The 03-22-23 Edition of Fort Bend Star

Local students going to state robotics competition - Page

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Murder suspect dies in prison by suicide

By Ken Fountain KFOUNTAIN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

The suspect in the murder of Sugar Land resident and Alief ISD teacher Wendy Duan died by suicide in February at a Louisiana jail, Sugar Land spokesman Doug Adolph confirmed to the Fort Bend Star on Wednesday.

Charvas Thompson, 26, of Houston, was found dead at the Caddo Parish Jail in Shreveport, where he was awaiting extradition to Fort Bend County on a charge of murder. In a court appearance shortly after his arrest in Louisiana, he had refused to waive extradition.

Sugar Land police received the information about Thompson's death shortly afterward and relayed it on a social media post.

Sugar Land police re -

By Ken Fountain KFOUNTAIN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

A capacity crowd filled a large meeting room at the University Branch Library last week as Fort Bend County Judge KP George held his first Community Conversation of the year, with the theme "Fort Bend Forward."

During the event, Geroge, elected last November to his second term, touted the accomplishments of Commissioners Court so far this year, and also

discussed the county's growth and diversity. He also acted as an emcee of sorts. introducing the several speakers who discussed the future of Fort Bend from their various perspetives.

First up was Carlos Guzman, the county's first-ever full-time economic opportunity and development director. Hired last year from a similar role at the City of Pasadena, he noted that Fort Bend County is in many respects different from that municipality,

which is almost completely developed.

By contrast, Guzman noted, while the portions of Fort Bend neighboring Harris County are densely built, but of the county's growth in future years is projected to spread further to the center and eastern portions of the county. The drivers for that growth, the said, is Fort Bend's reputation for a high quality of life, high-quality health care facilities and educational opportunities.

Fort Bend also benefits

from its proximity by highway and rail to the Port of Freeport, one of the most important ports along the Texas Gulf Coast.

Kevin Matocha, president of Stonehenge Holdings LLC, the primary developer of the county's Epicenter project in Rosenberg, spoke next. Matocha gave a highly detailed description of the multipurpose venue, which is slated to open later this year.

SEE FUTURE PAGE 5

Officials talk county's future at 'Community Conversations' Street Scene

Artists near and far turn out for Missouri City Chalk Fest

By Ken Fountain KFOUNTAIN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

The parking lot of the Missouri City Recreation & Tennis Center was transformed into a massive art studio of sorts last weekend as a few dozen street artists of all ages took part in the Missouri Chalk Fest.

In this second year, the event was expanded to a two-day affair, which

was advantageous given the weekend weather. While Saturday was somewhat damp and blustery, Sunday proved to be a spectacularly sunny day perfect for the artists from all over Houston, along with some from other states and countries - to finish their creations.

The event is Missouri City's foray into the growing street art scene, which has been flourishing across the globe for the

past two decades or so. Houston has held its own renowned Via Colori festival for about that long. Several of the artists at Missouri City's were professionals who were invited to participate by the city, including Shawn Artis of Houston, who was painted a portrait of Daffy Duck of "Loony Tunes" fame. Like many of the artists, he got his start in chalk art at Via Colori. Nearby, Samantha Hem -

pel also of Houston, painted a portrait of Indiana Jones in the famous opening sequence of Raiders of the Lost Ark . She said she chose him as her subject to be in keeping with this year's event theme, "Let's Explore."

"He's my favorite explorer," she said. Hung Pham, also of Houston, painted a portrait of his own dog, named Tek Ken, a play on the word "taken," stemming from a

conversation he had with his sister when they were adopting him. An architect by profession, Pham said the chalk art scene, which he's been involved in for about 15 years, is a way he keeps his creative juices flowing.

Marcos Hernandez painted a scene of the character Son Goku from the Japanese anime series Dragon Ball, along with his young

SEE CHALK PAGE 4

Stafford council debating Juneteenth celebration plans

By Ken Fountain KFOUNTAIN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

With Juneteenth just three months away, the City of Stafford's ambitious plans for a new event are proceeding, but not without some controversy.

At the March 15 City Council meeting, Mayor Pro Tem Don Jones laid out the ideas thus far developed in a special ad hoc committee he initiated earlier this year to create a full-day festival marking the day in June 1865, after the end of the Civil War, when a U.S.

Army general announced in Galveston that all formerly enslaved people in Texas were free. The celebration known as Juneteenth was celebrated by Black Americans in Texas beyond for decades before being recognized as a federal holiday in 2020.

Jones, who along with fellow Council members Wen Guerra and Ken Mathew are challenging incumbent Mayor Cecil Willis in the May 6 municipal election, said the committee had had extensive discussions on

SEE JUNETEENTH PAGE 5

KP George

Artist Shawn Artis of Houston paints a portrait of Daffy Duck at the Missouri City Chalk Festival last weekend. Several dozen artists from around the region and beyond turned out as Missouri City delves into the street art scene. (Photo by Ken Fountain)

Thompson

SPORTS

Fort Bend County hoopers earn regional recognitions

By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Following a standout season on the basketball court, there were several Fort Bend County basketball players who have been recognized for their contributions as the all-region teams were announced last week.

