The 12-06-23 Edition of The Fort Bend Star by The Heights Leader and Fort Bend Star

2023

READERS’ CHOICE

On the record with Richmond’s Buzz Vinyls - Page 3

281.690.4200 WEDNESDAY • DECEMBER 6, 2023

Former kindergarten teacher sentenced to 10 years for indecency with a child Staff Reports A Fort Bend County jury on November 16 convicted a former Lamar CISD kindergarten teacher of indecency with a child by contact and by exposure involving one of his students.

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FBISD board oust Whitbeck in forced retirement By Ken Fountain KFOUNTAIN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

In what proved to a wild finish to an otherwise dry meeting, a majority of the Fort Bend ISD board voted to approve a forced retirement of Superintendent Christie Whitbeck after just over two years at the helm of the district. The vote came after an executive session to discuss Whitbeck’s retirement following a meeting that largely involved presentations about new school building designs and academic programs. But the meeting had begun with comments from several community members who had heard reports of Whitbeck’s pending retirement.

Most of the comments were highly supportive of her. Reasons for the pending retirement were not disclosed before the meeting, but there had been evidence of dissent between Whitbeck and some members of the board going back at least to the November voter-approved tax rate election, which passed easily. Before the election, board president Judy Dae, who took that role earlier this year, penned an op-ed questioning an incentive program the district had put in place asking teachers to encourage their parents to go to the polls, without specifically asking them to cast a particular vote in the VATRE election. That

Christie Whitbeck, superintendent of Fort Bend ISD since September 2021, was ousted by the district’s board in a forced retirement on Monday. Photo by Ken Fountain

election was called just a year after a previous VATRE failed. After Position 6 trustee and board secretary David Hamilton made a motion to accept the resignation,

seconded by Position 5 trustee Sonya Jones, Position 6 member Kristin Davison Malone launched into an emotional defense of Whitbeck, touting her accomplishments since taking the helm. Malone noted that after voters in May overwhelmingly approved a $1.26 billion bond referendum, the largest in the district’s history, the board gave Whitbeck a glowing evaluation, extended her contract by two years to 2026, and gave her a 2 percent salary raise. Malone, who served as board president before Dae, said she had seen a marked improvement in the culture of the district since Whitbeck came aboard, and

that the district was primed for even greater academic success ahead. The district, which saw a marked drop in enrollment in the wake of the COVID pandemic, this year saw its enrollment surpass 80,000 students, making it the sixth largest in the state. “So why is this happening? I’ll tell you why,” Malone said to the audience, which had dwindled since the beginning of the meeting. She said the forced retirement stemmed from “personality conflicts” between Whitbeck and Dae, Hamilton, “and perhaps one other member” whom she didn’t name.

SEE RETIREMENT PAGE 2

‘Tis the Season See Page 8 - for more photos from the holiday events

Former Lamar CISD kindergarten teacher Troi Phillip Moore, 47, received 10 years in prison on two counts of indecency with a child involving a former student. Courtesy Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office

Troi Phillip Moore, 47, agreed to a 10-year sentence in years state prison on each case with the sentences to be served consecutively and waived his right to an appeal, according to a news release from the Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office. Evidence presented by prosecutors Alycia Curtis and Craig Priesmeyer revealed that while working in 2021 as a kindergarten teacher at Tamarron Elementary, Moore engaged in sexual contact with one of his six-year-old male students. The jury heard evidence that the defendant, a teacher for more than 20 years, isolated the child in the classroom and sexually abused him. Jurors deliberated approximately two hours before returning verdicts of guilty. “This case is truly a parent’s worst nightmare as school should be a safe place to send our children,” lead prosecutor Alycia Curtis said in the release. “Thankfully, the victim’s parents took immediate steps to keep their son safe by reporting Moore to both the school and law enforcement. The victim showed incredible bravery by not only telling his parents what happened to him in the classroom but by facing Moore in court.” During trial, the jury heard from the now 8-yearold child, who recounted the sexual abuse in front of his former teacher. “I applaud the jury for holding the defendant accountable for his despicable behavior,” District Attorney Brian Middleton said. “And what is effectively a 20-year prison sentence keeps all of our children safer here. I thank the survivor for being so brave and for helping us get justice in this case.”

SEE INDECENCY PAGE 2

Bola Inyang, of Fulshear, enjoys a “ride” atop Rudolph during the Christmas Tree lighting event at Sugar Land Town Square on Friday. Photo by Ken Fountain

New SPARK Park dedicated at FBISD’s Parks Elementary Staff Reports On December 1, a SPARK Park that opened in October at Fort Bend ISD’s Rosa Parks Elementary School was officially dedicated during a program that included students, district leaders, staff, community partners and SPARK Park leaders, according to news release from the district. “Before SPARK came to this campus there was only one park here at Rosa Parks elementary,” Superintendent Dr. Christie Whitbeck said. “We are extremely grateful to get a second green space for our families to enjoy, and this park also includes play equipment for our special needs students.” Principal Anitra Wilson

said the idea for adding the park originated a couple years ago when a student approached her one day and said, “’We need a new playground. When all the grade levels are outside, it’s like we are piled on top of each other.’” That student was Adiyonah Burnham who attended the dedication program with her mother and received a certificate of recognition along with key staff members and community partners who made the park a reality. “Everyone here that helped, I think y’all are great,” she said. SPARK Park Executive Director Kathleen Ownby said recreational areas like the new one at Parks Elementary are intended to eliminate “park deserts” in

