The 03-01-23 Edition of The Fort Bend Star

Wedding Announcement!

SEE PAGE 4!

to see more about Kendall Bernard Williams and Chansonique Alyse Rutherford

Area dignitaries make rounds at Texas Capitol

By Ken Fountain KFOUNTAIN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Lobbying lawmakers can by a hard day's work. That truism was on full display last Thursday as a large contingent of people from Fort Bend County and environs traveled to Austin to take part in Fort Bend County Day at the Texas Capitol. The event was co-sponsored by the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce, the Fort Bend Economic

Development Council, and the Central Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce, the Katy Area Chamber, the Fulshear-Katy Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Needville Chamber of Commerce, collectively known as the Fort Bend County Business Collaborative, along with a host of corporate sponsors. The event is a longtime fixture held every two years when the Texas Legislature is in session.

A chartered bus set out at 6:30 a.m. from the Safari

Texas Ranch event center, filled with people who were set to meet with legislators on a set of topics that are the focuses of the collaborative's legislative agenda for the biennium: local control, public safety, economic development, healthcare, education and workforce, and infrastructure. Others traveled to the capital on their own. Winding through a fogshrouded central Texas landscape, the bus made

SEE CAPITOL PAGE 5

A strong culmination

By Ken Fountain KFOUNTAIN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Missouri City residents turn out in force for Freedom Walk

By Ken Fountain KFOUNTAIN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Missouri City pulled out the stops Saturday for its second annual Freedom Walk, a community walk from Community Park to the nearby Freedom Tree Park to celebrate the day enslaved people at the former Palmer Plantation were told they were free. The walk also served as

a one of the culminating events of the city's celebration of Black History Month.

Hundreds of residents took advantageous of the warm, sunny weather to participate in the walk. Last year's inaugural walk was hampered by inclement weather. According to Mayor Robin Elackatt, this year's event drew about twice as many participants.

Led by the Houstonbased Drumatix drum ensemble and members of City Council, the procession of people of all ages and ethnicities made their way through the quiet suburban streets, along the way passing signs displaying photographs of prominent African-Americans throughout history.

At Freedom Tree Park, artist Charis Kelley carefully painted a picture of

the namesake tree. The park is soon to undergo a massive renovation and expansion.

As people gathered at the park's wooden deck, At-Large Position 2 Councilwoman Lynn Clouser kicked off the official festivities surrounding by young members of the Missouri City-Sugar Land chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., an organization that works to

improve the quality of life of children, particularly those of African-American descent.

At Clouser's prompting, the children told the crowd on whose behalf they were marching.

"Black history is American history, and it should be celebrated throughout the year, 365 days a year," Elackatt said in his own

SEE WALK PAGE 5

Sugar Land student combines passion for science, journalism

By Ken Fountain KFOUNTAIN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Shaivi Moparthi is a young girl with a lot on her plate.

The 13-year-old Sugar Land resident has strong interests in both STEM education and journalism. A middle-schooler at the private Kinkaid School in Piney Point has long been interested in writing, and is the editor-in-chief of the school newspaper, the Talon Times.

Some people might think that's accomplishment enough. But Moparthi has

gone a bit farther. Last year, she applied for and was accepted as at TIME for Kids reporter, writing for the newsmagazine's content for young readers. The year-long assignment has already given her quite a bit of stories. Her first was an interview with Vanessa E. Wyche, director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center.

In the interview (available at timeforkids.com/your-hotjob), Moparthi asks Wyche, the first Black woman director of the facility, about her career path, about NASA's

plans to again send astronauts to the Moon (including the first woman the first person of color to achieve that milestone), and the need for young people to pursue STEM fields, something that's near to her heart as a self-described "aspiring scientist."

"It was my dream interview," she says.

But she's not done there.

In one of her upcoming assignments, she will be interviewing the renowned

SEE PASSION PAGE 4

Missouri City residents were out in droves last Saturday to participate in the Freedom Walk from Community Park to Freedom Tree Park to commemorate Black History Month. (Photo by Ken Fountain)

Shaivi Moparthi interviews Vanessa E. Wyche, director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center, for a story for TIME for Kids.

(Photo by David De Hoyos/NASA)

Former FBISD board member Jim Rice, left, current member Rick Garcia, FBISD superintendent Christie Whitebeck, and Lamar CISD superintendent Roosevelt Nivents walk to a legislator's office during Fort Bend County Day at the Texas Capitol. (Photo by Ken Fountain)

See our review of Johnny Tamales inside today's edition on Page 6.

Lady Chargers set foundation with state tournament trip

By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Even as the buzzer was sounding at the end of last season’s regional quarterfinal loss to Beaumont United, D’Shanna Brown knew that she and the Fulshear Lady Chargers had something special brewing entering this season. The Lady Chargers were on the brink of a deeper playoff run despite playing the latter portion of the season without leading scorer Ese Ogbevire (torn ACL) and star Sophia Semmler (torn MCL) as well as starting forward Kennedy Hill playing much of the season with a dislocated patella that required constant attention to keep her playing.

So Brown had an inkling that 2022-2023 could be their year.

