Coffee
opens second Missouri City location in Lake Olympia area
Fort Bend residents denounce proposed Texas redistricting maps at town hall
By Juhi Varma SPECIAL TO THE STAR
Dozens of Fort Bend County residents came to the Mission Bend Branch Library last week to speak out against the proposed Texas congressional redistricting maps they say would weaken minority voting power.
The town hall was organized by the office of Rep. Suleman Lalani of Fort Bend County and led by his staff, as Lalani was one of the several Democratic House members who left the state to break quorum. The town hall was held on August 6, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of President Lyndon B. Johnson signing the landmark Voting Rights Act into law.
The standoff is ongoing as dozens of Texas House Democrats remain out of the state for a second week, preventing any potential votes on the map, which has been approved by the Texas Senate. Last week, Gov. Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton separately stepped up legal efforts to compel their return. Abbott has sharply criticized the Democrats’ actions, calling them cowardly in public statements and on social media, and has vowed to hold them accountable for what he describes as abandoning their responsibilities.
At press time, Lalani remained out of the state.
“Gov. Abbott is busy giving Texas on a silver platter to President
Trump,” Lalani said in a pre- recorded message played at the meeting.
“We didn’t have any other option but to deny quorum. Breaking quorum is not running away from the responsibilities… it is one of the tools put in Texas legislation by our forefathers. We are accused of running away, walking out. You know what? We are not walking out. We are standing up.”
At last week’s town hall, residents, local leaders and activists took turns at the microphone, many calling the maps a blatant attempt at partisan gerrymandering.
“Tonight, the order of business is to talk about the maps that were created for the congressional districts,” said Lydia Ozuna, president of the
nonprofit Texas Against Gerrymandering (TAG). “This is clearly not a fight about political parties. It is a fight about whose voice is going to be heard. These new maps would send 21% of the people of color to Congress…if my husband were only giving me the opportunity to do something 21% of the time, I would be a very unhappy wife, all right? And so that is what this is all about. My voice would not be heard.”
Texas Republicans’ push to redraw congressional maps aims to safeguard the party[‘s majority in Congress, which Ozuna said would
‘WE ARE FORT BEND’ PHOTO CONTEST AWARD WINNERS
By Juhi Varma
Louisiana-based
The new PJ’s held its ribboncutting ceremony on Friday, August 8, and has been wellreceived by coffee lovers in the Lake Olympia area, said owner Zachary Patterson.
“We live in this area,” said Patterson. “We wanted to offer something premium so people wouldn’t have to drive to Highway 6 for a good cup of coffee.”
PJ’s
Patterson
“We
New high school vendors market gives students a taste of entrepreneurship
By Juhi Varma
and
“Our first High School Vendors Market is a back-to-school event,” said Cristina Escamos, of Missouri
City Parks and Recreation. “We invited all the high school kids before school starts.” The goal was to support local high school students and their entrepreneurial efforts, she said.
“We love making bracelets and stuff and we love making food,” said Sofia Guerrero, a student at George Bush High School, who was encouraged to set up with stall by her mother.
“I really wanted them to learn what
Bohachevsky
at
Memorial Library. This year’s theme is “Vibrant Colors of Fort Bend.”
Franchise owner Zachary Patterson and family members open the new Missouri City location of PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans in the Lake Olympia area last week.
Photo by Juhi Varma
underscoring the café’s New Orleans heritage.
The new café is located at 1021 Lake Olympia Parkway and has 18 employees.
PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans has more than 190 operating locations in 14 states, according to the website. With 35 cafes, Texas is home to the second-highest number of PJ’s locations after Louisiana, which has 105.
Varma is a freelance writer. She can be reached at juhi.varma@gmail.com.
iced, and frozen
with organic
dilute the voting power of millions, particularly Black, Latino, and Asian communities.
“What we have here is a direct, overt, despicable attempt to take our rights away,” said Fort Bend resident Larry Hayes. “They know what they’re doing wrong, and they don’t care. And when you deal with people that don’t care, then the only thing we have left the law.”
Fort Bend County Democratic Party Secretary Jonathan Marcantel, who is also a disabled Navy veteran, said previous gerrymandering efforts silenced working class voters, including veterans, who often returned home with unique challenges.
“Stop the practice of packing, cracking and manipulating districts to serve short term power plays,” he said.
