01-18-23 Edition of the Fort Bend Star

Suspect arrested in Sugar Land fatal shooting

By Ken Fountain KFOUNTAIN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Authorities have arrested a suspect in the shooting death of Sugar Land resident and Alief ISD teacher Wendy Duan last weekend.

The Western District of Louisiana Violent Offenders Task Force arrested Charvas Thompson, 26, of Houston, Wednesday for the murder of Duan, 28, according to a press release from the Sugar Land police department.

Sugar Land police responded to a shooting Saturday at 9:50 p.m. in the 1100 block of Oxford Mills Lane. Neighbors told police they heard shots fired. When officers arrived, they found Duan dead in the backyard with multiple gunshot wounds. Duan lived alone at the house, and no one else was inside the house when police arrived, according to the release.

Detectives quickly identified Thompson after interviewing witnesses at the scene, reviewing nearby video and confirming his vehicle from license plate recognition cameras in the area, according to the relesae. An arrest warrant was issued early Sunday morning charging Thompson with murder and setting his bond at $500,000.

Sugar Land police worked closely with the Gulf Coast Violent Offenders Task Force and the Western District of Louisiana Violent Offenders Task Force and located Thompson in Shreveport, according to the release. The investigation is ongoing. Thompson is expected to be transported to the Fort Bend County jail in the near future.

Duan began dating Thompson a week before she was shot and killed, according to the release. Witnesses told police an argument led to the shooting, and Thompson drove away in his vehicle. Duan was a reading teacher at Alief ISD's Boone Elementary School. She had been employed by the district since 2017.

Anyone with additional information about the case should to contact the Sugar Land Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at (281) 275-2540 or report anonymous tips to Fort Bend County Crime Stoppers at 281-342-TIPS.

Missouri City native named Miss Universe

By Ken Fountain KFOUNTAIN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Missouri City native R'Bonney Gabriel was named Miss Universe Saturday night at the pageant held in New Orleans. Last year Gabriel became the first Filipino-American to be named Miss USA.

According to a report from CNN, Gabriel won over runners-up Amanda Dudamel from Venezuela and Andreína Martínez from the Dominican Republic.

"In the final question and answer segment of the competition, the Top

3 contenders were asked how they would work to demonstrate Miss Universe as an empowering and progressive organization if they won the title," reports CNN.

"Gabriel said she would use the platform to be a 'transformational leader' and emphasized her passion as a force for good in the fashion industry by cutting down on pollution and using recycled materials in making clothing pieces," the network reports.

"'I teach sewing classes to women that have survived from human

trafficking and domestic violence. And I say that because it is so important to invest in others, invest in our community, and use your unique talent to make a difference,' Gabriel said, according to the network.

"We all have something special and when we plant those seeds for other people in our life, we transform them and we use that as a vehicle for change," she said. Read the full CNN report here.

Gabriel grew up in Missouri City and attended Lake Olympia Middle

Together as one

Students break barriers during MLK Day of Service

By Ken Fountain KFOUNTAIN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

On the day marking the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Monday, more than 100 teenagers of many diverse faiths and backgrounds came together at Christ Church Sugar Land on Monday to participate in the MLK Day of Service sponsored by the Fort Bend Interfaith Community.

The annual event invites

teenagers from the member faith communities of the FBIC, as well as anyone else who might be interested, to meet each other, learn about each others' respective faiths, and participate together in several service projects.

Afterward, they share a lunch while having a guided discussion about differences and how to overcome them.

Monday's event had about 113 registered participants, but about

20 others came without pre-registering, said Valerie Tollman of the Thoreau Unitarian Universalist Congregation and one of the event organizers.

After signing in and sitting at tables in the church's spacious community center, the students watched two brief videos about the King's life and legacy. Next, they participated in an activity called Human Bingo, where they moved to different tables

to ask each other questions about their lives and interests, what they liked about their own faiths, and what they liked about other people's faiths.

The students then heard from Pastor David Lee Sincere, Jr. of Fort Bend Transformation Church.