“I say that was our turning moment because we were able to accomplish that with a lot of freshman and sophomores. None of those girls really had varsity experience (before last year),” Brown said Monday. “When you have dynamic players like that missing or playing on one leg and make it that far, I knew we were state contenders. And I think they realized too, that we could do this. That belief got us to where we are today.”

Where they are, is somewhere the Lady Chargers’ program has never been before in their young sixseason history. Fulshear (33-5) was set to clash with Lubbock Cooper (30-6) in the Class 5A state semifinals at 8:30 p.m. Thursday at the Alamodome in San Antonio following a 45-43 win over

Pflugerville Hendrickson in the Region III-5A final last Saturday And though the ride is not over, Brown said she and the Lady Chargers are simply enjoying the moment.

“I’m just so happy for these girls, because this is like a dream come true. I know the job isn’t finished just yet, but it’s a dream come true because I know there are a lot of people who didn’t really see or expect this from us,” said Brown, who helped create the Lady Chargers’ varsity team six years ago. “But I’ve always believed

in it and always knew it was possible. When I was brought in, I came here with a task in mind, and that was to get to a state tournament.”

Leaving a legacy

The first step in that process is accomplished – but Brown and the Chargers want more. They want to leave their mark, both at Fulshear and in the state record books.

“It’s been really special leaving a legacy, and doing it with these girls,” said Hill, a senior forward in her third year with the program. “This is a team I’ve never had before, the

bond I’ve had with them is truly something special. Making it this far with them has just been so much fun.”

Junior forward Kimora Lopez echoed the sentiment.

“It’s been special to set a foundation,” she said.

“We made history even winning our (regional quarterfinal). We’re a family, so we’re doing it together. And that’s what makes it so special.”

Brown said one of the keys to the season has been the leadership of their two seniors, Hill and Ese Ogbevire. Both

of them, Brown said, have been guiding forces in the Chargers’ steady ascension the last several seasons.

Ogbevire was a freshman during the 2019-2020 season, when the Lady Chargers made their first playoff appearance and made it to the area round. Hill’s first varsity season was 2020-2021, when they made another area appearance before last season’s regional quarterfinal trip.

“Their leadership styles are a little different, but as two competitors who have gone through times

when we weren’t winning as much to this point, it’s definitely special for those two,” Brown said. “… We’re incredibly grateful for them and their leadership and the toughness and grit that they bring.”

Stemming from that leadership, there was a buzz among the team that this could be a historic season, according to Brown.

And it has played out all season, as the Lady Chargers have already set a program record for wins in a season.

“I would say from the start, I realized it could be a special season,” Hill said. “We knew we had something special.”

The ride so far has been one that Brown and her team would change for anything. And not because of the results that have them two wins from the state’s pinnacle – but also from the team’s camaraderie on the court that has been forged through the sweat, tears, and sometimes blood that has been spilled in pursuit of dream.

Brown said she always preaches for her girls to simply have fun on the court. It’s what they’ve done all season.

And if they continue to do so, she knows results will follow. So she’s keeping the same message as Fulshear surges forward into more uncharted waters.

“Whenever they’re having fun, the results that you’ve seen, you’ve been witness to it,” she said. “… The smallest things make the biggest difference. They trust each other, they believe in each other, and they’re having fun.”

The Fulshear Lady Chargers' basketball team celebrates after clinching the Region III-5A title last Saturday at the Merrell Center in Katy. Fulshear took down Pflugerville Hendrickson 45-43 in the regional final to punch their ticket to the program's first state tournament. (Photo from Twitter)

Tournament play fruitful for Fort Bend baseball, softball teams

By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

The high school baseball season kicked off for many area teams last week with tournament play, while the area’s softball teams continued strong early starts.

Ridge Point went 4-1-1 at the Katy ISD Tournament Feb. 23-25 to kick off their defense of a Region III-6A title. Dallas Baptist commit JJ Kennett had an RBI double in a 1-0 win over Kerrville on Feb. 23, while Michael Huffman and Jack McKernan combined for the shutout in a 9-0 victory over Katy Taylor on Feb. 24.

Hightower also kicked off their season strong with a perfect weekend in winning all four games of the Jacob Edwards Memorial Classic tournament hosted at the school. Jeremy Payne had a double, a triple, and four RBIs for the Hurricanes (4-0) in a 13-1 win over Rosenberg Terry on Feb. 25, while Angel Gutierrez struck out eight in five innings of work on the mound. Gutierrez also hom-

ered and drove in three runs at the plate in a 16-1 victory against Port Arthur Memorial on Feb. 23.

The Clements Rangers posted a 3-1 mark in the Katy ISD tournament last weekend. Griffin Culver, Fletcher Garcia, and Taylor Brown got two hits apiece during a 7-1 victory against Morton Ranch on Feb. 23, and Garcia drove home three runs as part of a 6-3 win over Katy Paetow to finish off the tournament on Feb. 25.

Bush went 2-2 at the Alief ISD tournament Feb. 23-25. Andrew Medina had three RBIs in a 14-3 win over Stafford on Feb. 25, while Charles Reyes and Allen Tovar had a pair of RBIs apiece. Dominic Medrano and Diego Perez had two hits apiece in a 5-4 win over Westfield on Feb. 23, and Reyes drove in two more runs.

