The 05-03-23 Edition of The Fort Bend Star

Dozens of area track athletes heading to state meet - Page 4

Last week, we went to see what the Fort Bend Symphony Chorus was about. See our review on Page 2 WEDNESDAY • MAY 3, 2023

Fort Bend / Southwest • Volume 48 • No. 31 • $1.00

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Missouri City police: man shot, killed after firing at officers

By Ken Fountain KFOUNTAIN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

LOOK INSIDE

UH-SUGAR LAND

At the end of an hourslong armed standoff last week, a man was killed last week after firing at police officers, according to a Missouri City Police Department spokesman.

On April 25 around 10:30

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p.m., the man was reportedly standing in the front yard a residence in the 3800 block of Pecan Valley Drive in Quail Valley wielding a handgun. The residence belongs to the man's ex-girlfriend the man, who had recently broke up with him, according to Detective Derrick

Spencer.

When patrol officers arrived, the man said he wanted them to harm him before f leeing inside the house, Spencer said.

At that point, patrol officers set up a perimeter around the house and members of the East Fort Bend County SWAT and

Rising Kempner tennis star roars to second state title

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Crisis Negotiators were dispatched to the scene.

Hours of negotiations with the man proved to be unfruitful, so at about 4:45 a.m., members of the SWAT team tried to resolve the situation with "less than useful force,"

Kempner's Noey Do prepares to serve the ball during a match this season. The sophomore recently completed his campaign with a second consecutive Class 5A boys' singles state tennis state championship. (Contributed photo)

When Noey Do first picked up a tennis racket at eight years old back in Evansville, Indiana, he had no idea what would await him with the sport. It was something his dad motivated him to play, to help him stay active.

But nearly a decade later, the Kempner High School star and the sport he loves have become a match made in athletic heaven. Last week, the 16-year-old Do capped off his sophomore season with a second consecutive Class 5A boys’ singles tennis state championship at the Northside Tennis Center in San Antonio.

He defeated Comal Smithson Valley’s Rowan Olson (6-1, 6-2) in the quarterfinals and Sanjheev Rao of Frisco Liberty (6-4, 6-4) in the semifinals on April 25 before taking down Mission Sharyland’s Alan Gonzalez (6-2, 7-6) in the final on April 26. Do has now taken down Gonzalez in each of the last two state title matches after also besting him last season.

“I just felt the relief and

the joy (when I got that final point),” Do said Monday. “I knew all the stress is going to be gone for this year.”

Last season, Do made school history as the first Kempner player to ever win a boys’ singles championship and the school’s first state tennis champion since a boys’ doubles title back in 1999. And last week, he added to a legacy that might very well already be cemented both at Kempner and around the state.

“I’ve never seen a more determined athlete in my years than Noey,” said Kempner head tennis coach Anne Southard, who has been coaching off and on since 1999. “His talents go beyond his years in terms of skill set, and he hates to lose more than any athlete I’ve ever seen. And he loves to win as much as he hates to lose.”

That desire, Do said, developed back almost as soon as he first began play competitively growing up back in Indiana. His dad may have been the initial motivation to play the sport, he said, but it SEE TITLE PAGE 4

Renowned composer to debut piece about 'Sugar Land 95'

By Ken Fountain KFOUNTAIN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

When the unmarked graves of the people who would come to be known as the "Sugar Land 95" were discovered on a property owned by Fort Bend ISD five years ago, it set off a wave of media attention and a revisiting of long-forgotten history. That retelling has come in many forms and venues.

Now a renowned jazz drummer, band leader and composer with ties to the Fort Bend community is planning to bring that history and an exploration of its emotional

ramifications to the concert stage.

On May 12, Kendrick Scott will lead his ensemble and guest artists in the debut performance of his composition Unearthed at the Wortham Theater Center in downtown Houston. The performance is being presented by DACAMERA, the Houston nonprofit organization that presents premiere jazz and classical artists.

