Judge denies George’s request for outside judge in his cases
By Ken Fountain
At the end of a nearly two-and-a-half hour hearing last week, a judge quickly dismissed the request of Fort Bend County Judge KP George’s attorneys that his several misdemeanor and criminal cases be heard by a judge from outside the county. Jared Woodfill and Terry Yates, George’s attorneys, had filed a motion for recusal in the 458th District Court, arguing that the presiding judge of that court, Maggie PerezJarmamillo, should recuse herself from George’s felony cases because as the top elected official in the county and a member of Commissioners Court, he has voting authority over not only her own salary and those of her court’s staff members.
In the two felony cases, which were indicted in April, Fort Bend County prosecutors accuse George of money laundering related to campaign finance reports he filed during his first. successful run for judge’s office in 2018. He was reelected to a second term in 2022. The indictments allege that between January 12, 2019 and April 22, 2019, George “knowingly” tampered with campaign finance reports to conduct transactions of between $30,000 and $150,000, and transferring the proceeds “with intent to defraud or harm.”
Likewise, the attorneys argued, County Court at Law No. 5 Judge Teana Watson should recuse herself from the two misdemeanor charges of misappropriation of identity against George, largely for the same reasons. In those cases, which were originally indicted last fall, prosecutors allege George worked with Taral Patel, his former chief of staff, to engage in a “fake hate” scheme of using false online identities to post racist messages about himself on social media and in emails during his 2018 campaign. Both George and Patel are Indian-American.
The main thrust of the attorneys’ arguments was that allowing George’s cases to be heard by any judges based in Fort Bend County, where he has voting authority over a range of matters affecting them, could create for a reasonable member of the public an appearance of impropriety, or conflict of interest.
The June 20 evidentiary hearing was before Judge Susan Brown, who is the judge of the 185th Criminal District Court in Harris County and the appointed presiding judge of the 11th Administrative Judge of Texas, which includes Fort Bend County. Just two days before the hearing, George, accompanied by his attorney Woodfill, announced in a Sugar Land press conference that he was changing his political party affiliation from Democratic to Republican and plans to run
George
By Ken Fountain KFOUNTAIN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM
In a move that many Fort Bend County political watchers had long anticipated, County Judge
KP George – who is facing numerous criminal charges – announced at a Sugar Land press conference last week that he has switched his party affiliation from Democratic to Republican.
George, now in his second term after having first been elected in 2018, made the announcement June 18 alongside his lead criminal defense attorney, Jared Woodfill, who incidentally is a former longtime chair of the Harris County Republican Party. He also
switch to Republican Party
George formally announced that he plans to seek a third term, this time as a Republican, although he had previously told the Fort Bend Star that was his intention.
George said in a news release that the party change is due to what he called a shift in the Democratic Party toward a “radical” agenda.
“The Democrat Party has become one of corruption, radical political ideology and positions that do not reflect my values or those of Fort Bend County residents,” said George, using the appellation many Republicans use for the Democratic Party. “I have always believed in faith, family and freedom as the cor -
nerstones of our nation, and know that these are the key principles being advanced by the Republican Party.”
The switch alters the partisan balance on Commissioners Court, which until Wednesday had a Democratic majority with George aligned with longtime Precinct 2 Commissioner Grady Prestage and first-term Precinct 4 Commissioner Dexter McCoy. George will now be aligned with Republican Precinct 3 Commissioner Andy Meyers –who has long served as George’s primary foil on the court – and
UNVEILING HISTORY SUGAR LAND 95 HONORED WITH MARKER
By Ken Fountain KFOUNTAIN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM
Seven years after the remains of victims of Fort Bend County’s convict leasing system were discovered on a site of a future Fort Bend ISD campus, a Texas Historical Marker was unveiled last week at the site to pay homage to the people who came to be known as the “Sugar Land 95.”
The event, held both in a large auditorium inside the campus and on the grounds adjacent to the burial sites, was held in conjunction with
Juneteenth, which marks the occasion when enslaved people in Texas learned that they had been freed after the conclusion of the Civil War in 1865. The event was the culmination of years of effort that entailed no small amount of controversy after the remains were first discovered during preparatory work at the future home of FBISD’s James Reese Career and Technical Center in 2018. The discovery set in motion a series of legal proceedings and controversies, which made national and international
headlines, as the ugly history of the area’s convict leasing system became widely known.