The George Ranch Longhorns had a solid showing at the Cy-Fair ISD Tournament, finishing the weekend 2-2-1. Blake Beheler and Cody Ford each doubled and drove home a run in a 3-1 win over Jersey Village on

Feb. 24, while Lane Walton had three hits including a triple and three RBIs as part of the Longhorns’ 7-5 victory over Cy Falls on Feb. 25.

The Terry Rangers went 3-1 at the Jacob Edwards Memorial Tournament last week, improving to 4-1 on the season. Terry won games over Beaumont United (4-3) on Feb. 23 and swept Houston Austin (8-6) and Eisenhower (8-6) on Feb. 24 before falling 13-1 to Hightower on Feb. 25. Eric Garza struck out 11 batters over five innings against Beaumont United, while Matthew Eben had a pair of doubles and two RBIs in the win over Austin. Foster had a 3-2 weekend at the Katy ISD tournament, moving to 3-3 on the season. Coleman Briggs homered and drove in three runs for the Falcons in an 8-0 win over Katy Jordan on Feb. 23, and Julio Cuotto had three hits of his own and three pitchers combined on the shutout. Cuotto and Briggs also had two RBIs apiece in a 12-1 victory over Houston Lamar on Feb. 24, while Cuotto homered in a 5-4 win

over Seven Lakes on Feb. 24.

In Class 4A action, the Needville Blue Jays won all four games at the Columbia Tournament last week to stay unbeaten on the young season. They outscored opponents 39-7 over the weekend, moving to 5-0 on the season. Cade Meuth led the offensive charge for Needville, going 8 for 12 on the tournament with four doubles and six RBIs and reaching base 12 total times. Meanwhile, Ryan Rodriguez had the standout pitching performance of the weekend, striking out seven and allowing just one run in 6.1 innings in a 13-1 win over host Columbia on Feb. 23. Stafford went 1-3 at the Alief Tournament, with the lone win coming in a 6-5 victory over Kempner on Feb. 24. Adrian Ponce had a triple and three RBIs for the Spartans against Kempner, while Bryce Williams also tripled and Zach Brown had a double.

Softball

In Class 6A action, Ridge Point’s Lady Panthers continued their strong start to

the season with a 3-1 showing at the Allen Invitational Tournament, defeating Hebron, Allen, and Plano West before falling to Heritage in the final game to improve to 9-3 overall on the young season.

the Elkins Lady Knights finished 2-2 at the Spring Branch ISD Tournament last weekend. Following losses to Houston Memorial and Katy Taylor on Feb. 24, the Lady Knights (5-6-1) bounced back with wins on day two against Northbrook (18-1) and (8-5) on Feb. 25.

The Bush Lady Broncos took home a win in their only game of the week, a 20-4 victory over Brookshire Royal on Feb. 24. Addison Walker reached base four times and had four RBIs for Bush (4-2) in the win, while Adrianna Rivera also had two hits and an RBI.

George Ranch picked up an 11-1 district win over Austin on Feb. 21 before going 1-2 at the Battle of the Best Tournament Feb. 23-25. Ariella Kolenko collected two hits and an RBI in a 9-0 victory over Danbury for the Lady

Longhorns (6-5), then had four more hits including a double and two RBIs in the win over Austin. Kamaryn Radford also had two doubles and drove home three runs against Austin, while Kathleen Dolan had two hits and two RBIs.

On the Class 5A front, the Foster Lady Falcons ran roughshod through the Haynie Spirit Tournament last weekend in winning all six games they played. Foster (8-3) was set to put its winning streak on the line with a Tuesday night clash against Randle.

In Class 4A action, Stafford’s Lady Spartans have now won seven straight games following wins over Hitchcock on Feb. 21 and Terry on Feb. 24. April Aviles and Aileen Aviles had three RBIs apiece in their 13-2 win over Hitchcock, while Arisa Lemelle double twice and scored four runs while driving in another. Lemelle was also strong in the circle against Hitchcock, striking out five batters and allowing just one earned run in five innings.

THERE’S A BETTER APPROACH TO CANCER CARE in Sugar Land

At Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center, we treat every aspect of your cancer. Leading oncologists work with our specialists across disciplines to minimize cancer’s effects on major organs. One comprehensive team — dedicated to your individual care — uses the latest research, treatments and technology to stop your cancer. From infusion and clinical trials to surgery and reconstruction, our innovative care is available in Sugar Land. That’s the difference between practicing medicine and leading it.