The piece pays tribute to both the Sugar Land 95 and Reginald Moore, the former Texas prison guard and retired longshoreman who spent years trying to spread awareness of the convict-leasing

system that was prevalent in Texas, including in Sugar Land, for several decades after the end of the Civil War. Moore died in 2020.

Scott spent the early years of his childhood in Missouri City before his parents separated and later divorced. Thereafter, he lived with his mother in Houston. He attended Houston ISD"s Kinder High School for the Performing Arts and Visual Arts and the Berklee College of Music in Boston.

Reached by phone at his home in New York, Scott said that while growing up in SEE COMPOSER PAGE 5

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Jazz drummer and composer Kendrick Scott (third from right) will debut his piece Unearthed, inspired by the Sugar Land 95, at the Wortham Theater Center on May 12. (Contributed photo)

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THE STAR

PAGE 2 • Wednesday, May 3, 2023

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Review: Fort Bend Symphony Chorus offers a 'tapestry' of American song

By Ken Fountain KFOUNTAIN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

I've written before about how impressed I was when I first heard the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra during one of their Fourth of July concerts at the Stafford Centre a few years ago.

A longtime fan of classical music, I was especially glad to learn there was an outstanding community orchestra here.

Along with a full slate of instrumentalists, the FBSO also boasts the Fort Bend Symphony Chorus, which performs both with the symphony during their big concerts and in standalone performances. This past Sunday, I took in my first such concert, called "A Choral Tapestry," in the beautiful sanctuary of Christ Church Sugar Land.

This also happened to be the chorus's first concert under the direction of its new director, Ray Rhoads. As he explained, the concert was consisted

of "a hodgepodge of music" from various American traditions, divided into three themes. Taken as a whole, the concert offered a unique panapoly of the country's musical heritage.

The first theme of the concert, "Dreams and Prayers," was suitably contemplative. The first selection was "The Prayer of Black Elk," a poem adapted from the words of the Lakota leader who survived both the Battle of Little Big Horn and the Wounded Knee massacre. The music, composed

by Karen Thomas, was both mournful and hopeful.

That was followed by "We Are," composed by Ysaye Barnwell, a contemporary African-American singer and composer. The song, a paean to the strength of community across generations, had a triumphant feel that was ably conveyed by the chorus, to the accompaniment of pianist Andrew Salyer, who was excellent throughout the program.

The remaining songs from the first section, "The

When it comes to local advertising The Fort Bend Symphony Chorus, conducted by Ray Rhoads, performs "A Choral Tapestry" at Christ Church Sugar Land. (Photo by Ken Fountain)

Dreams of the Dreamers" and "Sure on This Shining Night" were equally lovely.

The last was conducted by Assistant Chorus Director Steve Kalke, who is also a member of the choir.

The second theme, "From Rivers to Oceans," was an eclectic mix of songs dealing with bodies of water.

"River Stay 'Way From My Door," was a bouncy traditional jazz number. That was followed by the more muted "The Lake," a piece written by Jay Althouse based on a poem by Edgar Allen Poe. It had a somber tone but ended with a bit of humor from the choir. The final song of the section

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was "Oceans and Stars," which was considerably more upbeat and hopeful.

The final theme of the concert was the self-explanatory "Folk Songs and Spirituals." It began with the local favorite "The Yellow Rose of Texas" followed by an exuberant traditional African-American spiritual, "Hush, Somebody's Calling My Name," both conducted

by Kalke.

Next followed "Black Is the Color of My True Love's Hair," a song of mourning, followed by the equally somber"Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child."

The mood picked up with a lovely rendition of "Amazing Grace," a song of faith that is beloved by nearly everyone.

And the final song was

a rousing rendition of the New Orleans favorite "When the Saints Go Marching In," which included a quote from "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" for good measure. As the end, Rhoads invited the audience to join in, bringing the concert to a joyful close.