Sincere noted to the students that the date that King was assassinated, April 4, 1968, might seem like ancient history to them. But that date happened to be the very day

he was born, he told them. Referring to King's seminal "I Have a Dream" speech during the March on Washington in 1963, Sincere told the youngsters that they could "actually actualize the dream. We're depending on you on to lead the way." "We must invest in you," Sincere said, speaking on behalf of the older generation. "You have the power

Whitbeck discusses FBISD priorities for legislative session

By Ken Fountain KFOUNTAIN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

As the Texas Legislature began its session January 10, Fort Bend ISD Superintendent Dr. Christie Whitbeck laid out the district's legislative priorities to reporters. And at the top of her list is raising teachers' salaries and other incentives to attract and retain them.

"We really need ways to get people into the profession," she said in a briefing at the district's adminis -

tration building, noting that there is currently a nationwide shortage in teachers. "We've got to make teaching more attractive, so the young folks come out and they're excited."

The starting salary for teachers in Fort Bend ISD is $59,500, Whitbeck said. Ideally, she like to be able to raise it to $65,000, she said. Right now, the district is short about 175 teaching positions, she said.

"In a school district it takes a lot of money to

make it all happen. It's not just the teachers. The teachers are amazing. But it's also our custodians and our nurses and our counselors. Mental health is another piece to this. If they could fund the social workers, the mental health counselors that we do have. Maybe just earmarking funds. I'm fine with that. Just ask us where we need it, though. That's the critical piece," she said.

Whitbeck acknowledged the concerns of taxpayers. But she noted that the dis -

trict's current ad valorem tax rate is $1.13 per $100 in valuation, an historic low. Just three years ago, she said, the rate was $1.83 per $100.

Whitbeck said that with the state heading into the next biennium with a projected $33 billion surplus, as calculated by the state comptroller's office, now is the time to make investments in teachers.

"It's unprecedented. Never have we entered a legislative session with

Thompson

Whitbeck

Bruce Miller of Christ Church Sugar Land helps a student assemble a bed frame during the MLK Day of Service on Monday. (Photo by Ken Fountain)

Missouri City native R'Bonney Gabriel, center, was named Miss Universe this past Saturday night. (Staff file photo by Ken Fountain)

HS Hoops: Hurricanes climb atop 20-6A boys standings

By

After spending the last several seasons among the ranks of the elite in Class 5A, the Hightower Hurricanes faced a step up in competition after realignment pushed them into one of the Houston area’s most competitive districts.

But so far, the Hurricanes have been up to the challenge and then some.

Hightower grinded out close wins over Travis (5548) on Jan. 10 and Ridge Point (59-58) on Jan. 13 to take control of the 20-6A race at its midway point.

The Hurricanes improved to 18-6 on the season and a perfect 8-0 in district play.

Corey Thompson had 13 points for the Hurricanes in the win over Travis, and Milton Rice added 10 points of his own to help the Hurricanes stay perfect in district play. Hightower is up to 16th in the most recent Class 6A rankings released by the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches (TABC), and was slated to put its perfect district record on the line Tuesday against Bush.

Kameron Newsome had 13 points to lead Travis in the loss to Hightower, though the Tigers rebounded with a 55-43 win over Dulles on Jan. 13 to improve to 18-6 and 6-2 in district play.

Elsewhere, the Elkins Knights split a pair of games last week, beating George Ranch 55-34 on Jan. 10 before dropping a 51-48 decision to Clements on Jan. 13. Kristopher Barnett (12 points, 10 rebounds) and Jae’Coby Osborne (13 points, 15 rebounds) each had double-doubles for the Knights (13-8, 5-3) against George Ranch, while Justin Mitchell and Todd Woods scored 10 points apiece.

Divine Ugochukwu led the Rangers with 22 points in a 49-37 win over George

Ranch on Jan. 10 prior to the win over Elkins, which moved Clements to 12-7 overall and 4-4 in district play.

On the Class 5A front, the Fulshear Chargers swept through an undefeated week to stay tied atop District 20-5A last week. Dylan Garner scored 15 points to lead the Chargers (13-12, 5-0) in a 55-49 win over Foster on Jan. 13, while Jared Moynihan had 12 points and five rebounds in a 5146 victory over Kempner on Jan. 10.