Dulles,, who took part in the Katy ISD Tournament last weekend, was one of many Fort Bend County teams in action over the weekend. (Photo by Landan Kuhlmann)

@FORTBENDSTAR

primatologist Jane Goodall. As part of her TIME for Kids position, she also contributes to a weekly podcast. Moparthi, whose parents are originally from India but came to the U.S. during their college years, said that it was especially rewarding to hear Wyche's insights about being both a woman and minority who has been successful in the scientific realm. Her father works in finance and her mother is a engineer. Even with her already significant achievements in journalism, Moparthi has her sights set on a scientific career. Last October, to mark Breast

It is with great pride that the Groom’s parents, Ferdinand & Karen Williams of Mobile, Alabama, and the Bride’s parents

Chad & Demetria Rutherford of Sugar Land, Texas, announce the upcoming wedding of their children,

Kendall Bernard Williams and Chansonique Alyse Rutherford

Kendall Williams was born and raised in Mobile, Alabama. He attended Alabama State University earning a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. Kendall is a Senior Consultant at Baker Tilly, an accounting firm. Chansonique Rutherford was born and raised in Sugar Land, Texas. She attended law school at Thurgood Marshall School of Law, earning her Law degree. Chansonique is a Managing Attorney at Lone Star Legal Aid and has been with the non-profit firm for the last 5 years.

Kendall and Chansonique will become Mr. and Mrs. Williams before friends and family at Peach Orchard in the Woodlands, Texas.

Worship Directory FORT BEND COUNTY

BAPTIST CHURCH

HORIZON BAPTIST CHURCH • 281-403-4994

2223 FM1092 • Missouri City, TX 77459

John Strader , Senior Pastor

Sunday Bible Study 9:30 am

Sunday Worship 10:45 am 6:00 pm

Wednesday 7:00 pm AWANA/Youth www.hbctx.org

BRAZOS BEND BAPTIST CHURCH

BRAZOS BEND BAPTIST CHURCH - 979.553.3049

22311 FM 762 RD.-Needville, TX 77461

Dr. Doug Brooks- Pastor

Sunday School/Bible Study - 9:30am

Sunday Worship Service - 10:30am

Wednesday (Team Kids) - 7:00pm

Wednesday (Bible Study) - 7:00pm

Any Prayer needs call 979.553.3049

Special Events-Resurrection (Easter) Weekend www.bbbchurch.org

METHODIST CHURCH

CHRIST CHURCH SUGAR LAND • 281-980-6888

A United Methodist Community

3300 Austin Parkway • Sugar Land, TX 77479

Sunday Schedule 8:30 am Blended Worship 9:30 am Sunday School for all ages 10:30 am Traditional & Contemporary Worship www.christchurchsl.org

EPISCOPAL

ALL SAINTS EPISCOPAL CHURCH • 281-499-9602

605 Dulles Avenue, Stafford, TX 77477

SUNDAY: 10:30 am Worship Holy Eucharist www.allsaints-stafford.org

CHURCH OF CHRIST

STAFFORD CHURCH OF CHRIST • 281-499-2507

402 Stafford Run Rd. -Stafford, 77477

Stephen Higley, Preacher

Sunday Bible Study 9:30 am

Sunday Worship 10:30 am

Wednesday 7:00 pm www.staffordchurchofchrist.org

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH • 281-240-3195

502 Eldridge Rd. -Sugar Land, TX 77478

Reverend Dr. Fred Seay, Pastor

Sunday Worship In Person 11:00 am / Nursery Available Worship Online on YouTube www.fpcsl.org

Scripture of the week

mostly negative, from residents, largely related to concerns over the number of multifamily units.

District 4 Councilwoman Carol McKutcheon was the sole vote against the amendment. Before the vote, she explained that she had run on a platform of keeping Sugar Land's single-family residential identity intact and that she intended to keep that promise. District 2 Councilman Naushad Kermally had already recused himself from voting on the proposal.

In December, the city announced that Houston based PUMA Development had developed a proposal that would transform the Imperial Char House, perhaps the city's most iconic building, into an office building with retail and food-and-beverage components. The Char House would be the first phase of the redevelopment of the entire 40-acre Imperial Market district, which originally the site of the Imperial Sugar Company, which gave the city its name.

The Council has already voted to provide up to $5 million in reimbursements to PUMA, in prescribed

Cancer awareness month, she spearheaded a fundraiser to support MD Anderson boot walk to end cancer. She was motivated by the death of one of her favorite teachers from cancer during the COVID pandemic.

"With my entrepreneurship and leadership skills, I was able to reach out to a wider audience and reach my fundraising goal of $2,500 and help advance MD Anderson's efforts in the prevention, early detection and treatment and research of cancer, " she says.

"I am so proud of this initiative and feel very happy for helping raise funds for a great cause and make a difference in my community."

Moparthi also completed a science research project, "PinkRibbon - A Novel Meth-

phases, toward completeing the project.

As with the earlier Planning & Zoning meeting, Tuesday's City Council meeting included hours of public comment, both inperson and in submitted written comments. Unlike at the P&Z meeting. the people who spoke in person were split roughly evenly over the proposed amendment.

Many residents, particularly those who live in the areas most adjacent to the Imperial district, voiced concerns that allowing for hundreds of new apartments and other multifamily homes would change the suburban character of the area, adding to traffic congestion and other issues. Some said they feared that the development would drive down property values.

Others, however, including some residents of the immediate area, said they were excited at the prospect of having a retail and restaurant center within walking distance of their homes. Some even said they had purchased their homes with the expectation that the long-dormant Imperial complex would be transformed into just such a center.

