01-06-2021 Edition of the Fort Bend Star

Utility bills increasing in Sugar Land - Page 2

Despite being relatively new to the area, Witt Pit BBQ in Rosenberg is fast becoming a local staple. Read our review inside today's edition on Page 8. (Photo by Stefan Modrich)

WEDNESDAY • JANUARY 6, 2021

Visit www.FortBendStar.com

Fort Bend / Southwest • Volume 45 • No. 20

Area businesses boosted by PPP loans

By Stefan Modrich

See list of local recipients on Page 7

SMODRICH@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

The Small Business Administration (SBA) provided a lifeline to many businesses of varying 9920 Hwy 90A Suite #D-120 sizes and across several Sugar Land, TX 77478 industries in Fort Bend 832-532-7816 County through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).

Dalyn Hoegemeyer,The AAMS list of loan recipiHoegemeyer, AAMS Financial Dalyn Advisor ents in zip code 77478, Financial Advisor 4502 Riverstone Blvd. #904 which includes Sugar Missouri City, TX. 77459 Bus. 281-494-3737 Land, was dominated by

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4502 Riverstone Blvd. #904 Missouri City, TX. 77459 Bus. 281-494-3737 Fax 888-849-8932 dalyn.hoegemeyer@edwardjones.com www.edwardjones.com

Dynamic Fitness received a Paycheck Protection Program loan and Economic Injury Disaster loans for its Sugar Land location. (Photo by Stefan Modrich)

Fax 888-849-8932 dalyn.hoegemeyer@edwardjones.com www.edwardjones.com

Dalyn Hoegemeyer, AAMS Financial Advisor 4502 Riverstone Blvd. #904 Missouri City, TX. 77459 Bus. 281-494-3737 Fax 888-849-8932 dalyn.hoegemeyer@edwardjones.com www.edwardjones.com

U.S. sanctions Venezuelans involved in ‘Citgo 6’ convictions

food distributors and restaurant franchisors. Tri City Foods, Inc., which is one of the largest franchise networks of Burger King in the area, garnered a $10 million PPP loan, the most in 77478. Within the same zip code is a Dynamic Fitness location, which received $539,736 in PPP loans and $150,000

in Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL).

Jared Williams, CEO and managing partner at Dynamic Fitness, which also has locations in Pearland and Katy, said he was impressed with the efficiency of the application process and the distribution of the loans.

“This was probably the fastest thing I’ve seen the government actually

SEE BOOST PAGE 7

Student teaching

By Adam Zuvanich AZUVANICH@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Four Fort Bend County families had to spend another Christmas without loved ones who remain imprisoned in Venezuela.

The U.S. government gave those families a belated holiday gift Wednesday, Dec. 30, granting their wish for meaningful action that might help their husbands, fathers, brothers and uncles finally return home.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury announced that its Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) had placed sanctions on a Venezuelan judge and prosecutor who played a role in the Thanksgiving Day conviction of six executives for Houston-based Citgo who were called to a meeting in Venezuela in November 2017 and arrested by the regime of Nicolas Maduro. Citgo is a subsidiary of PDVSA, an oil and gas company controlled by the Venezuelan government.

The “Citgo 6” as they are known were found guilty in November on corruption charges, but U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has referred to their trials as a “kangaroo court” at least in part because media and human rights groups were denied access to them.

Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin called their ongoing detention “unjust.”

Five of the convicted executives are dual citi-

SEE CITGO 6 PAGE 7

Tutor Evan Chan (on screen), a junior at Clements High School, helps Shannon Suo (left) identify clauses in a short story during a Dec. 24 tutoring session. Gladiator Tutoring, a free tutoring service, was formed by Clements High School students Paige Suo and Ami Chou to give accessible, virtual academic aid to pre-kindergarten through 8th grade students during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Contributed photo)

Clements students form online tutoring service

By Stefan Modrich SMODRICH@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

What do a group of ambitious students from Clements High School who want to spend their free time educating their younger peers have in common with warriors from ancient Rome?

At first glance, not much.

But allow one of the founders of Gladiator Tutoring to explain.

“Ami (Chou) and I agreed

that this was a really memorable name,” Paige Suo said.

“And growing up, I’ve always been interested in ancient

Roman culture and have come to see the term ‘gladiator’ and the ancient warriors of the time as a symbol of strength, and how to persevere through difficult times.”

After learning about the difficult academic and financial situations many families with young children have found themselves in throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Suo and Chou, sophomores at Clements, imagined a tutoring service that Suo said was “easily ac-

cessible, 100 percent free, and had a purpose to aid parents and their children by dedicating time to help them retain information.”

Gladiator Tutoring (GT) emerges into the academic arena still very much in its infancy. The website (gladiatortutoring.org), which was created by Grace Li, also a sophomore at Clements, has only been live for about two weeks, and the organization

SEE TUTORING PAGE 7

County receives first COVID-19 vaccine shipment

By Stefan Modrich SMODRICH@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Richmond resident Carlos Anez, the stepson of imprisoned Citgo executive Jorge Toledo, marches in honor of the “Citgo 6” at Candlelight Park in Houston on Oct. 13, 2019.

(Photo by Adam Zuvanich)

When will Fort Bend County residents have access to a COVID-19 vaccine, which residents will be eligible to get the vaccine first, and where can they get it?

County officials addressed these questions during a Monday news conference and admitted that, because of the fluidity of the

situation amid the pandemic, they were still awaiting many of the same answers from state and federal officials that the general public seeks.

Later Monday, County Judge KP George wrote in a tweet that the county had received a shipment of 1,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses.

“We are now working around the clock to begin the process of administering all doses, (without) delay,”

George tweeted. “Over 5,000 people have pre-registered. Please be patient with us as we contact you to set up appointments.”

The county is an authorized provider of the vaccine under the distribution plan

by Texas’ Department of State Health Services (TDSHS), George said, but was

SEE VACCINE PAGE 7

Fort Bend County Health and Human Services Director Dr. Jacqueline Minter speaks May 1 in Missouri City. (Photo by Landan Kuhlmann)

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4500 Highway 6, Sugar Land, TX 77478

THE STAR

PAGE 2 • Wednesday, January 6, 2021

OakBend welcomes first baby of 2021

See us online www.FortBendStar.com

Municipal court employees earn administration awards

By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Two leading ladies in Sugar Land’s municipal court system have received statewide recognition for their efforts.

A Dec. 30 news release from the city said the Texas Court Clerks Association (TCCA) had selected Municipal Court Administrator Kendra Beverly as the recipient of the 2020 Distinguished Service Award. Beverly and Deputy Court Administrator Brittany Wright were

Beverly

Wright

also recognized as Certified Court Managers by the National Center for State Courts' Institute for Court Management (ICM).

Sugar Land Municipal Court has been recognized for its efforts in implementing remote appearances

and hybrid pre-trials during the COVID-19 pandemic under Beverly’s leadership, according to the release.

The city said Wright and Beverly have worked on the certification for more than two years, completing the program in December.

