREE ESTIMATE

Free Estimates

Ornamental Iron Fence

Call 281-468-4250 anytime

THE FOLLOWING ADS HAVE NOT BEEN SCREENED BY THE SOUTHEASTERN ADVERTISING PUBLISHERS ASSOCIATION (SAPA); Therefore, any discrepancies thereof shall not be the responsibility of the aforementioned association. Your publisher has agreed to participate in this program and run these ads as a service to the Southeastern Advertising Publishers Association.

♠

SMALL JOBS WELCOMED

• Great Prices • Rebates! • Financing • Warranties XR 16 SYSTEM

♠

Frank Garza, owner

IRON FENCE REPAIR • IRON FENCE REPAIR

• IRON FENCE REPAIR •

265-7134

281-642-1992

Insured Free Estimates References Since 1981

TILE CLASSIFIEDACE ADS THAT GET RESULTS CALL US Carpet • Remodeling • Ceramic ATFlooring 281-690-4200 Marble • Wood • Tile & grout cleaning & sealing 281-898-0154

• IRON FENCE REPAIR •

(281)

Bond & Insu ed red

Interior/Exterior Painting Hardie Plank Siding • Pressure Washing Rooﬁng • Remodeling • Carpentry Fence/Fence Repair

Painting by Tod Tod Griffin

SERVICES

all cars! Junk, high-end, totaled – it doesn’t matter! Get free towing and same day cash! NEWER MODELS too! Call 1-866-508-8362.

Reliable Handyman

with experience in plumbing, drywall/texture, painting, carpentry, door install/repairs, cabinet repairs, and other general handyman. Please call 713-371- 3516 or email

mickey@officeorioles.com

THE STAR

See us online www.FortBendStar.com

Child Advocates of Fort Bend virtual Christmas Home Tour begins Dec. 11 By Landan Kuhlmann

Wednesday, December 2, 2020 • PAGE

The Medicare you earned. The flexibility you deserve.

LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Beginning Dec. 11 and running through Jan. 4, Fort Bend County residents can go online to participate in Child Advocates of Fort Bend's annual Christmas Home Tour. Each year, the tour showcases select homes in Fort Bend County that have been decorated and spruced up with Christmas cheer as a way to raise money for the organization's mission of providing resources to abused and neglected children in Fort Bend County. Tickets for this year's tour can be purchased online at cafb.org/events/home-tour/. Tickets to view the programming on your own time are $30 per person. “By sponsoring or participating in the Home Tour, you can help us ensure that all child victims of abuse get the therapy and healing services they desperately need," Child Advocates of Fort Bend CEO Ruthanne Mefford said in a news release.

The new Visa Flex Card. Only from WellCare.

Get $1,500 up to

Through Jan. 4, community members can go online to take part in Child Advocates of Fort Bend's Christmas Home Tour, which is going virtual due to COVID-19. (Contributed Photo) There will be seven fully decorated homes, along with videos and highlights of previous tours, entertainers, a wreath raffle, silent auction items and demonstration

videos with “how-to” topics such as tree decorating and more. For more information, email TSheridan@cafb.org.

DEBIT

GOOD THRU

When you choose select WellCare Medicare Advantage plans, you can personalize your coverage with the NEW Flex Card. The Flex Card is a pre-funded Visa debit card that could give you an extra $1,500 in benefits per year. Use your Flexible Spending Card to pay for hearing, dental or vision needs beyond what your plan covers. With the Flex Card, you get:

Choice: Visit in-network and out-of-network providers Beginning this Thursday from 5-8 p.m., the City of Rosenberg will be hosting multiple holiday events this month as part of the city's annual "Small Town Christmas." (Contributed Photo)

Rosenberg’s ‘Small Town Christmas’ starts Thursday By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

The City of Rosenberg will host a series of holiday events beginning this week to get residents in the Christmas spirit. Beginning Thursday, Dec. 3 from 5-8 p.m., downtown Rosenberg will be home to “Holiday Nights: A Small Town Christmas Experience.” As part of a partnership between the

Rosenberg Arts Alliance and the Downtown Rosenberg Merchants, there will also be events from 5-8 p.m. Dec. 10 and Dec. 17, giving residents the chance to shop, visit Santa’s reindeer and more. According to the city, this Thursday's event will include Rosenberg’s treelighting ceremony as well as food vendors, merchant sales and specials, kids' stocking and personal protective equipment (PPE) giveaways and live music.