Officials hold the official dedication of a new PARK Park at Fort Bend ISD’s Rosa Parks Elementary School. Courtesy Fort Bend ISD

communities that have no green spaces or playground areas. FBISD Board President Judy Dae told the audience

she personally relates to the need for park spaces and recounted growing up in China where access to parks was so rare that her first-ever visit

to one included throngs of children who had to wait in a long line only to be granted a maximum of one minute on a swing. “The second I flew into the air on the swing it was a magical moment for me,” Dae said. “To this day, whenever I pass by a playground, I want to get on a swing.” The dedication of the Rosa Parks SPARK Park fell on the 68th anniversary of the day in 1995 when civil rights pioneer Rosa Parks, a Black woman -- whom the school is named after-- refused to sit in the back of a bus in Montgomery, Ala. during a nationwide campaign for racial equality. Her action led to a boycott of the Montgomery bus system which helped overturn the discriminatory policy.

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PAGE 2 • Wednesday, December 6, 2023

Information sought on suspects in Richmond shootings in October Staff Reports The Fort Bend County Sheriff ’s Office is seeking information from the public about additional suspects in a shooting death and aggravated assault at a Richmond convenience story on October 29. According to a news release from the department, sheriff ’s deputies were dispatched at approximately 7:24 p.m. to a convenience store parking lot in the 8600 block of FM 1464 Rd in Richmond after receiving a report of a shooting. When deputies arrived they found a deceased 17-year-old male who had been shot to death and an adult female who also sustained gunshot injuries. Information learned through the investigation was that a vehicle drove up to the victim’s vehicle.

Jahlil Rainey, 19, of Houston, is in custody on a charge of murder in an October 29 shooting death in Richmond. Courtesy Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office

A suspect inside the vehicle shot both victims and then fled the area, according to the release. The female victim was treated at the Houston Medical Center for her injuries.

During the homicide and aggravated assault investigation that followed, one of the suspects involved was identified as Jahlil Rainey, 19, of Houston, who was arrested on October 31 on a murder warrant. He is being held in the Fort Bend County jail on a $750,000 bond. Anyone with information concerning the identities of the other suspects involved is asked to contact Fort Bend County Crime Stoppers, Inc. at 281-342-TIPS (8477). Information leading to the apprehension and filing of charges on the suspect(s) involved could earn a reward of up to $5,000. All calls to Crime Stoppers are anonymous. Information can also be submitted online at fortbend.crimestoppersweb. com.

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INDECENCY FROM PAGE 1

After trial, both Curtis and Priesmeyer commended the work of all groups involved in this case including the Lamar Consolidated ISD Police Department, Harris Health Systems, and Child Advocates of Fort Bend. “Without the commit-

RETIREMENT FROM PAGE 1

She began to talk about things she said she had learned when Whitbeck first told her about the move to oust her shortly after the VATRE election. This led to something of a free-for-all, as board members and some members engaged in crosstalk and even some shouting. Jones, the newest member of the board, said that the board members had strived to protect Whitbeck’s reputation by keeping the matters out of the public eye, saying that if some things were disclosed Whitbeck “would never work in education again.” Hamilton “called the question,” meaning he asked that the board vote to accept Whitbeck’s resignation right away. That led to even more discussion and consultation with the district’s general counsel, who advised that there should be no open discussion of the matters leading to the resignation. Ultimately, five members of the board voted to accept the resignation, with one member voting against and one abstaining. Next Hamilton called

ment of these various groups, we would not be able to help victims and their families navigate the criminal justice system and receive both the medical treatment and therapy services they need. These kinds of cases are a team effort, and we’re grateful to work with such dedicated organizations,” Priesmeyer said. Moore was tried in the

268th District Court before Presiding Judge Steve Rogers. Indecency with a Child by Exposure is a thirddegree felony punishable by 2 to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000. Indecency with a Child by Sexual Contact is a seconddegree felony punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison. The offense also requires lifetime registration as a sex offender.

for the appointment of Beth Martinez, now the district’s deputy superintendent, to be named interim superintendent pending the appointment of a new superintendent. That was approved by five members, with two members abstaining. In her own remarks, Whitbeck said she had been “completely blindsided” after the successful VATRE election to learn there was an effort among the board to remove her. She said she had never done anything “illegal, immoral, or improper, and I never will” and that she was extremely proud of her accomplishments at Fort Bend ISD. “I love these kids,” she said. She added that she would have more to say at a later date. Dae apologized to Whitbeck for how the meeting transpired and said there would be a joint press release from both her and Whitbeck in the coming days. She promised that Whitbeck would receive “a proper send-off ” during the next board meeting on December 11, one day before Whitbeck’s resignation takes effect. According to a press release that went out shortly after the meeting ended, Whitbeck will remain an

employee of the school district as “Superintendent Emeritus” until June 30, 2024, to assist the Board of Trustees with the transition of leadership. Whitbeck will receive $491,000 in severance, equivalent to a year’s pay of her present salary. Martinez will receive approximately $100,00 as interim superintendent. Whitbeck was hired by the board in a 6-0 vote in September 2021, replacing former Superintendent Charles Dupre, who announced his pending resignation in November 2020 and left the district in June 2021. Previously, Whitbeck had served as superintendent at Bryan ISD, worked for Fort Bend ISD for four years, worked as an assistant superintendent of academics in Alvin ISD, and as a principal and assistant principal in Katy ISD. She began her education career as a teacher in Alief ISD. Whitbeck took the helm of Fort Bend ISD while the district was still dealing with the COVID pandemic. After the failure of the 2022 VATRE election, she led the district’s program to make drastic budget cuts, much of which came from attrition of the district’s administrative team.

