02-26-2020 Edition of the Fort Bend Star

Hightower starts hoops playoffs in style - Page 5

RE-ELECT CYNTHIA GINYARD Chairperson, FBC Democratic Party Leadership that is Tested, Proven, Unprecedented and Blue www.ginyardforchairwoman.com ginyard@sbcglobal.net Early Voting: Feb.18-28, 2020 Election Day: Tues. March 3, 2020 Political Advertisement paid for by Cynthia Ginyard for County Chair Campaign

WEDNESDAY • FEBRUARY 26, 2020

Fort Bend / Southwest • Volume 44 • No. 79

Visit www.FortBendStar.com

Big Creek water cleanup on tap From Staff Reports

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) invite the public to the third public informational meeting on an effort

to assess and improve water quality in the Big Creek Watershed.

The meeting is open to the public and will be held this Thursday from 1-3 p.m. in Room 2D of the George Ranch Memorial Library at 1001 Golfview Dr. in Richmond. At the meeting, the project team will

discuss the next steps in an ongoing project to assess and address water quality in Big Creek.

The current phase of the project will include developing additional technical information to support a total maximum daily load (TMDL) study to address fecal waste levels in Big

Creek. Anyone with questions about the project or interested in attending the meeting is encouraged to reach out to the H-GAC Senior Planner of Community and Environmental Planning Justin Bower at Justin.Bower@h-gac. com or by phone at 713499-6653.

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Lawrence Allen Jr., right, greets a prospective constituent last year at Hickory Barn Barbecue in Richmond. Allen is one of four Democrats and seven candidates overall who are vying for Rick Miller's District 26 seat in the Texas House of Representatives. (Photo from Facebook)

District 26 race wide open during primaries

By Landan Kuhlmann

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LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Interior Painting Exterior Painting Sheetrock Textures Power Washing

What was once thought of as a race to see who would be in second place behind Rick Miller to represent Sugar Land and Richmond in the Texas House of Representatives is now an election up for grabs.

The race to fill his seat in District 26 looks to be wide open after Miller, who has served in the Texas House since 2013,

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New county transit options available for area residents From Staff Reports

Bus riders in Fort Bend County have a host of new options available to them.

FBCTransit’s new commuter schedules began operating Feb. 3, according to the county, and additional pick-up and

SEE TRANSIT PAGE 8

ended his re-election campaign after facing backlash from racially insensitive comments he made to the Houston Chronicle in early December.

In all, there are seven candidates – three Republicans and four Democrats – vying to lead the district by competing in their party primary elections. Early voting ends Friday, with Election Day March 3.

The fellow Republicans seeking to replace the outgoing Miller are Leonard Chan, former Fort Bend

Chan

Republican Party chairman Jacey Jetton and licensed insurance adjuster Matthew Morgan.

Chan, who was raised

Jetton

Morgan

in Sugar Land and graduated from nearby Clements High School, is not new to public service at the state level, having previously

interned in the U.S. Senate under Sen. John Cornyn

SEE DISTRICT 26 PAGE 7

Area educator leans on life experience in new endeavor

By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Amanda Cockrum is a mother of two who knows all too well a child’s learning can be impacted by factors beyond their control.

She’s also a teacher now making it her mission to ensure parents and educators no longer bear sole responsibility for a child’s education. And she’s drawing on the lessons she Former Fort Bend ISD teacher Amanda Cockrum (center) learned.

“I didn’t have anyone with her team at FBISD's Neill Elementary in 2018. Cockrum will be head of a new Sylvan Learning Center in Fuls- to turn to, so we’d spend hear that is slated to open in March. (Contributed photo) three hours a night doing math homework and I

couldn’t help my own children,” Cockrum said. “...

There’s such demand for tutors and learning gaps for children out there. The schools do a great job in providing interventions for students, but sometimes it just isn’t enough and kids need that extra push.”

Cockrum will soon be running the newest Sylvan Learning Center at 6619 W. Cross Creek Bend Ln. in Fulshear later this year.

It will be the third Sylvan Learning Center in the area – joining existing locations in Sugar Land and Missouri City – and one of six future centers in Fort Bend County aimed

at providing extra help for students in need.

Sylvan provides tutoring, academic coaching, test prep and STEM activities for students from kindergarten up through the college level in need of extra help.

“The county’s significant economic development highlights an opportunity for new franchisee business opportunities, but is also a sign of an increased educational focus within the local community,” Sylvan Vice President of Devel-

SEE ENDEAVOR PAGE 3

THE STAR

PAGE 2 • Wednesday, February 26, 2020

See us online www.FortBendStar.com

Rosenberg offering ‘Safe Harbor Local nonprofit Day’ to those wanted for arrest organization From Staff Reports

Saturday, Feb. 29 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

City of Rosenberg Municipal Court 2110 4th Street Rosenberg, TX 77471 YOU WILL NOT BE ARRESTED ON THIS DAY IF YOU COME TO COURT. Be prepared to make an initial payment toward your outstanding warrant. Call 832-595-3450 for details.

If there’s a warrant for your arrest related to a minor crime in Rosenberg, there is still time for you to turn yourself in without fear of arrest before the city’s annual warrant round-up next month.

The city of Rosenberg’s Safe Harbor Warrant Day will take place from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 29 at Rosenberg Municipal Court within Rosenberg City Hall at 2110 4th St. City officials said the safe harbor day offers those with outstanding warrants in Rosenberg an opportunity to go before the judge without the pos-

sibility of arrest, although payments on outstanding warrants will be expected. Warrants for Class B misdemeanors and above will still be enforced, according to the city.

The city said arrests will be made during its warrant roundup, which will be held March 7-14.

“Don’t be intimidated,” Judge Phyllis Ross said in a news release. “We understand the fear of being arrested. This is an opportunity to avoid it. Come see me and let’s work together to resolve your case. I’m here to help you help yourself.”

For more information or to find out if you have an outstanding warrant, call Rosenberg Municipal Court at 832-595-3450.

Class B and above warrants will be enforced.

