pleaded guilty April 14 and was convicted of the Class B Misdemeanor offense of refusal of officer to provide access to public information. Humphrey was removed from office by operation of law, while his remaining charges of abuse of official capacity were dismissed, according to a press release from the Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office. Humphrey was originally charged with abuse of official capacity for allegedly subjecting a Kendleton RV park owner to unlawful water and sewer charges and for failing to comply with that same RV Park owner’s 2021 and 2022 requests for public information.
In October 2024, Humphrey agreed to resign, pay restitution, and avoid a conviction. Humphrey paid $5,000 in restitution but refused to honor his agreement to resign, according to the release. He then tried to recover that payment, but the court denied his request and the park owner was allowed to keep the funds. Having breached the agreement, the case was scheduled for trial.
During last week’s pretrial hearing, a week before trial was scheduled to begin, Humphrey pleaded guilty and waived appeal, ensuring closure for these cases.
“Today the mayor voluntarily pled guilty, the court accepted his plea, the court convicted him of the offense. The mayor’s conviction resulted in his immediate removal from office by operation of law,” District Attorney Brian Middleton said in the release. “We wish the best for the community of Kendleton as it moves forward.” Refusal to Provide Public Information is punishable by up to 6 months in county jail and/or a fine up to $1,000. The case was prosecuted in the 240 th District Court before Presiding Judge Surendran Pattel.
By Ken Fountain KFOUNTAIN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM
Taral Patel, a former chief of staff to Fort Bend County Judge KP
George, Biden White House staffer and unsuccessful candidate for county commissioner, pleaded guilty April 15 to two felony counts of misdemeanor misrepresentation of identity by a candidate in a plea agreement, according to a press release from the Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office.
Patel also agreed to a two-year pre-trial intervention to four felony charges of online impersonation.
Prosecutors agreed to dismiss the other pending misdemeanor charges
against Patel. The charges all relate to a “fake hate” social media and email campaign Patel engaged in, purportedly with the knowledge and participation of George.
“In the plea, [Patel] admitted to committing the misdemeanors along with Fort Bend County Judge KP George,” the release states. George is currently appealing his indictment on a single misdemeanor count of misrepresentation of identity by a political candidate. On April 4, he was indicted separately on two felony counts of money laundering, in which prosecutors allege he illegally altered
Staff Reports
Editor’s note: In its “Economy at a Glance” report for April, the Greater Houston Partnership – the regional chamber of commerce – examines the area’s population growth in 2024 and summarizes benchmark revisions to last year’s employment numbers..
The main body of the report, edited for style, is presented here with permission.
Metro Houston added nearly 200,000 residents in 2024, bringing its population to 7.8 million people. That’s Houston’s largest increase on record and equates to a new resident every 2.7 minutes. Last year continued a trend of brisk growth, with the region adding over one million people during the previous decade. Population in the 10-county region now exceeds that of 37 states, along with Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia.
Houston ranked second in the number of residents added in 2024 behind New York City. It added more residents than Los Angeles, Chicago, and Dallas/Fort Worth, even though they each have larger populations. At 2.5 percent, Houston also had the second-highest population growth rate among major metros, trailing only Orlando. It grew more than twice as quickly as the U.S. overall. While all of the top 20 largest metros recorded population increases, only Houston, Dallas/Fort Worth, Miami, and Orlando saw their populations grow at a rate above 2.0 percent.
Sources of Population Growth Houston’s gains came from two sources – natural increase and net migration. Natural increase reflects births minus deaths in the region. Net migration includes people
Volunteers Elizabeth Villatoro, left, and Fayrouz Elgalad and Jennifer Ramirez of the City of Sugar Land’s Public Works Department hand information to Ann De Stefano during the city’s Community Earth Day Celebration at Sugar Land Town Square on Saturday. The event included interactive exhibits, vendor booths, recycling opportunities, games, and public
Photo by Ken Fountain
Taral Patel, former chief of staff to Fort Bend County KP George, last week accepted a plea agreement on several misdemeanor and felony charges. Here, he is seen walking to an early court appearance. File photo
Longtime Kendleton Mayor Darryl K. Humphrey,
Staff Reports
Longtime Kendleton
Humphrey
Sales tax holiday set for this weekend
Community Reports
As severe weather season approaches, Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar reminds Texans they can purchase certain items tax free during the state’s sales tax holiday for emergency preparation supplies, which begins at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, April 26, and ends at midnight on Monday, April 28.
“While we can’t know in advance when the next fire, flood, tornado or hurricane may occur, we can make sure our families, homes and businesses have the supplies they need to face these and other emergencies,” Hegar said. “Don’t wait for disaster to strike. I’m encouraging Texans to take advantage of this tax holiday to save money while stocking up for emergency situations.”
The Comptroller’s office estimates shoppers will save about $2.3 million in state and local sales taxes during the tax holiday, which was approved by the Texas Legislature in 2015. There’s no limit on the number of qualifying items you can purchase. These include:
• household batteries, fuel containers and flashlights priced less than $75;
• hurricane shutters and emergency ladders priced less than $300; and
• portable generators priced less than $3,000.
For purchases made online, note that delivery, shipping, handling and transportation charges are part of the sales price. If the emergency preparation supply being purchased is taxable, the delivery charge is also taxable. Consider these charges when determining whether an item can be purchased tax free
during the holiday.