Catholic Charities offers counseling services during the holiday season Staff Reports

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While the holiday season is a time of joy and celebration for most, it can trigger seasonal depression for others. “If people have experienced a recent loss, whether that be of a loved one, a relationship, or a job, the holidays can be mentally tough to navigate,” Anna M. Gonzales, LMSW, director of counseling services for Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of GalvestonHouston, said in a press release. “Many times, seasonal depression is left untreated because people are not aware of the resources they have at their disposal.” For residents in Fort Bend County, Catholic Charities offers mental health counseling at the Mamie George Community Center in Richmond (1111 Collins Road) as well as the United Way Service Center in Stafford (12300 Parc Crest Dr.). Individual and

family counseling for children and adults is available virtually and in person. “We never want the inability to pay to stand in someone’s way of getting the assistance they need, which is why we offer our services on a sliding scale,” said Gonzales. Clients work with licensed counselors, bilingual

in English and Spanish, and services are provided regardless of a person’s religious beliefs. Individuals who seek counseling through Catholic Charities are encouraged to participate in six onehour sessions to benefit. To learn more about Catholic Charities’ mental health counseling services

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Wednesday, December 6, 2023 • PAGE 3

The Reid Feed: On the record with Richmond’s Buzz Vinyls Janet Sue

Ryan Lee

Art and Culture Columnists

By Ryan Lee Reid and Janet Sue Reid

magine you’re in your local record shop flipping through endless amounts of vinyl, discovering new music and admiring the lost art of album covers. You’re not waxing poetic in memories of your youth; instead, you’re in 2023. You’re not in a record shop in the Heights or a fancy new speakeasy in downtown Houston; instead, you’re in a small independent record store in Fort Bend. In fact, you’re in Fort Bend’s new and only independent vinyl record store called Buzz Vinyls, located off Highway 90 at the edge of downtown Richmond.

Now, don’t let the name fool you, there is much more than just new and used vinyl at this store. The owner, Lou Flores, has stocked this small chic minimalist shop with an art gallery aesthetic in a charming one-and-a-half room building with all types of media including CDs, books, graphic novels, DVDs, Bluerays, and clothing from 44 Garments by local artist Roger Trevino. Buzz Vinyls is just the type of business that Fort Bend needs, especially in an age that has seen brickand-mortar music retailers go belly up, and music pur-

chasing and listening having migrated almost exclusively online. Unlike other record stores, Buzz Vinyls is unique with its eclectic collection in a compact space. “My vision for the store,” Flores said, “was a place where I could introduce new music to people who may never have an opportunity to stumble across a particular artist or genre they never heard of.” Flores’ musical philosophy of “no genres, all music” creates an intoxicating experience of finding artists and music that act like a time machine to your past. Rifling through his alphabetized collections of vinyls and CDs transports you back in time to that musical memory that we all associate with a specific song or artist. His musical variety is astounding and will surely have something to offer even the more obscure music listeners. I picked up a Liberace record while Janet found the soundtrack to “Midnight Cowboy”, each less than $10. That’s about what you can expect to spend for most of the items on offer. Flores, the visionary and owner of Buzz Vinyls, is the definition of hard work. He works a full-time job during the week, and opens the record store on weekends. “This has always been a passion of mine,” he said. “My favorite job I ever had growing up was working at a record store when I was younger.” Like many people during the pandemic, Flores started reassessing life and what he was passionate about, but it wasn’t until February of 2023 that he decided to actively start pursuing his dream of opening a vinyl record store in Fort Bend. Only

Buzz Vinyls, an independent record store in downtown Richmond, is a small space with an art gallery aesthetic and a “no genres, all music” philosophy. The Reid Feed

a few months later, during the last week of May, his dream would become reality with the store officially opening its doors to the public. Having family in Fort Bend, Flores wanted to inject some culture into the community, and serve as inspiration for his younger nieces and nephews. He has no shortage of ideas for expansion including adding things with a buzz like coffee or wine, but his main mission is to become a physical hub for the intersection of local music, artists, and the community. Flores is right, there really is no other offering like

that in Fort Bend, which is why as artists ourselves we really hope he succeeds in this endeavor. When I asked him what he appreciated about vinyl, he had an interesting answer. “I like vinyl because it forces the listener to listen to the album all the way through from beginning to end, which is a lost art,” he says. “Today, the attention span of listeners is much smaller and fragmented when they listen to music.” Facing dwindling attention spans in an increasingly digital world Flores is betting big that the analog experience of looking through records at a traditional brick

and mortar will attract all kinds of customers, young and old. He might be onto something because the day we visited his store multiple families spanning several generations were each meticulously sifting through the rows of records. Family members scouring through the vinyl were interspersed with smiling faces as each came across a musical treasure, and for that moment time would stand still. So if you’re looking to step into a musical time machine for an afternoon, discover some hidden musical gems, or just pass the time in a chic and cool

Fort Bend locale, check out and support Buzz Vinyls. Either way you’ll be glad that you did. Buzz Vinyls is located at 301 S 2nd St., Richmond. Store hours are 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Ryan Lee Reid, “The Piano Cowboy”, and Janet Sue Reid, “The Culinary Cowgirl”, are artists and creators. They transform space and time to move and heal people through art. They live in Sugar Land with their children. Find their full bios and contact them through ReidFeed. com

Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra and Chorus capture holiday spirit with 'Deck the Halls' By Ken Fountain KFOUNTAIN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

In a column just last week, I (slightly) bemoaned the ubiquitousness of Christmas music at this time of year. While I stand by my words, I might have to clarify a bit: I don’t dislike holiday music per se, just its overabundance when it seems to permeate the airwaves sometime around, oh, Labor Day. As I wrote last week, the fact is I like a lot of holiday music, especially “the older stuff.” And that’s why I can without any danger of hypocrisy say that I attended Sunday’s concert by the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, titled “Deck the Halls,” and had a marvelous time. The Fort Bend Symphony, as I’ve stated before, is really a cultural gem in our community, which was evidenced by the near full house at the Stafford Centre on Sunday. As usual, many of the performers dressed for the occasion with Santa Claus hats, and many of the attendees were also dressed in their finest holiday attire, or at least in an outlandish Christmas sweater. Sunday’s performance began with “Fanfare and Chorus for Christmas,” by contemporary composer Jesse Ayers, a piece I’d never heard before. As with all fanfares, it included hefty helpings of brass and percussion, along with the chorus chiming in with parts of the classic song

“Joy to the World,” one of the most durable of Christmas hymns. That was immediately followed by Leroy Anderson’s “Sleigh Ride,” the seminal orchestra piece by Leroy Anderson which expertly evokes a ride through a wintry countryside, complete with percussion mimicking the crack of a whip. Music director and conductor Dominique Røyem joked that if weren’t included in the annual program, she was likely to receive angry letters. Since the holiday season is about more than Christmas, the orchestra usually includes Chanukah-related pieces in the annual concert. As assistant chorus director Steve Kalke explained, the third work in the program, “Erev Shel Shoshanin,” is not specifically a Chanukah song but is played at many Jewish celebrations. The title refers to the Hebrew word for “love,” which Kalke said the world could use a lot more of right now, no doubt referring to current events. I heard at least one “Amen” from the audience. That was followed by a suite of pieces from John Williams’s score of the Christmas film “Home Alone.” I must confess I was never a particularly huge fan of that film or its sequel. But Williams composed the scores of many of my favorite movies, and the selections played demonstrated once again how easily he has been able to perfectly capture the mood of any film he

The Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra and Chorus captured the holiday spirit with their annual “Deck the Halls” concert at the Stafford Centre on Sunday. Photo by Ken Fountain

writes for, of whatever genre. One of the great aspects of these concerts is that although they include many of the old favorites, they also introduce listeners to pieces with which they might be familiar. That was the case with “It Wouldn’t Be Christmas Without You” by Robert Wendel, on which the chorus did a fine job. Another feature of these concerts is the time set aside for an up-and-coming young performer to demonstrate their talent. On Sunday, Shangen Zou, born in China in 2011, was featured as the

junior division winner of the Houston Music Teachers Association Concerto Competition for 2023. She performed the third movement of Felix Mendelssohn’s “Piano Concerto No. 1,” with assistant conductor Bill Tackett leading the orchestra. It was really an amazing rendition from someone so young, roundly applauded by the audience. After the intermission, during which patrons could browse and make purchases from the Holiday Handmade Market in the lobby, with proceeds benefitting the orchestra, the ensemble opened

up the second half of the program with “A Chanukah Overture,” a medley of tunes familiar associated with the holiday. That was followed by “’Twas the Night Before Christmas,” a choral and orchestral version of the classic 1823 poem (which introduced the modern version of Santa Clause) in a setting by Brad Ross which I’d never heard before. The chorus was really a full partner with the orchestra at the concert, which was solidified by a set of pieces that came next, conducted by chorus director Ray Rhoads.

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First was the always-welcome “Silent Night” in a lovely arrangement by Dan Forrest. That was followed by the classic “Wassail Song” by seminal British composer Ralph Vaughn-Williams. Next up was “Dance of the SugarPlum Fairy,” a purely choral arrangement of Tchaikovsky’s tune from “The Nutcracker” which was very nice indeed. Next up was “Twelve Days to Christmas,” a song from the musical play “She Loves Me.” If you’ve not seen it, it was based on the classic 1940 movie “The Shop Around the Corner,” starring James Stewart and Margaret Sullivan, which much later was the basis of the ‘90s Tom Hanks/ Meg Ryan rom com “You’ve Got Mail.” As I also mentioned last week, I am a veteran of the holiday season retail worker wars, so I related to the song about dealing with the frenetic holiday season very well. That was followed by “God Bless Us, Everyone,” from Alan Menkin’s musical version of Dickens’s “A Christmas Carol,” another piece I hadn’t heard before, followed by the concert closer “Holiday Greetings.” If you’ve not yet heard a concert by our very own Fort Bend Symphony, I’d recommend doing so. Their next scheduled concert, titled “An Afternoon of Romance,” featuring music from the Romantic era, is set for February 18 at the Stafford Centre. For more information, visit fbso.org.

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PAGE 4 • Wednesday, December 6, 2023

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EDITORIAL Is Rudolph well-red? Who nose? Lynn Ashby Columnist

By Lynn Ashby ASHBY2@COMCAST.NET

ou know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen, Comet and Cupid and Donner and Blitzen. But do you recall the most famous reindeer of all? -- Robert L. May, 1939.