“”These bones cry out,” Pastor Trey Allen of The Vinyard Church of Sugar Land said in his invocation before a standing-room auditorium. “They cry out against a system of injustice and oppression that killed them; a system that saw these lives as tools rather than people; a system that destroyed Black lives, Black families, and Black communities. They cry out against a justice system run by white men aimed to imprison and exploit
the Black community, a system that reverberates to this very day. These bones cry out. God hear their cries.” Marilyn Moore, president of the community group Friends of Sugar Land 95, which has partnered with FBISD in the development of an interpretative community park at the site, served as the event’s master of ceremonies. She said that the event was “”an occasion of mixed emotion for me, joy and sadness.”
McCutcheon sworn in as Sugar Land mayor
By Ken Fountain KFOUNTAIN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM
An overflow audience witnessed a true changing of the guard at Sugar Land City Hall last week as newly elected Mayor Carol McCutcheon — the first woman mayor since the city’s incorporation in 1957 — took the reins from departing, longtime Mayor Joe Zimmerman. And with two
Rob
2
and At Large Position 4 member Rick Miller — there are four new faces at the council dais.
McCutcheon, who had previously served for eight years in the District 4 council seat, defeated then-At-Large Position 1 member William Ferguson in the runoff election after they emerged from
filled the main Council Chamber during the June 17 swearing-in ceremony, prompting Zimmerman to tell people standing in the aisles that they needed to go to a nearby conference room to see the proceedings on a large screen. McCutheon, accompanied by her husband, was sworn in by Fort Bend Count Court at Law No. 6 Judge Dean Hrbacek, also a former Sugar Land mayor. “It’s an honor for me to do the oath of office for my friend, Carol, and the first female mayor for the City of Sugar Land,” said Hrbacek to loud applause from the audience. Immediately afterward, Zimmerman said, “Sugar Land, your next mayor, Carol McCutcheon!”, before departing from the chamber as the sustained applause continued. Next up, Vonderhaar was sworn
Newly elected Sugar Land Mayor Carol McCutcheon, accompanied by her husband, is sworn in by Fort Bend County Court at Law No. 6 Judge Dean Hrbacek, also a former Sugar Land mayor.
Photo by Ken Fountain
During a special ceremony on Juneteenth, relatives of the Sugar Land 95 unveil the official Texas historical marker honoring the convict laborers whose remains were discovered at a Fort Bend ISD property in 2018.
Photo by Ken Fountain
Fort Bend County Judge KP George, who is facing several legal and political challenges, announced last week he has switched his party affiliation from Democratic to Republican.
in by former U.S. Rep. Pete Olson, and Singhal was sworn in by McCutheon in her first official act as mayor. Both also received loud applause.
Before moving to a break before the official meeting began, McCutcheon gave some brief, prepared remarks.
“I’m truly grateful and humbled that the residents of Sugar Land placed your trust in me and elected me to be your next mayor,” McCutcheon said.
“My priorities are public
safety, reinvestment in infrastructure, responsible growth that aligns with community values, and fiscal accountability. I believe that leadership starts with listening. My approach is one of collaboration, and also transparency and a genuine desire to bring together,” she said.
“I look forward to working closely with City Council, alongside community groups and business leaders to build consensus and to shape thoughtful solutions to move our great city forward,” she said. “This is an honor of a lifetime and I am ready to get to work,”
she said.
When the meeting officially resumed, the newly constituted council voted unanimously on some routine matters, including authorizing a study for a proposed “Veriport” — a facility for vertical takeoff-and-landing vehicles — at the city-owned Sugar Land Regional Airport. The study will be paid for by fees generated by the airport, not taxpayer funds. They also approved a resolution to accept $10 million in TxDOT funding to rehabilitate the airport’s single runway, originally constructed in 1985.
Community Reports
Fort Bend County Libraries (FBCL) is seeking entries for its “We Are Fort Bend” Photography Contest. Amateur photographers of all skill levels are invited to enter original, photographs that portray the culture, nature, people, and places of Fort Bend County as they relate to the 2025 theme of “Vibrant Colors of Fort Bend.”
To be eligible for competition, contestants must submit a printed copy of their photograph – no larger than 8”x10” – between June 30 and July 21. Entries can be submitted at any FBCL location.
