04-01-2020 Edition of Fort Bend Star

Stafford MSD prepares for online learning - Page 6

Fort Bend ISD has expanded its "Grab and Go" meals program to 23 area campuses. For a list of all the distribution sites, read the story inside today's edition on Page 4. (Photo by Landan Kuhlmann)

WEDNESDAY • APRIL 1, 2020

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Fort Bend / Southwest • Volume 44 • No. 84

Missouri City councilman hospitalized with COVID-19

By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

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The COVID-19 outbreak in Fort Bend County has hit especially close to home, with a prominent elected official in the area contracting the upper-respiratory disease caused by the new strain of coronavirus.

In a Facebook post on Saturday, Missouri City District B council member Jeffrey Boney announced that he is in the hospital after testing positive for COVID-19.

“After experiencing several symptoms during the month of March, I recently got tested for the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and the

results came back positive on Friday,” Boney wrote.

“I am currently in ICU, working with some of the top infectious disease doctors, and they are working diligently to ensure I get completely healed and back home to my family.”

Boney encouraged residents to take heed of warnings issued by local

officials, including Fort Bend County Judge KP George, who last week issued a stay-at-home order for the county. Residents must stay home except for essential reasons such as to obtain groceries, household items and healthcare,

SEE COUNCILMAN PAGE 4

Testing our mettle

BIOENERGETICS ON PAGE 7

Area hospitals now restricting most visitors

By Adam Zuvanich AZUVANICH@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Memorial Hermann Health System and OakBend Medical Center are no longer allowing most visitors into their facilities, both hospitals announced Thursday.

Their amended policies are in response to intensifying concerns about the spread of COVID-19, the upper-respiratory disease caused by the new strain of coronavirus. Fort Bend County officials had reported 138 cases in the county as of Monday.

Both hospital groups said the new visitor guidelines went into effect Friday and will remain in place until further notice.

“Our patients, community and our staff are very important to us and we have not made this decision lightly,” OakBend Medical Center said in a news release. “We understand that this will be a difficult change for our patients and their loved ones; however, the number of increased COVID-19 patients in the Greater Houston and surrounding area has made it necessary to make visitation changes.”

OakBend has seven locations in the area — the OakBend Medical Group-Sugar Land at 6350 Highway 90A, Suite 600; OakBend Medical Group-New Territory at 4911 Sandhill Dr. in Sugar Land; OakBend Surgery Center-Fort Bend at 14851 Southwest Fwy. in Sugar Land; OakBend Medical Group-Richmond at 1601 Main St., Ste. 500; OakBend Medical Group-Williams Way at 22001 Southwest Fwy., Ste. 100 in Richmond; OakBend Medical Center-

SEE HOSPITALS PAGE 8

OakBend Medical Center workers hand off a COVID-19 test Tuesday morning at their testing site at 4911 Sandhill Dr. in Sugar Land. (Photo by Landan Kuhlmann)

COVID-19 testing sites now open in Fort Bend

By Adam Zuvanich AZUVANICH@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Fort Bend County's first COVID-19 testing site opened last Thursday, and at least three more are also now available.

OakBend Medical Center launched Fort Bend County’s first COVID-19 testing site last week, while the county government collaborated with AccessHealth to open a free, county-supported testing site earlier this week.

Smart Financial Centre in Sugar Land announced on its website that United Memorial Medical Center also will administer free drivethrough tests in its parking lot from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Focus Weight Loss Club in Sugar Land is also offering a COVID-19 testing station.

At the county site, testing will be administered only to those who are prescreened

and meet the criteria for COVID-19, the upper-respiratory disease caused by the new strain of coronavirus. Symptoms include fever, cough and shortness of breath.

“Fort Bend County is committed to increasing the level of testing for our residents,” County Judge KP George said in a news release.

At the county site, the location of which was not disclosed by the county, residents who are experiencing symptoms and want testing must first utilize an online screening tool to access medical screening, which will determine whether they are eligible for testing.

The online screening tool is at www.fbchealth.org.

The county said testing will only be granted after a medical screening. Residents will then receive instructions

SEE TESTING PAGE 5

Fort Bend County Judge KP George addresses reporters at a press conference about COVID-19. (Photo by Landan Kuhlmann)

County reports first coronavirus deaths

By Adam Zuvanich and Landan Kuhlmann EDITOR@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

The upper-respiratory disease caused by the new coronavirus strain has claimed two lives in Fort Bend County.

On Friday afternoon, county health officials announced that a resident had died from COVID-19.

Fort Bend County Health & Human Services said the

woman, who was in her 70s and had pre-existing medical conditions, was briefly hospitalized prior to dying two days earlier at a local hospital.

The county announced its second COVID-19 death Monday, a man who was in his 70s with an underlying illness. He died Sunday in an area hospital.

As of Monday, the county had identified a total of 138 cases among county residents.

“This is a tragic and sad outcome for this family and our community. Today we face a historic public health event affecting not only Fort Bend County but communities around the globe,” Dr. Jacquelyn Minter, director of Fort Bend County Health & Human Services, said in a news release about the first death. “We offer our heartfelt condolences to the patient’s family and

SEE IMPACT PAGE 5

Fears of ‘Citgo 6’ families amplified by pandemic

By Adam Zuvanich AZUVANICH@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

The men’s families already feared for their safety.

A pandemic has pushed their worries into overdrive.

The six Citgo executives who have been detained in Venezuela since November 2017 – four of whom have ties to

Fort Bend County – are locked in the same cell in a Caracas prison called El Helicoide, according to one of their relatives in the area. The men are all at least 55 years old and have no access to healthcare or running water, which puts them at risk for contracting COVID-19 and developing serious complications from the upper-respiratory disease caused by the new strain

of coronavirus.