713-433-6421

14700 Almeda Rd. Houston, TX 77053 www.HoustonHumane.org

donating books to area students From Staff Reports

Elementary students needing reading help in Fort Bend County can take advantage of a resource that aims to improve their skills.

ACHIEVE Fort Bend County kicked off its 2020 summer reading program on Feb. 17. Each year, the organization provides 10 books each to more than 800 first-grade students throughout the county who are identified as needing additional support with reading skills.

Since its inception in 2016, the program has assisted more than 2,000 low-income Englishand Spanish-speaking first-grade students in Title I schools. During last year’s summer session, ACHIEVE said a total of 193 Spanish-speaking first graders and 610 English-speaking first graders received books.

According to the organization, studies have shown that students without access to printed literature in the early years can fall behind in school and ultimately are at risk of dropping out before graduating high school.

“The joy these students have when receiving their very own book bag is evident as we recognize that by simply providing access to the reading material, the students will want to read the books over and over and share them with others within their household,” ACHIEVE Fort Bend County Board Chairman and former county commissioner James Patterson said in a news release.

For more info on the organization, visit its Facebook page or email achievefbc@yahoo.com.

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ACHIEVE Fort Bend County has started its annual book drive for students. (Photo from Facebook)

THE STAR

See us online www.FortBendStar.com

Wednesday, February 26, 2020 • PAGE

3

Sugar Land packaging company expands facility

By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

An area packaging company is looking to create more jobs while continuing to serve customers with a recent expansion.

Accredo Packaging, a supplier of packaging solutions for the pre-packaged food and consumer products markets, has completed a $50 million expansion of its Sugar Land campus, providing an additional 200,000 square feet of manufacturing and warehouse space.

The new space by the Houston-based design and build firm KDW is Accredo’s third expansion since opening its facility in 2009 at 12682 Cardinal Meadow Dr. Director of Marketing Mandy Craig said Accredo’s recent growth is largely driven by consumers’ desire for more sustainable packaging solutions, driving conversion to flexible packaging from other for-

★ ENDEAVOR FROM PAGE 1 opment Georgia Chasen said. “Having a professional learning center as a resource for a student’s entire K-12 academic career provides significant support for both the child and their parents.”

Cockrum is the parent of two Fort Bend ISD students and a former teacher in the district. She said her primary motivator in transitioning out of public education has been spurred by an innate desire to bridge the disconnect that develops when students inevitably fall behind on schoolwork.

“I’ve been on both sides.

I’ve been the frustrated parent and the teacher who’s just wanting to help but not knowing what the parent is willing to do,” she said. “...We’ve seen the struggles kids have, and that’s why I want to help.”

Hitting home One of Cockrum’s early experiences with that disconnect came in her first full year of teaching, in the wake of one of the Greater Houston area’s most intense obstacles – Hurricane Harvey.

Fresh off substitute teaching in Lamar Consolidated ISD and being a new face at Fleming Elementary in 2017, she was ready for her first year.

Then, just a week before school began, she was transferred to Neill Elementary in Richmond due to lack of enrollment at Fleming – just before Harvey made landfall.

And despite not knowing her classroom’s fate, she couldn’t stop thinking about how students would suffer most.

“We had no idea what was going on, and I was even more worried about the families and who might have been displaced,” she said.

Following a brief stint back at Fleming, Cockrum was then transferred back to Neill. And in between her personal back and forth, she saw students falling behind, partly as the result of being displaced

mats, such as metal, glass and rigid plastic containers.

The company said the expansion will add more than 100 new jobs by the end of 2021.

“Accredo is well-positioned to assist large (consumer packaged goods) companies in meeting their sustainability goals, offering recyclable, compostable, and bio-based packaging solutions,” Craig said in an email. “… We plan to continue to support the great people of Sugar Land and the surrounding communities through job creation, robust growth, and a continued core focus on sustainability.”

Accredo’s packaging solutions can be found in many retail grocers offering a range of products from snack foods and confectionery items to frozen foods and pet treats with a focus on sustainability. The company also produces overwraps for paper towels and tissue as well as shrink bundle film for water and Shown here is the Accredo packaging company in Sugar Land, which recently announced the completion of its third expansion since opening in 2009. The company says it will create more than 100 jobs by 2021. (Contributed photo) other bottled beverages.

and moving schools.

It wound up being a good opportunity for her to try impacting change.

“Neill is where I was meant to be the whole time. I loved the staff and loved my team, so it wound up being a great thing,” she said. “It was serendipity – it was supposed to be that way."

The perfect solution Despite Cockrum’s efforts to help kids at Neill, there were still strains on both her and parents. She said she and other educators did not have enough time in the day to account for all of a child’s educational needs.

“Everything is so planned out for them these days. Kids today have so much going on that they get overscheduled and they've got to have accountability to make sure their grades stay up,” she said. “That can be tough if they’re struggling in school, and then just kind of spirals out of control from there. … I’ve seen it in kids in my classroom and I've seen it as a parent.”

That is where Sylvan Learning enters the picture as a way to bridge the gap. Cockrum previously enrolled her own children – now both high school freshmen – at Sylvan in elementary and said the individualized learning worked wonders, helping them pass their exams.

At the Fulshear location, she and her staff – which includes former Neill team member Melody McClean – will aim to provide that same boost for area students.

It’s no shame for a child to fall behind, Cockrum said. But sometimes, teachers lack the time needed to appropriately address each student’s needs.

At the end of the day, Cockrum said she just wants the best for area students and is helping the best way she knows how.

“Being able to set a parent’s mind at ease and letting them know it will be OK is what most parents want and need when it comes to their child's education,” she said.

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Over - the - Counter (OTC) Relief for Cold Sores

Cold sores (fever blisters) are blisters that appear on the lip or around the mouth. They cause the skin around them to become red, swollen, and sore. The sores break open and leak a clear fluid, which scabs over. The time it takes for a fever blister to heal ranges from several days to two weeks. Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus and will usually go away on their own.

