01-11-23 Edition of the Fort Bend Star

Fagan elected to trafficking board for area

Fort Bend County Sheriff Eric Fagan was recently elected as the Houston High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Executive Board Vice Chair. Fagan has been an executive board member since he took office in 2021.

The mission of the HIDTA Program is to “disrupt the market for illegal drugs by dismantling and disrupting drug trafficking and/or money laundering organizations, and to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of HIDTA initiatives," according to a news release.

The Houston HIDTA executive board is comprised of 20 representatives including local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.

The executive board assesses the drug trafficking threats found in the Greater Houston region, develops strategies to address the threats, and proposes funding needed to carry out the mission.

“It's been an honor serving as member of the executive board and representing Fort Bend in a greater scale,” Fagan said in the release. “As vice chair, we will continue to put a stop to drug related crimes, in efforts to keep our communities safe.”

"It's been a great asset to have had Fort Bend County Sheriff Fagan as a Houston HIDTA Executive Board member for the past two years," Houston HIDTA Director F. Mike McDaniel said in the release. "He's brought valuable input to the executive board, especially in light of his many years of law enforcement experience. I am even happier, Sheriff Fagan was selected as the vice chair, with the chair position to follow next November."

By Ken Fountain KFOUNTAIN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Sugar Land police are searching for a suspect in the shooting death of an Alief ISD teacher at her Sugar Land home in what police say was a domestic violence incident.

Doug Adolph, spokesman for the City of Sugar Land, confirmed that police found Wendy Duan, 29, with multiple gunshot wounds in the backyard of her home 1100 block of Oxford Mills Drive in New Territory. They were responding to reports of gunshots at 9:50 p.m. Saturday. Paramedics arrived and pronounced Duan dead at

the scene. Duan, who was unmarried, was the owner of the house. She was the sole person at the house when police arrived.

Adolph said Sugar Land police have identified a suspect who is not in custody. They are not releasing any information about the suspect out of concern that it could hinder his apprehension, Adolph said.

According to police, the shooting was the result of a domestic violence incident, although no details were given.

A statement released by Alief ISD on Monday confirmed that Duan had been

employed at the district since 2017.

"We are deeply saddened to learn about the tragic passing of Alief ISD employee Wendy Duan. She was a third grade reading and writing teacher at Boone Elementary. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family during this difficult time," the statement read.

"To assist students and staff members in the grieving process, the crisis counseling team was at Boone Elementary this morning and will remain at the campus as long as needed," the statement read.

This is a developing story.

Woman shot, killed in Sugar Land home Always teaching

Former educator, area resident launches children's book series

By Ken Fountain KFOUNTAIN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

You can take the teacher out the classroom, but not necessarily the desire to teach out of the teacher.

Lauren Piland, a former teacher who lives with her family on a rural property outside Beasley, has just published her first children's book, titled Blooming Rose Blasts Off! The book, aimed at elementary-age children, is the first in a series Piland has planned to teach kids how to handle some of the challenges they might face

in life.

Piland, who grew up in Slidell, La. and graduated from Louisiana State University with a degree in marketing and public relations, worked for several years in that field before setting her sights on teaching. She received a teaching certificate and taught at elementary schools for four years in the Dayton and Goose Creek school districts in the greater Houston area.

As a teacher, Piland said she often found it hard to balance working with students' needs while also meeting the instructional

Kelsey-Seybold Clinic opened a two-story, 33,000-square-foot clinic on January 3 in The Grid, a 192-acre, mixed-use development in Stafford.

Kelsey-Seybold Clinic – Stafford is located at 11211 Nexus Ave., off the Southwest Freeway between Kirkwood Road and W. Airport Boulevard, providing medical care access to those living in Stafford and the surrounding communities

of Meadows Place, Alief, Braeburn, and North Missouri City.

The clinic has room for up to 15 providers and will offer adult and pediatric primary and specialty healthcare, including Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, and Pulmonary Medicine. An OB/ GYN provider will join the clinic shortly after opening. Additional specialties planned for this location include Behav-

demands placed on educators. In particular, she

said she often noticed that students had individual

emotional challenges that teachers need to address.

