INSIDE | Christmas tree lighting page 2
Opinion
Broadside of elephants hits just in time for the holidays
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Upcoming
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Sports
WEDNESDAY • NOVEMBER 22, 2017
FBISD authorizes reappraisal Staff Reports FOR FORTBEND STAR.
During its board meeting on Nov. 13, the Fort Bend ISD Board of Trustees unanimously passed a resolution to request a reappraisal of homes and businesses located within Fort Bend ISD that were damaged during Hurricane Harvey. FBISD joins other Fort Bend County taxing entities in authorizing reappraisals that would give qualified residents and business owners some tax relief for certain months of the 2017 tax year. “Hurricane Harvey impacted many of our community members,” said board president Kristin Tassin. “In requesting the reappraisal of homes and businesses, we are recognizing the continuing effects of the storm, and we hope that this will help our taxpayers as they continue the recovery process.” Under the tax code, the governing body of a taxing unit located partly or entirely inside an area declared to be a disaster area by the Governor of Texas may authorize the reappraisal of all property damaged in the disaster at its market value immediately after the disaster. “Fort Bend ISD’s action means that taxpayers impacted by Hurricane Harvey will be able to have their property reappraised, and they will receive prorated taxes on the property for this tax year,” said Steve Bassett, Fort Bend ISD’s chief financial officer. “The application of the reduced value is only for the days following the damage of the disaster, but this will still result in approximately four months of a reduced value for our taxpayers.” Based on the information presented by the Central Appraisal District, FBISD has calculated that the benefit to approximately 4,300 Harvey-impacted taxpayers (representing an estimated market value of $1.462 billion) would amount to an estimated $348 in relief for the tax year. However, those who are over 65 who have value frozen at a set ceiling may not achieve tax relief because their value is higher than the cap and the reappraisal may not dip below the set ceiling.
FBC Appraisal District to consider the damage Staff Reports
Property owners affected by Hurricane Harvey may be eligible to have their homes re-appraised by the Fort Bend Central Appraisal District. Some taxing units have authorized a reappraisal of property damaged during Hurricane Harvey. That action by the entities requires the district to reappraise the affected properties upon notification. It is imperative for the district to receive assistance in identifying all damaged properties. In order for the district to thoroughly identify which properties suffered damage, residents should submit evidence via the website at http://www.fbcad. org/Forms-Submissions/Disaster-Reappraisal, by mail or in person at 2801 B.F. Terry Blvd., Rosenberg, TX 77471. Evidence may include any of the following: photos of damage, insurance estimates, contractor estimates, FEMA documents, receipts for repairs due to disaster damage and/or for properties that flooded. Also, please include the amount (feet, inches, etc.) of water that caused any damage. This information will be used to assist the district in determining the damage to the property. Once the damage assessment is completed, the district will send a Natural Disaster Notice of Appraised Value to all property owners that were affected. The reappraisal notice will highlight the Aug, 28, 2017, and the Jan.
Primary Election dates Feb. 5: Last day to register to vote Feb. 20: First day of early voting March 2: Last day of early voting March 6: Primary Election
General Election dates Oct. 9: Last day to register to vote Oct. 22: First day of early voting Nov. 2: Last day of early voting Nov. 6: Election Day
Fort Bend County Justice of the Peace, Precinct 2 Deirdre Dickson-Gilbert announced her candidacy for Fort Bend County Justice of the Peace, Precinct 2. DicksonGilbert filed for election as a Democrat. State Representative, House District 27 State Rep. Ron Reynolds announced his intention to run for his fifth term in the Democratic Primary. He was elected in 2010 as the first black state representative from Fort Bend County since Reconstruction. Wilvin J. Carter, an attorney, announced his candidacy for the position of Texas State Representative for House District 27 in the 2018 Democratic Primary. Fort Bend County Court at Law No. 4 Judge Attorney Amy Mitchell has filed to run for Fort Bend County Court at Law No. 4 on the Republican ticket. She currently serves on the Sugar Land City Council.
Candidates Academy
Have you ever thought of running for office or being part of a political campaign? The Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce and 180 Messaging are organizing a Candidates Academy – a comprehensive series dedicated to training future politicians and those that want to work on campaigns. The goal is to assist the learning curve and play a small role in getting qualified and informed constituents into
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Hurricane reappraisal
Compiled by Joe Southern
Fort Bend ISD Board of Trustees, Position 2 Grayle James will seek re-election to the Fort Bend Independent School District Board of Trustees, Position 2. James is currently serving her second term as a trustee and is the immediate past president of the board.
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Visit www.FortBendStar.com
Fort Bend / Southwest • Volume 40 • No. 15
More hats tossed into political ring The list of candidates filing for election and re-election continues to grow. Several candidates have recently announced their bids for office. Below is a listing of some of the more recent filings:
Luke Matthews selected to play in Army All American Bowl
FOR FORTBEND STAR.
Homes and businesses to receive tax releif
JSOUTHERN@FORTBENDSTAR.
Students sign letters of intent to play in college
the process. The program will be nonpartisan and highlight key expectations for anyone running, regardless of their affiliation. The program consists of four breakfast sessions. Nov. 28 – The Internal Campaign Should you run? Do you understand the time commitment? Do you know the financial commitment? Are you ready to take this step? We break down the 10 essential questions you must ask before running. Then we explore the first steps in building or being a part of a campaign. Dec. 12 – External Alignment You’ve decided to run. Now you need to learn how to effectively promote your campaign. We start with the goal of alignment: how you synchronize your audience’s thoughts with what you want them to believe after they see your message. From there, we discuss the tools of the trade. From process to tactics, it is an in-depth crash course in messaging. Jan. 9 – Ethical Fundraising
SEE ELECTION, PG 2
(Photo by Corey Jefferson)
Homes flooded like these in Riverstone during Hurricane Harvey are eligible for re-appraisals by the Fort Bend Central Appraisal District.
1, 2017, values. The first portion of the value will be based on the Jan. 1 certified value, which totals 240 days or 65 percent. The second portion of the taxes will be based on the Aug. 28 disaster value, which will be for a total of 125 days or 35 percent. Both values will be added together for the adjusted appraised value. Property owners will have 30 days to
protest the natural disaster value. Affected property owners will still receive a regular tax bill from the taxing entities. Once the reappraisal damage assessment is complete, the entities that authorized the reappraisal will receive a supplement record from the district. The entities will then process the district supplement, and will send a supplemental tax
bill for the damaged property. This will only be for the entities that have authorized the reappraisal. It is important that the district is informed of any changes, temporary or otherwise. Those with a change of address should immediately notify the district in writing via email at info@fbcad. org, by mail or in person.
Missouri City resumes trash can fines Staff Reports FOR FORTBEND STAR.
In the months after Hurricane Harvey, Missouri City suspended enforcement of trash screening and fence and debris violations to assure homeowners in all communities had an opportunity to focus on rebuilding and recovering from the storm. The deferment will continue through the end of November. Then, starting on Friday, Dec. 1, code enforcement officers will resume issuing warnings and citations for trash screening offenses. On Feb. 1, staff will resume enforcing fence and debris regulations. “We implemented the grace period to assist our citizens during an unprecedented public emergency,” said City Manager Anthony J. Snipes. “And, as part of our commitment to superior customer service, especially following a crisis such as Harvey, staff wanted to provide residents adequate
notification of the December first plan of action.” Snipes said code initiatives are integral in keeping the city landscape clean and green and a collaborative effort by citizens and staff in that regard is reflective of the city’s designation as a Platinum Scenic City. The distinction reflects the area’s utilization of strict ordinances and regulations, resulting in increased economic development and property values. Missouri City is the only municipality in the region to hold a Platinum-level Scenic City designation. To assure strategic enforcement of codes and consistency overall, Snipes convened a Nuisance Abatement Committee in August, 2016 to develop the philosophy, processes, communications and means to measure the outcomes and reporting out on code enforcement initiatives. “The task force is making strides and includes employees in my office, code enforcement, police, fire and rescue services, development
services, legal and communications,” he said. “Based on recommendations the committee made to City Council last year, members unanimously approved an ordinance that establishes graduated minimum penalties for certain violations, including solid waste and recycling receptacle screening.” Council approved fines for violation of the Solid Waste Receptacle Placement ordinance which include $50 for a first conviction, $250 for the second conviction, and $500 for three or more convictions. “There are a high number of trash screening violations citywide and the December sweep will serve as a reminder to homeowners that any device used for trash collection or storage must be screened from public view,” said Code Enforcement Supervisor Cynthia Rex. “Code of Ordinance also prohibits trash and trash containers being placed at the curb prior to 6 p.m. the evening before scheduled collection and after midnight of the scheduled collection day.”
Knights make a living by dying in the jousts at TRF By Joe Southern JSOUTHERN@FORTBENDSTAR.
It’s not often one makes a living falling off a horse and sword fighting to the death, but that happens on a regular basis for Kent Shelton and the performers from the Hanlon-Lees Action Theater. Shelton and his company put on the jousts each season for the Texas Renaissance Festival in Todd Mission, just north of Magnolia. “Something always hurts. We try to take the fall so to speak, but yes, we’re falling and it’s all part of the joust,” he said.” People want to see someone (Photo by Joe Southern) get knocked off the horse, that’s what The Spanish knight shatters his lance on the shield of the English knight jousting is.” Based out of Luther, Okla., the during a joust at the Texas Renaissance Festival. The knights usually troupe tours the country performing break about five lances a day during the performances. their jousting act at renaissance festivals. When they aren’t wearing suits of competes against knights representing with it and we do three to four differarmor and falling off horses, they shoot France, Germany and Spain. ent shows a day. They’re all different ’em up in a Buffalo Bill Wild West Show. “This is what we call theatrical joust- and they build to the finale show which Shelton is the star of the show at TRF, ing as opposed to that wham, bam, playing Sir Thomas, the English knight. slamming stuff, which to me is not that SEE KNIGHTS, PG 10 For four shows a day each weekend he interesting. We try to put a storyline
THE STAR
PAGE 2 • Wednesday, November 22, 2017
Sugar Land’s 15th annual Christmas Tree Lighting
of 2 Best 017 FORT BEND STAR
SOUTHWEST
Readers’ Choice
FORT BEND’S TOP SELLING AGENTS
Staff Reports FOR FORTBEND STAR.
Providing Outstanding Results Serving Your LOCAL Community for 30 YEARS
GREATWOOD .................. $499,900
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SUGAR CREEK ...............$240,000
3Bdrm 2 1/2 BTH best buy in Sugar Creek!! Recent roof, recent flooring (218E)
SIENNA PLANTATION... $345,000 CHELSEA HARBOUR... $455,000 GREATWOOD................ $475,000
Fabulous decorator designed “Coventry” home Gorgeous waterfront home having all Beautiful home w/gorgeous pool! Buy now and enjoy located on a quiet culdesac in view of the 4th the “bells & whistles” with an infinity all summer! Great value - 5/3/2 w/ three car garage! hole of the Sienna Golf Course. (3314MH) pool/spa to relax in. (14322SRC) Master down, 4 bedrooms up. A must see! (7926CC)
SUGAR MILL.............$599,000 GLENSHIRE................. $229,900 GREATWOOD ENCLAVE .. $339,000
Beautiful lake home with inviting pool and covered Glenshire 4 Bedroom, 3.5 Baths, Village Bldr. 1 story on cul-de-sac street, huge lot brick patio. Upscale accents include elevator, Formals, Gameroom, Spa, Pool, Cul de with sparkling pool? (8814 CR) crystal chandeliers & 3-sided fireplace. (13829HL) sac lot. No Flooding. $229,900. (9107D)
Mr. and Mrs. Claus and their elves are bringing holiday magic to Sugar Land Town Square for the 15th annual Christmas Tree Lighting on Dec. 7 from 5-8 p.m. The steps of Sugar Land City Hall will light up with holiday cheer and entertainment as various groups fill the stage with some of the community’s most popular performances, including Cornerstone Elementary Choir, Inspiration Stage, EPIC Center for Dance, Sugar Creek Baptist Church Choir, Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra Chorus, Dance Zone, 2017 Sugar Land Super Star Wesley Nilsen, Commonwealth Elementary Choir and the Tropical Rhythms. The Christmas spirit will come alive this year with a Gingerbread Lane, Winter Wonderland and other holiday themed walk-around entertainment! Stop by activity booths provided by local businesses, or grab some scrumptious treats from one of the onsite food vendors for a nominal charge. Throughout the event, families will have the opportunity to take free pictures at different photo stations and even a chance to take a picture with Santa Claus. As the night comes to an end, gather with family and friends around the spectacular 40 foot Christmas tree located in the middle of Town Square plaza to help Santa and Mrs. Claus welcome in the season with the annual lighting of the tree.