Some of the detained men, including Sugar Land resident Jorge Toledo, also have underlying health conditions. His stepson, Richmond resident Carlos Anez, said Toledo has been battling bronchitis.

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SEE CITGO 6 PAGE 5

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Sugar Land resident Jorge Toledo, center of front row, is one of the six Citgo executives who have been detained in Venezuela since 2017. (Photo from citgo6coalition.org)

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PAGE 2 • Wednesday, April 1, 2020

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The COVID-19 pandemic has brought much of the Houston area, along with the country and the world, to a standstill. But business must continue, even with schools closed and many people working remotely from home. As of publication, the businesses featured on this page were still open and ready to serve the community.

Stafford medical company pivots to making hand sanitizer

By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Forward Science, a Stafford-based medical technology company, recently created the first batch of hand sanitizer it plans to provide to hospitals in the Houston region during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Operating out of 10401 Greenbough Dr., Suite 100 in Stafford, Forward Science typically manufactures

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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, frequent hand-washing with soap and water for at least 20

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“When we heard that there was a shortage of hand sanitizer across the nation, we knew we needed to step up and help,” Forward Science President Brian Pikkula said in a news release. “Not just Texans, but the world, counts on our city to provide elite medical care. We quickly paused manufacturing on our typical products and focused heavily on meeting this need.”

As of Monday evening, there were 138 reported cases of COVID-19 and two related deaths in Fort Bend County, according to health officials. There were 309 cases and three deaths in the City of Houston and an additional 254 cases

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According to the World Health Organization, more than 697,000 people have been infected with COVID-19 in 203 different countries. More than 122,000 cases have been identified in the U.S. The disease has led to more than 33,000 deaths globally and more than 2,100 in the U.S. “This is an uncertain time for everyone — hospitals are in desperate need of materials and small businesses are searching for ways to keep business open and their staff members employed,” Forward Science CEO Robert Whitman said. “…We’ve always valued the support of our community in Houston, and Texas as a whole has provided us. This is our chance to return the favor to them.”

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Wednesday, April 1, 2020 • PAGE

3

George standing tall during COVID-19 crisis I guess I should be used to it by now. Whenever a crisis hits, blame falls on the leaders of our cities and counties.

Sometimes, people say, their elected officials didn’t do what needed to be done. And if they did what was necessary, they didn’t do it fast enough or well enough.

There’s always those who think they could do better than the ones in power. But I highly doubt that. Does any one of us honestly believe we know more than medical professionals, or are more physically and mentally equipped to handle a situation that evolves from one extreme to another in the time it takes to grab takeout from Whataburger?

I think our county officials, such as Fort Bend County Judge KP George, have handled the COVID-19 pandemic with more grace and poise in their pinkies than many of us likely possess in our entire bodies as the number of positive tests continues to swell along with trepidation in the community.

We have to face reality now: COVID-19, the upper-respiratory disease caused by the new strain of coronavirus, is a clear and present danger. So is it really that hard to stay inside for a couple of weeks to potentially mitigate the spread of this virus as we’ve been asked to do?

The way I look at it is this: If officials wind up being wrong about how potentially harmful it can be – I don’t think they are – then great, we’ll be back to normal in no time. But if they decide to abandon caution and wind up being wrong? We would be up a creek without a paddle.

Everything they have said or done has been with the long-term interests of residents in mind and armed with what they can responsibly reveal. And that should be admired.

Now, I won’t pretend to agree with the necessity of every single recom-

HOME IMPROVEMENT

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Landan Kuhlmann LEAD REPORTER

mendation George has made over the last month.

That’s been perfectly clear in my recent use of this space. However, the way he has continued to stand up there in the face of a nearly unprecedented crisis deserves some of the highest praise.

During a news conference I attended early on during the local outbreak, George was bombarded with questions from reporters like myself about information they could not possibly have known the answer to, or about information we know they aren’t allowed to release, such as the names or specific whereabouts of those infected. One after another, George and county health officials consistently reiterated their inability to provide such information at that time. Yet the questions continued coming, and they’ve continued to pour in as some media members satiate their lust for dunking on someone or as members of the public berate their responses.

But through it all, I think George has stood tall.

As a reporter, there’s always a fine line to walk in writing this sort of column. There are times when it’s indeed appropriate to grill our leaders for information and for the public to demand an-

swers. In certain cases – many, even – they need to be held accountable for specific words or actions.

But right here, right now? It’s not the time for grilling our officials for information we know they cannot provide. Many say the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result.

With some reporters and regular citizens, I don’t know if they’re actually expecting something different, or are hoping for that “gotcha” moment.

At this point in time, what matters for our paper most is chronicling the COVID-19 pandemic and how it is impacting our community. That should be our only aim.

And as a community, we should be looking for ways to help, reassure and uplift our neighbors, not press for information that’s frankly not relevant to the coronavirus’ impact.

A little more than a year into his tenure, George is already in the midst of handling his second major public safety event after the flooding caused

by Tropical Storm Imelda mere months ago – a tall ask for anyone, let alone a relative political newcomer.

Sure, there are certain issues I’ve had, such as the timing of some the announcements. If he was going to shut things down, he needed to just do so instead of waiting for his counterparts to do so. I’ve even spoken with a few community members who have gone so far as to call the stay-at-home orders and disaster declarations a governmental overreach.

But frankly, none of that matters at this juncture.

I’m certainly not going to sit here and say I’d rather rely on my instincts than those of medical professionals or have @ JoeBlow4536 on Twitter running things rather than George. As far as I can tell, he has been as forthcoming as possible with the information he’s been presented. He has let the public know what he can, when he can responsibly

do so. I’ve met and interacted with the man on multiple occasions, and I truly believe he is sincere in his answers and responses to this pandemic.