While still teaching, Piland began thinking of ways to use children's books that would give students a way to think about these challenges and how to overcome them, and also offer parents and teachers resources they can use to help their young charges.

In the meantime, Piland and her husband Stan, who works in fiance in the oil and gas industry, moved to their property outside Beasely with their oldest

Laura Piland, a former teacher turned children's author, pictured at her family's property just outside Beasley, has just recently published her first book for children.

(Photo courtesy of Jillian Lee Photography)

Kelsey-Seybold Clinic has opened a two-story, 33,000-square-foot clinic in The Grid in Stafford. The clinic will work to provide care to those living in Stafford and surrounding areas, with room for up to 15 medical providers, according to officials. (Photo courtesy Kelsey-Seybold Clinic)

Staff Reports

Staff Reports

Laura Piland is shown with children Owen, right, and Audrey Rose at her family's property outside Beasley. (Photo courtesy of Jillian Rose Photography)

Wendy Duan

HS hoops: Lady Bulldogs best Hightower, stay atop 20-6A

Fresh off the first district title in program history, the Austin Lady Bulldogs were the hunted in District 20-6A entering the 2022-2023 campaign. And through the first half of district play, the Lady Bulldogs are showing a strong response to that adversity.

They powered through another undefeated week last week, taking down Bush 47-26 on Jan. 3 before grinding out a 26-23 win over fellow 20-6A contender Hightower to hand the Lady Hurricanes their first district loss. Austin (23-1, 8-0 district) has won five straight games, and was up to No. 11 in the most recent Class 6A rankings by the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches (TABC) ahead of Tuesday’s district tilt against Dulles.

Kelechi Dike (12 points, 10 rebounds) and India Jackson (10 points, 11 rebounds) powered the Lady Bulldogs with double-doubles in the low-scoring affair against Hightower, while Andrea Sturdivant dished out five assists and Aminah Dixon grabbed six rebounds. Sturdivant led Austin with 17 points and seven rebounds against Bush, and Jackson snagged 14 rebounds.

Elsewhere in 20-6A, the Elkins Lady Knights have now won four in a row following wins over Dulles (59-30) on Jan. 3 and George Ranch (53-47) on Jan. 6, and are sitting at 14-11 overall and 6-2 in district competition. Paris Anderson led the way for the Lady Knights in the comeback win over George Ranch with 21 points.

On the Class 5A front, the Fulshear Lady Chargers and Foster Lady Falcons continued to pace District 20-5A with per-

fect weeks. Fulshear took down Randle (67-25) on Jan. 3 and Willowridge (70-23) on Jan. 6 to move to 19-5 overall and 5-0 in district play. Jada Morgan had a double-double with 14 points and 17 rebounds in the victory over Willowridge, while Kimora Lopez scored 20 points and grabbed nine rebounds against Randle. Foster kept pace with wins over Marshall (6217) on Jan. 3 and Kempner (59-32) on Jan. 6, moving to 19-8 and 5-0 in district play.

Earlier in the week, Willowridge (16-6, 3-2) defeated Kempner 51-33

on Jan. 3 thanks to 16 points from Au’Rayona Seals. Natalie Greene also grabbed 16 rebounds in the win, the eighth time this season she has had double-digit rebounds.

In Class 4A action, Iowa Colony’s Lady Pioneers have won three in a row following a pair of wins last week. Payton Watson had a season-high 27 points and eight rebounds for the Lady Pioneers (714, 3-2) in a 48-37 win over Brazosport on Jan. 6, while Aaliyah Rogers had 23 points and 14 rebounds in a 63-29 win over La Marque on Jan. 3.

Boys

The Marshall Buffalos have again been the leaders of District 20-5A, and continued the trend last week with a 66-40 win over Foster on Jan. 3 followed by a 79-47 win over Terry on Jan. 6. Jaland Lowe had 30 points for Marshall (20-3, 3-0) in the victory against Terry, while Chris Catchings added 12 points. Lowe also had 21 points in the win over Foster earlier in the week, and Naheim Northern added 16 points of his own.

Not to be outdone, the Fulshear Chargers have won four in a row following victories over Randle and Willowridge last week

to keep pace with the Buffalos. Dylan Garner had 15 points to pace the Chargers (11-12, 3-0) against Randle, while Toby Princewill grabbed seven rebounds.