“It’s a full-blown assault on our rights, everyone, and I mean everyone in the state of Texas and outside of Texas, should be outraged by what’s happening, whether they’re Repub -
lican or Democrat or independent,” said resident Terry Webster. Speakers argued the proposal would split cohesive neighborhoods, diminish representation for Fort Bend’s fast-growing Asian and Latino populations, and undo years of grassroots voter engagement.
“House District 76 is a culturally rich and diverse area with strong neighborhood ties,” said resident Sandy Ibanez. “Redistricting slices through this cohesion, placing neighbors into different districts and weakening our collective voice.
Our district has specific concerns like health care, mental health care, school and infrastructure that require unified advocacy – splitting us up dilutes our power to advocate for those shared needs.”
Attendees urged neighbors to submit public comments, contact lawmakers, and mobilize quickly. The tone was urgent throughout the night, with repeated calls for fairness, transparency, and maps that keep communities together.
Varma is a freelance writer. She can be reached at juhi.varma@gmail.com.
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL
Drymalla Construction Company, LLC (CM at Risk) is soliciting Qualifications/ Proposals from Subcontractors/Suppliers for GMP 9 - Lamar Consolidated
ISD LCISD Stadium Expansion Phase 2. Project consists of the expansion of the existing seating at the Stadium and other ancillary work. The scope of work is defined by the drawings and specifications issued. Qualifications/ Proposals are due at 2:00 PM on Thursday, August 28, 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 pre-proposal meeting will be held August 21, 2025 at 2:00 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.
PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans offers a wide selection of hot,
coffee drinks, along
teas, fresh breakfast pastries and lunch sandwiches.
Photo courtesy PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans
REDISTRICT FROM PAGE 1
Fort Bend County residents speak out against the proposed Texas congressional redistricting maps they say would weaken minority voting power at a town hall meeting at the Mission Bend Branch Library last week. Photo by Juhi Varma
Gerrymandering across Texas
“Houston - The streets were unpaved and the mud bottomless. I found justification in the fact that everybody, even the elegantly dressed gentlemen, stuffed their trouser legs into their boots.” – “Texas” by Ferdinand von Roemer was published in German in 1849 but was not translated into English for nearly a century. Yes, this sleepy, muddy fishing village on the bayou still has paving problems, mud and we still wear boots, otherwise our population has increased somewhat –1850: 2,396; today: 2.31 million. Of the top 10 largest metropolitan areas in the country, the Houston three-county (Harris, Fort Bend, Montgomery) population has grown more than all but Dallas-Fort Worth since 2010, increasing in population by 25 percent or more than 1.5 million people.
A lot of newcomers have moved to the suburbs. Montgomery County had 620,443 residents in 2020. Today the estimated population is 774.954. Fort Bend County had a population of 822,779, in the 2020 census. Today it’s estimated at 972,496. This huge influx of people has created changes of all sorts. There is another
Lynn Ashby Columnist
ASHBY2@COMCAST.NET
change which links our massive population growth with how millions of Texans vote and who we vote for: congressional redistricting, and we are pawns in a political power grab.
Without anyone asking us, we may well have a total stranger representing us in Washington. So let’s see if our new pols truly reflect our values. For starters we turn to the Kinder Houston Area Survey: 2025 Results, an excellent study of us. The survey was administered in JanuaryFebruary 2025 to nearly 10,000 individuals in Harris, Fort Bend and Montgomery counties. What do we like the most about living in the Houston area?
About 80 percent in all three counties said the Houston area was a better place to
live compared to other major metro areas around the country. Just more than half of residents were either born in the area or moved here as children. More than half have lived here for around two decades or more. For those who moved here as adults, jobs and family were the main factors drawing them to the area. OK, so much for the roses, how about the thorns? Our biggest problems are not the Houston Texans’ offensive line but crime and safety, the economy and the cost of housing. More than 6 in 10 rated local infrastructure as either poor or fair with 23 percent of Fort Bend County residents, 30 percent of Harris County residents, and 28 percent of Montgomery County residents rating it as poor. We are concerned about both water and air pollution. What with Hurricane Harvey and Beryl and last year’s derecho, not to mention mosquitoes and the West Loop, it’s not surprising that nearly 40 percent said they were thinking about leaving Houston in the next few years, with about 1 in 6 saying it was very or extremely likely they would leave.
