12/26/2018 Edition of the Fort Bend Star by Fort Bend Star

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WEDNESDAY • DECEMBER 26, 2018

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Fort Bend / Southwest • Volume 43 • No. 19

Internment of Sugar Land 95 lingers in court

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Going for it all Reginald Moore, head of the Convict Labor and Leasing Project, speaks during and candlelight vigil Sunday in Sugar Land Town square for the “Sugar Land 95,” the 95 remains found in an unmarked historic cemetery on the grounds of a school construction site. (Submitted photo)

FBISD plan to rezone has parents School district, advocates uphappy in at odds over reburial of Quail Valley remains from cemetery By Theresa D. McClellan THERESA@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Thurgood Marshall and Willowridge high schools need students. The proposed options by the Fort Bend ISD to fix that problem by rezoning Quail Valley students to Marshall, however, has parents who expected their students to attend Elkins High School crying foul. Marshall parents, weary of the image of their school as failing, say they just want the district’s full support after a history of being neglected and treated as a pawn. The emotional issue of rezoning is once again back on the table with the district holding information sessions three nights in December with the expectation that participants would fill out surveys. FBISD Superintendent Charles Dupre told the parents their voices will be heard and encouraged them to be specific. “Give us detailed information. Not, ‘I don’t like this,’ but give us your suggestions. Tell us ‘here are some ideas you may not have thought of’ and we will combine all the data in the survey. This is where the work is done. We had a focus group of 25 citizens. We had staff working and now we need to hear from as many community members in all neighborhoods that could be affected,” Dupre said. The district will be taking survey information through Jan. 2. The rezoning options are necessary to fix the issue of overcrowding in the newer portions of Fort Bend ISD and underutilization in the older sections of the district. Some parents attending the Marshall session were dubious. After watching a video presentation that is available online with the same information presented for three nights, Jennifer Carter, a mother of three teens who will graduate from Ridge Point High School, started yelling as she walked out of the auditorium. “Why isn’t Dulles in the mix? Why aren’t you looking at Dulles?” she yelled Some parents in the audience said she was only expressing what others were thinking. Carter said she grew up in Quail Valley and now lives in Sienna and she graduated from Dulles. She does not want her family attending Marshall. “They have underperforming schools and they are driving kids out to balance socio-economic deficits and performance rather than fixing education,” said Carter.

SEE REZONE, PAGE 2

By Theresa D. McClellan THERESA@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

The wait continues. The day after a Dec. 18 status hearing where the courts said more time is needed to review information from all sides regarding the remains of 95 people found in an unmarked historic cemetery on a Fort Bend Independent School District (FBISD) school construction site, the district filed a new “emergency” motion asking Judge James Shoemake to expedite the process. The delays are costing the school district and eventually taxpayers more money than was planned to build the James Reese Career and Technical Center, a school district lawyer argued in court motions filed Wednesday in the 434th District Court. This district wants the remains reinterred at the nearby Old Imperial Prison Farm Cemetery. Advocates for the “Sugar Land 95” prefer to have the remains reburied where they were found. The district is building a $58 million state-of-the-art career and technology center that was approved by voters as part of the 2014 bond. The delays in building the center, originally slated to open in the fall of 2019, are hurting the students, the district argued. “The high school students of FBISD who had hoped to begin enrollment and course selection for programs to be offered in the impacted wing of the CTE campus are in limbo, unsure of their prospects to pursue technical and dual credit courses next year in pursuit of their graduation and career path programs,” the six-page emergency motion stated. The center will offer advanced courses providing career opportunities in agriculture and natural resources, architecture and construction, arts and audio video communications,

culinary arts, cosmetology, education and training, information technology, law, and public safety, manufacturing, transportation, and logistics. Students will have access to dual credit courses and multiple opportunities to earn industry certifications while completing coursework at the center, the district said. For those in the community concerned about the 95 skeletal remains of what are believed to be post-Civil War era convict laborers, time is the answer. Advocates want the courts to take the time to determine the identity of the bodies in hopes of finding living ancestors. They also want to shine a light on a dark, little-known piece of Sugar Land history. The “convicts” were black former slaves who were imprisoned on minor offenses and trumped-up charges and then leased to sugarcane plantations for hard labor. The state program ran from 1878 to 1910. The Sugar Land 95 are believed to have been leased convict laborers who died and were hastily buried at the site. Local prison historian Reginald Moore, head of the Convict Labor and Leasing Project and the man who has been a watchdog on the matter, issued a prepared statement saying, “the rush to reinter the 95 bodies without the proper genealogical and historical studies is disrespectful to these individuals and the painful history they represent. This critical historic site represents the historical memory of the Brazos Valley’s use of captive labor for growing and harvesting sugarcane, the cash crop from which came the name of Sugar Land." Because of the many voices involved, Judge Shoemake named attorney Michael W. Elliott the special Master in Chancery – or court aid - to gather

SEE CEMETERY, PAGE 4

A candlelight vigil was held Sunday in Sugar Land Town square for the “Sugar Land 95,” the 95 remains found in an unmarked historic cemetery on the grounds of a school construction site. (Submitted photo)

Members of the Marshall High School football team celebrate winning the Class 5A-District 2 state semifinal game. The team played in Dallas for the state championship against Aledo on Friday. Due to early holiday deadlines, this edition of the Fort Bend Star went to press before the game was played. For results, visit www.FortBendStar.com or see next week's paper. (Photo by Bill McCaughey)

Out with the Old Judge, commissioner leaving office with combined 35 years experience Bob Hebert makes way for George By Joe Southern JSOUTHERN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

When Robert Hebert first ran for Fort Bend County Judge 16 years ago, he didn’t come in with a set political agenda. “I’m a problem solver. I’m a businessman. I came in with a charge to work with my commissioners to modernize the flow of work in the county and we’ve done that over a period of years,” he said. Ironically, it was a political agenda that removed him from office, but Hebert doesn’t mind. Going into the Nov. 6 election, Democrats across the county and state predicted a Blue Wave that would wash the Republican stronghold out and return control back to the Democrats. That’s exactly what happened. “I didn’t expect it to end as abruptly as it did, but

Robert Hebert sits at his desk, reflecting on 16 years as county judge and looking forward to new opportunities. (Photo by Joe Southern)

that’s politics,” he said. “Nobody voted against me or for KP (George), they voted for or against the party based on issues that neither KP or I had any control over and he won.” His words echoed softly off the barren walls of his office in the historic county courthouse. By mid-December Hebert had cleared most of his belongings out, leaving the desk, chair, computer and other county furnishings for George to inherit on Jan. 1.

“I’ll move out of this office on the 26th. The day after Christmas I’ll be gone. That allows him to set his office up in that off week,” Hebert said. Even though he didn’t win another term, Hebert is pleased with what has been accomplished under his watch. “We’ve set up an executive management structure that put our departments

SEE HEBERT, PAGE 2

Patterson reflects on 19 years as commissioner By Joe Southern JSOUTHERN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

His office is empty now, swept clean like the Blue Tide that washed Precinct 4 Commissioner James Patterson and many other elected officials out of office last month. Although Patterson would have preferred to leave on his own terms, he is not bitter. He understands the nature of politics and knows that his 19 years in office made a difference. “My wife and my family and I have worked very hard to make a positive difference and at the end of the day people will be able to say that county commissioner, he was certainly a statesman,” Patterson said. He lost his election to Democrat Ken DeMerchant, who will be sworn in on Jan. 1. Right now, Patterson is one of DeMerchant’s biggest supporters. “I want Precinct 4 to be the most fabulous place and so what can I do to help him? He’s made an offer to all three members of the staff here and all three have accepted his offer for them to stay right here and continue on,” he said. Being a commissioner was

a second career for Patterson. He came to Sugar Land in 1965 as a teacher and later worked as a principal at Dulles and Elkins high schools. In 2017, the Fort Bend ISD honored him by naming a new elementary school after him. “There was eight bus routes. When I started driving there was one high school, one junior high school, and two elementary schools, that was ’65,” he said. “Dulles Avenue was Lester Lane. Watched a lot of growth. I was principal of Dulles High School when we had over 4,400 kids.” When Patterson was first elected in 1998, Fort Bend County was a backwater bedroom community to Houston. According to the Houston-Galveston Area Council, Brazoria County was projected to grow more than twice as fast as Fort Bend County. “All this growth in First Colony and Sienna and Aliana and the Katy area, these were just old rice fields and nobody would ever develop those. These were prison properties and nobody would ever sell those. It wasn’t taken into account,” Patterson said. Grow it did, and Patterson played a large role in guiding

James Patterson is leaving office as the county commissioner for Precinct 3 after 19 years of service. He is working with incoming commissioner Ken DeMerchant to make the transition as smooth as possible. (Photo by Joe Southern)

that growth. “Becoming a member of the transportation policy council and eventually the chairman of the transportation policy council, I was able to go back in and show folks the plats that were on books and what was coming at us,” he said.