Foster, meanwhile, bounced back from the loss to Marshall with a 4539 overtime win against Kempner on Jan. 6. Bode Karunwi had 15 points for Foster (7-12, 2-1) against Kempner, and Jace Jones had his first double-double of the season with 10 points and 10 rebounds.

Earlier in the week, Kempner (13-9, 2-1) eked out a 45-44 win over Willowridge. Jacob Broussard poured in 23 points for

the Cougars against Willowridge, and Israel Akeye snared 11 rebounds.

In Class 4A action, Needville split a pair of games last week, beating Wharton 63-56 on Jan. 3 before losing 49-43 to El Campo on Jan. 6 to move to 8-11 and 1-2 in District 25-4A competition. Three players scored in double digits for the Blue Jays against Wharton, led by Dominic Marine’s 18 points, while Bohdan Zietz (14 points) and Austin Anderson (12 rebounds) paced Needville in the loss to El Campo.

Austin Lady Bulldogs point Andrea Sturdivant passes the ball during a 2022 game against Clements. Sturdivant and the Lady Bulldogs grinded out a close win over Hightower last week to keep their place atop the District 20-6A standings. (Staff file photo by Landan Kuhlmann)

Lady Panthers’ soccer make strong opening statement

The Ridge Point Lady Panthers may have lost six seniors from last year’s team that saw them make the program’s first trip to the state tournament. But they’re out to prove that they’re still one of the favorites in Class 6A, and made a strong statement to open the season last week.

Ridge Point, which entered the season as the top-ranked team in Class 6A Region III by Texas Lethal Enforcer Soccer, swept through the Greater Houston Cup by winning all three matches to take home the title. And they were one of several area squads who have seen strong starts to their 2023 campaigns.

The Lady Panthers (3-0) defeated Deer Park 4-0 on Jan. 5 before beating Pearland 10 on Jan. 6 and taking down Brazoswood 3-1 on Jan. 7 to win the crown. They will kick off district play against Bush on Tuesday night.

Elsewhere in the area, the Dulles Lady Vikings went 21-1 in tournament play last week. The Lady Vikings (3-11) played to a scoreless draw against Galena Park and beat South Houston 6-1 on Jan. 5 before beating Channelview 3-0 on Jan. 6 and falling 6-2 to Clear Brook on Jan. 7. Sam Uschold scored five goals in the tournament – including multi-goal efforts against South Houston and Clear Brook – while Alyssa Mendez scored twice against South Houston.

The Elkins Lady Knights went 2-1 at the New Year’s Kickoff Classic, taking down Dobie 7-0 on Jan. 5 and defeating Katy Taylor 2-0 on Jan. 6 before falling 2-1 to Angleton on Jan. 7. Amelia Olawu and Madison Innis each scored twice for Elkins (3-1) against Dobie, while Olawu and Sofia Mendez scored against Taylor.

Goalkeeper Isabella Paiva also stopped all three attempted shots against her to earn the clean sheet against Taylor.

Austin’s Lady Bulldogs split a pair of matches last week to begin the season, losing 1-0 to Katy Taylor on Jan. 3 before bouncing back with a 4-1 win over Katy Paetow on Jan. 6. Solae had two goals and two assists in the win over Paetow, and Gabrielle De Jesus and Sydney McCoy scored a goal apiece.

In Class 4A action, the Needville Lady Blue Jays took third place at the Waller Classic, going 2-1 with wins over Bellville and Sealy. Mia Guillen had the standout performance of the tournament for Needville (3-1) with two goals in a

3-0 win over Salado on Jan. 5, while Brylie Nesvadba and Mikah Giles stopped a shot on goal apiece.

Boys

The Hightower Hurricanes have gotten off to a strong start early on, including last week’s 2-1 performance at the Pasadena Memorial Tournament. Alex Agwunobi had a hat trick for the Hurricanes (3-1) in a 4-1 win over Pasadena Memorial on Jan. 5, and another in the Hurricanes’ 60 win over Manvel on Jan. 7.

