The city of Sugar Land has decided not to go forward with a proposed power project meant to stabilize electricity generation for the city that drew much public opposition when it was announced last year. Last May, the City Council as part of its consent agenda item unanimously approved an option to enter into a ground lease with Wärtsilä Development, a Finlandbased company that among other things builds and operates power plants in many countries around the globe, including six currently in Texas.
The option was for an 8-acre site tract of city-owned land at the former site of the Central Prison Unit, adjacent to the Sugar Land Regional Airport. The option was subject to annual renewal based on the company’s ability to complete a Full Interconnection Study required by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, or ERCOT. The proposed plant was projected to be completed in late 2027 or early 2028.
In a statement published on its website last week, the city said it “continually evaluates opportunities to stimulate economic growth.”
“The Rapid-Start Power Plant Project presented a unique opportunity that aligned with these goals. After a thorough review of the proposed site, we have determined that the proposed site for a rapid-start power plant may be better suited for other developments that align with our long-term strategic planning goals,” the statement reads.
“As a result, we have initiated the process to terminate the lease agreement, with the issue to be considered by Sugar Land City Council at a future meeting. We appreciate the expertise of those involved in the evaluation and remain committed to identifying trailblazing solutions that position Sugar Land for long-term success,” the statement reads.
After the City Council approved the option last year, with little information about the proposal made available to the public, it drew immediate, widespread criticism on social media among residents.
The first public meeting on the project was held in May at a large gymnasium in New Territory, where residents saw initial plans for the project and heard from Mayor Joe Zimmerman and representatives from Wärtsilä. And although Zimmerman told the hundreds of people gathered that the project was still in the very early stages, numerous speakers spoke, often angrily, raising environmental issues and other concerns.
At that meeting, Zimmerman cited 2022’s Winter Storm Uri, which left many residents without power for days, as well as other instances of brownout and
By Ken Fountain KFOUNTAIN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM
The Sugar Land City Council, as expected, last week unanimously approved the purchase of the Imperial Char House and the surrounding historic district in hopes of finding a partnering company to redevelop the long-dormant area. The city plans to use sales tax revenues to make the purchase, with no associated change to the property tax rate.
The city had already announced its intention in a news release accompanied by a video featuring Joe Zimmerman, and the item had been on the council’s consent agenda for the February 18 meeting, meaning it would have been approved without discussion. But Zimmerman pulled the item from the consent agenda.
In July 2024, the council named the Imperial and Lake Pointe regional activity centers as its two main priorities for the city’s redevelopment efforts.
Although the fate of the Imperial Historic District and the Char House, the distinctive 100-year-old building that has long served as one of the city’s most iconic structures, has been the subject of much debate over the past two decades, there was little public comment during the meeting.
Peter Jacob, a principal of the Sugar Land-based commercial real estate firm Weaver, David & Jacob, said that the city’s plans to redevelop the area weren’t commercially viable.
“The proposal to acquire approximately 38 acres
MAKING THE ROUNDS
By Ken Fountain KFOUNTAIN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM
AUSTIN – It’s a longstanding tradition in Texas: every two years when the Legislature is in session, folks from across the state descend in droves on the Texas Capitol to press lawmakers on what laws they would like to see emerge. Whether it’s called lobbying or simply advocacy, the hallways of the labyrinthine Capitol complex are continually abuzz with people making their respective cases.
And it was no different early last Thursday morning when dozens of people filed aboard a chartered bus at the Safari Texas Ranch event center in Richmond to make the two-anda-half hour trek to Austin for the official Fort Bend County Day at the Capitol, hosted by the Fort Bend County Chamber of Commerce and the Central Fort Bend and the Central Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce.
As in past sessions, the group of elected officials, government workers, business leaders and interested citizens took in the scenery during the trip, which this year occurred on a particularly cold and drizzly day. Other folks joined the event separately, either by being in Austin already or driving separately.
The first stop, as usual, was at a luncheon event held at The Austin Club, an ornate 1878 building that originally served as the city’s opera house. The event began with welcoming remarks by Fort Bend County Judge KP George, followed by a short talk by A.J. Rodriguez, executive director of Texas 2036, a nonprofit think tank that, according to its website, “uses long-term, datadriven strategies to secure Texas’ prosperity through our bicentennial and beyond.”