SEE PATTERSON, PAGE 3

PAGE 2 • Wednesday, December 26, 2018

H REZONE, FROM PAGE 1 “They want to use Quail Valley to boost up Marshall. “I feel like this could be fixed. Quail Valley is just as close to Dulles. But you’ve got board members living in Sienna and they want to go to Elkins, not Hightower and Hightower has the academies,” Carter said. Stephanie Brown has been president of the Marshall parent-teacher organization since 2002 and said she helped name the school. She said she remembers when Marshall was at full capacity but the district started rezoning their students to Elkins. “They shifted our community to open Elkins. They took them from Willowridge High School and rezoned our kids to Hightower. We have a neighborhood behind the Valero, two miles from Mar-

H HEBERT, FROM PAGE 1 over very competent, qualified executive managers. We’ve set up an annual performance review for those managers to formalize the reporting process and we’ve ended up with some very good people working in this county heading up all of our departments,” Hebert said. That’s not going to change. Those folks are not political hires. They were hired by the county after a great amount of due diligence and broad advertising of the work that’s in accordance with all state and federal laws. They’re good people. They’re not Republicans or Democrats, they’re managers. I think they’ll stay in place and basically they run the county day-to-day.” Not only is Hebert the

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shall that is not rezoned. If they would fix that first your numbers would be better,” she said. “We’re not under capacity because nobody wanted to come here but because there is too much politics and we are always on the short end,” Brown added. That information came as a surprise to Jason Mallory, a Quail Valley father whose children are homeschooled. They were expecting to send their kids to Elkins High School. When they learned of the rezoning, they came to see Marshall for themselves. “It’s a beautiful building and I’m seeing college banners on the walls. But their numbers are at 50 percent, it is a D-rated school. There is a zero chance of my kid coming here,” he said. Mallory said having the conversation with Brown and others “opened my mind to a

lot of issues.” James Thomas II graduated in 2006 from Marshall High School and is now a teacher and coach at Elkins High School. He said he saw some positive options being suggested by the district. “I want to see my school thrive in sports and academics. There are some options to benefit the whole district and you won’t be able to please everyone. The Marshall community will benefit a lot and need to come have a voice. Option 1 benefits them most. It balances things out, shows continuous growth for the next four years to increase enrollment and creates a more diverse culture,” he said. The four options can be found on the district’s website at www.fortbendisd. com/cms/lib/TX01917858/ Centricity/Domain/2446/ Parents listen to Marshall High parent-teacher organization president Stephanie Brown (letterman jacket), talk about rezoning at a meeting hosted by the Fort Bend ISD. (Photo by Theresa D. McClellan) HS_Options.pdf.

longest-tenured judge in county history, his 16 years is also the longest he has stayed with any one job. “We’ve accomplished a lot of things,” he said. “As far as icons, obviously the justice center, the consolidation of the courts in one location. I don’t know why it hadn’t been done before I came into office but we got it done as quickly as we could put the program together to get the bonds through and the building built. It still took six to seven years to get it done but it’s been a tremendous improvement for the citizens.” Providing services and access to services were also important to Hebert. “The other thing is we’ve put precinct offices in all four precincts now and staffed those offices with a tax assessor and a county

clerk, in addition to the JP’s (Justice of the Peace) and the commissioners so the people can take care of the services the county offers without having to come to Richmond. Richmond is hard to get to from places like Sienna.” Hebert guided Fort Bend County through one of its fastest periods of growth. “We’ve watched the population of the county double while I’ve been in office. I think we’ve handled that growth efficiently,” he said. “We’ve been able to reduce our tax rate while we’ve met the mobility challenges, the facility challenges and the staffing challenges that come with an ever increasing population. I think the court will carry on along those lines. “In a few years we’ll be over a million people. This is

a big urban county, the 10th largest county in Texas. The challenges of serving the urban needs, an urban population under the county government structure are immense. They call for a lot of innovation, they call for a lot of partnering with other entities. They call for seeking a lot of leverage on your capital investment, because if you can’t find other sources of money you have to rely on property tax to support all of your infrastructure improvements; then you’ll never be able to control your tax rate. We’ve been very successful with that. “We take partners at the state and local level and both the private and public sector and we’ve got them to help us get things done. For instance, Jones Creek Ranch Park, 115-acre park up just north of Rosenberg on FM 359. It was a community center for years and it was put up for sale by the owners and we didn’t have money but we were able to go to the private sector and raise $3.1 million in about a week to acquire that property and that allowed the county to put the money into it over a period of two to three years to modernize and upgrade the facilities and make it a true county park,” he said. One of the biggest challenges Hebert faced in his time in office was Hurricane

Harvey. The storm flooded many areas and upset a lot of people. Recovering from the storm and improving drainage were high on Hebert’s agenda should he have won another term as judge. “I think the primary thing I’d like to follow through on is getting the federal government to fix Barker Reservoir. Making sure that our levy districts improve their internal drainage so we don’t have a repeat of Harvey and the localized flooding we had in Riverstone, Sienna, and in First Colony,” he said. “The drainage system inside the levy by federal rule is designed to handle a 100-year rain event. Everybody tells me that Harvey was at least a 1,000-year rain event in Fort Bend County. So it wasn’t that the drainage systems were poorly designed, it’s that Harvey overwhelmed them. Once you get overwhelmed you’ve got to figure out how to strengthen the system. In my opinion the 100-year rain is not a good standard,” he said. Hebert said that although the elections are partisan, the job of running the county isn’t. “As my good friend (Commissioner) Grady Prestige says, there’s no such thing as a Republican or Democratic pothole. A pothole is a pothole. A street is a

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street. They’re not partisan. They handle traffic and serve people. That’s what the county does. We don’t legislate, we don’t talk about foreign policy or economics. We don’t write bills. In fact, we’re controlled by the state legislature as an arm of state government. We’re in the business of providing state services to the local population. That’s what the county does.” He said the county was well-run before he took office and he feels confident it will continue to operate well after he leaves. “As for my plans, I’m not going anywhere. I’m taking a little vacation here at the end of the year into next year. First time I’ll be gone over five days in 16 years,” he said. He said being judge requires one to be available all of the time. “I’m looking forward to having a significant period of time to not have to worry about anything but a little orange drink with an umbrella in it or something like that. Then I’ll get back to being productive in some way. How, I don’t know. I’m not worried about that. I’ve got a lot of opportunities out there in the area. I will avail myself to one or two of them so I stay busy.” Prior to entering politics, the Navy veteran was an accomplished businessman. “I spent I guess my whole business life working with Rosenberg, Arcola, the chambers, the river authorities; it sort of well prepared me for the responsibility of being county judge. But there’s not litmus test for qualifications. A county judge can be successful if they don’t know anything about the job if they come in with the right attitude,” he said. He feels George is coming in with the right attitude. “So again, I want KP George to succeed because the county suffers if the county judge doesn’t succeed. Even if for some reason he doesn’t the county will continue, to go on,” he said. “There are a lot of people with a vested interest to see this county grow and grow well.” Sitting at his desk for nearly the last time, Hebert is preparing to leave with feelings of accomplishment and confidence in the future of the county. “I had 16 great years and I’m looking forward to my future too,” he said.

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WHERE & WHEN

RIGISTER BY FRIDAY BEFORE FIRST FRIDAYS: Jan.-June & Sept. - Dec. 6-9PM CHRIST CHURCH @ Family Life Center 3300 Austin Pkwy, Sugar Land TX, 77479 R E G I S T E R : A RC O F F ORT B E N D . ORG

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Wednesday, December 26, 2018 • PAGE

Create a detailed plan to achieve your New Year’s resolutions It’s over now. The gifts and cards have been exchanged and opened, the feasts devoured, and the magic of Christmas is waning. I hope your Christmas was wonderful and your time with your loved ones well spent. We are now at that time of year when, considering all the food we have eaten in the last month, we stare at New Year’s Day on the calendar and contemplate new beginnings – mainly the NFL playoffs! Seriously though, this is traditionally the time when people prepare their New Year’s resolutions. There are numerous reports that say the average resolution is broken within days and almost all before January ends (a time known to most of us as Super Bowl week). The most common resolution is to lose weight and/or get into shape. For me, my number one resolution for the past few years has been to finish my book about the Texas Revolution re-enactors. Once again it remains my top priority for 2019 – just as it was for 2018, 2017, 2016...

FAITH, FAMILY & FUN JOE SOUTHERNEDITOR

Aside from finishing my book, I’m much like the average American in my desire to lose weight, improve my fitness, read more books, and so on. All of these things are wishes, however, without plans and timelines for accomplishing them. I can resolve to lose 20 pounds next year and put it off until September, but that kind of defeats the purpose of a resolution. Last year I wanted to lose 40 pounds. I only have 55 pounds left to go! What I failed to do was make a specific plan how I was going to lose that weight. I didn’t carefully plan my diet. I didn’t schedule time to get exercise. I didn’t make it a priority. It was just a wish, a whimsical desire.