For example, if you purchase an emergency ladder online for $299 with a $10 delivery charge, the total sales price is $309. Because the total sales price of the emergency ladder is more than $300, tax is due on the $309 sales price.
Purchases that do not qualify include:
• batteries for automobiles, boats and other motorized vehicles;
• camping stoves and camping supplies;
• chainsaws;
• plywood;
• extension ladders and stepladders; and
• tents.
A complete list of emergency preparation supplies that may be purchased tax free can be found on the Comptroller’s website at comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/publications/98-1017.php.
Iconic 'poets' to visit George Memorial Library on April 26
Special “guests” will be returning to Fort Bend County Libraries’ George Memorial Library in April for National Poetry Month. Library visitors will have an opportunity to interact with some of their favorite poets in a theatrical experience that is sure to delight poetry lovers of all ages.
“Walking in Verse: An Interactive Poetry Experience” is an immersive live-performance event that will take place on Saturday, April 26, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., at George Memorial Library (1001 Golfview in Richmond).
Actors from The Live Oak Playhouse will portray iconic poets, such as Emily Dickenson, Robert Frost, Edgar Allan Poe, William Shakespeare, Phillis Wheatley, Helen Beatrix Potter, Frederic Ogden Nash, Sara Teasdale, James Baldwin, and more. Children will even have an opportunity to meet Mother Goose and be treated to some rhyming fun.
Ongoing performances will rotate and take place simultaneously in the lobby and the second-floor landing of the library. While alternating turns in the spotlight, the actors will bring the poets to life, recite their poetry,
and interact with visitors who will be able to converse with them as if they were speaking to the poets themselves!
Throughout the event, enjoy Tea Time with the poets in Room 2A and visit with local poet Melissa McEver Huckabay.
The Live Oak Playhouse is a nonprofit community-theater group, based in Missouri City, that is dedicated to enriching the lives of their audiences by presenting entertaining, thought-provoking experiences, first-hand involvement, and arts education.
Directed by Stacy A. Bakri, the strolling players bring a variety of acting experiences to the theater group, forming a kaleidoscope of passions and visions that evolve and transform the group into a living, ever-changing masterpiece.
Made possible by the Friends of the George Memorial Library, this event is free and open to the public. For more information, see the Fort Bend County Libraries website (www. fortbend.lib.tx.us) or call the library system’s Communications Office (281-633-4734).
PLEA FROM PAGE 1
campaign finance reports in 2019.
According to the release, Patel agreed to a two-year deferred adjudication probation on the misdemeanors, which include numerous provisions. Under the agreement, Patel must complete 200 hours of community service, have no contact with the victims, Precinct 3 Commissioner Andy Meyers and 240th District Judge Surendran Pattel, and to write letters of apology to each victim and the Fort Bend Community at large. The full text of Patel’s letter to the community can be found in the accompanying box.
According to the release, Patel also promised to cooperate in “any future legal proceedings.”
As part of his pre-trial intervention, Patel must complete 400 hours of community service and make a $2,000 donation to Fort Bend Partnership for Youth, among other requirements. “The felonies will remain pending and will only be dismissed if Patel successfully completes both his probation and the intervention,” the release states.
“Justice and accountability were achieved today when Taral Patel accepted responsibil-
ity and pled guilty to the offenses,” District Attorney Brian Middleton said in the release. “We believe the terms of the plea bargain are fair for the community and for the defendant. Now we can all move forward.”
The charges against Patel emerged during his 2024 run against longtime Republican Precinct 3 Commissioner Andy Meyers, who first asked prosecutors to investigate several social media racist social media postings which Patel, who is Indian-American and Hindu, said had been directed at him. Although there had been many calls for Patel to withdraw from the race, he remained on the ballot and ultimately lost decisively to Meyers.
Kared Woodfill, George’s attorney, told the Fort Bend Star in a phone interview that he does not expect Patel’s plea agreement to impact his client’s case. Woodfill noted that there is a pending case before the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals over whether prosecutors should have filed charges before all remedies were exhausted before the Texas Ethics Commission. Woodfill reiterated his prior statements that Middleton, the district attorney, is politically motivated in his filing of cases against George.
Text of Taral Patel’s letter to the Fort Bend Community:
“I am writing to express how deeply remorseful I am for these decisions and for the pain and stress that they have brought to those close to me. I have wanted to express my regrets for a long time now, but have been unable to do so due to legal proceedings.
“As a young man who has dedicated his entire life to public service, I must now ask the public for its forgiveness and grace. Serving my community has always been my life’s mission, and still remains so. Despite my good intentions, I recognize that poor decisions can overshadow years of hard work, and more importantly, take time, resources, and energy away from causes we all deeply care about such as honoring the Sugar Land 95 and fighting racism and injustice.
“Because of this, my family and I have lost a lot - personally, professionally, and emotionally. I have had to explain my actions over and over again, endure harsh public scrutiny, and now face an uncertain future. But I know my pain pales compared to the disappointment felt by those who believed in me.
“Today, I ask you for grace and kindness. Even if it’s not deserved, I ask for your forgiveness. I promise I will dedicate myself even more fiercely to doing good, helping others, and restoring trust. As part of the resolution of this matter, I have agreed to do community service and contribute to a local non-profit.