The Dec. 10 and Dec. 17 events will feature specials from the downtown merchants and restaurants, shopping and sales and more giveaways. Social distancing protocols will be in effect, according to the city, and all attendees are encouraged to wear a face mask or covering. PPE will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, visit rosenbergtx.gov/RCN or call 832-595-3520.

3 Generations of Quality Service, Integrity & Honesty

Autos foreign & domestic Vehicle + RV detailing

Family Owned and Operated in Fort Bend County

Since 1951

Then Charlton’s Garage & Station & Auto Sales in Stafford, Texas, 1951-1970. Owned by E.C. Charlton.

Now Current garage at Staffordshire & Fifth St. Stafford, Texas.

Still the Same Great Service!

281-499-1126 • Staffordshire Rd at 5th Street Stafford, TX 77477 • www.Charltonsbodyrepair.com Monday – Friday, 7am-6pm

Those were the days - Charlton’s Body Repair - 01-31-18- 3colx3”

Coverage: Pay for dental, vision and hearing expenses with no out-of-pocket costs to you

Extras: Upgrade your plan offering on items like dentures, eyeglasses, hearing support and more

You have from October 15 to December 7 to choose your Medicare coverage for 2021! Choose your Medicare plan today.

Call to get your Visa Flex Card! 1-844-986-0048 (TTY: 711) 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week Visit WellCareforTX.com to find a virtual or local event.

Cosmetic procedures are not covered under this benefit. Benefits may vary by region. WellCare Health Plans, Inc., is an HMO, PPO, PFFS plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in our plans depends on contract renewal. For accommodations of persons with special needs at meetings, call 1-877-699-3552 TTY 711. There is no obligation to enroll. Out-of-network/non-contracted providers are under no obligation to treat WellCare members, except in emergency situations. Please call our customer service number or see your Evidence of Coverage for more information, including the cost-sharing that applies to out-of-network services. Y0070_WCM_60959E_FINAL3_M CMS Accepted 09212020 NA1WCMADV60959E_BASE ©WellCare 2020

7

THE STAR

PAGE 8 • Wednesday, December 2, 2020

See us online www.FortBendStar.com

Review: Doña Leti’s Restaurant & Bar a vibrant exhibition of culture, ﬂavor By Stefan Modrich SMODRICH@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

At Houston’s Southwest edge in the Ridgemont neighborhood in the Fort Bend County portion of the city you’ll discover Doña Leti’s Restaurant & Bar, one of the area’s most fascinating collections of Latin American cuisine. I had some trouble finding the place at first, because the restaurant, which had its grand opening back on May 31, is tucked into a strip mall partially obstructed by trees and shrubbery off of Post Oak Road with a banner hanging over the sign of the taqueria that previously occupied the space. But locals have had no such issues, as word of mouth and a small but loyal group of Instagram followers have contributed to the grassroots marketing of one of the most vibrant spots in the city. Ana Leticia Hernandez, a mother of

The sandiada raspa from Doña Leti’s in Houston is shown during a recent visit. (Photo by Stefan Modrich)

The birria tacos from Doña Leti’s in Houston are shown during a recent visit. (Photo by Stefan Modrich)

three who fled El Salvador for Texas and has been in the U.S. since 1990, has seen her business blossom from a food truck to a brickand-mortar location. Like some of you may be doing at some point during your time at home with family throughout the holi-

days, we’re going to start with dessert first. There’s a reason why the restaurant is also known to locals as “Frutas Doña Leti’s” after all. The raspado, also commonly referred to as a raspa, is a common feature of Mexican-American and Latino culture, par-

ticularly in Texas, from the Rio Grande Valley all the way up the Gulf Coast to Greater Houston. And whether you prefer the natural sweetness of fresh fruit or the sugar high of the added candies and flavors, or some mixture of both, there’s almost certainly a flavor for every palate.