A panel of judges will determine the top three winners, and prizes will be awarded for 1st-, 2nd-, and 3rd-place. The public will have an opportunity to select two “People’s Choice” winners, who will also receive prizes for 1st- and 2ndplace. Judging for the “People’s Choice” winners will be conducted on FBCL’s Facebook page and website between July 24 and August 6. Photographs will be anonymous until after the judging is complete. Winners will be announced at a reception on August 9 at George Memorial Library in Richmond. Photos will be displayed in the Bohachevsky Gallery at George Memorial Library, as well as on a virtual gallery on FBCL’s website, from August 9 through September 26.
All entries must be original, unpublished, and the work of the person submitting it. Only one photo may be entered per person.
Digital manipulations of the photos should be limited to: cropping, re-sizing, red-eye reduction, and reasonable adjustments to color and contrast.
FBCL reserves the right to display any entry to this contest for an indefinite period of time. Entries will be exhibited for the general public to see, so they should be appropriate for all ages to view.
The photographer is responsible for obtaining verbal or written release for public use of the photo from all identifiable
individuals in the photograph submitted; the photographer accepts all liability from the use of a photo where this release has not been obtained.
The contest is open to amateur photographers only. Professional photographers, who earn a living by selling their photographs, are not eligible to participate.
The prizes are sponsored by the Friends of the George Memorial Library.
There is no fee for entering the contest. For more information, see the Fort Bend County Libraries website (fortbendlibraries.gov) or call the library system’s Communications Office (281-633-4734).
Newly elected Sugar Land City Council At-Large Position 1 member Jim Vonderhaar is sworn in by former U.S. Rep. Pete Olson.
Newly elected Sugar Land City Council District 2 member Sanjay Singhal, accompanied by his wife, is sworn in by new Mayor Carol McCutcheon.
Longtime Sugar Land Mayor Joe Zimmerman addresses the audience during his last Council meeting as mayor.
A packed Sugar Land Council Chamber audience cheers after newly elected Mayor Carol McCutcheon is sworn in. Photos by Ken Fountain
Alexander propels Space Cowboys to series-finale win over Las Vegas
Community Reports
RHP Jason Alexander (W, 4-0) posted 5.2 scoreless innings while Luis Castro and Jesús Bastidas each blasted two-run homers, carrying the Sugar Land Space Cowboys (39-36) to a 5-2 wire-to-wire win against the Las Vegas Aviators (49-26) on Sunday night at Constellation Field.
After making his first start with the Houston Astros this season on Tuesday, Alexander took the mound against Las Vegas and wiggled out of a two-on no-out jam in the first with two strikeouts and a lineout.
The Space Cowboys jumped on the Aviators in the bottom of the first as Brice Matthews was hit by a pitch before Castroam bushed an firstpitch fastball 358-feet to left as Sugar Land took an early
DENIED FROM PAGE 1
for a third term next year –a fact George’s attorneys brought up in their arguments before Brown.
In the evidentiary hearing, George’s attorneys called two witnesses to the stand. The first was Olga Payero, court services coordinator for the Office of County Judge. Although she was hired by George and reports directly to him, she testified, she actually works for the Commissioners Court at large.
Under direct examination by Woodfill, Payero recounted how Perez-Jarmamillo in a May meeting of Commissioners Court, appeared as a public speaker imploring the commissioners in the upcoming budget cycle to add funding for a new associate judge and not to cut funding for current associate judges. In that appearance, Perez-Jarmamillo said the additional judges were necessary in order for her court and others to keep up with their growing caseloads. While Perez-Jarmamillo’s appearance as a public speaker was unusual for a judge, Payero testified, it was not completely out of the ordinary.
2-0 lead. Later in the inning, Omar Narváez roped a double down the right-field line, and with out in the inning, Collin Price pierced an RBI single up the middle as the Space Cowboys extended their advantage, 3-0.
Alexander induced a groundout to strand two runners in the second and set down Las Vegas in order in the third and fourth. The righthanded pitcher posted a zero in the fifth as he marooned two more Aviator baserunners for his fifth-straight scoreless frame.
Sugar Land stretched their lead in the fifth as Bastidas drove in Castro with a two-out two-run homer 387-feet to left as the Space Cowboys pushed out in front, 5-0.
RHP Patrick Halligan relieved Alexander with two outs in the fifth and finished off
the frame with a groundout. Alexander went 5.2 shutout innings with only two hits, six walks and four punchouts.