What’s more, he’s at the mercy of the data sets and the medical minds studying it when it comes to decisions to shut down restaurants, recommend social distancing or issuing a stay-at-home order.

So I’d say let’s focus less on the bloodlust for

a juicy quote or vitriol because we don’t agree with every decision he’s made, and more on doing what we can to help ourselves and our community power through this crisis. Our leaders are not perfect by any means, but they certainly don’t deserve much of what they tend to get in crisis situations.

So let’s take a step back, wash our hands and look in the mirror before pointing fingers.

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PAGE 4 • Wednesday, April 1, 2020

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FBISD expands meal program to additional campuses

By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Fort Bend ISD more than doubled the scope of its “Grab and Go” program last week and is now offering free meals to children Monday through Friday at 23 campuses.

Breakfast will be available from 7:30-9 a.m., and lunch will be served from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

The district had been providing the meals at 11 area campuses since March 16, after schools were closed amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

The free meals are available to anyone age 18 and younger and to students with disabilities. Children do not need to be enrolled in FBISD to receive food, and as of Tuesday, parents can pick up food for children without them be-

A volunteer loads a meal into a truck at Ridge Point High School on March 16. Fort Bend ISD has expanded its meal program to 23 campuses. (Photo by Landan Kuhlmann)

ing present if the parents present their student's identification card or report card, an attendance record from Skyward or a

birth certificate. Without one of those things, parents will receive food only for the children with them.

FBISD has suspended

classes and school-sponsored activities until at least April 10 in an attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19.

The FBISD campuses offering meals are: • Armstrong Elementary, 3440 Independence Blvd.

• Briargate Elementary, 15817 Blue Ridge Rd. • Burton Elementary, 1625 Hunter Green Ln. • Dulles High School, 550 Dulles Ave. • Elkins High School, 7007 Knights Ct. • First Colony Middle School, 3225 Austin Pkwy.

• Goodman Elementary, 1100 West Sycamore Rd. • Heritage Rose Elementary, 636 Glendale Lakes Dr. • Hightower High School, 3333 Hurricane Ln. • Hodges Bend Middle School, 16510 Bissonet St. • Hunters Glen Elementary, 695 Independence Blvd.

• Kempner High School,

14777 Voss Rd. • Lantern Lane Elementary, 3323 Mission Valley Dr. • McAuliffe Middle School, 16650 S. Post Oak Rd. • Mission Bend Elementary, 16200 Beechnut St. • Mission Glen Elementary, 16053 Mission Glen Dr. • Missouri City Middle School, 202 Martin Ln. • Ridge Point High School, 500 Waters Lake Blvd.

• Ridgegate Elementary, 6015 West Ridgecreek Dr. • Ridgemont Elementary, 4910 Raven Ridge Dr. • Rosa Parks Elementary, 19101 Chimney Rock Rd. • Sartartia Middle School, 8125 Homeward Way • Travis High School, 11111 Harlem Rd.

SMSD preparing for online learning during school closures

By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

With about 3,600 students stuck at home because of the COVID-19 outbreak in Fort Bend County, Stafford MSD recently announced several initiatives aimed at helping students stay engaged with online learning while

school is out.

SMSD campuses are closed until at least April 10 as the county attempts to mitigate the spread of the upper-respiratory disease caused by the new strain of coronavirus. As a result, the district is expanding the breadth of its “Stafford Learns” website to help students and parents cope with the pandemic’s effect on academics.

“We want to hear from you, and we need to hear from you,” SMSD Superintendent Robert Bostic said in a video posted to the

district’s Twitter account.

“We need to make sure our students interact on a daily basis with teachers who have been here preparing things for their students.”

On the Stafford Learns website (staffordmsd. org/academics/staffordlearns), there is a link to a virtual learning plan for elementary, junior high and high school students.

For students at each school level, there is a schedule of advised activities as well as recommendations on the duration and frequency of each activity.

Fort Bend ISD, the larg-

est school district in the area, is using a similar online learning program called “At-Home Learning ( f o r t b e n d i s d . c o m /d o main/17285). Traditional classes at FBISD also are suspended through at least April 10.

Stafford MSD students and parents also will have 24-hour access to ClassLink, SMSD’s single sign-on application. With ClassLink, students can log in one time and have access to student applications such as Study Island, Blackboard and Office 365.

“In an effort to ease this

Rosenberg postpones May election

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From Staff Reports

During a special March 24 meeting, Rosenberg City Council voted 6-1 to postpone the election scheduled for May 2 until Nov. 3, unless an earlier

date is made available, in an effort to keep voters from gathering during a time of concern over the spread of COVID-19.

Candidates for District 1 are Keith Parker and Isaac Davila. Susan Kroll Euton and Steve DeGregorio will face off in District 2, while

Timothy P. Anders and Alice Stratman Jozwiak will vie for District 3.

Richard Olson and Marc A. Morales are opponents in District 4.

There are also nine proposed city propositions on the ballot.

For more information

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.

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transition from face-toface instruction to online instruction, we wanted to develop a comprehensive plan that everyone can follow in addition to the other resources you will find,” the district said on its website.

SMDS also announced March 26 that it will begin processing and loaning a limited number of laptop computers and iPads for online learning beginning as early as this week.

For up-to-date information on StMSD, follow the district on its social media pages @StaffordMSD.

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Scripture of the week

“‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.”

- Mark 9:23

E

Travis Ryan Monroe, 35, a resident of Richmond, TX since 2007, formerly of Sugar Land passed away on March 24, 2020 in Sugar Land, TX with his parents by his side. He was born in Houston, TX on March 14, 1985. Travis was a Christian through his parents’ faith and was beloved by all who knew him.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents: Edgar Jason Monroe, Lola Fay Monroe and Charles Edward DeForest.