(Photo by Joe Southern)
The lights go on the giant Christmas tree in Sugar Land Town Square during last year’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting event.
11-22-17 The event is free and open
PHEASANT CREEK .............$184,900 LINKWOOD..........................$399,000 PLANTATION CREEK ... $266,500
Spacious one story home featuring 5 Flooded by Harvey. 3/2/2, lot approx. 2,556sq.ft/FCAD, 4/2.5/2, Granite bedrooms & 3 bathrooms. (2515SR) 10158 sq. ft./CAD. Selling as-is, no counters in kitchen/bathrooms. New paint in, Laminate floors. (2427LD) repairs, Close to Med Center. (3834LD)
IMPERIAL ESTATES...... $399,500
TELFAIR .........................$449,888 QUAIL FOREST............ $294,900
Huge lot 1/3 acre, open kitchen /living room /bf, new 4/3/2, 3464sq.ft/FCAD, well maintained, Nice 2-story home in Cypress, TX,. pool, hot tub, carpet, new tile and paint (13615L) New carpet, granite counters, high ceiling cov’d back porch, formals, gameroom, 3/2.5/2 (12935PD) den, cul de sac, etc. (422CA)
.
WATERSIDE ESTATES .......$239,00
COLONY MEADOWS .. $399,998
Located in Sugarmill subdivision in Fort Bend County. 3 Beautiful 1.5 story, cul de sac corner New paint in, New granite counters. lot, 3 Bedroom + Study, + large updated bathrooms Hardwood floors. Bedrooms & 2 Bath. (106SW) Gameroom up, Island Kitchen, formal Dining $239,900. (2022MLC) Excellent schools. (16614CT)
.
Staff Reports FOR FORTBEND STAR.
Staff Reports
Fantastic 3/4 bedroom 2.5 bath Beautiful Weekley home, 2760SF, 4/2.5/2, Like NEW CONSTRUCTION on HUGE Premium Lot! 4/2.5/2 brick home in beautiful Pecan Grove High ceiling, study. Just updated new carpet, Lennar home has open Kitchen/Living/Dining layout w/all (715MC) wood floor, new paint. Sprinkler. (910FH) Bedrooms upstairs! PERFECT for Entertaining! (1919MS)
TELFAIR ......................... $540,000 SUGAR CREEK ...........$339,500
3148sqft/FCAD, 4/3.5/2. A cozy home on the Gorgeous remoldeled 1 story, 3 bedroom water! Only 6 years old. Immaculate condition. home sits on green-belt along the golf $33k upgrades: Hardwood floors, etc. (2123CO) course. Must see! (18CH)
BRIDGEWATER/ COMMONWEALTH
$399,900 1-Story Home. New Carpet (10/17), New Int.
Ext. Paint(2017), Master Bath Remodel(9/17)! Added Features :Kit. With Granite Countertops w/bullnose edging & Travertine Tumbled. Low Taxes- No Flooding(4930HD)
The city of Sugar Land will host “12 Days of Annexation,” a series of days highlighting Sugar Land, New Territory and Greatwood locations while giving current and future residents a chance to win tickets to the Houston Ballet’s The Nutcracker at the Smart Financial Centre. From Dec. 1-12, current residents and New Territory and Greatwood residents can enter to win more than once by visiting more than one “12 Days” site. Entry forms and a specially marked mailbox will be located at each site. Three winners will
be selected on Dec. 13. Winners will be asked to present their water bills to verify residency. The “12 Days of Annexation” includes locations such as the Smart Financial Centre Plaza, Sugar Land Memorial Park, Pecan Park and the Sugar Land Regional Airport. The Imperial Park Recreation Center and T.E. Harman Senior Center will waive membership fees on the designated date for those locations. Sugar Land is prepared and excited to welcome the residents of Greatwood and New Territory on Dec. 12. Funding for the expansion of city services to the annexed areas comes from ser-
Home • Auto • Business • Life • Toys
HARBORWALK .................... $179,000 GLEN LAUREL ............. $265,000 TELFAIR ........................... $475,000
Large lot w/excellent water views! Harborwalk has a Sought-after 1 story, 4 bdrm on a lrg corner lot. Beautiful wood 1.5 story. 3-5 bedrooms (3 bedrooms down), 4.5 Marina, Yacht Club, & much more. 91’ of waterfront plank tile in kitchen. Laminate wood floors in main living areas. baths, study, media room, covered front & back per CAD. Build your dream home here! (15SL) Light & open plan. Property or home did not flood (2342AP) porch. lease for $3500/month. (6814AC)
nership with the City of Missouri City will host the 5th Annual Electronics Recycling Event on Saturday, Dec. 9, from 8 a.m. to noon at the Missouri City Public Safety Headquarters located at 3849 Cartwright Road. This is a free event but donations are welcome to fund future
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A Helping Hand GREATWOOD.............................$345,000
Gorgeous 6 BR, former model home with additional room off garage. (1610SU)
WILLIAMS GLEN ........ $525,000 LAKE POINT SUBDIVISION . $975,000
Stately Colonial on oversized corner Beautiful 3 BR waterfront home on Brooks lot. Zoned to highly rated FBISD Lake. Walk to shopping and dining! Must see! schools! Upgraded kitchen and (1334LP) baths!(3203SM)
from
Ed’s Pharmacy 3740 Cartwright Road (@ FM 1092)
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Treatment of Heart Disease in Women
FLAMINGO ISLAND................. $450,000
Stunning semi-custom private home on 1/4+ acre in gated community. (2SFD)
SUGAR CREEK ............... $399,500 M ESCALERO............ $4,300,000
Reduced priced golf course front 16.459 acres plus 1 acre adjacent property with fabulous floor plan. located in Rosharon. Lot value only. (606LO) (902P)
PECAN GROVE ........... $239,000 DEL WEBB ...................... $349,000 WINDSOR ESTATE..$320,000
Immaculate updated home on a corner court lot. Master Darling upgraded three bedroom home Stunning Like NEW! 4 Bedroom, 3 bath home down, gameroom up. Rich wood floors. Granite kitchen, with open backyard views. (2823WOW) built in 2014 w/outstanding upgrades from stainless steel appliance. Master bathremodeled. (1203 flooring, countertop, garden bath w/jets. (4410SE) WHC)
community-wide recycling events. A wide range of household electronics will be accepted. View the full list of items accepted by our vendor, CompuCycle, at www.missouricitygreen.org. CompuCycle cannot accept items from flooded homes.
Sugar Land to host the 12 Days of Annexation FOR FORTBEND STAR.
PECAN GROVE ......... $266,500 BONBROOK PLANTATION .....$252,000 WALNUT CREEK....................$199,950
be available in the Texas and Lone Star garages located in Town Square. For more information or to become an event sponsor, visit www.sugarlandtx. gov/TreeLighting, or call 281275-2825.
Sheriff ’s office offers safety evaluation for churches Celebrate America Recycles Day by recycling your unwanted, broken and unused electronics responsibly. Missouri City Green, in part-
SUGAR MILL ...................... $212,070
to the public. A complimentary shuttle service will run from Mercer Stadium, 16403 Lexington Blvd., to Sugar Land Town Square from 4:30-8:30 p.m. Limited parking will also
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), heart disease is the leading cause of death and disability in women over the age of thirty-five. Women with heart disease are more often misdiagnosed with other conditions such as heartburn. This often leads to worse outcomes than would be seen in men. Heart disease symptoms in women often include a chest pain that is described as sharp and burning and may spread to the neck, jaw, stomach, or back. A daily aspirin may be taken to help prevent heart disease by causing the blood to become less “sticky.” Aspirin helps prevent the clumping effects of blood cells which may block blood from entering the heart when the vessels are already narrowed due to plaque buildup. It is best to consult with a doctor about starting aspirin therapy in those who are at high risk of getting a heart attack. It is important to take the aspirin regularly for people who need to take it. This helps prevent a rebound effect, or the formation of another clot. Studies have shown that medications that belong to the class of ACE Inhibitors such as lisinopril (Zestril) may help prevent the progression of heart disease. ACE Inhibitors block the ACE enzyme from making more proteins that will lead to higher blood pressure and narrower blood vessels.
vice surcharges accumulated over 10 years from the residents of Greatwood and New Territory. Annexation will not increase costs, taxes or impact city services for current residents. The city encourages all current city of Sugar Land, Greatwood and New Territory residents to participate in the “12 Days of Annexation” contest. For information and helpful annexation resources, visit www. sugarlandtx.gov/annexation. General inquiries or questions regarding the annexation of the Greatwood and New Territory communities can be submitted to annexation@sugarlandtx. gov.
H ELECTION, FROM PG 1 This may not be the most exciting subject, but it is, perhaps, the most necessary one. We will cover financial rules that you must follow and rules and techniques regarding the fuel of any campaign—fundraising. These are the dos and don’ts of keeping your campaign fed so that you can reach the necessary number of people. Jan. 23 – Localization How is running in Fort Bend County unique? How is the county changing, and what does that mean for your political prospects? There is more During each meeting, we will be developing your own personal S.W.O.T. analysis, a detailed breakdown of your personal benefits, as well as the areas you need to develop further. This introspective view of yourself is essential to knowing what your next steps are and when you should take them. Plus, we will have special, topical political speakers for each session. All that and breakfast for just $149. For Young Professionals (ages 21-40), the cost of all four sessions is just $89. Current, elected officials’ attendance is complimentary. So if there is an area you want to brush up on, feel free to drop in. Just make sure the chamber knows you are coming. To sign up, contact Matthew Ferraro at the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce at Matthew@ fortbendcc.org.
THE STAR
See us online www.FortBendStar.com
Wednesday, November 22, 2017 • PAGE
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Texas Bar Foundation awards grant to Child Advocates improves the lives of more than 400 children each month and has served more than 14,500 children since opening its doors in 1991. Volunteers are needed to help in the Children’s Advocacy Center and Court Appointed Special Advocates Program. For more information on Child Advocates of Fort Bend or to become a volunteer, go to www.cafb.org or contact Lauren Jordin at ljordin@cafb.org or 281-344-5258.
Staff Reports FOR FORTBEND STAR.
The Texas Bar Foundation recently awarded Child Advocates of Fort Bend (CAFB) an $8,000 grant. The funds will be used to support year two of the Multidisciplinary Team Enhancement Program (MEP) between Child Protective Services, law enforcement and the Children’s Advocacy Center. MEP began in late 2015 as a way of identifying children who are victims of abuse and would otherwise fall through the cracks of the child welfare system. Since its inception in 1965, the Texas Bar Foundation has awarded more than $18 million in grants to law-related programs. Supported by members of the State Bar of Texas, the Texas Bar Foundation is the nation’s largest charitably-funded bar foundation. Child Advocates of Fort Bend is the only agency in Fort Bend County exclusively dedicated to providing critical services, all free of charge, to abused and neglected children and their nonoffending family members. A CAFB Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) staff member reviews all state intake reports of child abuse, assesses whether they meet criteria for sexual abuse or severe physical abuse and, if so, refers the case to CPS and law enforcement. The CAC acts as a coordinating entity amongst CAFB
(Submitted photo )
The Texas Bar Foundation recently awarded Child Advocates of Fort Bend (CAFB) an $8,000 grant to support year two of the Multidisciplinary Team Enhancement Program (MEP) between Child Protective Services, law enforcement and the Children’s Advocacy Center. Since its inception in 1965, the Texas Bar Foundation has awarded more than $18 million in grants to law-related programs. Supported by members of the State Bar of Texas, the Texas Bar Foundation is the nation’s largest charitably-funded bar foundation. Pictured from the left are Child Advocates of Fort Bend Multi-Disciplinary Team Coordinators Fran Clark and Joe Driver with Child Advocates of Fort Bend Children’s Advocacy Center Program Director Fiona Remko.
partner agencies ensuring that all parties are informed and abused children are receiving the help that they need to overcome the trauma they have endured. For 25 years, Child Advocates of Fort Bend has been providing a voice, healing the hurt and break-
ing the cycle of abuse and neglect in Fort Bend County. Through its Court Appointed Special Advocates Program (CASATM), Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) and more than 200 trained community volunteer advocates, Child Advocates of Fort Bend
CAFB recognized at statewide conference Of the 71 CASA Programs in the state of Texas, only a handful are able to match all of the children in foster care in their region with a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) to advocate for their needs, however there is only one program in the entire state that serves 100 percent of the children in foster care with 100 percent volunteers. During the annual Texas CASA Conference in Galveston recently, Texas CASA CEO Vicki Spriggs recognized Child Advocates of Fort Bend for their ability to match every child with a volunteer CASA to advocate for their best interests. “As an agency, Child Advocates of Fort Bend has been committed to making sure we never turn away a child in need of our services, stated Child Advocates of Fort Bend CEO Ruthanne Mefford. “We are so fortunate in Fort Bend County that people are steadfast in their obligation to ensuring the wel-
Fire marshal’s office receives recognition Staff Reports FOR FORTBEND STAR.