Marshall cruised again last week to stay tied with the Chargers atop the district, besting Randle 70-31 on Jan. 10 before taking down Willowridge 76-27 on Jan. 13. Naheim Northern had

16 points and Jaylen Reedus had 12 points for the Buffalos (22-3, 5-0) against Randle, while Jaland Lowe had a double-double with 13 points and 10 assists in the victory over Willowridge.

Cayden Gibson and Israel Akeye poured in 12 points apiece against Fulshear for Kempner, which rebounded later in the week with a 51-46 win over Lamar Consolidated on Jan. 13 to improve to 14-10 overall and 3-2 in district play. Prior to the loss to Fulshear, Jace Jones led Foster (8-13, 3-2) with 18 points in a 61-45 win over Terry on Jan. 10.

In Class 4A action, the Needville Blue Jays split a pair of games last week to

move to 9-12 overall and 2-3 in district play. Austin Anderson scored 12 points and grabbed 14 rebounds to lead Needville in a 54-51 over Sealy on Jan. 12, while Keilan Sweeny and Caden Slater added 11 points apiece.

Girls

Austin’s Lady Bulldogs continued to pace District 20-6A on the girls’ side, picking up an 84-36 win over Dulles on Jan. 10 before dispatching George Ranch 75-42 on Jan. 13 to improve to 25-1 overall and 10-0 in district play. Kelechi Dike scored a career-high 35 points and grabbed 13 rebounds against George Ranch to lead the Lady Bulldogs, who are currently

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ranked 11th in Class 6A by the TABC.

Hightower kept pace with wins over Travis (51-37) on Jan. 10 and Ridge Point (43-34) on Jan. 13 to move to 24-3 and 9-1 in district play. Madison Bob poured in a career high 27 points against Ridge Point, and also scored a team-leading 17 points against Travis while Nia Reed had 11 points.

Prior to the loss against Austin, George Ranch took down Clements 62-27 on Jan. 10. Leslie Forun had 17 points and Kurynn McNeal had 16 points for the Lady Longhorns (15-14, 5-5) against Clements, while Forun also scored a team-high 22 points against Austin.

Fulshear continued to pace District 20-5A last

week, beating Kempner 73-16 on Jan. 10 before overtaking Foster 57-48 on Jan. 13. Ruke Ogbevire scored a team-leading 18 points for Fulshear (21-5, 7-0) against Kempner, while Ese Ogbevire had 16 points and Jada Morgan grabbed 14 rebounds.

Willowridge also continued to play well, pulling out wins over Lamar Consolidated (36-27) on Jan. 10 and Marshall (43-17) on Jan. 13. Hailey Kinchen scored a game-high 12 points against Lamar Consolidated, and Natalie Greene and Tara Batiste secured 12 rebounds apiece. Willowridge (18-6, 5-2) has now won 16 of its last 18 contests.

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The Hightower Hurricanes boys' basketball team displays their trophy after winning the Gulf Coast Classic earlier this season. Following two more wins last week, the Hurricames currently sit atop the District 20-6A standings. (Photo from Twitter)

HS Soccer: Lady Blue Jays shine at Highway 36 tournament

The Needville Lady Blue Jays’ soccer team is no stranger to success, having made the playoffs all but one season since the program’s inception. But this year’s team is off to one of the best starts in the program’s early history, and continued that run last week.

Needville went 3-1 at the Highway 36 Tournament last week, splitting a pair of games against Dulles (3-2 win) and Jones (10 loss) on Jan. 12 before taking down Brookshire Royal 4-0 on Jan. 13 and beating Terry 7-2 on Jan. 14 to finish off tournament play. The Lady Blue Jays are now 7-2 on the season.

Jayleen Aguirre scored seven totals goals in the tournament to pace Needville, netting a hat trick in the tournament finale against Terry and scoring twice each against Royal and Dulles. Reyha Johnson also scored twice in the win over Terry.