Over the counter (OTC) options include topical medicines that are applied to skin. Viractin (tetracaine) and Zilactin-L (lidocaine) are applied to the sore to reduce pain. Abreva (docosanol) and Zilactin (benzyl alcohol) can shorten the time it takes the cold sore to heal. Herpecin-L (dimethicone with sunscreen) can reduce pain and prevent cold sores from coming back.

Common side effects of these medications include mild stinging, burning, or itching at the application site.

TEXAS COMMISSION ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY Consolidated Notice of Receipt of Application and Intent to Obtain Permit and Notice of Application and Preliminary Decision Proposed Air Quality Permit No. 160067L001 APPLICATION. Cemex Construction Materials Houston, LLC, has applied to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for the issuance of Permit No. 160067L001. This application would authorize construction of a temporary Concrete Batch Plant located at 17820 Madden Road, Richmond, Fort Bend County, Texas 77407 to provide concrete for a new distribution center in Richmond, Texas. This application is being processed in an expedited manner, as allowed by the commission’s rules in 30 Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 101, Subchapter J. This link to an electronic map of the site or facility’s general location is provided as a public courtesy and not part of the application or notice. For exact location, refer to application. http://www.tceq.texas.gov/ assets/public/hb610/index.html?lat=29.664975&lng=-95.697257&zoom=13&type=r. The proposed facility will emit the following air contaminants: particulate matter including (but not limited to) aggregate, cement, road dust, and particulate matter with diameters of 10 microns or less and 2.5 microns or less.

This application was submitted to the TCEQ on February 10, 2020. The executive director has completed the administrative and technical reviews of the application and prepared a draft permit which if approved, would establish the conditions under which the facility must operate. The permit application, executive director’s preliminary decision, and the draft permit will be available for viewing and copying at the TCEQ central office, the TCEQ Houston regional office, and the Fort Bend Libraries, George Memorial Library, 1001 Gulfview Drive, Richmond, Fort Bend County, Texas, beginning the first day of publication of this notice. The facility’s compliance file, if any exists, is available for public review at the TCEQ Houston Regional Office, 5425 Polk Street Suite H, Houston, Texas. Visit www.tceq.texas.gov/goto/cbp to review the standard permit.

PUBLIC COMMENT/PUBLIC MEETING. You may submit public comments or request a public meeting.

See Contacts section. The TCEQ will consider all public comments in developing a final decision on the application. The deadline to submit public comments or meeting requests is 30 days after newspaper notice is published. Issues such as property values, noise, traffic safety, and zoning are outside of the TCEQ’s jurisdiction to consider in the permit process.

The purpose of a public meeting is to provide the opportunity to submit comments or ask questions about the application. A public meeting about the application will be held if the executive director determines that there is a significant degree of public interest in the application or if requested by a local legislator. A public meeting is not a contested case hearing. If a public meeting is held, the deadline to submit public comments is extended to the end of the public meeting.

CONTESTED CASE HEARING. You may request a contested case hearing. A contested case hearing is a legal proceeding similar to a civil trial in state district court. A contested case hearing will only be granted based on disputed issues of fact that are relevant and material to the Commission’s decision. Further, the Commission will only grant a hearing on those issues submitted during the public comment period and not withdrawn. The deadline to submit a request for a contested case hearing is 30 days after newspaper notice is published. If a request is timely filed, the deadline for requesting a contested case hearing will be extended to 30 days after the mailing of the response to comments. Unless a written request for a contested case hearing is filed within 30 days from this notice, there is no further opportunity to request a contested case hearing and the executive director may approve the application.

A person who may be affected by emissions of air contaminants from the facility is entitled to request a hearing. To request a hearing, you must submit the following: (1) your name (or for a group or association, an official representative), mailing address, daytime phone number; (2) applicant’s name and permit number; (3) the statement “[I/we] request a contested case hearing;” (4) a specific description of how you would be adversely affected by the application and air emissions from the facility in a way not common to the general public; (5) the location and distance of your property relative to the facility; (6) a description of how you use the property which may be impacted by the facility; and (7) a list of all disputed issues of fact that you submit during the comment period. If the request is made by a group or association, one or more members who have standing to request a hearing must be identified by name and physical address. The interests which the group or association seeks to protect must be identified.

You may submit your proposed adjustments to the application which would satisfy your concerns. See Contacts section.

TCEQ ACTION. After the deadline for public comments, the executive director will consider the comments and prepare a response to all relevant and material, or significant public comments. The executive director’s decision on the application, and any response to comments, will be mailed to all persons on the mailing list. If no timely contested case hearing requests are received, or if all hearing requests are withdrawn, the executive director may issue final approval of the application. If all timely hearing requests are not withdrawn, the executive director will not issue final approval of the permit and will forward the application and requests to the Commissioners for their consideration at a scheduled commission meeting. The Commission may only grant a request for a contested case hearing on issues the requestor submitted in their timely comments that were not subsequently withdrawn. If a hearing is granted, the subject of a hearing will be limited to disputed issues of fact or mixed questions of fact and law relating to relevant and material air quality concerns submitted during the comment period. Issues that are not submitted in public comments may not be considered in a hearing. Issues such as property values, noise, traffic safety, and zoning are outside of the Commission’s jurisdiction to address in this proceeding.

MAILING LIST. You may ask to be placed on a mailing list to receive additional information on this specific application by sending a written request to the Office of the Chief Clerk. See Contacts section.

INFORMATION AVAILABLE ONLINE. For details about the status of the application, visit the Commissioners’ Integrated Database (CID) at www.tceq.texas.gov/goto/cid. Once you have access to the CID using the link, enter the permit number at the top of this notice.

CONTACTS. Public comments and requests must be submitted either electronically at www14.tceq.texas.gov/ epic/eComment/, or in writing to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Office of the Chief Clerk, MC-105, P.O. Box 13087, Austin, Texas 78711-3087. Please be aware that any contact information you provide, including your name, phone number, email address and physical address will become part of the agency’s public record. For more information about this application or the permitting process, please call the TCEQ Public Education Program toll free at 1 800 687-4040 or visit their website at www.tceq.texas.gov/goto/pep. Si desea información en Español, puede llamar al 1-800-687-4040.