“Through this work and donation, I hope to show my commitment to making amends with the Fort Bend Community.
“These contributions are not meant to be one-offs or temporary acts of service … instead, I recognize that seeking redemption is the work of a lifetime ahead, and I will treat this second chance for what it is: the opportunity to take responsibility and shape my life around service. Only through my actions can I prove it to you.
“Fort Bend County made me who I am. I love this community with all my heart, and I promise to move forward in a way that will make you proud.”
Actors from The Live Oak Playhouse will portray iconic poets during the "Walking in Verse" event at the George Memorial Library on April 26. Courtesy Fort Bend County Libraries
EDITORIAL
Party animals, pop the campaign!
Let’s hear it for Kendall Scudder. Or maybe: You have our deepest sympathies. That’s because Scudder is the newly elected chair of the Texas Democratic Party. He inherits a dismal, broke both in money and spirit, defeated organization. It’s like being made commander of Pearl Harbor on Dec. 8, 1941. Will Rogers famously bragged: “I belong to no organized party; I am a Democrat.” Nowhere is that quote more applicable than in Texas, as the once mighty Texas Dems have seen their plight grow worse with every election. Currently both of our U.S. senators are Republicans. Texas has 38 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and of these, only 12 are Dems. One seat is open since the death of Rep. Sylvester Turner. It’s a solid Democratic district but our Gov. Greg Abbott won’t call a special election to fill that seat until next November. He cites the overwhelming “corruption” in Harris County elections, but conspiratorial Dems say that empty seat gives the Republican-controlled U.S. House one less Dem vote.
ASHBY2@COMCAST.NET
Come on, now. Gov. Abbott playing politics? No way. In the Texas Legislature, the elephants are an easy majority: Senate: Republicans 20, Democrats 11. In the House: Republican 88, Democrats 62. The last time the Dems held a majority in the Texas Legislature was 1995. The last time a Dem won a statewide election was 31 years ago. It is the nation’s longest current losing streak. The last Democratic U.S. senator was Robert Krueger, who was defeated by Kay Hutchison in a 1993 special election. No Democratic presidential candidate has won Texas since Jimmy Carter in 1976. Indeed, Donald Trump rules in the Lone Star State, easily beating Hillary Clinton (by 9 percentage points), Joe Biden (by 6) and Kamala Harris (by 14). These margins are a
landslide.
Ah, the good old days for Texas Dems. That was back when two Texas Democrats controlled Congress: Lyndon Johnson ran the Senate and Sam Rayburn ran the House. Texas got whatever it wanted. Remember that the next time you drive down I-45 to Galveston and pass NASA Boulevard. No one said, “Chicago, the Eagle has landed.” In Austin, the Democratic Party ran the Legislature longer than the Communists ran the Soviet Union or the PRI ran Mexico. LBJ and Mister Sam must be turning over in their voting booths to see the sorry state of their beloved Texas Democrat Party. OK, so that’s the problem with the Donkey Party. In fairness, we must point out that their nemesis, the GOP, makes our departure in Afghanistan look like a precession parade. In Washington, the Republicans in the House went through five speakers in 10 years. Their right-wing loonies, a mirror of the Dems’ left-wing loonies, keep torpedoing bills, making outrageous proposals (Donald Trump on Mount Rushmore? His birthday a national holiday?) and cowardly follow
their increasingly deranged leader in a way that would embarrass lemmings. In Austin, we have Gov. Abbott, Lite Gov. Dan Patrick and the almostimprisoned Attorney Gen. Ken Paxton. Our Legislature is more than halfway through its biennial session, and have filed more than 10,000 bills. At this writing, the Senate has passed close to 200, The House has passed, uh, 16. So let’s face it. We currently have two political parties ruled by historically inept, cringing lightweights. Just think: in 1776 the U.S. population was about two and a half million. That’s about half the people in Harris County. Where among the 334 million Americans do we find a Washington, Jefferson, Monroe, Franklin or Adams? In 1836 Texas had a population of about 50,000 including Sam Houston, Stephen F. Austin and the unforgettable Deaf (pronounced “Deef”) Smith. We have Ted “Cancun” Cruz and the aforementioned Larry, Moe and Curly. But now the Lone Star Dems have Kendall Scudder. He’s an East Texas farm boy who worked at a Dairy Queen when he was in high school, and waited tables to put himself through college.
He ran for office once, state senate, and lost, so Scudder is the perfect person to lead the Texas Democratic Party.
The poor sacrificial lamb obviously needs advice, so here goes: First, ban the Green Party or maybe the Whigs such bomb-throwers as Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York and Dallas Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, who called Gov. Abbott “Governor Hot Wheels.” They are more trouble than they are worth. Somehow the GOPers have branded the Dems with “open borders.” We hear that constantly. But have you ever heard anyone but the Republicans actually use that term? No.
“Defund the police.” That’s another really groundless accusation. I can’t find any police force that has been defunded. But it works. What other arrows do they have in their quiver? Donald Trump, of course. Last year he received 77,302,580 votes, which is far more than he received in 2020 (74,224,319) or 2016 (62,984,828).