The Fort Bend County Fire Marshal’s Office received the Texas Fire Marshals Association’s (TxFMA) Achievement of Excellence Award and a letter of appreciation from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) at the Annual Texas Fire Marshal Conference in Austin on Oct. 19. The Achievement of Excellence in Fire Prevention Award (AEFP Award) is an annual award that recognizes organizations for performance excellence in fire prevention. Established in 2008 and administered by TxFMA, the official state chapter of the International Fire Marshal’s Association,
this award is the only formal recognition for performance excellence of organizations given by TxFMA. The TCOLE letter of appreciation identifies the outstanding Fort Bend County Fire Marshal staff and its leadership as a TCOLE agency for their assistance with projects that affect the Houston area as well as their aid to future licensed police officers. “Applying for this award represents the hard work and teamwork that the entire office completes daily. Receiving the gold level, shows that the staff are on top of their field of work. I am proud to be a part of this organization and look forward to what we can accomplish in the future,”Fort Bend County Fire Marshal Mark Flathouse said.
(Submitted photo )
Pictured from the left are Laurie Christensen (Texas Fire Marshal Association President); Steven McDonald (Fort Bend County Fire Marshal Assistant Chief); Robert Matheson (Fort Bend County Fire Marshal Deputy Chief); David Zietz (Fort Bend County Fire Marshal Investigator/Inspector); Mark Flathouse (Fort Bend County Fire Marshal); John Erskine (Texas Fire Marshal Association Vice President) and Ariana Hargrove (Texas Fire Marshal Association Board Member).
MC Green electronics recycling event Staff Reports FOR FORTBEND STAR.
Celebrate America Recycles Day by recycling your unwanted, broken and unused electronics responsibly. Missouri City Green, in partnership with the City of Missouri City will host the 5th Annual Electronics Recycling Event on Saturday, Dec. 9, from 8 a.m. to
noon at the Missouri City Public Safety Headquarters located at 3849 Cartwright Road. This is a free event but donations are welcome to fund future community-wide recycling events. A wide range of household electronics will be accepted. View the full list of items accepted by our vendor, CompuCycle, at www.missouricitygreen.org. CompuCycle cannot accept items from flooded homes.
Jake: Recycling Logo
for lung cancer. “Individuals at the highest risk of developing lung cancer are current and former smokers. Early detection allows for early treatment and potential cure. This is why we strongly encourage those who meet the recommended guidelines to undergo screening,” said Dr. Timothy Hamilton, cardiothoracic surgeon with Memorial Hermann Southwest. Individuals at highest risk for developing lung cancer are 55 to 77 years of age and currently,
NOTICE TO PATIENTS Iris S. Polinger M.D., PhD., PA, retired from active practice of dermatology in Sugar Land, effective September 22, 2017. DermSurgery Associates, PA will be continuing her practice at the same location, 1415 Highway 6 South, C-400, Sugar Land, Texas 77478, (281) 491-9278
FOOT FACTS by Dr. Eric Tepper BOARD CERTIFIED PODIATRIST, ACCPPS
HEEL FISSURES
Dry skin may lead to heels with cracks or fissures. For most people, this condition is strictly cosmetic, but it can become painful if fissures are deep enough to cause bleeding. Depending on a patient’s skin type, cracked heels cause an appearance of yellowing or dark brown skin accompanied by dryness. A hard skin growth encompasses the affected area, typically on the heel’s outer edge. If pain occurs, it is often exacerbated by walking or wearing thin-soled or open-back shoes. Common causes of cracked heels, besides dry skin, include inactive sweat glands, prolonged standing, obesity, heel spurs, misalignment of the bones in the sole of the foot, flat feet, high-arched feet, abnormal biomechanics, or exposing feet to excessively hot water. We believe in helping you help yourself. We’ll make recommendations as to how you can help keep your feet healthy and happy despite the problem you’re dealing with, whether it’s heel fissures, a nail disorder, a chronic condition, or hereditary concerns. For preventive care to treatment of an acute condition to surgery to correct foot deformities, we welcome patients of all ages at 3143 Hwy. 6 South. You can reach us at 281-980-3668 to make an appointment. P.S. Moisturizing feet twice daily can help prevent dry skin that may lead to heel cracking.
11-22-17 Dr. Tepper - 2x4 - EE-26
Diamond Dialysis Two Convenient Locations: 5603 Highway 6 Missouri City, TX 77459 Phone: 832-987-1353 • Fax: 832-987-1356
“Providing exceptional patient care, with an emphasis on high quality and remarkable service at an affordable cost, is our No. 1 priority,” said Chuck Stokes, president and CEO of Memorial Hermann. “This can only be achieved in collaboration with partners who share the commitment toward creating a healthier population. That’s why we are pleased to renew our relationship with UnitedHealthcare, which has long worked alongside Memo-
rial Hermann to advance the health of those who entrust us with their care.” “Memorial Hermann is an important community partner and offers the people served by UnitedHealthcare and their families greater choice and access to quality, cost-effective care,” said Dave Milich, CEO, UnitedHealthcare of Texas. “We appreciate collaborative relationships with care providers like Memorial Hermann who are committed to serving patients, improving care quality and helping to address health care costs.” UnitedHealthcare serves more than 4.5 million Texans enrolled in employer-sponsored, Medicare and Medicaid health plans with a network of 521 hospitals and more than 78,000 physicians and other care providers statewide.
Physicians encourage screening for lung cancer Lung cancer is the second most common cancer and the leading cause of cancer death in both men and women, according to the American Cancer Society. November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month and a time for people to educate themselves about prevention, risk factors, and the importance of screening for lung cancer. Physicians affiliated with Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital are encouraging everyone with associated risks to be screened
Christmas Home Tour The agency’s Christmas Home Tour is critical to funding these programs. Slated for Dec. 8-9, the $25 tour ticket enables guests to view five private homes that have been professionally decorated for the holidays. Tickets allow access to each home once during the tour hours. About 94 percent of the proceeds from this event go directly toward programs and services. For more information on the Christmas Home Tour, how to become a sponsor or to purchase tickets for the tour, go to www.cafb.org or contact Lisa Moore at lmoore@cafb.org.
Diamond Dialysis – Missouri City
Jake: MMG or United Logo
people enrolled in UnitedHealthcare employer-sponsored plans. An accountable care program for people enrolled in UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans began in April 2017. Through these programs UnitedHealthcare shares data with Memorial Hermann to inform doctors of patients’ underlying medical conditions, past treatments, gaps in care, medications prescribed and future care needs to ensure care is more coordinated across specialties and care centers.
toring and guidance, equip the children and volunteers with specialized resources, implement educational enrichment workshops and help the children find the path to a bright future.
“The Crown Jewel of Dialysis”
Memorial Hermann Health System and UnitedHealthcare renew network relationship Memorial Hermann Health System and UnitedHealthcare have renewed their network relationship, ensuring Houston-area residents enrolled in UnitedHealthcare employersponsored, Medicare and Medicaid health plans have continued in-network access to Memorial Hermann’s facilities and physicians. This extended relationship builds upon UnitedHealthcare and Memorial Hermann’s focus on providing patient care under an innovative, value-based model aimed at keeping people healthy by delivering coordinated quality care to more than 100,000 UnitedHealthcare plan participants. Last year, Memorial Hermann and UnitedHealthcare launched an accountable care program to improve health and outcomes for
fare of the children of Fort Bend County, are generous with their time and are committed to volunteering because, if it wasn’t for them, we wouldn’t be able to match every child with a volunteer.” Child Advocates of Fort Bend’s CASA Program trains volunteers throughout the community to provide a voice in the courtroom for children who are in the care of the child welfare system. These CASA volunteers advocate for the child’s “best interests” and ensure that his/her needs are being met throughout the time the child is in foster care, provide stability and a positive role model. Volunteers are trained to serve children in each age group. Each of these services (Infant and Toddler, N.E.S.T. and WINGS) incorporates strategies to help the children develop healthy lifestyles, provide men-
or in the past, have smoked one pack of cigarettes per day for 30 years or two packs per day for 15 years and are still smoking, or have quit smoking within the last 15 years and have no signs or symptoms of lung cancer. The low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) lung screening, which takes less than five minutes to complete, involves lying on a scanning table that moves through a doughnutshaped CT scanner. “There is no preparation for the test – it is safe, quick and
painless,” said Deidra Teoh, RN, Lung Cancer Nurse Navigator at Memorial Hermann Southwest and Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital. Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital and other Memorial Hermann facilities offer patients low-dose CT Scans for patients fitting the criteria. To learn more about lung cancer screening or for assistance in scheduling your screening, contact Deidra at 713-456-LUNG (5864) or Deidra.Teoh@MemorialHermann.org.
Diamond Dialysis – Stafford
3623 Main Street, Suite 100 Stafford, TX 77477 Phone: 832-987-1793 • Fax: 832-987-1853
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jsouthern@fortbendstar.com
Broadside of elephants hits just in time for the holidays
A
nd here … we … go! (Using my best Joker voice from “The Dark Knight”) The dumbstruck expression on his face when nothing happens isn’t unlike the one I now have staring the holidays square in the face. Not only did this season sneak up on me, it blasted me with a broadside that would sink half the Navy. That old saying that the best way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time feels kind of obsolete as I have more than one elephant on my plate. The whole herd is sitting there with a couple hippos thrown in for good measure. Not only am I full, but I’m tired of elephant and I need to go on a diet. Those darn critters just seem to keep multiplying like rabbits. November and December are traditionally busy times in the Southern household. This year it has been complicated by my wife and two oldest sons taking weekend jobs at the Texas Renaissance Festival.
FAITH, FAMILY & FUN JOE SOUTHERN EDITOR
I’m glad they’re doing it but it just parades another elephant onto my plate as the burden of more household chores falls on the shoulders of our youngest son and me. I don’t mind taking on the extra load at home, but with a full schedule some things have got to give. The same thing applies here at work. This edition of the paper was to be ready for press Saturday morning. It normally goes Tuesdays at 10 a.m. I had just a few days notification of this change due to the Thanksgiving holiday. On top of that, this is the
week we publish the Fort Bend/Katy Business Journal. Oh, did I mention we’ve recently had a change of personnel and procedures in our design department? We’ve got good people; they’re just not up to speed yet. Picking up some of that slack is just another elephant on my plate. At home, my wife just celebrated her birthday. Our youngest son’s birthday is coming up, as is my father-in-law’s birthday, my parent’s anniversary and, oh yeah, my wedding anniversary. All of that comes before Christmas. Please allow me to introduce you to more of the herd while we’re at it. My car is on its last legs (again) and need more costly repairs than it’s worth. Our washing machine is acting up, our furnace gave up the ghost and needs to be replaced and our drains for the washer and the bathtub appear to have either collapsed or silted in and need to be replaced. Those are
just the big-ticket items. Believe me when I say that each of those elephants have offspring they keep well nourished! All of this reminds me of an old saying, “When you’re up to your (backside) in alligators, it’s hard to remember that your initial objective was to drain the swamp!” Come to think of it, maybe some of those critters aren’t elephants, they’re just big, hungry gators! Another thing that has been simmering on the backburner of my mind is now boiling over. That is my self-imposed deadline to finally finish writing my book about the Texas Revolution. I’ve been working on it for three years and I made finishing it my top, No. 1 priority for the year. It’s still in the same condition it was back in January when I set the deadline. I know it’s something I can postpone, but that’s what I’ve been doing for three years and it’s killing me to keep putting it off. Despite all these elephants
(and alligators and hippos), I must still count my many blessings. My home did not flood during Hurricane Harvey and I’m not living with the mess of reconstruction. My car is still running (barely) and did not get flooded. We have extra income from the weekend jobs at the Texas Renaissance Festival. Additionally, this is has been a banner year for me. I’m living out a lifelong dream to be a sports photographer by photographing Texans, Astros and Skeeters games. I got to do some “week of” Super Bowl coverage. My in-laws took my family on a Caribbean cruise last summer (major bucket list item). Our prodigal son returned home! My daughter landed her first real job teaching English in China. My wife completed her master’s degree. I have a job that love and work with people that I like and respect. All things considered, it’s
been a very good year. So why am I feeling crushed under the weight of all those elephants? Most of my problems can be resolved by moving to a new home and buying a new car. Financially, however, the two are not combatable but appear to be necessary. I can also chip away at the birthdays, anniversaries and holidays as they approach. (One bite at a time!). I can set aside time to work on the book and at least let it simmer some more. As much as I’d like to finish it, at least making significant progress by the end of the year would reduce the boiling frustration I feel. So, here I am with five weeks left in the year facing a broadside of things to do and elephants to eat. I guess it’s time to pick up my knife and fork, stand on the precipice and look back at that swamp full of giant creatures and shout, “bring it on!” So once again, I say, “And here … we ... go!”