Associated Press -Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer had a very shiny nose, and if you ever saw it, you would even say it glows. All of the other reindeer used to laugh and call him names. They never let poor Rudolph play in any reindeer games. Local TV Newscast – Breaking News! Yes, we know we scream Breaking News! at the lead of every newscast when it’s usually a story about a fiery car wreck in Omaha or a lost kitten in Duluth, but this really

the BoSox while the Bay Area Bombers swapped southpaws with the Busch League. (English translation on ESPN app.) Angry fans are still talking about the Houston Astros stealing catchers’ signs. Actually, they aren’t talking about it but we have to mention that scandal every time we mention the Astros. The reindeer games are getting tense. To analyze the situation we have our usual panel of four aging jocks who need the job after they get through giving us the scores of insignificant games played by minor teams. I mean, Amherst beat Williams? Who cares? The New York Times – Mr. Rudolph Reindeer has been ostracized from the Annual Reindeer Games (see: History of Reindeer Games pages 15-23) at the North Pole (map and graph fold-out attached), according to reliable sources. The reindeer say they only laughed and called him names because of his red nose. (Red Noses: Are They Hereditary? Health report pages 45-57). (Red Noses Should Not Be Ridiculed. Editorial, pages 76-77.) A Former President – As usual, the mainstream media lies about Rudolph. It’s another example of fake nose.

to play, explaining, “We can’t afford the pay cut.” Rachel Maddow on MSNBC – To the barricades! Those fat-cat, elite reindeer have reportedly ostracized Rudolph “the Red” Reindeer He was singled out just because he had a shiny red nose. Rudolph’s shabby treatment is similar to the presidential elections in 1884 when blah, blah, blah. Statement from Gov. Greg Abbott: If Rudolph had been wearing a mask to prevent the spread of Lyme’s Disease the other deer would have been perfectly correct in banning him from participating in their games since -- and it’s a scientifically proven fact -- wearing a mask only spreads such dreaded diseases as migraine headaches, acne and broken clavicles. To prevent another pandemic of red-nosed reindeer disease, I have tapped the Texas budget for $45 billion – which otherwise would have been frittered away on health care, highways and education -- to build a 70-foot high wall anchored by giant rubber balloons to prevent more dangerously deformed animals from entering our beloved Lone Star State. ESPN – The Pin Stripes poached the Big Unit from

is breaking news. Rudolph has been banned from all competition. He is taking it badly and has been put on suicide watch. More bloody details at 10. Katy ISD School Board – We have unanimously voted to prohibit students from singing “Rudolph the Rednosed Reindeer” due to the song’s clearly deviant suggestions. Do you want our innocent children singing about Dasher and Dancer, Prancer and Vixen, Comet and Cupid? The board also bans “God Bless Ye Merry Gentlemen”. No putting on gay apparel in the Katy ISD. The school board announced that the monthly book burning has been cancelled due to our previous vote to ban all books. The Wall Street Journal – Stocks fell 350 points on news that Santa Claus, Inc. has been hit with widespread strikes by the United Brotherhoods of Elves protesting “the hideous and callous boycotting of Rudolph by the other reindeer.” In sympathy, the United Sleigh Makers Union has skied off their jobs while players in the NFL, the NBA and the NHL refused to suit up, declaring: “No Rudolph, no games.” However, college athletes will continue

The Wall Street Journal – Stocks have rebounded by 350 points on news that Santa has asked Rudolph to guide his sleigh. ERCOT – Due to the impending – probable but highly unlikely – power surge, we are asking Rudolph to turn off his nose during prime usage hours of midnight to 11:59 p.m. This problem has come about by an unexpected weather-related anomaly which climatologists call “winter.” Customers can resume their normal usage as soon as the gerbil’s treadmill is repaired. President Joe Biden’s press conference: “I stand squarely behind noses, since they go in the front. Yes, noses of any color. I stand, actually not for long. I have to sit. I like games. The CIA tells me a jolly old elf, known only as Santa Claud, or Claus, may step in and solve the dispute. If he can do that I’ll send him to do the same in the Middle East, or is it the Midwest? No questions. It’s time for my nap.” News release from Texas A&M: We proudly announce the hiring of Jim Bob Tundra as our new head reindeer coach. Due to some criticism of our previous 10-year $90 million contract

"Measuring Up on the Job" by Barb Olson

Across

1. Bartlett alternative 5. "Hey, that's not ___ idea!" 9. Keats's feet? 14. Scot's swimming spot 15. U2 front man 16. Spiral-horned antelope 17. Middle-of-the-road, to a hotel reviewer 19. Sans___ (plain font) 20. Work-related quip, part 1 22. On the ___ (fleeing) 24. 90° pipe turn 25. Wonderland party drink 26. Photo ___ (media events) 27. The quip, part 2 31. Greek war god 32. That, to a señorita 33. Longtime hockey announcer Cole 34. Foot bones 36. U.S. army field rations 38. Pony tail places 42. "There's something with this letter": Abbr. 44. Pink-slip 46. Not quite canter 47. The quip, part 3 50. Barley bristle 52. Gloater's cry 53. Capital of Canada? 54. Deflating sound 55. End of the quip 59. "What am I, chopped ___?" 60. Ability to keep, as a memory 63. So hot you could fry ___ on the sidewalk 64. Cattle calls 65. K-12, for short 66. Twilled suit fabric 67. Lith. and Lat., once 68. Part of G.P.S.: Abbr.