The Texas Dems need to field candidates with charisma. Beto O’Rourke? No,
he’s run more races than a Kenyan marathoner, but he lost. Mark Cuban? He knows sharks and would do well in Texas politics. There’s a Texan who can manipulate, lie, distort and win: Elon Musk. Texas Dems need to get their party members back to the voting booths. There was a significant drop-off in voter turnout for the 2024 presidential election compared to 2020, and a vast majority of that drop-off — about 1.1 million people, Scudder estimates — were Democratic voters who said the party “wasn’t worth their time.” Ouch. Also make promises. “I will make Texas Number 1 in education, health care, riches and rodeo clowns in my first 24 hours.” Hey, it’s worked before. Promise an egg in every chicken. UH basketball will be national champions. So, Texas Dems, that’s the way to win. Incidentally, in case you were wondering about lemmings, they are small rodents that, the myth has it, blindly commit mass suicide by jumping off seaside cliffs. Which brings us back to both the GOP and Kendall Scudder. Ashby advises at ashby2@ comcast.net
Young people should get more involved in local affairs
Irecently had the opportunity to interview Missouri City Councilwoman Joanna Ouderkirk, and I spoke with her about the youth in that city. Councilwoman Ouderkirk is a Scoutmaster in the Boy Scouts of America and a mother of three; all her children attend Fort Bend ISD schools. When I asked her why she wanted to run for local office, she told me, “If I can’t step up, I’m not showing an example for my kids and my Scouts…” and
how she was inspired by her Scouts and students in FBISD schools. Something I feel that a lot of young people have trouble with when it comes to local government is that they don’t understand the “why”. They don’t understand why
“It takes a village.” For my whole life I have been told I have a village of people. I have grown up loved by friends and family all present in my life, but having a village means more than just being in someone’s life. A village shows unwavering support. A village is there in your time of need. One of my biggest goals in life is to always be there for others. I never want to see anyone struggling or feeling alone, especially when I can do something to help. I do my best each and everyday to be a light in someone’s life and to show that I am there for them no matter what. I have struggled with my mental health for years. I struggled with my adoption, growing up in a predominantly white community while being Hispanic raised by white parents, being Jewish, and battling depression and anxiety. Throughout this time, I did everything I could to hide my thoughts and struggles. I did not want to worry anyone or have them try and understand me, when I did not understand myself. After all, who truly could understand what I was going through?
From my perspective,
the city runs the way it does, they don’t understand why it takes so long for a pothole to get fixed, and they don’t understand why they should care. For me, the answer to that why is “influence”. Local government is the level of governance that the individual can have the most influence on, and local policymakers are always looking towards the youth for their input. The problem is that the youth very rarely respond.
A the very first council meeting I ever attended,
at Sugar Land City Hall, the main topic commented on was the expansion of a mosque. There was such a public outpouring of support, especially from students. You could feel the community in the room, and in the end, the Council approved the permit allowing the mosque to expand.
That measure probably wouldn’t have passed if it wasn’t for such a torrential outpouring of support, and when it was approved, you could feel the joy in the room. When I’m asked, “Why should I care about local gov-
ernment?” by my peers, I tell that story. I tell them about how that group influenced their representatives, and their lives benefited from it.
Councilwoman Ouderkirk is influenced by her Scouts and her children, but she isn’t the only councilperson who is inspired by youth. Throughout my time in local government, I have met so many people and learned so much. I have made my own impact, and I’m not the only person who can. Anyone can go to a city council meeting and speak on an agenda item. You can make your
Where is my village?
K. Morris
nobody cared and nobody noticed until I was noticeably changing. In middle school, I had an identity crisis and isolated myself from everyone. I was too whitewashed for the Hispanics, but I felt too Hispanic for the white kids. On top of that, I was one of around eight Jewish kids in my entire school. I started to stay alone and stray away from everyone. I ate lunch in classrooms, stopped hanging out with friends and only wanted to be at home. I felt alone and fell into a depression. I lost all motivation for anything and wanted to simply vanish. This continued for a long time.
The following summer, I went to Israel and fell in love with Judaism. I felt connected to my roots, happy and for the first time in my entire life I felt like I truly belonged somewhere. I became truly happy again, but ultimately had to return home to the very
thoughts I had escaped.
I started my freshman year of high school a few days after returning from my time in Israel and my mental health worsened almost immediately. My depression came back stronger and I fell into a pattern of self-destructive behavior. I was at the lowest point of my life and nobody noticed, again. No one saw the pain in my eyes, the change in my appetite, the loss of all work ethic, the nights I spent crying, the days I spent locked in my room, the scars that appeared on my skin, the anger I had, the guilt and darkness I felt until I was in over my head.
I thought people would notice, I thought people would say something, I thought my village would rescue me, but instead I was left behind to struggle in silence. I realized that people ignore your suffering until it is too late. This is why I do everything I can to be there for others. I never want anyone to go through what I did, especially alone. Contrary to my thinking, people did know I was struggling. People knew I needed help, but nobody intervened. As far back as my middle school crisis, everyone just
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Notice is hereby given that original Letters Testamentary for the Estate of Gerald Michael Silvester, Deceased, were issued on April 14, 2025, in Cause No. 25-CPR-042306, pending in the County Court-At-Law No: 2, Fort Bend County, Texas, to: PEGGY LEE SILVESTER.