Dulles went 1-1-1 at the tournament, beating Royal 6-0 before losing to Needville on Jan. 12 and playing to a 2-2 draw against Jones. Sam Uschold and Rachel Pacey each scored twice for Dulles (4-3-2) against Royal, and Uschold scored twice more in the tournament finale against Jones Elsewhere in the area, the Austin Lady Bulldogs kicked off district play strong with a 6-0 win over Dulles on Jan. 10 before going 1-1 in tournament play, with a 6-0 win over Westside on Jan. 13 following a 2-0 loss to Brazoswood on Jan. 12. Solae Young scored five time in the win over Dulles for the Lady Bulldogs (3-2, 10 district), while Sydney McCoy added a goal of her own along with two as -

sists.

Stafford’s Lady Spartans went 1-2 at the Columbia Tournament last week, beating Port Lavaca Calhoun 1-0 on Jan. 12 before losing to Uvalde and Terry on Jan. 13. Freshman Arely Yanez scored the lone goal for Stafford (2-2) in

the win over Calhoun.

Boys In Class 5A action on the boys’ side, the Marshall Buffalos got back on track with a 1-0 win over Houston Memorial in a non-district matchup to improve to 2-2 on the young season. Jonathan

E E E E O bituary E E E E

MARY LOUISE SIMMONS BROWN

Mary Brown died peacefully in Chelsea Garden’s, a skill nursing care facility in Missouri City, Texas at the age of 93. She was born in Lipan, Texas and spent twenty-five years as a professional educator in Pasadena, Texas, teaching second grade in the Pasadena Independent School District. Her eyes lit up each time she told a story about individual students and their successes. Mary earned a degree from Texas A&M University at a time when very few women attended the University in College Station, Texas.

A life-long Baptist of strong faith, she was a member of the First Baptist Church in Pasadena, Texas, and upon her retirement to College Station, Mary joined the First Baptist Church in Bryan, Texas. She loved to read and always had a variety of books that could be borrowed. Her

family treasured watching her make delicious pies, cakes and cookies which delivered mouthwatering memories. Mary Brown’s strawberry nut bread recipe has been shared with friends and family for decades. Furthermore, gathering around the piano as Mary played hymns such as Amazing Grace will remain fond memories

along with the numerous songs, she knew from memory.

Mrs. Brown is survived by two daughters, Suzanne Bevans and son-in-law in Alexandria, Virginia; Donna Brown in Richmond, Texas and three granddaughters: Dawn E. Platt, Kathryn L. Hoffman and spouse in Corpus Christi, Texas and Victoria Williams in Houston, Texas. She also had numerous nieces and nephews within the state of Texas.

Mary Brown will be remembered as a devoted wife, loving and attentive Mother and Grandmother.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the future for family and friends to honor her life and legacy followed by a graveside service in Fairfield, Texas where she will be laid to rest with her beloved husband, Cecil Brown.

CITY OF STAFFORD - NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Notice is hereby given that the City of Stafford Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, February 7th, 2023 at 6:30 p.m., in the City Council Chambers, Stafford City Hall, 2610 South Main, Stafford, Texas. Notice is hereby given that the City Council of the City of Stafford, Texas will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, February 15th, 2023 at 6:30 p.m., in the City Council Chambers, Stafford City Hall, 2610 South Main, Stafford, Texas.

Zoning Amendments Proposed

A proposal to adopt an ordinance amending Chapter 102 of the Code of Ordinances, the same being the City’s Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance, to grant a Specific Use Permit for the operation of a convenience store with fuel sales and an office warehouse facility, located at 12303 Murphy Rd. All residents of the City of Stafford and other interested parties are invited to attend and will be given the opportunity to be heard.

Thomas Coon - City Planner

Bedolla scored the lone goal for Marshall in the win, while Jacob Avelar stopped all five shots on goal against him to earn his first clean sheet of the season.

On the Class 4A front, the Stafford Spartans are building on last year’s

historic run to the state tournament with a strong start. The Spartans swept all three matches at the Huffman-Hargrave Tournament last week, moving to 7-0 on the young season ahead of the Columbia Tournament this Thursday.