To be serious about losing weight, there are some very specific steps to take. The first would be to meet with your doctor and/or dietician to find out just how much weight you should lose, the pace you should lose it, and the best strategy for losing it. Understand that results will come slowly. I didn’t gain all my extra weight in a month and I should not expect to lose it that quickly. What I should do in my case is plan to drop about two pounds a week at the most. I can do that by significantly reducing or eliminating sugar, artificial sweeteners, starches, and processed foods from my diet. That means giving up a lot of foods that I love, especially hamburgers, pizza, and all candies and deserts. It also means eating more natural foods, including vegetables, leafy greens, lean white meat, and so on. Along with changing my diet, I need to start getting regular exercise. Understanding that I’m not going to run a marathon, or halfmarathon, a 10K race or even a 100-yard dash by

the end of January. I can schedule time for a daily walk, or to even do some simple stretches and maybe some push-ups and sit-ups. The best thing to do is write out a chart and mark your progress each day. The same goes for your food. Keep a written food diary. I think you’ll be surprised at just how much you really do eat and how bad a lot of that is for you. Another thing you can do is keep a calendar by your bathroom scale. Weigh yourself on a regular schedule, whether it’s daily or weekly, and write it on the calendar. Eventually you will start to see progress. At the end of the year you can look back and see just how much you lost and when you lost it. It will help you analyze your eating and exercising habits. It also helps you on your journey if you get an accountability partner. Have your spouse, sibling, or friend join you or at the very least check in on you and encourage you. This isn’t something you should do alone. Sometimes just knowing that you have to answer to someone helps

keep you on course. Working with your doctor/dietician and your accountability partner, set specific and realistic goals. Losing eight to 10 pounds a month is realistic. Losing 50 pounds in 30 days is not. Don’t kid yourself. Slow and steady wins this race. If you remain committed to losing two pounds a week, that may not seem like a lot, but it is 104 pounds a year! There are not many of us who need to lose that much. Even a pound a week is 52 pounds by next Christmas. That is easy to do. Set a deadline for your weight loss. If you only need to lose 15 pounds, at two pounds week you should be done by around Feb. 20. Naturally there will be bumps in the road along the way. Super Bowl parties, holidays, birthdays, and other special occasions often cause us to get off track. Just get back on board. Don’t let a slight derailment end your journey. Two steps forward and one step back is still a step forward. The same approach will work with any of your

goals. For me to write my book, I need to schedule two or three days a week where I will write for two or three hours at a time. I need to put it on the calendar and schedule reminders. I need to make sure that time is treated like any other appointment. I also need an accountability partner to help keep me on task. I could probably use an editor who will treat each scheduled time like a deadline. Not only would they be keeping me on schedule, but they would be proofreading and editing my work as I go. The point is, if you’re serious about your resolution, make a plan to achieve it, write it down, set a deadline, and get a helper. If you’re not that serious or committed, don’t bother making a resolution. All you will be doing is kidding yourself. If you start and fail, you’ll never make any progress and you will just feel worse for being unsuccessful. On that note, I want to wish you a happy, successful and prosperous 2019! Happy New Year everybody!

Fort Bend County property tax payment drop off on Dec. 28, 31 From staff reports FOR THE FORT BEND STAR

It’s property tax season and Fort Bend County Tax Assessor/Collector Patsy Schultz is again offering a drive through drop off option for residents to pay their taxes. On Friday, Dec. 28, and Monday, Dec. 31, from 8

H PATTERSON, FROM PAGE 1 Preparing for the growth meant improving the infrastructure and improving services to local residents. “We had poverty areas with no city running water, no sewage – public sewage system. I’m extremely proud that all areas in Precinct 4 that want to sign up for public water and public sewer can do so,” he said. In addition to infrastructure improvements were transportation improvements. “You had a problem getting from point A to point B. And we started working to get a public transportation system,” he recalled. He said there was a public perception that public transportation meant big METRO buses rolling across the county, which many people did not want. “We had to walk slow and say we’re talking about a person who needs to get to dialysis and get back home type situation,” he said. This year the county’s bus system will transport almost 400,000 rides which includes demand response (like a taxi service) to commuter service to the Texas Medical Center and the Galleria. “It’s been unbelievably positive. It in part comes about because we worked so hard to get multiple entities to work together. The parking lot at the University of Houston is a park-and-ride lot that we built through a federal grant,” he

a.m. until 4:30 p.m. taxpayers can drive through the parking lot of the Richmond (1317 Eugene Heimann Circle) and Sugar Land (12550 Emily Ct.) locations and drop off their payment without even getting out of their vehicle. These will be the only two Fort Bend County locations with a drive thru drop off line.

“Instead of trying to find a parking spot and then come inside and wait for your number to be called, you can stay in your car and hand your payment to one of our staff,” said Schultz. Staff will be standing by to accept payment, which must be in the form of check or money order. No cash will be accepted in

said. Partnerships and leveraging resources have helped the county and its cities to grow. “We’ve got multiple examples of that. The bridges on Glenn Lakes in Missouri City are a partnership between us and the City of Missouri City,” he said. “The University of Houston library is a partnership. … If you walk into that library you don’t see anything that indicates it’s anything but a county library. But two of the employees are paid for by the University of Houston and Wharton County Junior College.” Last year the county partnered with the Gulf Coast Water Authority to clear and dredge part of Oyster Creek. “It hadn’t been dredged in over 50 years,” Patterson said, noting several other examples of partnerships. He is also proud of the fiscal responsibility the county has shown during his tenure. “We reduced tax rate by 26 percent since I came into office,” he said. “A part of that, I would have to give credit that we have the most wonderful budget officer in Pam Gubbels in the world.” “We’ve passed four mobility bond issues. We’ve never passed a mobility bond issue prior to 2000,” Patterson added. “We’ve passed four of those and every one of those started with a wish list and have got down to a need list. They’ve all been highly successful in passing.” One part of the transportation piece is currently under

construction in Rosenberg. The $21 million transit center began construction this year and will centralize and expand service that is now spread among three centers. “That’s a biggie as far as I’m concerned. That’s huge,” he said. Another thing he is proud of is his reputation on the court. He said he was always viewed as a mediator and was respected for his listening and reasoning skills. Although he is no longer in office, Patterson plans to remain involved in charity work. “I’m still going to do the charity auctions,” he said. “I’m still going to be out there supporting any kind of program that makes a difference for kids.” He helped start Achieve Fort Bend to help reduce dropout rates in the public schools. “Achieve Fort Bend, that needs to continue,” he said. He also started the Buyers Group, an organization that does second bids for children’s animals at the Fort Bend County Fair. He also wants to stay involved on the board of Behind the Badge. When asked if he had any parting words, Patterson hesitated. “I don’t want to give parting words. I want to be able to say my wife and I, we’re going to be right here and continue … to try and make a positive difference in the community. I am not running for any office,” he said. “There’s plenty of opportunity for me to be a positive influence in some way.”

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rary receipt. Please allow five business days for all of the payments to be processed and then people can go online to print a receipt or call the tax office to have one mailed. The last day to pay 2018 property taxes without penalty and interest accruing is Thursday, Jan. 31, 2019. Schultz said taxpay-

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ers can go online from the comfort of their home at any time and pay with the electronic check option with no transaction fees. Traditional payment methods such as paying in person inside one of the office, mailing a payment or paying online with a credit card are still available. For more information, call 281-341-3710.

Looking for local events? Find them on page 10!

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

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 Last Sunday 1:30 pm Bible Study (all ages): Sun 9:00 am & Wed 7:00 pm Iron Mens Bible Study 1st Monday 6:30 pm

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

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH • 281-499-3502

SOUTHMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH • 281-499-2310

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

4200 Cartwright Road, Missouri City, 77459 Sunday School 9:00 am Fellowship & Coffee 10:00 am Worship 10:30 am www.southminpres.org

SUGAR LAND METHODIST CHURCH • 281-491-6041

JONATHAN McELVY

News Deadline:

the payment drop off. Payment should be in a sealed envelope with a return address clearly marked on the outside of the envelope. There will be cones and directional signs in place to aid in the flow of traffic. Those using the service will be given a card with the date and a sequence number on it as a tempo-

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

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

"And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son." - John 5:11

THE STAR

PAGE 4 • Wednesday, December 26, 2018

H CEMETERY, FROM PAGE 1 and winnow through the information. The emergency motion again took issue with Shoemake’s directive that the school district work with Elliott. School lawyers wrote, the district “challenges the trial court’s improper appointment of a local attorney to act as master of chancery in a single party action seeking the removal of a cemetery designation. If the district is required to proceed in the trial court litigation managed by an improperly appointed master with a blanket scope of authority, as explained below, irreparable harm will result and will continue to compound with time,” wrote the school district’s attorney.

FBISD issued a statement following the Tuesday morning hearing stating, “while construction of the center continues in areas not affected by the archaeological discovery, cost increases associated with the delays and potential redesign are rising each month. The District has already incurred an estimated $5.5 million in construction delays and for archaeological observation, investigation, exhumation, and historical analysis. It is anticipated that further delays will cause the District to spend an additional $7.5 to $8.5 million to ensure that other parts of the center can open as scheduled. “If the court does not allow the bodies to be reburied at the city-owned cemetery, the center would

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have to be redesigned to a different area of the property. The cost to construct the redesigned center would add an additional estimated $18 million in costs to the $58 million dollar bond project, which could push the project an estimated $25 million over budget.” Added Board President Jason Burdine, “Our district has a responsibility to our students, taxpayers, and the citizens who voted in support of this project to avoid the continuing delay and economic harm being caused to the taxpayers.” “The district and the City of Sugar Land reached an agreement to bury the remains in a city-owned cemetery in October. The only holdup now is that we need approval from the court. Further delay will leave the remains without a final resting place and will add millions of dollars of unbudgeted costs to the project. The district’s mission is to educate students. It is legally prohibited from operating a cemetery and

Hosted by: Briscoe Manor, Richmond, TX

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The magic continues at the 4th Annual Taste of Fort Bend scheduled for Thursday, January 10 at 7pm at Briscoe Manor. We’ll have you spellbound as you enjoy bites from Fort Bend’s finest food establishments while bidding on items in both live and silent auctions. This year, we have a few new tricks up our sleeve that you don’t want to miss as you will be charmed to commit your support. Proceeds from the evening will benefit Lunches of Love in support of their commitment to end childhood hunger and feed food insecure children in Fort Bend County.

