The 04-03-24 Edition of The Fort Bend Star

Space Cowboys fall in Game 3 against Round Rock - Page 3

GHP: Region ranks second in Texas in recent population gains

The greater Houston region ranked second in recent population gains behind Dallas-Fort Worth and tied the metroplex in percent growth, according to the Greater Houston Partnership, the regional chamber of commerce. The nation’s three most populous metropolitan areas — New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago — saw their populations shrink. Only six of the nation’s major metros — Atlanta, DallasFort Worth, Houston, Miami, Phoenix, and Tampa—registered significant gains.

“Atlanta overtook Philadelphia and Washington, DC, becoming the nation’s sixth most populous metro area. Houston has a lock on fifth place. Its population is growing faster than Atlanta’s but not as fast as Dallas-Fort Worth’s,” the partnership said in its Economy at a Glance publication for April.

“Houston’s gains came from two sources—the natural increase and net inmigration. The natural increase reflects births minus deaths in the region. Net inmigration includes people who moved into Houston minus those who moved out. Two-thirds of Houston’s gains came from net inmigration and one-third from the natural increase. The ratio frequently shifts, with inmigration accounting for a larger share of population growth when the region’s economy booms (like last year) and a smaller share when it struggles (like ’17 and ’18),” according to the report. “Metro Houston ranked second in net inmigration among all metros in ’23. Nine of the nation’s 20 largest had negative inmigration, i.e., more residents moved out than moved into those regions. New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, the worst performers, lost a combined 270,000 residents to outmigration. Gains from the natural increase weren’t enough to offset these losses and all three saw their populations shrink in ’23,” the report says.

“Net migration has two components, domestic and international. Domestic reflects the population moving from within the United States; international reflects the residents arriving from abroad. International migration includes ex-pat workers called home from overseas, foreign workers assigned to multinational companies here, military personnel redeployed stateside, international students enrolling at local universities, temporary workers on H1-B and H2-B visas, refugees placed in the city by relief agencies, and immigrants (documented and undocumented) who left their homelands for better lives in America,” the report says.

By Ken Fountain KFOUNTAIN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

U.S. Rep. Lizzie Fletcher, whose Houston-based 7th Texas District includes part of Fort Bend County, told an audience at the Safari Texas Ranch event center last week that the area serves as a model for how politics at the national level and work better.

First elected in 2018 and reelected twice since, Fletcher, a Democrat, has represented the easternmost part of Fort Bend after redistricting following the 2020 U.S. Census. The district’s new boundaries took effect January 2023. “I love representing Fort Bend County and getting to know the folks in Fort Bend County,” she said.

“My district in particular is very special compared to many of my colleagues,” she said, referring to the very diverse district, ethnically and socioeconomically, which stretches from inside the 610 Loop to far west Houston and into Fort Bend County. She said that residents and officials in the district have a “collaborative nature.”

She said she and the other Congressional representatives who serve the area - fellow Democrat Al Green of the 9th Texas District and Republican Troy Nehls of the 22nd Texas District - “work together whenever we can” on areas of common interest for residents.

“The way things work here in the district is kind of in sharp contrast with the way things work in Washington,”

she said. “What we see here is that people work together at every level of government - county, city, state, federalwork together for Fort Bend County.”

She bemoaned the distance between that attitude and that which many see as how things work in the current Congress, which in the last year has seen acrimonious changes of leadership and threats of government shutdowns in the Republican-controlled House of Representatives.

Fletcher discussed some of the legislative projects she’s been involved in since taking office, especially in her first term, in which both houses of Congress and the White House were all held by Democrats, In her current term, in which government is divided,

has been a bit more challenging, she acknowledged.

She said in the current Congress she has helped secure more than $16 million in federal funding for various projects throughout her district through

called “Community Project Funding,” formerly known as “earmarking,” including several specifically in Fort Bend County.

Students from two Sugar Land Middle School clubs - Accepting Responsible Male Strengths and We Imagine New Possibilities, We are Girls Soaring - donated art supplies and participated in an Easter egg hunt during a recent visit to a Houston area preschool program for children who have experienced homelessness. “This is the second year in a row that the clubs have worked together to help this wonderful program,” Fort Bend ISD social worker Roderick Martin said in a story from the district. “Our students really enjoy it, and they are learning about service.”

During the visit, FBISD students from the clubs, which go by the acronyms ARMS and WINGS, helped

Fort Bend chamber to host election forums

The Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce plans to host several upcoming candidate forums in April in advance of the May 4 elections for several local governmental bodies.