Down

35 42

37 44

38 45

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calendar

52 57

54 58

1. Diner sandwich 2. "Aah" preceder, maybe 3. Penny pincher 4. "Hell's Kitchen" competitor 5. Let off the hook 6. Food poisoning 7. Tops for pots, say: Abbr. 8. Taco chip giant 9. Currently ripe 10. Parliamentary pros 11. Strand on an island, say 12. Opposite of a string bean 13. Good calls, to base runners 18. One who checks out, in a way 21. Action word 22. You pass it on the way to the bar? 23. Special "je ne sais quoi" 28. German industrial centre 29. Polley who directed "Away from Her" 30. Take ___ (get ripped off)

35. Calling the shots 37. Legal processor of a will 39. In an overly dainty way 40. Forever and a day 41. Bay St. buys: Abbr. 43. Burn black 45. Like worms and some potatoes 47. "How dare you!" 48. Units of heat 49. First time driver, often 50. Where the world is flat? 51. Be a bellyacher 56. Vault cracker 57. Model T contemporaries 58. Posties' paths 61. Understanding words 62. What a picky person picks

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Ashby calls names at ashby2@comcast.net

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with our former reindeer coach, Tundra’s contract starts at only $42 million for six years, but with an incentive clause: beat UT and he gets his own NIL. Tundra is keen on recruiting a blue chipper named Rudolph because “he’s fresh with no playing experience.” Fox News – Rudolph the Red has rightfully been banned from the patriotic Reindeer Games due to his left-leaning, un-American statements he made as recently as 1909, according to a spokesman for MAGA, Make Arctic Great Again. The spokesman referred to the banning as “the Tucker Carlson treatment.” Former President Donald Trump, if re-elected, could solve the problem immediately, explaining, “Mexico will pay for it.” Old Joke – An American and his wife were walking through Moscow with their guide, an old communist named Rudolph, who said, “It’s beginning to rain.” The husband contradicted him, saying, “No, that’s sleet.” The wife then contradicted her husband, saying, “Rudolph the Red knows rain, dear.”

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Wednesday, December 6, 2023 • PAGE 5

Rock ‘n’ roll relevance after radio Mark Garay Columnist

By Mark Garay MARKGARAY426@GMAIL.COM

“I know it’s too late now / But I wish I could go back in time / And start all over somehow / And get it right from the start / And find your way back“ - Jefferson Starship, “Find Your Way Back”

he many incarnations of the band originally known as Jefferson Airplane have been fascinating to follow, from their early psychedelic sounds like “White Rabbit” during the ‘60s, to the angry, curse-

ridden double time march of “Stairway to Cleveland” in the ‘80s. They had operatic drama bubbling from within, like a tragic family descent into mistrust, jealousy and drugs. Their tendency to change musical identity from ‘60s far out, to heavy ‘70s guitar rock, to their inevitable surrender to pop reads like an accidental playbook.

should retire,” Slick said on VH1 in 1998.

venue’s performer choices resonate well.

Ten years later, she seemed to clarify in Musicologist saying “Rock and Roll and rap are for younger audiences who need to get their anger out. And it’s silly to perform a song that doesn’t express feelings the artists no longer have.”

What began in 1965 soon became my hometown’s first ever act to bust out internationally. A friend lived across the street from founder Paul Katner and his lead singing wife Grace Slick. We’d see them occasionally in front of their home. Paul was cool. Grace I never spoke to, but in prepping for this column, I remembered an interview she’d granted about 10 years ago.

Here are some of the facts that dropped out of the classic rock tree just this year, because I disagree with you.

For example, I took my adult son to see the band Chicago in September. As I settled in with my $15 beer, he excitedly asked, “Do we really get to sit during this?” I looked around and smiled. First of all, the band’s only flaw was not turning the volume up enough. The horn section played and moved like 30-year-olds. They endeared the crowd with their classics, and they truly expressed their gratitude for all those loyal years. I saw a couple in their late 70s making out near the elevator. Her with a comfy floral print moo moo, he with a black leather vest and an eye patch. After 50 years, the crowd knew every lyric, and responded to each solo. The vibe really flowed.

“All rock and rollers over the age of 50 look stupid and

Silly? Silly to who, Grace?

Fort Bend County’s Smart Financial Centre is an understated resource that I consider absolutely necessary. It pumps cultural Champagne into our scepters without the embroiling experience of driving into Houston traffic. I’ve seen at least a dozen acts there, including comedy geniuses and incredible live music. The

Grace, it ain’t all about anger.

Only a few weeks ago, I took both my kids to see Peter Frampton. Even though he had to play from a chair, his guitar sang out beautifully and the classics bounced around the stage like carbonated happiness. My kids even gave me a hug during the concert out of sheer joy for the moment. That was a first for a classic rock concert in my life. And if you’re over 40, feel free to flap your wings over this. Elton John secured the number 7 spot for the highest-grossing concert tours this year. According to Billboard, Sir Elton earned $210 million with 67 performances ending in July. That’s six spots shy of Taylor Swift’s number one spot with $780 million. How many artists who write their own material are still holding relevance since 1970? And according to Forbes, the Rolling Stones banked