Jonathan Rincones scored the lone goal for Stafford in a 1-0 win Silsbee on Jan. 12, while goaltender Ivan Maldonado stopped every shot against him in the tournament to earn three straight clean sheets for the Spartans.

The Needville Lady Blue Jays soccer team poses for a photo after a match earlier this season. The Lady Blue Jays went 3-1 at the Highway 36 Tournament last week. (Photo from Twitter)

OCTOBER 10, 1929 – JANUARY 7, 2023

Willis, Jones announce runs for Stafford mayor

By Ken Fountain KFOUNTAIN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

With filing for the May 6 local elections in Texas beginning on Thursday, the Stafford mayoral race is beginning to take shape.

Incumbent Cecil Willis, who has served as mayor since the death of longtime mayor Leonard Scarcella in 2020, and Mayor Pro Tem Don Jones have both formally announced their intentions to run in statements released to the Fort Bend Star.

Willis took office after winning a special election to fill out the unexpired term of Scarcella, who died in 2020 after serving as Stafford mayor since 1969 (making him the longest-serving mayor in the country). Willis has served on the Stafford City Council for 36 years.

"The past 25 plus months have flown by and have been truly amazing," Willis said in his announcement statement.

After growing up in San

Antonio, Willis attended Texas A&M University and received a degree in horticulture in 1966. He worked for the City of Houston as the city's arborist and later as an administrator in the parks department before moving to Missouri City and becoming the executive director of the Quail Valley Homeowners Association, from which he retired in 2013. He has lived in Stafford since 1975. He has been married for 59 years and has three children and eight grandchildren.

"The City of Stafford is blessed to have one of the most diverse communities in Fort Bend County. Our diversity is one of our biggest strengths," Willis said in his statement. "We must, however, continue to be ever vigilant of those that would try to divide us.

As we look forward, let us stay focused on what has proven to be successful and continue to expand on it together."

"It is my continued pledge that the decisions I make

will be rooted in facts of the law and in the best interest for all of Stafford," Willis wrote.

Jones has served on the council since 2018. A native of South Bend, Ind., he earned his undergraduate degree, majoring in elementary education with a sociology minor, from Indiana State University in 1979. He also holds a graduate degree in education mid-management from the University of Houston Clear Lake. He became a lifelong educator and public school administrator, serving as assistant princi -

pal and principal at many school districts, including Stafford Municipal School District. He now works as a Realtor.

Jones has lived in Stafford since 1988. A widower, Jones has a son who graduated from Stafford MSD in 2007.

In his statement, Jones also noted " a significant shift in our demographics and the overall population" and referred to the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday on Monday.

"Historically, Dr. King must be considered as one of the founding fathers to

the sociological concept that we so readily and respectfully refer to now as Diversity," he said.

Willis, in both his released statement and a phone interview, stressed his desire to keep Stafford on the path that it's been on for years, particularly its lack of property taxes.

"As we look forward, let us stay focused on what has proven to be successful and continue to expand on it together. Stafford has proven successful with ZERO property tax, sound fiscal policies, SMSD, HCC, promoting diversity, planned quality development and re-development." he wrote.

In his statement, Jones said he decided to run for mayor because he sees a need for a change in direction for the city.

"We have a need today and into the foreseeable future, for a mayor that is willing to serve the best interest of all of the citizens and neighborhoods in Stafford. Someone who honestly wants to bring

our richly diverse community together. This most critical attribute requires true leadership," he wrote. In particular, Jones says he has significant qualms with the way the city adopts its budget, which he wrote led him to vote against the 2021-22 and 2022-23 budgets "in order to rebut the application of an economic theory that frankly in my opinion is struggling to fundamentally meet the financial demands of our city."

"If given the opportunity to become the New Mayor, I will abide by the oath and I promise that I will conduct myself with fair, impartial, and dispassionate judgement. I intend to follow all laws, policy and/ or procedures thoroughly, without fear or favor, and I will honor the trust placed in me to continue to perform my noble role in public service," Jones said in his statement.

Filing for local political subdivisions begins on January 18 and ends on February 17.