Further information may also be obtained from Cemex Construction Materials Houston, LLC, 16100 Dillard Drive, Jersey Village, Texas 77040-2077 or by calling Mr. Daniel Escobar, Environmental Manager at (713) 332-4040.

Notice Issuance Date: February 20, 2020

THE STAR

PAGE 4 • Wednesday, February 26, 2020

See us online www.FortBendStar.com

Newcomer’s Guide can help residents old and new Not too long after this week’s regular paper is thrown, you might see something resembling a thicker version of our weekly publication adorning your lawn or front porch.

That would be our annual Newcomer’s Guide, a once-per-year magazine dedicated to fleshing out all there is to love about Fort Bend County. Between myself, our editor Adam Zuvanich, our page designer Brooke Nance and general manager/lead salesperson John Sazma, it was among the more hectic weeks of the year as we worked to pull it together last week – a publication 3-4 times the size of our weekly editions.

It’s a massive undertaking, one that requires

Landan Kuhlmann

Fort B end Welcome to

LEAD REPORTER

Sugar Land

Missouri City , Richmond

, Rosenberg

2020 OFFICIAL

GET IN THE GAME

months of planning on the sales side and yeoman’s work from our small staff to make it happen. And though it’s geared toward those new around the area, it’s also a resource even longtime locals can turn for new spins on old classics or the discovery of a low-key, hole-in-the-wall spot.

Taking time to reflect on the project, it might be our best-looking Newcomer

• Hospitals • Churches • Schools • Libraries

Reverend Jack Henderson

Wedding Officiant & Counseling at your location $125

, Stafford &

NEWCOMER

Fort Bend Co

unty

S GUIDE

• Museums • Restaurant/ Parks • Important s • Much morePhone Numbers ...

346-754-2673 40 yrs exp You can find this year's edition of the Newcomer's Guide on news stands and in area front yards.

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: Bible Study: 9 am Worship: 10:15 am THURSDAY: Bible Study 11:30 am www.allsaintsstafford.org

CHURCH OF CHRIST

MISSOURI CITY CHURCH OF CHRIST • 281-261-8944 2019 Bright Meadows Dr. - Missouri City, TX 77489 www.mocitycoc.org Sunday morning services: 10:15 am (includes separate youth, bible hour and nursery services)

Sunday evening services: 5:00 pm Last Sunday 1:30 pm Bible Study (all ages): Sun 9:00 am & Wed 7:00 pm Iron Mens Bible Study 1st Monday 6:30 pm

STAFFORD CHURCH OF CHRIST • 281-499-2507 402 Stafford Run Rd. -Stafford, 77477 SUNDAY: Bible Study: 9:30 a.m.

Worship: 10:30 a.m.

Afternoon Worship 5:00 p.m.

WEDNESDAY : Bible Study 7:00 p.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

Scripture of the week “You go before me and follow me.

You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand!”

- Psalm 139:5-6

Guide in years. And we think you’ll enjoy it.

Flipping through the pages, you’ll see a few lists we’ve put together for resident convenience, with a few added tweaks. From a listing of libraries for avid readers to nonprofit organizations scattered throughout the county and important contact info for the area’s mayors and county commissioners, we’ve put together a comprehensive package

E E

Ob

of information all in one place.

In between all those lists, we also attempted to bring alive various aspects of Fort Bend County life – such as showcasing the area’s diverse and delectable food scene featuring Indian, Italian and Mexican hot spots and more.

Inside, there’s a list of the top-ranked restaurants in each category as determined by Google reviews.

And as one example of

itu a ry

E E

ANSON (“REB”) HOISINGTON SHELDON SEPTEMBER 27TH, 1970

E

Anson (“Reb”) Hoisington Sheldon, III, age 49, of Cleveland, Alabama passed away Friday, February 14th, 2020 at St. Vincent’s East Hospital. Born in Greenville, Mississippi, “Reb” graduated from Riverside High School and went on to play football at Mississippi Delta Community College. He later recieved his Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture at University of Arkansas at Monticello. “Reb” loved his career in the Oil and Gas Industry where he worked in Seismic and Logistics for Schlumberger, Fairfield Nodal, and CGG Veritas. He loved fishing on the Mississippi River; enjoyed hunting; was an avid snorkeler and a Ole Miss Rebel fan.

Left to cherish precious memories are his wife Diana “Shelly” Welch Sheldon; daughters Lacey Alden Burkis (Nathan), Natalie Claire Morphis, Lofton Reed Morphis; parents Anson and Melinda Sheldon Jr.; sister Scarlett Sheldon Robinson (Ed), nieces Rivers Robinson, Elizabeth

FEBRUARY 14TH, 2020

Robinson; and nephew Guy Robinson; cousin George Lawson Sheldon; a host of other relatives and lots of friends. Mr. Sheldon was preceded in death by his grandparents Anson and Beatrice Sheldon; Judge` and Rivers Stewart; and his uncle Lawson Sheldon.

The family will hold a memorial service on Saturday, February 29th, 2020 from 1PM until 4 PM at the Riverside High School in Avon, Mississippi for all friends and family.

Arrangements entrusted to the Blount County/Cleveland Funeral Home.

✢ ✢ ✢ ✢ ✢ ✢ ✢ ✢ ✢ ✢ ✢ ✢ ✢

how this publication can help old dogs learn new tricks, it’s already opened my eyes. I’ve worked in Stafford at The Star office for almost a year now, but had never heard of Dervish Table Top Grill’s fusion menu until researching the “Eat” portion of this year’s publication.

Following a quick scan of the menu, it’s certainly at the top of my list of places to try in the coming months. Read through the entire guide, and I promise you, too, will find something you didn’t know about this wonderful county.

Scattered throughout the pages are sections on education, the arts, infrastructure improvements, underway or upcoming commercial developments, healthcare, places of worship and the other aspects of life to which we hope to introduce new transplants to the area.

There’s also a rundown of the cornucopia of recreation options – such as Brazos Bend State Park and the Sugar Land Skeeters – for those seeking more laid-back forms of entertainment.