Sugar Land residents to see spike in monthly utility bills

By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

OakBend Medical Center welcomed its first baby of 2021 at 3:23 p.m. on New Year's Day. Parents Alondra and Jesse Perez are shown here with baby Zyrah Alix Perez, who weighed in at 7 lbs., 1 oz. and was 19.5 inches long. (Contributed photo)

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Increased utility rates for Sugar Land residents that were approved by the city council in September took effect on New Year’s Day. Community members will now see an increase in their water and residential waste bills each month, according to the city.

A news release from the city said residents with 10,000 gallons of water usage and an average of 6,000

gallons of winter usage will pay roughly $10 more per month, while those with 5,000 gallons of water usage and 3,000 gallons per winter will see bills increase by about $6 per month.

The water rate increase is a part of the city’s Integrated Water Resource Plan (IWRP), which was adopted in 2019 in order to meet the 60 percent groundwater reduction mandate set by the Fort Bend Subsidence District Regulatory Plan.

In November, the city also approved a contract with NewGen Strategies and So-

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lutions, LLC, for phases two and three of a utility rate study.

The city’s last full utility rate study was done in 2007 and resulted in the current rate structure, which prior to 2020 had not been increased since 2011, except for surface water rates in 2014, according to the city. Data from the city’s website shows its population has grown almost 56 percent since the last study, from 76,228 in 2007 to an estimated 118,848 in 2020.

The city said residential solid waste will now cost $19.76 per month, a 38-cent increase, which is based on a 1.95 percent Consumer Price Index (CPI) increase included in the city's contract with Republic Services.

"As Sugar Land's population has increased, so has the burden on our utility system," Director of Finance Jennifer Brown said in a news release. "The increase will allow us to make necessary improvements and meet mandates that will benefit residents for years to come."

For more information on the increase and the planned study, community members can visit sugarlandtx.gov/1879/2021Utility-Rate-Changes.

12/15/20 3:49 PM

Worship Directory FORT BEND COUNT Y

BAPTIST CHURCH

HERITAGE BAPTIST CHURCH • 281-403-4994 2223 FM1092 • Missouri City, TX 77459 John Strader , Senior Pastor Sunday Bible Study 9:30 am Sunday Worship 10:45 am 6:00 pm Wednesday 7:00 pm AWANA/Youth www.hbctx.org METHODIST CHURCH

CHRIST CHURCH SUGAR LAND • 281-980-6888 A United Methodist Community 3300 Austin Parkway • Sugar Land, TX 77479 Sunday Worship in the Sanctuary Simple Service / Prayer & Communion: 8 am Contemporary: 9:15 am / Traditional: 10:30 am Modern: 10:30 am Sunday School for all ages available at 9:15 www.christchurchsl.org EPISCOPAL

ALL SAINTS EPISCOPAL CHURCH • 281-499-9602 605 Dulles Avenue, Stafford, TX 77477 SUNDAY: 10:15 am Worship Rite Two www.allsaintsstafford.org

CHURCH OF CHRIST

STAFFORD CHURCH OF CHRIST • 281-499-2507 402 Stafford Run Rd. -Stafford, 77477 SUNDAY: Worship: 10:30 a.m. www.staffordchurchofchrist.org LUTHERAN CHURCH

FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH, LCMS 281-242-7729 800 Brooks St., Sugar Land Sunday: 8:00 am Traditional Worship 9:15 am Sunday School 10:30 am Contemporary Worship (Nursery Available) 4:00 pm Spirit of Life Worship PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH • 281-240-3195 502 Eldridge Road, Sugar Land, TX 77478 Reverend Dr. Fred Seay, Pastor Sunday Worship In Person 9:30 am / Nursery Available Worship Online on YouTube www.fpcsl.org

Scripture of the week

“Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the LORD!” - Psalm 31:24

FortBendStar • fortbendstar.com

E E E E

Ob

itu a ry

E E E E

DOROTHY (BONNEAU) FINLEY JANUARY 15, 1944

Dorothy Jeanne (Bonneau) Finley, 76, of Missouri City, TX, passed away on January 2nd.

She had been struggling with Alzheimer’s related issues for the past few years. She was born in January of 1944 to Paul Emile and Inez Marie (Collins) Bonneau. As a child, she had a large and loving family with nine brothers and sisters. She attended Angleton High School.

While living in Angleton, she met the love of her life, Charles Ray Finley and they were married in 1961. During their 59-year marriage, Charles and Dorothy went on to have three children (Michelle, Mark, and Anthony) along with multiple grandchildren. They lived in their home in Missouri City for nearly 46 years. In life, she was always known for her great big smile and her ability to make

E

JANUARY 2, 2020

others feel at home. She had a servant’s heart and was happy to help anyone who needed it. She shared blessings with everyone she encountered and brightened the days of many folks. She was a wonderful wife and mother who will truly be missed. She is preceded in death by her parents: Paul and Inez Bonneau; her sisters: Mary Louise Garrett, Margie Foudray, Pauline

Sebesta, Jo Ann Bonneau, and her brothers: Donald Bonneau, Paul Bonneau. She is survived by her husband, Charles Ray Finley; her three children, Michelle Johnson (grandson: Chris and Melanie Johnson) and Sequetta Baldwin, Mark and Missy Finley (grandchildren: Roger, Reyna, and Brianna), and Anthony and Angelia Finley (grandsons: Ryan, Dylan, and Bennett); Surviving brothers and sisters are Bobby Bonneau, Joyce Coley, and Jimmy Bonneau. Visitation – Thursday, January 7th - 5:00 to 7:00 pm (6:30 pm Rosary), Palms Funeral Home, 2300 East Mulberry, Angleton, Tx Funeral – Friday, January 8th – 10:00 am, Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 1713 North Tinsley Street, Angleton, Tx Donations to the Alzheimer’s Association would be appreciated.

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Wednesday, January 6, 2021 • PAGE

3

Resolve to connect in 2021, virtually or otherwise Yes, the pandemic did dominate the headlines this past year. So, what do you think will do it in 2021?

We started the first day with a new lineup of elected officials in Fort Bend County.

“A first-ever virtual installation ceremony for our new elected officials,” said Fort Bend County Judge KP George, who administered the oaths of office to 15 officials this past Friday. Most of them are newly elected, including four district court judges, a sheriff and the county attorney.

Some of the focus among “Benders” has been on Eric Fagan, the second Black sheriff elected in Fort Bend County since the 1800s. The first was Walter Moses Burton – in 1869. And while some places in the country have considered and called for the abolishment, dismantling or defunding of the police, there’s no such talk about it in this area by elected leaders, including county commis-

Elsa Maxey

sioners. The new Fort Bend County Sheriff reportedly said he has no plans to do it.

The county’s updated website for the sheriff’s office, already with Fagan’s name on it, states, “It is the mission of persons employed by the Sheriff’s Office of Fort Bend County to protect the lives, property, and rights of all people in this County.” In the accomplishment of the mission, it is also expressly stated that the “Sheriff’s Office employees shall be, at all times, courteous, impartial, and diligent, in the execution of their duties, they shall be guided by those constitutional and legal principles, which

are the foundation of the United States of America and the State of Texas.”