In total, Fort Bend County saw 13 players from its high school basketball teams make the teams, with eight different schools represented and four schools seeing multiple players selected on the boys and girls’ sides.

The area also has two players who have been named to the Guy V. Lewis award watch list, given to the top Houston-area boys' basketball player every year.

Stafford's Glenn Bishop and Marshall's Jaland Lowe have been named among 10 finalists for the Guy V. Lewis award, which will be announced March 29. They will try to become the first

Fort Bend player to win the award since Travis' Aaron Harrison in 2013. Hightower had two selections to the Region III-6A team, with Milton Rice on the boys’ side and Madison Bob on the girls’ side. Rice helped lead the Hurricanes boys’ team to a 25-9 overall record and the District 20-6A title before falling in the area round of the playoffs. Bob, meanwhile, was a key cog for the Lady Hurricanes in a 32-4 campaign that saw them reach the regional quarterfinals before falling to Katy.

Fulshear had three players selected, with twin sisters Ruke and Ese Ogbevire (combined 25.5 points per game) representing the Lady Chargers, who made their first state tournament while going 33-6 this season. Jeremiah Moynihan was picked on the boys’ side as the Chargers went 18-18 and reached the area round of the playoffs.

The Marshall Buffalos boys’ team had two selections of their own, as guard Jaland

Lowe and forward Jaylen Reedus were selected for Region III-5A team after the Buffalos went 35-4 to region the Region III-5A final, where they would lose to eventual state runner-up Killeen Ellison.

Stafford’s boys team was well-represented on the Region IV-4A team, with Glenn Bishop and Michael Fontenot-Ross making the cut after leading the Spartans to a 31-8 overall mark and the Region IV-4A final, where

Live Healthier Longer.

they lost to Boerne.

Clements’ Divine Ugochukwu was a Region III-6A boys’ selection after leading the Rangers to a 20-9 record and their second straight playoff berth and leading Clements in both points (16.1) and assists (5.1) according to MaxPreps.

Also making it to the Region III-6A boys’ team was Elkins’ Jae’Coby Osborne, who was the leading scorer (14.4 points) and rebounder (7.7 rebounds) for a Knights team that finished the 2022-2023 campaign with a 19-11 record and a bi-district playoff loss.

Andrea Sturdivant of Austin was an all-Region III-6A selection also, leading the Lady Bulldogs in points (15.5) and assists (4.1) this past season as Austin went 29-4 and finished second in District 20-6A before losing in the bidistrict round of the playoffs.

Finally, Robert Green of Iowa Colony was an all-Region IV-4A boys’ selection after leading the Pioneers to a 285 record and an area round

playoff appearance in their inaugural varsity season. He led the Pioneers in scoring at 13.9 points per game.

Region III-6A

Divine Ugochukwu – Clements

Jae’Coby Osborne – Elkins

Milton Rice – Hightower

Region III-5A

Jaland Lowe – Marshall

Jaylen Reedus – Marshall

Jeremiah Moynihan – Fuls-

hear

Region IV-4A

Glenn Bishop – Stafford

Michael Fontenot-Ross –Stafford

Robert Green – Iowa Colony

Girls

Region III-6A

Madison Bob – Hightower

Andrea Sturdivant – Austin

Region III-5A

Ruke Ogbevire – Fulshear

Ese Ogbevire – Fulshear

Marshall's Jaland Lowe was one of 13 area selections to the TABC's all region teams, and is also one of 10 announced finalists for the annual Guy V. Lewis Award. (Photo by Landan Kuhlmann)

Austin's Andrea Sturdivant was among more than a dozen area basketball players named to the TABC's All Region teams. (File photo by Landan Kuhlmann)

HS Softball: Fulshear, Foster vying for 20-5A lead

By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

The early race in District 20-5A softball is looking to be a good one early on, with a new face – Fulshear – and old reliable – Foster – both taking care of business last week to make their cases as the district’s teams to beat in the early going. Fulshear is in search of the program’s first district championship this year, while Foster is seeking its third in the last five full seasons. Fulshear took care of business on their win, winning 11-1 against Randle on March 14 before winning via forfeit over

Willowridge to improve to 17-7 and 5-0 in District 205A. Alanna Routt had two doubles and two RBIs in the win over Randle, while Ryan Stratman tripled and drove in two runs.

Not to be outdone, Foster ran its winning streak to six games with a pair of wins last week, beating Marshall on March 14 and taking down Kempner on March 15 to move to 21-3 and 5-0 in district competition and keep pace with Fulshear. Lamar Consolidated also had a 13-2 win over Terry on March 14 to improve to 12-5 overall and 2-2 in district play.