All persons having claims against this Estate which is currently being administered are required to present them to the undersigned within the time and in the manner prescribed by law.
c/o: Personal Representative of the Estate of Gerald Michael Silvester 2207 Desert Vine Ct., Sugar Land, Texas 77498 Stephen H. Wilsey Attorney for Peggy Lee Silvester
State Bar No.: 21665370
490 This Way, Ste. 200 Lake Jackson, Texas 77566
Telephone: (979) 285-0100
Facsimile: (979) 299-1183
Email: service@stephenwilseylaw.com
assumed I was mean or a bad friend when in reality all I needed was support while I battled my mind. Where was my village then? Where was my village when I entered high school with almost no friends because I had pushed them all away and nobody cared? Where was my village when I cried constantly after October 7th because I feared for my safety due to my religion? Where was my village when I lost all motivation to do anything and stopped playing tennis and socializing? Where was my village when I started wearing sweatshirts or hoodies everyday to hide my arms? Where was my village when I needed them? While adults may think that every child has a village and has the support from their friends, they do not. It is not anyone’s fault but simply the way things are. It is the adults who have an adult village and the adults must rely on teenagers for information, which is unrealistic. We cannot keep putting this idea in kids’ heads that they have a village, have a support system from friends when it’s truly impractical for children to be able to be a village. Teenagers are children and they cannot
help, especially if the help needed should come from an adult.
I have come to learn that teenagers do not have the ability or emotional capacity to be able to truly see when someone is struggling, unless they have been in that same headspace. Sometimes they will notice someone is hurting, but they won’t say anything. Confiding in parents means that we assume every child who “sees something” can “say something” because their child/parent relationship is close. But the teen years bring a rollercoaster to this parent relationship and thus the village falls apart. When I needed help, only one friend was brave enough to tell their mom and that mom shared with my parents that I needed help. That family is the reason I was able to grow mentally and emotionally,and get the help I desperately needed. I am happy today, not because of a village, but because of the bravery of one friend who loved me enough to confide in her mom. To this day, I do not know who the one friend was who spoke up.
For my whole life I have been told I have a village of
voice heard in a way that just isn’t possible with the state and federal government, and to me, that is beautiful. Kirkpatrick is Dulles High School student, class of 2025, and will be pursuing a degree in political science at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi in the fall. If you are a Fort Bend County high-school-age student (public, private, charter, or homeschool) who might be interested in becoming a Youth Columnist, please send an email to editor@fortbendstar.com.
people. In reality, I do not. I have my family and close friends who have proven to be my true people. They are my circle. I do not consider those who only show up when it is convenient for them to be “my people.” I also do not care about the number of people I have with me. I care deeply about the people who have stuck with me through the good, the bad, and the really ugly. I am proud to call those friends and family my circle. As I continue to grow older, I remember meaningful connections do not come from trying to mold ourselves into a member of the village. What I have learned in my short 16-and-a-half years of existence, is instead of asking “Where is my village?”, you should open your eyes and see “Who are your people.”
Morris is a Ridge Point High School student, class of 2027, a varsity tennis player, and an active member of JCC Maccabi Houston.
If you are a Fort Bend County high-school-age student (public, private, charter, or homeschool) who might be interested in becoming a Youth Columnist, please send an email to editor@fortbendstar.com.
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL
Drymalla Construction Company, LLC (CM at Risk) is soliciting Qualifications/ Proposals from Subcontractors/Suppliers for the Lamar Consolidated ISD Campus #8 – Infrastructure – GMP 4 – FM 359 Turn Lanes and Traffic Signals. Project consists of widening and development of traffic lanes on FM 359 and traffic signals on FM 359 and Tiger Run Boulevard, including subgrade development, paving, pavement markings, traffic signals and related work. The scope of work is defined by the drawings and specifications issued. Qualifications/Proposals are due at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, May 20, 2025, 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. A virtual preproposal meeting will be held May 1, 2025, at 3 PM. Access to this meeting is included in the Project Manual. For information on how to obtain copies of the Request for Qualifications/Proposal documents call 979-732-5731, or email Sharon Fisher at sfisher@drymalla.com.
Lynn Ashby Columnist
Sugar Land Arts & Music Fest set for April 26-27
Community Reports
The Sugar Land Arts & Music Fest, hosted by the Sugar Land Cultural Foundation, will return to Smart Financial Centre on Friday, April 26, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Saturday, April 27, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. for a weekend full of creativity, culture, and inspiration.
Featured artists at this year’s festival include:
J. Howard – Named “Best of Show” at last year’s event, Howard utilizes the intricate detailing of hyperrealism to present images through organic soft pastel drawings on canvas. She strives to take hyperrealism further, developing ways to include narrative, charm, and emotion in her drawings, never wanting to leave them devoid of personality.
Theresa Wilson – Wilson is a watercolor artist who captures the beauty of the world around her. A recurring theme in her work is equine life, inspired by her own childhood mare and colt, the wild mustangs of the western United States, and therapy animals.
Kwame Boama Mensa–Aborampa Mensa-Aborampais is a
Chicago-based artist born to Ghanaian parents in the Ashanti region. Raised by a resilient single mother whose entrepreneurial spirit shaped his journey, Mensa-Aborampa draws inspiration from the beauty of nature, seeking
University Branch Library to host book sale on April 26
Community Reports
The Friends of the University Branch Library will host a Spring Book Sale on Saturday, April 26, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., in Meeting Room 1 of the library, located at 14010 University Blvd in Sugar Land, on the UH campus.