Las Vegas cut into Sugar Land’s lead with a two-run home run from Carlos Cortes in the seventh. Sugar Land threatened in the bottom half as Castro shot a one-out single into center, Narváez scolded a double to right and Zack Short walked to load the bases, but the runners were stranded.
RHP Luis Contreras (H, 6) came back out for the eighth after picking up the final out of the seventh and held the Space Cowboys’ 5-2 advantage with a 1-2-3 frame.
For the second-straight inning, Sugar Land juiced the bases as Kenedy Corona doubled, Colin Barber walked and Matthews legged out an infield single, but again, the Space Cowboys could not tack
on more to their lead.
RHP Ray Gaither (S, 1) was summoned for the ninth for the second-consecutive night and hurled a shutout frame to close out the 5-2 victory for Sugar Land.
NOTABLE:
· With a 1-for-3 night with a walk scored and a run, Brice Matthews is 21-for-53 (.396) in his last 13 games with three doubles, two triples, two home runs, 11 RBI and eight walks. Matthews is currently on a 13-game on-base streak, the longest active streak on Sugar Land.
· Kenedy Corona has reached base in nine of his last 11 games and with two doubles, five RBI, four walks and four runs scored.
· Omar Narváez has reached base in 11 of his 12 games played with Sugar
Land and is 14-for-45 (.311) with four doubles, seven RBI, seven walks and five runs scored. Sunday was Narváez’s second-straight multi-hit game and fourth multi-hit contest with Sugar Land.
· Luis Castro crushed his seventh homer of the year in the second inning and his first since June 15 against the Reno Aces. Castro has hit four homers in the month of June. Sunday was also Castro’s fifth game of the year with three hits or more and his first since June 15 against the Reno Aces.
· Jesús Bastidas belted a two-run home run in the fifth, his ninth of the year and first since June 15 against the Reno Aces.
· After 4.0 scoreless innings of relief against Las Vegas on May 23 and 5.2 shutout frames tonight, Jason Alexander has not allowed a run in 9.2 com-
bined innings against the Aviators after being designated for assignment by the Athletics organization on May 16. · Sunday marked the end of the first half of the season for Sugar Land. The Space Cowboys were 39-36 and finished in second place in the PCL East.
Following their six-game series against Las Vegas, the Space Cowboys headed for their second half on the road against the El Paso Chihuahuas for a six-game set. Games can be seen live on the Bally Sports Live App or MLB. TV and can be heard anywhere at SLSpaceCowboys.com. This article is provided by the marketing office of the Sugar Land Space Cowboys, the Triple-A affiliate of the Houston Astros, and is used by permission.
During closing arguments, Woodfill an Yates said that while they personally don’t believe either Perez-Jarmamillo or Watson would act in a partial manner, the mere fact that the potential conflicts of interest could create an appearance of impropriety for potential jurors.
She also recounted the long history of Watson’s seeking the commissioners court to reimburse her for funds she had spent to attend a judicial conference in Morocco. This involved commissioners approving a variance to the county’s existing travel policy, which does not allow for judges to be compensated for overseas travel. In a process that took over a year, Payero testified, a majority of the court approved the request, with George voting against.
Under questioning by Assistant District Attorney Bradley Chinn, Payero said that while George does have a vote on Commissioners Court,
his vote doesn’t carry any more weight than those of the four commissioners.
The second witness called by George’s attorneys was Jeff Yates, a Harris County-based political strategist with more than three decades’ experience working on Republican campaigns. The attorneys endeavored to have him be treated as an expert witness in political campaigns and pub -
lic perception of candidates, a standing which prosecutors strenuously objected to. In the end, Brown made no ruling on whether Yates should be considered an expert witness.
Of particular note in his testimony, Yates said had been acting as an unofficial advisor to George since at least January, although he didn’t become a paid advisor until last week, when George
announced his party switch to Republican. After the hearing.
George confirmed that timeline to the Fort Bend Star. Yates testified that based on his long experience, potential jurors who heard accounts of the two judges’ dealings with Commissioners Court and George could reasonably infer that there might be a conflict of interest when his cases ultimately go to trial.