Send your comments to stories found in the Star to editor@fortbendstar.com Get the facts on ‘killer bees’
Dear Editor, I feel sure you’ve had a number of responses to your article on about killer bees but I feel compelled to leave a few words. I am not a professional beekeeper but I took up beekeeping about six years ago after retiring following 49 years of law enforcement. I keep bees at my son’s place near Arcola and at my farm property in Robertson County, though I live in Harris County. I doubt seriously anyone will be able to tell you that a hive is that of “killer bees.” Killer bees can only be determined by a professional with the use of a microscope. I have seen hives that were what we usually refer to as a “hot” hive and in my experience with beehives I’ve only found one that I felt might be aggressive enough to have the genetics to be labeled as “killer bees” and I suspect I caught them at a at time
when they were disturbed. I have not only raised bees in bee hives but have spent the past two years removing bees from walls of houses, under mobile homes, in sheds and mostly under eves of houses where they found broken or rotten wood allowing entry. They love to enter the space around electrical boxes where it enters the eve or the wall. They will nest in a water meter box in the ground or in a pot plant pot turned upside down an occasionally will actually build a hive on a tree limb but more often in the hollow of a tree. Most often the public sees bees in the swarm stage which is another story but they are harmless if not disturbed. I write this only because I feel your article gives rise to the fear of honeybees. Truly, bees do sting and if provoked can kill if they sting a person or an animal with enough venom. Mostly people do not know what to do when
attacked. Run and don’t stop running until you’re in a car, house or building and cover your eyes, nose and mouth. Clearly people need to give space to beehives regardless if they are hive boxes or in a hollow tree. There are a number of bee keeping clubs in Harris, Fort Bend and other counties who if when contacted will assist, sometimes for free. Most pest control companies simply kill the bees whereas the bee club members may be able to relocate even the worst of beehives, re-queen an aggressive hive and make it a productive hive again. I just think after reading your article that at some time you might write something that will give people a better prospective along with how to protect themselves, how to get help and what not to do. Thanks Jeff McMillin Houston
A second open letter to Sugar Land
Dear Sugar Land (and Levee Improvement District 2), With regard to my flooded home, I suppose that I must direct my anger at the City of Sugar Land, not LID2 (at least in theory). Why? Here’s what LID2 manager Mike Stone emailed to me: “Drainage in your neighborhood, streets, gutters, storm sewer, slab elevations etc are all the responsibility of the City, not the levee district. We have no control over the drainage in any neighborhood.” So, there it is. Those are his words exactly as he wrote them to me. I don’t doubt what he said. Regardless of the stated responsibilities of City of Sugar Land vs LID2, it is LID2 that is hosting post-flood victim meetings and briefings (myself and my neighbors are confused, but OK, I guess). A neighbor gave me a written
handout from a recent flood victims meeting (Nov. 8) which apparently blamed the duration and intensity of Harvey’s rains for creating the “unprecedented” situation that flooded our homes. Yes, we all agree that that’s the initial part of what happened to us here. It’s part of the story. But, I’m sorry, it takes far less than a Harvey event to put water at my door in my neighborhood (near Settlers Way) and the City of Sugar Land knows that well. So, let’s just forget about Harvey for this discussion. As the City of Sugar Land knows, this home flooding event very nearly happened two years before Harvey (May 26, 2015). I reported it to Sugar Land, sent them graphic photos, never heard back from them (hello, is anybody home?). Water was up to my front door (2 a.m. in the morning) just one inch short of being in my house after an intermittent one-day event. I
was freaked out. Sugar Land city engineers have told me recently that they were fully aware of that incident. It wasn’t even a hurricane or tropical storm. So, no need to mention Harvey as setting the bar for an event that can ruin our homes in this neighborhood. It could happen again next week in three or four hours (right Sugar Land?). Yes, I repeat, it takes far less than Harvey. So, I ask the City of Sugar Land, are you up to this? Will you stay up nights and fix our problem in this neighborhood? Will you forget us? Somehow I feel less than assured of hard work from a local government. Again, LID2 said they did everything right and that no one should have flooded in that levee district (isn’t that right LID2?). Signed: Not Feeling Good About This Linden Hudson Sugar Land
Congressman Olson to share legislative predictions for 2018 Staff Reports FOR FORTBEND STAR.
BAPTIST CHURCH
CHURCH OF CHRIST
CORNERSTONE BAPTIST CHURCH • 281-261-5985
SUGAR LAND CHURCH OF CHRIST • 281-561-0881
2719 Kingsbrook Lane, Missouri City, TX 77459 Preachiing & teaching from the King James Version “Faithful to His Word and His Will” Sunday School for all ages 9:15 am Sunday Worship 10:30 am & 6 pm Wednesday Prayer & Bible Study 7 pm www.cbcmissouricity.org
15590 Voss Road • Sugar Land • www.slcoc.org Sunday Worship Services: 7:00 am • 10 am • 5 pm Bible Study (all ages): Sun. 9 am & Wed. 7 pm Tuesday Seniors’ Bible Study: 10 am
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
THE FORT BEND CHURCH • 281-980-8322 1900 Eldridge Road • Sugar Land Byron C. Stevenson, Senior Pastor Wednesday Bible Studies Adult – noon • All ages – 6:30pm Sunday School: 7:30 a.m. Sunday Worship Services: 8:30 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. www.thebend.org METHODIST CHURCH
MISSOURI CITY CHURCH OF CHRIST • 281-261-8944 2019 Bright Meadows Dr. - Missouri City, TX 77489 www.mocitycoc.org Sunday morning services: 10:15 am
(includes separate youth, bible hour and nursery services)
Sunday evening services: 5:00 pm Bible Study (all ages): Sun 9:00 am & Wed 7:00 pm Tuesday Adult Bible Class: 10:30 am In the heart of Mo City - with the city at heart PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
SOUTHMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH • 281-499-2310 4200 Cartwright Road, Missouri City, 77459 Sunday School 9:00 am Fellowship & Coffee 10:00 am Worship 10:30 am www.southminpres.org
FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH, LCMS 281-242-7729
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
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
3900 Lexington Blvd., Missouri City, TX 77459 8:00 am: Chapel Worship 9:15 am: Sunday School For All Ages 10:30 am: Open Skies Worship in the Fellowship Hall 10:30 am: Sanctuary Worship For more information, please visit www.fumcmc.org
SUGAR LAND METHODIST CHURCH • 281-491-6041 431 Eldridge Road, Sugar Land, TX 77478 Worship @ 8:30, 9:45 and 11:00 am Bible Study, all ages, @ 9:45 am www.sugarlandmethodist.org
U.S. Rep. Pete Olson
sity of Texas in 1988. On the day he completed the Texas bar examination, Olson took
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3944 Bluebonnet Drive Stafford, Texas 77477 281-690-4200 • 281-690-4237 fax www.fortbendstar.com
LUTHERAN CHURCH
CHRIST CHURCH SUGAR LAND • 281-980-6888
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH • 281-499-3502
U.S. Rep. Pete Olson, RTexas, will give his legislative predictions for 2018, as well as updates on tax reform and Hurricane Harvey. The luncheon event is sponsored by Wharton County Junior College and will be held Monday, Dec. 4, at 11:30 a.m. at the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce at 445 Commerce Green Blvd., Sugar Land. Olson represents the 22nd District of Texas in the U.S. House of Representatives. He received a B.A. from Rice University in 1985 and earned his law degree from the Univer-
Scripture of the week
“Enter His gates with thanksgiving, And His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him; bless His name.”
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— Psalm 100:4
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the oath of office for service in the U.S. Navy. In 1998, Olson became a legislative aide to Texas Sen. Phil Gramm. In 2002, newly elected Texas Sen. John Cornyn appointed him as his first Chief of Staff. In 2007, Olson returned home to Texas and in 2008 was elected to the 111th Congress. The Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Governmental Relations Division continues to provide Chamber members with access to local and state government officials and to provide the business community with an opportunity for input on these issues. Details of upcoming events can be found at www.FortBendChamber.com.
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Petco Foundation gives $75,000 grant to Fort Bend County Animal Services Staff Reports FOR FORTBEND STAR.
Fort Bend County Animal Services has received a $75,000 investment from the Petco Foundation to continue its lifesaving efforts to benefit the homeless pets of Fort Bend County. “Words cannot describe how proud we all are at FBCAS to have been chosen to receive this investment from the Petco Foundation,” said Rene Vasquez, director of Fort Bend County Animal Services. “It is truly a seminal moment for our shelter and we are going to use this amazing opportunity to change the lives of many of our homeless pets in the county now and in the future.” “The Petco Foundation
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In the Board Room of the FBISD Administration Building 16431 Lexington Blvd. • Sugar Land The purpose of this meeting is to discuss Fort Bend ISD’s rating on the State’s Financial Accountability System Public Encouraged to Attend
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE TO ALL PERSONS HAVING CLAIMS AGAINST 11-22 THE ESTATE OF CRYSTAL DeLANE CANTON, DECEASED 2X2 Classified Ad CAUSE NO. 17-CPR-031006 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT FBISD- Call To Discuss OF INDEPENDENT EXECUTOR OF THE ESTATE OF CRYSTAL DeLANE CANTON, DECEASED Notice is hereby given that on November 7, 2017, Letters Testamentary upon the above estate were issued to: William Dean Canton, Independent Executor 318 Kickapoo Drive Livingston, Texas 77351 by the Honorable Judge of the County Court at Law No. 1 of Fort Bend County, Texas, in Cause No. 17-CPR-031006 pending upon the Probate Docket of said Court. All persons having claims against this Estate which is currently being administered are hereby requested to present them within the time and in the manner prescribed by law. Claims should be presented or addressed in care of said Representative as follows: Estate of Crystal DeLane Canton, Deceased, c/o William Dean Canton, Independent Executor 318 Kickapoo Drive Livingston, Texas 77351 DATED the 13th day of November, 2017. FRAZIER & FRAZIER. Kyle FrazierTBA No. 07406200. 2339 University Blvd., 4th Floor Houston, Texas 77005-2641 Telephone: 713.655.7100 Facsimile: 713.655.7150Email: kyle@frazierlawhouston.com Attorneys for William Dean Canton, Independent Executor of the Estate of Crystal DeLane Canton, Deceased 2COL X 3.5” - CYRSTAL DeLANE - 11.22.17
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• VETERINARY TECHNICIAN • Full Time, Experience Required
• PART TIME RECEPTIONIST • APPLY IN PERSON OR EMAIL RESUME TO AU4020@CAPNA.COM E.O.E.
WWW.LEXINGTONPETHOSPITAL.COM
LEGALS
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING REZONING FROM R-1 I INTERIM STANDARD SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL TO R-1 STANDARD SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (RIVERPARK RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITY)
NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING TO DISCUSS 6:00 P.M. on December 11, 2017
HELP WANTED
Registered Nurses with at least 2 years of Dialysis experience needed in the Missouri City, and Sugar Land area. Renal Dietitian with at least 2 years of Dialysis experience needed in the Missouri City, and Sugar Land Area. Flexible hours, great pay, excellent benefits. Please call 281-221-7349 for more details, or email your resume to marionwilson@sldialysis.com or fax to 281-240-0199.
Responsibilities include invoicing, interactions with clients, Key Accounts Manager and Vice President of Maintenance, and report preparation for clients. Knowledge of QuickBooks software a plus.