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we need the court to approve the plan to rebury the remains at the city cemetery without further delay,” Burdine wrote. Elliott’s role is to gather all the information from multiple parties so the judge can make a ruling. He said that takes time. To that effect, the courts gave Elliott power of discovery or the right to ask the district for information that must be presented. So he asked the FBISD for any names or identities that they may have. The district’s attorney, Michelle Morris, noted there are some names in historical records of who may have been incarcerated but that did not necessarily mean they were the same people buried in the cemetery. “In other words, it is not possible to scientifically list suspected prisoners to any of the discovered remains. Since none of the deceased individuals have been identified, there is no way to ID or notify respective descendants as pointed out in court in FBISD’s petition seeking permission to reinter the remains,” Morris wrote. “For this reason FBISD is willing and has sought permission from the THC (Texas Historical Commission) to obtain and curate genetic material from the remains in order to have such materials available for possible future invasive testing against the DNA of persons who may come forward in the future to request permission to establish such descendant status,” Morris wrote. Elliott told the courts that the district was not forthcoming so he filed a 25-page motion showing the work he has done on the

case so far and a request to compel the district to comply. To bolster his request for compliance, Elliott wrote that the district said they did not have the identities of any of the remains. He said he received “contradictory information” from the Fort Bend County Historical Commission that there was a “medically confirmed identity of at least one.’’ That charge of withholding information prompted the district to file the emergency motion to stop using Elliott. They also included an affidavit from Reign Clark, cultural resources director for Goshawk Environmental Consulting, Inc., the professional archaeological firm hired by the district, who said Elliott’s claim about a medically confirmed identity “is not factually accurate.” Clark added that Elliott “did not contact me for verification of the statements attributed to the historical commission.” Elliott did not respond to the Fort Bend Star’s request for comment on the district’s new motion. Elliott’s request asked the court to make the district provide basically everything including any and all documents between FBISD and governmental bodies, historical commissions, and title companies. He also asked for all documents about the Imperial Sugar Prisoner Lease Program; the construction layout and alternative layouts and design plans. That request prompted the district to ask the judge for relief. “Regardless of whether or not this court expedites this proceeding, (and it should) the court should enter an order staying the

trial court’s order appointing a master and ordering the master to refrain from taking any further action pursuant to his appointment while this mandamus proceeding is pending,” the emergency motion says. “Absent temporary relief, FBISD will be required to expend taxpayer resources complying with the master’s overreaching requests for information while this mandamus action is pending.’’ As the struggle becomes more complex and in anticipation of the judge’s status hearing, supporters gathered Sunday on the steps of Sugar Land Town Square with candles to keep the focus on the remains. Sam Collins III, an original member of the Sugar Land Task Force that was disbanded and absorbed by the FBISD Task Force, attended the vigil and the status hearing. “I was glad to see Judge Shoemake deny FBISD's request to remove the Master in Chancery. FBISD has a legal right to pursue an outcome they desire, but FBISD continues to mislead the committee they formed to deal with this issue. FBISD says one thing to the committee, then continues to work behind the scenes for the one outcome FBISD wants to move the remains. Judge Shoemake has ordered FBISD to work with the Master in Chancery and they continue to fight against the judge's order,” Collins said. FBISD’s outgoing school board member and incoming Fort Bend County Judge KP George attended the vigil. “It is important we recognize the history of Texas for what it is - complex. These African-American prisoners were treated more inhumanely than words can describe, some of them being women, young children, and seniors. We must acknowledge our history for what it is, so we do not repeat the past. I hope the school district and all other involved parties including the community can come to a consensus on treating these bodies with respect and regard as we move forward,” George said.

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THE STAR

See us online www.FortBendStar.com

Wednesday, December 26, 2018 • PAGE

@FtBendAthletics:

Miller resigns as Skeeters president He will be GM of new AAA team in Wichita From staff reports FOR THE FORT BEND STAR

The Sugar Land Skeeters on Tuesday announced that President and General Manager Jay Miller has resigned after three seasons and two Atlantic League championships. “I cherished my time in Sugar Land, from the fans, the staff, the team and all of our partners, and I truly believe I’m leaving the organization in a better place,” Miller said. “I have the utmost confidence that the front-office staff will continue to develop the Skeeters brand while continuing to run a first-class organization. The Zlotniks (Skeeter's Owners) have become great friends to me and I appreciate them so much. This has been a highlight of my 38-year baseball career.” Tyler Stamm has been promoted to interim general manager, effective immediately. “It cannot be understated the impact Jay Miller has had over the past three years, not only within the Skeeters organization, but within the entire surround-

ing community as well,” Stamm said. “On a personal level, Jay has been one of the best mentors I could have ever had. He has been absolutely critical in boosting overall fan experience at Constellation Field and has created opportunities for our organization that were not thought to be possible before his arrival. “While Jay will be greatly missed in Sugar Land, the Skeeters organization will continue to provide the best source of fun, affordable, family-friendly entertainment in the Greater Houston area. We are excited to start the 2019 season, as we look to bring home back-to-back Atlantic League championships,” he said. Miller will join the new AAA affiliate of the Miami Marlins that is relocating from New Orleans to Wichita, Kansas. “This will be the sixth ballpark I’ve been involved with opening,” Miller said. “I didn’t think I’d be doing it again, but here we go.” The city is building a new, $83 million stadium for a team that will start play in 2020. Miller joined the Skeeters in December 2015,

Sugar Land Skeeters President and General Manager Jay Miller, right, has resigned to take a similar position in Wichita, Kansas, with the Miami Marlins AAA affiliate. He is pictured here with his wife, Joy, at a game in 2017. (Photo by Joe Southern)

bringing with him 35 years of experience as a professional baseball executive, following stints with the Texas Rangers, Round Rock Express, New Orleans Zephyrs and sev-

eral other Minor League organizations. Miller helped increase the team’s overall attendance in each of his three years. The Skeeters’ attendance of 8,606 on July 4, 2016, still serves as the

Atlantic League’s all-time single-game record. Miller’s son Derek played for the Skeeters in 2017 before retiring from baseball to return to college. Stamm has been with the

Skeeters organization since their inaugural season in 2012. After five seasons as a senior sales manager, he was promoted to assistant general manager in 2017. He has been recognized several times as a top salesperson within the organization while also serving integral roles in game day operations, fan experience and community relations. “It’s been a tremendous three years for the Skeeters organization and we appreciate all of Jay’s contributions and wish him the best in the future. Jay is a friend to all and will be missed,” said Skeeters Owner Bob Zlotnik. “We are excited about the leadership Tyler has exhibited for seven years and we look forward to continued success of the Skeeters organization.” Miller said the really treasures the friendships he had during his three years in Sugar Land. His advice to Stamm is to stay active in the community. “You gotta be a friend to make a friend, so go out and be in the community. Get to know the people in the stands,” he said. (Joe Southern contributed to this story.)

Local athletes sign letters of intent By Bill McCaughey FOR THE FORT BEND STAR

Dec. 19 is now the first day that high school athletes can sign letters of intent to accept a scholarship from a college or university, and several Fort Bend ISD students took advantage of the opportunity. At Travis High School, volleyball player Jada Jones signed to attend Claflin University in Orangeburg, S.C.; softball player Carissa Cedillo signed with Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio; and football player Zach Zimos signed with the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, Ark. Jones was injured her senior season and did not get to compete. “I am super proud of Jada for powering through an injury. Even though she

didn’t get to participate in her senior year she was still able to persevere and be offered a college scholarship. I know she loves the game and I am proud of her. She worked really hard on her rehabilitation and she is probably stronger than ever now,” Travis volleyball coach Nicole Hitt said. Cedillo was the softball team’s designated hitter last season. “Carissa has played pitcher, third base, and last season she was primarily our designated hitter. She is a solid girl at the plate, always making contact. When we had runners on the bases, she always made contact, either scoring them or moving them up,” Travis softball coach Miranda Szink said. Zimos played linebacker last season and was voted to the all-district first team. “In my sophomore season, I realized if I worked

hard the next two years, I had a chance to be offered a scholarship. It has always been a goal of mine to play in the Southeastern Conference. It is the best of the best. Arkansas has been great to me. The communication throughout the process was great, and the school and city are beautiful. I plan to study business and entrepreneurship,” Zimos said. Other Fort Bend ISD athletes who signed their letters include Erick Young of Bush who signed with Texas A&M; Jamal Morris of Bush, Oklahoma; Nelson Ceaser of Ridge Point, University of Houston; Isaiah Essissima of Hightower, University of Houston; Michael Johnson III of Hightower, Texas Southern University; Trevyon Robinson of Hightower, Texas Southern University; and Jake Sniffin of Ridge Point; Dordt College.