Travis leaves behind his mother, Denise Monroe; father, Keith W. Monroe and stepmother Maria Dolores Monroe; step-sister, Robyn Leal; grandparents: George C. and Lee Ann Malone; aunts and uncles: Kevin L. and Lily Monroe, Daniel and Paula DeForest.

There will be a memorial service for immediate family on Saturday, April 4, 2020 at 5 p.m. at Crowder

MARCH 24TH, 2020

Funeral Home, 2422 Broadway, Pearland, TX 77581. The service will also be live-streamed on youtube. com for those who cannot attend.

Please type the link in your web browser and it will take you directly to Travis’s live stream. https://youtu.be/Z1T1I3qgixA In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Travis Ryan Monroe’s name to the Cerebral Palsy Foundation, Texas Lions Camp, or a charity of your choice.

about the elections, including the early voting locations, election day polling locations, council district maps, sample ballots and other important election and voting information, visit rosenbergtx. gov/c it y- gove r n me nt/ elections/.

★ COUNCILMAN FROM PAGE 1 while only businesses deemed essential are allowed to operate during the order, which is in effect through at least April 3.

“I am in great spirits and I plan to overcome this temporary challenge,” Boney said. “…I am here and I am fighting and I will get through this with the support of my family and friends. God bless you and see you soon.”

Missouri City officials noted in a Monday news release that "an individual who attended the March 16 council meetings has tested positive for COVID-19."

Residents around the county showed their support for Boney following his announcement.

“We need your energy,” Kala Shekinah wrote on Facebook.

Added Sabrina General in another Facebook comment: “We need you, representing and being a voice for the people in our city, and most importantly as our friend.”

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★ TESTING FROM PAGE 1 and a unique code that must be presented at the testing site.

For the OakBend site, a spokesperson for OakBend Medical Center said patients must be symptomatic and have one of the following risk factors — healthcare workers with suspected exposure, people who are age 65 and older as well as those with underlying health conditions (heart disease, diabetes, lung disease/asthma, HIV, immunocompromised).

Those who wish to be tested at OakBend must call Telehealth at 281-238-7870 to

★ IMPACT FROM PAGE 1 friends.”

In an attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19, Fort Bend County Judge KP George issued a stay-athome order on March 24 that will remain in effect through at least April 3. It requires all county residents to stay home except for essential reasons such as to obtain groceries, household items and medical care, and only

★ CITGO 6 FROM PAGE 1 at this point,” Anez said.

“I’m worried that instead of them being let out, that one or more of them could potentially die in there while this pandemic is going on.”

The other detained men, known as the Citgo 6, are Gustavo Cardenas, Jose Pereira, Tomeu Vadell and brothers Alirio and Jose Luis Zambrano. Five are dual citizens, with Cardenas, Pereira and Jose Luis Zambrano having homes in Katy.

Their relatives say they were called to Venezuela for an impromptu meeting before Thanksgiving 2017 and then arrested by the regime of Maduro.

Houston-based Citgo is a subsidiary of Petroleos de Venezuela SA (PDVSA), a state-run oil and gas company. Relatives of the men say they were accused of trying to make decisions that would financially inhibit Citgo’s parent company and by extension the Venezuelan government.

Wednesday, April 1, 2020 • PAGE

5

VID-19 tests, identifying 12 positive cases.

“We are proud to support this effort for the wellbeing of our residents. This is yet another example of the great work of one of our major Fort Bend community partners,

OakBend Medical Group,” George said. “For those seeking to be tested, it is important the guidelines and protocols are followed to ensure a smooth process.”

According to Fort Bend County, initial testing at its

sponsored site will focus on those deemed to be at the highest risk for serious complications caused by COVID-19. The high-risk groups include: · Healthcare professionals and first responders · Those 60 years of age and older · People who live in a nursing home or long-term care facility · People with other highrisk conditions such as but not limited to: chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma, serious heart conditions, those who are immunocompromised including cancer treatment or with severe obesity or certain un-

businesses deemed essential are allowed to continue operating. All residents must adhere to social distancing guidelines by staying at least 6 feet away from each other.

An epidemiologic investigation has also been launched at Richmond State Supported Living Center (RSSLC) after a laboratory report identified two cases at the facility on Monday.

The cases include two residents in their 60s, who are both hospitalized, ac-

cording to Fort Bend County Health & Human Services.

To help residents stay informed about the disease’s impact on the county, officials also launched the COVID-19 Response Hub last Thursday. The site is a one-stop information source for residents regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the local community based on data gathered from Johns Hopkins University.

“COVID-19 is affecting all

ages, genders and is found in those who have traveled as well as those who have not,” Minter said. “Our graphic representation presents a better picture of what is currently occurring in our county.”

The online hub will host information about closures related to the COVID-19 response within Fort Bend, according to the county.

It also contains a graphic breaking down the county’s cases by gender, status and

age group, along with a running tally of closures for schools and government facilities.

According to the World Health Organization, which in March declared the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic, there have been more than 697,000 cases in 203 different countries, including more than 122,000 cases in the United States. The disease has caused more than 33,000 deaths globally and more than 2,100 in the U.S..

The county’s call center is open for any residents who suspect they may be symptomatic. Fort Bend residents can reach the center at 281633-7795.

“As a community, we must come together to follow the (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) guidelines and the Fort Bend County ‘Stay Home to Save Lives’ order to slow the spread of this unprecedented global pandemic,” George said.