The Fort bend Symphony Orchestra will perform a concert titled "Beethoven's Romantic Legacy" on Sunday, June 4, beginning a 2 p.m., in the Graeber Auditorium of BF Terry High School in Rosenberg. The concert, rescheduled from March, will feature music by several composers from the Romantic Era who were influenced by Ludwig von Beethoven’s music. For more information, visit f bso.org.

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See us online www.FortBendStar.com

Wednesday, May 3, 2023 • PAGE 3

Dedicated to Positive Forward Progress for Children, Families, and Community

RE-ELECT

Angie Hanan For FBISD Board of Trustees Position 1

Long-time educator and advocate for students of diverse backgrounds and abilities

Find out more about Angie at

www.VoteAngieforFBISD.com

Re-Elect Angie Hanan for FBISD Trustee Position 1 BECAUSE YOU BELIEVE OUR STUDENTS ARE PRIORITY Angie’s number one priority is the success of our students! She knows student input is valuable for decision-making and program improvement and she led the charge to encourage staff to regularly and formally seek student input yielding thousands of responses to the annual engagement survey since 2021. Every student must experience success every day, regardless of their academic level or socio-economic background.

BECAUSE YOU BELIEVE STABILITY IN FBISD IS IMPORTANT Angie is focused on accurate long-term planning to minimize the impact of rezoning families; building a district culture that promotes job retention and assists in recruiting high-quality leaders, teachers, counselors, and other support staff; and providing stellar educational opportunities to encourage students to remain in Fort Bend ISD.

BECAUSE YOU BELIEVE YOUR VOICE MATTERS Angie has an outstanding record of responding to stakeholder emails and phone calls because she knows that individually and collectively, board members must recognize the value of each of these stakeholders as key contributors to the success of Fort Bend ISD. She knows that sometimes hard questions must be asked to ensure no stakeholder is left without a voice.

BECAUSE YOU BELIEVE PROGRAM EFFECTIVENESS SHOULD BE MEASURED Angie has been a huge proponent of evaluating instructional programs, resources, policies, and financials to ensure what FBISD is doing is positively impacting student success. She aims to ensure student assessment is relevant and reliable. She believes student assessment results must be used for improvement, must be tied to the superintendent’s evaluation, and must be shared regularly with the board and the public.

BECAUSE YOU BELIEVE SAFETY AND SECURITY IS KEY Angie encouraged the FBISD administration to develop procedures to provide unassigned epinephrine auto-injectors to each campus, as allowable under Texas Education Code. Now all FBISD campuses have them and they can be administered by a trained and authorized individual to someone who is reasonably believed to be experiencing an anaphylactic reaction. She is committed to focusing on student mental health to support social and emotional well-being and supporting current district efforts toward safety and security planning and implementation.

• • • • • •

•

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Angie Hanan was first elected to the FBISD School Board in November of 2020.

Angie and her husband have lived in the FBISD area for 29 years and they have a daughter who is a junior at their zoned high school (Dulles).

Her daughter has attended FBISD schools since she was in kindergarten.

Angie has been actively engaged as a stakeholder in Fort Bend ISD since being hired at Highlands Elementary in 1997 to support classroom students and struggling readers.

She spent nine years as an FBISD employee and also provided consultation to the district for more than a decade.

She has a Master of Education degree in Curriculum and Instruction - Reading and Language Arts from the University of Houston and completed an additional 60 graduate hours focused on educational leadership.

As a 29-year educator, her experience includes: substitute teacher, regular education teacher, ESL classroom teacher, literacy coach, K-12 ESL district coordinator, and educational consultant.

Angie is a dedicated volunteer in public schools and has devoted her time serving in many capacities at the campus and district level to help elevate academic success for students.