When it came to reading the more than 60 submitted

od for Breast Cancer Detection

Using Machine Learning and Convolutional Neural Networks," in which she built an app designed to predict within seconds whether a breast issue sample is cancerous. The project garnered recognition and several awards at the regional, state and National levels, including theSociety of Science's Top 300 BroadcomMASTERS.

But that's not all. Moparthi also writes poetry and does acrylic painting. She will allow that one thing she's not very good at (yet) is baking.

While Moparthi says she now is most interested in pursuing a career in doing research science, she hopes that she can one day combine her interests by becoming a science journalist.

comments for the record, a task performed by Mayor Joe Zimmerman, the overwhelming majority of them were negative.

But when it came to discussion among the Council members, Zimmerman, city staff and others went to some lengths to remind residents that the proposal was for a General Development Plan which would allow the next steps of PUMA's redevelopment plan to proceed. No actual work would be done until a Final Development Plan went before the P&Z commission and ultimately approved by Council. Zimmerman also made a special point that the proposed development would not include an extension of Houston's Metropolitan Transit Authority. Sugar Land is not part of METRO's service area, and it would require a referendum of voters to become so.

Mark Toon, CEO of PUMA, said that has yet the number of multifamily has not been set. He revealed during the meeting that his company is in discussions with Sueba, another company which already own about four acres of property adjacent to the 40 acres under contract to PUMA, about the best way to develop the area.

SUGAR LAND DANCERS “COWBOY UP” TO CELEBRATE

TEXAS INDEPENDENCE WITH STREET FESTIVAL

OnSaturday, March 4, 2023 the staff, students, and friends of Cookie Joe’s Dancin’ School will proudly salute the Lone Star State with an outdoor festival entitled “God Bless Texas.” This one-day family friendly event is a high kickin’ tip of the hat to 187 years of Texas independence from Mexico.

Members of Sugar Land’s Cookie Joe’s Dancin’ School will perform to Texas music on the outdoor stage surrounded by games, food booths, a petting zoo, crafts, play areas, auctions, and interactive fun. “It will be a wonderful event for all ages celebrating Texas Independence.” said native Houstonian Cookie Joe. The Texas Declaration of Independence was signed on March 2, 1836.

Although there is a charge for some activities, admission to the event’s music and dance is free and open to the public. Proceeds from the annual celebration will benefit the schools’ Outreach Ministries including Star of Hope Homeless Mission, Exchange Club of Sugar Land, Child Advocates of Fort Bend, Champions Kids Camp, Texana Center, and Hope for Three, an autism advocacy group.

Generous event sponsors include Keep Rolling Automotive & Southwest Domestics.

God Bless Texas will be held from 12:30 pm – 4:00 pm at Cookie Joe’s Dancin’ School, 1415 Highway 6 (1 mile north of Highway 59 by Lifetime Fitness). For more information contact Scott Arthur @ 713-824-6126.

“The Spirit of the Lord will come powerfully upon you…and you will be changed into a different person.”

H CHAR HOUSE FROM PAGE 1

good time, arriving in Austin about an hour earlier than planned to make it way to The Austin Club, an ornate 1878 building that originally served as the city's opera house. There, the crown mingled in an expansive banquet hall before the main program began.

Following opening remarks from Fort Bend County Judge KP George, attendees heard from Glenn Hamer, president of the Texas Association of Business, who made the case for legislation. both at the state and federal level, he said would protect and expand the state's reputation as a good place to do business.

That was followed by a luncheon panel discussion among a bipartisan group of legislators who serve Fort Bend County: Republican Sen. Lois Kolhorst, Republican Rep. Jacey Jetton, Democratic Rep. Ron Reynolds, Republican Rep. Gary Gates, and Democratic Rep. Suleman Lalani. Three other scheduled legislators - Republican Sen. Joan Huffman, Democratic Senator Borris Miles, and Republican Rep. Stan Kitzman, who unable to attend.

opening remarks. He noted that Missouri City has long celebrated its racial and cultural diveristy.

Leona D. Daniels performed a moving rendition of "Lift Every Voice and

Each of the legislators laid out their own priorities for the session. While much of the discussion fell along traditional partisan lines, there were evident areas of agreement. Some of those included creating a path to citizenship for DREAMERS while also enhancing border security and expanding education programs. Republican Gates was quite vociferous about a bill he is sponsoring, HB 2615, designed to allow public school district to provide vocational education programs that "provide eligible high school students and educational training under a plan for the issuance of a high school diploma and the application of certain student-based allotments under the public school finance system."

Kolkurst and Jetton spoke at length about one of the most contentious bills so far, SB 147, which would prohibit the purchase of real estate by certain people and entities from a group of countries deemed antagonistic to the United States: China, Iran, Russia, and North Korea. The bill has drawn widespread condemnation from Democrats and immigration advocates - including a protest at the Fort Bend County Courthouse led by

Sing," which has long been recognized at the unofficial Black National Anthem.

District B Councilman Jeffrey L. Boney gave what was billed as a "brief history" of the Palmer Plantation and the Freedom Tree, adding that "Black history isn't brief

County Judge KP George - as well as coverage in national media.