People who love books, people who love bargains, and people who need to get rid of some spare change will find a lot in common at the book sale, where they will discover adult and children’s books, all at prices that are hard to beat.
Items of special interest include: a large collection of Chinese-language books., children’s items, and a wide range of nonfiction, fiction, coffeetable books, and homeschool texts.
Prices range from 50¢ to $2.00, with special items slightly higher. Checks or cash are accepted; bills larger than $20 cannot be accepted.
Donations of gently used books (fiction and nonfiction adult, youth, and children’s hardback and paperback books that are clean and not torn), CD’s and DVD’s are always welcome and may be taken to the library throughout the year during regular business hours. Textbooks published within the past five years are also accepted.
Items that cannot be accepted include cassettes, VHS tapes, encyclopedias,
magazines, medical/legal/ computer books older than 2020, or books that are damp, moldy, dirty, or insect ridden.
The Friends of the University Branch Library organization is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt corporation. Donations and contributions to the Friends are tax-deductible.
The Friends of the University Branch Library organization is instrumental in funding library programs such as the children’s Summer Reading Challenge. Proceeds from the book sale and annual membership dues also help to underwrite the costs of special programming and various cultural events at the University Branch Library.
Membership applications will be available for people who would like to join the Friends of the University Branch Library. For more information, see the Fort Bend County Libraries website (www. fortbend.lib.tx.us), or call the University Branch Library (281-633-5100).
PARKING INSTRUCTIONS: Park inside the gated lot (VISITOR LOT 4). Bring the parking-ticket stub to the check-out desk inside the library to be validated by library staff. Parking is FREE if the ticket is validated by the library. Parking outside the gated lot may result in a parking violation from the University of Houston.
to reflect its aesthetic richness through his work. His art serves as a medium to capture the essence of the natural world while showcasing his deep creative expression. Through vibrant interpretations and meticu-
lous craftsmanship, he brings his unique perspective to life, celebrating the harmony and artistry found in nature.
Santiago Perez – Perez is a Colombian American artist and muralist known for his expressive brush strokes,
which capture the colors and vibrancy of life and Columbian music. Through Colorville Studios, Perez creates murals for commercial purposes and private clients.
Craig Carter – For Carter, art became an es -
cape from his surroundings in southwest Houston and a path to creative expression. Specializing in paintings and murals, he aims to create work that people can truly enjoy. Much of his inspiration comes from celebrating African American culture in a positive light, emphasizing the importance of representation. By showcasing Black experiences through his art, he hopes to inspire young Black kids and teenagers, showing them that they, too, can pursue careers as artists and creatives.
“The Sugar Land Arts & Music Fest is an opportunity for art enthusiasts and collectors to immerse themselves in a world of creativity and inspiration. From jewelry and paintings to photography and mixed media, there will be something for everyone,” said Debra Jan Hall of the Sugar Land Arts & Music Fest. In addition to art, the premiere festival also features a wine and beer garden, cuisine from local restaurants, and live music. Proceeds from the Sugar Land Arts & Music Fest benefit the Sugar Land Cultural Arts Foundation and its programs. For more information, visit sugarlandartsfest.com.
Pump track USA Qualifier set for this weekend in Sugar Land
Community Reports
The Velosolutions Pump Track, located at Sugar Land's Crown Festival Park (18355 Southwest Freeway) will host a USA Qualifier for 2025 on April 26 and 27 in partnership with the Fort Bend Mountain Bike Association
The weekend kicks off on Saturday at 2 p.m. with the Kids Races, including Junior U6, U10, U13, U15, U17, followed by the Parks Event Series, Bikes & Brews, from 6 to 8 p.m., presented by NMDP. Saturday also marks Celebrate Trails Day 2025.
On Sunday, the event will feature its grand finale with pump track races for the Elite (17+) category. This family-friendly event will showcase local and out-of-state riders, highlighting Sugar Land's community spirit and national connection.
Winners of the Elite class in the female and male categories will win that all-expenses-paid trip to the Velosolutions UCI Pump Track World Championships to represent the USA in the ultimate showdown of all things pump track, in Switzerland. Finish in the top four to secure your spot at the World Championships. New this year, kids race par -
ticipants will have the exciting opportunity to compete in qualifier races for a chance to advance to the Pump Track World Youth Challenge at the UCI BMX World Championships in Denmark. To learn more about the Velosolutions UCI
The Velosolutions Pump Track, located at Sugar Land's Crown Festival Park will host a USA Qualifier for 2025 on April 26 and 27. Courtesy City of Sugar Land
The University Branch Library on the campus of
Space Cowboys unveil 2024 Triple-
A National Championship ring
Community Reports
As part of Championship Weekend, the Sugar Land Space Cowboys recently unveiled the design of their 2024 Triple-A National Championship ring.
The ring tells the story of the 2024 Space Cowboys and their journey to the franchises’ first Pacific Coast League and Triple-A National Championship title in their fourth season as the Astros’ Triple-A affiliate. The top of the ring has the words “National Champions” along with the Space Cowboys iconic logo in gold, matching the Space Cowboys gold campaign after
clinching a playoff berth and ultimately their Triple-A National Championship.