Travis High School’ Zach Zimos signs a letter of intent to attend Arkansas. (Photo by Bill McCaughey)

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Jalen Pitre, a 2017 graduate of Stafford High, plays outside linebacker for the Baylor Bears and will play in the Texas Bowl Dec. 27 at NRG Stadium. (Submitted photo)

Stafford grad playing for Baylor in Texas Bowl From staff reports FOR THE FORT BEND STAR

Jalen Pitre, a 2017 graduate of Stafford High, has an extra reason to be grateful this holiday season. Pitre, a Baylor University sophomore outside linebacker, will get an opportunity to play in the Texas Bowl at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 27, at NRG Stadium in Houston. The Bears (6-6) will play Vanderbilt University (6-6) from the Southeastern Conference (SEC). “It’s very exciting - it couldn’t have played out better for my family and I,” Pitre said. “I will have a chance to play 10 minutes from my house.” Pitre expects to have approximately 10-to-15 family members and friends at the game, which will be his first time playing at the home of

FOOT FACTS by Dr. Eric Tepper

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An increased number of injuries to the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint at the base of the big toe were observed when grass was replaced with artificial turf on athletic playing fields. As a result, such an injury soon became dubbed “turf toe” by podiatrists. The MTP joint serves as a hinge and allows the toe to flex. When abnormal forces are applied to the joint, supporting ligaments are stretched too far (sprained) and become swollen and painful. Since the MTP joint bears most of a person’s weight during walking or running, an injury to this joint can severely limit mobility. The extent of the injury determines how the podiatrist will treat it and how long it will take to heal. HINT: MTP joint injuries are commonly associated with sporting activities such as soccer, football, gymnastics, and dancing. Injuries to toe joints warrant professional, personalized attention. To get the treatment your feet deserve, and sometimes demand, call the foot care specialists at 3143 Hwy. 6 South. If you have a foot problem, you’re not walking alone. Four out of five adults suffer from some kind of foot problem, and many smartly choose to have their problem treated by a podiatrist, a specialist in foot care. We offer complete family foot care for feet of all sizes and shapes. Call 281-980-3668 for an appointment.

the NFL’s Houston Texans. Over the past two years, Pitre played two regular season games at AT&T Stadium in Arlington - home of the Dallas Cowboys. The annual Baylor-Texas Tech game is played there, and this year, the Bears clinched a bowl game by defeating the Red Raiders. Pitre was a three-year starter for Stafford and a senior on the best team in school history in 2016. The Spartans reached the UIL Class 4A state quarterfinals - the farthest football playoff run in school history. Pitre was one of several 2017 graduates to play football at the next level, including part of a record three Football Bowl Series level players, along with receiver Hezekiah Jones (Texas A&M) and running back/receiver Cam Montgomery (Rice). Pitre was a safety at Stafford, but quickly became a linebacker for head coach Matt Rhule’s Bears. He is 6 feet tall and 206 pounds. “The transition has been pretty good so far,” Pitre said. “The coaches thought it would be better for me to play outside linebacker, and it fits better for my type of play.”

Pitre has 48 tackles (including five tackles for a loss) in his career, but his most impressive statistic is a 3.21 grade point average. He is majoring in marketing and management, with plans of earning a master’s degree after graduation. The Bears have gone from 1-11 to 6-6 in one season. Pitre said he enjoys the opportunity of playing in a competitive conference like the Big 12. He played opposite the past two Heisman Trophy winners - Oklahoma quarterbacks Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray, respectively. Football is about family for Pitre, whose older brother and fellow Stafford graduate, Jerick, is a linebacker for Incarnate Word in San Antonio. The Cardinals reached the Football Championship Series playoffs for the first time in school history. If all goes as planned, next Thursday won’t be Pitre’s final game at NRG Stadium. The Bears are set to play another SEC opponent, Mississippi, in the 2020 Texas Kickoff (season opener), which would be the first game of Pitre’s senior season.

NEW YEARS DEADLINE FOR THE STAR January 2nd edition will deadline on Thursday, December 27th

WISHING YOU A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR!

THE STAR

PAGE 6 • Wednesday, December 26, 2018

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NOTICE TO BIDDERS CITY OF SUGAR LAND SERVICE WORK

NOTICE TO BIDDERS CITY OF SUGAR LAND NEW SERVICE GROUND

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 of Sugar Land Service Work CIP PROJECT NUMBER: MU1712 LOCATION OF WORK: 111 Gillingham Lane, Sugar Land, TX 10405 Corporate Drive, Sugar Land, TX

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 of Sugar Land New Service Ground CIP PROJECT NUMBER: MU1712 LOCATION OF WORK: 111 Gillingham Lane, Sugar Land, TX 10405 Corporate Drive, Sugar Land, TX

Plans, specifications, and bidding documents may be obtained from www.CivCastUSA.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, January 10, 2019, 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 pre-bid meeting for all interested parties will be held at 9:00 a.m., Thursday, January 3, 2019, Cane Room, City Hall, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Sugar Land, Texas 77479.

A non-mandatory pre-bid meeting for all interested parties will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, January 3, 2019, Cane Room, City Hall, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Sugar Land, Texas 77479.

Questions regarding this bid must be submitted online to the www. CivCastUsa.com system or contact Mike Lai, P.E., at (713) 467-9961 on or before 3:00 p.m., Friday, January 4, 2019.

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

Notice of Public Sale Notice is hereby given that a PUBLIC AUCTION will be held at CAJUN SELF STORAGE LLC 2935 FM 521 FRESNO, TX 77545 Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 59 of the Texas PropertyCode, on 1-26-19 at 8:00 AM, Cajun Self Storage LLC will hold a public auction to satisfy the lien on the property stored at the address above in the units listed. Tenants’ notated the inventories listed at the time of rental. Landlord makes no representation or warranties that the units contain said inventories. *Sergio Ortega Unit A-148 (furniture) *Gladys Jackson Unit A-82 (boxes, furniture) *Carolyn Washington Unit A-42 (bedroom furniture) *Charlotte Thomlinson Unit B-15 (misc items) *Yolanda Hubbard Unit D-40 (misc items) *Jesus Garcia Unit F-27 (construction material) *Georgelynn Hemphill C-43 (household items) All units must be paid for at the time of sale. No checks accepted. No one under the age of 18 is allowed to attend the sale. Each person attending must sign in and agree to follow all Rules and Regulations of the sale. The landlord reserves the right to bid at the sale. All purchased goods are sold “as is” and must be removed by 5:00 PM on the day following the sale. Buyers must provide a current, original or a photocopy of their original resale permit at time of sale in lieu of sales tax. This sale is subject to cancellation in the event of settlement between landlord and obligated party.

STAFFORD ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION and CITY OF STAFFORD CITY COUNCIL NOTICE OF PROJECT AND NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS The Stafford Economic Development Corporation hereby gives notice, pursuant to Section 505.160 of the Texas Local Government Code, that the Corporation has adopted, as a Project of the Corporation, “Stafford Centre Video Surveillance Project” project. The estimated cost for the Stafford Centre Video Surveillance Project is $271,604.59 plus cost and maintenance. The Stafford Economic Development Corporation hereby gives notice that it will conduct a public hearing to solicit citizen input on the proposed Project. Said public hearing before the Stafford Economic Development Corporation is hereby called regarding the proposed Project. Said public hearing will be held at 7:00 o’clock p.m., on January 22, 2019, in the Council Chambers, Stafford City Hall, 2610 South Main, Stafford, Texas. The City Council of the City of Stafford, Texas will conduct public hearings to solicit citizen input on the proposed Project. Said public hearings shall be held at 7:00 o’clock p.m., on January 9, 2019, in the Council Chambers, Stafford City Hall, 2610 South Main, Stafford, Texas and at 7:00 o’clock p.m., January 23, 2019, in the Council Chambers, Stafford City Hall, 2610 South Main, Stafford, Texas. Interested citizens are invited to attend and will be given an opportunity to be heard. For further information, please contact: Nici Browe Administrative Assistant Stafford Economic Development Telephone: 281-261-3903

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LEGALS NOTICE TO BIDDERS CULLINAN PARK AEROBIC TREATMENT UNIT SYSTEM 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: Cullinan Park Aerobic Treatment Unit (ATU) System CIP PROJECT NUMBER: PK1704 LOCATION OF WORK: Cullinan Park, 12414 Highway 6 S, Sugar Land, TX 77498 Plans, specifications, and bidding documents may be obtained from 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 Tuesday, January 15, 2019, 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 pre-bid meeting for all interested parties will be held at 9:00 a.m., Friday, January 4, 2019 Brazos Room, City Hall, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Sugar Land, Texas 77479. Questions regarding this bid must be submitted on or before 2:00 p.m., Friday, January 4, 2019. All questions must be posted on Public Purchase www.publicpurchase.com. The City will award and give notice within sixty (60) calendar days after the opening date and time.

