Fort Bend County is gearing up for a weekend full of Thanksgiving events, from community dinners and food giveaways to family festivals, fun runs, and volunteer opportunities. Whether you’re looking to celebrate with neighbors, give back, or enjoy festive activities, there’s something for everyone leading up to Thanksgiving Day.
The Fort Bend County ABWA Annual Friendsgiving Social
When: Thursday, November 20, 2025, at 6 p.m.
Where: Chuy’s, 320 Hwy 6, Sugar Land.
Details: The event offers an evening of connection, celebration, and gratitude for members, guests, and prospective members, featuring a festive fall atmosphere and Tex-Mex dining. Attendees are encouraged to RSVP and can bring a guest. Learn more at allevents.in/ sugar-land/fort-bend-countyabwa-annual-friendsgiving-social/200029121299927.
Pecan Harvest Festival
When: Saturday, November 22, 2025, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Details: A free family festival hosted by the Rotary Club of Richmond featuring artisan and farmers market vendors, a car show, bake-off contests, live entertainment, food trucks, and activities for kids. Proceeds from the event support the Richmond community through student scholarships and donations to local nonprofits such as the YMCA, Nery’s Promise, Mercy Goods, and Fort Bend County 4-H.
Learn more at rotaryrichmond. org/event/pecan-harvest-festival2?utm_source=chatgpt.com.
By Juhi Varma CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Fort Bend residents will have an opportunity to “give thanks as one” later on Monday, November 24 as dozens of faith communities come together for the county’s annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service.
Organized by the Fort Bend Interfaith Council, the service brings together leaders and members of Baha’i, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jain, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, and other traditions for an hour of prayers, readings, and music offered from each faith’s own perspective. The evening is intentionally worshipful, but not a debate or blending of beliefs, said Pastor John Strader, chair of the Fort Bend Interfaith Council. Each community will share its traditions while standing side by side with neighbors of other faiths.
“In a time when public conversations can feel loud and divisive, we want this night to feel peaceful,
By Ken Fountain KFOUNTAIN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM
In court filings last week, the Fort Bend County District Attorney’s office vociferously denies allegations by attorneys for County Judge KP George that District Attorney Brian Middleton acted out of political malice in indicting George on charges of money laundering and misappropriation of identity by a public official.
The filings are the latest salvo in the convoluted legal maneuverings after Jared Woodfill and Terry Yates, George’s attorneys, called for
the charges to be dropped and for Middleton to be disqualified in their own court filings last month.
In September 2024, George was indicted by a Fort Bend County grand jury on a single misdemeanor count of misrepresentation of identity of a political candidate. The indictment alleges that George knew that his former chief of staff, Taral Patel, was using fake social media accounts to post false, racist social media messages about George, who like Patel is Indian-American,
By Ken Fountain KFOUNTAIN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM
It was a celebratory affair at the Missouri City Community Center Monday as a packed hall saw the swearing-in of a full slate of incumbents (plus one new member) following the November 4 municipal elections, promising a continuation of the city’s pro-growth agenda of recent years.
Mayor Robin Elackatt, elected to his third term since being first elected in 2020, defeated outgoing District B Council member Jeffrey Boney, 52/61% to 47.39%.
In keeping with a spirit of conviviality that pervaded Monday’s festivities, Elackatt in an earlier specially called meeting in the Council’s chambers presented Boney with a proclamation honoring his eight years on Council over four terms, as well as symbolic street sign with his name, a flag of the city, and a framed photo collage of his time in office.
“I really believe when you’re tasked
hopeful, and human.” said Strader, lead pastor at Missouri City’s Horizon Baptist Church. “My hope is that attendees walk away with a fuller sense of gratitude and a clearer awareness that their neighbors of other faiths are not strangers or headlines, but people they can pray and sing alongside.”
The theme of this year’s service is “Giving Thanks as One.”
The Interfaith Thanksgiving Service began about a decade ago and has grown in both participation and diversity. It had moved online during the pandemic, and Strader said in-person attendance has steadily increased,
with more congregations, families and young people taking part. One highlight will be a combined interfaith choir made up of singers from various congregations across the county. The choir will close the evening, offering what Strader describes as a visual and musical
expression of the event’s theme.