Raul Garcia had three saves to earn the clean sheet against Manvel, while Antonio Victoria scored both goals in a 3-2

loss to Clear Lake on Jan. 6. Austin went 2-0-1 in tournament play last week to kick off their 2023 campaign. Alex Rubio scored twice for the Bulldogs in a 4-1 win over Dickinson, while Dillon Trimble also found the back of the net in the victory.

The George Ranch Longhorns also had strong tournament results, going 2-1 at the Katy ISD Mojo Classic,

losing 3-0 to Katy Tompkins on Jan. 5 before beating Houston Scarborough (3-0) on Jan. 6 and O’Connor (2-0) on Jan. 7. Freshman Josh Matula scored against Scarborough and O’Connor.

Travis is 2-0 to begin the season following a 3-1 win over Randle on Jan. 2 and a 2-1 win against Houston Westbury on Jan. 6. Leo Esteban found the back of the net in both games

for Travis, which was slated to kick off District 20-6A play against Hightower on Tuesday night.

In Class 5A action, the Fulshear Chargers went 1-0-2 at the Katy ISD Mojo Classic beating Shadow Creek 1-0 on Jan. 5 before playing to a pair of 1-1 draws against Victoria East on Jan. 6 and Katy Taylor on Jan. 7. Kyle Saulter scored the game winner against

Shadow Creek, while Adrian Nieto-Saul found the back of the net against Victoria East and Marvel Ogubuike scored against Taylor.

On the Class 4A front, Needville went 2-1 at the Stafford Showcase Tournament Jan. 57. Wyatt Hurley had a hat trick in a 5-3 win over Marshall on Jan. 5, while Mohamed Jaber scored twice against the Buffalos.

She was born July 3, 1942

Mary Woytek

and was raised on the family’s farm outside of Edna, Texas. She graduated from Edna High School in 1960, then moved to Sugar Land, Texas where she attended Zorn Business School in Houston. It was there, where she was introduced to the love of her life--Tillman Roy Lewis, Jr. and they were married on December 14, 1962.

In 1961, she went to work for Sugar Land Industries, which was eventually merged with Imperial Sugar Company. Here, she served in various capacities for over 47 years, and retired as the Corporate Payables Manager in 2008. In retirement, she took on various projects, including remodeling her house and caring for family members and friends in need.

She loved to travel to the San Antonio area to visit her son’s family where she spent time spoiling the grandkids and going to their extracurricular events. She would frequently vacation with them and enjoyed the many adventures that they took. She loved to cook, especially for family. Her Martha Washington and divinity candies were out of this world good. It was always a running joke that she was trying to kill us with food but it was

her way of showing her love. You never went hungry at her house, or lost any weight.

Most importantly, she loved and served the Lord. After moving to Sugar Land in 1960 she joined the First Baptist Church of Sugar Land (now Bridge Fellowship) and was the longest standing member of the congregation. She was a person of few words, but she always seemed to have the right words for any occasion. Through her love of Christ she made an indelible mark on many, and her love and guidance will never be forgotten.

Patsy is survived by her son Mark Anthony Lewis and his wife Lisa, grandchildren Hopelyn Lewis and Reagan Lewis, her siblings and their spouses Gary Siecko, Melvin Siecko (Robbie), Barbara Siecko James (John), Lynn Siecko (Donna), nieces and nephews Chris

Siecko, Jason Siecko, Amy Siecko Allen, Shane Siecko, Shaye Siecko Morales, Bryce Siecko, and Jordyn SIecko Speights, her uncle Fred Siecko (Nelda) and numerous great nieces, great nephews, cousins, friends, neighbors, and co-workers.

She is predeceased by her parents Johnnie Siecko and Mary Siecko, husband Tillman Roy Lewis, Jr., brother Glenn David Siecko, and her puppy Rufus.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until service time at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, January 14, 2023 in the Chapel of Davis-Greenlawn Funeral Home in Rosenberg. Burial to follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park in Rosenberg.

Pallbearers will include Gary Siecko, Melvin Siecko, Lynn Siecko, Chris Siecko, Jason Siecko, and Shane Siecko

Honorary pallbearers will include John James, Bryce Siecko, and Reagan Lewis.

Memorial Donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or Ronald McDonald House.