On April 10, from 6-8 p.m., a forum for the City of Meadows Place mayoral position will be held at the Meadows Place Community Center, 11975 Dorrance Land.

On April 11, from 6-8

p.m., the chamber will host a forum for City of Sugar Land City Council positions 1, 2, 3, and 4, at the chamber’s headquarters, located at 445 Commerce Green Blvd., Sugar Land.

Finally, on April 16, from 6:30-9:30, there will be a combined forum for the City of Stafford City Council positions 1 and 2 and the Stafford Municipal School District Board of Trustees positions 1 and 2. The forum will be held at the Leonard Scarcella

Administration Building, 11633 Staffordshire Road in Stafford.

On Tuesday, the chamber held a forum for candidates for Fort Bend ISD Board of Trustees position 2 and 6. The recording can be found at the chamber’s Facebook page.

All of the forums, which are free to attend, will be livestreamed on the chamber’s Facebook page. For more information, visit FortBendChamber.com.

“Only five major metros gained population via domestic migration. The remainder saw more residents move out than move in from elsewhere in the U.S. Metro Houston performed well, however, ranking second for positive domestic migration,” the report says.

“Metro Houston ranked second in net inmigration among all metros in ’23. Nine of the nation’s 20 largest had negative inmigration, i.e., more residents moved out than moved into those regions. New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, the worst performers, lost a combined 270,000 residents

to outmigration. Gains from the natural increase weren’t enough to offset these losses and all three saw their populations shrink in ’23,” the report says. “Net migration has two components, domestic and international. Domestic reflects the population moving from within the United States; international reflects the residents arriving from abroad. International migration includes ex-pat workers called home from overseas, foreign workers assigned to multinational companies here, military personnel redeployed stateside, international students enrolling at local universities, temporary workers on H1-B and H2-B visas, refugees placed in the city by relief agencies, and im-

migrants (documented and undocumented) who left their homelands for better lives in America,” the report says. “Only five major metros gained population via domestic migration. The remainder saw more residents move out than move in from elsewhere in the U.S. Metro Houston performed well, however, ranking second for positive domestic migration,” the report says. Houston ranked third for international migration, behind New York and Miami. All 20 of the nation’s major metros benefitted from international migration, according to the report, which is used by permission. Find the full report at houston.org.

Fletcher noted she serves on the House Committee on Energy & Commerce, which she said many call “the most important committee in Congress” since it has oversight over a wide swath of the economy, both nationally and globally. Her seat on the committee is particularly important to the greater Houston region because of its preeminence in the energy industry. She said there is a “wide

conversation” going on among governmental and business leaders, both nationally and locally, on how to transition to a more “green” energy landscape to address environmental concerns stemming from climate change.

Fletcher addressed the contentious issue of immigration reform, noting that one in four people in her district is foreign-born, both documented and undocumented.

“We love that, right?,” she asked. “We love that we are a place that people want to move to from whether across

the country or around the world. And one of the things I think makes us special is everyone’s welcome. We want people to move here.” Congress has “dropped the ball” on immigration reform, she said. However, she said, people throughout the district are working to “advance the ball” on the issue. “We can do things, and there are more opportunities for agreement than meet the eye,” she said. “I do think it’s important not to give up.” Fletcher’s talk was hosted by the Fort Bend County Chamber of Commerce.

Art in the Bend set for April 7 in Richmond

On Saturday, April 7, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Art in The Bend welcomes the spring season as the first of three annual festivals brought to Morton Street in Richmond by the Historic Richmond Association, in association with the City of Richmond. This event will bring local fine art artisans, a Motor Madness car enthusiast show and introduces a one-of-a-kind festival that welcomes four-legged friends to join the festivities with Cisco Tucker’s Bark in the Park competition.

“There are a lot of choices in festivals this time of year”, Art in the Bend committee chair Amanda Dockum, said in a news release. “What we offer is a unique experience not found in the big cities. Richmond, the county seat of Fort Bend County is full of Texas history and local flair. Our festivals focus on family, friends, and community intermingled with Texas passions: art, cars, dogs, music and food.” Art In The Bend is a freeto- attend festival. Parking is free with easy access. Morton Street is rich with historic buildings, local res-

taurants, and shopping.

“Richmond is a great city to base out of to spend the weekend experiencing Texas hospitality, from our Richmond Rocks local charm to the historical sites in the heart of Richmond where you can also explore unique boutiques or an intimate wine bar,” Dockum said. Develop Richmond is the event’s headline sponsor. For more information, including a full lineup of performers and activities, featured artists and more, visit artinthebend.com for applications and additional information.