The Fort Bend Interfaith Council in its current form was established in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, when leaders who had worked side by side in relief efforts decided to stay connected. Since then, the council has coordinated public events and hosted dinner dialogues, where residents from different faiths share meals and conversations about their traditions. Strader emphasized that the Thanksgiving service is open to anyone, regardless of background or religious affiliation.
“You don’t need to belong to a particular tradition to attend,” he said. “If someone is curious about their neighbors, or simply wants a quiet, beautiful space to give thanks with others, this service is for them.”
The gathering will take place on Monday, November
community reception will follow.
When: Monday, November 24, 2025, 7-8 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.)
Where: Christ Church Sugar Land, 3300 Austin Parkway, Sugar Land
Details: An evening of gratitude with prayers, readings, and music from many faith traditions. Everyone is welcome.
The 6th Annual Turkey Giveaway and Food Distribution
When: Tuesday, November 25, 11 a.m.- 2 p.m.
Where: Landmark Community Center, 100 Louisiana Street, Missouri City.
Details: The drive-through event offers one turkey per family on a first-come, firstserved basis, along with music, vendors, and community activities. Sponsorship and vendor opportunities are available, and organizers aim to support local families with a holiday meal. Learn more at eventbrite. com/e/6th-annual-turkey-giveaway-food-distribution-tickets-1964465054861.
Operation Turkey’s “Turkey Tailgate”
When: Wednesday, November 26 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: 1050 Katy Fort Bend Road
Details: Volunteers will help prepare and package 3,375 meals for people in need in Katy and the surrounding area. The event is family-friendly, with roles ranging from food prep and packaging to cleanup and kids’ activities. Operation Turkey is a fully volunteer- run organization working nationwide to provide Thanksgiving meals to those in need. Learn more at operationturkey.com.
The 2025 Pecan Grove Turkey Trot
When: Thursday, November 27, 8 a.m.
Where: 1890 FM 359 Rd,
Richmond Details: The event includes a 5K competitive and non-competitive timed trot, a 1-mile kids’ trot, and a 1-mile adoption awareness walk. There will be a kids’ zone, music, vendor and sponsor booths, and prizes for participants. Proceeds support The Thankful Ones’ Adoptive Family Grant Award Program, which helps local families with adoptionrelated expenses; since 2022, the program has awarded over $200,000 to more than 50 families in the Greater Fort Bend and Houston areas.
For more information and to register, visit runsignup.com/ Race/Events/TX/Richmond/ PecanGroveTurkeyTrot.
Varma can be reached at juhi.varma@gmail.com.
Special Thanks to our Partner City of Missouri City
• Earthman Southwest Funeral Home/ Dignity Memorial
• Renewal by Anderson
• Optimum Care Senior Living
• Devoted Health Plans
• Scan Health Plan
• Suvida Healthcare
• Humana Market Point
• Pam Health
• Heather Borchardt Simpson
• Captel Outreach
• Next Day Access
• Care Partner
• Village Medical
• KS Insurance
• PrimeTime Medical Transportation
• BBB Education Foundation
• Verda Healthcare
• Ace Pain Management & Rehabilitation
• Caring Senior Service
• State Farm Freddie Noble
• Memorial Hermann Sugar Land
• CenterWell Primary Care
• Prolato Research LLC
• Real Time Pain Relief With Appreciation
• TP Health Multispecialty Clinic
• Visiting Angels Missouri City
Together, we made a lasting impact. Thank you for being part of our mission to uplift, educate, and support our senior community! — Fort Bend Star
Fort Bend County communities
events this weekend. Photo by Ken Fountain
EDITORIAL
The IOU-nited States
free buses, Zohran Mamdani.)
MY CHECK-
BOOK – Make it out to the U.S. Treasury Department for $114,000. Hmm. I seem to be about $113,999 short. I need to hold up a bank, win the lottery or get fired as a Texas A&M football coach. That $114k is my share, and your share, of the national debt. Since that bill is only per capita, you can add the same amount for your spouse, 12 kids and all those Americans who can’t even pay their grocery bills now that they have been DOGEed-out of a job by Elon Musk. Maybe he can pay my share. I am bringing up these IOUs because the U.S. government’s gross national debt – that’s us – has just surpassed $38 trillion. That is a record number. We must wonder how our forefathers and foremothers paid for their wars, depressions and the Louisiana Purchase without leaving their descendants a horrendous debt. Our children and grandchildren may be asking the
during George’s 2022 reelection campaign.