Tributes and words of condolence may be left for the family at www. davisgreenlawnfh.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of Davis-Greenlawn Funeral Home, 3900 B.F. Terry Blvd. (Hwy 59 South @ FM 2218), Rosenberg, Texas 77471, Phone: 281-341-8800.

Ridge Point's Dayo Tennyson battles for a loose ball during the Greater Houston Cup last week. The Lady Panthers swept through three matches to take home the tournament title in a strong opening statement. (Photo from Twitter)

Patsy Merle Siecko Lewis, 80, of Sugar Land, Texas passed away peacefully on December, 31, 2022, in Boerne, Texas.

in Hallettsville, Texas to Johnnie August Siecko and

Siecko

child, Avery Rose. It was during the early months of the pandemic, while Piland was pregnant with their second child, son Owens, that she began to think about actually developing a plan for her book idea. It took several months to map out the entire series and begin writing, she said. She mapped out an entire series of books featuring Blooming Rose, a young girl who somewhat resembles her daughter. Each book will have Rose confronting an issue or challenge, with adults helping her overcome those obstacles. Also fea -

tured in the series is Rose's classmate and best friend, Brady, and her younger brother, Rex.

In Blooming Rose Blasts Off!, Rose's teacher tasks the class with creating their own rocket launcher using a set of school supplies. While Rex is excited about the prospect, Rose tells her parents that she doesn't know how to go about completing the project. But her father offers some gentle prodding that helps her achieve the goal. Piland admits that she's a somewhat obsessive planner, and did a lot of research about how to go about getting her book published. Inspired by the work of children's author

Alysson Bourque (of the "Alycat" series), she decided to go the route of using a "hybrid" publisher, Mascot Books, in which the author and publisher are partners in the enterprise. One aspect that was important to her was the company does its printing domestically She also looked at the work of numerous illustrators before deciding on Kristen Humphrey, both because of her style and use of bright colors and the fact that she she is a Texas native living in the Dallas area.

But Piland's project doesn't stop with the books. Working with Mascot Books, she has developed a website,

BloomingRoseKids.com, were teachers and parents can find and download bundles of academic activities that go along with each of the planned series. The activities include lessons in reading comprehension, vocabulary building, and STEM activities. She's also embarked on making videos related to the books, which she admits is a "work in progress."

After Piland completes the publication of the "Blooming Rose" series, she will begin work on a new series called "Adventurous Rex," featuring Rose's excitable younger brother whose adventurous nature sometimes gets him into trouble.

ioral Health, Podiatry, Orthopedics – Sports Medicine, Endocrinology, Dermatology, Neurology, Cardiology, and Allergy.

Kelsey-Seybold Clinic

– Stafford also offers con -

venient access to on-site imaging, including routine X-ray, ultrasound, 3D mammography, DEXA bone density scan, and the capability for mobile MRI and CT. Other diagnostic and ancillary services include cardiac stress testing, echocardiography, laboratory services, and

an on-site Kelsey Pharmacy.

“This new location offers comprehensive, quality healthcare that is close to home and work and we share the community’s excitement to have a beautiful new facility with trusted providers nearby,” Warren Redfearn, D.O.,

managing physician of Kelsey-Seybold’s Stafford Clinic, said in a news release. “We are proud to be part of the dynamic Stafford community.””

“Kelsey-Seybold is on a mission to bring our coordinated care to as many people living in Greater Houston as possible. Our

Blooming Rose Blasts Off! officially launches this week. Piland had a couple of private gettogethers with educators in the Houston and Dal -

goal is to create a touchpoint for people to access quality care near home or work,” Loan Lam, Clinic Administrator of KelseySeybold Clinic – Stafford, said in the release. “Our Stafford Clinic expands access to coordinated, evidence-based care in southwest

las areas, and she's held a couple of read-alongs at area schools. With the actual publication this week, she's planning on several more in the coming weeks.

Harris County and in Fort Bend County, the secondmost populous county in Greater Houston.”

This Stafford facility is Kelsey-Seybold’s fourth location in Fort Bend County, with five additional locations planned.