So, one could say, we’re off to an excellent start in Fort Bend!

Fagan succeeds Troy Nehls, who after last Sunday’s House of Representatives swearingin ceremony in Washington, D.C., has affirmed to support and defend the U.S. constitution. He recited the oath of office among other new and reelected members of congress from throughout the U.S. about the obligation to do this against all enemies, foreign and domestic.

Nehls, a Republican, succeeds Pete Olson, who did not run for reelection, and will now be representing those of us who live in Texas’ 22nd Congressional District.

A friend of mine, who lives in Quail Valley in Missouri City, said she wanted to vote for Nehls and found out he wasn’t on her ballot. The congressman for her area is Al Green. Having served in

congress since 2005, he was reelected this past November. Green, a member of the Democratic Party, represents congressional District 9 consisting of southwestern Houston, and part of Fort Bend County with most of Missouri City.

What a disconnect! It surprised me that my friend did not know who represented her, hence the importance of connections.

So, as we glide into the first month of 2021, online hookups for meetings, workshops, conferences and even family gatherings will probably continue to morph into in-person social distance gatherings, also with the virtual platform options. As for the use of technology with the online meets, I have left at least one popular platform with privacy risks, and unfortunately the exposure is not that wellknown to users. There are no end-to-end encryptions on it, which means that others can access the information in

Longtime FBISD trustee announces retirement

By Stefan Modrich SMODRICH@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Come May 1, a new member will have been elected to serve on Fort Bend ISD’s Board of Trustees in Position 2.

Grayle James, a Sugar Land resident who has served for nine years on the board, announced in a news release Monday that she would not pursue a fourth term.

“As I reflect on my service to Fort Bend ISD, I am humbled by your support and belief in me over these past nine years,” James said in a news release. “The journey has been very rewarding through my experiences and the new friends I have made along the way. It has been an honor and privilege to serve this amazing district.”

During her board tenure, James played key leadership roles, serving two years as president. For three years, she chaired the Vision and Planning Committee, and spent five years as the chair of the Policy Committee. She also received the designation of Master Trustee by the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB).

In a phone interview Monday, James said she had spent considerable time planning to retire from the board, adding she began to formulate her decision in talks with her family even before the COVID-19 pandemic began in the U.S. in March.

“In a sense, it was not that difficult of a decision, but yet I’ve loved serving on the school board and I will miss it,” James said. “But it’s time to move on and do some new things.”

She was also involved in the hiring of Charles Dupre as superintendent in 2013.

James said she does not ex-

pect Dupre’s replacement will be hired before her term expires in May, but that she would be involved in the search for Dupre’s successor, including hiring a search firm and reaching out to community members for feedback.

Dupre’s Nov. 16 announcement in which he said he planned to retire at the end of 2021, James said, “reinforces” her decision to retire.

“I thought, ‘I don’t want to be in the place of when the new superintendent comes in at the very beginning to be there to hold that person accountable over a period of time for what their vision is for the district and what they say they’re going to do,' ’’ James said.

James said she was proud of the awards and accolades the district has received dur-

James

ing her nine years of service, including the H-E-B Excellence in Education – School Board of the Year Award FBISD earned in 2017, and an academic program management audit conducted in 2019 by Gibson Consulting that garnered the district 17 commendations.

Additionally, James oversaw the rezoning of the entire district in 2015, in the

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process aligning the feeder school patterns, considering the social and emotional impact of streamlining the pipelines from elementary schools to middle schools and middle schools to high schools.

“If you were to look at a map of the district at that time, there was a lot of fragmentation,” James said.

“So an elementary school, all of the kids in fifth grade, they would split up some of them to five different middle schools, based on the zoning.

So they would transition to that new school, but not be with their cohort from their grade that they had come to know.”

She also said the measures she and her colleagues adopted demonstrated FBISD’s growth and progress over a span of several years.

“FBISD has grown from a district of silos and secrets to one that strives for transparency to the staff and community in everything we do,” James said.

addition to the parties in the communication.

When initiated by others, I look to jumping off or not joining that platform and more gradually resuming to person-to-person settings with safety precautions relating to our COVID-19 reality.

This alternative may be more promising now due to the impending rollout and accessibility of the COVID vaccine to the general public.

“The burden of fear has been lifted,” said a neighbor of mine who was vaccinated last week. She’ll be getting the second shot soon.

As for our newly sworn in elected officials, we can expect new opportunities for connecting with them in their elected roles and engaging with them. They represent the continuation of the generations of decision makers.

This year, 2021, let’s dominate the headlines with noteworthy connections during what may be a challenging and hopeful transitional period, also with the new slate of elected officials … at all levels of representation. They will make many decisions on our behalf that will affect us and our business, personal or otherwise. Let’s keep in mind that the people elected to office are not experts on every issue on which they act. So, it’s particularly important for us to make it a point to meet, if possible, and talk to them about our perspectives.

These connections will ultimately impact self worth both ways and best of all, they are purposeful, akin to connecting the dots: drawing logical inferences of information to reveal something previously hidden or unknown.

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Cholesterol is a substance that is created in the liver or introduced to the body from the diet. Too much bad cholesterol in the body can cause a thick plaque to develop in the artery walls which can cause blood clots. Blood clots in the narrow arteries can lead to heart attacks, stroke, and damage to the blood vessels. It is important to lower total cholesterol to keep the cardiovascular system healthy. Many medications are available to help lower bad cholesterol. HMG Co-A Reductase Inhibitors, commonly known as statins, are medications that work in the liver to stop the production of cholesterol. Common statins include atorvastatin (Lipitor) and rosuvastatin (Crestor). Muscle soreness is a common side effect, but if the muscles become severely weak and painful then there may be a more severe problem. Bile acid binding resins such as Pravachol (cholestyramine) work in the gut to help reduce cholesterol, but it can lead to constipation and gas. Niacin (Niaspan) helps reduce bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol.

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Formerly known as the Fort Bend Newcomers Guide, the Fort Bend Star Guide is a twice a year product that serves as a guide to everyday living in our unique community. Where to go, places to see, things to do and services that are available in Sugar Land, Missouri City, Richmond, Rosenberg, Stafford, and Fort Bend County.

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PAGE 4 • Wednesday, January 6, 2021

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Wednesday, January 6, 2021 • PAGE

5

@FtBendAthletics:

Buffs, Panthers end seasons in state quarters

By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Two area high school football teams vying for spots in the state semifinals fell short last Friday afternoon.

The Marshall Buffalos were denied a third straight trip to the Class 5A Division II state semifinals, losing 37-28 in a seesaw battle with the Crosby Cougars. The Ridge Point Panthers, meanwhile, were unable to take down the state’s top-ranked Class 6A squad, losing 56-14.