Quality of life and perceptions of Houston depends on
your income. Those earning below $25,000 are three times as likely as those earning $100,000 to rate their quality of life as poor or fair. One of the highest approval ratings of all the questions were for government action to reduce economic inequality between the rich and poor (81 percent agree) and to ensure everyone who wants to work can find a job (88 percent agree). In addition, 84 percent agree the government should ensure all Americans have a basic standard of living. You hear that, my rep? Unlike our government, we like immigrants. Houstonarea residents feel that immigrants contribute more to the economy than they take. Seventy one percent have a favorable opinion about all immigrants, and 61 percent agree when it comes to undocumented immigrants. This is interesting: People across all three counties share a civic identity as “Houstonians” and take pride in the area’s diversity and opportunities. About 1 in 4 residents cited diversity as the best thing, and nearly 9 in 10 believe our diverse culture is good, very good or excellent. One more: 67 percent of respondents said
the region’s higher education institutions are good, very good or excellent. [Editor’s note: Find the Kinder survey results at kinder.rice.edu/ research/kinder-houstonarea-survey-2025-results.]
This is what we like, don’t like what we want to change, and if we’re going to have a different voice in Congress, we may want to change that, too. It’s all about one phone call. Republican Gov. Greg Abbott had a conversation with President Donald Trump. Trump desperately needs to pad his slim Republican majority in the U.S. House. Where to find more GOP reps? Where are the easy pickings? Texas, of course. Thus the phone call. Abbott the Lapdog said, “Whatever you want, Your Highness.” So when the Guv called lawmakers back for a special session, their first priority was not to deal with rampaging floods, poor medical care or transgender high school athletes or even about the Texans’ offensive line. It was about redistricting. Think priorities. Trump flatly said he thinks he can get five more Republican Texans in Congress if the new district lines are gerrymandered. The Texas GOP has
Fort Bend leads the way in child abuse prevention
drawn up redistricting maps which look like a Rorschach test, with boundaries going every which way. (My district depends whether I’m in the living room or the den.) To get input, after the fact, some lawmakers held public meetings in places like Houston Arlington and Austin. The auditoriums were so packed that hundreds had to wait outside. Almost no one was in favor of redistricting. I’m sure the protests did absolutely no good. (After the 2020 census which gave Texas two more representatives, the districts were redrawn and guess which party got those two new seats? It wasn’t the Greens or the Whigs.) Now we face two separate but joined situations. In the Houston area we have a lot of new resident-voters. The Kinder survey shows how we feel about what we like and don’t like. We may be represented by different members of Congress. Wonder if they will truly represent us? Until then, keep your trouser legs stuck into your boots – it’s getting deep around here and it’s not mud. Ashby is redistricted at ashby2@comcast.net
Ruthanne MeffoRd CEO,
Child Advocates of Fort Bend
In Fort Bend County, we believe that every child deserves to grow up safe, nurtured, and free from harm. That’s why Child Advocates of Fort Bend is proud to announce the launch of our CAP-C (Child Abuse Prevention Collaborative) – a bold, community-driven initiative that brings together local leaders, educators, healthcare providers, law enforcement, and families to make child abuse prevention not just a priority, but a shared responsibility. At the heart of CAP-C is a simple but powerful idea: prevention starts with awareness, education, and collaboration. For too long, child abuse has been a silent crisis – hidden behind closed doors, misunderstood, and underreported. But in Fort Bend, we are changing that narrative. Through CAP-C, we are building a county-wide safety net that empowers adults to recognize the signs of abuse, equips children with the tools to speak up, and strengthens families with the resources they need to thrive. From
school-based prevention programs and trauma-informed training to parent education workshops and community outreach, CAP-C is a comprehensive, proactive approach to keeping children safe. What makes Fort Bend unique is our unwavering commitment to collaboration. This initiative is not the work of one organization – it is the collective effort of a community that refuses to look away. We are working hand-in-hand with school districts, faith-based organizations, nonprofits, and civic leaders to ensure that prevention is embedded in every corner of our county. Our partners include: Fort Bend Independent School
District, Lamar Consolidated Independent School District, Stafford Municipal School District, Catholic Charities, Depelchin Children’s Center, Fort Bend County Women’s Center, Crime Stoppers, Access Health, University of Texas Health Houston -McGovern Medical School, Aid to Victims of Domestic Violence (AVDA), Daya, Inc., YMCA – Fort Bend, Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council, Fort Bend Behavioral Health Services, Fort Bend District Attorney’s Anti-Trafficking Collective, Sugar Land Police Department, Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office, Constable Patrick QuincyPrecinct 4, DFPS-Faith Based
and Community Engagement Services, Unbound Now - Houston, The Landing, Attack Poverty, The George Foundation and Henderson Wessendorff Foundation, among others. We are also proud to be setting a standard for others to follow. Fort Bend is one of the fastest growing and most diverse counties in the nation, and we are using our voice and visibility to lead by example. By launching CAP-C, we are showing that prevention is possible – and it starts with us. To our partners, supporters, and every individual who believes in protecting children: thank you. Your commitment fuels this movement. Together,
we are creating a future where every child in Fort Bend can grow up safe, strong, and supported. Let’s keep leading the way. If you’re interested in learning about the work of Child Advocates of Fort Bend visit cafb.org. To learn more about the Child Abuse Prevention Collaborative, contact Dana at DMersiovsky@cafb.org. Editor’s note: This guest column does not necessarily reflect the views of the Fort Bend Star or its staff. The Fort Bend Star welcomes opinion articles on matters of interest to Fort Bend County residents. Publication is at the discretion of the editor. Send submissions to editor@ fortbendstar.com.