FORT BEND COUNTY WC&ID NO. 2

INVITATION TO BIDDERS

INVITATION TO BIDDERS Sealed Bids, in duplicate, addressed to Fort Bend County Water Control & Improvement District No. 2, Attention Mr. Jason A. Kirby, P.E., District Engineer, will be received at the District’s office, 2331 South Main, Stafford, Texas 77477, until 2:30 p.m. Local Time, Wednesday, January 16, 2019 and then publicly opened and read for “Construction of Stafford Run Water Well Rework”

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Bids received after the closing time will be returned unopened. A MANDATORY pre-bid conference will be held on Wednesday, January 9, 2019 at 2:30 p.m. Local Time, at the District office (2331 South Main, Stafford,TX). Attendance by each prospective bidder or its representative at the pre-bid conference is MANDATORY. Each Bid must be accompanied by a bid bond or a cashier’s check or certified check, acceptable to the Owner, in an amount not less than five-percent (5%) of the total amount bid, as a guarantee that the successful bidder will enter into the Contract and execute the Bonds on the forms provided and provide the required insurance certificates within 15 days after the date Contract Documents are received by the Contractor.

Copies of the bidding documents may be obtained from www. CivcastUSA.com. Bidders must register on this website in order to view and/or download specifications and plans for this project. There is NO charge to view or download documents. Bidding documents may be examined at the District Office without charge. The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all Bids and to waive all defects and irregularities in bidding or bidding process except time of submitting a Bid. The Successful Bidder, if any, will be the responsible Bidder which in the Board’s judgment will be most advantageous to the District and result in the best and most economical completion of the Project.

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Scope of Work of the Contract consists of providing the necessary labor, materials, equipment, supervision, and plant to construct the Stafford Run Water Well Rework. The plant facility is located at 550 Stafford Run Road, Stafford Texas 77477 (See Key Map No. 569E).

Copies of the bidding documents are on file at the following locations:

NOW HIRING!

Your Countywide newspaper

TAROT CARD & CRYSTAL READINGS

call for appointment

281.232.4436

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.>+

HELP WANTED LOOKING FOR

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THE STAR

See us online www.FortBendStar.com

F ORT B END NEW LISTING

Wednesday, December 26, 2018 • PAGE

H OME S HOWCASE NEW LISTING

NEW LISTING

F ORT B END

OXFORD/COMMONWEALTH - Lovely 1 story 4 bed, 2.5 bath Home. Original Owner - Shows Pride of Ownership! Backs to Wooded Greenbelt. On a Cul de sac. No back yard neighbors! Upgraded Kitchen w/Granite counters,Appliances & Porcelain tile flooring w/huge island. Lg. Pavered Patio. Hardi-siding on Garage. Many Fruit Tress. $349,900 CALL VIRGINIA MACK 281-816-7827 (VM3811BS)

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. $369,900. Call Virginia Mack 281-816-7827 (VM3914BS)

NEW LISTING

H OME S HOWCASE The Virginia Mack Team ABR, CBR, CRS, GRI, HALL of Fame, PLATINUM CLUB

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. $499,900 Call Virginia Mack 281-816-7827 (VM919PS).

SOLD

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COMMONWEALTH PARK

Oxford/Commonwealth - Highly Sought after All Brick 1-Story

Wonderful Updated Home w/3rd floor bonus rooms! Resort Style Sculpted Pool w/ flagstone edging, heated Spa & rock waterfall. Updated Master Suite. New Carpet & Paint (2018). All Bathrooms and Kitchen Upgraded. Open Kitchen/Family Rm. Concept. Spacious Game Room and Study Upstairs 3rd floor Bonus room could be a 5th bedroom & sitting area w/full bath or a Second Master or Media Rm./Exercise Rm./Guest Rm. etc. $519,900 Call Virginia Mack 281-816-7827 (VM3909SM)

in Desired Commonwealth. Well maintained, shows pride of ownership. Two large living areas & a study. Huge Island Kitchen with Double Ovens, Abundance Counter & Cabinet space w/walk-in pantry. Hardwood floors in Formal Dining. Plantations Shutters in front three rooms. Study w/custom built-ins. Over sized covered patio with extended pavered patio for more entertaining space. $359,900 Call Virginia Mack 281-816-7827 (VM4211AW).

www.ftbendhomes.com www.virginiamack.com e-mail:virginiamack@ ftbendhomes.com

Fort Bend ISD names Elementary 51 in honor of Nobel Peace Prize recipient From staff reports FOR THE FORT BEND STAR

On Dec. 17, the Fort Bend ISD Board of Trustees voted to name the District’s 51st elementary school Malala Yousafzai Elementary School. The school is named in honor of Malala Yousafzai, an international advocate for education and the youngest person to be named a Nobel Prize laureate. The name was chosen following a process that included submissions from the community. Earlier this fall, the district asked the FBISD community to submit nominations for the new facility, and then established a committee to select the name. More than 100 names were submitted for consideration, and the committee was comprised of district teachers, parents

and students, community members, staff and a board member. At just 15, Yousafzai survived an attack by the Taliban while traveling home from school, and the next year, she delivered a speech to the United Nations, urging world leaders to make education a priority. Board policy provides guidelines that govern the naming process, stating that the namesake, living or deceased, should have made a significant contribution to society, and the name should lend prestige and status to an institute of learning. “Fort Bend ISD is proud to name Malala Yousafzai Elementary in honor of a true advocate for education. Our FBISD Profile of a Graduate outlines the skills and attributes graduates should possess upon grad-

uation from our schools. Through her compassion for others and servant leadership, Yousafzai is an embodiment of these characteristics, which we are trying to instill in our students. We look forward to hearing of the many successes of the school and its students in the future,” said Dr. Charles Dupre, FBISD Superintendent of Schools. Malala Yousafzai Elementary is scheduled to open in January of 2020, and FBISD is currently in the process of establishing attendance boundaries for the new school. Lisa Langston, an experienced leader in education in FBISD, will serve as the principal after previously serving in that role at Oyster Creek Elementary. The school is currently under construction in the northwest area of the district, in the Aliana community.

Each office Independently Owned & Operated

SUTTON FOREST/COMMONWEALTH - Grand Stately Hm w/Pool/Spa, Covered Patio, 3-Car Garage, Cul-de-sac lot. Hardwood Floors. High-end Granite Counter tops & Upgraded Kit. cabinets. SS Thermador Appliances. All full baths Upgraded (8/18) w/Quartz Vanity. Game Rm. Built-ins & Much More! $565,000 Call Virginia Mack 281-816-7827 (VM4714DC)

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THE STAR

PAGE 8 • Wednesday, December 26, 2018

See us online www.FortBendStar.com

BUSINESS HONOR ROLL THE BEGINNINGS AND GROWTH OF SOME OF FORT BEND COUNTY’S LEADING BUSINESSES

154

100

Garmany & Carden Funeral Directors

Smart Financial Credit Union 9810 Highway 90A • Sugar Land, 77478 713-850-1600 www.smartcu.org

3212 Avenue R • Rosenberg 77471 281-232-3515 www.mcnuttelectric.com

• ESTABLISHED 1865 •

Sugar Land First United Methodist Church 431 Eldridge Rd • Sugar Land 281-491-6041 sugarlandmethodist.org • ESTABLISHED 1919 •

• ESTABLISHED 1934 •

• ESTABLISHED 1945 •

YEARS

Rosenberg • Needville 281-342-4671 www.garmanycarden.com

YEARS

Coastal Butane Service Co. 3230 Bamore Road • Rosenberg 77471 281-342-5637 host.trustab.org/coastalbutane

YEARS

Charlton’s Body Repair

YEARS

Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate Gary Greene

YEARS McNutt Electric

50 YEARS

Stafford Chiropractic

2323 Town Center Dr. • Sugar Land 77478 281-242-6200 www.garygreene.com • ESTABLISHED 1963 •

Sports and Wellness • Dr. John A. Felker III 2434 South Main • Stafford 77477 281-499-2424 StaffordChiropracticClinic.com • ESTABLISHED 1969•

Ann Moody Sill Dance Studio

Houston Community College

Aquarius Home Service

11110 HWY 6 South • Sugar Land 77498 281-498-8270 www.amsds.com • ESTABLISHED 1971 •

3100 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002 713-718-2000 www.hccs.edu • ESTABLISHED 1971•

• ESTABLISHED 1950•

48 YEARS

46 YEARS

Heritage Baptist Church

1131 Staffordshire @ 5th St. • Stafford 77477 281-499-1126 www.charltonsbodyrepair.com • ESTABLISHED 1957 •

YEARS

YEARS Sugar Creek Country Club

Peter Haselow President Family Business 281-561-8400 www.AquariusHomeService.com • ESTABLISHED 1971 •

420 Sugar Creek Boulevard • Sugar Land 77478 281-494-9131 www.thesugarcreek.com • ESTABLISHED 1972•

Robin’s Dance Studio

Riverbend Montessori School

YEARS

E.E. Reed Construction, L.P.