The Zeta Xi Sigma chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternities, Inc., a predominantly Black fraternity, held the third annual Dr. Alexander Brown Scholarship Golf Tournament at the Quail Valley Golf Course on Saturday. The event raises funds for the Alexander Brown Foundation for scholarships.. (Photos by Ken Fountain)

Jones Willis

this amount of excess funding," she said. "If we're ever going to offer incentives, if we're going to offer special things to help teachers become certified, if we're gong to think outside the box and really work to make sure our classrooms are filled with quality teachers, this is the time," she said.

That is one of four priorities recently approved by the district's board. The others are making changes to the state's school fiance system, creating "equity" between public schools and charter schools, and keeping the state's current accountability standards in place for another year as schools, teachers and students catch up from the

COVID pandemic.

On the school fiance front, Whitbeck said she hoped legislators would raise the current basic allotment of $6,100 per student. That level of funding hasn't kept up with inflation, she said, citing rising fuel costs for a district whose vehicles drive the equivalent of the Earth's circumference each day.

Ideally, Whitbeck said she's like to see it raised to $7,000 per student. But beyond the number, Whitbeck said the allotment should be tied to total enrollment, not daily attendance, since school districts plan their budgets around enrollment.

Whitbeck noted that Fort Bend ISD now has just shy of 80,000 students, the highest in the district's history.

As for the account-

ability standards, the superintendent said that draft legislation she and other school officials have seen are "very concerning," especially since schools are just resuming normal operations after the pandemic.

"Any time we change accountability, it stresses out the teachers, because they have to learn what the new expectation is," she said.

"My thing is, this is not the time to stress out our teachers. I would say if you could defer a year, give us another year on the accountability that we have.

Oddly, we've only had this one year since COVID. So why would we now change it when we're not caught up from COVID? At least give us a second year to make sure that our kids are where they need to be."

Whitbeck said that pub -

lic schools and charter schools are not on a level playing field.

"We would not have gone to the national championship game with two teams going forward that are not all under the same rules. We welcome competition in Fort Bend, we outperform the charters anyway," she said.

In particular, she said charter schools are building campuses very close to public schools, and often building in close proximity to each other. With a finite pool of students in any given area, that puts a strain on districts' resources, and creates traffic issues that parents often are concerned about.

She implored legislators to "hold them accountable to the same things we are if they're going to receive the money."

a better

have it in

to make the world a better place." Next, the students di -

vided into several large groups to split off and take part in service projects, each held in a different room and sponsored by a different faith community. Those projects included packing up sack lunches for unhoused people served at Fort Bend Family Promise

School to give a talk about pursuing dreams to the school's eighth-grade girls.

and and at other locations (sponsored by Hindus of Greater Houston); putting together "Manna Bags" containing toiletries and other items that can be passed out to people in need (Christ Church Sugar Land); making "plarn," or plastic yarn, out of plas -

tic bags to be used by people in impoverished circumstances in Uganda (Horizon Baptist Church); creating toys out of various materials for animals at the Fort Bend County, Rosenberg and Missouri City animal shelters (Thoreau Unitarian Universalist

Whitbeck said her team are continually working to be fiscally responsible. After voters last November rejected the district's tax rate proposition meant to stem a looming budget deficit, she committed to making $47 million in budget cuts. Those cuts have already begun, with $3 million presented to the school board this month and more to come.

A lot of those cuts come from employee attrition, she said. Nearly every position that becomes vacant is scrutinized carefully to determine if its necessary, she said. And the district is renegotiating contracts with vendors, including recently a contract with a firm that helps districts with saving on utility costs. That renegotiation resulted in a savings of $1 million, she said.

Congregation); putting together hygiene packets and decorating bags for the Lunches of Love program serving underprivileged students in Fort Bend ISD and Lamar CISD (Maryam Islamic Center ISGH and Congreation Beth El); and constructing wooden bed

Looking beyond the legislative session, Whitbeck said she expects her administration to propose a new bond election this year. She noted that the last bond election passed in 2018, and there has been a lot of deferred maintenance and other costs since.