WEB

Laura Piland is shown with children Owen, right, and Audrey Rose at her family's property outside Beasley. (Photo courtesy of Jillian Rose Photography)

By Ken Fountain KFOUNTAIN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

I've mentioned before I don't necessarily have the most refined palate, which can be a hindrance to a budding restaurant reviewer. But in this new role, I'm making an effort to branch out more, and this area offers plenty of opportunities.

When the Turquoise Grill & Bar at Sugar Land Town Square closed down a few years ago (shortly before the pandemic, as it turned out), it left a bit of hole in my restaurant-going circle. Members of my family and I were fans of the Mediterranean restaurant (I've written before about my love for Mediterranean food), even though we tended to go there mostly on Thanksgiving and Christmas, when they served traditional American holiday fare.

With the pandemic raging, the space sat empty for quite some time, and during my visits to Town Square, I wondered what kind of establishment would finally arrive. That was answered about a year ago when Mahesh's Kitchen, an Indian fusion restaurant, finally opened.

Sad to say for someone who lives in such a foodie place as greater Houston, but Indian food is not something I've indulged in all that often. It's not that I don't enjoy it (I do), but I have to be careful with particularly spicy foods. In the past,

I've had a couple of reactions that it's probably best not to go into too much detail about.

But from the outside, Mahesh's Kitchen looked very intriguing and inviting, so with a friend in tow, last week I decided to finally give it a try.

Walking inside, you immediately can tell that Mahesh's is a mix of the traditional and the modern. The decor has plenty of traditional Indian restaurant flourishes - wooden latticework, chandeliers, wall decorations, a private table with gauzy curtains - that are done in a very modern style that is less formal and intimidating than some Indian restaurants can be. The kitchen itself is easily seen through large windows.

My friend and I had arrived during a relatively quiet lunch hour, and at first there were only a few other patrons. But more people, including a couple of families, began to arrive, and the space took on a very convivial feel. From the sound system wafted a kind of traditional Indian-inflected pop music that added to the ambiance without being intrusive.

Mahesh's has both a lunch and dinner menu. There is a large variety of both non-vegetarian and vegetarian dishes, including appetizers, curries, fusion dishes, and more. Helpfully (certainly for me), the spiciest dishes are marked with a flame symbol.

From the curries, a selected the Madras Urandai, featuring

lamb meatballs in a coconut gravy. The server allowed me to choose between mild, medium and spicy (being in an adventurous mood, I selected medium).

When it arrived, I was very pleased. Served with rice and small helping of salad, the tangy meatballs were just the right level of spicy - enough to make my scalp sweat a little, but no ill effects. The bread that was served was also excellent, so much so that we asked for an additional serving.

If Indian fusion food is your thing (or, like me, you're looking to expand your horizons), Mahesh's Kitchen would be a great addition to your own palate.

Mahesh's Kitchen

Address: 16019 City Walk

Hours: 11 a.m.-2 p.m., 4-10 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Entrée prices: $15-$21

Kid-friendly: Yes Alcohol: Yes

Senior discount: No

Healthy options: Yes Star of the show: Madras Urandai

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

New editor muses on the current state of journalism

By Ken Fountain KFOUNTAIN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

I've been thinking a lot about journalism lately.

Truth be told, I've been thinking about journalism in one way or another for most of my life, since the idea of going into the field first struck me while I was in middle school. But after returning to mainstream community journalism not quite two months ago, it's been a lot more at the forefront of my mind.

I first began reading the newspaper seriously sometime around seventh grade. There was a particular columnist I liked a lot at the old Houston Post. As it happened, one of my teachers that year was going to be the teacher of my school's first newspaper class the next year, and encouraged me to sign up. I got my first bylines, including my first column, in that very first paper.

I went on to take a somewhat meandering path toward a newspaper carer, but finally got my start in community newspapers. But before last November, I had been doing other things in communications and had not been doing full-time mainstream journalism.That changed rather abruptly when I was offered and accepted the role of Managing Editor (and lead reporter) of the Fort Bend Star.

I don't mind telling you, it's been challenging. I'm having to flex some old reporting muscles I hadn't used in a while, while also keeping up with the demands of a fairly constant schedule (the paper publishes weekly, but our online presence is daily. Be sure to sign up for our newsletter!).