At Turner Stadium in Humble, Marshall was unable to hold onto multiple second-half leads, ending its bid for a third consecutive trip to the state finals in a game that featured five lead changes.

Following a defensive struggle in the first half that saw Marshall take a 7-6 advantage into the locker room courtesy of 26-yard touchdown reception by Chris Marshall, both offenses revved it up in the second half. Marshall’s second touchdown catch late in the third quarter put the Buffalos back on top 14-9, shortly before he was ejected from the game as the result of committing two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties.

A Javion Matthews rushing touchdown run early in the final stanza

Ridge Point wide receiver Christian Washington (80) prepares to cut back during a Dec. 11 area-round playoff game against Jersey Village at Legacy Stadium in Katy.

The Panthers lost to North Shore 56-14 last Friday to end the season at 8-3. (Photo by Landan Kuhlmann)

Marshall wide receiver Chris Marshall, holding ball, tries to fight past a Crosby defender while Javion Matthews (3) blocks during a state quarterfinal playoff game last Friday at Turner Stadium in Humble. Matthews and Marshall combined for four touchdowns, but the Buffalos lost 37-28 to end their season. (Photo by Landan Kuhlmann)

put Marshall up by two scores, but the Cougars came roaring back with 15 unanswered points to retake the lead.

Barely a minute later, Marshall quarterback Roland Harvey found

Matthews for a 27-yard scoring toss that Matthews hauled in – despite a defender being draped all over him – to give Marshall back a 28-24 lead.

However, the Cougars answered right back with

two late touchdowns and a key defensive stop to steal the game.

Marshall finished the season with a 12-1 overall record.

Just down the road in Galena Park, the Pan-

thers saw a historic season come to an end at the hands of top-ranked North Shore. Ridge Point ended the season with an 8-3 overall record.

In his final high school game, running back Keith Jackson punched in two scores to account for all of Ridge Point’s offensive output.

Jackson, who is committed to the University of North Texas, finished his senior season with more than 1,100 yards and 19 touchdowns. Over his

three-year varsity career, he accumulated more than 1,700 rushing yards along with 25 touchdowns.

The Panthers will lose Jackson along with their three leading receivers to graduation next season.

However, they will retain their quarterback in Bert Emanuel Jr., who accounted for more than 1,800 total yards and 21 touchdowns along with being the team’s second leading rusher.

Follow us on social media @FortBendStar

WCJC

Fund your Future

CLASSES BEGIN JANUARY 19

ENROLL NOW

WCJC’S Fund Your Future resources are limited in availability for qualified students enrolling with WCJC for the Spring 2021 semester. Visit wcjc.edu for details.

CARES Welcome Back to WCJC Scholarship

Tuition & Fee Installment Plan

M.G. and Lillie A. Johnson Foundation Scholarships

Discounted Tuition & Fees Program

Funds from the CARES Hispanic-Serving Institutions Grant will be used to fund Spring 2021 scholarships in the amount of $1,000 for WCJC students who attended in Spring 2020, when the COVID-19 national emergency was declared, but did not enroll at WCJC in Fall 2020.

Students enrolled in Allied Health majors, Pre-Allied Health majors or in Emergency Medical Services courses may qualify for a $1,000 scholarship.

Students must reside in one of 15 specific counties – Aransas, Bee, Calhoun, Colorado, Dewitt, Goliad, Gonzales, Jackson, Karnes, Lavaca, Matagorda, Refugio, Victoria, Waller or Wharton – or within the Needville Independent School District. Deadline for the Johnson Foundation scholarship is Jan. 15, 2021.

Pioneer Restart Debt Forgiveness Program

This program offers a waiver of up to $500 for former WCJC students who left school with an outstanding balance but plan to return to the college for the Spring 2021 semester.

Spring 2021 First-Time-at-WCJC Scholarship

WCJC’s Tuition & Fee Installment Plan enables students to pay 20 percent of their tuition and fees up front, plus a $35 non-refundable enrollment fee, and then spread out the remainder of their tuition in equal monthly installments. All registered WCJC students can apply for an installment plan.

Additional assistance is being provided for WCJC students who take more than 13 hours of academic transfer courses. Under this policy, tuition and fees will be waived for any courses above the 13 credit hours. For example, an in-district student taking 19 credit hours will pay roughly $1,214 – the same amount paid by a student taking only 13 hours.

Federal Direct Student Loans

Students who have a complete financial aid file at WCJC and are achieving Satisfactory Academic Progress may qualify for subsidized and/or unsubsidized student loans. The fixed interest rate on 2020-2021 direct student loans is a low 2.75 percent.

Financial Aid Special Condition Request

This scholarship is available for incoming Spring 2021 WCJC students who have no prior enrollment in credit-hour courses at WCJC, beyond dual credit.

The scholarship amount is $1,000.

This request enables qualified students to receive an increased Pell Grant award and possibly additional subsidized loan funds. It’s aimed at WCJC students who have faced a reduction in household income due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Spring 2021 Endowment Scholarships

Pell Grants

More than 70 endowment scholarships are available, each in varying amounts and each awarded based on donor specifications.

Students who display exceptional financial need may be awarded a Federal Pell Grant. A Pell Grant is a form of “gift aid” that does not have to be paid back.

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LEGALS NOTICE TO BIDDERS Sealed bids addressed to Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 26 will be received electronically via the CivcastUSA. com bidding platform until 10:00 A.M. local time, Wednesday, February 3, 2021 by its Engineer, Wayne B. Saliger, P.E., R.P.L.S., Saliger Engineering Corporation Civil Engineers & Land surveyors, 3338 County Rd 239, Gonzales, Texas 78629, 830-263-1510 and read aloud via teleconference call, for furnishing all plant, labor, material and equipment and performing all work required for the construction of: WASTEWATER COLLECTION SYSTEM REHABILITATION & REPAIR PHASE TWO: PIPE BURSTING IN QUAIL GREEN AND QUAIL GREEN WEST, PHASE THREE: CURED IN PLACE PIPE LINER IN QUAIL GREEN AND QUAIL GREEN WEST; AND PHASE FOUR: MANHOLE REPAIR IN FORT BEND COUNTY MUD No. 26 MISSOURI CITY, FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS The Bid Opening will be held at 10:00 A.M., Wednesday, February 3, 2021 via Zoom.com (Online or Phone-In: (346) 248-7799, Meeting ID: 940 3059 7331, Passcode: 814513).

Plans, specifications, bid documents and electronic bid form are available at www.civcastusa.com A Pre-Bid Conference will be held at 10:00 A.M., Wednesday, January 13, 2021 via Zoom.com (Online or Phone-In: (346) 248-7799, Meeting ID: 984 0451 0154, Passcode: 736793).

Attendance at the Pre-Bid Conference is not mandatory but bidders are encouraged to attend.