Class 6A Ridge Point continued

to dominated early on in District 20-6A, beating Austin 18-3 on March 13 before shutting out Travis 1-0 on March 14. Braelyn Daniels homered twice and drove in four runs for the Lady Panthers (15-5, 7-0) against Austin, while Jade Uresti tripled twice with five RBIs and freshman Abi Parker drove in four runs. Daniels also homered for the lone run in the win over Travis, and Bailey Gray racked up 11 strikeouts while allowing just three hits during a complete-game effort in the circle.

Austin bounced back from the loss to Ridge Point with a 16-7 win over Bush the very next day. Seven players had

multiple hits for the Lady Bulldogs (6-13, 3-4) in the win, led by Alyssa Carter with two triples and six RBIs. Sophia Lundstrom also homered and drove in two runs for Austin against Bush, while Jenna Strong tripled twice and Charlotte O’Callaghan drove in three runs. Addison Walker doubled and drove in two runs for Bush (4-8, 0-7) in the loss to Austin, while Kiersten Kyle tripled and had three RBIs in a loss to Clements on March 13.

Elkins’ Lady Knights had a 15-4 win over Hightower on March 13 before winning via forfeit against Dulles last week to improve to 10-9 overall and 4-3 in district competi -

tion. Kourtney Jones, Mia Wong, and Victoria Vargas all doubled and drove in two runs for Elkins against Hightower, while Viviana Vargas had four strikeouts while allowing just two earned runs in five innings of work in the circle. Hightower, however, would bounce back the next day to claim a 156 victory over Clements. Baylee Bonner had four RBIs for the Lady Hurricanes (8-11, 2-5) against Clements, while Carmen Barrera and Trinity Yates also drove in two runs apiece.

Class 4A Needville had a strong week, beating Wharton 15-0 on March 13 and tak-

ing down El Campo 4-1 on March 14 in district play before losing a non-district game 6-1 against Weimar on March 15. Annabell Humbird had a homer, two doubles, and four RBIs for Needville (15-8, 4-0) against Wharton, while JoJo Cantu also had three RBIs. Makala Smith, meanwhile, amassed eight strikeouts in a completegame effort in the circle against El Campo.

Stafford’s Lady Spartans split two games last week, losing 13-1 to Brazosport on March 13 before bouncing back with a 20-1 win over La Marque the next day. Stafford moved to 8-6 overall and 1-2 in district competition with the victory over La Marque.

HS Baseball: District play underway for Fort Bend area squads

last week, winning 13-2 on March 14 before emerging victorious 4-1 on March 15 to improve to 4-11-1 overall and 2-0 in District 20-5A. Brian Luna and Thomas Moss drove in two runs apiece for Kempner on March 14, while Jerson Benitez racked up six strikeouts in a complete-

that was rained out last week.

Foster also picked up a win in their only game of the week, a 7-1 win over Randle before a scheduled Friday game was rained out. Josh Ramirez hit a two-run homer for Foster (12-6, 1-0) in the win, and Cooper Schwank struck

While students were off from school last week, the area’s baseball teams were getting district play start ed, and several were able to get off on the right foot in notable action last week.

In the Class 5A ranks, the Kempner Cougars are off to a roaring start with a pair of wins over Marshall

down George Ranch 8-1 on March 18. Parker Martin homered for the Panthers (14-4-2, 4-0) against Dulles, while Kellen Gradisar had 11 strikeouts on the mound against Hightower. Hightower bounced back from the loss to Ridge Point on March 14 before taking down Houston MacArthur 8-6 in a non-district tilt on March 15 and beating Bush 12-10 in eight innings on March 17.

The Clements Rangers split a pair of games last week, beating Elkins 10-3 on March 14 before dropping a 6-1 game to Austin on March 18. Stefano Demeris, Cooper Cegielski, and Taylor Brown all had

two hits for Clements (10-7, 1-2) in the win over Elkins, while Griffin Culver and Ben Couture had a double and two RBIs apiece.

Alex Hale, Jonathan Moye, and Braylon Payne each had hits for Elkins (49-1, 0-1) in the loss.

Austin picked up a pair of wins last week, defeating George Ranch 4-3 on March 14 before the win over Clements to improve to 6-8 overall and 3-0 in District 20-6A.

Class 4A

Stafford got its district slate off to a strong start last week, running past La Marque 14-4 on March 14 before holding off Bra -

zosport 1-0 on March 16. Gabriel Ibarra had two hits and three RBIs in the game for the Spartans (4-6, 2-0), while Zachary Brown and Bryce Williams each slugged a triple and drove in two runs.

Needville also continued strong early play, defeating Wharton 3-0 on March 14 before taking down El Campo 7-3 on March 17 to improve to 13-2 overall and 3-0 in district play. Joziah Lerma and Lee Guest combined to strike out six hitters on the mound against Wharton, and Nathan Elster drove in three runs against El Campo while Colton Stavinoha had three hits.

The Fulshear Lady Chargers' softball team takes a photo after a game. The Lady Chargers are 5-0 in district play so far this season, which has them tied with Foster in the early District 20-5A race. (Photo from Twitter)

Hilaria “Lala” Cruz Duran, age 92, passed away on March 16, 2023. She was born December 9, 1930, in Rosenberg, Texas, to Neddie and Procopio Cruz. She was married to her childhood sweetheart and lifelong love, Jack N. Duran, in December of 1952.

In addition to the daily tasks of being a mom and wife, Lala worked as a teacher’s assistant at Alvin Elementary. She enjoyed sewing for family and friends. She was often found in the kitchen, cooking, making homemade tortillas, and brewing coffee. Her hands were rarely still.

Lala was a dedicated mother first and foremost, she treasured her children, grandchildren, and great grandchild and cherished every moment with them.

She was preceded in death by three (3) daughters, Debra Ann Duran, Bobbi Jane Duran, Cindy Jean (Duran) Bridge and her husband, Jack N. Duran. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Jack and Angela Duran; granddaughter and her husband, Dr. Alexandra

and Jonathan Backof; granddaughter and her husband, Erica and Jeff Safenowitz and her great granddaughter, Summer Safenowitz; her sonin-law, Jim Bridge; and sisters, Margie Gonzales and Neddie De La Fuente.

Lala was a loving mom, a great friend to many and woman of strong faith and she is now on her journey “home” to be with the Lord! Memorial Service will be held at St. John Vianney Catholic Church located at 625 Nottingham Oaks Trail, Houston, Texas on March 24, 2023 at 10:30am. Burial to follow at Veterans Memorial at 2:00pm (everyone is welcome).

family friend Carlos Gallegos, 12. Hernandez said he got his start as an artist as a high school student at Via Colori.

Craig Carter, who is Black, painted a portrait of a young Black boy wearing an spacesuit and helmet, surrounded by the stars.

"I'm all about representation, and I want to show kids of color that they can become astronauts or whatever they want to do," Carter said.

Corella Fairchild, of Houston, painted a portrait of famed aviator Amelia Earhart wearing her signature leather flying helmet. Fairchild began chalk

Worship Directory

FORT BEND COUNTY

BAPTIST CHURCH

HORIZON BAPTIST CHURCH • 281-403-4994

2223 FM1092 • Missouri City, TX 77459

John Strader , Senior Pastor

Sunday Bible Study 9:30 am

Sunday Worship 10:45 am 6:00 pm

Wednesday 7:00 pm AWANA/Youth www.hbctx.org

BRAZOS BEND BAPTIST CHURCH

BRAZOS BEND BAPTIST CHURCH - 979.553.3049

22311 FM 762 RD.-Needville, TX 77461

Dr. Doug Brooks- Pastor

Sunday School/Bible Study - 9:30am

Sunday Worship Service - 10:30am

Wednesday (Team Kids) - 7:00pm

Wednesday (Bible Study) - 7:00pm

Any Prayer needs call 979.553.3049

Special Events-Resurrection (Easter) Weekend www.bbbchurch.org

METHODIST CHURCH

CHRIST CHURCH SUGAR LAND • 281-980-6888

A United Methodist Community 3300 Austin Parkway • Sugar Land, TX 77479

Rev. Dr. Daniel Irving, Senior Pastor

Sunday Schedule 9:30 am Blended Worship 9:30 am Sunday School for all ages 11:00 am Traditional & Contemporary Worship www.christchurchsl.org

EPISCOPAL

ALL SAINTS EPISCOPAL CHURCH • 281-499-9602

605 Dulles Avenue, Stafford, TX 77477

SUNDAY: 10:30 am Worship Holy Eucharist www.allsaints-stafford.org

CHURCH OF CHRIST

STAFFORD CHURCH OF CHRIST • 281-499-2507

402 Stafford Run Rd. -Stafford, 77477

Stephen Higley, Preacher

Sunday Bible Study 9:30 am

Sunday Worship 10:30 am

Wednesday 7:00 pm www.staffordchurchofchrist.org

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH • 281-240-3195

502 Eldridge Rd. -Sugar Land, TX 77478

Reverend Dr. Fred Seay, Pastor

Sunday Worship In Person 11:00 am / Nursery Available Worship Online on YouTube www.fpcsl.org

Scripture of the week

painting around 2015.

"I like the ephemerality of it," she said, referring to the fact that the chalk creations only last for a while on their pavement canvasses. "I also like the sense of community it brings, how the artists all come out together."

A first-grade teacher at the private Acton Academy Champions in the Cy-Fair area, Fairchild brought along two of her former students, including Amita Kungar, 12, who was painting a messenger pigeon.

"I just looked at the ground and it came to me," Amita said of the way she chose her subject.

Rachel Delarosa, of Padadena, began doing chalk art at Via Colori about seven years ago. She had been interested in art for some time, and was encouraged to participate in the Houston festival by her father. She was painting comic strip characters Calvin and Hobbes, who she also deemed to be explorers, especially Calvin in his "Spaceman Spiff" alter ego.

Ever Galvez traveled to Missouri City from Los Angeles, where he has been involved in the street art scene for about 20 years. He was painting a 3-D image of one of the fearsome dinosaurs from the Jurassic Park film series. The 3-D technique, in which the image appears to exist in

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

three dimensions as seen from a particular vantage point, has become very popular at the festivals in recent years.

"I think of dinosaurs as the earliest explorers on the planet," he said.

Victor Segouviano of Guanaguato, Mexico painted a portrait he called "The Dram of Adhara," in reference to Adhara Perez, a young mathematics prodigy and astrophysics student who spoke at a conference in his hometown. Fittingly, she also is depicted in a spacesuit.

Addison Tan, 13, of the

Memorial area, won first place in the children's competition with her painting "The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse." based on the popular children's book and film.

In the "community chalk zone," several young people (and a smattering of older ones) got into the act with their own creations, including Dawson Leever, 6, who drew a colorful rendition of Spider-Man. The event also featured several food trucks and several musicians who added to the entertainment.

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” - ROMANS 12:12

H CHALK FROM PAGE 1

Rachel Delarosa of Pasadena paints Calvin and Hobbes at the Missouri City Chalk Festival. (Photo by Ken Fountain)

Craig Carter paints a portrait of an aspiring astronaut. (Photo by Ken Fountain)

what the celebration would entail. In the end, the committee decided on a special concert that would be held at the Stafford Center on June `17, a Saturday. This year, the actual Juneeenth day falls on a Monday.

Jones said committee co-chair A. J. Honoré, a former City Council member, recommended the Scott Joplin Orchestra, a primarily Black volunteer orchestra that is part of the Houston-based Community Music Center, as the primary entertainment act.

After hearing the orchestra perform and meeting with

Community Music Center head Anne Lundy, Jones said, he was immediately sold on the idea. The entire event is expected to last about two-and-a-half hours, Jones said. He made a motion that the Council authorize up to $25,000, to come from the city's Hotel Occupancy Tax funds, to

H FUTURE FROM PAGE 1

The 176,000-squrefoot, 10,450-seat center will play host to graduation ceremonies for the county's school districts, concerts, and sporting events, and will also serve as an emergency shelter during events such as hurricanes and the like, which Matocha said was one of the leading criteria among county officials' criteria for the complex.

Matocha said the Epicenter will play a major role in the county's bid to attract the growing "sports tourism" industry, which is expected to bring visitors from around the country and

sponded to a shooting January 7 at 9:50 p.m. in the 1100 block of Oxford Mills Lane. Neighbors told police they heard shots fired. When officers

put on the event. Much discussion took place among the Council members about the appropriateness of the city using taxpayer dollars for the event, the anticipated cost, and the fact that there was no actual budget yet for the Council to vote on. Willis, the mayor, noted that the city hosts an annu -

beyond to Fort Bend.

Matocha dropped a bit of news: the company has secured a contract to host a major event in the fall. While some were hoping for a major sporting event that might draw ESPN coverage, he joked, it actually will be a professional wrestling event, although he didn't give details.

Rich Staigle, the assistant county engineer, gave an overview of the county's planned infrastructure projects, as the county continues its transformation from a once largely rural location to a heavily developed suburban one.

Staigle said that traffic in Fort Bend County has rebounded to about 90 percent of its pre-COVID levels, and there is an increased need to maintain

arrived, they found Duan dead in the backyard with multiple gunshot wounds. Duan, a reading teacher at Alief ISD"s Boone Elementary since 2017, lived alone at the house. Detectives quickly identified Thompson as a suspect after interview-

al Fourth of July concert at the Stafford Center where the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra performs at a substantially smaller fee.

Jones said he expected the Scott Joplin Orchestra (named after the famous early 20th Century Black composer) would bring a different level of quality to the event.

existing road and construct new ones to serve the county's ever-growing population. There have been three successful infrastructure bond elections since 2013, and county staff and Commissioners Court are working toward another one in November.

The final speaker of the evening was Taral Patel, a Fort Bend resident and former chief of staff to George who now serves as the deputy liaison for domestic affairs in the Biden Administration.

Patel gave an overview of the federal government's role in relation to local and state jurisdictions, the concept known as "federalism," as well as the four major "pillars" of the administration's do -

ing witnesses at the scene, reviewing nearby video and confirming his vehicle from license plate recognition cameras in the area, according to authorities. Witnesses told police an argument led to the shooting.

Duan began dating

In the end, at the motion of Councilman Xavier Herrera, the Council voted unanimously that the committee continue to work on the proposal, including a written contract, for the Council to discuss in a workshop and possible vote at its special meeting scheduled for March 29 from 3-5 p.m.

mestic agenda. Those are economic opportunity, resilience and sustainability, equity, and the social determinants of life (a broadening of the concept of social determinants of health).

All of the policies of the Biden White House are developed with an eye toward these concepts, Patel said. He also described the various governmental tools available to the administration to accomplish those policy goals.

Following the presentations, there was a brief question-and-answer session in which of the speakers was able to respond to questions from the audience. George said he plans to hold more such events in the coming months.

Thompson a week before she was shot and killed, according to the release. According to media reports, Duan's mother has said the two met through an online dating service. Adolph said that with Thompson's death, the case will be closed.

Review: B.B. Italia serves up good food, but service leaves something to be desired

Sometimes, you are so looking forward to a new experience that it's even more disappointing when it doesn't lead up to those expectations. I'm afraid that was my impression when I tried, for the first time, the new B.B. Italia restaurant in Sugar Land Town Square, which opened last fall in the expansive space formerly occupied by the Charming Charlie's boutique shop which closed a few years ago.

B.B. Italia had been under construction for several months leading up to that opening, and from the outside looking in, it promised to a very inviting space. Indeed with its checkerboard-tile floors and brick walls, the place gives off a definite turn-of-the-lastcentury vibe. One of my dining companions likened the ambiance to that of the late, lamented "Farrell's" ice-cream parlors like the one that once graced The Galleria.

That old-fashioned feel is enhanced by the wall of photographs of classic Italian and Italian-American photographs in the bar area, and by the mix of classic-era jazz standards (with an occasional pop tune and the theme from The Godfather) wafting from the sound system.

The space is huge, and therein lies part of the problem. Between the open dining room, the direct access to the sounds of the kitchen, the music and the lack of any kind of buffering, it was hard for my party to hear other, or even our server. This was

on a midday on the weekend, and I'm guessing it might be much harder during a busy evening.

While it seems to be going for the family market, it was also surprising that the prices are fairly high.

That said, the menu has a wide selection of offerings, and not just of the Italian variety. There's a healthy selection of antipastos, soups and salads, pastas, pizzas, and full plates. Steaks of beef and veal are available, as are submarine and hero sandwiches. The restaurant even has

its own ice cream parlor in the back.

My party started with the Pocaccia bread service, with several different dips and spreads. It was excellent.

For my main meal, I went with the linguine with clam sauce, lightly seasoned with white wine and garlic.

It also was very good, with an al dente quality that was nice. My dining companions also enjoyed their meals, even taking the remainders home.

The service, however, was a bit slow and not as

FBISD students heading to state in robotics competition

Staff Reports

A community team made up of students from Sartartia and Fort Settlement middle schools and Elkins High School recently advanced to the state level of the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC), a robotics competition for secondary students, taking place later this month in Belton, Texas, according to a Fort Bend ISD online story.

Team members include Sartartia’s Abhiram Pavuluri, Maanav Pinapala and Neil Vellanki, Fort Settlement’s Pranav Tammana and Elkins’s Suhas Vemuri.

The team earned the following awards in the regional competition:

1st Place in Design – Given to teams that best incorporate industrial and functional design into their robot

• 2nd Place in Inspire – Given to the strongest ambassador of FIRST programs and the team that best performed across all judged categories

• 2nd Place in Con -

nect – Given to the team most connected to their STEM community

2nd Place in Control – Celebrates innovative

thinking in the control system to solve game challenges

3rd Place in Motivate – Given to teams that spark others to embrace the culture of FIRST FIRST Tech Challenge is a robotics competition that invites students in grades 7-12 to design, build, program and operate robots to compete in head-to-head challenges, acquiring STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) skills. Visit firstintexas.org to learn more about FIRST Tech Challenge.

attentive as I would have expected, surprising given the fact that the dining room wasn't particularly crowded. Perhaps it was just an off day, or there are still some kinks being worked out, but given the amount of the final tab, that was particularly disappointing.

All in all, I would give B.B.'s high marks on the quality of the food, less so on the overall experience. I'll likely try it again in the near future just to see if things have improved.

B.B. Italia

Address: 2720 FM 1092 Rd., Missouri City

Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Monday-Thursday; 11 a.m.-11 p.m. FridaySaturday; 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Sunday

Entrée prices: $16-$58

Kid-friendly: Yes

Alcohol: Yes

Senior discount: No

713-433-6421

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

NOODLE

Noodle is one of the pups in our Behavior Rehabilitation Center.

Healthy options: Yes

Star of the show: Clam Sauce Linguini

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

She came to us after the Pasadena Tornado tragedy, and was suffering from some intense anxiety after being in the kennels when the storm hit.

She is terrified of people, and doesn't trust anything or anyone, but she's slowly coming around thanks to our Behavior Rehabilitation Center team. They are slowly gaining Noodle's trust by making humans comfy to her! They are achieving this by rewarding her when a person is around, reading to her, and taking her on long, quiet, calm walks.

Soon, we hope to see Noodle blossom & be ready for adoption!

Help us give more pups like Noodle a second chance, donate items from our Amazon wish list here:  https://bit.ly/3mEVxXu

B.B. Italia's linguine with clam sauce, lightly seasoned with white wine and garlic, has a nice al dente quality and impressed during a visit to the restaurant last week. (Photo fby Ken Fountain)

MANAGING

A community team made up of students from Sartartia and Fort Settlement middle schools and Elkins High School recently advanced to the state level of the FIRST Tech Challenge. (Photo courtesy of Fort Bend ISD)

SUGAR LAND GARDEN CLUB MARCH PRESENTATION:

A What Is That Herb, and Why Should I Plant It?

Tricia Bradbury: 10 A.M.Tuesday March 21st. St. Basil’s Hall, 702 Burney Rd, Sugar Land. Free!

LEARN ABOUT LONG-TERM PREPARATIONS FOR CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES AT LIBRARY PROGRAM

Fort Bend County Libraries will present a special program, “LongTerm Preparation for Children with Disabilities,” on Thursday, March 30, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm, in the Meeting Room at the Missouri City Branch Library, located at 1530 Texas Parkway. For more information, see the Fort Bend County Libraries website (www.fortbend.lib. tx.us) or call the Missouri City Branch Library (281-238-2100) or the library system’s Communications Office (281-633-4734).

LEARN HOW TO SET BOUNDARIES & ACHIEVE DREAMS AT MISSOURI CITY BRANCH LIBRARY PROGRAM

Fort Bend County Libraries’ Missouri City Branch Library will host motivational speaker Cydney Rax for a special program on “Balance & Boundaries: How to Keep It Together as You Pursue Your Dreams,” on Saturday, March 25, from 2:00 to 3:00 pm, in the Meeting Room of the library, located at 1530 Texas Parkway. For more information, see the Fort Bend County Libraries website (www.fortbend.lib.tx.us) or call the library system’s Communications Office (281-633-4734).

AMERICAN LEGION POST 942, 311 ULRICH

SUGAR LAND, WILL HOLD A BATTLE OF THE BARRELS COOKOFF

On April 1, 2023, from 12 noon till 5 pm. All Veterans and public are invited. Plates are $12

LEARN HOW TO PLAN A BUDGET-FRIENDLY VACATION AT LIBRARY PROGRAM

Fort Bend County Libraries’ Sienna Branch Library presents “Vacation Planning on a Budget” on Tuesday, April 4, from 2:00 to 3:00 pm, in the Computer Lab of the library, located at 8411 Sienna Springs Blvd in Missouri City.

HOPE FOR THREE TEEN HUDDLE

Sunday, April 2, 2023. Hope For Three Teen Huddle is revving up for its annual Car Wash for Kids presented by Sugar Land Baptist Church on Sunday, April 2nd, at C & C Dental, 17003 SWF, Sugar Land from 10 am to 2 pm. Student volunteers, ages 12 and over, promote awareness, acceptance, and inclusion for their peers with autism. This Eco-friendly car wash is free, but donations are welcome. Volunteers and sponsors needed. Visit www.hopeforthree. org/events to learn more.

EASTER EGG HUNT 2023 SPONSORED BY AMARO LAW FIRM

Sunday, April 9, 2023, at Constellation Field. Gates Open at 11:45 a.m. Easter Egg Hunt at 12:15 p.m. First Pitch at 2:00 p.m. Register at Amarolawfirm.com/easter-egg-hunt. Please register by Friday, March 24th to join our guest list.

AMERICAN LEGION POST 942, 311 ULRICH SUGAR LAND, WILL HOLD A CRAWFISH

BOIL

On April 15, 2023, from 12 noon till 5 pm. All Veterans and public are invited. Plates are $12

HOPE FOR THREE WILL HOST ITS INAUGURAL FAMILY FUN FEST

Saturday, April 22, 2023. Hope For Three will host its Inaugural Family Fun Fest, presented by Fred and Mabel R Parks Foundation, on Saturday, April 22nd, at River Pointe Church, 5000 Ransom Rd., Richmond, from 10 am to 1 pm. The outdoor festival provides an inclusive opportunity for local families whose children, teens, and adults have special needs. Families must be Fort

GOLF FOR A CAUSE 2023

BENEFITTING THE SANCTUARY

FOSTER CARE SERVICES

April 24 at Sienna Golf Club in Missouri City. For sponsorship and player details, please go to our website at https://www.sanctuaryfostercare.org/golf Questions? Reach out to Jenny Fridge at 713483-4003

SUGAR CREEK GARDEN CLUB

BACKYARD GARDEN TOUR

Who – Sugar Creek Garden Club

What – Backyard Garden Tour

When – May 6, 2023, 10 am to 4 pm

Where – Sugar Creek Subdivision. Tickets available at Guard House (Sugar Creek Blvd. at Country Club Blvd.), or at any of the 5 homes featured.

Why – Fundraiser for horticultural scholarships and neighborhood beautification.

APRIL

LIBRARIES OFFER INTRODUCTORY

HANDS-ON COMPUTER & TECHNOLOGY

CLASSES

Fort Bend County Libraries’ Adult Services staff will present a variety of free, introductory computer classes this month. The classes will take place in the Computer Labs of the libraries; seating is limited and reservations are required. To register online at the library’s website (www.fortbend.lib.tx.us), click on “Classes & Events,” select the library, and find the program. Or call the branch libraries system’s Communications Office (281-633-4734). The schedule for April is listed online.

ONGOING

THE SANCTUARY FOSTER CARE SERVICES

We are a child placing agency that provides wrap around care support for foster children and foster families. We provide free therapy services, 24 hr. crisis intervention, respite/alternative care services and community-based support. For more info, www.sanctuaryfostercare.org

FORT BEND COUNTY LIBRARIES’

ONLINE BOOK CLUB

Online meetings on the fourth Wednesday of every month. Free and open to the public. Registration is required; to register online www. fortbend.lib.tx.us, “Classes & Events,” select “Virtual Programs,” find the program on the date indicated. Participants may also register by calling George Memorial Library (281-342-4455).

SUGAR LAND ROTARY CLUB

Sugar Land Rotary Club, the nation’s oldest community service organization, wants you to be its guest at a meeting that could turn out to be the best fit for getting involved with a local, non-political, humanitarian service organization with a global presence to satisfy your passion. We’re on a quest for new members! Call or email Dean Clark, 469-850-2424, dean7351@gmail.com. We’re a friendly group that meets once a week for lunch.

FT. BEND ACCORDION CLUB

Meets on the 4th Sunday of every month from 2:pm - 4:pm at: CHRIST CHURCH SUGAR LAND (in the Chapel) 3300 Austin Parkway, Sugar Land, TX 77479 FREE and Open to the Public! We welcome everybody! If you play accordion, beginners to professional and would like to play Call, Text or email: Vince Ramos Cell: 281204-7716 vincer.music@gmail.com

FORT BEND JUNIOR SERVICE LEAGUE

RECRUITING NEW MEMBERS FOR 20222023 YEAR

To join, the membership application can be accessed at https://www. fbjsl.org/join/how-to-become-a-member/. FBJSL will also be hosting multiple virtual and in-person recruitment events over the summer where potential new members can learn more about the League. Information regarding attending these events is available at www. fbjsl.org or on the FBJSL Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ FortBendJuniorServiceLeague/.

LITERACY COUNCIL OF FORT BEND COUNTY

We enhance lives and strengthen communities by teaching adults to read. We need your help. Literacy Council is actively recruiting Volunteer Tutors to provide instruction for English as a Second Language (ESL) Levels 0-5, three hours a week. For more information, call 281-240-8181 or visit our website www.ftbendliteracy.org

JAM WITH SAM

Join Sam Grice Tuesday evenings at 6:30 for a casual evening of music. We play a variety of music including bluegrass, country, gospel and some western. We request acoustic instruments only please. We welcome both participants and music lovers who enjoy listening to good live music. There’s no charge and we welcome beginners and gladly offer gentle assistance. We meet at First Presbyterian Church, 502 Eldridge Rd, Sugar Land. Please call Sam at 832-4283165 for further information.

THURSDAY MORNING

BIBLE STUDY FOR MEN

Sugar Land First United Methodist Church, 431 Eldridge Road offers a Thursday Morning Bible Study For Men. This group is ongoing and uses a variety of studies throughout the year. The breakfast, coffee and donuts are free. Join us any time! Thursdays, 6:30-7:30 am in Wesley Hall. Call the church office at 281-491-6041 or Mike Schofield at 281-217-5799 for more information.

GIVE A GIFT OF HOPE

Give a Gift of Hope one-time or monthly. Your help provides access to therapies and services children with autism might otherwise go without. Please consider Hope For Three in your Estate, Planned, or Year-End Giving. Register now, or learn more about exciting events: www.hopeforthree.org/events

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 at First Presbyterian of Sugar Land (502 Eldridge Rd.). For more information call 281-240-3195

EXCHANGE

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

MISSOURI CITY AARP CHAPTER 3801

Meets the second Monday of every month at 11:30 a.m., at 2701 Cypress Point Dr., Missouri City Rec Center. Lunch, education, and entertainment. All seniors over 50