2223 FM 1092 • Missouri City 77459 281-403-4994 hbctx.org • ESTABLISHED 1973 •

3643 Glenn Lakes Ln. • Missouri City 77459 281-499-3921 www.robinsdancestudio.com • ESTABLISHED 1973 •

• ESTABLISHED 1976 •

Country Club Groom Inn

YEARS The Fort Bend Star 4655 Techniplex, Suite 300 • Stafford 77477 281-690-4200 www.fortbendstar.com • ESTABLISHED 1978 •

40 YEARS

Dwyatt Gentry, CLU,CASL

State Farm Agent Dwyatt.gentry.hck3@statefarm.com 3334 FM 1092, Suite 420 • Missouri City, 77459 281-499-2264 • ESTABLISHED 1979 •

YEARS

Alief Medical Sales

4225 Elkins Road • Sugar Land 77479 281-980-4123 www.riverbendmontessori.com

YEARS

Locally Owned & Operated 11843 Wilcrest • Houston 77031 281-530-3232 www.AliefMedicalSales.com • ESTABLISHED 1979 •

2719 Fifth St., Suite A • Missouri City, 77459 832-539-4785 www.countryclubpettx.com • ESTABLISHED 1979•

Jennifer Weaver, Realtor® RE/MAX Southwest 14905 Southwest Freeway • Sugar Land 281-207-5037 • ESTABLISHED 1979 •

YEARS

Schofield Company MIKE & BETTY SCHOFIELD 4418 BLUEBONNET DR. SUITE 402 • Stafford 77477 281-494-5070 • ESTABLISHED 1980 •

YEARS

R.H. (Bert) Schmidt, Jr., CLU,ChFC,CASL,LUTCF State Farm Agent 5819 Highway 6 Suite 260 • Missouri City 77459 281-499-5687 www.bertschmidt.com • ESTABLISHED 1980•

36 YEARS

YEARS

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Serving Fort Bend County

Ed’s Pharmacy

Integrated Pest Management 1118 Highway 90-A • Richmond 77406 281-341-1761 www.integrated-pest.com • ESTABLISHED 1984 •

YEARS

333 Commerce Green Blvd. • Sugar Land 77478 281-933-4000 www.eereed.com • ESTABLISHED 1977 •

1015 Frost St. • Rosenberg 77471 281-342-3086 www.benjaminfranklinplumbing.com

3740 Cartwright Road • Missouri City 77459 281-499-4555 www.edspharmacy.com

• ESTABLISHED 1983 •

YEARS

Anita Milne Beard Realty • Sugar Land 281-413-9732 • ESTABLISHED 1981 •

YEARS

TOWN & COUNTRY ESTATE SALES 7700 RENWICK SUITE 1-A • Houston 77081 Penny Millican, owner 713-666-0970 www.houstonestatesales.com • ESTABLISHED 1984 •

Congratulations to all these Fort Bend Businesses.

THE STAR

See us online www.FortBendStar.com

Wednesday, December 26, 2018 • PAGE

BUSINESS HONOR ROLL THE BEGINNINGS AND GROWTH OF SOME OF FORT BEND COUNTY’S LEADING BUSINESSES

YEARS

Hunan Garden Restaurant 4601 Avenue H (HWY 90) • Rosenberg, TX 281-342-7279 www.hunangardenrestaurant.com SAME OWNER • SAME LOCATION • SINCE 1984

YEARS

Fort Bend Dental

YEARS

Jeanne Gregory, Realtor®

YEARS

Lexington Blvd. Animal Hospital

YEARS

Diane Schomburg, Agent

RE/MAX Southwest 14905 Southwest FWY • Sugar Land 713-854-0923

2627 Cordes Dr. • Sugar Land 77477 281-980-3737 www.lexingtonpethospital.com

1716 Dulles Ave, # 102 • Sugar Land 77478 281-265-6100 State Farm • www.dianeschomburg.com

• ESTABLISHED 1985 •

• ESTABLISHED 1986 •

• ESTABLISHED 1987•

YEARS

Dr. Elissa R. Wedemeyer

YEARS

YEARS Edward Jones

Sugar Creek Animal Clinic 14015 Southwest Freeway, Bldg. 2 • Sugar Land, 77478 281-242-9070 www.sugarcreekanimalclinic.com

4501 Cartwright Rd, # 501 • Missouri City 77459 281-261-2000 www.edwardjones.com

• ESTABLISHED 1989•

• ESTABLISHED 1990 •

• ESTABLISHED 1992 •

Over 250,000 Vehicles Serviced 1131 Dulles Ave. • Stafford 77477 281-980-4440 www.colonyoneauto.com • ESTABLISHED 1991•

Ace Tile / Eddie Allum CERAMIC TILE, GRANITE COUNTERTOPS, WOOD FLOORS & CARPET MISSOURI CITY 281-898-0154 • ESTABLISHED 1992 •

Barbara Lee Cochran REALTOR - Hometown America INC.

20 YEARS

YEARS

Tracy Walker

Michael McKay

Star Video Production

5819 Hwy 6 Ste. 230 • Missouri City 77459 281-499-3541 WWW.FTbenddental.com • ESTABLISHED 1987 •

28 YEARS

Colony One Auto Center

O.D, FCOVD, FAAO Therapeutic/Optometric/ Glaucoma Specialist 6026 Highway 6 • Missouri City 77459 281-499-2600 www.drwedemeyer.com

YEARS

State Farm Agent 15510 Lexington Blvd. •Sugar Land 77478 281-265-0711

12603 Southwest FWY, #240 • Stafford 774771 281-240-1166

• ESTABLISHED 1999 •

• ESTABLISHED 2001•

YEARS R&S Water Service

We sell, service and install water softeners and reverse osmosis systems. 281-416-9353 www.rswaterservice.com • ESTABLISHED 2007 •

YEARS Hope For Three Autism Advocates 12808 W Airport Blvd. STE. 375 • Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-245-0640 www.hopeforthree.org • ESTABLISHED 2011 •

YEARS Evolution Rx 931 Eldridge Rd • Sugar Land 77478 281-342-5637 www.evolvedrx.com • ESTABLISHED 2016•

www.MichaelMcKayAgency.com

YEARS

YEARS Colonial Oaks Assisted Living

4665 Sweetwater Blvd., # 105 • Sugar Land 77479

281-804-5990 www.har.com/barbaracochran • ESTABLISHED 1995 •

13825 Lexington Blvd. • Sugar Land 77478 281-277-0900 www.colonialoaks.org • ESTABLISHED 1998•

Locally Owned & Operated 3944 Bluebonnet Dr. • Stafford 77477 281-690-4250 www.starvideoproductions.com • ESTABLISHED 2001 •

YEARS Signature Hearing & Balance

Sandra T. Harrell, Financial Advisor

YEARS

YEARS Rice & Gardner Consultants, Inc. 6161 Savoy, Suite 1212 • Houston 77036 713-482-2300 www.ricegardner.com • ESTABLISHED 2005 •

YEARS

TARA JOHNSTON, AUD 208 E. Hwy 90A • Richmond 77406 866-714-7495

DEBORAH L. CRAIN ATTORNEY AT LAW 10707 Corporate Dr. Ste. 100 • Stafford 77477 281-565-5777 www.deborahcrainlaw.com

1 Stadium Drive • Sugar Land 77498 281-240-4487 sugarlandskeeters.com

• ESTABLISHED 2009 •

• ESTABLISHED 2010•

SIGNATUREHEARINGANDBALANCEPLLC.COM

Sugar Land Skeeters

YEARS

Lisa N. Sims State Farm Agent 11647 S. HWY 6, • Sugar Land 77498 Toll Free: 281-201-2448 lisa@agentlisasims.com • ESTABLISHED 2015•

Off the Vine Bistro

Clancy’s Public House

2865 Dulles Ave @ Cartwright • Missouri City 77459 281-242-4186 www.offthevinebistro.com • ESTABLISHED 2015 •

Fort Bend Welcome to

Sugar Land Missouri City, Richmond, Rosenberg, Stafford & Fort Bend County

503 FM 359 Rd. Suite 118 • Richmond 77406 832-847-4390 wwww.clancysbarrichmondtx.com • ESTABLISHED 2015 •

Deadline: February 6, 2019 Published: February 20, 2019 281-690-4200

Fort Bend Welcome to

2017 OFFI CIAL

NEWCOM

ERS GUID E

2019 Newcomer Guide and Visitor Directory

The Official Welcome to Fort Bend Newcomer Guide provides: • Distribution to 10,000 new residents throughout 2019 in Fort Bend County. • Informative editorial coverage similar to that of the local newspaper, the Fort Bend Star. • Every ad in the magazine will appear in print and online at FortBendStar.com and will be linked back to your website.

A new 55 + active adult rental comm unity • Hospitals • Churches • Schools • Libraries

SEE STORY ON

• Museums PAGE 10 / Parks • Restaurants • Important Phone Num bers • Much more ...

Congratulations to all these Fort Bend Businesses.

THE STAR

PAGE 10 • Wednesday, December 26, 2018

3 generations of Quality Service, Integrity & Honesty

See us online www.FortBendStar.com

Autos foreign & domestic Vehicle + RV detailing

Family Owned and Operated in Fort Bend County

Since 1951

Now

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

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”

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. THURSDAY, JAN. 3 AARP CHAPTER 3264 MEETING

Join us for a square dancing show presented by the Fair Bees Square Dance Club. 12:30 p.m. at 2855 Westminster Plaza Blvd., Houston. Doors open at 11 a.m., lunch at 11:30 a.m. Call 713-838-7383 for more information and reservations.