The State Financial Accountability Rating for Fort Bend Independent School District
HELP WANTED
CLASSIFIED ADS THAT GET RESULTS CALL US AT 281-690-4200 • FAX 281-690-4250
CLASSIFIED ADS THAT GET RESULTS CALL US DRIVERS, LP • Openings! FAXCLASS-A: 281-690-4250 All Miles Paid
Floor Sales Position
LEGALS LEGALS
A DS
D S Assistant AMedical
11-22-17 - Court Hardware Help 2” ASSISTANT * wanted FULL2xTIME
LEGALS LEGALS
Wednesday, November 22, 2017 • PAGE
Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting 6:30 p.m., December 12, 2017, City of Sugar Land City Council Chamber, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, City of Sugar Land City Council Chamber, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North to hear all persons interested in the proposed rezoning from Interim Standard Single Family Residential (R-1 I) to Permanent Standard Single Family Residential (R-1) for the Riverpark Residential areas north of Highway 59 and south of the Brazos River, and including, but not limited to residential plats known as Riverpark Section 1 thru Thirteen (approximately 425 acres). This rezoning is proposed to assign a permanent residential zoning district to the Riverpark residential area that was annexed into the City in 2009. Details of the proposed rezoning may be obtained by contacting City of Sugar Land Development Planning Office by email planning@sugarlandtx.gov or phone (281) 275-2218. The agenda item for this meeting will be placed on the City website at www.sugarlandtx.gov under “Meeting Agendas, Minutes, and Videos” Planning and Zoning Commission no later than Friday, December 8, 2017. VICINITY MAP:
ADVERTISE
HELP WANTED & JOB POSITIONS WITH THE FORT BEND STAR
281.690.4200
CLASSIFIED- 3COL X 6” CITY OF SUGARLAND - 11.22.17
NOTICE TO PROPOSERS OPERATION, MAINTENANCE, AND MANAGEMENT OF THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANTS AND RECLAIMED WATER FACILITY
The City of Sugar Land seeks proposals for furnishing all labor, material, and equipment, and performing all work required for the following project in the City: PROJECT NAME:
Operation, Maintenance, and Management of the Wastewater Treatment Plants and Reclaimed Water Facility
RFP NUMBER:
RFP 2018-03
LOCATION OF WORK:
North Wastewater Treatment Plant 16450 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land, TX 77479 South Wastewater Treatment Plant 4802 Scenic Rivers Road, Sugar Land, TX 77479 Reclaimed Water Facility 4802 Scenic Rivers Road, Sugar Land, TX 77479 Greatwood Wastewater Treatment Plant 902 Tara Boulevard, Sugar Land, TX 77479 New Territory Wastewater Treatment Plant 4050 U.S. Highway 90A, Sugar Land, TX 77479
Bidding documents may be obtained by registering at Public Purchase www.publicpurchase.com. Sealed proposals, one (1) original, six (6) copies, and one (1) electronic copy (in PDF format) on CD or flash drive shall be delivered to the City of Sugar Land, City Secretary’s Office, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Suite 122, Sugar Land, Texas, 77479, on or before 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 18, 2018 at which time the names of the firms submitting sealed proposals will be read. Sealed proposals received after the opening date and time will not be considered. A mandatory pre-proposal meeting for all interested parties will be held at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, December 19, 2017, Cane Room, City Hall, Town Center Boulevard North, Sugar Land, Texas 77479. A site tour of all five facilities will be conducted immediately following the pre-proposal meeting. Questions regarding this proposal must be received on or before 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 21, 2017 by submitting the questions online to Public Purchase www.publicpurchase.com. The City will award and give notice within one hundred eighty (180) calendar days after the opening date and time.
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has the all local professional you are looking for Call to place your ad 281.690.4200
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7
THE STAR THE STAR
PAGE 8A 8 • Wednesday, November 22, 2017 PAGE H Wednesday, November 8, 2017
F ORT B END
H OME S HOWCASE SOLD IN 10 DAYS
8 OFFERS
4 OFFERS IN 7 DAYS
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New Territory/Chapel Bend - Designer touches throughout this gorgeous home! Upgrades incl: tile flring in all baths/kit/ breakfast & gleaming hardwood flring in the rest. Kit. & baths w/high-end granite. SS GE Appls. Vaulted ceilings in Main LR w/wall of windows overlooking 20’X10’ covered slate patio w/outdoor Kit. No backyard neighbors-backs to a greenbelt. $268,000 Call Virginia Mack 281-207-5200 (VM4414IP)
SUGARWOOD – Gorgeous Custom Home with $130k in Upgrades/Updates Incl.-Custom Kit. Cabinets w/soft closing drawers & slideout shelves, High end Granite counter tops, SS dual fuel range/ double oven, Built-in SS JennAir counter depth Ref., Wine ref., tumble tile splshbk., 5’’Hardwood flring, brush marble & flagstone flring downstairs. Pool/Spa w/ prt.cv.patio. $399,900 Call Virginia Mack 281-207-5200 (VM1714RP)
SWEETWATER TOWNHOMES TOWNHOMES –– Lovely Lovely 2-story 2-story SWEETWATER Townhome Backs Backs to to Greenbelt Greenbelt && Lake Lake w/ w/ Townhome Fountains in in Gated Gated Community! Community! Open Open Concept Concept Fountains Kit. to to Liv. Liv. Rm Rm w/Vaulted w/Vaulted Ceilings Ceilings && gas gas FP. FP. Kit. Features: Plantation Plantation Shutters, Shutters, 2’’ 2’’ Blinds, Blinds, Features: Laminate ‘’wood ‘’wood style’’ style’’ Flooring, Flooring, New New 18’’ 18’’ Tile Tile Laminate Flring in in Kit./entry Kit./entry (5/17), (5/17), French French Doors Doors off off Flring Master && Liv.Rm. Liv.Rm. All All bedrms bedrms w/Waterview. w/Waterview. Kit. Kit. Master w/lots of of counter/cabinet counter/cabinet space space && gas gas range. range. w/lots Master Bedrm Bedrm down. down. Lots Lots of of storage storage space. space. Master Bkyd w/cov. w/cov. Patio Patio && Wrought Wrought Iron Iron Fence Fence w/ w/ Bkyd Gate to to Greenbelt. Greenbelt. Roof(‘16). Roof(‘16). Original Original Owner! Owner! Gate $310,000 Call Call Virginia Virginia Mack Mack 281-207-5200 281-207-5200 $310,000 (VM4202GW) (VM4202GW)
5 OFFERS IN 3 DAYS
7 OFFERS
3 OFFERS IN 5 DAYS
D SOL
D SOL
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AUSTIN MEADOWS – Fantastic Upgraded Rare 1-story 4/2.5/2 home w/detached garage. Sitting area off master could be study w/bay window overlooking landscaped backyd & door to backyd. Pergola sytle covered Saltillo tiled patio. Wooded lot w/ No backyard neighbors! All tile & hardwood flooring. Upgraded KIT w/granite counters & SS. appls. $365,000 Call Virginia Mack 281-207-5200 (VM3310ST)
RAGUS LAKE ESTATES - Darling 1 story, 3/2/2-Att. with Laminate ‘’wood like’’ flooring thru-out except tile in the bathrooms. Lg. 20 x 15 Liv. Rm. w/Raised Ceiling & a nice accent Corner Fireplace. Open Kit. Concept. French mill bead board accent in brkfast. Lg. fenced back yard, great for outdoor entertaining. Energy Efficient features: Radiant Barrier, Added Insulation, Solar Screens on back windows & storm doors. $170,000 Call Virginia Mack 281-207-5200 (VM14111VH)
Bridgewater/Commonwealth – Gorgeous all brick 1-story Perry Home on huge wooded cul-de-sac lot w/3 car det. garage. Fresh paint/new carpet (5/16). Granite countertops in kitchen & island. New roof 12/15. A must see! $415,000 Call Virginia Mack 281-207-5200.(4911GHC)
NEW LISTING
Full Price in 1 Day
D SOL
See us online www.FortBendStar.com See us online www.FortBendStar.com
F ORT B END
A Northington / East Bernard area – Enjoy Country Living at it’s Best! Lovely 1-Story Stone & Brick Hm on 2 Acres. Home completed 7/17-Never Lived In! Tons of ‘’WOW’’ Factors Include: Custom Wood Accents, Bead-board Ceilings, 9’’ Baseboards, Energy Efficient Double Paned Windows, Travertine w/granite accents & ‘’wood like’’ tile slat Flooring, Granite counters, Wood Beam Accents,
COMMONWEALTH/BRIDGEWATER, Highly sought after 1-Story Home. Updates: New Carpet(10/17), New Int./Ext. Paint(2017), Master Bath Remodel(9/17), New Roof(9/17)! Added Features: Kit. w/Granite Countertops w/bullnose edging & Travertine Tumbled Stone Bk. Splash. Antiqued Painted Wood Cabinets & Center Island. Rich Hardwood 5’’ slates, Marble & Tile Flooring, Windows w/2’’ Blinds, Custom Built-In Shelving in Fam. Room w/Gas Log Fireplace. Desired Location w/Highest test scored Elem, MS & Clements High. Low taxes. No flooding. $399,900 Call Virginia Mack 281-207-5200 (VM4930HW)
4 OFFERS
SOLD IN 4 DAYS
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Shadow Glen At Riverstone – Over $50,000 in upgrades-Gorgeous Perry 1-story w/Brick & Stone accented ext. & lushly landscaped corner lot w/ stately pecan tree & several oaks. High Ceilings w/crown molding, 2’’ blinds, lg. tile flring or 5’’ slated hand-scraped dark engineered hardwood flooring through-out. Lg. Covered patio. Sprkl. sys. 3-car gar. $385,000 call Virginia Mack 281-207-5200 (6011SLL)
OXFORD/COMMONWEALTH – Fabulous Sought After All Brick 1-Story Home (Past Perry Model) - Shows Pride of Ownership! Open Concept Flrplan. Kit. w/Huge Island, Granite Counter Tops. Laminate ‘’wood like’’ Flooring. 4th Bedrm/2nd Study is open to main liv. area. Updated HVAC-2006, Water Heater 2009 & Solar Screens. Formal Liv./Library w/wall of built-in cabinets, desk & shelving. All Bedrms w/Lg. Walk-in Closets. Oversized Utility rm w/ room for extra refrig. Lush Landscaping & backyard Water Fountain stays. $375,000 Call Virginia Mack 281-207-5200 (VM4411KB)
H OME S HOWCASE The Virginia Mack Team
ABR, CBR, CRS, GRI, HALL of Fame, PLATINUM CLUB
(281) 207-5200
RE/MAX Southwest • (281) 491-1776 X5200
www.ftbendhomes.com
www.virginiamack.com e-mail:virginiamack@ftbendhomes.com Each office office Independently Independently Owned Owned & & Operated Operated Each
Astros
REDUCTION WHEN YOU Happy T hanksgiving! PRICE REDUCTION PRICE NEED TO Thanksgiving is a time CRS, Realtor Luxury Luxury Property to be greatful– KNOW WE Property Specialist to think about and Specialist HAVE THE sendCongratulations thanks to all the to the World ANSWERS! special people who RIVERSTONE -Astros Custom stucco & stone Darling built home RIVERSTONE - Custom stucco & stone Darling built home Champion Houston on quiet cul-de-sac. Open light & bright energy located on quiet cul-de-sac. Open light & bright energy have touched my life. located efficient 3 bedroom + study. Spacious chef’s island kitchen, efficient 3 bedroom + study. Spacious chef’s island kitchen, Selling Ft. Bend’s SS appliances + built in fridge. Hardwood floors. Executive SS appliances + built in fridge. Hardwood floors. Executive for a job well done! finest homes since 1985. master bedroom suite has sitting area + stunning master God Bless! - Arlene master bedroom suite has sitting area + stunning master bath. 2nd floor media/gameroom + 1/2 bath. Nature views bath. 2nd floor media/gameroom + 1/2 bath. Nature views from sun room & covered patio. No rear yard neighbors! from sun room & covered patio. No rear yard neighbors! FORT BEND/HOUSTON STRONG 281.414.8400 $590,000 Call Arlene Rolsen 281-414-8400 (3826SU) $590,000 Call Arlene Rolsen 281-414-8400 (3826SU) ARLENE ROLSEN
SUSAN SUSAN LERNER LERNER
GO
281-413-9732 AnitA Milne 281-413-9732
NEWCONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION UNDER CONTRACT NEW SOLD- 6 DAYS
Broker Broker Associate Associate
RIVERSIDE/CALLOWAY RIVERSIDE/CALLOWAY PARKPARK-3-story - 3-story LAKE - Well cared 1 story. LAKEOLYMPIA OLYMPIA- Well cared for,for, 1 story. WoodTownhome MedCenter, Center,UofH, U of H, TSU, Wood-laminate in living area just installed. townhome nearnear Med TSU, laminate in living area just installed. Open Museum District, Downtown. Beautiful Museum District, Downtown. Beautiful up-up- Open floor plan, high ceilings. Refrigerator, floor plan, high ceilings. Refrigerator, washgrades throughout. appliances included. washer, dryer included. 3/2/2 $189,000. grades throughout. All All appliances included. er, dryer included. 3/2/2 $189,000 Call Located nexttotopark. park. 3/2.5/2 $359,500 next $359,500.Call Call Susan Lerner (281)437-5044 LernerRealtySolutions.com Located LernerRealtySolutions.com Susan Lerner (281)437-5044 (2923PWL) CallSusan SusanLerner Lerner(281)437-5044 (281)437-5044(3347KS) (3347KI) (2923PW)
281-437-5044 281-437-5044
BEARD REALTY REALTY GROUP GROUP BEARD
MEADOWSPLACE PLACE MEADOWS
MEADOWSPLACE PLACE MEADOWS
SOLD SOLD
SOLD SOLD
SOLD QUAIL VALLEY NORTH LAKE OLYMPIA
A Blessed & Happy Thanksgiving to You!