ATTENTION: Pursuant to Texas Government Code Sec 2252.908, unless you are a publicly traded entity or a wholly owned subsidiary of same, you must be able to provide Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 26 (the “District”) with printed and signed copies of a completed disclosure of interested parties form (form 1295) and a certificate of filing at the time of the District’s execution of the contract. Failure to do so will result in the District’s inability to execute the contract. To complete the disclosure of interested parties form, or for further information, please visit the Texas Ethics Commission website at https://www. ethics.state.tx.us The requirements of Subchapter J, Chapter 552, Government Code, may apply to this Contract and this Contractor agrees that the Contract can be terminated if the Contractor knowingly or intentionally fails to comply with a requirement of that subchapter.

Bid Security shall be a Bid Bond, Cashier's Check or Certified Check in an amount equal to ten percent (10%) of the total bid and must accompany each proposal. Bid Bond, Cashier's Check or Certified Check must be made payable to: Fort Bend County MUD No. 26.

The successful bidder must furnish an insurance certificate, a performance bond and a payment bond in the amount of one hundred (100%) percent of the contract price within ten (10) days after receipt of the contract documents. Payment and performance bonds shall be issued from sureties with "A" rating from Best's Key Rating Guide and who are authorized by the State Board of Insurance to do business in Texas and to issue said bonds. The bonds must be signed by an authorized representative of the surety and licensed by the State Board of Insurance.

Fort Bend County Utility District Municipal No. 26 reserves the right to reject any and all bids or to accept any bid deemed advantageous to them or waiver all irregularities.

DECEMBER, 2020

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING SPECIAL EXCEPTION REQUEST FROM THE REAR YARD SETBACK REQUIREMENT IN THE STANDARD SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (R-1) ZONING DISTRICT FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 3446 AMPHORA CIRCLE Zoning Board of Adjustment Public Hearing VICINITY MAP: 5:00 p.m., January 20, 2021, City of Sugar Land City Council Chamber, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, hosted via live stream at http://www.sugarlandtx.gov/1238/SLTV-16Live-Video or https://www.youtube.com/ sugarlandtxgov/live, and Sugar Land Comcast Subscribers can also tune-in on Channel 16 to hear all persons interested in the proposed Special Exception to the Rear Yard Setback for 3446 Amphora Circle, Lot 7, Block 1, Austin Park Section Two, in the Standard SingleFamily Residential (R-1) District.

The agenda item for this meeting will be placed on the City of Sugar Land website at www.sugarlandtx.gov under “Meeting Agendas” Zoning Board of Adjustment no later than Friday, January 15, 2021. Request details or provide feedback on the proposed Special Exception online at www.sugarlandtx. gov/PublicHearingComment or contact City of Sugar Land Planning Department at (281) 275-2218.

As of the date of this publication (January 6, 2021) the Centers for Disease Control recommends social-distancing and the avoidance of large and small gatherings in public spaces in order to limit the spread of COVID-19. As a result, the City of Sugar Land has elected to conduct this meeting online. Members of the public wishing to view the meeting live may do so at the links above. Members of the public desiring to make comments during the public hearing may submit their written comments to the Office of City Secretary (citysec@ sugarlandtx.gov). Comments should reference the hearing in the subject line, must be received by 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 20, 2021, then will be read into the record during the public hearing.

Members of the public desiring to make their comments during the published date and time of the public hearing must e-mail (citysec@sugarlandtx.gov) or call ((281) 275-2730) the Office of the City Secretary by 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 20, 2021 to register and receive instructions for direct participation during the hearing.

Should the Centers for Disease Control, and/or the prevailing appropriate authority, lift the restrictions related to social-distancing and the avoidance of large and small gatherings in public spaces prior to 72 hours of the date of the public hearings, the City of Sugar Land will provide notice to the public on the Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting agenda at www.sugarlandtx.gov under “Meeting Agendas.”

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING SPECIAL EXCEPTION REQUEST FROM THE REAR YARD SETBACK REQUIREMENT IN THE RESTRICTED SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (R-1R) ZONING DISTRICT FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 4003 THISTLE HILL COURT Zoning Board of Adjustment Public VICINITY MAP: Hearing 5:00 p.m., January 20, 2021, City of Sugar Land City Council Chamber, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, hosted via live stream at http://www.sugarlandtx.gov/1238/ SLTV-16-Live-Video or https://www.youtube. com/sugarlandtxgov/live, and Sugar Land Comcast Subscribers can also tune-in on Channel 16 to hear all persons interested in the proposed Special Exception to the Rear Yard Setback for 4003 Thistle Hill Court, Lot 6, Block 3, Sweetwater Section 4, in the Restricted Single-Family Residential (R-1R) District.

The agenda item for this meeting will be placed on the City of Sugar Land website at www.sugarlandtx.gov under “Meeting Agendas” Zoning Board of Adjustment no later than Friday, January 15, 2021. Request details or provide feedback on the proposed Special Exception online at www.sugarlandtx. gov/PublicHearingComment or contact City of Sugar Land Planning Department at (281) 275-2218.

As of the date of this publication (January 6, 2021) the Centers for Disease Control recommends social-distancing and the avoidance of large and small gatherings in public spaces in order to limit the spread of COVID-19. As a result, the City of Sugar Land has elected to conduct this meeting online.

Members of the public wishing to view the meeting live may do so at the links above. Members of the public desiring to make comments during the public hearing may submit their written comments to the Office of City Secretary (citysec@sugarlandtx.gov). Comments should reference the hearing in the subject line, must be received by 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 20, 2021, then will be read into the record during the public hearing. Members of the public desiring to make their comments during the published date and time of the public hearing must e-mail (citysec@sugarlandtx.gov) or call ((281) 275-2730) the Office of the City Secretary by 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 20, 2021 to register and receive instructions for direct participation during the hearing.

Should the Centers for Disease Control, and/or the prevailing appropriate authority, lift the restrictions related to social-distancing and the avoidance of large and small gatherings in public spaces prior to 72 hours of the date of the public hearings, the City of Sugar Land will provide notice to the public on the Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting agenda at www.sugarlandtx.gov under “Meeting Agendas.”

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★ BOOST FROM PAGE 1 do,” Williams said. “The government gave empowerment to the local banks to speed things up, because obviously, time was of the essence to be able to get funds out to these local businesses so they can stay afloat, keep employees employed and keep facilities maintained and everything that comes as a continuous expense whether you’re open or not.”

Williams opened his first Dynamic Fitness location 11 years ago. Before that, he spent nearly four years working in management at 24 Hour Fitness. His top priority has been trying to keep morale high around his clubs and to guide his staff through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Us being able to maneuver through this and still keep these guys employed and focused and keeping our clubs maintained and equipped, that’s the entirety of the (purpose of the funding),” Williams said.

“We’re just a local business around here just trying to do our absolute best with a Whac-A-Mole of problems to be able to navigate through this as sound and as ethically as possible.”

President Donald Trump signed a $900 billion COVID-relief package into law on Dec. 27, which will extend both the PPP and EIDL programs.

Gary Henderson, an SBA lending professional and the executive vice president of Allegiance Bank, said small businesses that are first-time applicants for

★ TUTORING FROM PAGE 1 has been holding some of its first remote sessions over that same span.