MASTER NATURALIST PROGRAM

Bobwhite Quail: Canary of the Prairie, will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the Rosenberg Civic Center, 3825 Texas 36 South, Rosenberg, sponsored by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. Free and open to the public. For more information, call 281633-7033 or email mmcdowell@ag.tamu.edu

SATURDAY, JAN. 5 FIRE CHIEF JOEY WOOLLEY FUNDRAISER

Chief Woolley beat colon cancer in January of 2018, he now suffers with prostate cancer. Serving as the Battalion Chief in Sugarland for 36 years he is currently the Pecan Grove Fire Department Chief. Please join us at the Sportsman's Lounge, 918 Hinson St., Richmond, at 1 p.m. to help support him. Brisket and sausage plates available for $10 each. Lots of fun, pool tournament, 50/50 raffle, silent and live auctions, karaoke contest, live music by Asylum. Donations currently being accepted for many things, including auction items. For more information on what is needed and how to help, call Madeline at 281-253-4293.

MANAGING YOUR MONEY

Sugar Land Branch Library will present the workshop, 10:30 a.m. to noon, 550 Eldridge. Learn the basics of financial planning, investments, common credit mistakes, the time value of money and the difference between tax-deferred and tax-free savings. Free and open to the public. For more information, call 281-238-2140 or 281-633-4734.

SUNDAY, JAN. 6 ART I BECOME

George Memorial Library will host the opening day reception of this special exhibit from 2-4 p.m., 1001 Golfview in Richmond. The exhibit showcases the artwork of Claire Payne and her daughters Kathryn Payne Bright and Terri Payne-Bieber, on display through Feb. 28. The exhibit may be viewed during regular library hours. For more information, call at 281-633-4734.

TUESDAY, JAN. 8 HEALTHY-LIVING REVOLUTION

Learn how to take better care of yourself with a few healthyeating tips at the Sugar Land Branch Library, 6 to 7 p.m., 550 Eldridge Road. Healthy alternatives to eating fast food, processed-food snacks, and sugary drinks will be discussed. Free and open to the public. For more information, call 281238-2140 or 281-633-4734.

APPLICATIONS AND RESUMES

Sienna Branch Library will present two workshops that will provide assistance for job-hunters, 10:30 a.m., 8411 Sienna Springs Blvd. in Missouri City. Get tips on how to properly complete a job application and structure a resumé to maximize your interview with a prospective employer. This is the first of a three-part series for job-hunters. Registration is not required. Jan. 22, the Job and Career Accelerator, online resource, 2 p.m. Free and open to the public, registration is required. For more information, call 281-238-2900, or visit www.fortbend.lib.tx.us.

PECAN GROVE WOMEN'S CLUB

Meets at the Pecan Grove Plantation Country Club at 9:30 a.m. for coffee and visiting. Speakers from the Oak Bend Medical Center. Make lunch reservations by calling or emailing Kay McNinch at 281-238-4002 (kkmcninch@yahoo. com) or Linda Saad at 281-342-8575 (lindasaad@gmail.com). Reservations need to be made by Friday, Jan. 4. The program is free and the cost for lunch is $15.

SATURDAY, JAN. 12 THE HISTORY OF FORT BEND COUNTY

Will be presented, 10-11 a.m., at George Memorial Library, 1001 Golfview in Richmond. Fort Bend County is deeply

EXPERIENCE COUNTS! 27+ YEARS SERVING FORT BEND COUNTY

Call us today!

281.243.2300 •

One Sugar Creek Center Blvd.

Suite 300, Sugar Land, TX

www.KenWoodPC.com

Low Cost Animal Wellness Clinic 713-433-6421 14700 Almeda Rd. Houston, TX 77053 www.HoustonHumane.org

rooted in Texas history. Learn about the early days of the county, from its inception through the mid-1900s. Hear about the fascinating people and events that made Fort Bend County what it is today. Free and open to the public. For more information, call 281-342-4455 or 281-633-4734.

START YOUR OWN BUSINESS

Attend a hands-on workshop at First Colony Branch Library, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., 2121 Austin Parkway. The workshop will cover the steps needed to consider starting a business. This program is presented in partnership with SCORE, the non-profit mentoring arm of the U.S. Small Business Administration. Free and open to the public. For more information, call 281-238-2800 or 281-633-4734.

MONDAY, JAN. 14 SOCIAL SECURITY/MEDICARE WORKSHOP

The Sugar Land Branch Library will present the program from 6:30 to 8 p.m., 550 Eldridge Road. Learn how and when to apply for retirement benefits and Medicare, the differences between Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D, and survivor and disability benefits. Set up “my Social Security” account online at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount and print out a Social Security Statement before arriving at the class. Free and open to the public. Those 60 to 65, as well as their family members and caregivers, are encouraged to attend. For more information, call 281-238-2140 or 281-633-4734

TUESDAY, JAN. 15 TEXAS-TOUGH PLANTS SEMINAR

Skip Richter will showcase tried-and-true plants for Fort Bend County that are not prone to pests and diseases. Richter is a horticulturalist, gardening educator, garden writer and avid horticultural photographer. The event will be at St. Basil’s Hall at 702 Burney Road in Sugar Land at 9:30 a.m. Free and open to the public. Visit www.sugarlandgardenclub. org for more information.

SATURDAY, JAN. 19 HOPE FOR THREE JIGSAW PUZZLE COMPETITION

Put your puzzle building skills against other teams in this two-hour competition to benefit Hope for Three Autism Awareness. Join others at Constellation Field, 1 Stadium Dr., Sugar Land. Teams of four can pre-register for $100. Awards, prizes and bragging rights guaranteed. Sponsorship and Underwriting opportunities available. Call 281-245-0640 or visit www.hopeforthree.org/jigsaw for information and to register.

TUESDAY, JAN. 22 POWERFUL TOOLS FOR CAREGIVERS

This free, six-week, educational program is offered at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital to help family and friends caring for adults with long-term health conditions. Each class will focus on different tools that help guide through the caregiving journey. Learn about setting goals, staying motivated and dealing with feelings of anger, guilt and depression, building confidence and ability to cope with the demands of caregiving. Classes are every Tuesday, 3–4:30 p.m. in the Brazos Pavilion Chapel, first floor, at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. Registration is required. Email snbowman@houstonmethodist.org or call 281-2747164. Seating is limited.

THURSDAY, JAN. 24 HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL

Ridge Point High School Fine Arts Department presents Disney’s Original High School Musical. Jan. 24, 25, 26, 31 and Feb. 1, 2 Showtime: 7 p.m. Pre-sale online $12 Adults and $8 students at www.rphstheatrebooster.com . Tickets available at the door $15 Adults and $10 students.

SATURDAY, JAN. 26 ELECTRONICS RECYCLING EVENT

Dispose of your outdate electronics 8 a.m. to noon in the Public Safety Headquarters parking lot, 3849 Cartwright Road in Missouri City. This event is free but donations are encouraged to enable Missouri City Green to continue providing this opportunity to the community. A wide range of household electronics will be accepted, including tube

FREE RABIES VACCINE with the purchase of any shot package *Coupon must be presented at time of service. Expires: DECEMBER, 31 2018

1 FREE

Blooming Onion with a purchase of an entrée.

281-980-4329 • 15253 S.W. Fwy Sugar Land, TX 77478 Must bring coupon to redeem. Expires 03/31/2019. Not to be combined with any other offering.

THURSDAY, FEB. 7 WEIGHT LOSS SEMINAR

Join Dr. Nabil Tariq at 6 p.m. for a weight-loss seminar to learn about the different programs offered at the Houston Methodist Weight Management Center, get tips on grocery shopping and meal planning, and speak with a dietitian, exercise specialist and bariatric surgeon. Registration is required. Visit events.houstonmethodist.org/weightloss-sl or call 281-274-7500 for more information or to register.

ONGOING BINGO AT THE VFW

Help support our veterans! Play bingo at Post 3903 every Tuesday and Saturday night at 7:15 p.m. 1903 First St, Rosenberg. All prizes paid in cash. Pull Tabs, $200 Bonanza, $300 Coverall, $750 Coverall, kitchen & bar service.

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 1-800272-3900.

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 281238-2900 or 281-633-4734.

Alief MEDICAL SALES

Honored to be your choice for life insurance.

11851-A Wilcrest, Houston, Texas 77031 Murphy at Southwest Freeway, U.S. 59

281-530-3232

www.AliefMedicalSales.com

COMPRESSION TRAVEL SOCKS NOW AVAILABLE

RAMIRO RODRIGUEZ • AUTO • HOME INSURANCE • BUSINESS An Independent Agency Working For You – NOT The Insurance Company.

281-240-8701

Enjoy Your Event. Let Us Do The Cooking. • Spay/Neuter surgeries • Wellness Exams • Vaccinations • Heartworm tests, prevention and treatment • Flea and tick medication • Microchipping

TVs under 36 inches. View the full list of items accepted by CompuCycle at www.missouricitygreen.org.

CATERING

Any Size Event / Group CRAWFISH and BBQ. Award Winning

Call:

832.606.0897

LISA N SIMS, AGENT Monday - Friday 9 - 6 Saturday 10 - 2 After hours by appointment

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

636 Highway 6 South • Sugar Land, TX 77478 • 832-939-8086

FREE SPA SESSION $39 value- or -$20 SPA DAY $120 value Offer valid for first time guests only. One VIP pass per local resident. Other restrictions may apply. See spa for details. Automated Massages Spray Tans & UV Therapy Anti Aging & Skin Care Fitness & Weight Management Beauty & Wellness Stress Relief & Relaxation www.planetbeach.com/spa/sugar-land