The indictment also allege that George may have directed Patel to add language to his own social media postings reacting to the false attacks.
In March, George was indicted on two felony counts of money. Prosecutors allege that between January 12, 2019 and April 22, 2019, George “knowingly” tampered with 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.” Prosecutors fleshed
Lynn Ashby Columnist
ASHBY2@COMCAST.NET
same question. How fast is our national IOU growing? Too fast. Hang on – don’t get whiplashed. The U.S. hit $34 trillion in debt in January 2024, $35 trillion in July 2024 and $36 trillion in November 2024. Only this past August was the debt a mere $37 trillion. It is estimated that the total national debt had grown by $69,713.82 per second for the past year. So that $114K you owe is old news. You now may be in arrears $200,000. Along with increasing debt, you get higher interest costs, which are now the fastestgrowing part of the budget. We spent $4 trillion on interest over the last decade, but will spend $14 trillion in the next 10 years. Economists say our debt is larger than
out the allegations, along with new ones, in a subsequent court filing in August.
In October, Woodfill and Yates filed four separate but largely identical motions calling on the respective courts to dismiss the charges and/ or disqualify Middleton from prosecuting because, they claim, Middleton was acting out of personal animus after he and George – who had once been political allies when they were both Democrats – had a political falling out. In June, after he was charged, George announced his switch in party affiliation to Republican.
George’s attorneys also state that Middleton and some of his subordinates, as well as Patel, used Signal and other messaging apps
STATE OF NEW MEXICO COUNTY OF SOCORRO
SEVENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT
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the combined economies of China, Germany, Britain, India and Japan. I’m not sure what “economy” means, but it sounds ominous. Who is to blame for this debacle? Congress, of course, which the Constitution clearly points out holds the purse strings for all federal spending. Both parties gleefully throw money around like a drunken sailor, although it has been noted that a drunken sailor spends his own money. Or as the late Sen. Everett Dirksen reportedly observed: “A billion here and a billion there and pretty soon you’re talking about real money.”
Now, in contrast to the national debt, the State of Texas is awash in money, thanks to our cheap spending and revenue from the awl biz. Yet Houston, we’ve got a problem. The Bayou City has a $160 million deficit. That’s OK, maybe. Compare this to Los Angeles with a projected $475 million shortfall this year; San Francisco with a projected $800 million shortfall over the next two years; Chicago is facing a $538 million budget gap; and New York City has an estimated $10 billion deficit. (Now about those
that delete messages after a period of time to exchange information about the charges against George. They say that such messaging was improper and in violation of state and federal law because it denies the defense access to information that could be exculpatory.
In their motions, they also claim that a taped interview between investigators and Patel – who in April accepted a plea deal and is working with prosecutors in their case against George – is missing a crucial three minutes in which Patel purportedly discussed what certain Democratic officials, including Middleton, knew about the social media campaign.
In a response to the motions to disqualify, Assistant
Analysts warn that, without new revenue, Houston could face a $227 million deficit by 2027 and a $463 million deficit by 2030. School districts in Harris, Fort Bend and Montgomery counties report massive debts. Trivia time. Who was the last president to preside over a balanced budget? That big spender Bill Clinton. And in all the crash of news, did we ever get to see Donald Trump’s tax returns? These shortfalls could be covered by various governments simply raising taxes. Good luck. The People’s Republic of Austin, noted for its benevolent wokeness, planned to raise a record 20 percent property tax increase – the largest in Austin’s history – to take care of the city’s homeless. It was just put to a vote – and was overwhelmingly defeated, but Austin still faces a $109 million shortfall. Cheer up. I have some good news about our massive IOUs. Federal tariff revenue soared to record highs in fiscal year 2025. The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget reports that customs duties generated $195 billion this year – more
District Attorney Charann Thompson, the lead prosecutor in the cases, writes that her office turned over all of the documentary evidence it plans to use in its money-laundering cases against George.