Kolhurst, the bill's primary author, said that the bill is still being modified and would allow for permanent legal residents of those countries to purchase real estate. She said the reasoning behind the bill are valid national security concerns that have been echoed by officials in the Biden Administration.

Lelani, a Pakistani-American and one of the first two Muslims elected to the Texas House, said he was heartened that the bill is still being modified to allay the concerns of immigrant communities.

After the panel discussion, the attendees broke into several groups to head to the Capitol to meet with legislators about their particular priorities. While some traveled to the complex by bus, many took advantage of a brief period of sunny (if somewhat windy) weather to walk to to the Capitol, current encased in scaffolding during a major renovation project.

Among them was the Education and Workforce contingent, comprised of the superintendents and some board members of Fort Bend ISD and Lamar CISD, as well as representatives of area community colleges and some corpo -

at all."

That was followed by a voice-and-dance performance by the Missouri City-based Nia's Daughters dance ensemble which recounted the long history of African-Americans.

Other speakers included Katherine Thomas, 30, the newly elected judge of

rate representatives. They were led by Jim Rice, a business man and former longtime member of the Fort Bend ISD board and a past president of the Teas Association of School Boards.

Fort Bend ISD Superintendent Kristie Whitbeck was joined by FBSID Board President Kristen Malone and Position 3 member Rick Garcia. They were to advocate on behalf of the board's own legislative priorities (which Whitbeck laid out to reporters in January), which focus on enhancing state's the per-pupil allotment, creating a "level playing field" with charter schools, and especially on opposing a proposal for creating direct education vouchers to parents, which public school systems believe would be very detrimental. The voucher program is a long-sought goal of many Republican legislators, including Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, although it has faced blowback from Republicans in rural districts. Their first step was the somewhat cramped office of Gary Gates in the below-ground Capitol Extension, who greeted the contingent wearing a long-sleeved work shirt and blue jeans. As vicechair of both the House Resolutions Calendar

the 184th District Court of Harris County, the youngest elected judge in that county's history, Texas Rep. Ron Reynolds, Tyra Jones-McCollum, president of the local Jack and Jill chapter, and Charity Carter, co-leader of Edison Arts Foundation, which was the main presenter

Committee and the Urban Affairs Committee, Gates wields a great deal of influence over what legislation might ultimately make its way to a floor vote.

Gates and his visitors spoke at great length about his bill geared toward enhancing vocational education. The contingent was especially interested in hearing whether it would include a component for participation for private industry. He told them it was explicitly meant for that, as it is private employers in the construction trades who are most vocal about the need for employees who already have some level of proficiency.

When Whitbeck asked Gates, a strongly conservative Republican, about his views on vouchers, he gave them a surprising answer: he is not particularly in favor of them, although he didn't explicitly say he would actively oppose them.

The group's next stop was the much more spacious and ornate office of Ron Reynolds, a corner office on the fourth floor of the Capitol. A progressive Democrat, Reynolds spoke at length about his desire to protect public education.

When Whitbeck told him of Gates's remarks regarding vouchers, Reynolds

of the city's Black History Month activities.

After the speeches, the participants made their way back to Community Park for several performances by local schoolchildren.

La Chanda Ricks attended the walk with her son Marcus and their 5-year

was pleasantly surprised. But he gave them some sobering insight. He said he expected the vouchers program to easily pass through the Patrick-controlled Senate, although it might run into some trouble in the House, including among rural Republicans.

If it passes in both houses it would go to a conference committee, where its final form would be uncertain.

"This is going to be a bloody civil war," Reynolds said.

The contingent next made its way to the office of Jacey Jetton. He wasn't there, but the group did hold a long meeting with legislative aide Jason Haug, who took extensive notes about their concerns. Suleman Lalani. the fourth legislator the group hopes to meet, was also unavailable.

With the day winding down, the group made it way to the waiting bus, where it took the contingent to a reception with members of the legislature and their staffs at the Stephen F. Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel. After a couple of hours of mingling over drinks and fingerfoods, the exhausted group climbed aboard the bus again for the long trek back to Fort Bend County.

old son, Marcus Jr., as members of the Jack and Jill organization. Marcus was said he was glad to learn some of the history. "We're here in support of our city and this wonderful opportunity to celebrate Black History Month

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

713-433-6421

14700 Almeda Rd

Houston, TX 77053

www.HoustonHumane.org

GRIZZLY

Grizzly went on a doggy day out with a pal, and this is what they had to say:

1. He rides well in the car. Knew what to do when I opened the car door… jumped right in and made himself comfortable 2. This guy LOVES to snuggle! ALWAYS wants to be near someone and slept on the couch snuggled up against my mom last night. Total lap dog. Loves to jump onto the couch or recliner if someone is sitting there. Will nudge your hand if you are petting him and suddenly stop.