Community Reports
SACRAMENTO, Calif. –Although RHP AJ Blubaugh went 6.0 scoreless innings, the Sugar Land Space Cowboys (14-22, 53-58) relinquished a 2-0 lead after seven and fell 4-3 to the Sacramento River Cats (24-15, 60-54) on Sunday afternoon at Sutter Health Park.
Facing a 3-2 deficit heading into the top of the ninth, the Space Cowboys tied the game in the ninth in their secondstraight game. After Logan Davidson walked, Collin Price sent a game-tying RBI double to the centerfield wall, allowing Davidson to score and knot the game at three. However, a walk-off RBI single from Osleivis Basabe gave the River Cats a 4-3 victory in the Sunday series finale. In the second, Sugar Land struck first. Davidson doubled, and with two outs in the inning,Pricetraded places with Davidson with a double of his own to put the Space Cowboys ahead, 1-0. In the ensuing at-bat, Edwin Díaz drilled a two-bagger to center, stretching Sugar Land’s margin to 2-0 as the Space Cowboys cracked three doubles in the frame.
Blubaugh hurled a 1-2-3 bottom of the first and sidestepped two runners on in the bottom of the second with an inning-ending punchout. In the third, the right-hander tossed his second clean inning of the afternoon before stranding a runner in scoring position in the fourth.
Blubaugh continued mowing through the River Cats’ lineup as he worked around a two-out single in the fifth to post a zero before registering his sixth-straight scoreless inning with a perfect home half of the sixth. The right-hander
went 6.0 shutout innings on Sunday, allowing three hits with two walks and seven strikeouts.
The Space Cowboys threatened to extend their advantage in the top of the seventh as Zack Short led off the frame with a double. However, RHP Blade Tidwell retired the next three Sugar Land batters to leave Short on base.
RHP Jose Fleury (BS,3) relieved Blubaugh in the bottom of the seventh and induced an inning-ending double play to retire the side. However, Bryce Eldridge hit a three-run hom-
er in the eighth as the River Cats took their first lead of the game, 3-2.
· AJ Blubaugh tied his season high in innings pitched on Sunday with 6.0 shutout frames, allowing three hits with two walks and seven strikeouts. Blubaugh has allowed only six earned runs in his last six starts with Sugar Land with 26 strikeouts. Blubaugh’s seven strikeouts are his highest total since he punched out seven on July 19 against the Salt Lake Bees. The right-hander entered Sunday’s game tied for fifth
in the PCL in strikeouts and ninth in innings pitched.
· Zack Short is currently on a seven-game hitting streak, dating back to June 27, going 9-for-29 (.310) with three doubles, five RBI and four runs scored.