File photo by Ken Fountain

Space Cowboys fall in Game 3 against Round Rock

By

ROUND ROCK, Texas – The Sugar Land Space Cowboys (1-2) dropped game three against the Round Rock Express (2-1) Sunday afternoon 8-6 at Dell Diamond.

Starter Rhett Kouba (L, 0-1) suffered the loss, pitching 2.1 innings while giving up two runs and

three walks, striking out three. He found himself in trouble early on with the bases loaded and no outs in the bottom of the third inning. After giving up a walk to bring in Matt Duffy, Space Cowboys manager Mickey Storey brought in Mark Washington to right the ship. Despite giving up another bases loaded walk, Washington escaped the inning without giving up any more runs.

The Express offense did not stop there; in the bottom of the fourth, back-to-back

RBI doubles by Sandro Fabian and Elier Hernandez brought the Round Rock run total to five. A bases-clearing double by Sam Huff drove in another three runs, extending the lead to make it 8-0 Express.

The Space Cowboys did not go down quietly. After a lead-off walk by Will Wagner in the top of the fifth, David Hensley mashed his first home run of the season to left field against Adrian Samp-

son (W, 1-0) to bring the team within six. In the bottom of the ninth, with the bases loaded and one out, slugger Shay Whitcomb knocked a massive grand slam to deadcenter field, sailing 430 feet, to bring Sugar Land within two of tying the game.

Despite the eight earned runs in the first half of the game, Sugar Land relievers Cole McDonald, Logan VanWey, and Wander Suero shut the Round Rock hitters down

in the late innings, combining for 3.0 innings, striking out three while only allowing two hits and two walks. Sugar Land Space Cowboys games can be heard on ESPN 92.5 FM or online at https://player.listenlive. co/47381 and seen on MiLB. TV, MLB.TV and Bally Live.

Perry is a writer for the Sugar Land Space Cowboys, the Triple-A affiliate of the Houston Astros.

THE CAMPFIRE

– That’s us, many moons ago. Fathers and sons, members of the Indian Guides. It’s a YMCA organization created to get us together to do Indian things like carve bars of soap into smaller bars of soap, string beads into necklaces and other Indian pursuits. This group is made up of our neighbors who all seem to have one or two sons the right age, so we created this tribe and assumed Indian names. There was the neighborhood orthopedic surgeon, Running Sores. The veterinarian was Foaming Mouth. Calpakis the Wily Greek was Cunning Herodotus, and so on. For some unknown reason, I was Scratching

By any other name

Bull. The big braves discovered early on that the little braves didn’t really get into stringing beads so we went off the reservation: Rockets games, fishing weekends at a Gulf cabana, rides on the Goodyear blimp, and we added a prohibited extra for the big braves: fire water. We had so much fun we kept doing it for years. Today you won’t find any Indian Guides tribes. Or the female equivalent: the Indian Princesses. I thought they would be around as long as the rivers ran, as long as the buffalo roamed. No, they are now – get this – Adventure Guides. There are no more meeting invitations in the shape of little tepees and no more petty cash called “wampum.” “Tribes” became “circles,” the “chief” is called the “navigator,” and the “sachem” becomes the “compass bearer.” What is Comanche for “politically correct?”

I didn’t know this, but the group (which was organized in 1926) had its name changed in 2003 by the YMCA’s national organization. I guess Native American Guides didn’t have the same panache. Same for Indigenous People’s Cultural Gathering. But these changes are

keeping up with the times, and Washington is at the forefront. Our federal government, having brought peace to Ukraine and the Middle East, solved inflation and pollution and balanced the budget, has now turned to our major-major problem: removing the name “squaw” from the nation’s more than 660 public lands and waters. This includes mountains, rivers, lakes, remote islands and more. The Interior Department has created a 13-member Derogatory Geographic Names Task Force composed of members from the National Park Service, the Bureau of Indian Affairs and several other government agencies. The Task Force has officially declared “squaw” a derogatory term and replace the word with “sq_ _ _” in all official communications until new titles are created. It’s your government – and tax dollars – at work.

“Daddy, you told me you were assigned to the USS Chancellorsville, but there isn’t one. Did it sink or were you in the brig all that time?” “Well, there was once a USS Chancellorsville. It was a guided- missile cruiser, but unfortunately the warship was named after a Confederate Civil War victory. We

can’t have that.” Yep, the Navy changed the name to the USS Robert Smalls in honor of a former slave who stole a Confederate States Navy ship and delivered it to the Union. Even the portraits of the Chancellorsville’s victorious Gen. Robert E. Lee and Gen. Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson were removed from the ship’s wardroom. I guess sailors scraped the name off the ship’s aft and the Pentagon changed all the sailors’ records. But if we are going to only name our warships after victories, what about the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan? The USS Alamo and the USS San Jacinto might ruffle some feathers, but fortunately both ships were scrapped. Renaming the USS Chancellorsville was part of an effort to erase the names of Confederates from our military installations. Ten Army bases were renamed including major installations such as Fort Bragg in North Carolina, Fort Benning in Georgia and Texas’ own Fort Hood. Congress created a commission (what else?) to do the job and allocated it $2 million. Don’t worry about the cost. The money was transferred from the Army’s operations and maintenance accounts. Just

what it cost additionally to rename all those installations is a military secret.

Our military is simply marching to the new America. Remember your Eskimo Pies? The name was deemed demeaning, so now we eat Edy’s Pie, a nod to one of the company’s founders, Joseph Edy. Quaker Oats rebranded Aunt Jemima. Land O’Lakes removed a Native American woman’s picture from its products. The Dixie Chicks are now just the Chicks. Lady Antebellum is now Lady A. Sports teams were an easy target. The Cleveland Indians were renamed the Cleveland Guardians. The new title was inspired by large traffic guardians that flank a Cleveland bridge. The Washington Redskins had to change their name, and I agree. It was a name that was embarrassing to all Americans. I suggested they be renamed the Chevy Chase Redskins. But they are now the Commanders.

North Dakota University Fighting Sioux are now the Fighting Hawks. The Florida Seminoles are safe because the Florida Seminole Tribe Chapter supported the university’s use of the mascot.

Before Texans get too proud about sticking with traditional names, remem-

ber that HISD changed several school names to erase Confederate leaders. UT-Austin moved statues of Gen. Lee and Confederate President Jefferson Davis from the Main Mall to a less prominent spot. I think it was the School of Pottery parking lot. There was even a movement to ban “The Eyes of Texas” because there was a slim connection to the South. Rice University moved the statue of its founder, William Marsh Rice, because he had once owned slaves. But no William Marsh Rice, no Rice University. Houston finally got a major league soccer team to be named Houston 1836, the year the city was founded. But many of its fans would be Hispanic and to them 1836 was also the year of San Jacinto and Mexico’s defeat. So the futbal team was renamed the Dynamo, a totally meaningless title.

As for the Indian Guides, the name of the country of India, some say, smacks of British colonialism and prefer to use the name Bharat, an ancient usage.

How about the Bharat Guides?

Ashby is still ashby2@ comcast.net

By

“Hello. How are you?

/ Have you been alright through all those lonely, lonely, lonely, lonely nights? / That’s what I’d say, I’d tell you everything / If you’d pick up that telephone” - Electric Light Orchestra, “Telephone Line”

I’ve never been so touchy about national events, and up until now, I’ve chosen to remain in my lane, despite swerving a few times before recovering against oncoming traffic. Truth is, the editor of this publication has given me (mostly) free range to gift upon the world my over-exaggerated intellect and pointless daily observations. In fact,

An unquenchable anger

he recently pointed out a defection that we both agreed to be the possible consequence of a column I wrote last month. One subscriber asked not to receive the paper anymore because he didn’t like something he’d read in the opinion section. But the time has now come for me to throw more chips onto the politically divided green felt. I know that my opinions aren’t going to play well in Texas, but here goes: Donald Trump is a gigantic jerk. It was Spring 1989, a busy time in New York’s Central Park. Streams of teens and younger adults were there that April day. So it came as a shock when local media reported the attack and rape of a 28-year-old female jogger and Yale grad around 9 p.m. that night.

Attention soon turned to five black and Hispanic youths who were in the area, at the time, collectively known later as “The Central Park Five”. No matter that they’d been charged but still presumed innocent. No matter that there was no physical evidence.

And never mind that they all maintained their innocence.

Donald Trump, then known primarily as a real estate developer, paid $85,000 for a full-page ad in the New York Times. “These muggers and murderers,” he wrote, “should be forced to suffer and, when they kill, they should be executed for their crimes.”

In the end, the kids spent anywhere from 8 to 13 years behind bars, until their confessions were deemed coerced and their convictions over turned. A convicted rapist ultimately confessed. DNA testing confirmed it.

Trump called for the executions of five innocent minority men. All of them successfully sued the city for $41 million dollars. Trump never apologized and maintains all five are guilty. That bothers me.

In 2014, now known primarily as a reality television star, Trump bought a golf resort in Aberdeenshire, Scotland called Turnbury for more than $300 million, broadly predicting great economic

riches for both locals and countrymen alike. Instead, the local government has spent a fortune on police security during his visits. The 6,000 jobs promised haven’t materialized. Trump’s expansions have forever changed environmentally sensitive sand dunes.

And then there’s Susan Monroe and her husband, who raised their children in relative tranquility on their farm adjacent to Trump’s property. After refusing to sell their homestead to Trump, he ordered huge sand walls constructed around their property to limit their view. Others began recognizing the signs of intimidation and bullying. The resulting scandal around Trump’s construction permits and empty promises lingers. And people actually painted anti-Trump slogans on their homes because they felt incredibly hoodwinked. That bothers me.

And all of that happened before Trump was elected president. I’ve heard more than once from Trump supporters that he’s just bombastic and rude, a brilliant man

wrapped up in misunderstood ribbons and caustic bows. “He’s not a nice man,” they say. “But he’s the only man who can save this country.” Let’s take a look at the record.

Trump is accused of using his power as president to subvert the 2020 election. Trump incited an assault on the the U.S. Capitol, one of the most esteemed symbols of our democracy.

Trump has sided with Russian leader’s Vladimir Putin over his own U.S. intelligence agencies.

Trump has shown disdain for our military, reportedly referring to servicemen as “suckers” and “losers,” later confirmed by his former chief of staff, retired U.S. Marine Corps general John Kelly.

Trump disparaged war hero John McCain. Trump harasses the family members of public officials who have nothing to do with his investigations. Trump repeatedly claims unfair and illegal treatment against him, offering no evidence.

Constitutional legal scholars say Trump repeat-

edly used his bully pulpit to target those he perceived as enemies, and mercilessly politicized the Department of Justice.

Trump repeatedly tried to squash the Robert Mueller investigation which ultimately uncovered persuasive evidence that Trump may have committed crimes, specifically obstruction of justice.

The Hoover Institute says Trump abused his presidential pardon powers by never consulting the DOJ’s clemency office and questionably absolving his associates of crimes.

Trump’s casinos and university went down quicker than the Edmond Fitzgerald. Now Trump is selling $60 Bibles and gold sneakers.

All that bothers me.

I don’t know what his hold on people is, but if you’re one of them, don’t get angry at me. Don’t cancel your subscription. Let’s just talk.

Garay, a retired television news professional and Sugar Land resident, can be reached at MarkGaray426@gmail.com

Inaugural Run for the Rose 6K set for April 6

Running shoes will be laced and glasses raised for the inaugural Run for the Rosé 5K on Saturday, April 6, from 8-11 a.m. at the Sawmill Event Pavilion, 10333 Mount Logan in Sienna.

Registration has begun for the race which benefits Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels, a local non-profit now in its 50th year. The cost is $35. Participants can register at www.siennatx.com/5k. The fee includes a T-shirt, race bib, finisher’s medal, a glass of rosé for racers age 21 and older and brunch bites at

the finish line. Attendees not interested in racing can sign up for the No Way 5K Party Patrol. Registration is free and Party Patrol members will be able to participate in the after-race festivities as well as purchase brunch and bubbly from 7-11 a.m. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top overall male and female. First prize is $100. Second place winners will receive $50. Third place nets $25. The first place Stroller Strider will receive $25. “It’s a chance to get your steps and your sips in,” said Morghan Powell, marketing director for Sienna.

“Meals on Wheels is an amazing charity and we encourage everyone to come out to support them. We’ve planned a full morning of fun for everyone.” Alloy Personal Training will get runners warmed up before the race begins. The after-race party will include a grape stomping competition, corn hole, hula hooping, food trucks, a DJ, photo opportunities and a Bubbly Bar for those age 21 and up.

The Race for the Rosé 5K is one of many charitable events Sienna hosts throughout the year. Learn more at www.siennatx.com.

Texas Master Gardeners offer free lawn care class on April 5

Community Reports

Irrigation Wisely” on May 24, “Shade Gardening-Ideas and Tips” on June 28 and “Tree Care Basics” on Aug. 23. For questions and information, contact: Brandy Rader at 281-342-3034 or brandy.rader@ag.tamu.edu.

ONGOING

HOPE FOR THREE TEEN HUDDLE

Is revving up for its annual Car Wash for Kids sponsored by Sugar Land Baptist Church and OCuSOFT on Sunday, April 7th, at C & C Dental, 17003 SWF, Sugar Land from 10 am to 2pm. Student volunteers promote awareness, acceptance, and inclusion for their autistic peers. Donations from this FREE, Eco-friendly, waterless car wash impact local families. This Eco-friendly car wash is free, but donations are welcome. Ready to lend a hand? We need volunteers ages 12 and over. Choose from two shifts or stay all day. Volunteer now and be part of something meaningful. Register today at www.hopeforthree. org/events.

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF FORT BEND

The League of Women Voters of Fort Bend, a nonpartisan organization, will provide voter registration and education events prior to the Feb. 5 deadline to be a registered voter in the March 5 Primary election. Locations, dates, and times include: (1) Wednesday, 1/24 -- Fort Bend YMCA, 4433 Cartwright Rd, Missouri City 7:30am - 12:30pm and 5 - 7pm; (2) Thursday, 1/25 -- First Colony Library 3:30 - 5:30pm; (3) Sat., 1/27 -- Cinco Ranch Library 10:30am - 1:30pm and University Branch Library 11am - 2pm; (4) Tuesday, 1/30 and Wednesday, 1/31 -- WCJC Sugar Land, Brazos Hall, 9am - 2pm; (5) Thursday, 2/1 -- ThriftWise, 501 Hwy 90E, Richmond -- 10am - 1pm. Register to vote, update your current voter registration, and get nonpartisan voting information at any of these events, or contact lwvfortbend@gmail.com.

Houston, TX 77072. Educational Program/ Entertainment at each meeting. Bus Trips every month. Seniors 50 and above invited. Call 281785-7372 for more information.

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 ft 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

NO HOCUS POCUS IN MUSIC MAGIC CLASS FOR 6 & 7- YEAR - OLD BOYS!

Young boys need music in their life for mental, physical and emotional growth and the best place to receive quality music instruction is with the Fort Bend Boys Choir of Texas! They ofer Music Magic, an eight-week music enrichment class for six and seven-year-old boys. The Fort Bend Boys Choir of Texas, currently in its 42 nd season, brings music alive with the use of movement, musical games, singing and other child-centered activities. Boys learn about pitch matching and rhythm awareness in addition to developing large muscle coordination, increased focus and better musicianship. Music Magic helps boost brainpower, sparks creativity and forges strong connections with others. No auditions are necessary for the class – just a love of music and singing! Serving as Music Magic director is Founder and Artistic Director William R. Adams who leads this class on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 p.m. – 7:15 p.m., beginning March 19 and ending May 14 at the First United Methodist Church Missouri City, 3900 Lexington Blvd., Missouri City. Music Magic will then sing at the Fort Bend Boys Choir’s annual Spring Concert on Saturday, May 18! Classes are limited in size so please call the choir ofce at (281) 240- 3800 to pre-register or visit their Music Magic web page at https://fbbctx.org/our- programs/music-magic/. Be sure to stop by their Facebook page for the latest on the Fort Bend Boys Choir's Music Magic class and the organization's public performances.

AMERICAN LEGION POST 942

311 Ulrich Street, Sugar Land meets the fourth Tuesday of each Month at 7:00 pm. All Veterans are welcome.

LOVING FRIENDS IS A GROUP OF WOMEN AND MEN WHO ARE WIDOWS AND WIDOWERS THAT MEET MONTHLY FOR LUNCH, FRIENDSHIP, AND SOCIALIZATION

Lunches. are planned for the fourth Tuesday of the month at various local restaurants. Please contact Bobbie Tomlin at {281} 967-0718 For more information about us and to learn about this month’s planned lunch. We hope to meet you soon.

QUAIL VALLEY GARDEN CLUB

The Quail Valley Garden Club is very busy, not only with meetings, but with some fun “stuf” for our members and the community. Please fnd our fall schedule of events that the QVGC will be involved with this fall leading up to the holidays.

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.

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 ofer gentle assistance. We meet at First Presbyterian Church, 502 Eldridge Rd, Sugar Land. Please call Sam at 832-428-3165 for further 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@reichekfnancial.com We would love to have you join us and see what we are all about!

MISSOURI CITY AARP

CHAPTER 3801

Meets the second Monday of every month at 11:30 a.m., at 2701 Cypress Point Dr., Missouri City Rec Center. Lunch, education, and entertainment. All seniors over 50 invited. For more information, call 713-859-5920 or 281-499-3345.