Here’s the thing: I also don’t think any of us are ever too old to learn new tricks to enjoying this life we’re blessed with in Fort Bend County. In this case, those “tricks” are new discoveries about the home we love so much.

No matter how much time you spend somewhere, there’s always more to discover and explore. So if we can introduce readers to even one new restaurant, or open those same folks up to a new world of fitness or relaxation, all the time and effort will have been worth it.

That’s what it’s all about.

And it’s our sincere hope that this year’s Newcomer’s Guide brings you as much joy reading it as it did to those of us who produced it.

You never know what you may find.

THANK YOU FOR READING

THE STAR

See us online www.FortBendStar.com

Wednesday, February 26, 2020 • PAGE

5

@FtBendAthletics:

The Hightower High School boys basketball team opened the playoffs Monday with an 87-56 bi-district win against Sharpstown. (Photo from Hightower Boys Basketball Twitter)

By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

There have been few blemishes on the schedule for the Hightower boys basketball team this season, and the beat went on Monday night thanks to its high-powered offensive attack.

The Hurricanes trailed just once in cruising past Sharpstown 87-56 in a Class 5A bi-district playoff matchup at the M.O. Campbell Center in Houston. It was the 11th consecutive victory for the Hurricanes (29-5), who are ranked second in 5A by the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches.

Led by sophomore standout and four-star recruit Bryce Griggs (23.8 points per game), the Hurricanes boasted District 24-5A’s highest scoring attack during the regular season at more than 76 points per game. It was on full display once again Monday night. Heading into halftime with a 40-29 lead, Hightower hit another gear

in the third quarter, outscoring the Apollos 22-7 to put the game away.

The Hurricanes’ 29 wins matches the 2007-08 squad’s mark for the secondmost wins in a season in school history. Hightower will next face the winner of Port Arthur Memorial and Friendswood, which were scheduled to play Tuesday night, in the area round.

Hightower’s big win was Monday’s only success among area basketball teams.

Ridge Point could not build on the most prolific season in the school’s 10-year history, falling 57-53 in Monday’s first-round matchup against Katy Tompkins at Wheeler Fieldhouse in Sugar Land.

The Panthers failed to hold a halftime lead.

Despite the loss, the 201920 campaign was historic for the Panthers. Their 25 wins set a school record, eclipsing the previous mark of 24 wins set each of the last two seasons.

Ridge Point (25-8) re-

mained in search of its first playoff victory since the 2014-15 season.

Meanwhile, Elkins was tripped up in its quest for a third consecutive trip to the regional tournament, losing 63-56 in a first-round game Monday against Katy Morton Ranch at the Merrell Center in Katy. The Knights (20-13) held a three-point lead against the Mavericks with less than five minutes remaining but could not close out the state’s 14-ranked team in Class 6A. Two other boys teams were scheduled to be in action Tuesday night. Travis was slated to face off with Katy Mayde Creek at the Berry Center, while Bush was scheduled to play Katy High School at Don Coleman Coliseum in Spring Branch.

None of the area’s girls teams were in action Monday night. Multiple teams were scheduled to play on Tuesday.

Already in the regional quarterfinals for the first

An Elkins player posts up during Monday night's bi-district game against Katy Morton Ranch at the Merrell Center.

Elkins fell 63-56 to end their season at 20-13. (Photo from Fort Bend ISD Athletics)

time in the school’s brief history, the Ridge Point Lady Panthers followed up 31 wins last season – a school record – with another 28 heading into Tuesday night’s matchup against District 17-6A runner-up Cy-Fair at Delmar Fieldhouse in Houston.

The Hightower girls defeated Barbers Hill 66-43 in the area round on Feb. 21 and were slated to play District 24-5A rival Manvel in a regional quarterfinal on Tuesday at the M.O. Campbell Center. The two teams squared off twice during the regular season, with the Lady Hurricanes emerging victorious both times.

Meanwhile, the season ended for the Travis Lady Tigers with a Feb. 17 loss against Katy Tompkins in the first round of the playoffs.

The Dulles Lady Vikings and Bush Lady Broncos had their seasons ended by Cypress Creek and Heights, respectively, in last week’s area round.

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FOOT FACTS

by Dr. Eric Tepper

BOARD CERTIFIED PODIATRIST, ACCPPS

IDIOPATHIC NERVE PAIN IN FEET

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Pain from damaged nerves in your feet can result from many causes, including diabetes, celiac disease, HIV, Lyme disease, and a deficiency in vitamin B12. In some cases, the cause of the damage cannot be determined, and this is referred to as idiopathic (unexplained) nerve pain. Most common in people over 60, idiopathic nerve pain can present as numbness, burning, and sensations of electrical shock and/or pins and needles in the feet.

Symptoms can be constant or intermittent and tend to be worse at night, causing sleeplessness. Exercising regularly may cause blood vessels to expand, helping the damaged nerves heal. Avoiding alcohol is also recommended, as it is toxic to nerve tissue.

P.S. Since idiopathic nerve pain often includes numbness, patients should be sure to examine their feet daily for injury to avoid infection.

While our specialty is feet, our work in podiatry can affect all parts of the body. And as podiatrists, we have a unique opportunity to get insights into how other systems of the body are functioning.

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THE STAR

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NOTICE TO CREDITORS Notice is hereby given that original Letters Testamentary for the Estate of Jean Elizabeth DeCicco, Deceased, were issued on February 13, 2020, in Cause No. 19-CPR-033856, pending in the County Court at Law No. Four (4), Fort Bend County, Texas, to: Deborah Ann Masterson and Mary Angela Vos. All persons having claims against this Estate which is currently being administered are required to present them to the undersigned within the time and in the manner prescribed by law. c/o: MONA L. COHEN Attorney at Law 6750 West Loop South Suite 850 Bellaire, Texas 77401 DATED the 21st day of February 2020 MONA L. COHEN Attorney for the Estate State Bar No.: 12268600 6750 West Loop South, Suite 850 Bellaire, Texas 77401 Telephone: (713) 850-7148 Facsimile: (713) 850-7829 E-mail: Mcohen@babchick-cohen.com

LEGALS To All Interested Persons And Parties: Cemex Construction Materials Houston, LLC, has applied to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for the Issuance of an Air Quality Permit, Permit No. 160067L001, which would authorize construction of a temporary Concrete Batch Plant located at 17820 Madden Road, Richmond, Fort Bend County, Texas 77407 to provide concrete for a new distribution center in Richmond, Texas.