$98 million in their latest tour, without a new album. Other notable old-school triumphs included Sting and Genesis, selling their libraries and thus further reinforcing that baby boomer/ Generation X contribution. I think what Grace is missing is that good music will resonate with people regardless of the mood of the times. It will persist even dressed in ridiculous overflowing robes or fluorescent spandex. And it will always be there to revive old memories and carry us back 50 years, even if it is with a cane. Bottom line? What do I see happening in our little patch of Texas? The over-40s know how to represent. Now, Grace, I love ya. But maybe you should stick to painting. Garay can be reached at MarkGaray426@gmail.com

Fort Bend libraries offer free family movie matinees in December Staff Reports Fort Bend County Libraries will feature free Family Movie Matinees at several locations in December. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver. The libraries’ licensing agreement for public showing of films prohibits them from releasing the name of the movie outside of the library. Albert George Branch Library, 9230 Gene Street, Needville (281-238-2850) * Thursday, December 14, 4 p.m. -- Holidays crafts and hot cocoa with marshmallows will be on hand while children watch two animated holiday short films about a pair of elves named Wayne and Lanny. The shows are rated TV-G. First Colony Branch Library, 2121 Austin Parkway,

Sugar Land (281-238-2800) * Friday, December 15, 2 p.m. -- Families with children of all ages will create Yeti- and winter-themed crafts while watching a popular family film. Released in 2018, this animated family film is about a bright young Yeti whose world is turned upside down when he finds something he thought didn’t exist - a human. The Yeti community is in an uproar over what else might be out there in the world beyond their snowy village. This movie is rated PG. This program is made possible by the Friends of the First Colony Branch Library. * Saturday, December 30, 2 p.m. -- Celebrate the winter season with a screening of an animated comedyadventure film, released in 2019. A loveable infant Yeti escapes from a research lab

and goes into hiding, where a teenager named Yi discovers him. Together with her friends, Yi goes on a crosscountry trek across China to reunite the young Yeti with its family. This film is rated PG. Light refreshments will be served. Missouri City Branch Library, 1530 Texas Parkway (281-238-2100) * Monday, December 18, 2 p.m. -- Families with children of all ages are invited to escape the elements and watch a popular recentlyreleased movie. Set in Element City, where fire-, water-, land-, and air-residents live together, this 2023 animated feature film journeys alongside an unlikely pair -- Ember and Wade - as they learn how much they actually have in common. This Disney Pixar film is rated PG. Popcorn and drinks will be provided.

Sugar Land Branch Library, 550 Eldridge (281238-2140) * Wednesday, December 20, 2 p.m. -- Boris Karloff narrates this classic holiday story, based on a children’s book by Dr. Seuss, about a cantankerous recluse who abhors Christmas as much as he hates the citizens of Whoville. Plotting to ruin their beloved Christmas season, he descends from his dreary dwelling to break their holiday spirit. His plans are foiled, however, when a little girl named Cindy Lou Who decides to befriend the unhappy man. This 1966 animated classic film is not rated.

Toad, to find Mario’s brother, Luigi. Together, they hope to defeat the evil Bowser and save the Mushroom Kingdom. This film is rated PG. These movie showings are free and open to the public.

For more information, see the Fort Bend County Libraries website (www.fortbend.lib. tx.us<http://www.fortbend. lib.tx.us>) or call the branch libraries or the library system’s Communications Office (281-633-4734).

* Wednesday, December 27, 2 p.m. -- Based on the Super Mario video games, this 2023 animated film is about a plumber named Mario who teams up with his friends, Princess Peach and

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Worship Directory FORT BEND COUNTY

METHODIST CHURCH

EPISCOPAL

CHRIST CHURCH SUGAR LAND • 281-980-6888

ALL SAINTS EPISCOPAL CHURCH • 281-499-9602

A United Methodist Community 3300 Austin Parkway • Sugar Land, TX 77479 Rev. Dr. Daniel Irving, Senior Pastor Sunday Schedule 9:30 am Blended Worship 9:30 am Sunday School for all ages 11:00 am Traditional & Contemporary Worship www.christchurchsl.org

605 Dulles Avenue, Stafford, TX 77477 SUNDAY: 10:30 am Worship Holy Eucharist www.allsaints-stafford.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

Introduce Your Congregation to the Community with a listing in our Worship Directory

Call Anqunette for more information

713.371.3740

Application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for a Wine and Malt Beverage Retailer’s Off-Premises BQ Permit by Family Dollar Stores of Texas, LLC d/b/a Family Dollar #32215 to be located at 3403 Texas Parkway, Missouri City, Texas 77489, in Fort Bend County . Officers of said LLC are Peter Barnett (President), Todd Littler (Senior Vice President), John Mitchell, Jr. (Secretary), Jonathan Elder (Vice President – Tax), Harry Spencer (Assistant Secretary)

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.staffordcoc.com Scripture of the week

“Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.” - PSALM 9:10

Application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission Mixed Beverage OnSite Permit by TownePlace Suites, to be located at 11031 Fountain Lake Dr, Stafford, Fort Bend County, Texas. Officers of said corporation are Kamaldeep Gill: President. REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL Drymalla Construction Company, LLC (CM at Risk) is soliciting Qualifications/Proposals from Subcontractors/Suppliers for the Lamar Consolidated ISD Secondary Campus 7 Water Plant - Bid Package #5. Project consists of a new water plant to serve the new secondary campus 7. Refer to the Project Documents for a full description of scope. Qualifications/Proposals are due at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at the offices of Drymalla Construction Company, LLC, 608 Harbert, Columbus, Texas 78934, via fax 979-732-3663, or email to bid@drymalla. com. NO PHONE BIDS WILL BE ACCEPTED. For information on how to obtain copies of the Request for Qualifications/ Proposal documents call 979-732-5731, or email Justin Kilbride at jkilbride@drymalla.com. Documents are also available online at planroom.drymalla.com.