“The State also gave George and his attorneys the messages he included in his motion [for discovery materials], although they were not evidence in this case,” Thompson writes. “The messages cited in his motion were cherry-picked from among the hundreds of communications and images in Taral Patel’s cell phone, which the State provided to George as evidence in the misrepresentation of identity prosecution he is also facing.”
Thompson writes that based on state law and legal
than a 250 percent jump from the previous year. The Trump tariffs as of November 1 cost the average U.S. household $1,200. In 2026, that figure will rise to $1,600. OK, it’s not so much good news. That’s the problem – not enough to pay our bills. If we can’t raise taxes, then we have to cut expenses. But which ones? There is an expression: “Don’t tax him. Don’t tax me. Tax that guy behind the tree.” Substitute “tax” for “cuts.” When it comes to reducing government expenses, there is a huge amount of hypocrisy. I am all for cutting, say, subsidies for farmers. Just don’t cut mine. That banana tree in my patio yields 15 or 20 shrunken bananas, which certainly qualifies me for an agricultural subsidy. I served in the Marines heroically and, let the record show, during that time there were relatively few attacks by the Viet Cong on California. Where’s my lifelong pension?
True, these are small potatoes, or bananas, but to really look at cuts, we could start with the Department of Defense, oops, War. Its budget this year is $962 billion (your share is $2,918).That
precedent, George has shown no legal basis for Middleton to be disqualified.
“Our system of justice would grind to a halt if a defendant could simply claims prosecutor animus or dislike resulting in a disqualification of that prosecutor,” she writes.
“Such a system would create a never-ending process because a defendant would continue making such claims until he found one that would ultimately dismiss the criminal charge.”
She also writes that under state law and legal precedent, Middleton has no obligation to turn over to George’s attorneys messages from his personal cell phone that are unrelated to the cases against George.
is almost five times larger than Number 2: China. There are 47 aircraft carriers on the oceans. We have 11 of them. China has three. (Theirs are diesel-powered, ours are nuclear-powered.) Russia has one and it’s 40 years old. As of 2025, the U.S. maintains over 750 military bases around the world. Texas is home to 47 military bases including15 major installations which alone have an economic impact of over $150 billion annually. But pity any traitorous, peacenik member of Congress who wants to cut the Pentagon’s budget. That member will soon become an ex-member. Where else can we cut?
The Texas Medical Center annually receives hundreds of millions of tax dollars. Certainly we can cut … Wait. My heart is missing a beat. Get me to the TMC now! What did we do before we had air traffic controllers? And I like my meat with a few maggots. Adds to the flavor. You and I are all in favor of cutting the federal budget, but not banana subsidies.
Ashby slips on peels at ashby2@comcast.net
Thompson also states that prosecutors turned over to George’s attorneys two recordings, from separate cameras, of the interview with Patel. One of the recordings was missing a portion because the file was corrupted and could not be recovered. But the other recording was unaffected and turned over in its entirety, she states. A motions hearing is George’s money laundering cases which had been scheduled for November 10 was reset to December 9, with trial set for February 3. Trial in his misdemeanor cases is set for January 6, with a pretrial hearing set for December 16. Last week, George filed for reelection in the Republican primary next March.
Libraries add Kanopy+ streaming service
Community Reports
Fort Bend County Libraries (FBCL) this fall began offering a new video-streaming platform –Kanopy PLUS -- for library cardholders, who will have unlimited access to hundreds of video titles.
Kanopy is the leading streaming provider of highquality videos that give movie lovers free access to films that stimulate the imagination, promote learning, and spark meaningful conversations.
The Kanopy app is available on iOS and Android and all major streaming devices, including Roku, Apple TV, Android TV, Amazon Fire
TV, and Samsung Smart TV. Library users who already have the Libby by OverDrive app can also link to Kanopy PLUS from that app.
FBCL’s subscription to Kanopy PLUS provides access to two video collections – “British Cinema & TV” and “Easy Watching.” All videos in these two collections are always available, with unlimited simultaneous use and no waiting periods. Titles in each collection are updated regularly, so there will always be fresh content to explore.
The “British Cinema & TV” collection offers a unique blend of intriguing mysteries, addictive dramas, and big-hearted
comedies for Anglophiles who relish proper British movies and TV series.