The gold Space Cowboys logo is framed by two sets of stones. An outer band of 26 baguette stones marks the 26 quality starts turned in by Space Cowboys starters in 2024. Inside of that band, 50 stones that make up the backdrop behind the Space Cowboys logo and a band around it symbolizes the 50 saves recorded by the Sugar Land bullpen in 2024, the most saves by a team in a single season in Pacific Coast League history and the most saves by any Minor League team in 2024.
Around the rim of the ring are four of the Space Cowboys “Mission Patch” logos, signifying the four years as an Astros affiliate. Two orange baguette stones are placed on either side of the rim in recognition of the two championships, Pacific Coast League and Triple A, won by the Space Cowboys in 2024, along with the two home runs hit by Sugar Land in their victory over Omaha in the Triple-A National Championship game. Wrapped around the rim are two sets of aqua stones. The 10 aqua stones on one side represents Sugar Land’s 10 strikeouts in the Triple-
A National Championship game, while the 10 aqua stones on the other side are markers of the Space Cowboys 10 walk-off victories in 2024. Sixteen aqua stones frame the two orange baguette stones, recognizing the Space Cowboys 16 series victories during the regular season in 2024. The rest of the ring is lined with 93 white stones, representing Sugar Land’s 93 wins in 2024, the most in the Minor Leagues in 2024 and the most in a single season in affiliated history for the Space Cowboys. The left side of the ring has each players’ last name and number in gold
above a gold state of Texas with the Space Cowboys ‘SL’ logo and signature orange star. A single stone is placed in the state of Texas in the geographic location of Sugar Land, marking the Space Cowboys first Championship. The right side of the ring bears the block “Space Cowboys” lettering and the Houston Astros primary logo in gold and navy, with a starchart background to match Sugar Land’s 2024 campaign. The underside of the ring is inscribed with the Space Cowboys 2024 motto, #SetTheCourse. On the inside of the ring, the scores of the two games in the Pacific Coast League Championship Series and the Triple-A National Championship game along with logos are inscribed, memorializing Sugar Land’s dominant sweep in the postseason in which they never finished an inning trailing. The Space Cowboys gave away 2,000 replica TripleA Championship rings on Saturday night presented by Visit Sugar Land. The rings featured the names of three outfielders from 2024 –Quincy Hamilton, Pedro León and Jacob Melton. It is the first of three planned replica ring giveaways in 2025, with the others scheduled for April 30 and May 3.
Four-run 11th propels Space Cowboys to series finale win
Community Reports
LAS VEGAS – Luis Guillorme and Zack Short combined for five RBIs in extra innings as the Sugar Land Space Cowboys (9-12) held on for an 8-4 11th-inning win over the Las Vegas Aviators (14-7) on Sunday afternoon at Las Vegas Ballpark. For the third game in a row, the Space Cowboys took an early lead. Brice Matthews legged out an infield single on a slow roller, Shay Whitcomb’s seventh hit of the series gave Sugar Land back-to-back singles and Luis Guillorme punched a base knock the other way to score Matthews. On the mound, LHP Colton Gordon quieted the Aviators’ lineup early in the game. He worked quickly in the first, retiring the side in order on 15 pitches, and induced a groundout to end a two-on, two-out threat in the second. Gordon faced the minimum in the next two innings, including a nifty pick-off move to catch Logan Davidson attempting to steal, ending the
fourth.
The Space Cowboys doubled their lead in the fifth with a lead-off blast. Joe Hudson hammered a breaking ball, sending it 391 feet to left, his first home run of the year, as Sugar Land went up, 2-0.
A lead-off home run in the bottom half from Willie Maclver and a sacrifice fly from Nick Kurtz knotted the contest up at two.
RHP Kaleb Ort entered in the sixth after five innings of two-run ball from Gordon and forced Alejo Lopez to roll over a fastball with two outs, extinguishing a bases-loaded threat from Las Vegas.
RHP Nick Hernandez took over with one down in the seventh and closed out the inning with a flyout and strikeout, keeping the contest tied at two.
Matthews slapped a single to lead-off the eighth, snapping a streak of eight straight Space Cowboys retired, and took second and third on two wild pitches from RHP Carlos Duran. Whitcomb walked, and Collin Price was hit by
a pitch in the ensuing atbats, loading the bases with nobody out. However, Sugar Land could not capitalize as Las Vegas turned a 4-2-3 double play and Kenedy Corona popped out to end the top half of the eighth.
RHP Luis Contreras came on with runners on first and second and one out in the home half but needed only seven pitches to hold Las Vegas and send the game tied into the ninth.
After neither team scored in the ninth, Short stood on second as Sugar Land placed runner in the tenth, and Price walked with two outs to keep the frame alive. Guillorme stung his second opposite-field hit of the game, a two-RBI double that went into the left-field corner as the Space Cowboys took a late 4-2 lead.
RHP Miguel Castro (W, 10) came on in the tenth and gave up a walk and a single to the first two batters he faced. With the bases loaded and nobody out, Davidson lifted a two-RBI double to
left, tying the game at four. Castro responded by setting down the next three batters he faced, including throwing out Cooper Bowman at home as Las Vegas attempted a squeeze play.
The Space Cowboys broke the game open with a four-run 11th inning. Hudson sent a single up the middle, scoring Kenedy Corona, the placed runner in the frame. After a Quincy Hamilton walk, Short came up with two on and one out. The shortstop stroked a fastball 415 feet, zipping 105 mph off his bat, unloading the bases and stretching out the Sugar Land advantage to 8-4. Castro received the 11th and posted a zero, as the Space Cowboys locked down an 8-4 victory.