That was followed by a bipartisan legislators panel that included Rep. Matt Morgan, a freshman Republican
representing District 26; Rep Ron Reynolds, a Democrat representing District 21; Rep. Gary Gates, a Republican representing District 28; Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, a Republican representing District 18; Rep. Suleman Lalani, a Democrat representing District 76; and Rep. Stan Kitzman, a Republican representing District 85. During the discussion, moderated by attorney Trey Larry, the lawmakers spoke in uniformly conciliatory tones about working together dur
ing the session on a wide range of issues, including a state water plan, infrastructure, workforce development, and others. But perhaps the overarching issue of the session, that of providing earmarking public money for families to use to send their children to private schools, was a key topic of the panel.
The state’s Republican leadership, including Gov. Gregg Abbott, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, and newly elected Speaker of the House Dustin Burrows, have vowed to get such legis-
By Juhi Varma SPECIAL TO THE STAR
While growing up, Super Neighborhood 41 President Willie Rainwater often heard his mother say that if you raise a problem, you should also offer a solution – maybe not “the” solution, but a solution.
Guided by that principle, Fort Bend ISD and Super Neighborhood 41, also known as Fort BendHouston, has partnered to introduce a volunteer-based tutoring program aimed at improving academic outcomes in the district’s Willowridge feeder pattern. Since October, 12 volunteers,
mainly retired teachers, have returned to provide specialized tutoring for 3rd- and 4th-graders at Blue Ridge-Briargate Elementary School, a feeder campus for Willowridge High School.
“These are kids who do need reinforcement, but they’re not the lowest, because the district requires that lowest work with district interventions,” Jayne Edwards-McFarlane, the education lead overseeing the initiative, told the Star. The Texas Education Agency gave Willowridge High School an overall score of 59 in 2022 – the most recent TEA ratings available – and designated the campus for “comprehensive
support and improvement.” A score of 59 falls below the threshold for a letter grade of A, B, or C.
Meanwhile, the schools feeding into Willowridge received B or C ratings from the TEA that same year.
The tutoring is a key component of a memorandum of understanding between FBISD and Super Neighborhood 41, which was approved unanimously by the school board at its January 29 meeting.
“I’ve worked in a number of school districts, and I’ve seen how parents invest in their kids, especially at
lation - which is alternatively referred to as “vouchers,” “school choice,” or “education savings accounts” - passed this session after previous attempts failed. The previous week, the Senate version passed. Called SB 2, it sets aside $1 billion for education savings accounts, targeted for certain population groups. But in what was called “the Texas Two-Step,” the House version, called
Photo by Ken Fountain
Photo by Ken Fountain
Volunteer tutors at Fort Bend ISD’s Blue Ridge-Briargate Elementary School discuss their plans. The volunteers are taking part in a partnership between the district and the
HB 3, which is less specific in terms of monetary figures and is based on enrollment figures, “dropped” on Thursday, just as the Fort Bend contingent was making its way to Austin. Republicans generally support “school choice” because they say it gives families more latitude to send their children to well-performing schools or ones that might be more in accordance with their own values. Democrats, generally, disfavor such legislation because they say it siphons off badly-needed funding for public school districts. In previous sessions, some Republican lawmakers from rural districts have also opposed such measures, since their districts more readily depend on public education.
Kitzman told the audience that the education issue was being driven by two primary factors: that a significant portion of the population has lost trust in the public school system, and that school districts across the state have been losing teachers at an alarming rate in recent years.
“The bottom line is that the members of the Legislature in Texas want our children to be educated in the most efficient, best way possible. Sometimes that’s the public school, sometimes that’s through other means - private schools, charter schools, or however,” he said.
The Republican said that we wanted to dispel what he called certain “myths” about the legislation.
“There’s going to be a lot of money for public schools in this bill,” he said. “It’s not that public schools are going to do without because certain parents have a different option that they’re able to exercise with their children.”
His Democratic colleague,
Ron Reynolds, was less sanguine. While there will be areas of agreement, Reynolds said, “I do think there will be some real strong differences with respect to how we approach public education.” He said the leadership of the three major school districts he serves in the area - Fort Bend ISD, Stafford MSD, and Lamar CISD - have all indicated they are not in favor of a voucher plan.