The “Easy Watching” collection includes “fun, charming, and delightful” titles that engage and entertain, such as My Afternoons with Margueritte, Charade, and Life Animated.
More information on Kanopy PLUS, as well as instructions for registering for an account, can be found on FBCL’s website (www.fortbendlibraries.gov) under the eLibrary & FAQs tab.
With the rising cost of other video-streaming services, FBCL’s Kanopy PLUS platform is an attractive alternative for viewers looking to
save money with an affordable ad-free option. To access this service, all that is needed is a free FBCL library card. FBCL library cards are free to all Texas residents. To apply for a library card, please visit any FBCL location during business hours. A valid photo ID that is not expired (government-issued photo ID, passports from any country, or any state driver license) MUST be provided, along with a document showing a current address if it is not shown on the photo ID. For more information, inquire at any FBCL location or call the library system’s Communications Office (281-633-4734).
GHP looks at how Houston region compares to other metros
Staff Reports
Editor’s note: In its “Economy at a Glance” report for November, the Greater Houston Partnership – the regional chamber of commerce – draws on the latest American Community Survey data from the U.S. Census Bureau to show how Greater Houston measures up to its peer metros. The main body of the report is presented here by permission.
In October, the Partnership explored how the region’s demographic and economic profile has evolved over the past decade, drawing on newly released American Community Survey (ACS) data for 2024 from the U.S. Census Bureau. In short, the region has grown more diverse and better educated while aging more slowly than the nation overall. Additionally, the share of foreign-born residents has increased, with those born abroad now accounting for more than one in four Houston residents.
This month, the Partnership uses the latest ACS data to compare Houston with the nation’s 20 largest metro areas, to see how the region stacks up. The results highlight the region’s strengths, shed light on its challenges, and underscore Houston’s capacity for con-
with the responsibility of being a leader, you have to do just that. You have to lead,” Boney said in brief remarks.
“It’s important that we have leadership that listens to the citizens and moves us forward. I pray for our city, I pray for our current leadership, and I pray for our staff as we continue to make Missouri City the best place to live, work, and play,” he said to a standing ovation from the audience. After a full business meeting of the Council, the scene shifted to the Community Center, where there was a virtual standing-room-only crowd made of residents, officials and movers-and-shakers from across the city and elsewhere.
Sharita L. Thompson, a U.S. armed services veteran and consultant, was sworn in by Elackatt to take the District B seat vacated by Boney.
“This moment is not about me. It’s about us. It’s about a community that chooses belief over doubt, progress over fear, community over division,” Thompson said.
At-Large Position 2 Council member Lynn Clouser, elected to her third term in a threeway race after first being elected in 2020, was sworn in by her father, retired Fort Bend County Precinct 2 Justice of the Peace Joel Clouser, Sr.
tinued progress and growth.
Worker Earnings
The median worker in greater Houston earned $45,984 per year in 2024, placing the region 17th among the nation’s 20 most populous metropolitan areas. On the surface, that figure suggests the typical Houston worker is worse off than counterparts in most other large metros, but the comparison does not account for regional differences in the cost-of-living.
According to the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) Cost of Living Index (COLI), Houston was the second-most affordable major metro in 2024, with overall costs falling 5.8% below the U.S. urban average. When wages are adjusted to reflect what they would be if living costs matched the national average, the typical Houston worker’s purchasing power rises to $48,815 per year. That is enough to propel Houston to the Number 6 spot, near the top of the list. Many of the nation’s largest coastal metros, such as New York and Los Angeles, drop sharply in the rankings once cost-of-living differences are taken into account. Although workers in those regions tend to earn higher nominal wages, their earnings are quickly eroded by steep housing,
In its report for
transportation, and everyday living costs. The result is that the typical worker in a highcost coastal market has far less real purchasing power than a worker in Houston, underscoring how affordability is as critical as income in shaping a worker’s overall economic well-being.
Race and Ethnicity
Houston is among the most racially and ethnically diverse metro regions in the United States. As has been the case since the turn of the century, no single racial or ethnic group makes up a majority of the local population. Instead, Houston’s demographics reflect a broad mix of people that bring an inclusive character to its culture.