3. He appears to be potty trained! No accidents in the house. Didn't try to lift his leg on anything, either.

4. Not a shy or scared dog….. confidently walked into the house and acted like he had lived there for years.

5. Loves walks and has a high level of energy so will need to be walked several times a day. Pulls on leash.

6. He's like a cat when it comes to jumping. He can jump high. Fearless… can even jump onto a bar stool.

29. Another name for Rag and bone man 30. To draw

7. Loiters near cook when dinner is being made and tries to wait for people food but doesn't whine or bark. He's a polite begger :-)

8. Likes toys that make crinkle sounds, can chew them up fast.

9. No biting incidents although he'll "play bite" a little when he's actively playing with someone on the floor. He wasn't nervous around men…No biting or growling when he was sitting with me and my dad walked up to pet him. Sat with my dad a lot, too.

10. Will not try to run out the door anytime I come into or out of the house.

11. Never heard him bark!

Grizzly will make a great addition to someone's family. I'd suggest

Review: Missouri City's new Johnny Tamales more than lives up to anticipation

After months of construction (and eager anticipation from passersby on FM 1092) the new Mexican restaurant Johnny Tamales Cantina finally held its grand opening last week. Just the name alone gave the establishment an aura of no-frills fun. But when it finally opened, people wondered, could it live up to its image.

Well, wonder no more. The restaurant, the first expansion of a long-established Tex-Mex restaurant in Pasadena, lives up to the hype and then some.

If you drive by quickly, you don't really get a sense of how big the place is. Entering the front door, you come across an expansive dining room that surrounds the bar. You might not realize that that leads to a much larger dining room in the back of the building. On its first Saturday after the grand opening, the place was filled, and it sounded like it.

My dining companion and I sat in a booth in the bar area, taking in the surroundings. The decor resembles a modern take on a classical Mexican restaurant. A large mural of a celebration in the plaza of a Mexican village, complete with mariachis, fills one wall. Look closely, though, and you'll see that modern-era tourists are enjoying the perforance.

Other decorations include longhorn wall mountings, posters from the classic era of Mexican

cinema, and posters of famous matadors. The bar area itself is essentially a modern sports bar, with multiple televisions set to various sports channels. Instead of traditional Mexican music, modern Spanish-language pop and hip-hop wafts from the speakers. Atmosphere is mere preamble to the main attraction: the food. Here in southeast Texas, people

are pretty particular about their Tex-Mex fare.

Johnny Tamales doesn't skimp on that regard. They offer a full range of dishes, from pollo loco (chicken dishes), tacos and enchiladas in a variety of styles, skillet dishes, and soups and salads, and all manner of combination platters. Whatever you might have a craving for, they likely have it.

I went with the Ponder -

osa Enchilada, with fajita chicken meat and ranchero sauce. It was cooked excellently, and the sauce had just the right amount of tanginess. If you've been driving by Johnny Tamales these past several months and wondering if you should give it a try, by all means, do. You're almost certain to enjoy it.

Johnny Tamales

Address: 2720 FM 1092 Rd., Missouri City

Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Saturday-Sunday

Entrée prices: $14.99$30.49

Kid-friendly: Yes

Notice is hereby given application is being made to the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission by WFC Rosenberg Inc., for a Wine and Beer Retailer’s Permit doing business as WFC Chicken to be located at 24301 Brazos Town Crossing #600 Rosenberg Fort Bend County, TX 77471. Manager is Sunzhong Jiang

Alcohol: Yes

Senior discount: No

Healthy options: Sauteed vegetables

Star of the show: Ponderosa Enchilada

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

LEGALS

An application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for a Retail Dealers’ On-premise License by Ace of Clubs Sports Lounge, LLC dba Ace of Clubs Sports Lounge to be located at 3230 S. Main St. Stafford, Fort Bend County, Texas. Officers are Chad X. Slater, Manager and Chadwick Douglas, Member.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

CHANGE OF NAME

I, Preji Suresh Nair, the wife of Suresh Nair, have changed my minor daughter’s name from Krishnaveni Saju to Krishna Suresh Nair, effective immediately.

Notice is hereby given that original Letters Testamentary for the Estate of MARTHA ELIZABETH RILEY, Deceased, were issued on February 13, 2023, in Docket No. 22-CPR-038633, pending in the County Court of Fort Bend County, Texas, to: KEVIN MICHAEL RILEY, Independent Executor. All persons having claims against said Estate are hereby required to present the same to said Independent Executor, within the time and in the manner prescribed by law, at the address shown below. The residence of the Independent Executor is in Fort Bend County, Texas. The post office address is: c/o Mr. ClarkT. Askins, Askins & Askins, P.C., P.O. Box 1218, La Porte, TX 77572.

Dining table & chairs by Baker, gold leaf mirror, 19th c. French clock, upright piano, oriental rugs, Queen size antique bed & dresser. 1940’s vintage clothes, a dozen antique quilts, Herend “Queen Victoria” china, cut glass, Asian carvings, jade carvings, Sabino glass figures, linens. “Wild Rose” sterling flatware by International, housewares, appliances, garage items, lots of costume jewelry. www.houstonestatesales.com

The Ponderosa Enchilada with fajita chicken and rachero sauce more than fit the bill during last week's visit to the newly-opened Johnny Tamales Cantina in Missouri City. (Photo fby Ken Fountain)

LEARN THE BASICS OF BEEKEEPING AT LIBRARY PROGRAM

Fort Bend County Libraries will present the program “Beekeeping

101” on Saturday, March 4, from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm, in the Meeting Room at the Sugar Land Branch Library, 550 Eldridge. Free and open to the public. For more information, see the Fort Bend County Libraries (www.fortbend.lib.tx.us), call (281-238-2140) or (281-6334734).