“Texas currently ranks 46th (in the nation) in funding per pupil. We have to do better than that,” he said. “If Texas was its own country, we would be the eighty wealthiest country in the world. We have significant resources. But we’re not prioritizing that for our public schools.”
“I think we should do our due diligence and do what’s best for public schools,” he said.
After the panel discussion, the attendees made their way to the Capitol to meet with legislators about their particular priorities. They divided into groups focusing on infrastructure, education, flooding and drainage, and economic development. Unlike in years past, the attendees did not go directly to lawmakers’ offices,
but instead went to designated hearings rooms where they heard presentations from the representatives or their staff members.
As it happened, the first lawmaker that attendees interested in the education issue was Rep. Brad Buckley, a Republican whose District 54 is based in Bell County in Central Texas, the primary author of House Bill 2. He extolled the benefits of the proposal, saying it will give parents a better “toolbox” with which to plan their chidrens’ education.
Attendees later heard from two staff members from the office of Rep. Suleman Lalani - legislative director Aaron Burgess and legislative aide Omar Gamboa, who said the Sugar Land Democrat was meeting with the Democratic Caucus to confer about the newly introduced House bill. They said he shared his Democratic colleagues’ concerns about the bill, but was planning to closely examine it.
After a long afternoon of meetings, the attendees made their way to the Stephen F.
Royal Sonesta Hotel for a closing reception before boarding the bus back to Fort
County.
Texas Rep. Matt Morgan, left, Texas Rep. Ron Reynolds, and Texas Rep Gary Gates, all of whom represent parts of Fort Bend County, appear at a legislators panel at The Austin Club during Fort Bend County Day at the Capitol. Photos by Ken Fountain
Austin
Bend
AUSTIN FROM PAGE 1
Texas Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, center, speaks during a legislators panel while Texas Rep. Stan Kitzman and Texas Rep. Suleman Lalani listen.
Folks from Fort Bend County gather in a hearing room in the Texas Capitol complex to hear from legislators.
Texas Rep. Brad Buckley, a Republican from Central Texas, speaks to Fort Bend County residents at the Texas Capitol last week. Buckley is the author of the House version of the socalled school choice, or vouchers, bill.
To: President for Life
From: X (formerly the Twit)
As per your instructions, I am busily reorganizing the federal government to do away with fraud, waste and abuse such as the Interstate Highway System, windmills and life guards. To downsize the bureaucracy, I have created the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE (pronounced DOG-ee). This new department to shrink the government includes building a new 25-story office tower in downtown Washington, hiring 2,199 new employees and the need for an annual budget of approximately $2.1 billion, give or take maybe $10 million or so. To fully inspect the widespread and unneeded government facilities, I have ordered six GulfstreamG800 jets, 20 stretch limos (to accommodate our laptops, TVs and wet bar) and, of course, a small number of chauffeurs. Did I mention the bodyguards? I have been regularly threat-
Ashby Columnist
EDITORIAL Change we Musk
get ready for Prom Night. Incidentally, some laid-off federal slackers have referred to my staff as “Musk Rats.” I know who these whiners are, where they live and how to cancel their pensions.
One of my major undertakings was the Department of Defense. I discovered a lot of redundancies: we have both an Army and a Marine Corps. Why? And do we need a Navy in the Atlantic and the Pacific? If, for instance, if China attacks us and our Navy is mothballed in Norfolk, they can easily get to the war in a few weeks by going through the Panama Canal, which I have sold to Musk Waterways for a price to be negotiated later. The Army has shown some reluctance in switching to TeslaTanks, while the Air Force is wary about privatizing its planes, but Southwest and United like the idea. The 82nd Airborne is coming around to coin-operated machine guns. Finally in this matter of downsizing, the Pentagon is now the Triangleagon.
Some whiners claim these watchdogs have saved the American taxpayers billions of dollars. Moving on, the few remaining EPA inspectors are on life support. Something about breathing problems. I have outlawed solar panels after noting that they don’t work during Daylight Saving Time. I have a new slogan for the EPA: “Coal is our goal.” Also on health, Robert Kennedy, Jr. can now be called “Dr. Kennedy.” Another money saver: I have replaced air traffic controllers with Boy Scouts using semaphore flags.