Christopher August Meyer, Attorney at Law • • • • •

Family Law

Divorce Child Custody Child Support Enforcement Modifications

Chiang Law Firm, PLLC

(713) 568-9206 chris@chianglaw.com

Estate Planning

• Wills • Trusts • Probate

Chiang Law Firm, PLLC | 1418 Lake Pointe Pkwy. | Sugar Land, TX 77478 Not Certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization

COMMUNITY

More than likely, you’re familiar with a Chamoyada, or a Mangonada ($5). Doña Leti’s claims it has the best version of the iconic frozen beverage in Houston. There are few things I enjoy more than watermelon on a warm day. That said, I believe there’s no reason you should limit your consumption of raspas to dog days of July and August. To me, the best choice available on my draft board was the Sandiada ($8), affectionately known as “Sandia Loca” in some circles. The refreshing watermelon puree, which makes up the body of the drink, is met with an elaborate dressing of watermelon wedges, a tamarind straw with its seasoned, sour candy that packs a punch, and garnished with Pull N’ Peel Twizzlers licorice strands. While I could have left it

at that and called it a day, there was important work still to be done. Birria, the classic slowcooked dish from the Mexican state of Jalisco, is one of the signature meals available at Doña Leti’s. It can be made from goat, beef, or lamb meat, but the Birria plate you’ll have here is with beef, marinated in an adobo sauce made of vinegar, dried chiles, herbs, and spices before being cooked in a broth. For $14, you can get a plate with three tacos, a generous helping of grilled onions and cilantro, and consomé, a broth or stock which can be used for dipping the tacos. It is also used along with oil to fry the tortillas. If you’d like to explore Birria in a few different formats, you can opt for the sampler plate ($17) which comes with a taco, a queso taco, and a mulita, a crispy taco shell that resembles a quesadilla or a Colombian arepa.

Doña Leti’s

Address: 16101 South Post Oak Rd. Suite E, Houston Hours: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday Dining Options: Dinein, takeout, and no-contact delivery available via DoorDash and Uber Eats. Entrée prices: $4.50-$16 Kid-friendly: Yes Senior discount: No Healthy options: None Star of the show: Birria

Deadline is noon every Friday. Limit entries to 40 words and answer the “5 Ws” Who, What, When, Where, and Why. Email to editor@fortbendstar.com or mail to: Fort Bend Star, 3944 Bluebonnet Drive, Stafford, Texas 77477.

CALENDAR

FOR NON-PROFIT EVENTS

In light of the COVID-19 outbreak and the cancellation of several community gatherings, please check with each organization for updated information about the status of their events. DECEMBER 9 SUGAR LAND ROTARY CLUB TEACHER OF THE YEAR LUNCH 12 p.m. The Sugar Land Rotary Club is pleased to announce its Fort Bend ISD Teacher of the Year Lunch at Sugar Creek Country Club and on Zoom. Please visit Sugar Land RotaryÕ s website for the Zoom link. Prospective members and guests are invited to attend, the cost is $20 for lunch. DECEMBER 10 FT. BEND/HARRIS RETIRED EDUCATORS ZOOM MEETING Ft. Bend/Harris Retired Educators next zoom meeting is Thursday morning, December 10th, at 10:00. Our program will be a Christmas music performance sung by the Sugar Land Christ United Methodist Church Choir. Games and fellowship will follow virtually. If you want, wear something festive to celebrate the holiday season. We look forward to all our members joining us. Paid members will receive their zoom invitation a week prior to the meeting. For further information email cmduvall@aol.com. JANUARY 23, 2021 SAVE THE DATE FELICIA SMITH JIGSAW PUZZLE COMPETITION ItÕ s back! The family-fun entertaining, challenging and fun jigsaw puzzle competition is slated for January 23, 2021. Presenting Sponsor, LearningRx Sugar Land preps for the 4th Annual Felicia Smith Jigsaw Puzzle Competition. Puzzle fanatics or ﬁrst-time puzzlers, ages 10 and up, rally together to raise autism awareness until all the pieces ﬁt. Awards and bragging rights guaranteed! Join sponsors OCuSOFT, Inc., Fort Bend Teen Service League and Robert Ò PoppyÓ Lampkin