Chou said GT has had 32 students sign up for sessions so far. She said scheduling has been a challenge to maintain on top of everyone else’s course loads as full-time students.

Clements principal David Yaffie and Fort Bend ISD’s media relations office did not respond to phone calls and emails seeking comment.

Linda Zhang, the mother of Jeremiah Zhang, a secondgrader at Austin Parkway Elementary in Sugar Land, said she can feel the passion Suo and Chou have for her child’s academic success even through their email cor-

★ CITGO 6 FROM PAGE 1 zens, including Sugar Land resident Jorge Toledo and Katy residents Gustavo Cardenas and Jose Luis Zambrano. Katy resident Jose Pereira is a legal U.S. resident. The other imprisoned men are Tomeu Vadell and Zambrano’s brother, Alirio, who also has family in the Houston area.

“It feels like a little bit of justice happening here at

★ VACCINE FROM PAGE 1 not listed as a Week 1, Week 2 or Week 3 vaccine recipient on the TDSHS website.

Dr. Jacqueline Minter, director of the county’s Health and Human Services Department (HHSD), said Monday the county has entered Phase 1 — split into Phase 1A, which Minter said is limited to frontline healthcare workers and those who are residents of long-term care facilities, and Phase 1B, which is designated for those who are 65 and older and those who are 16 and older with at least one chronic medical condition such as cancer or diabetes.

“If you are in those groups, we are asking you to roll up your sleeve and participate in this response that will allow us to safely congregate, the way we desire, without risking the health and safety of ourselves and our neighbors,” Minter said.

The vaccine doses administered to healthcare workers and high-risk patients in hospitals within Fort Bend County should not be confused with that of the county’s planned vaccination sites, Minter and George said.

During the last two weeks of the state’s vaccine allocation, county hospitals and pharmacies received 10,800 doses of the Moderna vac-

Wednesday, January 6, 2021 • PAGE

7

PPP loans and have 500 or fewer employees are eligible to apply for the next round of loan distribution.

For businesses that already received funding during the first draw of PPP loans, business owners would need to demonstrate that they have suffered a 25 percent reduction in revenue from any one quarter from 2019 to 2020. In addition, they must have no more than 300 employees.

Henderson advised that business owners and entrepreneurs should set their expectations based on the first round of PPP lending, following the same steps to get their books in order. He also emphasized applicants be patient with the process, whether or not they have applied for aid before.

“It should go a little bit smoother (with the second round of PPP loans), since we’ve already been down this road once,” Henderson said.

In the Missouri City zip code of 77459, a variety of industries, including energy, human resources, fitness and real estate, were represented among the businesses which received the 10 largest loans.

Nestar Medcare LLC got a $2.22 million loan, the highest in 77459.

In the heavily industrial zip code of 77477, which includes most of Stafford, the largest loan went to Puffer-Sweiven LP. The company, which makes equipment for oil and gas production and other energy sources, among other things, got $10 million.

The 77479 zip code encompasses parts of Sugar Land and Missouri City as

well as Greatwood. There, the biggest PPP loan recipient was the Sugar Land firm Resource Staffing Inc., which checked in at $3.71 million.

Parts of Missouri City and Fort Bend Houston are located within the boundaries of the 77489 zip code, where Texas Pride Disposal Solutions, LLC received $1.72 million.

North of Highway 90 lies 77498, a zip code that is home to both Sugar Land’s regional airport and Constellation Field, the ballpark that houses the Sugar Land Skeeters.

Welker, Inc., an oil and gas equipment manufacturer, procured a $1.55 million PPP loan.

McElvy Vasquez LLC, which publishes the Fort Bend Star and is located in the 77477 zip code, received $35,394 in PPP loans.

“After watching most of our small-business partners shut their doors earlier this year, I wasn’t certain our business would survive,” said Jonathan McElvy, publisher of the Fort Bend Star and CEO of McElvy Vasquez LLC. “This wasn’t a self-induced disruption in business.

This was an ordered disruption by the medical and political leaders of our nation, and for us and our small-business partners, it was devastating. Without PPP, I’m not sure we’d be publishing this edition of the Fort Bend Star.”

Loan recipient lists by name, zip code, city and other criteria can be found at https://searchppp. com/.

respondence, bonding with Jeremiah over shared interests like Pokemon.

“The tutors are so full of love and enthusiasm,” she said. “They make me say, ‘Really, this is my kid?’ As a parent, I can say this is very meaningful that these tutors are like a role model for my son.”

Suo said she has kept a log of the time spent working on the tutoring service since Nov. 29, which thus far has exceeded 155 hours. The group spent 20 hours over two days conducting remote interviews and simulated tutoring sessions to arrive at its current number of 11 tutors, all of whom are FBISD students, according to the group’s website.

“Paige and I felt that we wanted to give fair opportu-

nities to people, especially younger children, because there’s a lot of families who don’t have the financial backing to receive tutoring,” Chou said.

Added Suo: “Ami and I created this completely separate from our school, and everything was paid out of the money we saved. All the hours we spent working on this was in addition to our regular school work.”

Accessing a GT course only requires a device with an internet connection and email address.

“Gladiator Tutoring was created as a capstone project that was meant to give back to our community by making resources that were accessible to only a fraction of children become free for all,” Suo said. “If we charge

for our services, then Gladiator Tutoring would become a for-profit business, which does not line up with our ideals.”

Suo said her organization has managed to cover out of pocket everything from website expenses, to Zoom Pro and paying for online student lessons as primers for tutors to help them gain a deeper understanding of the subjects they are covering.

Suo said about 20 percent of the visitors to her site come from outside of Texas, and only half visit the website from an area in Fort Bend, and that she takes pride in being able to offer the website’s services to anyone who needs them.

Arthur Vo, also a sophomore at Clements, has worked with Daniel Duan,

a seventh-grader at Quail Valley Middle School, on algebra.

“Daniel was very attentive all the time,” Vo said. “And I feel like I was doing a decent job because at the end of it I felt like he learned a lot. I’m really looking forward to helping more kids in general.

Hopefully we get more people to join and sign up for our tutoring sessions as well.”

Duan said he found the tutors at GT to be helpful to his academic development.

“He really helped me engage into the subject,” Duan said. “His explanations were really clear and even the new things he introduced to me were easy to understand.”

Pearl Oyewole, a freshman at Clements, said her goal is to help make computer programming and

coding more accessible at the middle school level, since high school is often the first time many students are introduced to those more advanced subjects.

“Little kids, you can teach them many different subjects, it doesn’t matter how old you are,” Oyewole said.

“You can still learn with the right resources.”

Suo said the entire experience has been “a learning curve” and that she and her team are making steady, incremental improvements with each session.

“Little by little, we are learning how to improve ourselves as well while also improving the education of others,” Suo said. “So I feel like it’s a very mutually beneficial relationship with us and the children.”

the end of the year,” said Toledo’s stepson, Carlos Anez, who lives in Richmond. “It feels like they’re trying to send a message that being given an order to convict innocent people is not going to be an excuse anymore.”