· With a double on Sunday, Logan Davidson has recorded an extra-base hit in threestraight games with Sugar Land. Davidson has three doubles, a homer, seven RBI and seven runs scored in 11 games with the Space Cowboys. · Collin Price recorded his second two-double game
of the year on Sunday, including a game-tying RBI double in the ninth, his first two-double game since July 13 against Oklahoma City. Sunday was also Price’s first multi-hit and multi-RBI game since July 24 against the El Paso Chihuahuas after the catcher went 2-for-4 with two doubles, two RBI and a walk on Sunday. · The Space Cowboys were swept on Sunday for the first time since August 1520, 2023 against the Round Rock Express. Sugar Land has swept two teams this season, the Reno Aces from May 13-18 and the Salt Lake Bees from July 18-20. After their six-game series in Sacramento, the Space Cowboys headed home for a six-game set against
AJ Blubaugh tied his season high in innings pitched on Sunday with 6.0 shutout frames against Sacramento, allowing three hits with two walks and seven strikeouts. Here he is seen at an earlier home game. Photo by Kathy Aung Special to the Star
it takes to have a business, the steps involved,” said Laura Guerrero, Sofia’s mother.
Clements High School student Jastine Escamos set up a cookie stall.
“I bake in my free time, I play tennis and baking is my side hobby,” she said. “The response from the people has been pretty good.”
Ethan Huynh, a junior at Clements, operated a plant stall offering houseplants along with lemongrass, basil, okra, and eggplant.
Isabella and Angelina Chan Tack had a stall selling handmade soft toys and cookies.
“My sister makes handmade crochet plushies,” said Isabella Chan Tack, a former Elkins High School student who is now at Texas A&M. “She sold a couple of them at a garage sale and they did pretty good. So we went to more markets and started expanding. We made some key chains through some art of characters we like, and we did the same for stickers.”
“I’m always going to support our youth,” said Missouri City council member Jeffrey L. Boney. “My children have their own online boutique. Anything that kids are trying to do to become entrepreneurs, I’m always an advocate for.”
Elkins students Sarah Smith and Elida Aimee Artega Gomez set up a stall selling handmade bracelets and cookies.
“We just thought it’d be a nice way to spend the rest of our summer, because we start school on Tuesday, and this is a nice, family event,” said Sarah.
Escamos said she was pleased with the community’s participation and how the event provided valuable experience for the students. She hopes to make it even bigger next year. Varma is a freelance writer. She can be reached at juhi.varma@gmail.com.
Elkins High School students Elida Aimee Artega Gomez, left, and Elkins student Sarah Smith, and Faiza Smith, sell handmade bracelets and cookies at their booth.
Makenna Marie Trusty, 15, second from right, sells gluten free treats with members of her family at the market. Photos by Juhi Varma
Eye on Fort Bend Eye on Fort Bend
The Bohachevsky Gallery at George Memorial Library in Richmond was the setting Saturday for the announcement of the winners of the 2025 edition of the “We Are Fort Bend” photography contest, which this year has the theme “Vibrant Colors of Fort Bend.” The exhibit features original photographs that portray the culture, nature, people, and places of Fort Bend County. Winners were picked for Judge’s Choice and People’s Choice awards. The exhibit, which is free and open to the public, can be viewed during regular library hours through September 26. Photos by Ken Fountain.
George Memorial Library to host free homework-help program
Community Reports
Starting September 2, Fort Bend County Libraries will offer a “Teacher in the Library” free homework-help service at George Memorial Library, 1001 Golfview in Richmond.
The Kick-Off Party for this new program will take place on Saturday, August 16, from 2-4 p.m., in the Meeting Room of the library. Fort Bend County Judge KP George will be joined by Library Director Roosevelt Weeks in kicking off the festivities with opening remarks at 2:30 p.m.
Families will have an opportunity to meet the teachers and enjoy refreshments, giveaways, and fun! They may even have a chance to meet and take photos with the program’s mascot – Artemis “Artie” the Owl. Craft and STEM activity stations will be set up for children to enjoy in the Youth Services department. Children will also have an opportunity to hear stories during a special Story Time in the Children’s Corner of the department. Refreshments for the event are generously provided by the Office of Judge KP George. The Teacher in the Library service provides free homework help for students in grades 3 through 6 by providing access to qualified teachers in the library for after-school assistance.
Two teachers will be available Monday through Thursday, from 3 to 6 pm,
with Fort Bend County Li-
of the
beginning September 2, at George Memorial Libraryto help students:
• complete homework assignments;
• prepare for tests;
• improve study habits;
• learn about library databases & electronic resources; and
• grow in confidence. The goal of the program is to supplement and reinforce the lessons being learned in the classroom and to increase students’ self-confidence and motivate them to succeed. Students receive one-on-one attention from experienced teachers in a safe, comfortable environment. Appointments are not required. Students may arrive anytime during the tutoring sessions on any day the service is offered, as their schedules permit or as homework needs arise. They can choose to attend as often or
as little as needed. There is no cost to participate.