CRAFT DONATIONS NEEDED FOR COMMUNITY CRAFT SWAP AT MISSOURI CITY BRANCH LIBRARY

Thursday, March 23, from 2:00 to 4:00pm, in the Meeting Room of the library, 1530 Texas Parkway. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, see website (www.fortbend.lib.tx.us) or call (281-238-2100).

MISSOURI CITY BRANCH LIBRARY

HOSTS MOVIE DAY FOR WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

“Popcorn & a Movie” day on Saturday, March 4, from 2:00 to 4:30pm, in the Meeting Room of the library, located at 1530 Texas Parkway. Free and open to the public. For more information, see the website (www.fortbend.lib.tx.us) or call (281-238-2100) or (281-633-4734).

MAKE A DIFFERENCE, SAVE LIVES BY DONATING BLOOD AND REGISTERING TO THE BONE MARROW REGISTRY

Sunday, March 5th, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church Parish Hall, 1510 5th St. Missouri City 77489, Joe L. Longoria: jlongoria322@comcast.net or 832-473-6408. Facilitated by the Knights of Columbus #7728 and the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center.

RICHMOND/ROSENBERG

ALZHEIMER’S CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP MEETING

Please Thursday, March 2, 7:00 p.m.Meeting in Room 105, the Gathering Room, St. John’s UMC iat 400 Jackson Street. Alzheimer’s Association support group. Https://www.facebook.com/groups/RichmondRosenbergAlzheimersSupport/ or visit https://www.facebook. com/groups/alztexprograms to learn more about the Houston and Southeast Texas Chapter’s Care and Support page, Questions: gallowkj@earthlink.net.

PARENT EDUCATION & SUPPORT GROUP VIRTUAL EVENT

Parent Education & Support Group Virtual Event. The Arc of Fort Bend County and Child Advocates of Fort Bend Thursday, March 9, 2023. 11:00am Presentation, 12:00pm Parent Support Group. Topic: Netsmartz Internet Security for Parents. Email for Zoom link: kaxtell@arcoffortbend.org. Free event.

FORT BEND-HARRIS RETIRED EDUCATORS TO MEET MARCH 9TH

Thursday, March 9th, 1-3 p.m. Sugar Land Methodist Church, 431 Eldridge Rd. in the Venue Room. Program: Master Gardener, Larry Leising, on Summer Gardening. Ongoing community service project: bring peanut butter or monetary donations for East Ft. Bend Human Needs Pantry. All Fort Bend and Harris County I.S.D. retired public educators are invited. Website: http://localunits.org/FortBendHarris/ For more information, 713-206-2733.

LIBRARY’S SENIOR SERIES IN FEBRUARY

FOCUSES ON TECHNOLOGY IN MARCH

“The Truth About Technology for Seniors” – a program in the Senior Series for older adults and their family members -- on Friday, March 17, from 10:30 am to 12:00 noon, in Meeting Room 1 of the library, located at 14010 University Blvd in Sugar Land, on the UH campus. The program is free and open to the public.

SUGAR LAND GARDEN CLUB

MARCH PRESENTATION:

A What Is That Herb, and Why Should I Plant It? Tricia Bradbury: 10 A.M.Tuesday March 21st. St. Basil’s Hall, 702 Burney Rd, Sugar Land. Free!

GOLF FOR A CAUSE 2023

BENEFITTING THE SANCTUARY

FOSTER CARE SERVICES

April 24 at Sienna Golf Club in Missouri City. For sponsorship and player details, please go to our website at https://www.sanctuaryfostercare.org/golf Questions? Reach out to Jenny Fridge at 713483-4003.

ONGOING

FORT BEND COUNTY LIBRARIES’

ONLINE BOOK CLUB

Online meetings on the fourth Wednesday of every month. Free and open to the public. Registration is required; to register online www. fortbend.lib.tx.us, “Classes & Events,” select “Virtual Programs,” find the program on the date indicated. Participants may also register by calling George Memorial Library (281-342-4455).

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, non-political, 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: 281204-7716 vincer.music@gmail.com

FORT BEND JUNIOR SERVICE LEAGUE

RECRUITING NEW MEMBERS FOR 20222023 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 832-4283165 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 SCHOOL

CLASS WITH NO HOMEWORK REQUIRED

Weekly class designed to help you understand and appreciate the Bible by giving you a better sense of the land and culture from which it sprang. The class meets at 9:30 am every Sunday at First Presbyterian of Sugar Land (502 Eldridge Rd.). For more information call 281-240-3195 EXCHANGE EXCHANGE, America’s Service Club, always welcomes guests and is in search of new members! Various Fort Bend clubs exist and can accommodate early morning (7 a.m.), noon and evening meeting time desires. For more info, contact Mike Reichek, Regional Vice President, 281-575-1145 or mike@reichekfinancial.com We would love to have you join us and see what we are all about!

MISSOURI CITY AARP CHAPTER 3801

Meets