The sanctions apply to Venezuelan judge Lorena Carolina Corneilles Ruiz, who found the men guilty and sentenced them to between eight and 13 years in prison, and Ramon Antonio Torres Espinoza, who

prosecuted the case for the Venezuelan government.

They are essentially blacklisted by the U.S. as a result of the sanctions, meaning any property or assets they may have in the U.S. or with U.S. companies are blocked or frozen.

“All property and interests in property of the persons designated that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to OFAC,” the

treasury department said in a Dec. 30 news release.

“In addition, any entities that are owned, directly or indirectly, 50 percent or more by the designated persons also are blocked.

OFAC’s regulations generally prohibit all dealings

by U.S. persons or those within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in property of blocked or designated persons.”

If nothing else, Anez said he hopes the sanc-

tions will impact the behavior of Venezuelan officials who will be involved in the appeals process. He said Toledo already has appealed his conviction within Venezuela’s court system.

Anez also said the U.S. action appears to be a step toward securing the release of his stepfather and the other men. He thanked the administration of President Donald Trump for the work it has done on behalf of the im-

pacted American families and said he was told by the state department that the administration for President-elect Joe Biden has been briefed on the situation and “is eager to get on it and try to put an end to it.”

“These six men and their families have suffered long enough,” Pompeo said in a statement that was released Dec. 30. “It is time for Maduro to release the Citgo 6 and let them be reunited with their families."

cine, with 1,500 of those being distributed most recently to Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital, St. Luke’s Sugar Land, Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, and Sugar Land Rehab Hospital.

According to TDSHS, 8,913 people have been vaccinated in Fort Bend County with at least one dose. The estimated population of frontline healthcare workers and those considered most vulnerable based on their age, residence in a long-term care facility or other health conditions is 38,228 people.

A map of COVID-19 vaccine providers is available here and at the following web address: xdshs.maps.arcgis.com/ apps/webappviewer/index.h tml?id=91ac7fb5e5fd47e7ada 4acfe4a05920a George likened the early stages of the vaccination

distribution to hiccups experienced in March and April that resulted in testing shortages. He said he had hoped to receive thousands of doses in the first shipment.

George announced the Fort Bend County Health and Human Services Department (HHSD) had launched a website where residents can preregister for a vaccination appointment when it becomes available to them based on the TDSHS guidelines for priority vaccine eligibility at https://uthtmc. az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/ SV_dmVr6TxiDxzv2tf.

Minter asked those who are not included in the prioritization list for the first phase of vaccinations to be patient, adding “your time will come, and we hope that you will answer the call to be vaccinated as well.”

As of Monday, George said there were between 8,500

and 8,600 active COVID-19 cases in Fort Bend County.

He also urged residents to go to fbchealth.org for updates on testing and vaccine progress.

“The virus did not respect our COVID fatigue or our desire to gather together,” Minter said. “As a result, some of us are beginning this new year with one or more less of the people that we love.”

BIG LIFT FOR SMALL BUSINESSES The following is a breakdown of the top Payroll Protection Program beneficiaries in each of the six zip codes served by the Fort Bend Star, according to covidbailouttracker.com. Loan amounts are listed next to each business name.

77459 Nestar Medcare LLC: $2.22 million GPI Real Estate Management Corporation: $1.14 million RKR Restaurants LLC: $945,500 Moodswing Fitness Systems Inc.:$786,351 IPS Staffing Inc.: $772,000 R.A.W. Oilfield Services, LLC: $675,600 Vere Technology, LLC: $658,092 HMG Park Manor of Quail Valley, LLC: $650,260 I2U Systems, Inc.: $554,525 D.V. Subway, L.P.: $543,000 77477 Puffer-Sweiven LP: $10 million MLN Company & Affiliates: $7.11 million ATEC, Inc.: $5.14 million LEEDO Manufacturing Co. LP: $4.62 million Firetron, Inc.: $3.95 million General Technologies, Inc.: $3.65 million MSF Electric, Inc.: $3.43 million

GSM Wings, LLC: $3.16 million Helfman Ford Inc.: $2.39 million Radley Staffing LLC: $2.21 million 77478 Tri City Foods, Inc.: $10 million HZ OPS Holdings, Inc.: $10 million Z&H Foods Inc.: $9.07 million Houston Foods, Inc.: $9.06 million HAZA Foods LLC: $8.42 million Northeast Foods LLC: $7.77 million Applied Optoelectronics Inc.: $6.23 million HAZA Foods of Louisiana: $5.93 million HZ LM Casual Foods, LLC: $5.32 million Hydro Resources Holdings, LLC: $5.08 million 77479 Resource Staffing Inc.: $3.71 million Horn Solutions Inc.: $3.24 million San-Tex Restaurants, Inc.: $2.56 million Westin Homes and Properties, LP: $2.5 million Interstaff, Inc.: $1.47 million Upma Cosmetics, Inc.: $1.25 million Apollo Healthcare at Sugar Land LP: $1.15 million St. Laurence Catholic School: $1.01 million Exelz Staffing: $1

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77498 Welker, Inc.: $1.55 million H.L.U. Services, Inc.: $1.14 million Flexera Global Inc.: $1.06 million Western Airways, Inc.:$993,900 Romtex Enterprises, Inc.: $740,100 A1 Dans Discount Movers, Inc.: $537,582 Innovative Precast Concrete & Supplies LP: $488,400 SLBM, LLC: $469,400 Rouxpour Memorial LLC: $430,200 St. Theresa Catholic School: $423,000

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77489 Texas Pride Disposal Solutions, LLC: $1.72 million Apres Management, Inc.: $1.53 million CD&N Manufacturing LLC: $1.23 million Nature Best Pre-Cut & Produce, LLC: $1.13 million Willbanks Contractor Support LLC: $777,000 Texas Landscape Group, LLC: $750,000 Floors For Living, LLC: $745,600 Red Smith Sales, Inc.: $744,000 Ham-Let USA, Inc.: $611,002 Willbanks & Associates, Inc. $604,700

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PAGE 8 • Wednesday, January 6, 2021

THE STAR

See us online www.FortBendStar.com

Review: Rosenberg’s Witt Pit BBQ quickly becoming local favorite

By Stefan Modrich SMODRICH@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

In just five years, Witt Pit BBQ has managed to gain quite a foothold in the Fort Bend County barbecue scene.

I made the trip out to the restaurant, situated in the Garden Acres neighborhood of Rosenberg, thanks to an emailed suggestion from Doug Earle, who called it “the best” in Fort Bend County.

I wish I would have asked Earle about a few things before I made my visit on Dec. 29, the most important of those being where to park.

The small, modest-looking building welcomes guests with a nicely-decorated and inviting front porch. I drove around and saw Witt Pit’s marquee sign from both sides, just to make sure I wasn’t merely imagining that the sign said “CLOSED.” But a blinking neon “OPEN” light and a

The barbecue chicken sandwich from Witt Pit BBQ in Rosenberg is shown during a recent visit. (Photo by Stefan Modrich)

parking lot full of cars between the peak lunch hours of noon and 1 p.m. told me otherwise.