Performing Arts by firing most board members and making yourself president was brilliant, although there is some objection to your plans for a Stormy Daniels Film Festival. A reminder: Beethoven’s Fifth is not a bottle of Scotch and, no, you can’t go swimming in Swan Lake. I have abolished most networks because they won’t carry Fox News. I recommend we replace them with TikTok. Finally, the Constitution flatly states: “No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice.” I think Congress will go along with my plan. (See: “lapdogs” above) Also, amendments have to be ratified by three-fourths of the state legislatures. That should be no problem in Republican-controlled legislatures like Texas. One more: “No Person except a natural born Citizen, or a Citizen of the United States, at the time of the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the Office of President.” Must be born in the USA? We do have amendments, so we could include South Africans. Just saying. Ashby amends at ashby2@ concast.net Lynn
ened by outraged fired secretaries. I needed a staff of experts with the background, experience and know-how to tackle this enormous downsizing task. For this I looked to my own workers at my various enterprises – Tesla, SpaceX, and X -- but unfortunately I had already laid off most of them and the remainder vowed to find other jobs as soon as possible. So I turned to hiring youthful and energetic people, and they have jumped to the task. However, there are certain drawbacks. My wizard techy I sent to explore the overstaffed nuclear power plants (do we really need safety inspectors?) had to leave to attend his Little League practice while Gloria Fitz-Bottom, dispatched to check for a vacancy at Mount Rushmore, said she had to
In furthering our effort to root out fraud, waste and abuse, I am glad you fired the 17 inspectors general whose jobs were to root out fraud, waste and abuse.
The U.S. Constitution does not specify the size of the U.S. Supreme Court, so over the years there have been anywhere from five to 10 justices. The Judiciary Act of 1869 set the number at nine, but it was just that, an Act of Congress. There are currently at least three and sometimes four troublemakers on the Court who refuse to get with our program. You get my drift. Speaking of Congress, those Republican lapdogs must have gone through a transgender operation. Here again I have found an unneeded government operation. You got elected due in large part by promising to deport il-
Fort Bend libraries host financial literacy workshops for teens
Community Reports
Fort Bend County Libraries (FBCL) offers programs specifically designed for high school-aged teens in grades 9 through 12. This spring, FBCL is hosting a free series of Financial Literacy workshops designed to give teens a better understanding of personal finances, credit cards, and money-management skills that will help them succeed in the adult world after high-school graduation.
The series of classes will be presented by Fort Bend County Extension Agent Janelle Johnson. Each month, the topic will be repeated at three different FBCL locations. Registration is required.
In March, the series will continue
with an “Introduction to Credit Cards.”
This class will delve more deeply into the use of credit cards. Students will learn how they work and how to avoid debt. They will also receive tips for using credit cards smartly and responsibly.
The schedule of programs on “Credit Cards” is as follows:
* Monday, March 3, 5-6 p.m.Mission Bend Branch Library
* Wednesday, March 19, 4:305:30 p.m. - George Memorial Library (Richmond)
* Thursday, March 20, 4-5 p.m.Missouri City Branch Library
The series will conclude in April with a program on “Insurance Basics.”
Students will get an overview of insurance types – including health, auto, and
renters’ – and why they are an important part of financial planning.
The schedule of programs on “Insurance Basis” is as follows:
* Monday, April 7, 5-6 p.m. - Mission Bend Branch Library
* Wednesday, April 16, 4:30-5:30 p.m. - George Memorial Library (Richmond)
* Thursday, April 24, 4-5 p.m.Missouri City Branch Library
The series is free and open to the public. To register online at the library’s website (www.fortbend.lib.tx.us), click on “Classes & Events,” select the library, and find the program on the date indicated. For more information, call FBCL’s Communications Office (281-633-4734).
legal immigrants, and to that end DOGE can save you a billion. We don’t need buses and planes to move them south. Just roads. They walked in. They can walk out. We might turn a buck, or peso, by charging them an exit fee. Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas has offered land to house the thousands of illegal immigrants, complete with watch towers, barbed wire and land mines. He has picked out a place full of wokers, losers and Democrats: Austin. This brings us to foreign affairs, which you seem to prefer because you keep marrying them. Denmark remains an ally, but Greenland has declared war. Canadians say they do not want to be the 51st state since you have already taken the title. Not to correct you, but the Gaza Strip is not an exotic dance. Toronto is not the Lone Ranger’s faithful Indian companion and NATO is not one of the Marx Brothers. You rightly claimed to end the Ukraine-Russian war “in 24 hours.” Fortunately you didn’t say which 24 hours, but your peace plan is excellent if the Ukrainians agree to surrender.