Bottled water and snacks will be available at the sessions, courtesy of the Friends of the George Memorial Library.
George Memorial Library is the third library in the Fort Bend County library system to offer the Teacher in the Library program. The service was launched in 2023 with a pilot program at the Mission Bend Branch Library. In 2024, the program was expanded to include the Missouri City Branch Library. For more information, see the Fort Bend County Libraries website (www. fortbendlibraries.gov) or call the library system’s Communications Office (281-633-4734) or George Memorial Library (281-342-4455).
Community Reports
Fort Bend County Libraries’ University Branch Library will present “The Truth About Scams” – a program in the Senior Series for older adults and their family members – on Friday, August 15, beginning at 10:30 a.m., in Meeting Room 1 of the library, 14010 University Blvd in Sugar Land, on the UH campus.
Scammers and their tactics have become more sophisticated than every, preying on seniors with manipulative strategies designed to exploit trust and vulnerability. This program is designed to empower seniors with the knowledge and tools to outsmart scammers and protect themselves from financial exploitation, while fostering confidence in handling suspicious situations.
Liz McNeel, a senior realestate specialist and certified senior-housing professional, will moderate a panel of experts who will talk about ways
Liz McNeel, a senior real-estate specialist and certified senior-housing professional, will moderate a panel discussion on how seniors can avoid scams at the University Branch Library
to spot scams before they happen and offer tips on ways to protect oneself from financial and emotional harm.
Attendees will learn about the most common scams targeting seniors; learn the psychological tricks that scammers use; understand the red flags to watch for in emails, phone calls, and unsolicited offers; get tips for protect -
ing personal information, finances, and identity; hear real-life stories from seniors who have encountered scams; and learn how to report scams; and receive expert advice from fraud-prevention specialists, law-enforcement officers, and legal professionals on staying vigilant and safe. The program is free and open to the public. For more information, see the Fort Bend County Libraries website (www.fortbendlibraries.gov), or call the University Branch Library (281-633-5100) or the library system’s Communications Office (281-633-4734). 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.
LEADER PUZZLER SOLUTIONS
“Green Herons and Ham!” by Kenny Hu.
“Sunflower Bee” by Magaly Mucientes won the 3rd Place Judges’ Award.
Christy Hawthorne won the 2nd Place People’s Choice Award for “The Dionne Kisses.”
Kathy Lagunes and her daughter Mia, of Sugar Land, check out the exhibit.
“Hanging Out” by Rashmi Gupta.
“Snow Queen” by Anna Colwell.
Arnold Knocke, of Richmond, checks out the exhibit in the Bohachevsky Gallery.
Jason Schimmer and his daughter Madeleine, of Richmond, take in the exhibit.
Rashmi Gupta, left, with judge Brenda Bowman, poses with “Hanging Out,” which won the 2nd Place Judges’ Award.
Anna Colwell won the 1st Place People’s Choice Judges’ Award for “Snow Queen.”
“The Dionne Kisses” by Christy Hawthorne.
Danny Davis, of Fulshear, takes a closer look.
Artemis “Artie” the Owl (seen
braries’ Christina Tam) is the mascot
new Teacher in the Library free homework-help program at George Memorial Library in Richmond. A kick-off party for the program will be held on Aug. 16. Courtesy Fort Bend County Libraries
Deadline is noon every Friday. Limit entries to the “5 Ws” Who, What, When, Where, and Why. Email to editor@fortbendstar.com
FORT BEND COUNTY HISTORICAL COMMISSION
The Fort Bend County Historical Commission will hold its quarterly business meeting at 3 p.m., Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at the Gus George Police Academy Classroom 1, 1521 Eugene Heimann Dr., in Richmond. Fort Bend Museum County Office of Homeland Security Emergency Management Coordinator Gregory Babst discuds the role of the Historical Commission in assisting our historic and cultural resources to prepare for and recover from disasters. This discussion is based upon the lessons learned from the recent training exercise led by experts from the US Army and the Smithsonian Institute for Emergency Management staff and representatives from the Historical Commission. Free and open to the public.
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 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, 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 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