As it turned out, before I left, I saw that the marquee had been updated to ref lect their

holiday hours, reading “COME ON 2021!” and CLOSED 1/1-1/4”. And can anyone really fault them for feeling that way?

A word to the wise: With space at a pre-

mium, be especially vigilant of other cars trying to sneak in to the spot that you’ve been waiting for, because at least in my case, they have shown that they will certainly try.

COMMUNITY

Ultimately, I understood why people were so eager to get their hands on a plate of barbecue, as I could smell Witt Pit’s oak-smoked meats and easily see its giant smokers, which are proudly displayed under a rustic tin barn-like structure.

My barbecue chicken sandwich ($7, $10 for any meat sandwich combo with a side and a drink) was juicy and tender, with a simple salt-and-pepper rub providing plenty of f lavor.

The sauce was a lively addition to the meal. I was dished out plenty of pickles, jalapeños, and onions, thanks to a fullystaffed station of masked and gloved workers in the adjacent dining room which handles individually wrapped condiment kits and cups for drinks (self-served at the fountain), something that many customers, including myself, seemed to appreciate.

If anyone can vouch for the Peach Cobbler ($3), Banana Pudding

($3), or the Witt Taters ($5), cheesy and buttered red potatoes that can be served vegetarian or with brisket, turkey, or sausage for $4 more, I would like to give that a shot next time I’m in the area.

As we embark on a new year of food discoveries in Fort Bend County, please continue to send your tips and recommendations to @StefanJModrich on Twitter or write to smodrich@fortbendstar.com.

Witt Pit BBQ Address: 2516 1st St., Rosenberg Dining Options: Dinein, takeout, no-contact delivery via DoorDash, Favor, Grubhub, and Postmates Hours: 11 a.m.-sold out, Tuesday-Saturday Entrée prices: $7-$11 Kid-friendly: Yes Senior discount: No Healthy options: None Star of the show: BBQ Chicken Sandwich

Deadline is noon every Friday. Limit entries to 40 words and answer the “5 Ws” Who, What, When, Where, and Why. Email to editor@fortbendstar.com or mail to: Fort Bend Star, 3944 Bluebonnet Drive, Stafford, Texas 77477.

CALENDAR

FOR NON-PROFIT EVENTS

In light of the COVID-19 outbreak and the cancellation of several community gatherings, please check with each organization for updated information about the status of their events.

JANUARY 14 FT. BEND/HARRIS RETIRED EDUCATORS ZOOM MEETING Ft. Bend/Harris Retired Educators next zoom meeting is Thursday morning, January 14th, at 10:00. Program: Nine Ways to Reduce Your Cancer Risks presented virtually by MD Anderson Hospital. We look forward to all our members joining us. Paid members will receive their zoom invitation a week prior to the meeting. For further information email cmduvall@aol.com.

JANUARY 23 SAVE THE DATE FELICIA SMITH JIGSAW PUZZLE COMPETITION ItÕ s back! The family-fun entertaining, challenging and fun jigsaw puzzle competition is slated for January 23, 2021. Presenting Sponsor, LearningRx Sugar Land preps for the 4th Annual Felicia Smith Jigsaw Puzzle Competition. Puzzle fanatics or first-time puzzlers, ages 10 and up, rally together to raise autism awareness until all the pieces fit. Awards and bragging rights guaranteed!

Join sponsors OCuSOFT, Inc., Fort Bend Teen Service League and Robert Ò PoppyÓ Lampkin for this virtual affair! To learn more or to register your team ($125) now, visit www.hopeforthree. org/events. Limited availability.

ONGOING THE FORT BEND BOYS CHOIR OF TEXAS P.O. Box 2042 Stafford, TX 77497-2042 Our hope is that you consider the Fort Bend Boys

Honored to be your choice for life insurance.

Choir during your holiday gift giving time.

For this 2020 year only, Cares Act states your donation is 100% tax deductible! Visit our website at http://www.fbbctx.org to make a donation. With your gift, you would play a major role in helping us achieve our goal for the New Year. 2021- We Will Sing On! FORT BEND SENIORS MEALS ON WHEELS SECRET SANTA The Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels is hosting a Secret Santa for Seniors Program.

Gifts can be dropped off Monday-Friday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at 1330 Band Road in Rosenberg no later than Dec. 4th. For those interested in volunteering to deliver meal and gifts to our home-bound seniors, please contact iloveseniors@fortbendseniors.org. If you are dropping off a large amount of gifts or need to change your drop-off time, please call 281.633.7049 or email leah@fortbendseniors. org.

CIRCLE OF HOPE CHANGE A CHILD’S FUTURE For nearly a decade, local nonprofit Hope For Three Autism Advocates has provided local families with the gift Hope. The organizations gift-giving program, Circle of Hope can change a childÕ s future. Supporters select a monthly amount to give so families have access to lifechanging therapies and treatments children with autism might otherwise go without.

Double your impact on Giving Tuesday, 12/1 at 7am on Facebook. Simply make a donation early and your contribution can be matched.

Continue on to Double the Donation! Check to see if your employer will match your gift.

Give where you live, www.hopeforthree.org/ corporate-matching-gift-programs

DVD-BASED ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS WITH NO HOMEWORK REQUIRED Weekly class designed to help you understand and appreciate the Bible by giving you a better sense of the land and culture from which it sprang. The class meets at 9:45 am every Sunday at First Presbyterian of Sugar Land (502 Eldridge Rd.).

For more information call 281-240-3195 EXCHANGE EXCHANGE, AmericaÕ s Service Club, always welcomes guests and is in search of new members! Various Fort Bend clubs exist and can accommodate early morning (7 a.m.), noon and evening meeting time desires. For more info, contact Mike Reichek, Regional Vice President, 281-575-1145 or mike@reichekfinancial.com We would love to have you join us and see what we are all about!

MISSOURI CITY AARP CHAPTER 3801 Meets the second Monday of every month at 11:30 a.m., at 2701 Cypress Point Dr., Missouri City Rec Center. Lunch, education, and entertainment. All seniors over 50 invited. For more information, call 713-859-5920 or 281-499-3345.

BECOME A FOSTER GRANDPARENT Volunteers are needed to be a role model, mentor and friend to children with exceptional needs in the community. Training, mileage reimbursement, tax-free monthly stipend if eligible. Call today to help change the world, one child at a time in Rosenberg. For more information, call 281-3443515.

DAV CHAPTER 233 MONTHLY MEETING The second Tuesday of every month at the United Way Fort Bend Center, 12300 Parc Crest Dr., Stafford, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. For more information, email maw0500@gmail.com.

LISA N SIMS, AGENT Monday - Friday 9 - 6 Saturday 10 - 2 After hours by appointment

11647 S Highway 6 Sugar Land, TX 77498 Toll Free: 281-201-2448 lisa@agentlisasims.com

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