Honored to be your choice for life insurance. LISA N SIMS, AGENT Monday - Friday 9 - 6 Saturday 10 - 2 After hours by appointment

for this virtual affair! To learn more or to register your team ($125) now, visit www. hopeforthree.org/events. Limited availability. ONGOING FORT BEND SENIORS MEALS ON WHEELS SECRET SANTA The Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels is hosting a Secret Santa for Seniors Program. Gifts can be dropped off Monday-Friday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at 1330 Band Road in Rosenberg no later than Dec. 4th. For those interested in volunteering to deliver meal and gifts to our home-bound seniors, please contact iloveseniors@fortbendseniors.org. If you are dropping off a large amount of gifts or need to change your drop-off time, please call 281.633.7049 or email leah@fortbendseniors. org. CIRCLE OF HOPE CHANGE A CHILD’S FUTURE For nearly a decade, local nonproﬁt Hope For Three Autism Advocates has provided local families with the gift Hope. The organizations gift-giving program, Circle of Hope can change a childÕ s future. Supporters select a monthly amount to give so families have access to lifechanging therapies and treatments children with autism might otherwise go without. Double your impact on Giving Tuesday, 12/1 at 7am on Facebook. Simply make a donation early and your contribution can be matched. Continue on to Double the Donation! Check to see if your employer will match your gift. Give where you live, www.hopeforthree.org/ corporate-matching-gift-programs DVD-BASED ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS WITH NO HOMEWORK REQUIRED Weekly class designed to help you understand

Alief MEDICAL SALES

and appreciate the Bible by giving you a better sense of the land and culture from which it sprang. The class meets at 9:45 am every Sunday at First Presbyterian of Sugar Land (502 Eldridge Rd.). For more information call 281-240-3195 EXCHANGE EXCHANGE, AmericaÕ s Service Club, always welcomes guests and is in search of new members! Various Fort Bend clubs exist and can accommodate early morning (7 a.m.), noon and evening meeting time desires. For more info, contact Mike Reichek, Regional Vice President, 281-575-1145 or mike@ reichekﬁnancial.com We would love to have you join us and see what we are all about! MISSOURI CITY AARP CHAPTER 3801 Meets the second Monday of every month at 11:30 a.m., at 2701 Cypress Point Dr., Missouri City Rec Center. Lunch, education, and entertainment. All seniors over 50 invited. For more information, call 713-859-5920 or 281-499-3345. BECOME A FOSTER GRANDPARENT Volunteers are needed to be a role model, mentor and friend to children with exceptional needs in the community. Training, mileage reimbursement, tax-free monthly stipend if eligible. Call today to help change the world, one child at a time in Rosenberg. For more information, call 281-344-3515. DAV CHAPTER 233 MONTHLY MEETING The second Tuesday of every month at the United Way Fort Bend Center, 12300 Parc Crest Dr., Stafford, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. For more information, email maw0500@gmail. com.

SHORT TERM WHEELCHAIR RENTALS AVAILABLE

Buy a pair of COMPRESSION TRAVEL SOCKS and get the 2nd pair

11851-A Wilcrest Houston, TX 77031 Phone 281-530-3232 • www.AliefMedicalSales.com

11647 S Highway 6 Sugar Land, TX 77498 Toll Free: 281-201-2448 lisa@agentlisasims.com

20% OFF

EXPERIENCE COUNTS! 35+ YEARS SERVING FORT BEND COUNTY 281-243-2344 281.243.2300

Mike Schofield 281-217-5799

14090 S.W. Freeway Suite #200 Sugar Land, TX

(Direct)

(Main) • KenWoodPC.com

1-1 bath

Dine-In Open!

TAKE-OUT & CATERING

AVAILABLE

17 years

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

SOUTHWEST FREEWAY 281.240.3060 12821 LasHaciendasGrill.com

2-1 bath

$725 $825

Town & Country Apartments 2111 Thompson Rd #106 Richmond Texas 77471 Fax & Office (281)239-3685 Call for more information

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook