Dulles High School’s Academic Decathlon team earned third place at the 2024 National Competition, held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania last week, according to a Fort Bend ISD news release.
In a low-turnout election, Fort Bend County voters on Saturday made a lot of important choices in municipalities, school districts and others.
A total of 20,928 ballots (both early and election day) were cast, representing 3.91 percent of registered voters.
In perhaps the mostwatched races, two candidates emerged as the winners of seats on the board of Fort Bend ISD, the sixthlargest school district in the state and the county’s single largest employer. In still-unofficial results with all 62 precincts reporting, Adam Schoof, an Army veteran who currently serves as a police officer, was the leader in a four-way race for the Position 2 seat held by Judy Dae, the current board president who chose not to run for election. Schoof took 35.16 percent of the vote, followed by former FBISD
principal Riz Quadri (30.12 percent), teacher M. Asher Baptiste (19.51 percent), and businesswoman Manisha Gandhi (15.22 percent).
In the hotly contested race for Position 6, attorney and businesswoman Kristin Tassin, a former FBISD board member and president, defeated one-term incumbent Kristen Davison Malone and three other candidates. The final results are Tassin (31.84 percent), Malone (26.80 percent), teacher Angel Hicks (15.38 percent), Simran Patel (14.12 percent), and Ferrel Bonner (11.87 percent).
In Stafford MSD, voters handily defeated two bond propositions totaling $60 million meant for facility renovations, land purchases and transportation needs, and technology upgrades.
In the district’s board races, Position 2 incumbent Manuel Hinojosa, a healthcare executive, defeated challenger Jannell Kelly, 53.20 percent to 46.80 per-
cent. In the open Position 1 race, Joyce Wilkins defeated Clint Mendonca, 70.50 percent to 29.50 percent.
In contested municipal races, incumbent Sugar Land District 1 Council member Suzanne Whatley defeated challenger Mouzaffar Vohra, a businessman and political newcomer.
In Stafford, City Council Position 1 incumbent Alice Chen defeated former Council member and mayoral candidate Don Jones, 70.54 percent to 29.46 percent. Position 2 incumbent Virginia Rosas defeated former Council member and mayoral candidate Wen Guerra, 54.26 percent to 45.74 percent. Rosa’s reelection is likely to continue the long-standing issue of the city reinstating a property tax, which Rosa favors and Guerra does not.
In the only contested Meadows Place race, Audrey St. Germain, a teacher at Meadows Place Elementary School. defeated retired computer engineer Dave Dyer - both political newcomers - for the mayoral seat being vacated by Charles Jessup IV, who has served in that role since 2007. St. Germain took 66.49 percent to 31.36 percent. Another candidate who did not actively campaign, Douglas Barber II, earned 2.15 percent. Other Fort Bend municipalities outside the Fort Bend
Star’s coverage area that held elections were Arcola, Beasley, Fulshear, Rosenberg, and Simonton. Several Municipal Utilities Districts also held board elections. A complete list of the still-unofficial results can found at https://results.enr. clarityelections.com/TX/Fort_ Bend/121028/web.317647/#/ summary.
Dulles remains a dominant team in the Decathlon, earning third place at last year’s national competition and second place in 2022, among its many state and regional wins.
In addition to their team placement, they received 28 individual medals and two individual overall placements. Individual results are as follows:
• Anant Asthana – Seven individual medals and first place overall in Honors category
• Koushik Chaliki –Seven individual medals and third place overall in Scholastic category
• Sreela Gutha – One individual medal and seventh place overall in Varsity category
Audrey Hanan – Four individual medals and sixth place overall in Scholastic category
• Alex He – Four individual medals and fourth place in Scholastic category
Ella Sheridan – Eighth place overall in Varsity category
• Sriram Susarla – Three individual medals and seventh place overall in Honors category
• Jason Wu – Three individual medals and eighth place overall in Honors category
This was the last competition for Dulles teacher and Decathlon coach Kelsey Halfen, who has served the team for 19 years.
Fort Bend County Judge KP George painted a mostly vision of the county and its government during last week’s annual “State of the County” address.
Hundreds of members of the county’s political and business classes filled a massive ballroom at the Marriott Sugar Land for the event, themed “Thriving Together,” the sixth such address George has given since he first took office in 2019. A Democrat, he was reelected to his second term in 2022. Like many of these kinds of events in recent years, it was a multimedia affair, as George gave his prepared
speech while also introducing highly produced videos featuring employees of the county’s many departments and also all of George’s fellow members of Commissioners CourtPrecinct 1 Commissioner Vincent Morales, Precinct 2 Commissioner Grady Prestage, Precinct 3 Commissioner Andy Meyers, and Precinct 4 Commissioner Dexter McCoy. In a new wrinkle, members of George’s Youth Leadership Program also got into act, making brief statements from the stage.
George said that while raising the county’s next generation of leaders, “We must instill a sense of compassion and empathy. Because true leadership
isn’t just about achieving goals. It is about understanding and caring for others, lifting them up and supporting them on their journey.”
George touted the fact that Fort Bend is the fastest-growing county in the state, with a current population of more than 945,000 and a projected 2 million residents by 2040. But he acknowledged that with that fast growth there have been a lot of demands on infrastructure and services, which he said the county government is working hard to tackle.
George also applauded the county’s enormous di-
versity, which makes it one of the most diverse counties in the country (there are different measures by separate groups). He said he hoped Fort Bend could provide an example to the rest of the country, which itself is becoming increasingly diverse. He said that he and the rest of Commissioners Court are working to diversity Fort Bend’s economy as well, as it moves from what was once was a largely agricultural one to one that is increasingly based on professional services, manufacturing, healthcare, and high-tech industry.
George rattled off a series of statistics attesting to Fort Bend’s increasing prominence, including the fact that it is the eighthlargest county in Texas, and the fact that is is frequently listed as one of the best counties in the United States to live in. More than 100 languages are spoken in Fort Bend and 30 per-
cent of residents come from international backgrounds, he said.
“The perspectives of our community have helped to enhance our collective identity,” he said.
George trumpeted the county’s creation of its own Economic Development Department, one of just a few such county entities in the state, that he said will “streamline” the county’s economic development efforts. The future of the nonprofit Fort Bend Economic Development Council, which has been in place since the mid-1980s, remains in limbo.
George also touted the creation of three new Tax Increment Reinvestment Zones (or TIRZ), a statecreated vehicle in which businesses pay a special assessments to raise revenues meant to improve public infrastructure in those areas.
“These initiatives are crucial for our future economic growth and revitalization,” he said.
While Fort Bend is largely seen as a high-income
destination place to live, George said that economic prosperity isn’t universal. He touted the county’s efforts last year to work with several nonprofit organizations to provide new housing for the county’s homeless population, particularly school-age residents who don’t have a permanent place to call home.
“The fact that 1,800 of our young people in our county are classified as homeless or unaccompanied in the last school year is stark reminder of an urgent need for action,” he said.
George wrapped up the event by moderating a panel discussion about the county’s future with Chuck Wemple, executive director of the HoustonGalveston Area Council, Fort Bend County Engineer Stacy Slwainski, and developer Danny Signorelli, CEO of the The Signorelli Company, based in The Woodlands, which recently begin its first major development in central Fort Bend County.
Bobby Allen Strain, 81, of Missouri City, Texas passed away on May 3, 2024 after complications involving his heart. He was born on December 29, 1942 in Port O’Connor, Texas. His deceased parents are Eunice May (Shippy) Strain and William Allen James Strain. He was one of seven children. Bobby worked his way through college graduating from the University of Houston Chemical Engineering Program in 1965. His first job was with Monsanto where he met his wife, Marsha. He went on to have a varied career with several Engineering firms.
Survivors include his wife of 56 ½ years, Marsha Wade Strain; children, Stephanie Lucille Courtney and spouse,
Dennis, and James Allen Strain and spouse, Denise; granddaughters, Laina Roxanne Strain and Lea Ann Strain. He also has two sisters, Violet Poncik and Linda Strakos; along with extended family and friends.
Bobby’s large family and those that knew him were touched and will remember him for his wit and undying loyalty. He never forgot a face and a name. He brought joy
Fort Bend County Libraries will offer an introductory genealogy class on Saturday, May 11, at George Memorial Library, 1001 Golfview in Richmond. The class, “Family-History Research: Beginning Genealogy” will take place from 10:30 to 11:30 am, in the Computer Lab.
In this introductory program, beginning family-history researchers will learn how to start their research. Library staff will provide a basic introduction to many of the resources that are available to the beginning genealogical researcher in FBCL’s Genealogy and Local History department.
Items that will be introduced include print resources, materials that are available on microfilm, and basic online tools such as the Ancestry.com and FamilySearch database. Attendees will learn how to fill out basic genealogical forms and organize one’s research.
The class is free and open to the public. Seat-
ing is limited, however, and reservations are required. To register online at the library’s website (www. fortbend.lib.tx.us), click on “Classes & Events,” select “George Memorial,” and find the program. Participants may also register by calling the library’s Genealogy and Local History Department (281-341-2608), or by visiting the department at the library.
Those who are interested in more local-history or genealogy resources, are encouraged to join the Family-History Research FBCL Facebook group page. Managed by the Genealogy & Local History department at George Memorial Library, the group page is an interactive, online forum for sharing genealogy tips and resources, as well as local-history stories.
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Polk
Texas 77023-1452; and the Sugar Land Branch Library, 550 Eldridge
Sugar
77478-2823, beginning the first day of publication of this notice. The draft permit and statement of basis are available at the TCEQ Website:
into our lives and will be sorely missed. He was a wonderful husband, brother, father and grandfather.
A service celebrating Bobby’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, May 10, 2024 in the Chapel of DavisGreenlawn Funeral Home in Rosenberg.
For those wishing, in lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Charity of your Choice.
Tributes and words of condolence may be left for the family at www. davisgreenlawnfh.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of Davis-Greenlawn Funeral Home, 3900 B.F. Terry Blvd. (Hwy 59 South @ FM 2218), Rosenberg, Texas 77471, Phone: 281-341-8800.
Date:
Fort Bend County Libraries will highlight some of the vibrant cultures of the world at the Multicultural Festival on Saturday, May 11, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., at George Memorial Library, 1001 Golfview Drive in Richmond.
Sponsored by the Friends of the George Memorial Library, the festival will celebrate the rich, cultural diversity of the county and of the people who reside in it. Featuring a line-up of performances, artisans, games, crafts, and more, the festival will have free activities for the whole family.
In addition to the exhibit areas, which can be visited throughout the festival, special performances will be featured in the Jodie E. Stavinoha Amphitheater:
* 10-11:30 a.m. - “World Beats: Houston Parai Kuzhu.” This drum ensemble will perform traditional rhythmic pieces representative of the culture of south Asia. Learn about the history and cultural significance of these ancient instruments in this interactive event from these Garage Arts Project performance group.
* 11:30 a.m.-noon - The Lamar Consolidated High School Mariachi Band will entertain the audience with traditional music of the Hispanic culture.
* Noon-1 p.m. - Danzas Folkloricas de Solei - Ballet Folklorico. Performers, aged 4 to 18 years, will demonstrate folk dances of Latin America.
* 1:30-2 p.m. - “World Beats: Kaminari Taiko of Houston’s Thunderstudies.” Attendees can learn about the history and cultural significance of these rhythm instruments from Japan in this interactive event from this Garage Arts Project performance group.
“A Taste of African Heritage” - a cooking demonstration of African Diaspora cuisine - will take place from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., in the Meeting Room. Erica Knighton, from the Prairie View A&M Cooperative Extension Office, will demonstrate how to cook dishes based on the healthy food traditions of people with traditional African roots, with influences from the cultures of the Caribbean, South America, and the southern United States.
From noon-12:30 p.m., in Room 2C, attendees can enjoy the vibrant music, dancing, foods, culture, and history of Lebanon, presented by the American Lebanese Cultural Center.
From 12:45-1:30 p.m., attendees can join in an interactive “Movement & Rhythm Exploration” session in the Bohachevsky Gallery on the lower level of the library. Performers from the Garage Arts Project will teach dance steps and explain the historical and cultural significance of the music and movements of Africa and India. Also in the Bohachevsky Gallery, attendees can visit the Sugar Land Heritage Foundation’s exhibit on the history of the Hispanic community in the area.
From 1-1:30 p.m., in Room 2C., attendees can discover the beauty and culture of India, from the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas to the county’s vibrant traditions, food, and dances. This program, “Incredible India,” will be presented by the nonprofit Unite & Inspire. Stations representing cultures from around the world will be set up in the Lobby
The Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra will travel musically through northern and eastern Europe in its “Travel Postcards: Pictures at an Exhibition” concert on May 11, 7:30 p.m., at Clements High School, 4200 Elkins Rd, Sugar Land
The concert will begin with Russian composer Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov’s “Fantasia on Serbian Themes, Op. 6,” which focuses on Serbian melodies created by nationalist composer Mily Balakirev.
The travel continues with Alexander Borodin’s atmospheric “In the Steppes of Central Asia.” Written in 1880, the piece depicts Central Asian residents caravanning across the desert under the protection of Russian troops. The Russian and the Asian themes intermingle, giving way to the Russian theme as the melodies depart. Also on the concert are the rarely-head “Swedish Dances” by Max Bruch. There are versions for violin and piano, piano four-hands, military band, and full orchestra. The concert’s showstopper will be Russian composer Modest Mussorgsky’s “Pictures at an Exhibition”. Originally a
piano suite in ten movements, it was written in 1874. It depicts a musical tour of an exhibition of works by architect and painter Viktor Hartmann, which was put on at the Imperial Academy of Arts in Saint Petersburg following the artist’s sudden death in the previous year.
Each movement of the suite is based on an individual work, some of which are lost. Maurice Ravel’s 1922 orchestration and arrangement is the most widely known adaptation and the one that the orchestra will perform. Various solos of unique
instruments, such as the alto saxophone and the Euphonium, will produce sounds not usually heard in the symphonic concert hall.
Tickets can be purchased online at fbso.org/upcoming-events.
The Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1992, and the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra Chorus in 2016. The full-size orchestra, complete with brass, woodwinds, strings and percussion, and the accompanying chorus, represent a cross-section of local talent, most of whom reside in the Fort Bend County area.
and the 2nd-floor landing. Among them will be the Japan-America Society of Houston’s booth, featuring an edamame chopstick challenge; and the Asian Pacific American Heritage Association table featuring Max Nguyen’s origami skills. Attendees can visit the American Lebanese Cultural Center table, the Nigerian-American Multi -
The Third Annual MCTX ChalkFest, which was cancelled in March due to inclement weather, will be held Saturday, May 11 and Sunday, May 12, from noon-6 p.m. each day, at the Recreation & Tennis Center, 2701 Cypress Point Drive, Missouri City. Artists from Missouri City and throughout the greater Houston area and beyond will be at ChalkFest
cultural Council’s booth, or the Vietnamese Culture and Science Association’s station for information on those countries’ culture, traditions, and fashion. The Fort Bend Museum and the Friends of the Library will also be represented in the exhibit areas. Food trucks and music will add to the atmosphere in the parking lot of the library. Visitors are invited to
creating their master pieces with chalk. The event, which is free to attend, will feature live performers, food trucks, and activities for all ages.
The featured artist will be New Orleans native Lionel Milton, who will create a live mural that will become a permanent public art piece for the city.
The event will also include a “community chalk zone,” where community members of all ages can tap
enjoy their lunches and refreshments in the library’s outdoor amphitheater during the performances. A complete schedule of events is posted posted at fortbend.lib.tx.us/ basic-page/multiculturalfestival-george-memoriallibrary-may-11. For more information, call the library system’s Communications Office (281-633-4734).
into their own creativity. The event is Missouri City’s foray into the growing street art scene, which has been flourishing across the globe for the past two decades. Houston has held its own renowned Via Colori festival for about that long.
For more information, visit missouricitytx. gov/1094/ChalkFest. Learn more about Milton and see examples of his work at lionelmilton.art.
Kaminari Taiko of Houston, which performs with traditional Japanese drums, will be one of the featured musical acts at the Multicultural Festival at George Memorial Library on May 11. Courtesy Fort Bend County Libraries
By Lynn Ashby ASHBY2@COMCAST.NET
THE PHONE – “Hi, Grand Pa,” says a voice. “This is your grandson.” I ask, “Which one?” He replies, “Your oldest.” I ask, “What’s your name?” Click. My first clue that the call was not from a grandson was him calling me “Grand Pa.” I am called by various names by my grandchildren including “Hey, you,” “Codger” and “How are you feeling?” (This not a rhetorical question.) No one calls me “Grand Pa.” If you will recall, last summer I received a call from “Michael Ashby,” a nephew who was in trouble and was too ashamed to
call his parents, but needed money to get home. I noted that in my rather checkered family tree –some branches suitable for a hangman’s rope – we have had an Americus, Milroy and Nimrod. I said, “The last Michael Ashby died in 1787.” Silence, then “(Blank) YOU!” Click. I wondered how he got my name and phone number. Yesterday I got this email: “Dear Lynn, I hope this message reaches you in good health. Unfortunately, I have distressing news to share. Karl Ashby and his entire family were involved in a tragic car accident in Switzerland on May 11, 2021, resulting in the regrettable loss of their lives. As Karl’s former attorney, it is my solemn obligation to inform you about his testament and the potential inheritance of eighteen million US dollars that might be designated for you.” The message goes on to say that I should contact the attorney to make sure I am “fully informed about your entitlements.” It is signed: “Rory Unsworth.” So now it’s “Karl.” I checked my family names (listed under a rap sheet) and could not
find a Karl, so I Googled and found three with that name, all middle-aged and one is Black. None listed me as their grandfather. Also, something went Tilt when I read “eighteen million US dollars.” No American, not even an attorney, would write that. It would read: “$18 million.” Welcome to the wonderful world of Scamalot. There have always been charlatans, phonies and frauds – just look at who we elect – but scamming has become a cottage industry. Beside the phone calls and even letters, thanks to email, text and the general internet we are awash with these con artists. Almost daily I receive, and I’ll bet you do, too, email scams. One constant is a fake notice from my carrier, Disable Cable. There has been a security breach and, as my privacy is their Number 1 priority, they need for me to reply to their inquiry. If I don’t, they will disconnect my cable TV, telephone, computer, electricity and water. All I have to do is give them the password to my account. It’s for my own safety. My email is so ripe with such come-ons to the
point I have to clear them out each day before I can get to work trying to call my grandfather. Do you get recorded phone calls from the Texas Police Association or State Troopers Society? Whoever they are, they are asking for money. A hot scam these days is spoofing. That is when someone disguises himself or herself as a person you know and trust. It can apply to emails, phone calls, and websites. You get a phone call and your caller ID shows the caller is from your neighbor, bank or bail bondsman. “Hi, this is Jerry at your local H-E-B, and your last payment on your VISA card didn’t go through. Just to make sure we have the correct number, give it to me again.” Or maybe you get a call from the USPS. “The postal service tried to deliver your package but you weren’t there and it has to be signed. We’ll try again. When will you be home?”
I warn you of these ploys after reading an article in The New York Times that told me there are political donation scams, when someone masquerading as a campaign worker wants
a contribution. There are sextortion scams in which a person posing as a hacker claims to have recorded you watching porn through your laptop camera. Aha! You know you only watch porn on your PC. The article reports text scams tricked Americans out of $300 million (not three hundred million dollars) in 2022, the Federal Trade Commission reported. That same year, Americans received 225 billion spam texts, a 157 percent increase from the previous year. More than 600,000 cases involving impostor scams were reported in the United States last year, costing Americans more than $2 billion.
Going one step further into slick scams there is the video call. In February, a finance worker in Hong Kong was tricked into transferring $26 million of his company’s money to fraudsters who impersonated his colleagues on a video call. The scam made him believe he was speaking with his boss and other staff members. These fakers like to pick on the elderly. How do they know you’re old? Maybe they hack into AARP’s member-
ship, but in 2023, for the first time, 18- to 24-year-olds lost more money to scams than any other age group. And the young, too, can steal. A 21-year-old former UT student allegedly hacked into the university’s computer system to steal Social Security numbers and other personal information from 37,000 fellow Longhorns, faculty and staff. Why do these fakers keep trying to steal our stuff when we know better than to fall for their transparent scams? Because, as we can see, it works. Scammers can send out millions of phishing texts and emails at no cost, and if just 1 percent falls victim, that’s a good day. Also, many of these schemes work on our own greed. “This operation gets us around the IRS and no one else knows about it.” Now I’ve got to go. A Nigerian prince has $16 million frozen in a London bank, and
Mountain
56. Cavalry sword
60. Largest known toad species
61. Once more
63. Cavity
64. Paper this tin plate
65. Slang for backward
66. James __, American steam engineer
67. Sea eagles
68. Wooded 69. Expression of annoyance
Spawn of an oyster
Town near Venice
Bone (pl.)
Pair of harness shafts
Midway between E and SE
Of a main artery
Catches
Maintained possession
Old Tokyo
Yemen capital
Commoner
Street border
Old Xiamen
Soul and calypso songs
Explosive
Put into service
Swiss river
Territorial division
Pulse
Hair curling treatments
Small group of intriguers
Portion
Slightly late
Political action committee
Between 13 & 19
Tai currency
Newsman Rather
Great school in Mass.
Technology school
Have a great ambition
Groans
Fill with high spirits
Expressed pleasure
Modern London gallery
A gelling agent in foods
Dilapidation
Swine
Footwear museum city
Respite
Creative activity
Slight head motion
“She climbs into bed / She pulls the covers overhead / And she turns her little radio on / She’s had a rotten day / So she hopes the DJ’s / Gonna play her favorite song” - Triumph, “Magic Power“
Iremember when I got it. I was at my aunt’s ritzy home in Marin County, just north of San Francisco, over the Golden Gate Bridge. We
So, we held elections in Fort Bend County on Saturday. Not that you necessarily would know that. According to still-unofficial results on the website of the Fort Bend County District Clerk, less than 4 percent of the county’s registered voters took part in the elections, in both early voting and Election Day. A lot of important races were on the ballot, from municipal officials to school board members, bond propositions in Stafford MSD, Municipal Utility District board members, and others. These are the kinds of races that affect people most directly, and yet, in an election where there aren’t any “big-ticket” races, they
were celebrating Christmas and it was wrapped under the tree. No mistaking it. This present was obvious and stood out. I tore through the wrapping and gasped. It wasn’t my first album. It was my second: Elton John’s “Greatest Hits”. I played it on my aunt’s record stereo, and was immediately told to turn it down. The months, indeed the years that followed observed me fairly obsessed with this album. But it wasn’t just about the music. I looked at the liner notes and album art work incessantly. I studied how the photos were constructed. I wondered where the recordings were made. I even surmised who Elton’s tailor was. There were strange photos of a guy named Bernie Taupin. I had every frame memorized and each
photograph properly analyzed for hidden meanings. Most albums had pretty girls on the cover. Where were Elton’s? You probably don’t know the name. Stanley George Miller was born in 1940, and went on to find noteriety as a psychedelic artist in the 60s. But it’s his influence as a rock album artist that makes him particularly notable. Later known by the moniker Mouse, Stan went on to mix design and color for the likes of The Grateful Dead and legendary arena rock band Journey. His distinctive creativity would produce bold iconic artwork for Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, Steve Miller, The Rolling Stones and The Beatles. Album art was used to reflect the look and sound of the bands represent -
ed. For example, Mouse pitched the idea of depicting a beetle-based identity in Journey’s cover art. The proposed Egyptian Scarab Beetle legend asserted this particular insect was divine providence as it would roll the sun across the sky and into heaven by night, returning by morning. Deep stuff. Album art continues to be relevant long past expiration, kind of like Don Knotts. But, as is often the case, technology sprinted forward. First 8-tracks, then cassettes and CDs. All the while, album art began to vanish, getting smaller with each new trend, and ultimately invisible when digital came a-knockin’. But there’s help thanks to the dynamics of a cyclical culture and a love for all things retro.
I got odd chills recently
upon walking into my daughter’s place and finding a record player. She’s got a credible album collection going. And when I ask her why vinyl, she says she prefers the sound to digital. All those cracks and static and imperfections? She LOVES it. And let’s not forget about the humongous limitations of records. They’re not mobile, are shaped strangely and are prone to damage. It’s an antiquated source of entertainment that’s becoming relevant again, kind of like Don Knotts.
The resurgence trend apparently began in Eastern Asia in 2017. By the early 2010s, the trend had grown as vinyl sales matched revenue levels not seen since the 80s. Still, vinyl accounts for only about 8 percent of total music sales. But as recently as
two years ago, music industry executives were crediting Taylor Swift of all people for kicking the vinyl comeback into high gear. Her 2022 release “Midnights” became the first major album release to have its vinyl sales outpace CDs since 1987. Who can forget the artwork on Boston’s first album? The old black-andwhite record photos of Miles Davis are legendary for their artistry. And don’t get me started on The Beatles’ Magical Mystery Tour. For me, they’re not album covers, they’re snapshots in my mind of otherwise lost personal experience. I’m glad albums are coming back, even if their reappearance might be brief. Unlike Don Knotts.
Garay can be reached at MarkGaray426@gmail.com
often fall by the wayside in people’s minds. I don’t mean to knock Fort Bend residents in particular. I haven’t checked, but I suspect that across the greater Houston area, across the state, and across the country where elections were held, the story was much the same.
I get it. We’re all leading very busy lives. Going to the polls can be dull, and politics, including at the hyperlocal level, can be dispiriting. I myself have not always been diligent about voting in every single election, although I’m getting better as I grow older. In the wider political/ media world, we’re hearing that many people, from different sides of the political spectrum, are concerned about the state of democracy in this country. Some even fear that the years-long polarization we’ve seen could soon lead us into an actual civil war.
As it happens, I recently watched the film “Civil War,” which depicts a modernday war between different coalitions of U.S. states, something we haven’t seen for real in this country
in nearly two centuries.
Watching the film was a gut-wrenching experience (it’s not for the squeamish), especially because as fictional as the situation was, for those of us who have been living through the past several years, it didn’t seem ENTIRELY implausible.
I don’t believe we’re anywhere close to that ... yet.
But one thing that is true is that the fewer of us who participate in the political process, the less democratic the outcomes will be. We all need to do better.
Perhaps the most consequential races at Saturday’s polls were those for two members of the Fort Bend ISD Board of Trustees. Why are they so important? Well for starters, Fort Bend ISD is the sixth-largest public school district in the state, and is the county’s largest employer, and its largest taxing entity.
Most importantly, the district has as its charge the education of more than 80,000 students. That is an awesome responsibility, and governance of the district is performed by seven individuals, all unpaid, who if acting responsibly ingest enormous
amounts of information to get a handle on it all.
In those still-unofficial results, Adam Schoof, a U.S. Army veteran and a peace officer, was the winner in the Position 2 seat held by a departing Judy Dae, who decided not to seek reelection.
Kristin Tassin, an attorney/ businesswoman and former Fort Bend ISD board member and president, won over Position 5 incumbent Kristen Davison Malone and three other candidates.
This column won’t take a position on the results. The voters (those hardy souls who decided to actually vote) have spoken, as they say. Some people are happy with the results, some are not, while still others may have mixed feelings. We should all wish the winners well. and we should thank all of the candidates for stepping up to the plate.