This application is being processed in an expedited manner, as allowed by the commission’s rules in 30 Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 101, Subchapter J. Additional information concerning this application is contained in the public notice section of this newspaper.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS PROFESSIONAL AUDIT SERVICES The City of Sugar Land seeks proposals for performing all work required for the following project in the City: RFP 2020-15: PROFESSIONAL AUDIT SERVICES Plans, specifications, and bidding documents may be obtained by registering at Public Purchase www.publicpurchase.com.

Sealed proposals, one (1) original, five (5) copies, and one (1) electronic copy on flash drive shall be delivered to the City of Sugar Land, Office of the City Secretary, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Suite 122, Sugar Land, Texas, 77479, on or before 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 19, 2020, at which time the names of the firms submitting proposals will be read.

Proposals received after the opening date and time will not be considered.

Questions regarding this proposal must be received by Thursday, March 12, 2020 on or before 3:00 P.M. Please post all questions on Public Purchase www.publicpurchase.com.

The City will award the contract and give notice of award within ninety (90) calendar days after the opening date and time.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Notice is hereby given that original Letters Testamentary in the Estate of KISHAN K. LAL, Deceased, were issued to NEELAM KUMARI, INDEPENDENT EXECUTOR on January 27, 2020, in Docket No. 20-CPR-033889, pending in the County Court-atLaw No. 6 of Fort Bend County, Texas, to: NEELAM KUMARI. The post office address to which claims may be presented and which is preferred by the personal representative is: DAVID R. DOEHRING Attorney for NEELAM KUMARI, INDEPENDENT EXECUTOR OF THE ESTATE OF KISHAN K. LAL 2000 South Dairy Ashford, Ste 298, Houston, Texas 77077 All persons having claims against this Estate which is currently being administered are required to present them within the time and in the manner prescribed by law.

DATED the 20th day of February, 2020.

DOEHRING & DOEHRING DAVID R. DOEHRING 2000 South Dairy Ashford Suite 298 Houston, Texas 77077-5725 TEL (281) 497-0093 FAX (281) 497-8630 ATTORNEYS FOR THE INDEPENDENT EXECUTOR OF THE ESTATE OF KISHAN K. LAL

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281-690-4226 LEGALS Application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for a Mixed Beverage permit by FW Riverside LLC dba First Watch Daytime Cafe to be located at 19900 Southwest Fwy., Unit 9B, Sugar Land, Fort Bend County, TX 77479.

Officers of said LLC are Joseph M. Haik, President & Managing Member.

GARAGE SALE? LET THE COMMUNITY KNOW!

281.690.4200

NOTICE TO BIDDERS Sealed bids in duplicate, addressed to 7gen Planning and Landscape Architecture, at 2107 CityWest Blvd., 3rd Floor, Houston, Texas 77042, attention to Rick Haddock, Landscape Architect, will be received at the West Keegans Bayou Improvements District’s engineer office of Miller & Associates Engineers, at 3644 Walnut Bend Lane, Suite C100, Houston, TX until 10:00 a.m. local time on Wednesday, March 4, 2020 and then publicly opened and read for “Construction for West Keegans Bayou Hike and Bike Trail Phase 1”. A mandatory prebid conference will be held at the office of Miller & Associates Engineers. at 10:00 a.m. local time on Wednesday, February 26, 2020. Plans, specifications and bid documents may also be viewed and downloaded free of charge (with the option to purchase hard copies) at the CivCastUSA Website (www.

CivCastUSA.com). Reproduction charges will apply according to CivCastUSA rates.

Notice of Nondiscriminatory Policy as to Students The School for Little Children at Sugar Land United Methodist Church admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE TO BIDDERS 2X2.5 Ad WORK MAYFIELD PARKClassified RESTROOM SITE The School for Little Children forbids 10-19-16 The City of Sugar Land seeks for furnishing all labor, material, and equipment, and performing all work required for the following project in the City: CIP PROJECT NAME: Mayfield Park Restroom Site Work CIP PROJECT NUMBER: PK1901 LOCATION OF WORK: 106 Avenue D, Sugar Land TX, 77498 Plans, specifications, and bidding documents may be obtained from www.

CivCastUSA.com.

Sealed bids in triplicate, one (1) original and two (2) copies, shall be delivered to the City of Sugar Land, Office of the City Secretary, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Suite 122, Sugar Land, Texas, 77479, on or before 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 19, 2020, at which time bids will be publicly opened and read. Bids received after the opening date and time will not be considered.

A mandatory pre-bid meeting for all interested parties will be held 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 4, 2020 at Sugar Land City Hall, Cane Room, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Sugar Land, Texas 77479.

Questions regarding this bid must be received on or before 5:00 p.m. on March 6, 2020. Please contact Karen Rogers, ASLA, LEED-AP at M2L Associates (713)722-8897.

The City Council will award the contract as provided in the Invitation to Bid. The City of Sugar Land will give notice of the contract award within sixty (60) calendar days after the opening date and time.

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See us online www.FortBendStar.com

Wednesday, February 26, 2020 • PAGE

7

Man charged in area retail store robbery Police said 56-year-old Albert Ramirez was arrested Feb. 18 and charged with aggravated robbery. According to the Rosenberg Police Department, officers were dispatched to a Family Dollar location at 1623 1st St. on the afternoon of Feb. 15

By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

A Fort Bend County man has been arrested after allegedly threatening a Rosenberg store clerk with a knife during a robbery last week.

Ramirez

in response to a robbery that had just occurred. According to police, Ramirez allegedly entered the store and brandished a knife in the direction of the store clerk and demanded the contents of the cash register before fleeing the scene on

foot. Police say Ramirez was apprehended a short time later following eyewitness accounts of him stashing a change of clothes behind a nearby business. Ramirez was allegedly found with the stolen cash and weapon in his possession upon his ar-

rest, according to police.