NOTABLE:
· Zack Short’s three-run homer in the 11th was his first three-run blast since April 2, 2023 with the Toledo Mud Hens.
· Shay Whitcomb extended his on-base streak to 14 games with a single and a double.
After going 2-for-5 on Sunday, Whitcomb finished the series 8-for-26 (.307) with two doubles, three home runs and seven RBI.
· With two singles, Brice Matthews finished the sixgame series with the Aviators 7-for-19 (.368) with seven hits, one home run, two walks and a stolen base.
· Colton Gordon pounded the zone with his fastball, flinging 22 of his 31 (71%) heaters for strikes.
· Kaleb Ort made his
appearance with Sugar
as part of his Major League rehab assignment and went 1.1 innings, his longest outing of 2025, and his longest
out since June 7, 2024 against the
Lake Bees. After a day off on Monday, Sugar Land continues its season-long 12-game road trip with
· Joe Hudson’s home run in the fifth was his first of the season and his first long ball since September 8, 2024 with the Syracuse Mets. Hudson smashed the homer 102.5 mph, his hardest hit ball of the season.
LEADER PUZZLER SOLUTIONS
PUZZLE SOLUTIONS
Sugar Land Space Cowboys recently unveiled the design of their 2024
Deadline is noon every Friday. Limit entries to the “5 Ws” Who, What, When, Where, and Why. Email to editor@fortbendstar.com
ONGOING
AMARO LAW FIRM HOSTING ITS 4TH ANNUAL EASTER IN THE OUTFIELD ON EASTER SUNDAY AT CONSTELLATION FIELD FROM 11:30 A.M.2:30 P.M.
The tradition that brings together families and communities for a day of fun and celebration is a free, fun-for-all ages Easter event. Children will be grouped by age and hunts are scheduled as: Ages 0–3: Hunt begins at 12:30 p.m. (parent-assisted), Ages 4–8: Hunt begins at 1:00 p.m. (children only), and Ages 9–12: Hunt begins at 1:30 p.m. (children only). The hunt will feature raffle drawings, two grand prize winners of $500 each at the conclusion of the hunt, music, face painting, balloon artists, and games. Orion and the Easter Bunny will be featured guests. Concessions will be open for purchase. Parking is free. Space is limited. Register before the event. Tickets will not be available at the gate. Registration and Information: https://amarolawfirm.com/easter-egg-hunt/
CAR WASH FOR KIDS IS APRIL 27TH TEENS RAISE AWARENESS FOR AUTISTIC PEERS
Mark your calendars for an unforgettable day of fun and giving back! Car Wash for Kids is on April 27th and sponsored by Sugar Land Baptist Church and OCuSOFT. The event will take place at C & C Dental, 17003 Southwest Freeway in Sugar Land, from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm Join Hope For Three Teen Huddle and over 100 energetic teen volunteers from around Fort Bend County as they rev up to celebrate Autism Awareness Month and promote acceptance. Student teens from local schools will hand wash your car with an eco-friendly solution—FREE! Donations are encouraged to support local families living with autism. Want to get involved? There are plenty of opportunities to volunteer, donate or sponsor! Come out for a day of community, fun, and making a difference. For more details or autism resources, visit www.hopeforthree.org/events, call 281-245-0640, email events@hopeforthree.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 281785-7372 for more information.
SUGAR LAND
ROTARY CLUB
Sugar Land Rotary Club, the nation’s oldest community service organization, wants you to be its guest at a meeting that could turn out to be the best 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.
DVD-BASED ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS WITH NO HOMEWORK REQUIRED
Weekly class designed to help you understand and appreciate the Bible by giving you a better sense of the land and culture from which it sprang. The class meets at 9:30 am every Sunday at First Presbyterian of Sugar Land (502 Eldridge Rd.). For more information call 281-240-3195.
EXCHANGE
EXCHANGE, America’s Service Club, always welcomes guests and is in search of new members! Various Fort Bend clubs exist and can accommodate early morning (7 a.m.), noon and evening meeting time desires. For more info, contact Mike Reichek, Regional Vice President, 281-575-1145 or mike@reichekfinancial. com We would love to have you join us and see what we are all about!
MISSOURI CITY AARP CHAPTER 3801
Meets 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.
SUGAR CREEK BACKYARD GARDEN TOUR Plan to attend the Sugar Creek Backyard Garden Tour, organized by the Sugar Creek Garden Club, on May 3, 2025, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. See this year’s six showcased home gardens representing the beauty of Sugar Creek highlighting the diverse garden sizes and styles of the neighborhood. Enjoy the day visiting these lovely backyards at your own pace and try your luck in the raffle. It’s your rare chance to peek behind the fences! Proceeds are used for Horticultural Scholarships and neighborhood beautification projects. Tickets are $20 (cash or check) and can be purchased at the Sugar Creek Guard House (on Sugar Creek Blvd. at Country Club Blvd.) or at any of the houses on the tour. For more info/updates, visit www.sugarcreekgardenclub.com or contact Suellen Schmidt at 281-813-5987 or sbs9now@gmail.com.
HOUSTON METHODIST LEADING CARE where
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