I'm also learning some new skills that go with the ever-changing media landscape. I'm also learning fairly new territory in

Ken Fountain

MANAGING EDITOR

covering the highly diverse and dynamic Fort Bend County.

As I told a coupe of colleagues in an online meeting last week, I've been here just about a month-and-a-half, but it feels a lot longer.

It's those changes in the media that have been foremost in my mind. Even small community newspapers like the Fort Bend Star have to stay abreast of ways of attracting and growing audiences while staying true to the essential mission of journalism - being a reliable source of

information for the community, however large or small that community might be.

By coincidence, just before Christmas, I was at the bookstore at First Colony Mall and came across a book titled The Elements of Journalism: What Newspeople Should Know and the Public Should Expect. It was exactly the book I didn't know I was looking for, and I quickly snapped up the only copy on the shelf of the Current Affairs section.

Written by highly esteemed former journalists Bill Kovach and Tom Rosenstiel and first published in 2001, the book grew out of a journalism conference held at Harvard University in 1997. Even then, at the virtual dawn of the World Wide Web, media executives and practitioners were concerned about the state of the industry and its mission. Out of that confab the Committee of Concerned Journalists was formed (with Kovach

as co-founder).

The fact that just over two decades later the book is now in its fourth edition, is telling. Each edition reflects the latest changes that have swept the industry and the entire media landscape, as well as its relationship to a healthy democracy. I've only just begun to delve into the book, but I already know it will be extremely rewarding.

In case you weren't aware (and how could you not?), journalists aren't held in quite as much esteem as they were back when I was in middle school. Much of that is the fault of the media itself. We have a reputation, often well-earned, for arrogance. Much of it has to do with the way media has had to adapt to and interact with broader changes in society.

But in my travels, I've sometimes found that people who dislike journalists don't really know a lot about how we go about our work, or even what

drives us to do the work we do (hint: it's usually not for the money). I would guess that most people have never met a working journalist, much less taken the time to ask them about their role. To that end, I want to pass on something. The Exchange Club of Sugar Land has kindly invited me to be the guest speaker at its breakfast meeting on February 15 at the Sugar Creek Country Club. I don't pretend to be a particularly accomplished public speaker (that's one reason I chose to go into print), but I promise that I'll be friendly and try to share some of my thoughts about working at a newspaper here in Fort Bend and answer your questions.

I've been told that anyone is welcome to attend. I'd like to meet you. I'll include a reminder in the column before the meeting.

As always, please send story ideas and news tips to me at KFountain@fortbendstar.com.

The Madras Uranndai at Mahesh's Kitchen in Sugar Land Town Square is just the right level of spicy. (Photo by Ken Fountain)

FORT BEND-HARRIS RETIRED EDUCATORS

MEET JANUARY 12TH

GREATER HOUSTON WOMEN’S

CHAMBER

OF COMMERCE MONTHLY LUNCHEON Southwest Houston / Fort Bend Chapter Monthly Luncheon. Thursday, January 12, 2023. Our theme: How to Strategically Rebirth Your Personal Brand. Rebirth is change that leads to a new period of growth and improvement for your brand. At Churrascos, 1520 Lake Pointe PKWY #500 from 11:30am-1:00pm. For more info: 713-782-3777 or info@ghwcc.org.

THE STAFFORD CHURCH OF CHRIST IS HOSTING RESOLUTION SUNDAY Friends and Family Day on Sunday, January 15 at 10:30am. We are providing the food. Everyone is welcome. Stafford Church of Christ, 402 Stafford Run Road - Stafford, TX 77477. For more

LIBRARIES HOST COLLEGE-PREPAREDNESS

PROGRAMS FOR TEENS IN JANUARY

FORT BEND COUNTY LIBRARY GAME & CRAFT DAYS FOR YOUNG ADULTS

Video-Game Night will take place on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month (January 3 and 17), 6:00-8:00 pm, in the YA Room, at the Sienna Branch Library (8411 Sienna Springs Blvd, Missouri City). Play a variety of video games during this come-and-go activity time. YA Gaming: Telestrations – Thursday, January 5, 4:00 pm, University Branch Library, 14010 University Blvd, Sugar Land.