"I think we can be in a rebuilding mode. Rebuilding some older schools, rebuilding trust. We'll regain a lot of momentum. I'm excited about the new enrollment increases," she said.

"I'm excited abut the kids. You can' be around our kids very long and not just be really humbled," she said, adding that students have embraced the district's emphasis on developing a "culture of kindness."

frames for use by children being served by Children's Protective Services. As the students went about their tasks, they watched earnestly as volunteers showed them what to do while also chatting excitedly to their friends, old and new.

School and Elkins High School. In December, she paid a visit in November to Quail Valley Middle

"I'm a Mo City girl, y'all," Gabriel said in her best Texas twang, to the appreciative screams of the

students during a special assembly in the school's cafeteria, which doubles as an auditorium, as reported in a story by the Fort Bend Star. Gabriel, now 28, got a late start in the beauty

pageant world, entering the Miss Kemah competition in 2020, where she placed among the top five runners-up. After a previous attempt, she won the title of Miss Texas USA last October before going

on to became Miss USA in Las Vegas in November. Gabriel works at the Houston-based design house Magpies & Peacocks, which specializes in using up-cycled and recycled materials. Gabriel has

also pursued a modeling career, and was recently featured in a photo shoot for Vogue magazine.

Application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for an On Premise Retail of Wine and Beer by Off the Vine Bistro LLC dba Off the Vine Bistro, to be located at 4220 Cartwright Road, unit 701, Missouri City, Texas 77459. Officers of said corporation Off the Vine Bistro LLC are Namita Asthana, Managing Partner, Manish Asthana Managing Partner

Review: Keeper's offers fine culinary trip to Japan

By Ken Fountain KFOUNTAIN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Japanese food, aside from the occasional jaunt to a sushi restaurant, has never been a huge part of my foodie travels.

I do have a story about having Japanese food in Japan, however. During one of my deployments in the Navy, my ship made a port visit to Yokosuka. A buddy and I went to a local restaurant and ordered food using menus with pictures of the various dishes. As young sailors who were not terribly sophisticated, we didn't know we were supposed to cook our own

food on the hibachi at our table until it arrived. But that was a long time ago. I'm a lot for sophisticated these days. Trust me.

So this past weekend, a friend and I decided to check out Keeper's Japanese Restaurant & Bar on Highway 6 in Sugar Land. Since it opened in 2011, I'd driven by the place I don't know how many times over the years, but had never ventured inside.' That's to my discredit, because it really is a wonderful place. The restaurant's main dining room is a large and expansive, and there is a smaller one and one in the back of the restaurant.

The decor is what I might call classical modernist, with a mix of chandeliers and rounded lamps above tables, and a darkened interior offset by colored florescent lighting.

There is also a full sushi bar and a full bar. Light oprock music plays from the sound system, and patrons tend to talk loudly enough to be heard above it, so be prepared for that.

There are separate lunch and main menus, plus a happy hour menu. All offer a range of items, with emphasis on nigiri and sashimi, signature and hand-rolled rolls, seafood, chicken and beef entrées, as well as combination

dishes.

I went with the salmon teriyaki, with sides of broccoli and carrots and California rolls, as well as miso soup. (As a side note, I discovered during that same port visit that McDonald's restaurant in Japan serve a teriyaki burger. It was pretty good.)

The dish was excellent, with the teriyaki sauce offering just the right level of tangy. My friend ordered the tempura shrimp, which he seemed to enjoy.

I found the service a bit slow, but made some allowances for that given the fact that the dining room was packed on a Sunday afternoon. The server

was perfectly polite and answered all of our questions. There were all kinds of people, including families with young people.

As for the name - I didn't quite understand how "Keeper's" was related to Japan or Japanese food. A quick check of the restaurant's website told me that that is the name of its owner and head chef. who has decades of experience. So, mystery solved.