Your revamping of the Kennedy Center for the
Fort Bend libraries offer workshops for writers in March
Community Reports
Fort Bend County Libraries will present several workshops in March that encourage fledgling writers, or anyone who has ever wanted to write a novel, to take the plunge and pursue their dreams in a helpful, supportive environment.
Throughout the month, Fort Bend County Libraries will host programs that are intended to encourage new writers by providing tips and tricks, writing and publishing advice, and support from other aspiring novelists.
These programs are free and open to the public.
* Prose Pros Writing GroupMonday, March 3, 6-7:30 p.m., Cinco Ranch Branch Library (2620 Commercial Center Blvd, Katy)
During this session, take advantage of the library’s space, quiet atmosphere, seating, power outlets, and snacks to kick-start your own literary masterpiece! Bring a laptop and anything else needed for some quality writing time. Participants will have an opportunity to share their manuscripts with others and get constructive feedback.
* Writer’s Block - Monday, March 10, 6-7 p.m., Mission Bend Branch Library (8421 Addicks Clodine Rd)
In this monthly group for aspiring writers, get tips on writing basics, themes, techniques,
and ways to unlock writer’s block. This group meets on the 2nd Monday of every month. It is recommended for adults and teens aged 16 and up.
* Writer’s WorkshopThursday, March 20, 2-3 p.m., Fulshear Branch Library (6350 GM Library Road, off Texas Heritage Parkway) In this monthly series, learn the basics of creative writing. Get tips on story structure, characterization, setting, tone, and more. Registration required.
* Story Spinners Writing Club - Thursday, March 20, 5:30-8:30 p.m., George Memorial Library (1001 Golfview, Richmond) From beginning blogger to published novelist, writers of all genres and experience levels are welcome to write, share, learn, support, network, and critique each other’s work. Writing prompts, brainteasers, and brief exercises will be available to ignite the imaginations of any and all wordsmiths who wish to hone their craft. This program is recommended for adults and teens aged 14 and up. Registration required. For more information, or to sign up for the programs requiring registration, see Fort Bend County Libraries’ website (www.fortbend.lib.tx.us), click on “Classes & Events,” select the library, and choose the program on the online calendar, or call the library system’s Communications Office (281-633-4734).
Several Fort Bend County libraries will host financial literacy workshops for teens in March and April.
DEVELOPMENT FROM PAGE 1
of land, in my opinion, creates a perception that the city of Sugar Land is benefitting the two owners of this land through the purchase of these two tracts through due to an inability to move the needle more than proposed plans, promises, and hyperbole,” Jacob.
He identified the owners of the two tracts comprising the historic district as Cherokee Sugar Land LP and SLP 98, which he said have for years tried to create a mixed-use development for the area without success.
The most recent attempt was by Houston-based PUMA Development. In January 2024, the city council approved a $5 million package to assist that firm in redeveloping the historic district, beginning with the Char House. That plan would have converted the long-dormant building into a mixed-use facility including office and retail space and a topfloor restaurant, surrounded by multifamily housing of various types. But PUMA ran into problems securing financing to close on the property and eventually bowed out of the project.
“The site being considered is not a mixed-use site,” Jacob said, adding that he has worked with companies over the years who had considered the Imperial district location but instead came to his own company’s development, The Crossing at Telfair.
“The city should keep in mind that it’s there to help development and redevelopment of commercial sites, not become a developer,” Jacob said. He said the sales tax revenues that would be used to purchase the property could be directed to more important uses.
He said the city should consider purchasing just the Char House, and converting it into
a museum to honor its part in Sugar Land’s history, banquet facility or some other use.
James Patterson, a longtime resident of the area near the Imperial property, said that while residents had not been pleased with the idea of creating more than 600 multifamily housing units in the district under the PUMA proposal, but had come to accept the idea.
“Don’t start over again with more units to make it go,”
Patterson said.
He said he supported the idea of a developer tearing down the Char House and replacing it with “an exact replica,” which he said would be at a substantially lower cost than renovating the existing building.