“Teen Tuesdays: Sip & Color Animé” – Tuesday, January 10, 4:00-5:00 pm, Missouri City Branch Library, 1530 Texas Parkway. Teens will enjoy a movie, gigantic coloring, and an animé-themed beverage. Registration required.

YA Craft: Matchbook Notebook – Thursday, January 19, 4:005:00 pm, Sienna Branch Library (8411 Sienna Springs Blvd, Missouri City). Teens will use cardstock and paper to make a mini-notebook that can be tucked into a pocket, purse, or other small space.

Board-Game Club – Monday, January 23, 4:00-5:00 pm, Sugar Land Branch Library, 550 Eldridge. Learn the basics of new classic board games as well as niche titles and meet others who enjoy playing board games!

JANUARY 21, 2023

FELICIA SMITH JIGSAW PUZZLE COMPETITION

January 21, 2023, at Fort Bend Christian Academy, South Campus Gymnasium, 1201 Lakeview Drive, Sugar Land. Teams of four, young and seasoned, have two hours to complete a 500-piece jigsaw puzzle. Check-in is at 9 am, and the competition is from 10 am-noon. The event is one-way the local nonprofit raises awareness and funds for families with loved ones on the autism spectrum. Register your team ($140) now. Limit 50-teams. To serve as a sponsor or for autism resources, visit: www.hopeforthree.org

ONGOING

FT. BEND ACCORDION CLUB

Meets on the 4th Sunday of every month from 2:pm - 4:pm at: CHRIST CHURCH SUGAR LAND (in the Chapel) 3300 Austin Parkway, Sugar Land, TX 77479 FREE and Open to the Public! We welcome everybody! If you play accordion, beginners to professional and would like to play Call, Text or email: Vince Ramos Cell: 281-204-7716 vincer.music@gmail.com

FORT BEND JUNIOR SERVICE LEAGUE RECRUITING NEW MEMBERS FOR 2022-2023 YEAR

To join, the membership application can be accessed at https:// www.fbjsl.org/join/how-to-become-a-member/. FBJSL will also be hosting multiple virtual and in-person recruitment events over the summer where potential new members can learn more about the League. Information regarding attending these events is available at www.fbjsl.org or on the FBJSL Facebook page at www.facebook. com/FortBendJuniorServiceLeague/.

BEND COUNTY LIBRARIES’ ONLINE BOOK CLUB TO DISCUSS

LIBRARY’S PODCAST CLUB FOCUSES ON SETTING NEW YEAR GOALS

FORT BEND COUNTY LIBRARIES

JANUARY

TEEN PROGRAMS

LITERACY COUNCIL OF FORT BEND COUNTY

We enhance lives and strengthen communities by teaching adults to read. We need your help. Literacy Council is actively recruiting Volunteer Tutors to provide instruction for English as a Second Language (ESL) Levels 0-5, three hours a week. For more information, call 281-240-8181 or visit our website www. ftbendliteracy.org

JAM WITH SAM

Join Sam Grice Tuesday evenings at 6:30 for a casual evening of music. We play a variety of music including bluegrass, country, gospel and some western. We request acoustic instruments only please. We welcome both participants and music lovers who enjoy listening to good live music. There’s no charge and we welcome beginners and gladly offer gentle assistance. We meet at First Presbyterian Church, 502 Eldridge Rd, Sugar Land. Please call Sam at 832-428-3165 for further information.

THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY FOR MEN

Sugar Land First United Methodist Church, 431 Eldridge Road offers a Thursday Morning Bible Study For Men. This group is ongoing and uses a variety of studies throughout the year. The breakfast, coffee and donuts are free. Join us any time! Thursdays, 6:30-7:30 am in Wesley Hall. Call the church office at 281-491-6041 or Mike Schofield at 281-217-5799 for more information.

GIVE A GIFT OF HOPE

Give a Gift of Hope one-time or monthly. Your help provides access to therapies and services children with autism might otherwise go without. Please consider Hope For Three in your Estate, Planned, or Year-End Giving. Register now, or learn more about exciting events: www.hopeforthree.org/events

DVD-BASED ADULT SUNDAY

Missouri

Sienna

George

Mission