Anez said the men have yet to stand trial, and he considers the corruption charges bogus. Anez said he was told March 20 by the U.S. Department of State that Maduro will only release the men if U.S. sanctions against Venezuela are lifted.

“That to me means that they’re hostages,” Anez said. “They’re being held for a very particular reason and Venezuela wants something in exchange.”

Tensions between Maduro and the U.S. government escalated Thursday when, according to the Associated Press, the U.S. filed drug trafficking charges against Maduro and 14 other Venezuelan officials and placed a $15 million bounty on the socialist leader. Maduro responded by calling U.S. President Donald Trump a “racist cowboy,” according to the AP. When asked if they were worried about Maduro retaliating against the U.S. by harming the Citgo 6, Anez and Gabriela Zam-

brano Hill — the daughter of Alirio and niece of Jose Luis — said the men have been in danger as it is. Hill said she hopes concerns about COVID-19 prompt the men’s release on humanitarian grounds.

About 100 COVID-19 cases have been reported in Venezuela, including four in El Helicoide, according to a Thursday report by Time Magazine.

“This has always been a delicate and evolving situation, and is even more so now in light of COVID-19,” U.S. Rep. Pete Olson, who represents some of the men, said in a Friday statement provided to The Star.

“At times, it seems for every two steps forward we take toward their release, we then take one step back.

This is extremely frustrating, especially to the families. I will continue to do all I can to ensure their safe return.”

Two of the men’s wives said in October that Citgo stopped paying their husband’s salaries a few

months after they were jailed but continued to provide insurance benefits.

The wives also said at the time that Citgo started assisting with legal expenses in the spring of 2019.

“Citgo continues to support the U.S. Government’s efforts to secure the release of our colleagues, who have now been detained for more than two years without trial and who face grave risks to their health due to the global pandemic,” the company said in a statement released by a spokesperson. “Citgo believes that the detention of these men violates their fundamental human rights, including the right to due process under law. We pray for their safety, and for their families as they contend with all of the challenges presented by this lengthy separation from their loved ones.”

Relatives of the Citgo 6 were encouraged in December, when the men were granted house arrest after more than two years in jail. But they were

scooped up and returned to prison Feb. 5 – the same day Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido was in Washington D.C. as a guest of Trump, who recognizes Guaido as Venezuela’s legitimate leader.

After that point, Anez said more than a month passed before any of the Citgo 6 relatives heard from the men, who have not been allowed visitors.

They have been permitted to make brief phone calls to their families during the last week.

The families arrange to have food, water, medicine and clothing delivered to the men, according to Anez and Hill, who said that is becoming increasingly difficult amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and an oil price war that has led to a gasoline shortage in Venezuela. Anez said the South American country also has implemented many of the same social distancing guidelines as the U.S., so many stores that sell necessary supplies are closed.

Anez and Hill also said their fathers and the other men have been using bleach to sanitize their prison cell, which keeps it clean but irritates their skin and lungs.

“That’s better than getting sick with the virus at this point,” Anez said.

While being imprisoned in El Helicoide puts the men at a higher risk of infection, Hill said she is glad the Citgo 6 are separated from other inmates. And as COVID-19 continues to take a toll on the world, including in Venezuela, she hopes the Maduro regime will be compelled to release them.

In that sense, the pandemic could potentially help her family’s plight.

Hill’s father has yet to meet his 6-month-old granddaughter, Iris, who was baptized the day after he was abruptly removed from house arrest.

“I just want my dad home,” Hill said. “Maybe this is what needs to happen so we’ll finally get the chance to get these men home where they belong.”

schedule a screening. Patients who meet the testing criteria will then be given further instructions.

Testing will be conducted from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at the OakBend site in New Territory location at 4911 Sandhill Dr. in Sugar Land.

Testing there will be charged to patients’ insurance for those who have Medicare, Medicaid or commercial insurance, with the cost of self-pay being $100, according to the county. Payments must be made by debit or credit card prior to arriving at the testing site.

As of Monday, an OakBend spokesperson said the site had conducted about 150 CO-

An OakBend Medical Center employee assists a patient at the organization's COVID-19 testing center at 4911 Sandill Dr. in Sugar Land (Photo from Facebook)

C LASS I F I E D

A DS

derlying medical conditions such as diabetes, renal failure, or liver disease, pregnancy Dr. Jacquelyn Minter, director of Fort Bend County Health & Human Services, said AccessHealth will conduct the tests as well as provide administrative and medical staff.

Test results will take between 24-48 hours to be processed, according to the county. There are a combined three free testing sites operated by Harris County and the City of Houston that also are open to Fort Bend residents.

“This collaboration is an extension of our existing partnership,” Minter said. “We could not be more thankful.”

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C LASS I F I E D

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TRANE ON SALE! LEGALS Tow Truck Rotation List Pre-Application Meeting The City of Sugar Land will soon accept applications from tow truck companies to create a new rotation list for nonconsent towing services. The new rotation is expected to begin in July. The City non-consent towing program is a two-year term.

A pre-application meeting will be held on May 20, 2020, at 2:00 p.m. in the Sugar Land Police Department training room to discuss the application requirements, selection process and answer any questions prospective applicants may have about the process.

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NOTICE TO BIDDERS US90A DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS FOR SUGAR LAND AIRPORT TAXIWAY

Sealed bids 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, April 23, 2020, at which time bids will be publicly opened and read. Bids received after the opening date and time will not be considered.

A non-mandatory pre-bid meeting for all interested parties will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 15, 2020 via virtual meeting. Details for attending the pre-bid meeting will be posted on CivCast www.

CivCastUSA.com Questions regarding this bid must be received on or before 5:00 p.m., Monday, April 20, 2020. Please contact Stephen T, Reiter, P.E., CFM at Jones|Carter, at (713) 777-5337.

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.

NOTICE TO BIDDERS SUGAR LAND SURFACE WATER PLANT YARD PIPE AND AERIAL CROSSINGS RECOATING PROJECT

NOTICE TO BIDDERS GROUNDWATER PLANT UPGRADES

The City of Sugar Land seeks bids for furnishing all labor, material, and equipment, and performing all work required for the following project in the City: US90A Drainage Improvements for Sugar Land Airport Taxiway CIP PROJECT NUMBER: AP1902 LOCATION OF WORK: TxDOT Detention Basin at South Intersection of US HWY 90-A and Texas SH-6 Plans, specifications, and bidding documents may be obtained from www.CivCastUSA.com.

The City of Sugar Land seeks bids for furnishing all labor, material, and equipment, and performing all work required for the following project in the City: CIP PROJECT NAME: Groundwater Plant Upgrades CIP PROJECT NUMBER: WA1904 LOCATION OF WORK: Various Locations Plans, specifications, and bidding documents may be obtained from www.CivCastUSA.com.

The City of Sugar Land seeks bids for furnishing all labor, material, and equipment, and performing all work required for the following project in the City: CIP PROJECT NAME: Sugar Land Surface Water Plant Yard Pipe and Aerial Crossings Recoating Project CIP PROJECT NUMBER: SW2003 LOCATION OF WORK: Various Locations Plans, specifications, and bidding documents may be obtained from www.CivCastUSA.com.

Sealed bids 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, April 23, 2020, at which time bids will be publicly opened and read. Bids received after the opening date and time will not be considered.

Sealed bids 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, April 23, 2020, at which time bids will be publicly opened and read. Bids received after the opening date and time will not be considered.

A non-mandatory pre-bid meeting for all interested parties will be held at 9:00 a.m., Wednesday, April 15, 2020. Due to COVID19, additional details about the pre-bid meeting will be posted on CivCast www.

CivCastUsa.com

A non-mandatory pre-bid meeting for all interested parties will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, April 15, 2020 via virtual meeting. Due to COVID19, additional details about the pre-bid meeting will be posted on CivCast www.CivCastUsa.com

Questions regarding this bid must be received by 10:00 a.m. on or before April 20, 2020. Please post all questions through www.CivCastUsa.com

Questions regarding this bid must be received by 10:00 a.m. on or before April 20, 2020. Please post all questions through www.CivCastUsa.com

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.

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.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING VARIANCE REQUEST FROM THE STANDARD SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (R-1) ZONING DISTRICT REAR YARD SETBACK REQUIREMENT FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 163 AZALEA STREET Zoning Board of Adjustment Public Hearing VICINITY MAP: 5:00 p.m. April 15, 2020, City of Sugar Land, 2700 Town Center Blvd. North, hosted via live stream at http://www.sugarlandtx.gov/1238/ SLTV-16-Live-Video or https://www.youtube. com/sugarlandtxgov/live to hear all persons interested in the proposed Variance Request from the Rear Yard Setback Requirement for the property located at 163 Azalea Street, Lot 3, Block 1, Brookside Addition Section 2, in the Standard Single-Family Residential (R-1) District.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING SPECIAL EXCEPTION REQUEST FROM THE SIDE YARD SETBACK REQUIREMENTS IN THE STANDARD SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (INTERIM) (R-1-I) ZONING DISTRICT FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 8702 CHIPPING ROCK DRIVE Zoning Board of Adjustment Public Hearing VICINITY MAP: 5:00 p.m. April 15, 2020, City of Sugar Land, 2700 Town Center Blvd. North, hosted via live stream at http://www.sugarlandtx.gov/1238/ SLTV-16-Live-Video or https://www.youtube. com/sugarlandtxgov/live to hear all persons interested in the proposed Special Exception to the Side Yard Setbacks for 8702 Chipping Rock Drive, Lot 1, Block 1, The Enclave at Greatwood, in the Standard Single-Family Residential (Interim) (R-1-I) Zoning 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, April 10, 2020. Request details or provide feedback on the proposed Variance Request online at www.sugarlandtx.gov/ PublicHearingComment or contact City of Sugar Land Planning Department at (281) 275-2218.

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, April 10, 2020. 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 (April 1, 2020) Governor Abbott and Fort Bend County have issued declarations ordering the avoidance of gatherings in groups of 10 (ten) or more people, which will be adhered to. 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 provide written comments for the public hearing should submit their comments to the Office of City Secretary (www.sugarlandtx.gov/PublicHearingComment), by 3 p.m. Wednesday, April 15, 2020. Members of the public desiring to provide verbal comments may do so at 5:00 p.m. at 2700 Town Center Blvd., North.

Note that speakers will be admitted into the City Council Chamber one at a time to ensure compliance with the declarations limiting gatherings to less than 10 people.

As of the date of this publication (April 1, 2020) Governor Abbott and Fort Bend County have issued declarations ordering the avoidance of gatherings in groups of 10 (ten) or more people, which will be adhered to. 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 provide written comments for the public hearing should submit their comments to the Office of City Secretary (www.sugarlandtx.gov/PublicHearingComment), by 3 p.m. Wednesday, April 15, 2020. Members of the public desiring to provide verbal comments may do so at 5:00 p.m. at 2700 Town Center Blvd., North. Note that speakers will be admitted into the City Council Chamber one at a time to ensure compliance with the declarations limiting gatherings to less than 10 people.

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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING SPECIAL EXCEPTION REQUEST FROM THE SIDE YARD SETBACK AND THE REAR YARD SETBACK REQUIREMENTS IN THE STANDARD SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (R-1) ZONING DISTRICT FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2402 LIVELY LANE Zoning Board of Adjustment Public VICINITY MAP: Hearing 5:00 p.m. April 15, 2020, City of Sugar Land, 2700 Town Center Blvd. North, hosted via live stream at http://www. sugarlandtx.gov/1238/SLTV-16-Live-Video or https://www.youtube.com/sugarlandtxgov/ live to hear all persons interested in the proposed Special Exception to the Side and Rear Yard Setbacks for 2402 Lively Lane, Lot 14, Block 3, Chimneystone Section One, in the Standard Single-Family 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, April 10, 2020. 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 (April 1, 2020) Governor Abbott and Fort Bend County have issued declarations ordering the avoidance of gatherings in groups of 10 (ten) or more people, which will be adhered to. 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 provide written comments for the public hearing should submit their comments to the Office of City Secretary (www.sugarlandtx.gov/PublicHearingComment), by 3 p.m. Wednesday, April 15, 2020. Members of the public desiring to provide verbal comments may do so at 5:00 p.m. at 2700 Town Center Blvd., North. Note that speakers will be admitted into the City Council Chamber one at a time to ensure compliance with the declarations limiting gatherings to less than 10 people.

THE STAR

See us online www.FortBendStar.com

S L CENSUS TX 2020

Wednesday, April 1, 2020 • PAGE

S TA N D U P. B E C O U N T E D.

Sugar Land Needs You!

April 1, 2020

When you fill out the census, you help: Determine how many seats your state gets in Congress.

Support Texas. Based on the 2010 Census, Texas received $59B in federal funds annually, equivalent to $1,548 per person per year.

Shape your future.

START HERE. For the first time ever, you can fill out the Census online! www.SugarLandTX.gov/Census2020

Everyone Counts. #SLTXCounts

Create jobs, prepare for emergencies, and build schools, roads and hospitals.

Q: When will I receive my Census?

Frequently A: Asked Questions

By April 1, 2020, every household will receive an invitation to complete the Census online, by phone or by mail.

Q: What is the deadline to complete the Census?

A: You should complete your survey as soon as you receive your

invitation. Reminder letters will be sent to households that have not completed the survey. Census workers will visit households that have not responded starting in May 2020.

BioEnergetic Works provides novel health approach amidst coronavirus During the current COVID-19 pandemic, many are attempting to do their best to strengthen themselves against the coronavirus and mitigate its health impact on them and their loved ones.

They can do so in part by finding out exactly what hurts and helps the body and taking part in BioEnergetic Works’ testing at Haeckerville Pharmacy at 9402 Highway 6 South, Suite 400 in Missouri City, as well as utilizing a novel bioenergetic solution tool called Reson8 that is available to patients at the pharmacy.

For many people, the process of discovering exactly what their body needs energy-wise by personal trial and error can be a trying endeavor. That can happen in large part, Dr. Ferryl McClain said, because we do not understand exactly what it means to “not have enough energy.”

“We consume what we think our body is lacking so we can have vibrant energy,” said McClain, a pharmacist who has utilized BioScan technology at Haeckerville for more than 20 years. “If we think our iron levels are low, we take iron and wait to see if our energy increases. If that doesn’t work, then we switch to calcium, magnesium, melatonin, hormones and the list goes on until our energy finally changes.”

McClain said BioEnergetic Works’ tests help eliminate the trial and error part of the process and expedites patients an answer in real time by looking at the energy system of the organs first before looking at the biochemical aspect.

During in-person testing, McClain tests everything used on in a person’s daily routine – shampoo, hair gel, etc. – to first see if it’s helping, hurting, or having a placebo effect on a patient’s health. All she needs is a spit and/ or hair sample in order to conduct an evaluation, which can also be mailed or couriered to Haeckerville during the COVID-19 pandemic in observance of social distancing recommendations.

“Once we determine what is actually on your team and remove what is not, then we go to team offensive and look for solutions,” she said. “I’ve saved people money and improved patients’

Reson8 medallions are available at Haeckerville Pharmacy. (Photo from Clar8ty Facebook)

Dr. Ferryl McClain

health by just eliminating the weakening agent without adding any additional supplementation.”

To that end, McClain also deals in bioenergetic solutions, and

Haeckerville is offering one of the most renowned solutions currently on the market. She strongly recommends the use of Reson8 – a jade medallion infused with

Quantum Signature Enhancement Technology (QSET) bio scalar wave nanotechnology that emits a cell’s natural frequencies. Reson8 deploys QSET nanotechnology at a molecular level and uses the body’s natural ‘healthy’ frequencies to support the body’s natural defenses against negative factors in a person’s environment.

Reson8 is a quantum charged medallion that helps fortify the body against harmful energies and frequencies. According to its website, the space around the device is an invisible force field that neutralizes destructive frequencies emitted by cell phones and even naturally occurring energies that can damage a person’s cells.

Essentially, the medallions create a ‘cocoon’ of waves increasing the body’s own energy coherence according to the website.

The Reson8 medallion creates a donut-shaped field around itself, and the flow of this field resonates with a universal higher order. Advocates say people, animals, fruits, vegetables or any living thing within that shield subsequently maintains a greater coherence and balance and the body is supported against Electromagnetic field radiation (EMF) emitted by everyday things such as cell phones and other electronic devices.

The Reson8 medallions are currently available as necessary at Haeckerville Pharmacy, and McClain has a courier service that can deliver the medallions to your home in the interest of social distancing amidst COVID-19 health concerns.

During the COVID-19 crisis, McClain will also be doing a weekly post on her Facebook page @bioeworks to give residents practical suggestions as both a pharmacist and bioenergetics practitioner that complement the current CDC guidelines.

For more information on Reson8 and learn what the product can offer, visit their website at clar8ty. ositracker.com/146475/10933. To find out more information about bioenergetics, residents can visit the website at bioeworks.com or give McClain a call at 281-9150793. They can also email her at info@bioeworks.com or stop by Haeckerville Pharmacy in person.

7

THE STAR

PAGE 8 • Wednesday, April 1, 2020

See us online www.FortBendStar.com

★ HOSPITALS FROM PAGE 1

@FORTBENDSTAR @FTBENDATHLETICS F O RT B E N D S TA R . C O M CAN CHIROPRACTIC HELP ME? Hear it from real patients HERNIATED DISCS

HEADACHES

I was in severe pain from 5 herniated discs in my low back. This treatment made all the difference and I donÕ t have to get surgery.

I had headaches everyday and it was starting to affect my focus at school. Now my headaches are under control and I feel like myself again!

SURGICAL CASES

3425 Hwy 6, Suite 101, Sugar Land TX 77478

(281) 980 - 1050

cedure • Patients with a disability or other medical condition who need assistance communicating with staff will be evaluated for potential visitor exceptions on a case-by-case basis “This decision will further protect our patients and the community from the spread of COVID-19 and help conserve Memorial Hermann’s supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure our ability to continue providing safe care during this time,” the hospital said in a news release. “Memorial Hermann recognizes the importance of family support in the healing process and is encouraging the use of video chat programs on your personal device to visit with loved ones who cannot visit in person.”

3 generations of Quality Service, Integrity & Honesty

CHRONIC PAIN

I had hip surgery due to a fall and I walked with a cane. My treatment brought me relief, strength to walk without a cane and my spine is straighter than it was before my fall!

Sugar Land Health Center

Williams Way Campus at 22003 Southwest Fwy. in Richmond; and OakBend Medical Center-Jackson Street Campus at 1705 Jackson St. in Richmond.

The OakBend locations are making the following exceptions to the new visitor policy, with all visitors required to undergo screening before being allowed to enter the facilities: • ER patients are allowed one visitor; • Labor and Delivery patients are allowed one significant other; • Disabled patients or other patients that need medical assistance are allowed one caretaker; Memorial Hermann has two locations in the Fort

Bend area: Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital at 17500 W. Grand Pkwy S. and Memorial Hermann Convenient Care Center at Sienna Plantation, located at 8780 Hwy 6, Suite B, in Missouri City.

Memorial Hermann also is making limited exceptions to its new visitor policy. And like OakBend, all visitors must clear a health screening before entry. The Memorial Hermann exceptions include: • One visitor for laboring women • One visitor (parent or guardian) for pediatric patients • Family members for patients in hospice or supportive medicine • One visitor for patients receiving emergency care • One visitor for patients at the time of discharge following a surgery or pro-

I had constant pain in my back. It wasnÕ t severe but on occasion it would cause me to fall. Chiropractic care increased my quality of life.

Autos foreign & domestic Vehicle + RV detailing

Family Owned and Operated in Fort Bend County

Since 1951

Now

Then

COMPLIMENTARY • • •

CONSULTATION & EXAM

Does not include Medicare or PI X-rays at regular price Additional charges may apply

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

Owned by E.C. Charlton.

CODE:CHIRO20STAR

www.sugarlandhealthcenter.com

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

Those were the days - Charlton’s Body Repair - 01-31-18- 3colx3”

COMMUNITY

CALENDAR

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

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.

FORT BEND-HARRIS RETIRED EDUCATORS We will not be meeting in April or May. As of now, we plan to have our kick-off meeting/luncheon in The Great Hall at Sugar Land First United Methodist Church, 431 Eldridge Rd. on Aug. 13 at 11 a.m. during which we will install our new officers. TRTA dues for March 2020-February 2021 are now due. Members and new retirees wishing to join, please mail a personal check made payable to FBHRE for $45 directly to treasurer Cathie Ritchie at 1107 Laurel Green Rd. in Missouri City. If you are a Diamond Plus member, then you would only send Cathie a check for $10. Contact Cathie with any questions at critchie43@comcast.net 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, 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

Honored to be your choice for life insurance.

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

HELP LOCAL PET OWNERS IN NEED

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.

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.

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.

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.

AMERICAN LEGION 294 MEETING Meets the first Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. at the Old Hickory Inn BBQ, 3334 FM 1092, just north of Highway 6 in Missouri City. For more information, please call 713-376-7295.

RAMIRO RODRIGUEZ • AUTO • HOME INSURANCE • BUSINESS An Independent Agency Working For You – NOT The Insurance Company.

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. John’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 713-314-1313 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

281-240-8701 EXPERIENCE COUNTS! 27+ YEARS SERVING FORT BEND COUNTY

Houston Humane Society Pet Food Pantry

Serving families needing assistance & Keeping Pets in homes forever. www.HoustonHumane.org

Donate online!

Plantation. We sew, crochet, knit, needlepoint, etc. contact Livia Erich at 281-543-3524 or liviaerich@yahoo.com for additional information.

Call us today!

281.243.2300 •

Alief MEDICAL SALES

SHORT TERM WHEELCHAIR RENTALS AVAILABLE

Buy a pair of COMPRESSION TRAVEL SOCKS and get the 2nd pair

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One Sugar Creek Center Blvd.

Suite 300, Sugar Land, TX

www.KenWoodPC.com

DISCOVER EXCELLENT Tax Preparation Services

Individual 1040: E-File & Rapid • Anticipation Loan • Business 1120, 1120s & 1065 • Medicare, Medicaid & TDHS Cost Reports • Accounting, Bookkeeping & Payroll For Small Businesses •

Dr Ste 141 832-886-4400 / 713-816-0771 4434 Bluebonnet Stafford, TX 77477