SIENNA PLANTATION
Cul-de-sac with park across the street, this 4 Huge 3/3/2 with study on the creek Lease 4 bedrooms, ½ baths, bedroom, 2 ½– bath home has a2 great floor in Hickory Hollow. Beautiful trees, plan with formals plus den with fireplace. unique floor plan, close to schools, cul-de-sac lot with landscaping ABR, CDPE, CRS, GRI Masterservices on the back with double closets. Big over 3000 sf per tax rolls. Fantastic included. Big living room laundry withcovered half bath, nicelykitchen landscaped down, patio, open island kitchen great for big parties! back yard retreat. Windows across the back of Flagstone patios, covered patio front to &the breakfast. dining, & back, huge master & bath, lovely, denliving to bring outside in.Formal Nice kitchen RE/MAX Fine Properties the gameroom up. $1950/mo.(4639SC) 281-265-5533 • •Each 281-265-5533 EachOffice Office & breakfast. Close to elementary, shopping, restful views. Atrium. $289,900 (10018LH) Independently Owned Independently Owned && Operated Operated easy access. $174,900. (3327 MC)
BECKY FAUST 713-828-9007 MEADOWDALE MEADOWDALE 3/2/2••$189,900 $189,900 3/2/2 ROOF 1 YR, FOUNDATION REPAIRED W/ TRANSFERABLE
SCOTTSDALE SCOTTSDALE 3/2/2 $179,000 3/2/2 ••$179,000 OPEN FLOOR PLAN, RECENT DISHWASHER/AC/WATER
ROOF 1 YR, FOUNDATION REPAIRED W/ TRANSFERABLE WARRANTY. A/C 4/5 YRS.OPEN PLAN. WARRANTY. A/C 4/5 YRS.OPEN PLAN.
OPEN FLOOR PLAN, RECENT DISHWASHER/AC/WATER HEATER. NICE PATIO & PRETTY FRONT YARD! HEATER. NICE PATIO & PRETTY FRONT YARD!
MEADOWSPLACE PLACE MEADOWS
BRAYSVILLAGE VILLAGE BRAYS
SOLD SOLD
SOLD SOLD
DORRANCE DORRANCE 3/3/2 $159,900 3/3/2 ••$159,900 OPEN DEN/KIT – UPGRADED REFRIGERATOR,
OPEN DEN/KIT – UPGRADED REFRIGERATOR, JENNAIR AIR66COOKTOP, COOKTOP,22OVENS. OVENS.NEW NEWA/C A/CININ2014! 2014! JENN
MEADOWSPLACE PLACE 11-22-17 COLDWELL BANKER MEADOWS
SOLD SOLD
WILLOWBEACH BEACH WILLOW 3/2/2••$159,900 $159,900 3/2/2 LIGHT & OPEN FLOORPLAN! TILE IN ENTRY/DEN/KIT/
LIGHT & OPEN FLOORPLAN! TILE IN ENTRY/DEN/KIT/ DINRM. RM.WOOD WOODLAMINATE LAMINATEININBDRMS. BDRMS.22YEAR YEARHI-E HI-EAC! AC! DIN
MEADOWDALE MEADOWDALE 4/2/2••$232,900 $232,900 4/2/2 MANY UPDATES! NEW ROOF, UPDATED MASTER BATH,
MANY UPDATES! NEW ROOF, UPDATED MASTER BATH, SPARKLINGPOOL, POOL,GREAT GREATCUL-DE-SAC CUL-DE-SACSTREET! STREET! SPARKLING
cell: 713-898-3938 713-898-3938 cell: office: 281-980-5050 office: 281-980-5050 montgomb@garygreene.com
montgomb@garygreene.com
barbarajmontgomery.com barbarajmontgomery.com
NEW LISTING LISTING NEW
11-22-17 - BECKY FAUST QUAIL VALLEY VALLEY QUAIL
BARBARA BARBARA MONTGOMERY MONTGOMERY
SILVER LAKE
4 bedrooms, 3 ½ baths, portecochere, Newmark home with double staircase, fireplace in master, fantastic master bath. Over 3800 sf per tax rolls, ready to sell. Island kitchen, bulter’s pantry plus deep kitchen pantry, big laundry, gameroom up. Easy to show. $403,500. (2930TC)
Lovely 2 story home in the heart of Lovely 2 story home in the heart of Quail Valley. Close to the golf course Quail Valley. Close to the golf course & Quail Valley Civic Center. Large & Quail Valley Civic Center. Large corner lot, updated kitchen and corner lot, updated kitchen and master bath with granite -- slate % master bath with granite -- slate % wood laminate floors. Wet bar with wood laminate floors. Wet bar with granite for entertaining!! Carpet in granite for entertaining!! Carpet in bedrooms. Master bedroom down, bedrooms. Master bedroom down, high ceilings, study, 3 bedrooms high ceilings, study, 3 bedrooms and game room up. Recent roof!! and game room up. Recent roof!! Don’t miss it! $279,900 miss it!MONTGOMERY $279,900 CALLDon’t BARBARA CALL BARBARA MONTGOMERY
713-898-3938 713-898-3938 BM3046BB BM3046BB
SIENNA STEEP STEEP BANK SIENNA VILLAGE BANK VILLAGE
DEL WEBB WEBB DEL
CRESCENT LAKES LAKES CRESCENT
CALL BARBARA MONTGOMERY CALL BARBARA MONTGOMERY
Gorgeous ‘’Martin Ray’’ plan. Study Gorgeous Ray’’ plan. Study could be ‘’Martin 3rd bedroom. Enclosed could 3rd bedroom. stairs be to attic in garage.Enclosed Epoxied stairs attic inUpgraded garage. Epoxied garageto floors. master garage UpgradedUpgraded master bath & floors. huge kitchen. bath & huge kitchen. fans, cabinets, plantationUpgraded shutters, fans, cabinets, plantation granite, built-ins, high shutters, ceilings, granite, high ceilings, sprinkler built-ins, system, elevated dishsprinkler system, elevated washer. Screened in porch!dishThis washer. Screened porch!DecoThis house shows like ainmodel! house shows like a model! Decorated beautifully!! Open--lite-rated beautifully!! Open--lite-airy!! DID NOT FLOOD!!! $339,900 airy!! NOT FLOOD!!! $339,900 CALLDID BARBARA MONTGOMERY CALL BARBARA MONTGOMERY
Terrific Newmark home in great Terrific home ofin Sugar great locationNewmark in the heart location in the schools, heart ofclose Sugar Land, Exemplary to Land, Exemplary schools, close to shopping, schools, and freeway. shopping, schools, and freeway. Island kitchen open to family area, Island kitchen open toformal familydining area, abundant cabinets, abundant formalbackyard dining and living.cabinets, Large private and backyard withliving. gardenLarge bedsprivate and fruit trees, with garden beds and fruit trees, no neighbors and room for a pool no and room forupstairs a pool andneighbors play equipment. Study and StudyDID upstairs couldplaybeequipment. 5th bedroom. NOT could be Priced 5th bedroom. DID NOT FLOOD!!! to sell! $399,950 FLOOD!!! Priced to sell! $325,000 Call Barbara Montgomery Call Barbara Montgomery
BM11006SA
BM3942MO BM3942MO
BM4319GW BM4319GW
Absolutely charming 1-story Absolutely charming 1-story with pool! High ceilings, with pool! High ceilings, grangranite, wood floors, breakfast ite, wood floors, breakfast bar. bar. Open floorplan with a large Open floorplan with a large kitchen. Great for entertaining. kitchen. Great for entertainFlex room between 2 ing. Flex room between 2 bedrooms. Lovely landscaping. bedrooms. Lovely landscaping. Shows like a model home and Shows like a model home and priced to sell! $279,500 priced to sell! $284,500
713-898-3938 713-898-3938 BM11006SA
713-898-3938 713-898-3938
713-898-3938 713-898-3938
MOVE FOR
FREE
281-201-5737 281-201-5737
3424FM FM1092 1092••SUITE SUITE250 250 3424 MISSOURI CITY, TX 77459 MISSOURI CITY, TX 77459
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[ ] $52 Enclosed check or money order [ ] $___________________ or more [ ] Charge my credit card FOR [visa] [MC] [AMX] [DSC] # _____________________________________________
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[ ] $52 Enclosed check or money order [ ] $___________________ or more [ ] Charge my credit card [visa] [MC] [AMX] [DSC] #______________________________________________ Exp Date: _________________ Phone #____________________________ TELLDaytime YOUR AGENT YOU WANT TO
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SOLD__________________________________________________________________ Address: SELL YOUR HOUSE IN THE STAR City: _____________________________________________________________________ State ___________________________________ Zip: ______________________________ FOR RATES! PLEASE CALL 281-690-4200
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Call (713) 686-4936 www.ItJustBroke.com
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THE STAR
See us online www.FortBendStar.com
Wednesday, November 22, 2017 • PAGE
Hope For Three recognizes group’s community partners Staff Reports FOR FORTBEND STAR.
Hope For Three Autism Advocates, a local nonprofit, addresses the urgent need to provide resources and support, including financial assistance, to children with an autism spectrum disorder. On Nov. 2, the organization held a reception to recognize community partners supporting the organization since inception. Because of the generosity and kindness of so many, the advocates have raised a tremendous amount of awareness and funds for local families living with autism. However, the need is still great as the numbers continue to rise. Today, autism is the leading de-
velopmental disability in the United States, affecting one in 45 school-age children with over 3,000 children attending Fort Bend County public schools. “We are grateful community partners recognize the importance of our cause and mission,” stated Darla Farmer, executive director. Hope For Three is the only nonprofit in the county to focus exclusively on autism spectrum disorder and, the only nonprofit to provide financial assistance, so families have access to crucial therapies and treatments their children might otherwise go without. For more information on Hope For Three programs, resources, volunteer and giving opportunities, visit www.hopeforthree.org or call: 281-245-0640.
9
NANCY BENEVIDES Realtor®/Owner
713-203-9975 nancy@benevidesandassociates.com Voted Sugar Land’s Best Realtor 2015 58+ Million SOLD in 2015 Benevides and Associates
FORT BEND STAR
FOOT & ANKLE
SPECIALIST Pediatric - Teens - Adults DR. GEORGE BAKATSAS BOARD CERTIFIED, ABPS
Shock Wave Treatment for Heel/Arch Pain • Bunion Correction • Hammertoes Correction • Arthritis/Joint Pain • Flat Feet • Ankle/Foot Sprains • Fractures NEW
(Submitted photo)
Hope For Three Executive Director Darla Farmer honors (from the left) County Judge Robert Hebert, Jim McClellan, Fred and Mabel R. Parks Foundation and Jay Miller, president, Sugar Land Skeeters, with partner appreciation awards for their longterm support.
First-ever countywide Jigsaw Puzzle Competition
15200 S.W. Fwy, Suite 375 Sugar Lakes @ 59 South
• Achilles Tendonitis • In-office X-Rays • Sports Injuries LASER for Toenail Fungus • Ingrown Toenails • Warts/Skin Lesions • Custom Orthotics • Diabetic Footcare/Neuropathy
281-265-3338
www.LoneStarFootAnkle.com
Staff Reports
BASHANS PAINTING & HOME REPAIR
FOR FORTBEND STAR.