ELECTION DAY: May 6, 2023

Find your polling location here:

Political advertisement paid for by the Vote Angie Hanan for Fort Bend ISD Campaign

THE STAR

PAGE 4 • Wednesday, May 3, 2023

See us online www.FortBendStar.com

SPORTS Fort Bend County track athletes headed to state meet

By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Dozens of Fort Bend County’s best track and field athletes headed to the regional meet last week with a trip to state on their minds, and it was a fruitful weekend for many of them.

In total, nearly two dozen athletes and several relay teams from Fort Bend County high schools punched their ticket to the state meets in Class 4A, Class 5A, and Class 6A. The state track meet will take place May 11-13 at Mike A. Myers Stadium on the campus of the University of Texas.

Ridge Point was the Region III runner-up in Class 6A, seeing two relay champions and one individual regional winner. The Panthers’ boys’ 400 relay of Tylan Johnson II, Ashton Bethel-Roman, Mason Dossett, and Cayden Broadnax ran a time of 41.15 seconds in the final to win the regional crown, while its boys’ 800 relay team consisting of the same quartet was also the regional champion in 1:25.80. Broadnax was also the Region III-6A winner in the boys’ 100 by running the final in 10.28 seconds.

Fort Bend went 1-2 in the Region III-6A girls’ 200, with Elkins’ Taylor Jackson taking the regional crown

with a time of 23.54 seconds in the final and Bush’s Amariya Hardeman taking second place by running a 23.70 to qualify for the state meet.

In Class 5A, Marshall’s boys’ and girls’ teams were both tops in the region in winning team titles. The Buffalos’ boys’ 400 relay of Arveyon Davis, Devin Wilkerson, William Mitchell, and Kameron Williams taking home the regional crown with a time of 40.41 seconds, while its girls’ 800 relay of Jenaia Hunter, Tyeler Moore, Jasmine Harris, and Jaden Small also won a Region III title by running a 1:40.91 in the final. Davis led individual qualifiers by winning the regional title in the boys’ 110 hurdles in 13.53 seconds and also qualifying in the 300 hurdles.

In the Class 4A ranks, Stafford will be well-represented at the state meet next week with four individual qualifiers as well as the boys’ 800 relay team. Andrew Huff was the regional champion in the boys’ discus throw with a best distance of 18405 in the final, while Amber Butler was the regional champion in the girls’ 100 with a time of 12.19 seconds in the final. The boys’ 800 relay was also tops in the region by running a time of 1:29.24 in the final.

Boys’ 1600 relay (3:19.76; second) Mason Roseboro – Boys’ 400 (49.29; second) Arveyon Davis – Boys’ 110 hurdles (13.53; first) and 300 hurdles (37.34; second) Terry Justice Black – Girls’ 100 (12.08; second) Alexia Washington – Girls’ triple jump (41-11.0; first) and long jump (18-0.25; second) Willowridge Anthony Momon-Lattimore – Boys’ 200 (21.52; second)

Ridge Point High School's boys' 400 relay of Cayden Broadnax, Mason Dossett, Ashton Bethel-Roman, and Tylan Johnson II was the Region III-6A champion at last week's meet, helping the Panthers to a team runner-up finish and punching a ticket to the state meet. (Photo from Twitter)

Needville had multiple athletes move on to the state meet on the girls’ side.

Maddie Watson is headed to state in the 800 by finishing second at the Region IV meet with a time of 2:17.17 in the final. Jessalyn Gregory finished second in the 100 hurdles (15.38) to move on, as did Reyha Johnson 300 hurdles (46.59) to continue her season. The Lady Blue Jays’ 1600 relay team is also headed to Austin after running a 3:56.73 in the final to finish second.

Below is a complete list of state qualifiers from Fort Bend County.