Keeper's

Address: 4654 Highway 6, Sugar land Hours: 11:30 a.m.-10:30

THANK

p.m. Monday through Thursday; 11:30 a.m.-11:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday

Entrée prices: $11-$32

Kid-friendly: Yes Alcohol: Yes

Senior discount: No Healthy options: Yes

Star of the show: Salmon Teriyaki

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

FOR READING

The Salmon Teriyaki at Keeper's Japanese Restaurant & Bar had just the right amount of tanginess during a recent visit to the Sugar Land restaurant. (Photo by Ken Fountain)

LIBRARIES HOST COLLEGE-PREPAREDNESS

PROGRAMS FOR TEENS IN JANUARY

“How to Choose & Pay for College” will take place on Saturday, January 21, from 2:00 to 3:00 pm, in the Meeting Room at the First Colony Branch Library (2121 Austin Parkway, Sugar Land). This program is intended for college-bound high-school students and their parents.

“FAFSA 101” will take place on Wednesday, January 25, from 5:00 to 6:00 pm, in Room 2C, at George Memorial Library (1001 Golfview, Richmond). Completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) application is the first step toward receiving federal or state financial aid for college, and it can be an intimidating task for many people.

LIBRARY’S CULINARY BOOK CLUB TO DISCUSS ASIAN DISHES FOR LUNAR NEW YEAR AT JANUARY MEETING

The Culinary Book Club at Fort Bend County Libraries’ University Branch Library will meet on Wednesday, January 18, beginning at 1:30 pm, in Meeting Room 1 of the library, located at 14010 University Blvd in Sugar Land, on the UH campus. For more information, see the Fort Bend County Libraries website (www. fortbend.lib.tx.us) or call the University Branch Library (281-6335100).

LEARN HOW TO RESEARCH YOUR FAMILY HISTORY AT LIBRARY PROGRAM

Have you ever wondered where your ancestors came from? Learn the basics of beginning your family-history research at a special program, “Introduction to Family-History Research,” on Saturday, January 14, from 10:30 am to 12:00 noon, in the Computer Lab at Fort Bend County Libraries’ Missouri City Branch Library, 1530 Texas Parkway.

FORT BEND COUNTY LIBRARIES’

TO

LIBRARY’S

PODCAST CLUB FOCUSES ON SETTING NEW YEAR

GOALS

IN JANUARY University Branch Library’s Podcast Club will meet on Wednesday, January 25, at 6:00pm, in library Meeting Room 2, located at 14010 University Blvd in Sugar Land, on the UH campus. The theme for the month is “New Year, New You.” Each month features a different theme, along with a short list of podcast episodes to be discussed that can be found on the University Branch Library’s online calendar on the Fort Bend County Libraries website. Visit www.fortbend.lib.tx.us or call the University Branch Library 281-633-5100.

FORT BEND COUNTY LIBRARIES

PROGRAMS –

TEEN

JANUARY Teens can earn volunteer-service hours by participating in FBCL’s

Wednesday, January 4, 7:00 pm, Conference Room.

University Branch Library – Thursday, January 12, 4:00-5:00 pm, Conference Room 1.

George Memorial Library (Richmond) -- Wednesday, January 18, 4:00-5:00 pm, Room 2C.

Cinco Ranch Branch Library – Wednesday, January 18, 4:00-5:00 pm, Conference Room.

Missouri City Branch Library -- Tuesday, January 24, 4:00-5:00 pm, Conference Room.

Sienna Branch Library – Thursday, January 26, 4:00-5:00 pm.

George Memorial Library (Richmond): YA Book Chatting –Wednesday, January 11, 4:00-5:00 pm, Room 2C.

Sienna Branch Library: Sienna Subtext: Graphic Novel & Animé Club -- Thursday, January 12, 4:00-5:00 pm, Conference Room 2A.

Mission Bend Branch Library:

George

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

SUGAR LAND ROTARY CLUB

Sugar Land Rotary Club, the nation’s oldest community service organization, wants you to be its guest at a meeting that could turn out to be the best fit for getting involved with a local, nonpolitical, humanitarian service organization with a global presence to satisfy your passion. We’re on a quest for new members! Call or email Dean Clark, 469-850-2424, dean7351@gmail.com. We’re a friendly group that meets once a week for lunch.

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/.

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

DVD-BASED ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS