Fortbend0606

Superintendent addresses east side concerns: Page 10

The Sugar Land Skeeters lost another player to the Major Leagues as Hunter Cervenka had his contract purchased by the Detroit Tigers organization. See page 6.

WEDNESDAY • JUNE 6, 2018

Fort Bend / Southwest • Volume 40 • No. 42

Visit www.FortBendStar.com

School district to exhume 94 graves

By Joe Southern JSOUTHERN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

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Parents petition to stop plans for middle schools

By Theresa D. McClellan THERESA@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

They met during a community meeting in Elkins High School; three women among hundreds of Fort Bend ISD parents making their way to blank sheets of paper called “parking lot papers” to provide questions and suggestions to address capacity issues.

They didn’t like the idea that elementary school children were learning in portable classrooms. They didn’t like the overcrowding they saw in the middle school. So they attended meetings, they read, they researched, and they organized.

They saw the recommendations from the 30-member community volunteer group looking at the facilities master plan and they liked the idea of an addition being constructed at First Colony Middle School with enrollment balanced between First Colony Middle School (FCMS) and Fort Settlement Middle School (FSMS).

The 2018 steering committee voted May 1 to recommend an addition but that all changed May 7 when the discussion turned to construct an addition on Fort Settlement. On May 14,

SEE PETITION, PAGE 4

The Fort Bend Independent School District has completed its initial investigation into an unmarked and abandoned cemetery that was discovered at a construction site and has now been granted permission to exhume the 94 graves located there.

In a petition filed in the 434th District Court and heard on June 4, the school district said it wants to conduct a forensic analysis of the remains.

“The district … is seeking the approval of this court to exhume human remains from the FBISD burial site for the purposes of further historical investigation. No remains or graves will be removed from the property at this time. The exhumations will be per-

formed by Goshawk, under the permit and supervision of the Texas Historical Commission,” attorneys Michelle Morris and Elizabeth Mylin wrote in their petition.

Goshawk is Goshawk Environmental Consulting, Inc., a team of professional archaeologists hired by the district. Goshawk was hired by the district prior to starting construction of the James Reese Career and

Technical Center at 12300 University Boulevard in Sugar Land.

The petition says “the district received anecdotal reports of a possible abandoned historical cemetery in the vicinity of the property” last October.

“Goshawk remained on the prop-

SEE GRAVES, PAGE 2

Playing it forward How a hospital visit turned a fan into a stormtrooper

By Joe Southern JSOUTHERN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

It was a chance visit in a hospital that turned Tanya Kathleen to the Dark Side.

“What got me into the whole 501st was I was really sick, had surgery in the hospital, and I was rolling around in a wheelchair and I saw all these stormtroopers and (Darth) Vader walking down the hospital halls,” she recalled. “I was wondering what’s going on? I asked one of their handlers and they said they’re here visiting the sick kids at the hospital.”

Intrigued, Kathleen wanted to know more.

“I was like, ‘who are they, what are they?’ They explained to me what the 501st was and that they do charity work along with the Rebel Legion and the Mandalorian Mercs, and I was like, ‘Wow! I want to do that.’ When you see the look on those kids’ faces when a stormtrooper walks into the room, it’s amazing. I wanted to be a part of that,” she said.

Now Kathleen is one of the white armored Star Wars characters making hospital visits and doing other charity work. The 501st Legion is an international Star Wars costuming organization depicting the bad guys, mostly stormtroopers. Working under the motto “Bad guys doing good,” the costumed volunteers do a lot of charity work.

Locally, their primary charitable organization is the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

“The Star Garrison is the Texas branch of the 501st and then my

Tanya Kathleen of Sugar Land (in white stormtrooper outfit) and Ryan Alston of Brookshire (in shoretrooper outfit) pose with Kathleen’s stormtrooper Jeep at Brazos River Park. They are members of the 501st Legion, an organization of Star Wars costumers. (Photo by Joe Southern)

squad is the South Texas Squad,” she said.

Kathleen and the rest of her squad spent Memorial Day weekend at Houston’s Comicpalooza where they collected donations for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

They also supported Star Wars

actor Peter Mayhew, who plays Chewbacca, whose foundation launched a fundraising effort to help children in need in Venezuela (coin.petermayhewfoundation. org).

When Kathleen started out two years ago, she had designed a

simple costume for the Expanded Universe (books) character Mara Jade.

“She was easiest and I just went from that to stormtrooper and then

SEE TROOPERS, PAGE 9

Valedictorians, salutatorians honored at area high schools for graduation Graduations for Fort Bend and Lamar Consolidated ISDs and Stafford Municipal School District have been held recently as schools across Fort Bend County are dismissing for the summer.

Austin High School

Valedictorian: Rishabh Parekh

Salutatorian: Victor Li

Kempner High School

Valedictorian: Salutatorian: Faiz Hirani Regina Chen

Bush High School

Valedictorian: Salutatorian: Benjamin Ma Jane Akwitti

Marshall High School

Valedictorian: Salutatorian: Yasmin Lathan Matthew Cisneros

Clements High School

Valedictorian: Salutatorian: Jenny Zhang Stephen Zheng

Ridge Point High School

Valedictorian: Salutatorian: Rachel Ashley Jones Hauschel

Sixteen area high schools honored their top two graduates in the Class of 2018 as the valedictorians and salutatorians.

They are all pictured here and on page 2:

Dulles High School

Valedictorian: Salutatorian: Star Ni Hasham Dhakwala

Travis High School

Valedictorian: Salutatorian: Syed Usmani Zamann Momin

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FORT BEND’S TOP SELLING AGENTS

Hightower High School

Elkins High School

Valedictorian: Salutatorian: Bryanna Jeff Kue Godfrey

Valedictorian: Salutatorian: Sharon Renee Yu Zachariah

Valedictorian: Salutatorian: Bridget Robles Steffany Portillo

Valedictorian: Salutatorian: Dung Trinh Bryan Burman

Willowridge High School

Stafford High School

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PAGE 2 • Wednesday, June 6, 2018

THE STAR H GRAVES, FROM PAGE 1

See us online www.FortBendStar.com

vestigation will include bone measurements and comparative studies to determine ethnicity, sex, age at death, stature, pathological condition, musculoskeletal stress changes, health profile, x-rays of bones, and cause of death.

Photographs of each set of remains will be taken in the laboratory. Burials will not be removed from the property for any reason other than temporary removal for the purpose of x-ray analysis, until permission is granted by the court for reinterment.”

In addition to examining the bodies, Goshawk will also study items found around them, Clark said.

“Goshawk will also collect artifact assemblages and funerary items associated with each burial,” he wrote. “These materials will be returned to each interment for reburial.

Artifacts from a secondary context, not directly related with the burials, will be cleaned and analyzed by Goshawk, and may be prepared for curation at a registered repository. Documentation of each artifact collected will be photographed and logged.

Soil samples may be collected for later macro botanical analysis.”

Construction is continuing at the site in areas away from the graves. The land was once owned by the state prison system and was plantation property before that. According to FBISD Superintendent of Schools Dr. Charles Dupre, once a determination is made

erty until mid-January 2018, both observing the construction activities of FBISD’s contractors, and conducting its own independent investigation into the existence of culturally significant sites on the property. On or about Jan. 15, 2018, Goshawk completed its observations in concurrence with the Texas Historical Commission and prepared a written report concluding that no culturally significant sites had been found.

“On Feb. 19, 2018, prior to Goshawk’s submission of its report to the Texas Historical Commission, contractors for FBISD observed what appeared to be human bones while conducting utility placement on the property. FBISD immediately notified the Goshawk team, who returned to the property to investigate. After confirmation by a medical examiner that the bones were human, Goshawk met with the THC staff to develop a scope of work under Antiquities Permit No. 8197 to determine the nature of the internment and identify additional burials,” the petition says.

In an affidavit accompanying the petition, Reign Clark, cultural resources director for Goshawk, said the exhumations are needed for “forensic anthropologists and historians to gather additional osteological, demographic, and historical data” from the site.

“Should the court grant FBISD’s petition to exhume Foster High School human remains, Goshawk, under the director of the THC, and all laws that pertain to the exhumation of human remains, plans to document and analyze the 94 burials located on the FBISD burial site,” Clark said.

“Goshawk plans to exca- Valedictorian: Salutatorian: vate, by hand, each interment, Ashley Bilicek Yusef Haikal leaving all bones and artifacts in situ for an initial assessment by an archaeologist and foren- Lamar High School sic anthropologist. Once each burial is exposed, it will be photographed, removed from the ground, and transported in an appropriate vessel to a laboratory on the property.

“At the laboratory on-site, a forensic anthropologist, assisted by archeologists, will Valedictorian: Salutatorian: analyze each individual set An P. Tran Audrey G. of remains. Laboratory inRyburn

about the human remains, plans will be made for their reburial at another location.

“We are appreciative of the Texas Historical Commission’s guidance during this process, and we hope to begin further analysis soon to ensure that we are properly honoring the deceased and identifying an appropriate location for reinterment,” he said. “As the process to learn more about this site continues, we remain committed to honoring the history of those buried at the site.”

Fort Bend ISD purchased the land in 2011, and construction of the James Reese Career and Technical Center began in 2017. When complete, it will offer advanced junior and senior level courses and give students an opportunity to explore careers in agriculture and natural resources, architecture and construction, arts and video communications, culinary arts, cosmetology, education and training, information technology, law and public safety, manufacturing and transportation and logistics.

The facility is funded through the 2014 bond program, which included $59 million earmarked for CTE improvements. The center was named in honor of James Reese, a former FBISD math teacher who later served as the first FBISD vocational director. Reese’s career in education spanned a total of 36 years, with 33 in FBISD. He passed away in 2009.

George Ranch High

Valedictorian: Salutatorian: Rim Tayler Jasek Aboulhassane

Terry High School

Valedictorian: Salutatorian: Gina Kowal Hassan Mohammed

THE STAR

See us online www.FortBendStar.com

Wednesday, June 6, 2018 • PAGE

3

Meeting to discuss airport’s future set for June 20 From staff reports FOR THE FORT BEND STAR

A public meeting to discuss an ongoing update to the city’s Airport Master Plan is scheduled for June 20, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Sugar Land Regional Airport, 12888 Highway 6, in Room 24 inside the terminal.

Work to update the plan began in November. It is an effort intended to provide a blueprint for development at the airport during the next 20 years.

Areas being studied include: • the capacity of the runway, taxiways and aprons; • rates and charges; • financial plans; • land use, including

commercial uses and a comprehensive study of areas west of the runway; • airport drainage; and • parking garage infrastructure.

Consultants will be available to answer questions and described the preliminary alternatives for airport development. For more information, call SLRA at 281-275-2100.

The Fort Bend County Aggie Moms’ Club scholarship winners are Charles Ransome, Dylan Crocker, Zachary Miller, Madeline Rios, Joseph Buckle, David Belleza, John Clayton, Aubrey Bilicek, Margo Warncke, Hunter Stewart and Michael Wang. (Submitted Photo)

Fort Bend Aggie Moms’ Club awards scholarships to TAMU to continue to support their students once they graduate high school and embark on their college careers.

From staff reports FOR THE FORT BEND STAR

The Fort Bend County Aggie Moms’ Club, an organization of friendship, education, networking and support, recently announced the recipients of the 2018 scholarships and its graduating seniors.

The organization seeks to support students through scholarships and donations to campus organizations by participation in fundraising events throughout the year. The moms come together to learn the things their kids don’t tell them, have fun and share the joys and tears of parenting through the college years.

The Federation of Texas A&M University Mothers’ Clubs is a unique organization uniting students’ mothers for the purpose of supporting their children and the university they attend. It is the members’ goal

The local club exists to give back to the community and its students. Monthly meetings and activities are held in order to raise money to provide scholarships for Texas A&M University students who apply and qualify.

This year, during their May 14 meeting, the club awarded 19 scholarships totaling $25,000.

Scholarships were awarded to Brooke Michelle Aaron, Megan Bates, David Belleza, Aubrey Bilicek, Lauren Brown, Joseph Buckle, John Clayton, Dylan Crocker, Teresa Hresko, Robert Kellogg, Zachary Miller, Mary Frances Odukwe, Rebecca Parke, Charles Ransome,

Madeline Rios, Jaclyn Rosenthal, Hunter Stewart, Michael Wang, and Margo Warncke.

The Fort Bend County Aggie Moms’ Club also honored graduating seniors Jeremy Beaty, Ryan Brown, Brian Buckle, Katherine Cornell, Amy Dodson, Emma Gaas, Maisie Harries, Collin Haun, Jacqueline Hickl, Emily Hughes, Colin Kirchof, Grant Lincecum, Lauren Teresa Holladay, Macey Mulcahy, Zach Ransome, Michael Sallean, Joshua Samuel, Patrick Seiler, Mason Smith, Mallory Smith, Kaitlyn Trei, Allison Voehringer, Michael Wang, Megan Whitworth and Jennifer Wu. Visit FortBendMoms.AggieNetwork.com for more information.

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PAGE 4 • Wednesday, June 6, 2018

H PETITION, FROM PAGE 1 during an 8.5-hour meeting, the FBISD Board of Trustees switched gears and voted to build a 12-classroom addition onto Fort Settlement Middle School.

The mothers were frustrated and outraged. They created a Facebook page called “Safe, Smart and Sustainable Schools in Fort Bend ISD.” They helped organize a change.org petition, gathering more than 1,000 signatures and sent an open letter to the board of trustees and Superintendent Charles Dupre asking them to reverse the decision about Fort Settlement Middle School.

“Why would you knowingly and purposely overcrowd a school, especially a middle school. The young are already feeling isolated, you are making it easier for them to fall through the cracks,” said parent Melanie Armel.

The parents spoke to the Fort Bend Star last week but

add they represent many voices from communities who want the board to show leadership.

“We are working together with many concerned community members from Commonwealth, Avalon, Brazos Landing, Telfair and Colony Meadows,” said parent Judy Zhao. “I believe most of the board are doing the best for the kids, but that decision made at one in the morning when they were exhausted and sleepy, I’m asking them to revisit based on the data.”

Data shows that Fort Settlement Middle School is already at 110 percent capacity. That will increase with projected growth from Riverstone.

According to the data provided to the board, Fort Settlement will reach 1,537 students (110 percent capacity) in 2018-19, 1,601 students (114 percent capacity) in 2019-20, and 1,675 students (120 percent capacity) in 2020-21, and then will continue to increase for the next several years to 1,898 students in 2027-28.

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A modern, well-equipped collision repair center represents an enormous investment in equipment, training and people. As often is the case with goods and service, “you get what you pay for.”

“Why is Fort Settlement taking on an unnecessary burden from overcrowding, stressed out teachers and administrators. And kids with less access to counselors at a fragile time of development are falling through the cracks when there is already capacity available at First Colony two miles away,” asked parent Elena Farah.

According to state testing numbers, the top three middle schools are Fort Settlement Middle School; Sartartia, located in New Territory; and First Colony so there should be no reason to reject a middle school, say the parents.

Both FCMS and FSMS are located two miles apart. There is room inside First Colony Middle School but there are concerns about rezoning students who have already been moved because of Hurricane Harvey.

“They say they want community input. There is a difference between community input and community noise.

You’re making decisions based on competing noise levels and most number of T-shirts. They have this steering committee working and they had a paid professional consultant and adding to Fort Settlement was not one of the recommendations,” said Zhao.

In light of the rash of school

Opposing recommendations for Fort Settlement middle school are, from the left, Melanie Armel, Elena Farah, and Judy Zhao. (Submitted Photo)

shootings across the nation, the district said it would do more. The governor recommended single entry buildings.

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sitting ducks. The issue is addressed in the petition.

“FBISD is spending millions of dollars updating schools with bulletproof security vestibules, yet the board essentially voted to intentionally, and indefinitely, house portable buildings at Fort Settlement.

Portable buildings are not secure. Portable buildings are not bulletproof. Locking the door on a portable building is not even close to being as secure as inside a school building. Building a short, thin mesh wire fence is not even close to being as secure as inside a school building. There is a solution that would not require any portables, now and in the future, and would keep all the students safe – balance enrollment between First Colony and Fort Settlement. That is the only safe solution for our kids,” the petition states.

Farah said she voted yes for the 2014 bond.

“When the 2014 bond was passed, voters were told that more than $4 million would be allocated to renovations and upgrades/expansions of First Colony Middle School so that it could specifically accommodate the growth of part of Riverstone,” Farah said. “To the best of my understand-

ing, nearly $1.5 million of this budget was subsequently reallocated to other needs and out of the remaining balance left for FCMS, only 13 percent has been spent according to the Watch Us Grow document presented to the Board on May 14). Why?” During the May 14 meeting, trustee KP George cited the age of the school and noted that Riverstone families have already been rezoned once during Hurricane Harvey.

Farah and others challenged the age issue saying the district needs to maintain its older buildings.

“If the district continues to fail to maintain FCMS it will most certainly fall into disrepair even sooner than 10 years,” said Farah. “We, as voters, approved the money to invest in FCMS. Why hasn’t the school been repaired?

Why the last minute 1 a.m. switcheroo from adding and expanding to FCMS to adding/expanding classrooms AND adding portables to FSMS? “This decision would result in an FSMS that has nearly 2,000 students, some in portables, while FCMS would have under 1,000 over the same time period and will remain underutilized and underinvested in, This is a race to the bottom,” she said.

Farah and at least 1,000 voters said in their petition that they want a change and threatened to vote no on the new bond that the district is preparing.

“We, the undersigned, respectfully request the FBISD Board of Trustees rescinds the motion to construct an addition to Fort Settlement.

The recommendation given by the FBISD administration and both the 2013 and 2018 steering committees should be upheld, which is to balance enrollment between Fort Settlement and First Colony Middle Schools. We are registered voters, with most of us residing in the most active voting district in Fort Bend County, and we do not support the decision to build an addition at Fort Settlement.

Therefore, we will be forced to vote “no” for the upcoming FBISD bond proposal. Please reconsider the motion made on May 14, 2018, regarding building an addition onto Fort Settlement Middle School,” the petition says.

THE STAR

See us online www.FortBendStar.com

Wednesday, June 6, 2018 • PAGE

5

Comicpalooza X was filled with many fun surprises Tom Holland was genuinely funny. He’s quite the entertainer for a 22-yearold kid.

When he walked out onto the stage at Comicpalooza for his Q&A panel, he greeted the crowd in an English accent. For those of us who have only heard him talk with an American accent in his role as Peter Parker/Spider-Man in three Marvel movies, it came as a surprise. Apparently that’s a common reaction he gets when attending events on this side of the pond.

The English actor was the marquee headliner at the 10th annual Comicpalooza, held Memorial Day weekend at the George R. Brown Convention Center. The line just to get into the Main Events room to see him was the longest I have stood in this side of Disney World.

He talked about his audition process and how all of his ballet and gymnastics classes finally paid off when he was cast as Spider-Man. He answered a lot of questions about what it was like to work with the casts in “Captain America: Civil War,” “Spider-Man: Homecoming,” and “Avengers: Infinity War.” The latter movie has been out long enough that he could talk openly about the fate of his character at the end. That wasn’t the case with another actor I’ll talk about later.

Despite Holland’s charm and humor, he was shown up by a little scene-stealer named Angel. Holland invited three audience members to join him on stage and the young cherub was not bashful. He plopped down in the same chair as Holland and made himself at home with the microphone. Holland deftly played along with it, even inviting Angel’s brother to join them on stage and later making a FaceTime call to their aunt on the brother’s cell phone.

Once Holland was done, the auditorium was cleared out and a much smaller group came back in to see the panel by Star Trek actors LeVar Burton, Brent Spiner and Jerry Ryan. Burton and Spiner are from “Star Trek: The Next Generation” and Ryan

FAITH, FAMILY & FUN JOE SOUTHERN EDITOR

from “Star Trek: Voyager.”

They’re all seasoned veterans of the convention circuit and entertained with aplomb.

Spiner is a Houston native and made several references to local places and even discussed his time working at Astroworld. Burton led the audience in the “Reading Rainbow” theme song.

The three of them got plenty of laughs when they absconded with someone’s cell phone.

They also had some fun at the expense of the person who was signing for the deaf.

The sign language interpreters had their work cut out for them, especially

Star Trek actors Jerry Ryan, LeVar Burton, and Brent Spiner have some fun with a cell phone from an audience member during their panel discussion at Comicpalooza on May 26. (Photo by Joe Southern)

After the Star Trek panel I went across the hall where Ray Park was holding his Q&A panel. Park is best known for playing Darth Maul in “Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace.” He was also Snake-Eyes in the G.I. Joe movies and Toad in the XMen movies. Although he never directly addressed the sign language interpreter, he did make a lot of noise affects and weird sounds that I’m sure there are no way to sign. That and he talks very fast with a heavy cockney accent.

Because his appearance fell on the opening weekend of “Solo: A Star Wars Story,” he was not allowed to talk about his secret role in it. He makes a very brief appearance at the end as Darth Maul, who was supposedly killed off at the end of Phantom Menace. At the conclusion of his panel, he posed for a group photo with

the audience. As we were leaving, he asked a few of us around him if we had seen “Solo” yet. A lady next to me gushed about it. I reached out and shook Park’s hand and said, “You’re the best surprise in the whole thing.” He smiled and thanked me, but then held his finger up to his lips in a hush motion and reminded me to keep it quiet.

OK, the spoiler alert is over.

I spent a good chunk of my day at Comicpalooza hanging around the booth of the 501st Legion. They are the Star Wars costumers that you can read about on the front page of this week’s paper. I can’t say enough about this amazing group of people and all the fun and excitement they bring into people’s lives. While I was there, none other than Peter Mayhew – the actor who played Chewbacca

in several Star Wars movies – and his lovely wife Angie came by to make a major announcement.

They unveiled a coin that the Peter Mayhew Foundation is selling to raise money for impoverished children in Venezuela.

Politics aside, the money raised by the sale of the coin goes directly to the relief of people who are suffering greatly. You can purchase the $10 coin at www.coin.petermayhewfoundation.org.

The Mayhews have a long and strong relationship with the 501st Legion and other Star Wars groups. They are all committed to raising money to help people in need.

Locally, the 501st primarily raises money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

They’re a wonderful group of people to be around and who knows, maybe one day I’ll be able to join them.

Peter Mayhew, the actor who played Chewbacca in the Star Wars movies, his wife Angie, and friend Elsa Arguello, unveil a poster announcing the sale of special coins to raise money for impoverished people in Venezuela. The announcement was made at Comicpalooza in Houston on May 26. (Photo by Joe Southern)

with the next guest I went to see. Before I talk about him, however, I need to give a huge spoiler alert.

If you have not yet seen “Solo: A Star Wars Story” and plan to, please skip the next two paragraphs.

Letters to the Editor

HIGH-SPEED

Another open letter to Sugar Land

SPEEDS UP TO

Dear City of Sugar Land, During the month of May, Sugar Land had several short-lived afternoon popup rains. And, several times, one of the main entrances to a busy shopping area remained flooded into the following day (up to 24 hours or more) from these very short rain events. I wouldn’t even drive through it. The water just sat at static depth, and, there’s a large storm drain right in the middle of the standing water (oops).

That entrance is directly across the street from “The Land of Oz” (Sugar Land City Hall). That drain point is just plain ole dys-

functional, ill conceived, ill-designed (or not designed).

I watch these strange things happen with interest, because I live in Chimneystone where we apparently have a rain water “quota” that the drains will accept, then after that quota is exceeded we’re “on our own.” As I’ve said in past letters, we noticed this problem several years before Harvey. The dysfunctional drain across from City Hall seems to work on the “quota” principle as well (or, more likely, it’s stopped up just like Chimneystone).

It’s now a fact that there

INTERNET are storm drain problems here in Sugar Land, even across from City Hall (The Grand Palace). Hey, Mr. Mayor, maybe you should check the credentials of all your engineers (seriously).

By the way: when will the so-called “drainage study” be finished for Chimneystone (whatever the heck that means). Will the study just be theoretical guessing, or will someone find a way to inspect our dysfunctional storm drain system for real data? I will not survive another flood in my home.

It’s Just Me Again, Linden Hudson Sugar Land

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DIANE STREHL General Manager diane@fortbendstar.com

JOE SOUTHERN Editor jsouthern@fortbendstar.com

BROOKE NANCE Art Production Manager

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JOHN SAZMA Sales Executive john@fortbendstar.com

PHIL STEWART Regional Account Director phil@fortbendstar.com

Order Kinetic Today

Call 866.263.7762 | windstream.com/SugarLand Kinetic by Windstream: Limited-time, non-transferable offer for residential customers that may not be combined with other promotions. Credit restrictions may apply.

Subject to availability, Windstream Terms and Conditions (windstream.com/terms), and Windstream Acceptable Use Policy (www2.windstream.net/customersupport/ usersguide/accept/accept.html). Details: Must be a new Internet customer who has not received Windstream Internet service within the past 30 days. Must subscribe to select plans to qualify. After 12 months, the standard Kinetic Internet rate applies. Taxes, fees and surcharges are extra and not included in introductory or standard rate. Additional restrictions may apply. Kinetic Internet: Windstream cannot guarantee speeds or uninterrupted, error-free service. Speed availability, capabilities and provisioning vary depending on network and terrain conditions, Internet, website, or network congestion, and customer geographical location. Windstream makes no representations related to download or upload speeds. Windstream assumes no responsibility or liability for interruption of services or service performance differences actual and advertised performance. In select areas, includes Internet transport, Internet access, and unlimited incoming calls. Outbound calls, except for toll free and 911, will be charged at 10 cents/minute. Operator Service and 411 will be charged at tariffed rates. No features or long-distance carrier rates allowed. Kinetic Internet Speed: Monthly fees may apply. Windstream will provision customer’s location for the fastest speed available, 20 Mbps to 1 Gbps at the time of order but cannot guarantee speed or uninterrupted, error-free service. Equipment: Monthly equipment fees may apply. Windstream-provided modems will be capable of in-home wireless networking, but devices supported by in-home wireless networking connections may experience speeds not equal to advertised speeds or the speed referenced in your Internet plan. With wireless networking, actual throughput speed may be impacted by several factors including interference from other equipment or devices at the location, distance from the modem, modem location, types of devices connected, physical obstructions, and time of day. To obtain advertised speed, connecting a device directly to the modem to provide a wired connection is recommended. Modem equipment must be returned upon termination, and if not, Windstream reserves the right to charge for the modem or a $100 fee. Installation: Plans with speeds 50 Mbps and higher may qualify for free professional installation. Plans with speeds less than 50 Mbps will incur a fee for professional installation. Kinetic TV: Must be bundled with select Internet plans. Subscription to Kinetic service in certain territories may preclude customers from purchasing high-speed Internet services from any third party. Service includes digital channels (including local channels), one receiver and up to four standard direct video streams to residence. Local channel availability varies by market. Of the four video streams per customer residence, customer’s location will determine both HD availability and the maximum number of HD video streams (between one and four) a customer can view and record in HD at any one time (remaining streams will be standard definition) regardless of the number of receivers in the household. Additional charges will apply for additional programming packages, movie channel subscriptions, Pay Per View movies and events, On Demand purchases, and premium services/subscriptions for all plans. Pricing, programs and features subject to change. HD Channels Included: HD programming is included in the package price at no additional charge. Offer is limited to channels associated with subscribed programming package. Whole Home DVR: The whole home DVR receiver is provided at no additional charge. This receiver is required, but the service does not have to be activated. Installation: Professional installation is required.Money-Back Guarantee: If customer cancels new Internet or Kinetic TV service within 30 days after the start of service, all service charges, associated equipment and installation charges (if applicable) will be refunded. Equipment associated with providing Internet and Kinetic TV service must be returned upon termination and if not, Windstream reserves the right to charge the customer for the equipment at the current fee. © 2018 Windstream Services, LLC. All rights reserved. Kinetic and Windstream are registered service marks or trademarks of Windstream Intellectual Property Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.

THE STAR

PAGE 6 • Wednesday, June 6, 2018

See us online www.FortBendStar.com

@FtBendAthletics:

Skeeters take four in six-game home stand

By Bill McCaughey FOR THE FORT BEND STAR

The Sugar Land Skeeters had a six-game home stand last week, winning four and losing two as they improved their record to 22-12, three games behind the division-leading Lancaster Barnstormers.

Last Tuesday the Skeeters opened their home stand with the Long Island Ducks. In the top of the fifth inning, the Ducks’ Taylor Ard singled to start the inning, and he advanced to second and third on wild pitches. Ard scored on a single by Robert Garcia giving the Ducks the only run they would need as they won 1-0. Despite giving up just one run in six innings, Dallas Beeler took the loss, leaving him with a record of 1-1 and an ERA of 2.79.

On Wednesday, the Skeeters were trailing by one run with two outs in the bottom of the ninth, when Derek Norris was hit by a pitch. Next up was Courtney Hawkins who slammed a walk-off two-run home run to give the Skeeters a 6-5 win.

In the last game of the Long Island series on Thursday, five Skeeter pitchers held the Ducks to four hits and no runs as the Skeeters won 1-0. James Russell, in his first outing with the Skeeters, pitched two innings to get the win.

The Skeeters’ only run came in the sixth inning when Norris doubled and

Anthony Giansanti pops a foul ball during the game Friday against the York Revolution.

(Photo by Joe Southern)

Skeeters’ Dallas Beeler pitched seven innings of shutout ball, allowing just three hits in the 8-0 victory. Russell pitched the last two innings of the shutout.

Denis Phipps had two hits including a home run to lead the Skeeters.

Matt Chavez singled him home.

On Friday, the Skeeters opened a three-game series with the York Revolution.

York scored three runs in the fifth inning to grab a 3-2 victory.

The Skeeters bounced back on Saturday, beating York 9-5. Anthony Giansanti was 3-4 with four runs batted in, Chavez was 3-4 and Barrett Barnes hit a home run to lead the Skeeters.

In the Sunday finale, the

Mission Bend/ Sugar Land Location 8910 Hwy 6 S. Houston, TX 77083 281-258-4351

Schedule This week the Skeeters are on the road, playing three games against Somerset and three against Southern Maryland. They return home on Monday, June 11,

Stafford Location 3531 S. Main Stafford, TX 77477 281-410-2009

By Bill McCaughey FOR THE FORT BEND STAR

JUNE

SUGAR LAND SKEETERS

SUN

TEAM SCHEDULE

MON

TUE

WED THUR

30 5:35 1 5:35 2 9:35 3 LAN SMD SMD SMD AM 6:05 6 7 3 7:05 4 6:05 5 10:05 6:05 YRK NB SOM SOM 1:05 10 7:05 11 7:05 12 11:05 13 7:05 14 SMD RW RW RW RW 6:05 21 17 5:35 18 5:35 19 5:35 20 RW LI LI LI 12:00PM 24 7:05 25 7:05 26 7:05 27 7:05 28 LAN YRK LAN LAN LAN 5:30

ATLANTIC LEAGUE TEAMS | HOME • AWAY BRI - BRIDGEPORT LAN - LANCASTER

LI - LONG ISLAND SOM - SOMERSET NB - NEW BRITAIN SMD - SOUTHERN

DAILY PROMOTIONS

FRI

7:05

YRK 5:35

SAT

1

6:05

8

5:35

YRK

2 9

SMD SMD 7:05 15 6:05 16 RW RW 5:30 22 5:30 23 YRK YRK 7:05 29 6:05 30 LAN LAN

Transactions Last Sunday, the Detroit Tigers purchased the contract of Hunter Cervenka.

Cervenka is the eighth Skeeter to be signed by a major league organization since the start of the season.

During the past week, the Skeeters signed Austin Adams and Ben Rowan. Adams is a 31-year old right-handed pitcher who was with the Cleveland Indians for the 2014, 2015 and 2016 seasons.

Last year he was with the Los Angeles Angels in their minor league system. Rowan is a 29-year old right hander

FIRST HALF STANDINGS

Freedom Division

W Lancaster Barnstormers 25 Sugar Land Skeeters 22 York Revolution 16 Maryland Blue Crabs 10

L GB

9 0 12 3 14 7 23 14.5

Liberty Division

W L GB Somerset Patriots 20 12 0 Long Island Ducks 17 16 3.5 New Britain Bees 13 21 8 Road Warriors 9 25 12

who pitched for the Milwaukee Brewers in 2016 and two AAA teams last season.

Skeeter of the Week Matt Chavez is the Fort Bend Star Skeeter of the Week. Chavez was 8-20 at the plate for a .400 average, and knocked in three runs.

The Fort Bend ISD Athletic Department has released the 2018 football schedule for its 11 high schools.

After realignment in February, the eight schools that will play in District 20 6A are: Austin, Bush, Clements, Dulles, Elkins, Kempner, Ridge Point and Travis. Each of the schools will play each other in their seven district games and will play three non-district games prior to the district schedule.

In non-district play, Austin will play Katy

Tompkins, Mayde Creek and Seven Lakes. Bush will play Terry, Langham Creek and Alief Taylor. Clements will play Lamar Consolidated, Springwoods and Paetow. Dulles will play Willowridge, Terry and Hightower. Elkins will play Brazoswood, Sterling and Chavez. Kempner will play Pasadena Memorial, Alvin and Hastings. Ridge Point will play Kingwood, North Shore and Milby. Travis will play Hightower, Foster and Spring.

For the next two years, Hightower will play in District 10 5A Division 1 with Alvin Shadow Creek, Angleton, Friendswood, Galveston Ball, Richmond

Foster, Rosenberg Terry and Texas City. In addition to their seven district games, the Hurricanes will play Travis, Marshall and Dulles.

Marshall and Willowridge will be playing in District 11 5A Division 2 with Houston Madison, Houston Milby, Houston Northside, Houston Sharpstown, Houston Sterling, Houston Waltrip and Manvel. In addition to their eight district games, Marshall will play Eisenhower and Hightower, and Willowridge will play Dulles and Westbury.

The regular season begins on Aug. 30 and ends on Nov. 10.

BONDED • LOCAL • INSURED

FIREWORKS

YRK - YORK REVOLUTION RW - ROAD WARRIORS

All Game Are Subject To Change

2018 Promotional Schedule

Margarita & Dollar Dog Monday / Military Monday: Dollar hot dogs and discounted margaritas. Those with a military ID get in free Two for Tuesday: Buy one field box ticket and get one field box ticket free, half priced groups Kids in Free Wednesday: Kids (12 and under) get in free. Field box only, excludes performance groups. Not applicable 6/13 or 7/18.

Thirsty Thursday: $2 beer and sodas Fireworks Friday: Postgame fireworks shows Saturday Giveaway: Giveaways or a postgame concert Sunday Funday: Autographs and giveaways, pregame catch on the field, postgame Kids Run the Bases (Dr. Larry Caldwell)

1 2 3 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 25 26 27 28 29 30

All-Star voting All-Star voting is underway from now until June 30.

The 2018 All-Star game will be played at Long Island on July 11. To vote, go to www.

AtlanticLeague.com/allstarvoting.

Potential All-Stars are Courtney Hawkins, who leads the league with eight home runs and 32 runsbatted-in, Matt Chavez,

who is third in the league with a .361 batting average, Albert Cordero is fourth at .343, and closer Felipe Paulino, who leads the league in saves with 10.

FBISD announces 2018 football schedule

ERcare24.com

2018 2017

to play a seven-game series against the Road Warriors – a league operated traveling tream. Monday’s game features dollar hot dogs and discounted margaritas.

On Tuesday, if you purchase one field box ticket, you will get one field box ticket for free. On Wednesday, kids under 12 get in free.

Sugar Land pitcher Hunter Cervenka made his last appearance for the Skeeters last week. His contract was purchased by the Detroit Tigers organization. (Photo by Joe Southern)

Fireworks / Boy Scout Sleepover / Super Hero Night / Comic Book Giveaway (Bedrock City Comics - 2,000) Skeeters Bank Giveaway (MemberSource - 2,000) Sunday Funday / Brewfest / Beer Glass Giveaway (Silver Eagle - 1,000) Margarita Monday / Dollar Dog Monday / Military Monday Two for Tuesday Super Splash Day (11:05 AM Game) Thirsty Thursday Fireworks Stadium Replica Giveaway (Constellation - 2,000) Sunday Funday Margarita Monday / Dollar Dog Monday / Military Monday Two for Tuesday Kids in Free Wednesday Thirsty Thursday 80s Night / Women’s Veteran’s Night (Grace After Fire) / Spazmatics Post Game Concert (Silver Eagle) Fireworks / Parrothead Night / Team Jersey Giveaway (Texas Direct Auto - 2,000) / Jerry Diaz & Hanna’s Reef Post Game Concert (Silver Eagle)

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C L A SSI FIED

Wednesday, June 6, 2018 • PAGE

A DS

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pg 10

LEXINGTON BLVD. ANIMAL HOSPITAL • PART TIME KENNEL ASSISTANT • Competitive wages & great experience, 5:30am shift

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LEGALS NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING SPECIAL EXCEPTION REQUEST FROM THE REAR YARD SETBACK REQUIREMENT IN THE RESTRICTED SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (R-1R) ZONING DISTRICT FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 4715 ABINGDON COURT Zoning Board of Adjustment Public Hearing 5:00 p.m., June 20, 2018, City of Sugar Land City Council Chamber, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North to hear all persons interested in the proposed Special Exception to the Rear Yard Setback for 4715 Abingdon Court, Lot 40, Block 3, Sutton Forest Section 2, in the Restricted Single-Family Residential (R-1R) District.

Details of the proposed Special Exception may be obtained by contacting City of Sugar Land Development Planning Office by email planning@sugarlandtx.gov or phone (281) 2752218. The agenda item for this meeting will be placed on the City website at www.sugarlandtx.gov under “Meeting Agendas” Zoning Board of Adjustment no later than Friday, June, 15 2018.

Full Time, Experience Required

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LEGALS INVITATION TO BIDDERS Sealed Bids, in duplicate, addressed to The Mayor and City Council, City of Stafford, Stafford, Texas, Fort Bend County, will be received at City Hall, 2610 South Main St., Stafford, Texas 77477, until 3:00 P.M. Thursday, June 21, 2018, and then publicly opened and read immediately thereafter in the Council Chambers for furnishing all labor, material, and equipment and performing all work required for the construction of “Missouri City Estates Drainage Improvements”.

BIDS will be submitted in sealed envelopes upon the blank forms provided and marked in the upper left hand corner “Bid for Construction of Missouri City Estates Drainage Improvements” to be opened at 3:00 P.M. Thursday, June 21, 2018. BIDS received after closing time will be returned unopened.

All Bids shall be accompanied by a cashier’s or certified check upon a national or state bank in the amount of five percent (5%) of the total maximum bid price payable without recourse to the City of Stafford, Stafford, Texas, or a bid bond in the same amount from a reliable surety company, as a guarantee that bidder will enter into a Contract. The notice of award of Contract shall be given by the Owner within sixty (60) days following the opening of bids. Checks submitted as bid security will be returned to the respective bidders within ten (10) days after bids are opened, except checks, or bonds, which the Owner elects to hold until the successful bidder has executed the Contract. Thereafter, the remaining checks, including security of successful bidder, will be returned within five (5) days. Remaining bid bonds will not be returned unless requested by Bidder.

The successful bidder must furnish Performance Bond and Payment Bond upon the forms which are attached hereto in the amount of one hundred (100%) percent of the contract price within 15 days after receipt of the contract documents. Payment and performance bonds shall be issued from sureties with a minimum “A” or “A-” rating from Best’s Key Rating Guide and who are licensed by the Texas Department of Insurance to do business in Texas and to issue said bonds. The bonds must be signed by an authorized representative of the surety, and licensed by the State Board of Insurance.

Specifications and bidding documents may be secured from www.CivcastUSA.com, search 4874-00 or on the City of Stafford website.

Plans and/or Exhibits and Specifications may be examined at the following locations: City of Stafford (281) 261-3900, City Hall, 2610 South Main St., Stafford, TX 77477 In conformance with applicable statutes, the general prevailing wage rates in the locality in which the work is to be performed have been ascertained, and such rates shall be the minimum paid for labor employed upon this project.

The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive informalities in bidding. In case of ambiguity or lack of clearness in stating the prices in any bid, the Owner reserves the right to consider the most advantageous construction thereof, or to reject the bid. The award will be made to the responsible bidder submitting the lowest acceptable bid.

A Non-Mandatory Pre-Bid Conference for prospective bidders, suppliers, etc., will be held on Thursday, June 14, 2018 at 10:00 A.M., at City Hall, 2610 South Main St., Stafford, Texas in accordance with the Instructions to Bidders, Paragraph 21.

City of Stafford, Leonard Scarcella, Mayor

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HELP WANTED MONTESSORI SCHOOL LOCATED IN SIENNA PLANTATION, MISSOURI CITY, TEXAS (Southwest Houston) SCHOOL DIRECTOR Experienced School Director to manage Montessori School in an affordable area in Southwest Houston. The school has a capacity of 165 students and 20 staff; swimming and wading pools, internet viewing of classrooms and playgrounds. STEAM Lab (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) QUALIFICATIONS: -Degree in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Child Development, Psychology, Science, Arts -Montessori Certification preferred or willingness to do training -Teaching experience -Management experience (Preschool) or other management exp.

-Position available late June or early July Full-time with Contract . Salary Negotiable

VICINITY MAP:

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING SPECIAL EXCEPTION REQUEST FROM THE REAR YARD SETBACK REQUIREMENT IN THE RESTRICTED SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (R-1R) ZONING DISTRICT FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 4718 ST. MICHAEL’S COURT Zoning Board of Adjustment Public Hearing 5:00 p.m., June 20, 2018, City of Sugar Land City Council Chamber, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North to hear all persons interested in the proposed Special Exception to the Rear Yard Setback for 4718 St. Michael’s Court, Lot 1, Block 1, Commonwealth Estates Section Two, in the Restricted Single-Family Residential (R-1R) District.

Details of the proposed Special Exception may be obtained by contacting City of Sugar Land Development Planning Office by email planning@sugarlandtx.gov or phone (281) 2752218. The agenda item for this meeting will be placed on the City website at www.sugarlandtx.gov under “Meeting Agendas” link, Zoning Board of Adjustment no later than Friday, June 15, 2018.

VICINITY MAP:

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING SPECIAL EXCEPTION REQUEST FROM THE REAR YARD SETBACK REQUIREMENT IN THE RESTRICTED SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (R-1R) ZONING DISTRICT FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 23 DARTMOOR STREET Zoning Board of Adjustment Public Hearing 5:00 p.m., June 20, 2018, City of Sugar Land City Council Chamber, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North to hear all persons interested in the proposed Special Exception to the Rear Yard Setback for 23 Dartmoor Street, Lot 17, Block 4, Sweetwater Section 12, in the Restricted Single-Family Residential (R-1R) District.

Details of the proposed Special Exception may be obtained by contacting City of Sugar Land Development Planning Office by email planning@sugarlandtx.gov or phone (281) 2752218. The agenda item for this meeting will be placed on the City website at www.sugarlandtx.gov under “Meeting Agendas” link, Zoning Board of Adjustment no later than Friday, June 15, 2018.

VICINITY MAP:

PRIMARY MONTESSORI TEACHER Experienced Montessori Primary Teacher to teach 3-6 year old Primary class: QUALIFICATIONS: -Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Psychology, Science, The Arts, or other related field -Teaching experience in a preschool or child care program or will consider internship training -Montessori Certification -Position available mid May or beginning of June Full-time with Contract.

Send Letter of interest and resume regarding above positions to: gifola@aol.com

LEGALS NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CITY OF SUGAR LAND - LAND USE PLAN UPDATE The City of Sugar Land seeks proposals for performing all work required for the following project in the City: City Council Public Hearing: 6:00 p.m., June 26, 2018 to hear all persons interested in the proposed update to the Land Use Plan. The Land Use Plan, also known as Chapter 6 of the City’s Comprehensive Plan, outlines policy direction and guidance for land-use decisions; establishes a vision for land use; and identifies a work plan of projects to accomplish land-use goals. The Plan guides proactive responses to long-term market shifts and demographic trends -- with the goal of preserving single-family residential neighborhoods and ensuring Sugar Land continues to be a premier place to live, work, shop, and play in the region. The proposed plan reflects extensive community input.

City of Sugar Land City Hall, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North.

Learn more about the draft Land Use Plan by visiting the project webpage at www.sugarlandtx.gov/LandUsePlan, or by contacting the City of Sugar Land Planning Department by email at longrangeplanning@ sugarlandtx.gov or phone (281) 275-2218. The agenda item for this meeting will be available on the City website at www.sugarlandtx.gov under “Meeting Agendas” no later than Friday, June 22, 2018.

Notice of Public Sale

of property to satisfy a landlord's lien Sale to be held at Community Storage at 12620 W. Bellfort, Houston, 77099 on June 16, 2018 @ 9am. Cleanup deposit is required of $50. Seller reserves the right to withdraw the property at any time before the sale. Unit items sold as-is to highest bidder. Property includes the contents of spaces of the following tenant - Craig Martin: household items, electronics, furniture and motorcycle.

Notice of Public Sale of property to satisfy a landlord's lien Sale to be held at Community Storage at 12620 W. Bellfort, Houston, 77099 on June 16, 2018 @ 9am.

Cleanup deposit is required of $50. Seller reserves the right to withdraw the property at any time before the sale. Unit items sold as-is to highest bidder. Property includes the contents of spaces of the following tenant - Rosewell Fuentes, furniture and boxes.

7

THE STAR

PAGE 8 • Wednesday, June 6, 2018

F ORT B END

H OME S HOWCASE

F ORT B END

AnitA Milne

PARKGLEN

SOLD

SOLD

BRIGHTON 4/2.5/2 • $235,000

AINSWORTH 4/2/2 • $187,000

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713-898-3938

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QUAIL VALLEY

Terrific Newmark home in great location in the heart of Sugar Land, Exemplary schools, close to shopping, schools, and freeway. Island kitchen open to family area,abundant cabinets, formal dining and living.Large private backyard with garden beds and fruit trees, no neighbors and room for a pool and play equipment.Study upstairs could be 5th bedroom. DID NOT FLOOD!!! Priced to sell! $392,900

CALL BARBARA MONTGOMERY

GARY GREENE

Enjoy Lakefront living in this exclusive neighborhood just off Sienna Parkway.

Custom built home on rare 2 acres of land featuring magnificent views of pool and lake! Formal dining area,handsome study and formal living with panoramic pool & lake views. Open kitchen, breakfast & spacious family room; luxurious master suite-Upstairs features 3 bedrooms, an exercise room, a large media room, NO FLOODING MLS #8062768 $850,000.

(4614 McKeever)

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ON LARGE CUL- DE-SAC LOT . UPDATED KITCHEN

PRICE REDUCED OPEN SAT

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SALE PENDING

281-413-9732

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BARBARA MONTGOMERY cell: 713-898-3938 office: 281-980-5050

H OME S HOWCASE

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The Monthly Business to Business Magazine

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Pg. 10 WCJC18RegAdSUM8.26x5Fo.indd 1

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FOOT FACTS HEAT AND HEALTHY FEET Vacation days are often spent at a beach. Sunbathing, swimming, and strolling in the surf are common oceanside or lakeside activities. There are several ways of safeguarding the sensitive skin on your feet from burns and other injuries. When applying sunscreen, be sure to coat the tops and bottoms of the feet.

It is also important to reapply sunscreen after swimming. Shoes or flip-flops are helpful for protecting the feet when walking on the beach. The sand can become hot enough from the sun’s rays to burn unprotected soles. Bad burns and their associated blistering may develop into nasty infections. Footwear can also protect the feet from any sharp objects that may be buried in the sand.

HINT: If you do need a podiatrist while vacationing, you can locate a qualified podiatrist in the area by visiting www.apma.com.

Although we’re interested in all aspects of your health, we are especially concerned with the health of your feet. If you have inadvertently neglected to protect your feet from the sun, hot surfaces, or foreign objects while on vacation, leaving them sore, unhappy, and uncomfortable, don’t hesitate to call on us. Our goal is to provide you with a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan so that you are out of pain and back on your feet in as short amount of time as possible.

For an appointment at 3143 Hwy. 6 South, please call us at 281-9803668.

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5/14/18 3:42 PM

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What To Do About (GERD) Reflux Disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a digestive condition that occurs when stomach acid flows backwards into the food pipe, also known as the esophagus. During digestion, the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) commonly opens to allow food to pass into the stomach and closes to block stomach acids from flowing back into the esophagus. When the LES does not close normally, stomach acid can flow backwards, causing inflammation in the esophagus. Symptoms of GERD may include heartburn.

Medications that control stomach acid may be used to manage GERD. Antacids such as calcium supplements (Tums) may provide heartburn relief by getting rid of stomach acid.

Side effects may include upset stomach. H-2 receptor blockers such as ranitidine (Zantac) work to decrease acid production.

Side effects include headache. Proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole (Prilosec) work to block acid production and to help heal the esophagus. Side effects include nausea.

THE STAR

See us online www.FortBendStar.com

H TROOPERS, FROM PAGE 1 shadow trooper, TIE pilots, Imperial officer and then I got with the Mandalorian Mercs and the Rebel Legion and did Jedi,” she said.

The Mandalorian Mercs are those who dress up in variations of the Boba Fett costume and the Rebel Legion members dress as Jedis and other Light Side characters. Also joining them are the Houston Area Droid Builders who make Star Wars robots.

When dressed as a stormtrooper, Kathleen stands out from the crowd.

“If I’m a stormtrooper, the first thing is, ‘aren’t you a little short to be a stormtrooper?’ That’s the number one thing. I’m five-foot tall.

I’m a five-foot tall stormtrooper, so that gets them,” she said.

After that, they notice another physical difference.

“Then the prosthetic leg, and the kids just think it’s amazing, especially the ones that are disabled, that are different. They immediately just gravitate towards me,” she said. “They’re like, ‘oh wow, if she can do it we can do it.’ I really like that. I feel like I can help the kids know that with any disability you have you can still have fun and make others feel good about themselves.”

Kathleen is missing her right leg below the knee.

“I was in a car accident about 20 years ago,” she explained. “An 18-wheeler pulled out in front of me and my car went under it and then he rolled over my car and my foot got crushed under the steering column and the gas pedal. And after 10 years and 12 surgeries to try and save my foot there was finally nothing else they could do so they had to amputate below the knee.

But I’ve got a robot foot and I’ll paint it white to match my stormtrooper outfit, so I make the most of it and incorporate it into my costumes.”

Being disabled has given her a special place in the 501st.

“What’s so funny, when I went to (Star Wars) Celebration last year, which was the big celebration in Florida, and all these people had rec-

Tanya Kathleen and Damian Hebert prepare to enter the main hall at Comicpalooza at the George R. Brown Convention Center. (Photo by Joe Southern)

ognized me from Facebook when I was building my armor and I was trying to figure out a way to incorporate my leg into my armor,” she said. “When I saw them at the convention I probably had a hundred people come up to me and go ‘you’re Cybergirl, you’re Cybergirl,’ because they saw the leg and they immediately knew me and I had no idea who these people were, but it was such an amazing feeling to have all this family in the 501st come up and say what an inspiration I was to just go out there and do it. So it was great, I love that!”

The connections didn’t stop there.

“At the Celebration, it was really cool because the founder (of the 501st), Albin Johnson, he’s an amputee, and so him and I got to know each other because he was helping me build my armor and trying to get ideas how to incorporate my cyber leg into it, and so when we saw each other at Celebration it was awesome to meet him.

“He actually came up with a detachment, the Walking Wounded Detachment, and it’s for troopers with disabilities and it could be for anything from blindness to amputation to MS, anything like that. And it’s a detachment for us with disabilities.

I thought it was really great to meet the founder who is also an amputee and he was just as excited to meet me as I was to meet him,” she said.

A lot of Kathleen’s work with the 501st has been in hospitals visiting sick children.

“We’ve done funerals, we’ve done weddings, recently we had a girl who had cancer and we went through all of her remission and after she was cancer-free we did troops for her, we surprised her,” she said.

The stormtroopers are often seen at conventions such as Comicpalooza.

“Conventions are a big get-together and we also raise money for Make-AWish Foundation while we’re at the conventions,”

Wednesday, June 6, 2018 • PAGE

Kathleen said. “It’s all donations and we never get paid for any of our time or any of our events. It’s all volunteer; we build our own costumes.”

The costumes are not cheap. A Jedi outfit can cost hundreds of dollars and the armored troopers, Mandalorians and the like run easily into the thousands. Before volunteers can appear as part of the 501st, members must meet very strict costuming guidelines.

“You buy the kits from the armor makers and basically they’re just molds and you have to trim them and sand them and cut them and glue them; measure some more, glue some more, cut some more, start all over and keep doing it until you get it right,” she said. “It could take months to build your armor. A lot of the cloth costumes, like the Jedi and all of those, people will sew their own. We have pretty strict standards we have to follow to make sure they’re screen accurate.”

Kathleen didn’t stop with costumes when it came to being a stormtrooper. Her 2017 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara is equally decked out.

“The Jeep became an extension of my stormtrooper.

When I went shopping for a Jeep I knew it was going to be the stormtrooper Jeep, so I picked out the white one with the black back and had everything else customized,” she said.

“I wanted it to look mean like a stormtrooper, so I had the hood custom painted with stormtrooper colors, I had the front grille custom painted to look like the front of the helmets. The bumper, the wench, I’ve got a stormtrooper shifter knob, stormtrooper decals and of course 501st decals everywhere. The white wheels … I really wanted to stormtrooper it out.”

Kathleen lives in Sugar Land and is employed as a marketing coordinator for Sugar Land Veterinary Specialists. At 43 years of age she is having fun and has the full support of her family and friends.

“My mother, bless her heart, she loves it and she’s like ‘are you going to go play Star Wars?’ My co-workers,

there are actually three of my co-workers here (at Comicpalooza) that cosplay also. They think it’s great.

They think it’s great what we do for the kids, it’s all volunteer, so yeah, everyone’s pretty much supportive of it,” she said.

Kathleen plans to keep going as long as she can.

“I’m still dressing up at 43 and I don’t see myself stopping anytime soon, at all,” she said.

She is not alone, either.

Fort Bend County is home to several Star Wars costumers. Damian Hebert of Rosenberg has been playing a stormtrooper for about

two years now.

“I’m 52 years old and 14 at the heart – at the oldest.

Usually it’s 10,” he said.

He makes his living as a skateboard distributor; so youthful endeavors are a natural part of his life.

“Stormtroopers cannot sit down. You can lean; we’re good at leaning,” he observed.

Other 501st members from Fort Bend County include Zachary Herbert of Rosenberg, Jason Haddock of Missouri City, Javan Foerster of Sugar Land, Jeff Hebert of Richmond, Karl Gehring of Sugar Land, and Jason Hardin of Richmond.

Damian Hebert in his stormtrooper outfit at Comicpalooza.

(Photo by Joe Southern)

OPEN MIC NIGHT ON THE PATIO FRIDAY JUNE 8TH 6:30PM - 9 PM

Join us for food & drink specials!

939 Eldridge Rd. Sugar Land, TX 77478

832-532-7378 • rcstexmex.com

PRESENT BAPTIST CHURCH

HERITAGE BAPTIST CHURCH • 281-403-4994 2223 FM1092 • Missouri City, TX 77459

Ed Byrnes, Senior Pastor

Sunday Bible Study 9:30 am • 6:00 pm

Sunday Worship 10:45 am • 6:00 pm

Wednesday: 7:00 pm Bible Study / AWANA

“A Place To Call Home” - 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: 8:15 am

Contemporary: 9:30 am / Traditional: 10:55 am

Sunday School for all ages

available at 9:30 & 10:55 am. www.christchurchsl.org

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH • 281-499-3502 3900 Lexington Blvd., Missouri City, TX 77459

8:00 am: Chapel Worship

9:15 am: Sunday School For All Ages

10:30 am: Open Skies Worship in the Fellowship Hall

10:30 am: Sanctuary Worship For more information, please visit www.fumcmc.org

SUGAR LAND METHODIST CHURCH • 281-491-6041 431 Eldridge Road, Sugar Land, TX 77478

Worship @ 8:30, 9:45 and 11:00 am

Bible Study, all ages, @ 9:45 am www.sugarlandmethodist.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 Bible Study (all ages): Sun 9:00 am & Wed 7:00 pm Tuesday Adult Bible Class: 10:30 am In the heart of Mo City - with the city at heart

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

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

SOUTHMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH • 281-499-2310 4200 Cartwright Road, Missouri City, 77459

Sunday School 9:00 am

Fellowship & Coffee 10:00 am

Worship 10:30 am www.southminpres.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

9

JULY 4, 2018 4PM - 10PM

Families will be attending the 4th Fest to enjoy concerts, the playground, splashpad, a zip line, mechanical bull, a rockclimbing wall, face painting, trampolines, inflatable slides and much, much more.

You can participate as a vendor at 4th Fest at Constellation Field. As a vendor you have the opportunity to place your products and services in front of hundreds of families in a fun, relaxed July 4th day of fun!

“May the LORD cause you to flourish, both you and your children.”

Reserve your booth through The Fort Bend Star Newspaper.

-Psalm 115:14

For more info or to reserve your booth

CALL 281-690-4200

THE STAR

PAGE 10 • Wednesday, June 6, 2018

See us online www.FortBendStar.com

FBISD Superintendent allays east side concerns The angst brought on by the May 14 meeting also prompted parents to collaborate. So now parents from the four high school feeder patterns on the east side of the district – Hightower, Marshal, Ridge Point and Willowridge high schools – formed a group called the Fort Bend East Side Alliance.

In their introductory letter to the board and administration they wrote, “Times are changing within the FBISD boundaries. Sleeping constituents are waking up and raising a voice that will be heard. Not one voice, but the voice of many. Communities on the east side of FBISD are no longer divided,” the letter states. “No longer working and advocating in isolation.

No lone fighting for our children alone. We are the Fort Bend Eastside Alliance and we are together.

“We deserve and expect equal attention to what is consistently given to the needs of the west, and no longer accept the po-

By Theresa D. McClellan THERESA@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Following a board meeting that left parents feeling anxious and concerned about their children’s educational future, Fort Bend ISD Superintendent Charles Dupre managed to get parents excited again.

Dupre led back-to-back community meetings May 29 and 30 at Ridge Point and Hightower high schools to discuss schools on the east side of the district. He took responsibility for making parents feel anxious following the 8.5-hour meeting on May 14 that resulted in multiple recommendations, some that brought dismay.

During the Ridge Point High School meeting, his announcement that they would add a high school building to the bond issue drew a round of applause. Earlier the board said it would look into land for a school but nothing was placed for an actual facility.

litical influence of those in other constituencies who overshadow us.”

As a result, collaborative work has already started. For example, Hightower High School did not have a parentteacher organization in their school. They have partnered with another school to organize one.

So as parents organized and board members demanded more answers to vague proposals, Dupre and the administration gave a few more details about plans for FBISD elementary schools that are under capacity.

“The board asked us to set goals. It is not fiscally prudent to have 50 percent utilization as we move forward,” Dupre said.

The board asked the administration for more details.

To attract more students they will consider dual language and gifted and talented elementary schools, an early literacy center, a fine arts academy and a young men’s

leadership academy.

“Some kids leave our district today to go to charter schools or home schools.

We want to partner with the community leadership and we will be making calls,” Dupre said.

Such partners could include the Missouri City business community, state Rep. Ron Reynolds, heads of super neighborhoods and parent-teacher organizations. Dupre said there are issues to address in every high school.

“We are trying to solve the academy structure. Zoned students are not getting top ranks because of the academy students. We don’t want all the transfer students taking all the scholarships and money. It’s a real problem we need to solve,” Dupre said.

On Ridge Point growth, Dupre said, “We came up with an idea that sounded good on paper. You say it publicly and the reaction of the crowd tells you. We have a school board that shoots

straight with me. The board made it clear that ideas were not acceptable to them or this community.”

On Hightower: “Hightower felt devalued and that is not the case. We do care and we are dedicated to the success of Hightower. So we went back and revisited and changing the recommendations in June. There was a fear that we would rezone out of Hightower and move kids to Willowridge but that is not part of the planning discussion. It would be a few hundred children, not a whole community.”

On Marshall: “Why not make Thurgood Marshall High School a law academy?

We could have a court reporter, paralegal track, that is one of the major ideas we want the community to work with us on,” Dupre said.

They could have high school students graduating with an associate degree.

On Willowridge: “It’s a different journey as the second oldest high school in the dis-

trict. They opened in 1979.

Because of all the work done and the mold, we want 85 percent utilization.

There is a perception that Willowridge is an iconic African-American school but the school is 55 percent Hispanic and that brings different challenges.

On partnerships: “Anthony Snipes, the Missouri City manager, reached out to me to ask can we be at the table.”

Social issues: “Some students are living in poverty, living in trauma. Our role as a public school is to change the trajectory of a student life. We cannot solve all the problems but I envision a fortress of learning.”

Safety: “We’ll have schools not just with bulletproof glass and police. We’ll look at addressing social and emotional needs. Also considering the use of metal detectors.

The board of trustees meets 6 p.m. June 11 for a workshop to discuss Dupre’s recommendations.

H-GAC announces Chuck Wemple as new executive director ating Officer Chuck Wemple as the new executive director of the council of government effective June 1.

Wemple succeeds outgoing Executive Director Jack Steele after 45 years of ser-

From staff reports FOR THE FORT BEND STAR

The Houston-Galveston Area Council announced the appointment of Chief Oper-

vice with the agency. On April 17, H-GAC Board Chair Councilman Floyd Emery with the City of Missouri City commissioned the H-GAC executive director selection committee made up of past

board chairs, and representatives from counties and cities from throughout the 13-county region.

On May 15, following an executive session, the HGAC Board of Directors

approved the committee’s recommendation to appoint Wemple as the next executive director.

Wemple brings over 15 years of experience in the fields of economic devel-

opment, disaster recovery, regional resiliency, and community and environmental planning. Wemple began his career at H-GAC in 2003 and was promoted to chief operating officer in March 2013.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR FORT BEND COMMUNITY CALENDAR IS FOR NON-PROFIT EVENTS. Deadline is noon every Friday. Please keep wording to a minimum. Answer the “5 W’s” Who, What, When, Where, and Why. Email to Editor@FortBendStar.com or mail to: Fort Bend Star, 3944 Bluebonnet Drive, Stafford, Texas 77477.

MONDAY JUNE 4, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6 REGISTRATION FOR FALL ESL CLASSES

Registration will be at Fort Bend Hope, 927 3rd St., Rosenberg, from 6-9 p.m. Classes will take place in the fall, on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, 6:30-8 p.m. For more information, contact Literacy Council of Fort Bend County Outreach Coordinator at 281-240-8181 or mmorales@ ftbendliteracy.org.

THURSDAY, JUNE 7 SCORE: BUSINESS ALTERNATIVES FOR THE ENTREPRENEUR

KICK THE SUGAR HABIT

Sienna Branch Library will present a healthy-lifestyle class at 1 p.m., 8411 Sienna Springs Blvd. in Missouri City. Learn the effects of sugar on ones body and why it can be challenging to eliminate sugar in ones diet.

Get tips on how to transform sugar cravings and adopt a healthier diet.

Free and open to the public. For more information, call 281-238-2900 or 281-633-4734.

SUNDAY, JUNE 10 THE AFRICAN CHILDREN’S CHOIR CONCERT

The Sugar Land Branch Library will host an overview of business ownership, 2-3:30 p.m., 550 Eldridge. This program is presented in partnership with SCORE, the non-profit mentoring arm of the U.S. Small Business Administration. Free and open to the public. For more information, call 281-238-2140, or 281-633-4734.

Two performances are offered at 9:30 and 11 a.m. at Creekside Christian Fellowship, 16628 Hwy 36, Needville. The choir is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping Africa’s most vulnerable children today so they can help Africa tomorrow. The concert is free; donations are appreciated. For more information, call 979-793-5800.

SATURDAY, JUNE 9 SUMMER STEM SYNERGY CONFERENCE

TUESDAY, JUNE 12, 21 AND 26 TEENS GOT TALENT AUDITIONS

Will be held for young kids and their families, 2-4 p.m. at the HCC Missouri City campus, 1600 Texas Parkway, Missouri City. The conference is to inspire young minds with STEM activities. Families will learn techniques to advance their child’s STEM thinking. Children ages 4-10 years and adults will engage in a variety of activities with real-life applications. For more information, call 832-279-8601.

STOP THE BLEED

Memorial Hermann’s Red Duke Trauma Institute presents the Free Basic Bleeding Control Course at Sugar Creek Baptist Church, 13444 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land, at 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Registration is required. Visit http://stopthebleedhouston.eventbrite.com for more information and to register.

FREE HATHA YOGA SESSIONS

A great start for a beginner. The Complete Yogic Breath. The breath is always the emphasis. Blocks, blankets and straps are available to support any asana. A relaxation meditation will close the session. Bring a yoga mat and a bottle of water. Wear comfortable clothes. Sessions are by appointment only. Space is limited. For more information, call or text Deborah at 713-269-5165.

GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS

To celebrate 25 years, the First Colony Branch Library will present the play at 1:30 p.m., at 2121 Austin Parkway in Sugar Land. This familyfriendly performance is adapted from the classic children’s tale. The performance is free and open to the public. For more information, call 281-238-2800 or 281-633-4734.

GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS

Sienna Branch Library will present the performance at 10:30 a.m., 8411 Sienna Springs Blvd. in Missouri City. The library is unable to accommodate daycares and school groups at this activity. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver. Free and open to the public. For more information, call 281-238-2900 or 281-633-4734.

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Low Cost Animal Wellness Clinic 713-433-6421 14700 Almeda Rd. Houston, TX 77053 www.HoustonHumane.org • Spay/Neuter surgeries • Wellness Exams • Vaccinations • Heartworm tests, prevention and treatment • Flea and tick medication • Microchipping

Fully Insured Reference Available

FREE ESTIMATES NO PAYMENT UNTIL COMPLETION

TUESDAY, JUNE 19 LOVING FRIENDS DINNER

Join us at 5 p.m. at Quail Valley City Cr., 2880 La Quinta Drive, Missouri City. Enjoy dinner, a silent auction and bake sale for $23/person. Loving Friends is a social group of men and women who lost their spouses and meet for fellowship and friendship. Reservations required by calling 281208-3124.

THURSDAY, JUNE 21 COLLEGE FAIR

Students are invited to the University Branch Library, 1-3 p.m., 14010 University Blvd in Sugar Land, to visit with representatives from Texas and other states’ colleges and universities. This come-and-go event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 281-633-5100 or 281-633-4734.

SATURDAY, JUNE 23 ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY 101

Astrophotographer Cody Knight will share his expertise at Sienna Branch Library, 2-3 p.m., 8411 Sienna Springs Blvd in Missouri City. Knight will explain the process and technique he uses to take amazing photographs of the night sky. He will have his telescope, guide scope, laptop, and tracking device on hand to demonstrate how to capture and process images of planets, stars, and galaxies. Free and open to the public. For more information, call 281-238-2900 or 281-633-4734.

Alief

MEDICAL SALES

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Locally owned and operated, since 1979

281-530-3232

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FREE RABIES VACCINE with the purchase of any shot package *Coupon must be presented at time of service.

Expires: JUNE 30, 2018

20 Years Experience

281.347.6702

281.731.3383 - Cell

bashanspainting@earthlink.net

Meets the fourth Wednesday of every month for education of wines, food pairings and fellowship at the Quail Valley City Centre, 2880 LaQuinta, Missouri City. For more information, call 281-437-6798 or jackipauley@ comcast.net

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 to 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 “I read to a cat” bookmark and be eligible to adopt a cat for 50 perecent off that day. Held 1:30- 4:30 p.m. the first Saturday of every month at 3203 Hwy 6 S, Sugar Land.

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 866-659-0666. 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.

INTERNATIONAL COFFEE HOUR

Beginning, Monday, Jan. 29, and the last Monday of every month, George Memorial Library will host the event beginning at 9 a.m. 1001 Golfview in Richmond. People of all nationalities are invited to come to the informal gathering to get to know one another, share cultural experiences. Free and open to the public. For more information, call 281342-4455 or 281-633-4734.

Business FORT BEND

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JOURNAL

For advertising opportunities call

281-690-4200

The Monthly Business to Business Magazine

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281-240-8701

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THE BUSINESS LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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BASHANS PAINTING & HOME REPAIR Commercial / Residential

Share your talent with the world – audition for ‘Teens Got Talent’ at Sugar Land Branch Library, 550 Eldridge, 1-5 p.m. Performances limited to 3 to 5 minutes, must be family-friendly. Contestants will be judged on their creativity, physical presence, the level of difficulty and the overall impact of their show. Students ages 14-19. Free and open to the public. To register, visit www.fortbend.lib.tx.us, click on Events, select Sugar Land Branch, and find the program, or call 281-238-2140.

ONGOING QUAIL VALLEY WINE SOCIETY

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

W A L K A B O U T W E D N E S D AY Now Open for Lunch @11AM 15253 S.W. Fwy Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-980-4329