One way to measure a region’s diversity is through the Simpson Diversity Index, which shows the odds that two randomly selected residents
in a region will belong to different racial or ethnic groups. Dividing the population into Hispanic or Latino residents of any race and non-Hispanic White, Black, Asian, and other residents (including those of two or more races), Houston ranks fourth for diversity, with a 71.1% chance that any two random people will have different racial or ethnic backgrounds.
The three metros ranking above Houston are only slightly more diverse. In top-ranked San Francisco, the odds that two random residents belong to different groups are just 2.8 percentage points higher than in Houston.
In contrast to Houston, a single racial/ethnic group forms the majority of the population in the bottom nine metros on the list. In eight (Seattle, Phoenix, Philadelphia, Tampa, Denver, Boston, Detroit, and
Minneapolis), the majority is non-Hispanic White, while in Riverside, Hispanic or Latino residents make up most of the population.
Foreign-Born Population
More than one-in-four Houstonians (25.4%) were born outside the United States. That is well above the one-in-seven (14.8%) nationally. Among the nation’s 20 largest metro areas, only Miami, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York have higher shares of foreign-born residents, while metros such as Minneapolis, Detroit, and Philadelphia have shares that are less than half of Houston’s. The large share of foreign-born residents underscores Houston’s global and welcoming character.
Age
Houston has the youngest population of any major U.S. metro. With a median age of 35.7 years, compared to 39.2 years nationally, roughly half of all Houstonians are still in the formative stages of their lives and careers. The region’s youthful profile sets it apart from most large metros, where aging populations are beginning to reshape local economies and labor markets.
With 25.4% of its population under the age of 18, the highest share among major
U.S. metros, Houston stands out for having a vast pool of young talent that will enter the workforce in the years ahead. This deep bench of future workers will sustain the region’s economic growth, support local industries, and keep the region vibrant as older generations begin to retire. A young population also fuels demand as more residents enter their household-formation and wealth-building years, while fostering a community that’s open to new ideas and economic change - key ingredients for continued growth and innovation.
Note: The geographic area referred to in this publication as “Houston,” “Houston Area” and “Metro Houston” is the ten-county Census designated metropolitan statistical area of Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX. The ten counties are: Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Liberty, Montgomery, San Jacinto, and Waller.
Find the full “Economy at a Glance” report at houston. org/houston-data/economyat-a-glance-november-2025. Find the recently released ACS data at census.gov/ programs-surveys/acs/news/ data-releases/2024/release. html.
“Today is a victory, not just for me, but for our community and what lies ahead,” Clouser said.
At-Large Position 1 Council member Sonya Brown-Marshall, elected to her second term after first being elected in 2022, was effusive in her praise for her mentors and supporters.
“Thank you for your vote. You showed up for yourselves.
You showed up for better and you showed up for more. Now I have a job to do, and that is to deliver on my promises,” she said.
To bring the evening to a close, Elackatt was sworn in by 240th District Judge Surendran K. Pattel. Both men hail from the same state in India,
Drymalla Construction Co. LLC (CM at Risk) is soliciting Qualifications/Proposals from Subcontractors for the Lamar CISD Police and Technology Renovations. A Pre-bid meeting will be held 11/19/25 at the Brazos Crossing Administration Building 3911 AVE I Rosenberg, TX 77471 Qualifications and Proposals are due at 2:00 PM on Wednesday December 10, 2025, at the office of Drymalla Construction Co., 608 Harbert, Columbus TX 78934, via fax 979-732-3663, or email bids@ drymalla.com. For information on how to obtain copies of the Request for Qualifications/ Proposal documents call 979-732-5731 or email Jason Labay jason@drymalla.com Proposal documents can be obtained at the following link: https://cloud.drymalla.com/index.php/s/gSwRPJ86FeFgW4H REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL
and Pattell spoke at length about his pride in Elackatt’s service.
Elackatt began his remarks with his trademark humor before shifting to a more lofty tone.
“Leadership is not about a title, it’s about service. And I’m here to serve all of Missouri City, Texas. We are moving forward faster, stronger, and together,” he said.