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Deadline is noon every Friday. Limit entries to the “5 Ws” Who, What, When, Where, and Why. Email to awilliams@txstreetmedia.com

FOR NON-PROFIT EVENTS

ONGOING SAVE THE DATE JANUARY 27, 2024 FELICIA SMITH JIGSAW PUZZLE COMPETITION

Register now for the family fun Hope For Three Autism Advocates, Felicia Smith Jigsaw Puzzle Competition. This exciting event is on January 27, 2024, at Fort Bend Christian Academy, North Campus Gymnasium, 1250 7th., Sugar Land 77478. Teams of four, young and seasoned, have two hours to complete a 250-500-1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle. Awards immediately follow, and bragging rights are guaranteed! Check-in is at 9 am, and the timed competition is from 10 am to noon. The event is one way the local nonprofit raises awareness and funds for families with autistic children and loved ones. Register your team ($160) now. To volunteer, serve as a sponsor, or for autism resources, visit www.hopeforthree.org

SING FOR JOY WITH FORT BEND BOYS CHOIR CHRISTMAS CONCERT AND AUDITIONS! It is the most wonderful time of year for singing boys! Kick off your holiday season by attending the Fort Bend Boys Choir’s Christmas Musicale. Mark your calendars for Friday, December 8, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church-Missouri City, 3900 Lexington Blvd., Missouri City, TX 77459. The Fort Bend Boys Choir is also seeking talented young boys who like music and singing. If know of one, encourage him to audition for the award-winning and Emmy-Nominated Fort Bend Boys Choir! No experience is necessary and boys should be around eight years of age or older with an unchanged voice. At this time, auditions are by special appointment at the First United Methodist Church Missouri City, 3900 Lexington Blvd., Missouri City, TX. Visit the Fort Bend Boys Choir’s webpage at www.fbbctx.org or call (281) 240-3800 for more details about Christmas Musicale tickets and auditions.

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.

ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH In conjunction with the Literacy Council of Fort Bend Bend County, GPBC offers ESL classes on Tuesday nights 6-8:30 from August 22, 2023 through May 21, 2024. We are located at 12000 FM 1464 Richmond. Our students speak several languages and encompass many faiths. All are welcome. For more information call 281-277-2200 and ask for ESL information. You may also email ESL@grandparkway.org

FBJSL IS ACCEPTING CAF GRANT APPLICATIONS

ALIEF AARP CHAPTER 3264 Meets the first Thursday of every month at 10:00 a.m. at Salvation Army Church, 7920 Cook Road, Houston, TX 77072. Educational Program/Entertainment at each meeting. Bus Trips every month. Seniors 50 and above invited. Call 281-785-7372 for more information.

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281-243-2344 (Direct) Sugar Land, TX 281.243.2300 (Main) • KenWoodPC.com

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: 281-204-7716 vincer.music@gmail.com

FORT BEND JUNIOR SERVICE LEAGUE RECRUITING NEW MEMBERS FOR 2022-2023 YEAR To join, the membership application can be accessed at https://www.fbjsl.org/join/how-to-become-a-member/. FBJSL will also be hosting multiple virtual and in-person recruitment events over the summer where potential new members can learn more about the League. Information regarding attending these events is available at www.fbjsl.org or on the FBJSL Facebook page at www.facebook.com/FortBendJuniorServiceLeague/.

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

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

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

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

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!

THE SANCTUARY FOSTER CARE SERVICES

MISSOURI CITY AARP CHAPTER 3801

We are a child placing agency that provides wrap around care support for foster children and foster families. We provide free therapy services, 24 hr. crisis intervention, respite/alternative care services and community-based support. For more info, www.sanctuaryfostercare.org

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.

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Fort Bend holiday events Photos by Ken Fountain The holiday season got into high gear this weekend with events all across Fort Bend County. Our camera was at the Christmas Tree lighting event at Sugar Land Town Square and the Snowfest Parade in Missouri City.

Members of Katy-based Viva Voca perform Christmas carols.

Santa Claus arrives by sleigh at Sugar Land Town Square.

A family eagerly awaits the start of the Snowfest Parade in Missouri City.

Dancers with EPIC Center for Dance perform on the plaza of Sugar Land Town Square.

Children play amidst balloons at the Sugar Land Town Square event.

“Bull Badcompany” of DLG Ice Sculpting creates a sculpture at Sugar Land Town Sqaure.

Children play in the “snow” at Sugar Land Town Square.

A family waits for the Missouri City Snowfest Parade to begin.

Singer Kayleigh McCarter performs at the Sugar Land Town Square event.

Missouri City officials and guests wave to the crowd during the Snowfest Parade.

A Missouri City police officer hands a stuffed animal to a young parade attendee.

Young members of the Bayou City Pony Club perform in the Snowfest Parade.

A young parade attendee receives some candy from a member of the Mayor’s Youth Commission.

Members of the Stafford High School Army Junior ROTC march in the Snowfest Parade.

Dancers with Sugar Land Dance Center perform.

Young dancers with Jessica Dynasty Dance Team perform in the Snowfest Parade.

Attendees marvel at the Christmas tree all lit up and fireworks above Sugar Land City Hall.

A young girl excitedly has her picture taken with one of the event’s colorful characters.