“The clerk involved in this situation was extremely brave. No one should ever be victimized like this, but she was and she handled herself very well,” Rosenberg Police Chief Jonathan White said in a news release.

of Texas’ tax dollars stay in our state,” his campaign website reads. “… Here in the Greater Houston Area, some of the best public schools in the nation are five minutes away from the worst-performing schools.

We need to do better by focusing on sustainable funding for our entire public school system. We have an opportunity to make Texas a shining example for our nation.”

★ DISTRICT 26 FROM PAGE 1 and former Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison. During his campaign, Chan has focused on issues such as public safety, transportation, public education and immigration, and he said he is dedicated to keeping his constituents’ trust at the top of his priorities.

“I know what it means to be in a position of public trust,” Chan said on his campaign website. “Individuals serving in positions of public trust have a responsibility to live up to a higher standard, and should not use their positions for personal gain or to cause irreparable harm to others.”

As the father of two young boys, one of Jetton’s primary focuses is on education. He has been endorsed by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott as well as U.S. Rep. Pete Olson and state Sen. Lois Kolkhorst.

“The success of Texas is closely tied to how well we educate our future. For our state to prosper, we must have an educated workforce to strengthen our middle class, be our future builders and innovators, and keep our economy churning,” Jetton says on his campaign website. “We cannot continue to grow this bureaucratic, top heavy education system that suffocates the needed resources from our teachers and students in the classroom.”

As a small business owner, Morgan’s primary goal is to keep the Texas economy thriving in its current state by creating less red tape and more opportunities for small businesses.

Allen

DeMerchant

Lalani

cutline

Allen

DeMerchant

Lalani

“The Texas miracle is alive and well, and that is in large part due to the friendly business climate created by the Republican-led Texas Legislature,” Morgan said on his campaign website. “As a small business owner, I will be a strong advocate in Austin to maintain an economic climate in Texas that attracts the best talent and fosters economic opportunity. I will oppose needless regulations that only result in obstacles for entrepreneurs, business owners, and all Texans to thrive.”

of his campaign along with Medicaid and related services.

“Every person in this district deserves to be equally represented regardless of gender, race, religion or lifestyle of choice,” Allen said in a video posted to his campaign website.

Sarah DeMerchant is a product of Fort Bend ISD, graduating from Willowridge High School.

Currently a service account manager for a software development company, her main campaign focuses have been maternal healthcare for African-American women, better prices for necessary medication and lowering student interest rates. She has also put an emphasis on reducing inequality in the justice system.

“Fort Bend County is the most diverse county in the country and one of the most diverse in the world,” her campaign website reads. “No one should be at risk of being stopped and asked personal questions simply because they are a person of color. This is discrimination and does not belong in our society.”

Suleman is a longtime private practice physician and has set down roots in Sugar Land for the last 15 years. Having seen first-

hand struggles such as what he views as poor access to healthcare, that issue is front and center in his campaign along with improving education opportunities.

“As your State Representative Dr. Lalani will bring decades of experiences from his practice and the real-life ramifications that his patients have suffered,” his website reads.

“The billion-dollar patch (of House Bill 3) on our school finance problem was only a short-term solution to an issue our children will face for decades. We must create sustainable longterm funding for our public schools and the state must have buy-in to assure every district is equally and fairly funded.”

Healthcare and education are also at the top of the list for Oberoi, a longtime Fort Bend resident who is running for office for the first time. However, he is no stranger to public service, having served as a policy aid for former Speaker Joe Straus and on campaign teams for Mike Collier and Sri Preston Kulkarni. Similar to Lulani, Oberoi is running a campaign centered on improving educational equality as well as flood mitigation and healthcare

Democratic candidates The four Democrats vying for the District 26 seat are Lawrence Allen Jr., Sarah DeMerchant, Suleman Lalani and Rish Oberoi. DeMerchant, the wife of Fort Bend County Precinct 4 Commissioner Ken DeMerchant, also ran in 2016 and 2018, losing to Miller in the general election both times.

Allen, a third-generation educator, has held the District 4 seat on the Texas State Board of Education since 2004, serving parts of Fort Bend and Harris counties. A former teacher, principal and assistant principal in Houston ISD, education and teacher pay raises are at the forefront

Oberoi

“As your state representative, I will fight to expand Medicaid so more

ASK THE EXPERT

Q: A:

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Do-it-yourself bathtub refinishing kits are marketed at home improvement centers as an easy way to fix a worn or damaged bathtub.

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We at Miracle Method know, as nearly 20% of the bathtubs we are re-doing are an amateur attempt at tub refinishing.

DIY kits use a hydrofluoric acid wash to etch the porcelain tub surface to help the new epoxy stick. Hydrofluoric acid etching is not only old technology, but can be dangerous. While epoxy is durable, it chips easily and eventually turns yellow. This method also often leads to eventual peeling of the new surface.

Miracle Method will professionally repair and refinish your tub to a glossy like-new look and feel. Our process includes removing the existing caulk, a thorough two step cleaning of the tub, and repairing any chips. Miracle Method’s non-acid MM-4 bonding agent will ensure the new coats of high tech acrylic urethane will adhere and provide an even surface, and a final buffing and polishing will make your tub shine like it did the day it was installed.

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May God Bless our Men and Women in the Military

Charlton’s Body Repair Local Family Business since 1957 1131 Staffordshire @ 5th Street • Stafford, TX 77477 www.charltonsbodyrepair.com

281-499-1126

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THE STAR

PAGE 8 • Wednesday, February 26, 2020

See us online www.FortBendStar.com

★ TRANSIT FROM PAGE 1

3 generations of Quality Service, Integrity & Honesty

drop-off times are now available at the Fairground Park and Ride located off Highway 36 in Rosenberg. According to the county, the additional service will particularly benefit Richmond, Rosenberg, Pleak, Needville and surrounding communities. With the new service, riders now have the choice to use the Fairgrounds Park and Ride to commute directly into Harris County, with 18 total weekday trips available to the Greenway Plaza, Galleria and Texas Medical Center, along with 19 trips each evening.