(Submitted photo)
Staff and students from LearningRX Sugar Land plan to compete in the First-ever countywide Jigsaw Puzzle Competition until all the pieces fit.
increase efficiency and capacity. The 500-piece puzzle will be kept a secret until the moment teams tear in. Teams of four will fill tables at Skeeters Insper-
ity Club and the event will begin with a 9:30 a.m. registration, and the timed competition will take place from 10 a.m. to noon. Volunteer, sponsorship and
underwriting opportunities also available. To register a team or individual play, visit: www.hopeforthree.org/events/jigsaw or call 281-245-0640
• Interior Exterior Painting • Hardi Plank Installation • Wood Replacement • Sheet-Rock Repair • Interior Carpentry • Cabinet Painting • Wallpaper Removal and Texturizing • Pressure Washing • Fence Repair/Replacement
• Garage Floor Epoxy • Custom Staining • Roofing • Gutter Repair / Replacement • Faux Painting • Window Insulation • Rolled or Blown Insulation • Make Ready to Sell • Trash Removal-Clean Up
281.347.6702 281.731.3383 - Cell
bashanspainting@earthlink.net
References Available
Commercial / Residential
20 Years Experience
Hope For Three Autism Advocates will put the pieces together for Fort Bend autism families on Jan. 20 at Constellation Field in Sugar Land. The first-ever, countywide Jigsaw Puzzle Competition is generously presented by LearningRX Sugar Land, a one-on-one brain-training center. “Puzzling is a wonderful way to raise autism awareness in the community, said Syndee Howgate, center director of LearningRX Sugar Land. “Most know the puzzle piece is the international symbol for autism, and like individuals with autism, each puzzle piece is unique.” Jigsaw puzzles are something people can do by themselves or with friends and family. While working on a jigsaw puzzle, studies indicate there exists continuous activity throughout the brain involving all cell parts of the brain. The fun intense activity works to help exercise the brain cells and thereby activate and
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THE STAR
PAGE 10 • Wednesday, November 22, 2017
See us online www.FortBendStar.com
Matthews selected to play in U.S. Army All American Bowl By Bill McCaughey FOR THE FORT BEND STAR
Luke Matthews, a senior offensive lineman from Elkins High School, has been selected to play in the 2018 U.S. Army All American Bowl in San Antonio on Jan. 6. Over 400 players were nominated, and 100 were selected to play in the game. “This is a great honor. Two of my brothers have played in this game, and I have always wanted to follow in their footsteps,” Matthews said. “They notified me just before our season started that I had been selected to play in this year’s game. It was an awesome feeling.” Matthews is the youngest of five boys, and second youngest of the Matthews’ seven children. Luke’s oldest brother Steven didn’t play college football, but Kevin went to A&M and played for five years in the NFL, Jake was a first-round draft pick out of Texas A&M for the Atlanta Falcons, and Mike signed as a free agent out of A&M with the Cleveland Browns and is currently on the Pittsburgh Steelers roster. Elkins head coach Dennis Brantley coached Jake, Mike and
Luke. “Luke is right there even with his brothers as far as ability. Jake is probably a little better because of his skill level. Jake had it all. Mikey, he was just mean. I see a great career for Luke. I see him as a guard because he so wide and he has quick feet. In my opinion, guard will be his ideal position,” Brantley said. “Footwork is vital for an offensive lineman. If you don’t have the footwork to get your body in place to make a block, you will have problems. Luke has the footwork. He was born with good footwork, but he has really worked hard to improve it.” Luke played little league baseball and some other sports when he was younger, but he chose to play football. “He has grown up around football his whole life, and he has had hard work and what it takes modeled for him his whole life. He is excited to take on a ship and blaze his own trail,” Bruce Matthews, Luke’s father, said. “He has always loved football. Honestly, if he had decided to play another sport, I think his brothers would have beat him up. “ Bruce is quoted on his NFL Hall of Fame web page as say-
(Photo by Bill McCaughey)
Luke Matthews, his mother Carrie Matthews, his father Bruce Matthews, and Elkins head coach Dennis Brantley celebrate Luke’s selection to play in the U.S. Army All American Bowl.
ing fear was the thing that drove him. He didn’t want to be the lineman that got beat or made a mistake. Luke agrees with that
motivation. “I think that’s one of the biggest drives for an athlete. The fear that you are going to mess
up, or do something wrong. You want to be the best athlete on the field. You never want to get beat. You always want to be the one
winning out there. You want to give your hardest and your all.” Carrie Matthews, Luke’s mother, remembers that Luke grew taller than her in grade school. “Fortunately, Luke was a good kid, because I couldn’t point my finger down at him and say stop doing that,” Carrie said. “All of the older kids complain that Luke gets special preference since he is the youngest boy. There is some truth to the thought that the younger ones get away with things because you are just too tired to deal with it.” Raising five football players in her house did have some drawbacks. “There was a lot of furniture damage in my house over the years. My house is still a wreck. I am hoping maybe some day to redecorate but the problem is we are starting in with grandbabies now. There might not be any hope for my house, but that’s OK,” Carrie said. Luke will attend Texas A&M University in the fall. “I’ll see how preseason practice goes. The coaches have said I can compete for a starting spot or take a red-shirt season,” Luke said. “We will see what happens.”
Stafford seniors sign with their respective colleges By Stafford MSD Communications Stafford High senior Talya Monroe signed with Texas Southern University where she’ll compete on the volleyball team, and senior Kenneth “KJ” Bodwin signed with Texas A&M-Kingsville where he’ll compete in track and field. Monroe signed with Division I TSU, becoming the fourth SHS volleyball player in three years to sign with an NCAA Division I volleyball program. Monroe completed a stellar four-year varsity career at Stafford with a senior season that included 168 kills (a .321 kill percentage) and 62 blocks. She also finished with 89 digs and 245 serve receives. Bodwin signed with A&MKingsville, an NCAA Division II school in South Texas. A fouryear varsity track athlete for the Spartans, Bodwin qualified for the state track and field meet in the 300 high hurdles (he was the regional champion/district champion), the long jump (district champion) and as a member of the 4x400-meter relay team. He narrowly missed qualifying for state in the high jump (he was the district champion) and triple jump.
(Submitted photo)
Fort Bend Christian Academy senior Kati Ray Brown (seated left) signed her national letter of intent to play softball for the University of Houston and senior Tessa Cantrell (seated right) signed her national letter of intent to play softball for the Washington University Bears, located in St. Louis.
FBCA athletes sign letters of intent
(Submitted photo)
Stafford High School seniors Kenneth “KJ” Bodwin (seated left) and Talya Monroe (seated right) have signed letters of intent to play collegiate sports. Bodwin will compete in track and field at Texas A&M-Kingsville and Monroe will play volleyball at Texas Southern University.
FORT BEND INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT STATEMENT OF REVENUES, EXPENDITURES, AND CHANGES IN FUND BALANCES GOVERNMENTAL FUNDS FOR THE YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2017 Data Control Codes 5700 5800 5900 5020
Revenues Local, intermediate, and out-of-state State program revenues Federal program revenues Total revenues
General Fund
Debt Service Funds
$ 363,641,297 224,045,425 9,226,988 596,913,710
$ 103,870,364 1,875,418 105,745,782
Total Governmental Funds
125,228 2,217,036 2,342,264
$ 15,047,442 7,650,187 38,300,323 60,997,952
$ 482,684,331 233,571,030 49,744,347 765,999,708
351,605,814 7,353,704 10,597,964 12,174,420 39,656,488 28,190,325 1,531,051 7,388,922 21,615,297 12,490,059 15,716,062 60,249,514 7,538,739 14,914,481 686,178
-
408,129 12,008 138,207 6,371,560 31,692 959,656 71,782 40,805,916 2,213,015 9,502,816 -
22,910,004 222,103 2,188,093 1,061,384 443,345 2,270,522 228,005 1,249,214 1,417,461 25,942,933 1,570,904 463,884 61,204 1,077,379
374,923,947 7,587,815 12,786,057 13,374,011 40,099,833 30,460,847 1,759,056 8,638,136 29,404,318 25,974,625 15,020,619 15,787,844 101,519,314 9,812,958 24,417,297 1,763,557
-
50,698,393 41,272,170 741,812
721,603
-
50,698,393 41,272,170 1,463,415
-
-
146,735,447
-
146,735,447
454,000 2,845,274 595,008,292
92,712,375
207,971,831
320,900 61,427,335
774,900 2,845,274 957,119,833
$
0093 0099 6030
Expenditures Current: Instruction Instructional resources and media services Curriculum and instructional staff development Instructional leadership School leadership Guidance, counseling, & evaluation services Social work services Health services Student transportation Food services Extracurricular activities General administration Facilities maintenance and operations Security and monitoring services Data processing services Community services Debt Service: Principal on long-term debt Interest on long-term debt Bond issuance costs and fees Capital Outlay: Facilities acquisition and construction Intergovernmental: Payments related to shared services arrangement Payments to tax appraisal district Total Expenditures
1100
Excess (deficiency) of revenues over expenditures
1,905,418
13,033,407
(205,629,567)
7911 7911 7912 7915 7916 8911 8949 7080
Other Financing Sources (Uses) Refunding bonds issued Issuance of capital related debt Sale of real or personal property Transfers in Premium or discount on issuance of bonds Transfers out Payment to bond refunding escrow agent Total other financing sources and uses
119,375 1,500,000 (732,817) 886,558
33,155,000 (7,000,000) (33,155,000) (7,000,000)
84,330,000 7,732,817 8,414,910 100,477,727
2,791,976
6,033,407
(105,151,840)
182,463,050 $ 185,255,026
59,006,621 65,040,028
33,669,372 $ (71,482,468)
0011 0012 0013 0021 0023 0031 0032 0033 0034 0035 0036 0041 0051 0052 0053 0061 0071 0072 0073 0081
1200 0100 3000
Net change in fund balances Fund Balances - Beginning Fund Balances - Ending
$
(429,383) (429,383) $
cess. Tessa has excelled in the pitching circle and will definitely make an immediate impact at WashU.” Kati Ray Brown signed her national letter of intent to play softball for the University of Houston Cougars in the American Athletic Conference. “Kati Ray has bled Cougar red since she was little,” Carroll said. “She commands the field from behind the plate and scares pitchers when she is at bat. Kati Ray has a great chance of going into UH and earning a starting position. She has the whole package: champion, strong, smart and an amazing leader.”
Weekend sports online
Non-major Governmental Funds
Capital Projects
Two Fort Bend Christian Academy seniors signed letters of intent to play softball at the collegiate level. Tessa Cantrell signed her national letter of intent to play softball for the Washington University Bears, located in St. Louis. Washington University is a member of the University Athletic Association. “By committing to WashU, Tessa shows that academic options coming out of FBCA are limitless,” Coach Kelly Carroll said. “She is extremely smart on the field and in the classroom, and her intelligence plays a large role in her pitching suc-
8,798,820 8,369,437
(191,120,125) 33,155,000 84,330,000 119,375 9,232,817 8,414,910 (7,732,817) (33,155,000) 94,364,285 (96,755,840) 283,937,863 $ 187,182,023
Editor’s note: Due to early deadline for the Thanksgiving holiday the Fort Bend Star went to press before weekend sporting events were played. Visit www.fortbendstar.com on Monday for weekend sports coverage. We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.
H KNIGHTS, FROM PG 1 is usually the joust to the death,” Shelton said. The weekend of Nov. 11-12 featured a new theme for the Texas Renaissance Festival and to play along with the Heroes and Villains concept, they adapted their performance to incorporate Medieval-looking superheroes and bad guys. “I am Sir Clark of Kent, Super Knight, Man of Steel,” Shelton said. “I am Sir Phillip, the Duke of Lorrain, France, but today I am playing Doctor Doom,” said Jarrod Listiak of Globe-Miami, Ariz. “When I am at TRF Renaissance Festival I normally play Phillip. I have been Phillip, this will be my sixth year, but not in a row. The last time I was here was in 2009, 2007, 6, 5, and 2004, I believe.” Shelton said they have a basic storyline they follow but do alter it from time to time. “This weekend is Heroes and Villains, so we did change it up a bit for that and we change it up a bit for some of the themes but not every single one of them. We have pretty much a formula that we stick to and that we have found out works for us for over 40 years,” he said. Listiak said he enjoys being a
part of the group. “I do this because I like the physicality of it, the choreography, how hard it is being in a group with everyone else working together and flowing together for the show part,” he said.” I think I do it to be a part of something greater than myself. Jerrod, everyday he’s an alright guy but he doesn’t touch too many people, but here I can touch thousands of people and hopefully inspire them to chase their dreams and do what they feel they’d like to do when they grow up, or if they’re grown to do what they really want to do with their life.” What people see in the arena is just a small portion of what goes into putting on the show. “It does take a lot of rehearsal,” Shelton said. “We work Wednesday through Sunday. We take off Mondays and Tuesdays but we work the horses, we break a lot of things, we scratch up a lot of things so we have to paint things and fix things, and train new horses, and even on Monday and Tuesday we still have to feed the horses.” On top of that, they’re salesmen as well. “We do a lot of supplementary things for our show, like sell the pennants and we sign them after the joust and we do the warhorse rides as well,” Shelton said.