Chinn countered that judges are trained to compartmentalize outside matters from their actions on the bench. He also argued that George’s request for recusal on Watson’s part was untimely, since she has already made significant rulings in the misdemeanor cases, including last fall denying a motion to quash the indictment. That ruling, which was made while George had a different attorney, is currently under appeal at the 14th Court of Appeals in Houston. Brown pointedly asked George’s lawyers if there where a visiting judge could be found who would not be subject to the appearance of impropriety since George as a member of Commissioners Court would be voting to pay for their expenses. Woodfill said that in that limited context, such an appearance would be minimal. In the end, it only took a couple of minutes for Brown to deny the motions.
After the hearing. Woodfill and Yates told reporters they were disappointed with the ruling, but were ready to press on with defending George. In brief comments, George said he “100 percent” believes in his innocence.
Fort Bend County Judge KP George, center, and his legal team stand as Judge Susan Brown enters the 458th District Court for
evidentiary hearing last week. Photo by Ken Fountain
Eye on Fort Bend Eye on Fort Bend
The Lai family of Sugar Land check out the historic trains at the Rosenberg Railroad Museum during
It was a bright but humid day on Sunday as train afficionados from Fort Bend County and across the region made their way to the Rosenberg Railroad Museum for “RAILFEST ‘25.” The museum on the outskirts of historic downtown Rosenberg showed off its collection of classic train cars from the Golden Age of Rail, the museum filled with artifacts and photographs, and its indoor and outdoor model railroad displays. Photos by Ken Fountain
including this
‘RAILFEST ‘25”,
HB&T switcher engine.
LEADER PUZZLER SOLUTIONS
Drew Finger and his son Brooks, 5, of Katy, check out the model train cars for sale in the gift shop of the Rosenberg Railroad Museum.
With an actual train rolling on the Union Pacific tracks behind them, attendees enjoy some shade during the festival.
Bluegrass picker John Armour is onstage by guest performers.
Museum volunteer Greg Cauthan deals with a malfunction on the tracks of the Garden Railroad Exhibit. The exhibit is designed to resemble downtown Richmond in the 1950s.
The Cardenas family watches the trains run in the Garden Railroad Exhibit.
Attendees “board” a retired AMTRAK passenger coach on display.
Saleh “operates” some of the equipment inside the main museum.
Brian Bradshaw, 4, of Sugar Land, takes a peek out one of the parlor windows of the Quebec Business Car. The car was built in 1879 and remained in service until 1958.
Carlos Peña and his grandson Caleb, 5, take a look at the model railroad in the shade.
Museum employee Nick Ward shows off the switching controls of the museum’s Tower !7 to visitors. The tower which was built in the 1920s, remained in service until 2002.
The sadness, she said, was that her late husband, Reginald Moore, was not there to see it. He was a former longshoreman and one-time guard at the Texas Department of Correction’s former Jester Unit who for years nearly single-handedly advocated for paying proper respect to those who had died while part of the area’s convict leasing program. He died in 2020.
Fort Bend ISD board president Kristin Tassin noted that she was board president, in an earlier term, when the remains of 94 men and one presumed woman were first discovered in 2018. After being reelected to the board and as president in 2024, she noted, one of her first acts was to sign the memorandum of agreement with the Friends of Sugar Land 95.
Tassin said the new historical maker “honors the discovery of the Sugar Land 95 and the cemetery’s importance in educating the public about a shameful and overlooked time in local and state history. It’s also a testament to our community that feels passionately about honoring these individuals and bringing their story to light.
“”This is an important step that helps secure the support the district needed to move forward in this important work and to ensure that the community had a meaningful voice in how we were going to memorialize these individuals with dignity and with respect,” she said.
“As a lifelong learner, I have always believed that history should be taught and told, even when it’s hard. And as a leader I understand that some of the most difficult chapters of history hold the most valuable lessons,” she said.
“I would encourage my fellow leaders who are here today and who are not here today to be courageous enough to confront the uncomfortable issues and to be bold enough to lead with conscience,” she said.
Alicia Costello of the Texas Historical Commission said the new marker was the 10th in Sugar Land and the 109th in Fort Bend County. She said it tells the story of the victims, but that the story doesn’t end with them.
“The story belong to the
torch-bearers who kept the story alive and arrived at this point,” she said, singling out Reginald and Marilyn Moore.
“They researched extensively and advocated tirelessly for their stories to be told. Because of these torch-bearers, the story now belongs to the community members who are here today. You are the torch-bearers,” she said.
Chassidy Olainu-Alade, FBISD’s chief communications officer who has served as the district’s primary point person on the Sugar Land 95 project, noted that when the work to create a fitting memorial began eight years ago, there was much less public interest.