“Over the past few years, we have strengthened our core services, enhanced our public safety, improved our parks and recreation, and continued in-
vesting in the infrastructure that keeps our community. Progress is not an accident. It is a choice. And in Missouri City, we choose progress every single day,” he said.
“While we have made real progress, tonight is about what comes next in Missouri City. We will continue improving our roads and drainage systems. We will continue supporting our police officers, firefighters and first responders. We will continue advancing economic development and attracting new businesses and opportunities. We will strengthen our
local economy by supporting small businesses, creating good-quality jobs, and building vibrant spaces that reflect what we are as a community,” he said.
“We’re not just maintaining a city. We’re shaping a legacy. We want to make sure we are building a place where families thrive, cultures come together, and every resident feels seen and heard,” he said. Afterward, the crowd joined the officials for photographs and refreshments at a reception.
Missouri City Mayor Robin Elackatt presents a city flag to outgoing District B Council member Jeffrey L. Boney to honor his eight years of service. Photo by Ken Fountain.
Richmond's Pecan Harvest Festival set for Saturday
Community Reports
The Rotary Club of Richmond Texas will present the 10th annual Pecan Harvest Festival in Richmond’s Historic Downtown District, held on Saturday, November 22 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The Pecan Harvest Festival is an annual free, family oriented event that celebrates the rich history of pecans in Fort Bend County while showcasing the unique features of historic downtown Richmond.
'Fort Bend Ghost Stories' available at George Memorial Library
Community Reports
Twenty-five years ago, longtime library and museum volunteer John C. Allwright compiled a collection of ghost stories that he recalled from throughout his lifetime of living in the Rosenberg/ Richmond area. The collection was published as “Fort Bend Ghost Stories,” and Allwright donated the proceeds from the sales of this book to the Genealogy and Local History Department at George Memorial Library in Richmond.
The book is one of five that Allwright wrote before his death in 2005. Dedicated to preserving the history of the Rosenberg/Richmond area, Allwright documented his memories of growing up in the area, raising children and grandchildren, and relating the rich history of the area to countless other individuals that he encountered as a volunteer at the library and as a docent at the Fort Bend Museum.
Allwright’s memories of growing up in the area and watching the many changes which took place over the years filled three other volumes – “My Memories of Rosenberg,” “People of Fort Bend County That I Met,” and “Fort Bend County Ghost
Stories,” which is a sequel to “Fort Bend Ghost Stories.” His final book was “Short Stories,” written in 2003.
For many years, Allwright fascinated the children of the county with tales of ghostly appearances in the area, and he was finally convinced to write them down. The original “Fort Bend Ghost Stories” features more than 35 stories of ghosts who have haunted the local area throughout its illustrious past. From the “Cotton Seed Mill Robber” to the “Brazos River Ghost” and many more, Allwright brought to life the ghostly residents of the county once
again. Fort Bend County Libraries’ Genealogy and Local History Department at George Memorial Library (1001 Golfview in Richmond) currently has copies of Allwright’s “Fort Bend Ghost Stories” available for sale. Proceeds from sales of the book benefit the department at the library. For more information, see the Fort Bend County Libraries website (www. fortbendlibraries.gov) or call George Memorial Library (281-342-4455) or the library system’s Communications Office (281-633-4734).
Festival attendees can expect to find outdoor artisan vendors, a classic car show, a pecan bake-off contest, a kids’ zone, a farmers market, daylong live entertainment, food trucks and vendors, as well as a beer and wine garden. Attendees will also be able to shop a Historic Downtowns stores or relax in its restaurants. You won’t want to miss stopping in at the Historic Downtown merchants or dine in its restaurants.
AgriLife will also present pecan equipment demonstrations and brief educational sessions.
The festival centers around the season when area pecan farmers harvest their crop and the Fort Bend County AgriLife Extension Service and the Fort Bend Pecan Growers Association judge locally grown pecans and present winning pecan classes at the festival.
A portion of the proceeds from the event will benefit Richmond Rotary’s charitable giving programs in the community, such as scholarships for Wharton County Junior College and Texas State Technical College students, support for Fort Bend Women’s Center, Nery’s Promise, Bed building projects with Sleep in Heavenly Peace and many other local non-profit partnerships and international giving through The Rotary Foundation. Learn more at pecanharvestfestival.com.