THE STAR
See us online www.FortBendStar.com
Wednesday, November 22, 2017 • PAGE
11
FBISD trustee participates in year-long leadership program Staff Reports FOR FORTBEND STAR.
Sienna Plantation marked the oFort Bend ISD Trustee Grayle James joined 30 other Texas school board members
at the kickoff session of the Leadership TASB Class of 2018, Oct. 5-7. Selected by the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB), the group is participating in a yearlong education leadership study program.
These trustees represent school districts of all sizes, with student populations of 184 to 83,270, and reflect a similar range of property wealth. Participants who complete all required elements of the
study will graduate next year by earning Master Trustee status. This is the highest designation recognized by TASB. Meeting in conjunction with the Texas Association of School Administrators/TASB convention in Dallas, the trust-
ees had an opportunity to hear featured speaker Peter DeLisle. A recognized authority on leadership training, DeLisle focused on characteristics of effective leadership and team building. The second featured speaker was Debra Fine, a na-
tionally known motivational speaker and author of The Fine Art of Small Talk. Board members also received training at convention sessions and attended the TASB Delegate Assembly, the association’s annual business meeting.
28 1 25 4 7 27 206 9Community 14 10 Calendar of Events 3 11 8 22 2 16 1021 7 3 FORT BEND
Fort Bend Community Calendar are 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. SUNDAY, NOV. 19 PECAN HARVEST FESTIVAL
Visit Historic Downtown Richmond and enjoy a day of fun activities. Vendors, farmers market, beer and wine garden, baking contest, classic car show and more, Noon to 8 p.m. For more information, visit pecan-harvest-festival-tx.com.
MENDED HEARTS MEETING
Chapter 362 meets at 5:30 p.m. at the Bradshaw Fitness Center, 7731 Southwest Freeway, on the second floor. Sanjay Manian, MD, will be the featured speaker. Free and open to the public. For information, call 713-456-5511.
MONDAY, NOV. 20 ALL FAITHS THANKSGIVING
This interfaith Thanksgiving service brings together people from diverse faith groups and backgrounds to celebrate our shared values of hope, love, and gratitude. 7-8 p.m. St. Laurence Catholic Church, 3100 Sweetwater Blvd., in Sugar Land. Please bring a non-perishable food item to be donated to the East Fort Bend food pantry, punch and cookies will be served after the service.
THURSDAY, NOV. 30 CHURCH SAFETY AND SECURITY SEMINAR
A Church Safety and Security Seminar will be held at 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Gus George Law Enforcement Academy, 1521 Eugene Heimann Cir., Richmond.
THURSDAY, NOV. 30, DEC. 1-2 SPAMALOT SCHOOL EDITION
Clements High School’s Blue Curtains Production presents “SPAMALOT School Edition,” a musical which tells the legendary tale of King Arthur’s quest for the Holy Grail. The shows will take place in the Clements High School auditorium (4200 Elkins Drive, Sugar Land) on Nov. 30 at 7 p.m., Dec. 1 at 7 p.m., and Dec. 2 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 each at the door for all four shows. Please note that this performance is rated PG-13 and might not be appropriate for younger students.
FRIDAY, SATURDAY, DEC. 1 AND 2 LIBRARY BOOK SALE
The Friends of the Mamie George Branch Library will host the sale, Friday noon to 5 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., 320 Dulles Avenue in Stafford. For more information, call 281-238-2880 or 281-633-4734.
FRIDAY, DEC. 1 SMALL BUSINESS LEGAL ISSUES
TUESDAY, DEC. 5 DIGITAL PHOTO-EDITING
Fort Bend County Libraries’ Sienna Branch Library will present the program Digital Photo-Editing with Pixlr Express at 10 a.m., in the Computer Lab of the library, located at 8411 Sienna Springs Blvd in Missouri City. The class is free and open to the public. Seating is limited, however, and reservations are required. Register online at www.fortbend.lib.tx.us, click on Events, select Sienna Branch Library, and find the program or call 281-238-2900.
SATURDAY, DEC. 9 MISSOURI CITY GREEN ELECTRONICS RECYCLING
Missouri City Green, in partnership with the City of Missouri City will host the 5th Annual Electronics Recycling Event from 8 a.m. to noon at the Missouri City Public Safety Headquarters located at 3849 Cartwright Road. View the full list of items accepted by the vendor at www.missouricitygreen.org. Items from flooded homes cannot be accepted.
SNOW FEST
Snow Fest is returning to Jordan Ranch with 70,000 pounds of winter fun for everyone, noon to 3 p.m., at 30757 Jordan Crossing Blvd. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.jordanranchtexas.com.
HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE
The University Branch Library will host a Holiday Open House for the whole family on from 2-4 p.m., in Meeting Room 1 and 2 of the library, located at 14010 University Blvd in Sugar Land, on the UH campus. All events are free and open to the public. For more information, call 281-633-5100 or 281-633-4734.
SATURDAY, DEC. 16 SANTA’S EXCHANGE
Santa’s Exchange: Toys for Tots, Exchange Club of Sugar Land, Sugar Land Rotary Club and Project Smile announce the 2017 Santa’s Exchange – a holiday distribution of gifts to over 5,000 children of less fortunate families in Fort Bend County. It will be held at First Colony Church of Christ. Local Schools and businesses will be collecting new, unwrapped toys and gift cards, for children ages 1-18. Cash contributions can be made to Exchange Club of Sugar Land, Sugar Land Rotary Club, or on the web at Stafford-tx. toysfortots.org, or Santa@ecsl.org. Donations accepted through Dec. 8 at FBISD and LCISD schools.
SATURDAY, JAN. 20 COUNTYWIDE JIGSAW PUZZLE COMPETITION
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.
SPRING CLEAN UP
Every Saturday to help revitalize the community in North Rosenberg. If you or your group would like to join, please email: Barry@ attackpoverty.org or christina@attackpoverty.org.
NAMI FORT BEND LAST SUNDAY OF EVERY MONTH
Chinese Family Support Group to support all Chinese speaking families with a family member living with mental illness. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Call NAMI 281-494-5193 or Chinese line 832-273-3117.
BOOK OF MORMON STUDY GROUP
Free study sessions focusing on the sermons and teachings of the Book of Mormon prophets - King Benjamin, Nephi, Alma, and Jacob about the Savior Jesus Christ begins at 7:00 PM on Thursday nights at 14555 Lexington Blvd, Sugar Land, TX 77478. Call (713) 371-8979 for more information. See www.mormon.org.
AL-ANON SUPPORT GROUP
Does someone have a drinking problem? Weekly, one hour meetings every Saturday night, 8 p.m., Lamplighters, 2425 FM 1092, (Murphy Road) in the Baytown Seafood strip center. Last Saturday of month the meetings are held at Denny’s Hwy.6 near Murphy Rd. Call Dorothy 281-416-3711.
AARP MISSOURI CITY CHAPTER #3081 MONTHLY MEETING
Monthly meeting at Missouri City Recreation/Tennis Center. 2701 Cypress Point Dr., Missouri City. Second Monday of every month. 11:15 a.m., 1 p.m. Fun/Food/Fellowship/Learning. Contact Buddy or Barbara 713-859-5920 or 281-499-3345.
OYSTER CREEK ROTARY CLUB MEETS
The Oyster Creek Rotary Club meets every Friday at noon at The Quail Valley Centre(Golf Club), 2880 LaQuinta, Missouri City. All are welcome to come. For Information contact Bike Baker, 281-770-0060, thealchemist65@yahoo.com.
THE MOM’S CLUB OF SUGAR LAND NORTH
Are you a stay at home mom? They would love to have you join their group. Playgroups, socials, mom’s night out, book clubs, and many more fun things planned! Any age children are welcome, or just come yourself if your children are in school. For more info, email momsclub_sln@yahoo.com.
MONDAYS, TUESDAYS AND WEDNESDAYS
The University Branch Library will present the program at 10:30 a.m., 14010 University Blvd in Sugar Land. Free and open to the public. For more information, call 281-633-5100 or 281-633-4734.
Help Hope For Three Autism Advocates take over Constellation Field to bring awareness to autism. Awards, prizes and bragging rights guaranteed. Visit hopeforthree.org/ for registration or call 281-245-0640.
New Pathfinders Group Of Narcotics Anonymous, 4203 Avenue H, Rosenberg 77471, Monday and Tuesday from 8-9 p.m., Wednesday from 8:15-9:15 p.m.
SATURDAY, DEC. 2 BARGAIN BOOK SALE
ONGOING 4-H, FOOD & NUTRITION
Hope Sweet Hope Group of Narcotics Anonymous, 16755 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land, Room 201, 7-8 p.m.
At First Colony Library, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., 2121 Austin Parkway. All types of books at bargain prices. Donations of books, CDs, and DVDs accepted during the sale or any time the library is open. All proceeds benefit the library and its programs.
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.
BARGAIN BOOK SALE
STORY SPINNERS WRITING CLUB
At the First Colony Library, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 2121 Austin Parkway. All books and DVDs at bargain prices. Donations of books, CDs, and DVDs accepted any time. Proceeds benefit the library.
MONDAY, DEC. 4 MERRY MORSELS HEALTHY HOLIDAY FOOD
Learn how to make healthy holiday treats at the University Branch Library at 6 p.m., 14010 University Blvd in Sugar Land. Free and open to the public. For more information, call 281-633-5100 or 281633-4734.
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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 281-6334734.
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ADOPT A SHELTER CAT
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PAGE 12 • Wednesday, November 22, 2017
THE STAR
Sienna Plantation collects groceries during amenity center grand opening Staff Reports FOR FORTBEND STAR.
Sienna Plantation marked the opening of its newest amenity center, Sawmill Lake Club, as a chance to also do good, collecting boxes of groceries for a Catholic Charities’ food pantry. Those attending the grand opening brought canned goods, baking mixes, dry milk and other non-perishables that were donated to Trini’s Corner Market, the self-select food pantry at Catholic Charities’ Mamie George Community Center in Richmond. “Food pantries feel the strain as the holidays approach, with more people seeking assistance,” said Alvin San Miguel, general manager of Sienna Plantation. “With the timing of our grand opening, we thought this was a perfect opportunity to help stock the shelves and serve the greater community.” The grand opening of Sienna’s fourth residential multi-purpose center brought a day of pamper-
(Submitted photo)
Accepting the grocery donation from Sienna Plantation are, from the left, Flora Jackson, Arnelle Mitchell with Sienna, Gladys Brumfield, Mary Ann Precopio and Angelica Barcus.
ing with spa-inspired activities such as neck and foot massages, Texas Fresh Juices samples and a jumbo-marshmallow decorating bar. Attendees also could
register for prizes, including a Lake Austin Spa Resort package. Nineteen model homes in the Village of Sawmill Lake also were open for tours.
SL Sound Chorus performing locally Staff Reports FOR FORTBEND STAR.
Sugar Land Sound Chorus, a chapter of Sweet Adelines International, can be heard bringing their fun blend of Christmas songs and harmonies around the area at various community functions and performances. These local ladies have a great time singing four-part harmony a cappella, barbershop style. Singing in Sweet Adelines is a great way for women of all ages to have their voices heard. Musical Director Holly Ritter encourages all women who love learning new songs to visit. They are looking to grow and welcome anyone interested in making music memories and new friendships. The Sugar Land Chapter meets every Thursday from 7-9 p.m. in the Choir Room at Christ Church, 3300 Austin Parkway. For more
(Submitted photo)
The Sugar Land Sound Chorus, a chapter of Sweet Adelines International, will be performing at events locally for the holiday season.
information, contact Lynn at 409-998-2874 or find them on Facebook: Sugar Land Sound Two Sugar Land events: CASA Christmas Home Tour – Sugar Land Sound will be entertaining at 7 p.m. on Friday Dec. 8. For more infor-
mation, visit www.cafb.org/ events/home-tour/. Sugar Land Holiday Lights Constellation Field – Sugar Land Sound will be performing Thursday, Dec. 21, at 7 p.m. Fore more information, visit SugarLandHolidayLights. com.
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