“We continue to work hard for our residents by enhancing transit services and identifying mobility needs of the fu-

Family Owned and Operated in Fort Bend County

Since 1951

Now

Then Charlton’s Garage & Station & Auto Sales in Stafford, Texas, 1951-1970.

Owned by E.C. Charlton.

Current garage at Staffordshire & Fifth St. Stafford, Texas.

Still the Same Great Service!

281-499-1126 • Staffordshire Rd at 5th Street Stafford, TX 77477 • www.Charltonsbodyrepair.com Monday – Friday, 7am-6pm ture,” Fort Bend County Judge KP George said in a news release. “Better mobility means a better quality of life for Fort Bend County residents,

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GOT NEWS?

and these additional pick-up and drop-off times will allow riders to get to their destinations faster thus allowing them to go on with their day.”

Email your news or press release to editor@FortBendStar.com

COMMUNITY

CALENDAR WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26 FORT BEND ISD Small Business Enterprise Program (SBEP) will host a focus group to discuss technology. The District invites all contractors, sub-contractors, architects, engineers, sub-consultants and other business representatives interested in conducting business with FBISD to attend. The event will be held at the DistrictÕ s PFC Building (13600 Murphy Rd.) beginning at 2 p.m. Individuals interested in attending are asked to email sbep@fortbendisd.com to reserve a seat.

TUESDAY, MARCH 10 PECAN GROVE WOMEN'S CLUB The March meeting of the Pecan Grove Women's Club will be held the second Tuesday of the month.

The subject of the March program is Ò GenealogyÓ .

The meeting will take place at 10 a.m. at the George Memorial Library at 1001 Golfview Dr. in Richmond in Room 2 C on the second floor of the library. Daniel Sample, head of the library's Genealogy and Local History department, will lead the discussion. Sample will introduce the many library resources available to the public for genealogy research.

THURSDAY, MARCH 12 FORT BEND-HARRIS RETIRED EDUCATORS Te meeting will run from 1-3 p.m. in The Great Hall at Sugar Land First United Methodist Church, 431 Eldridge Rd. Come earlier to socialize. Program: Butterfly Gardening, Mary Parkhouse with FBC Master Gardeners. Children's Book Project Fundraiser: ticket sales $1-$20. Contact Cathy Duvall (see FBHRE directory) if you have items to donate. Continue to bring flour or sugar for The Food Pantry. All retired public school personnel are invited. More information, call 281-499-5885.

ONGOING DVD-BASED ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS WITH NO HOMEWORK REQUIRED Weekly class designed to help you understand and appreciate the Bible by giving you a better sense of the land and culture from which it sprang. The class meets at 9:30 am every Sunday morning 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,

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.

FOR NON-PROFIT EVENTS

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!

SIENNA CRAFT/SEWING GROUP Sienna Craft/Sewing group. Meets every Tuesday from 10-noon at Sawmill Clubhouse in Sienna Plantation. We sew, crochet, knit, needlepoint, etc. contact Livia Erich at 281-543-3524 or liviaerich@yahoo.com for additional information.

1313 or 1-800-272-3900.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED The Pregnancy Resource Medical Center has moved to 4411 Avenue N in Rosenberg across from Navarro Middle School. Volunteers are needed on a continual basis. For information on volunteering or supporting the PRMC in other ways, email info@prmcfortbend.org.

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, call 281-222-4888.

4-H, FOOD & NUTRITION Fort Bend 4-H is looking for input from the community on how it can better serve the public. To learn more about 4-H projects, join 4-H at 7 p.m. at the University Library (14010 University Blvd., Sugar Land), visit fortbend4h. eventbrite.com or call 281-342-3034.

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 281-4993345.

STORY SPINNERS WRITING CLUB Hosted by the George Memorial Library, 1001 Golfview in Richmond. 5:30-8 p.m. All levels welcome to write, share, learn and support. Free and open to the public. The program meets on the third Thursday of every month. For more information, call 281-342-4455 or 281-633-4734.

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 281-344-3515.

ADOPT A SHELTER CAT Fort Bend Pets Alive is partnering with Half Price Books in Sugar Land to find homes for shelter cats and to promote literacy among young readers. School-aged children are invited to come read to a cat, receive an Ò I read to a catÓ bookmark and be eligible to adopt a cat for 50 perecent off. Held 1:30-4:30 p.m. the first Saturday of every month at 3203 Hwy 6 S, Sugar Land.

WHILE WE’RE WAITING SUPPORT GROUP For Bereaved Parents - grieving the loss of a child at any age. Meets the third Thursday of every month, 7 p.m., at the First Colony Church of Christ, 2140 First Colony Blvd., Sugar Land.

For more information, call 281-413-2484.

AMERICAN LEGION 271 MEETING We meet the first Thursday of every month at the Post Hall, 4520 Hwy. 36 in Rosenberg. A covered dish meal is served to members at 6:30 p.m. followed by meetings at 7:30 p.m. For more information, call 281-341-9966.

ALZHEIMER’S CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP Caregivers of patients with AlzheimerÕ s disease or other related dementias are invited to attend the first Thursday of each month, 7-8:30 p.m. at St. JohnÕ s United Methodist Church, 400 Jackson St. in Richmond, across from the historic Fort Bend County Courthouse. Free and open to the public. For more information, call 713-314-

FORT BEND RECOVERS HURRICANE HARVEY HELP Those needing help with a recovery plan for home repairs, or any unmet needs, Fort Bend Recovers is here to help. Call one of these Helplines today: Case Management Helpline 281-207-2555, Spiritual/Emotional Helpline: 281-207-2505, Lone Star Legal Aid 866-6590666. A case manager will contact you and get you started on your road to recovery.Visit www. fortbendrecovers.org for more information and to donate.

CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS The Sienna Branch Library, 8411 Sienna Springs Blvd in Missouri City presents a variety of programs every month. Free and open to the public. For more information, call 281-238-2900 or 281-633-4734.

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