“We have done the work. We have not taken it lightly. We know today, when truths are questioned and people quibble about what our facts - you can’t argue with our facts that we have here on this day.” she said.
“The goal is to reclaim their identities, and to be able to say their names with full voice so
that they can ascend to new heights to finally be free. And on this Juneteenth holiday, there’s no better way than to celebrate this installation and dedication of this historical marker of the Sugar Land 95,” she said.
She pointed out a group of students who, on their own initiative, created a virtual 3-D model of the future community park that tells the history of the convict leasing system. The students stood to the applause of the audience.
Several elected officials read proclamations or made remarks, including Fort Bend County Precinct 3 Commissioner Andy Meyers, newly installed Sugar Land District 2 member Sanjay Singhal, Texas Rep. Suleman Lalani, and Fort Bend County Precinct 4 Commissioner Dexter McCoy.
After the ceremony moved to the outside grounds, they were met with a moving performance of the hymn “Amazing Grace” by Gregory “Saxman”
Daniels. He was followed by recent FBISD graduate Jade Coleman, who performed a stunning rendition of her own poem titled “Echoes in the Earth.”
Carina Banks-Whitely and Abigail Fisher of the firm Principal Research Group, which is performing the work of identifying the Sugar Land 95 remains, discussed their work. Later, they revealed the name of the first person to be identified - John Chambers, in grave No. 29. Born in 1854, Chambers was convicted of theft of a mule and sentenced to seven years imprisonment. He died in 1881.
Johnnie Sue Davis, a relative of one of the Sugar Land 95, was joined by Sherra Aguirre in reading the full inscription of the marker, which was later officially unveiled by a large group of relatives.
One of them was Carlos Garcia, 68, who grew up near the prison hearing stories about the convict leasing system. Now a resident of
Houston, Garcia said that while it’s painful for him to visit the site, he always makes the effort when asked.
“It means a lot that they have finally done this, he said.
NOTE: Learn more about the memorial project at fortbendisd.com/sugarland95. Learn more about Friends of the Sugar Land 95 at sugarland95.org.
Deadline is noon every Friday. Limit entries to the “5 Ws” Who, What, When, Where, and Why. Email to editor@fortbendstar.com
ONGOING
EARTH KIND KIDS CAMP REGISTRATION OPEN
Youths in grades 3-5 can have fun this summer learning about gardening by attending Earth Kind Kids Camp, sponsored by Fort Bend County Master Gardeners.
The July 21-24 day camp will cover the topics of gardening, horticulture and environmental science through different high-energy projects that help the youths learn about seeds, plants, rain and other topics between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. each day.
Registration is open for the camp, which will be in Building D at the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds, 4310 Texas 36 in Rosenberg. The camp is limited to the first 25 paid participants. Register at https://agrilife.org/ftbend4h/event/2025earthkindkidscamp/ The fee is $85. Registration includes all materials, snacks and a T-shirt. For more information, contact Brandy Rader at Brandy.Rader@ag.tamu.edu
ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE CLASSES AT GPBC
In conjunction with the Literacy Council of Fort Bend Bend County, Grand Parkway Baptist Church will offer ESL classes on Tuesday nights from mid-August 2025 through May 2026. We are located at 12000 FM 1464, Richmond, across from Austin High School. 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
at 7:00
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.
CARE SERVICES
THE SANCTUARY FOSTER
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, sugarlandrotaryclub5890@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
accordion, beginners to professional and would like to play Call, Text or email: Vince Ramos Cell: 281-204-7716 vincer.music@gmail.com.
Marilyn Moore, president of Friends of Sugar Land 95, acts as master of ceremonies at the event. Moore’s late husband Reginald was the primary advocate for the Sugar Land 95 before his death in 2022.
Chassidy Olainu-Alade, FBISD’s chief communications officer, discusses the long work it took to get the memorial project to the current point.
Gregory “Saxman” Daniels performs “Amazing Grace” for the audience.
Sherra Aguirre, left, and Johnnie Sue Davis read the full inscription of the new Texas Historical Marker honoring the Sugar Land 95. Behind them is Fort Bend ISD’s Chassidy Olainu-Alade. Photos by Ken Fountain
Recent Fort Bend ISD graduate Jade Coleman performs a spoken-word rendition of her poem “Echoes in the Earth.”