When the item came up for a vote, Zimmerman made the motion to approve, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Suzanne Whatley. The item passed 61, with District 2 Councilman Naushad Kermally abstaining.
In a later item, the council unanimously authorized the publication of its intent to issue certificates of obligation for the acquisition of the Imperial district properties, up to $50 million. The price of the land would be $39 million, with $5 million directed toward preserving the Char House, $6 million for one-time capital expenses, and $4 million for contingency.
Before that vote, Zimmerman spoke to address some of the concerns raised by speakers earlier.
“We have no intention of being in the development business,” he said. “We’ve authorized the purchase of land. The plan is to solicit private developers - those that have the qualifications to do a mixed-use development, much like you see here at Sugar Land Town Center.”
The city and residents would benefit from having the properties back on the tax rolls, accruing both ad volorem taxes and sales taxes.
SUDOKU
As expected, the Sugar Land City Council last week approved the purchase of the Imperial Char House and the surrounding properties. Photo by Ken Fountain
WILLOWRIDGE FROM PAGE 1
higher performing campuses, and it does not always mean money, it means time,” said Position 5 Trustee Sonya Jones. “And this MOU gives exactly that investment in time. Super Neighborhood 41 saw there was a need to take out time and help the kids of their community.”
“We have a lot of challenges in public education, as everyone knows,” said Position 7 Trustee David Hamilton. “We need a community effort to address the situation we’re in.”
The district will allocate Title I funds to support the organization’s volunteer program in the Willowridge feeder pattern.
Focusing on Elementary Schools
Fourth-grade literacy rates are a strong predictor of future academic and social outcomes, said Edwards- McFarlane.
“We are staunch advocates of creating a strong foundation,” said Regina Gardner, president of Super Neighborhood 41’s Education Committee.
Gardner said that this year’s volunteers will be assigned to Blue RidgeBriargate – soon to be Aldridge – before shifting
focus to another elementary school.
“If your child is not reading on a third-grade level by the time he hits the third grade, his future is going to be in some jeopardy,” said Rainwater. “He’s not possibly going to have a good job and stuff… Private prisons take fourth grade data from around the country, every school district around the country, really, and that’s how they build private prisons with fourth grade education data.”
While addressing the FBISD school board and emphasizing the need for the MOU, Rainwater highlighted the urgent challenges students face.
“Our kids are failing when they get to high school because they’re reading at an elementary level,” he said at the January 29 meeting. “What you’re doing is setting them up for the prison pipeline, because that’s what’s happening – our kids go from high school straight into the prison system … I want to see our children do better.”
Among the new volunteers is retired HISD teacher Sharon Thomas, who brings more than 40 years of teaching experience.
“I got a call from Jayne, and she’s a real big proponent and
Space Cowboys to host National Anthem singer auditions
Community Reports
The Sugar Land Space Cowboys will host auditions for singers to perform the National Anthem at Space Cowboys home games in 2025 on Tuesday, March 4 from 3:30-6 p.m.
Auditions will be held at Constellation Field and all participants must sign up to audition in advance by filling out the form at milb.com/ sugar-land/forms/2025anthem-tryouts/form. The form can also be found online at SLSpaceCowboys. com. The Space Cowboys are looking for traditional renditions of “The StarSpangled Banner,” sung acapella and performed in 90 seconds or less.
Auditions will be on a first come, first sing basis. Performers with previous National Anthem experience may submit a video of their live performance in lieu of attending the audition, and video submissions are preferred for those who have previously performed the National Anthem live due to an anticipated large
turnout for in-person auditions. Applications must be submitted by Sunday, March 2 at 5 p.m. Though auditions are intended for individuals, groups can email Garret Randle at grandle@astros.com with questions.
For the first time in franchise history, the Space Cowboys will open their season at home when they will begin their campaign as the defending Triple-A National Champions by hosting the Oklahoma City Comets on Friday, March 28 at 7:05 p.m. Prior to the start of the season, the Space Cowboys will take on the Houston Astros for two exhibition games at Daikin Park on March 24 and 25.
advocate of the community and kids,” Thomas said. “And that’s my thing, working with kids who’re struggling.”
Thomas visits the school on Tuesdays, working with groups of four to five children in 45-minute sessions.