Fort Bend ISD is said to be one of the most diverse districts, if not THE most diverse, in the state, and perhaps in the country. I went to a fast-casual restaurant in Missouri City for lunch on Sunday. In the roughly half-hour that I was there, I saw people of nearly
every major racial group. It’s a wonderful feature of our community.
And the thing is, people of all backgrounds - racial, socioeconomic, religious (or nonreligious) - want largely the same things for their families and their children. They want their kids to learn, to succeed, to become good citizens, and to be prepared for the world that awaits them. People have different ideas on how to achieve those aims, and that’s fine. That’s why we have elective bodies like school boards - to air out all of those ideas and to come to decisions that work for everyone. There’s been a lot of drama at Fort Bend ISD in recent months, and that’s regrettable. With that drama, there’s been a lot of blame thrown around. It’s spilled over from the boardroom to social media to the news media to public forums.
But with the recent election, as low-turnout as it was, the board has a chance to do a reset, if I can borrow a phrase. I attended one forum where all but one of the candidates in the two races were present (I believe the
one that was missing had a conflicting event). During the forum, the moderator asked the candidates if the school board should be a partisan body. To a person, the candidates said it should not.
Fort Bend ISD has a lot of very important, pressing matters at hand, including cost overruns on bond projects, student achievement levels at some campuses, maintaining compliance with state mandates on special education, and many others. These issues are all daunting, and will require hard, focused work by the administration under the guidance of the board. Seriousness of purpose is what is called for, not political sniping.
One thing Fort Bend ISD does not need is to go through the culture-war battles that we’ve seen in some neighboring districts. They are, first and foremost, a distraction from getting all of that real work done. Here in Fort Bend, we can and must do better.
Fountain casts his vote at KFountain@fortbendstar. com
In today’s world technology is abundant. Almost everywhere we look, some form of technology is present. Social media provides a getaway from reality and a way to express creativity among teenagers but also exploits them to online predators and can take a heavy toll on mental health. Social media platforms such as Instagram and Tik-
Tok are ways for teenagers to be unique. They can create accounts and post videos and pictures of themselves and their hobbies and interests. These apps have allowed people to boost selfconfidence and bring joy into their lives. But the questions is, is it real joy?
The joy brought by social media is superficial and not real. These apps create a false image of friendship and popularity. These platforms allow for you to have “followers” which is basically a subscription to another person allowing you to see what they post. Teenagers often associate followers with friendships when they never talk and only interact online, creating a warped sense of a relationship. Kids’ feelings tend to get hurt when they view a post and see some -
thing they weren’t invited to. It definitely stings when you see people you thought of as friends hanging out without you. You get sad and feel lonely.
Teens also tend to compare themselves to people online. Some teenage girls will spend hours scrolling online looking at unrealistic body standards set by influencers. No matter how many times they’re told “it’s only filters” or “it’s unrealistic” these girls will be willing to do anything to look like them. Severe depression, eating disorders and other mental health problems are growing more common in teenagers due to social media’s false narratives. Teenage girls will starve themselves in hopes of achieving the physical appearance that influencers have started to portray
as healthy. For me, seeing all those girls with perfect bodies made me not like the way I look and personally hurt my mental health. I would never wish that pain on someone and by writing this I leave this reminder: social media is fake and toxic. It feeds on our self-hatred.
It has also grown increasingly easy for child predators to find new targets. Snapchat has been marked as the main app/site for child abuse and exploitation to occur. The Verge, a technology news website, reported in 2021 that “more than half the children who said they blocked someone said they were contacted again by the same person again either through a new account or a different platform”. Many of these people who were blocked tried to force them
to send or engage in sexual behaviors online even though they are minors. It is scary to think that in this world, some people will try to do these types of acts with children more than 10 years younger than them.
Once, a sheriff took down a predator convicted of soliciting 25 underage girls, harassing and stalking six, and even raping one. These poor girls were left traumatized all because of one app. As a teenager who used Snapchat, my eyes were recently opened to how even other teenagers use Snapchat to engage sexually with others. When sent a snap you don’t know what it is until you open it allowing for inapyou’ll have no proof, only claims about what was sent which is why a lot of sex offenders use it. No evidence, no problem, right? Even though it may seem like the end of the world if you don’t have social media, know that it’s for the best. It may seem annoying and that “all your friends have it’ or that “it’s not that big of a deal” but it would be a big deal if you were trafficked or started to struggle with your mental health. Social media is dangerous and if it is not monitored properly, it can be very unhealthy.
Morris is a Ridge Point High School student, class of 2027, a varsity tennis
EL PASO – In what started off as a slow offensive day, the Sugar Land Space Cowboys (22-11) exploded in the seventh inning for eight runs and seven hits against the El Paso Chihuahuas (14-19) in a 12-5 win at Southwest University Park Sunday afternoon.
The Chihuahuas struck first in the bottom of the first on an RBI double from Michael Batten and an RBI single from Kevin Plawecki. Despite Sugar Land cutting the lead down to one with an RBI ground out from Luke Berryhill in the third, El Paso got one back in the fourth with a sacrifice fly from Matthew Batten.
LHP Jackson Wolf held the Space Cowboys offense in check in his start, allowing one unearned run in six innings of work while surrendering just two hits. Immediately after he departed in the seventh, Sugar Land’s offense teed off on the El Paso bullpen. Corey Julks singled to open the stanza, paving the way for Quincy Hamilton to tie the game with one swing of the bat as he launched a two-run homer to right, his third in three games. Shay Whitcomb smacked a double to left, Cooper Hummel walked and Luke Berryhill singled to right, loading the bases for David Hensley, who drew a walk to bring in a run for the lead. Grae Kessinger, on a rehab assignment with Sugar Land, provided two more runs
on a base-hit that deflected off the glove of LHP Paul Fry.
Jesús Bastidas sent a ball to right that almost landed for a hit but was caught by Óscar Mercado, giving Hensley enough time to tag up and score from third. To cap off the explosive inning, Julks launched a two-run home run 408 feet to center field to add on a couple more and give Sugar Land a 9-3 advantage.
The Space Cowboys tagged on three more insurance runs in the eighth on an RBI single from Bastidas and a two RBI double from Pedro León to bring the Sugar Land lead to 12-3. El Paso was able to scrape a couple of runs across in the bottom of the eighth, but left the bases loaded and went in order in the ninth, sealing the Sugar Land win.
LHP Colton Gordon, in
his first start since returning from the injured list this season, pitched 3.1 innings of three-hit, three-run ball, giving up three walks and striking out four. RHP Ray Gaither and RHP Logan VanWey combined for two scoreless innings while LHP Bryan King, although surrendering two runs, one earned, in 1.2 innings, combined with RHP Wander Suero to strike out eight Chihuahua hitters. 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. This article is used by permission.
* Tuesday, May 14, 2 p.m.Sienna Branch Library (8411 Sienna Springs Blvd, Missouri City)
* Wednesday, May 22, 11 a.m. - Fulshear Branch Library (6350 GM Library Road)
* Tuesday, May 28, 10:30 a.m. - George Memorial Library (1001 Golfview, Richmond)
* Wednesday, May 29, 10:30 am - Mamie George Branch Library (320 Dulles Ave, Stafford)
Fort Bend County Libraries will offer free demonstrations in May of Flipster, a service from EBSCO Information Services that allows people to browse digital versions of the latest issues of popular magazines for adults, teens, and children, courtesy of the library. Demonstrations of this free online resource will take place at the following locations in May, but those who are interested may also inquire about this resource at any time at any FBCL location. Reservations are required for the demonstrations.
Flipster magazines are full-print, full-color digital duplicates of the hardcopy print magazine, and library cardholders can access them remotely through the Fort Bend County Libraries website, www.fortbend.lib.tx.us. The libraries’ collection includes 58 popular titles for adults and 11 titles for youth, including selections such as Forbes, Essence, Car & Driver, Highlights for Children, People, and much more. Magazines can be read online on a computer or
downloaded to smartphones or tablets, including Android(tm) phones and tablets, Apple(r) phones and tablets, and Kindle Fire tablets, for offline reading anytime, anywhere on a free Flipster app that can be downloaded from the Apple App or Google Play stores. Flipster provides an easyto-use, browse-able reading experience. An online newsstand provides a carousel of the most recent issues in various categories, and many magazines provide access to back-issues as well.
Hello my name is Salmon! I am a sweet and friendly cat who loves taking naps and treats! Salmon is a 3 year old girl who would make the PURfect companion! Stop by the Houston Humane Society and consider making Salmon a part of your family! ADOPT
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.
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 offer 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 office 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 “stuff” for our members and the community. Please find our fall schedule of events that the QVGC will be involved with this fall leading up to the holidays.
FBJSL IS ACCEPTING CAF GRANT APPLICATIONS
We provide grants of up to $5,000.00 to charitable causes serving Fort Bend County with requests to fund a critical need, pilot a program, or expand a significant service to the community. If your agency or organization is interested in applying for a CAF grant, please visit the Request Support page of the FBJSL website (www.fbjsl.org/request-support). All applications should be submitted via e-mail to brccom@fbjsl.com.
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.
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.
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, 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 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.