“It’s almost like I didn’t leave really,” said Thomas, who retired nearly 10 years ago and now lives in Sugar Land. “They love communicating with me and I’ve developed a relationship with them. Students love individual attention and that’s something that we provide.” How do I become a tutor?
The program is led by Dr. Jaretha Jordan, FBISD’s deputy superintendent of teaching and learning, serving as the district’s liaison, and Willie Rainwater, representing Super Neighborhood 41.
People interested in becoming a tutor can contact Jordan at Jaretha.Jordan@ fortbendisd.gov or Rainwater at willsr410@gmail.com.
Potential volunteers will go through the Collaborative Communities Partnership process, which is required for all volunteers. After that, they must complete the same vetting process used for tutors at the campus.
An audit conducted by the
Texas Association of School Administrators is currently underway. The findings, expected in June 2026, will inform a new MOU to be presented to the Fort Bend ISD board, Jordan said at the meeting.
The audit will evaluate school district’s curriculum quality, teacher guidance, student learning expectations, program effectiveness, assessment methods, consistency across programs, and the use of staff and resources, Jordan said in an email. The goal is to determine whether the district has a strong and effective curriculum management system.
About Willowridge
Willowridge has a rich history, and many famous people have even come out of that that high school, said Gardner, herself a Willowridge Class of 1984 alumni.
“Back then, a lot of people knew each other and organized community activities were going on. The community was just alive with civic participation and connectivity,” said Gardener.
The Briargate community of the past felt more like a village, she said, where everyone worked together and took pride in their neighborhood. Her class was among the first to go through what is now known as the Willowridge feeder pattern. Schools in the Willowridge feeder pattern include Willowridge High School, McAuliffe Middle School, Blue Ridge-Briargate Elementary School, Ridgegate, and Ridgemont Elementary School. Notable Willowridge alumni include actor Isaiah Washington, along with several former NBA and NFL players. Blue Ridge-Briargate Elementary will be renamed Aldridge Elementary, for alum Allen Aldridge, former NFL football player for the Denver Broncos. Varma is a freelance writer. She can be reached at juhi. varma@gmail.com
TSTC continues to grow in Fort Bend County
Community Reports
Nestled in a fast-growing area of Texas, Texas State Technical College’s Fort Bend County campus continues to record increased enrollment numbers each semester.
For those interested in technical careers throughout the Houston metro area, it is great news. Chemese Armstrong, senior manager of enrollment at the campus, wants to make sure that everyone knows about it too.
“One of the biggest things we’ve focused on is brand awareness and getting people’s attention on the campus in their local area,” Armstrong said. “We haven’t seen a decline in enrollment at all for many semesters now.”
While nearly every program is experiencing growth, some stand out. Electrical Lineworker and Management Technology, Industrial Systems, and Precision Machining in particular have had historic growth over the past few semesters.
Part of the reason for this could have to do with the increased need for people in these fields. The number of precision machining jobs alone was projected to see
a 47 percent increase across the state from 2020 to 2030, according to onetonline.org. Likewise, jobs for industrial machinery mechanics could have a 35% increase, and those for electrical power-line installers and epairers could have a 24% increase.
HELP SUPPORT LOCAL
“We have been growing in capacity as well, with new instructors allowing for more students in each program,” Armstrong said.
“We are the fourth-largest (TSTC) campus, but one of the fastest-growing.”
Additionally, a new campus
building, the Transportation Center of Excellence, is set to open for the fall semester. It will house two new automotive programs and an expanded Diesel Equipment Technology program. For more information, visit tstc.edu.
Volunteers from Super Neighborhood 41 go over plans at Fort Bend ISD’s Blue Ridge-Briargate Elementary School in the Willowridge feeder pattern. Contributed photo
Among the new volunteer tutors is retired HISD teacher Sharon Thomas, who brings more than 40 years of teaching experience.
Photo by Juhi Varma
Many programs at Texas State Technical College’s Fort Bend County campus have seen high amounts of growth including the Precision Machining Technology program. Courtesy Texas State Technical College.
reqment gathering sessions. Working w/ scrum teams clarifying business reqmnts, remov roadblocks, constantly comm & gain alignmnt around product strat. Conduct business process improvement revs & involve in id gaps in current structure. Particip in weekly & monthly status meetings, & conduct internal & external reviews as well as formal walkthroughs among var teams & doc proceedings. Involve in Test data validation, create Test Results & Test Summary report in JIRA. Work location is
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ONLINE AUCTION FORT BEND COUNTY (House to be Moved) Site: 1014 Calhoun, Richmond
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Community Reports
Fort Bend County Libraries will again host representatives from the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), who will provide free income-tax-preparation assistance for low-income taxpayers at several locations in the Fort Bend County library system through April 15.
Income-tax forms are not available at the libraries, but the libraries’ computers and printers can be used to download and print out the forms from the IRS website, www.irs.gov, during regular library hours. A library card (which is free) is needed to use the printers, and the cost to print is 10¢ per black-andwhite page.
The following information should be brought to the session if possible: a photo ID; Social Security card(s) for self, spouse, and all dependents; last year’s tax return; W-2, 1099s, and any other compensation received in 2024; unemployment compensation statements; and any other documents that are necessary to complete your return.
The schedule is as follows:
· George Memorial Library, 1001 Golfview, Richmond; Room 2A (Appointment required: 281-342-4455):
· Fulshear Branch Library, 6350 GM Library Road (off Texas Heritage Parkway), Multipurpose Room (Appointment required: 346-481-6800): § Wednesdays, noon to 4 p.m. The income-tax-preparation assistance is free and open to the public. For more information, see the Fort Bend County Libraries website (www.fortbend.lib.tx.us)
Deadline is noon every Friday. Limit entries to the “5 Ws” Who, What, When, Where, and Why. Email to editor@fortbendstar.com FOR
ONGOING
ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH
In conjunction with the Literacy Council of Fort Bend Bend County, GPBC will offer ESL classes on Tuesday nights from mid August 2024 through May 2025. We are located at 12000 FM 1464 Richmond across from Austin HS. 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
EMMY-NOMINATED FORT BEND BOYS CHOIR HOLDING AUDITIONS
The Fort Bend Boys Choir is seeking talented young boys who like music and singing. If know of one, encourage him to audition for our 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. 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 auditions. Benefits as a choir member include greater self-esteem and self-confidence, better work ethic and a sense of belonging and community. A boy’s voice has an expiration date so it is important to audition when boys’ voices are still unchanged. Auditions are free!
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
THE SANCTUARY FOSTER CARE SERVICES
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
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.
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, 832-987-4193, dean7351@gmail.com We just started a new evening club also. Contact me for more info.
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.
HOUSTON METHODIST LEADING CARE
We offer a full spectrum of care, including:
• Primary care physicians for you and your family, providing personal care and service
• Specialists with innovative treatments and customized programs for all conditions, including cutting-edge orthopedic, cancer and neurological care
• Collaborative teams of experts using the newest technologies and latest research
DVD-BASED ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS WITH NO HOMEWORK REQUIRED Weekly class designed to help you understand and appreciate the Bible by giving you a better sense of the land and culture from which it sprang. The class meets at 9:30 am every Sunday at First Presbyterian of Sugar Land (502 Eldridge Rd.). For more information call 281-240-3195 EXCHANGE
EXCHANGE, America’s Service Club, always welcomes guests and is in search of new members! Various Fort Bend clubs exist and can accommodate early morning (7 a.m.), noon and evening meeting time desires. For more info, contact Mike Reichek, Regional Vice President, 281-5751145 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 713-8595920 or 281-499-3345.
RICHMOND/ROSENBERG ALZHEIMER’S CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP MEETING
Please join us on Thursday, March 6, at 7:00 p.m. for our monthly meeting. We will be meeting in Room 105, the Gathering Room, at St. John’s UMC, 400 Jackson Street, Richmond.
We are looking forward to an open discussion this meeting. Caregivers, please feel free to bring your ideas to discuss with the group. Alzheimer’s Association support groups, conducted by trained facilitators, are a safe place for caregivers and loved ones of people with dementia to:
Develop a support system.
Exchange practical information on challenges and possible solutions. Talk through issues and ways of coping.
Share feelings, needs and concerns.
Learn about community resources.
Just a reminder that support groups create a safe, confidential, supportive community and a chance for participants to develop informal mutual support and social relationships. They educate and inform participants about dementia and help participants develop methods and skills to solve problems. H a v e a H e a r t H a v e a H e a r t Give Heartworm-Positive Dogs a Second Chance h Match ary Long 2 Matc r X X ll Febru