Mason Dossett – Boys’ 110 hurdles Parker Brannon – Boys’ pole vault (15-0; second)

Class 6A Bush Amariya Hardeman – Girls’ 200 (23.70; second)

Travis Javaris Bonner – Boys’ 400 (47.78; first) Bryce Jones – Boys’ 800 (1:57.03; second)

Elkins Taylor Jackson – Girls’ 100 (11.47; second) and 200 (23.54; first) Maxim Yongoueth-Fonkou – Boys’ triple jump (48-2.0; second)

Class 5A Marshall Girls’ 400 relay (48.18; second) Boys’ 400 relay (40.41; first) Girls’ 800 relay (1:40.91; first) Girls’ 1600 relay (3:56.22; second)

Ridge Point Boys’ 400 relay (41.15; first) Boys’ 800 relay (1:25.80; first) Cayden Broadnax – Boys’ 100 (10.28; first)

Class 4A Needville Girls’ 1600 relay (3:56.73; second) Maddie Watson – Girls’ 800 (2:17.17; second) Jessalyn Gregory – Girls’ 100 hurdles (15.17; second) Reyha Johnson – Girls’ 300 hurdles (46.59; second) Stafford Boys’ 800 relay (1:29.24; first) Amber Butler – Girls’ 100 (12.19; first) Andrew Huff – Boys’ discus (184-5.0; first) and shot put (51-4.0; second) Koi Wedderburn – Boys’ long jump (23-2.5; second) Harold Kidd – Boys’ 200 (22.27; second)

District 20-5A clean sweep headlines bi-district softball playoffs

By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

As the Texas high school softball playoffs began last weekend, several Fort Bend area teams kicked off their quest for a state title with big wins in the bi-district round.

In total, seven squads from Fort Bend are moving on to the next round, including a clean sweep by teams from 20-5A as Foster, Fulshear, Lamar Consolidated, and Terry all emerged victorious.

George Ranch and Ridge Point also advanced in the Class 6A playoffs, while the Needville Lady Blue Jays are moving on in the Class 4A playoffs.

Class 5A In a banner weekend for the district, all four playoff qualifiers in 20-5A took home bi-district victories.

Fulshear emerged victorious in a one-game playoff against Houston Northside with a 16-0 win on April 28. Camryn Dickey and Abigail Mendoza each homered for the Lady Chargers in the win, while Ava Galaviz tallied four hits including a double and four RBIs. Ryne Stratman also had a double and three RBIs in the game.

Fulshear (25-9), is slated to play Barbers Hill (34-3) in a best-of-three area round series beginning Friday night.

Also taking home a win in the bi-district round was Terry, who defeated Galena Park 1-0 on April 28 for the program’s first playoff win since 2018. Olivia Gonzalez twirled a complete game in the circle for the Lady Rangers (15-10), who will now take on Santa Fe (27-4-1) in the area round beginning Thursday night.

Lamar Consolidated swept a pair of games from Houston Waltrip in the bi-district round, winning 11-0 on April 28 and 121 on April 29 to move on to the second round for a third straight season and the fourth time in its last six playoff appearances.

The Lady Mustangs (22-7) are set to square off with Friendswood (22-9) in the area round.

Foster is also headed to the area round thanks to a 14-0 win over Houston Austin on April 27. The Lady Falcons (31-3) will square off with Crosby (26-6) in the second round this weekend.

Class 6A It was also a solid weekend for the Class 6A playoff teams from the area, with George Ranch and Ridge Point both moving on to the next round.

George Ranch dispatched Katy Taylor in two games to move on, winning by scores of 3-0 and 5-3 on March 28 to advance.

Mariah Garner drove in four combined runs in

the two games, including swatting her fifth home run of the season in the Game 2 victory, while Karrlaughn Deas had five total hits and Kathleen Dolan had a pair of doubles to go along with two RBIs in Game 2. Zaria Turner was strong in the circle, striking 19 combined hitters and allowing just five hits.

George Ranch (21-8-1) will face Jersey Village (18-151) in the area round this weekend.

The Ridge Point Lady Panthers are also moving on to the next round following a 16-8 victory over Katy Tompkins last week in a game that was delayed multiple times due to weather. Jade Uresti led the offensive attack for Ridge Point with six hits including a double and a home run. Reagan Green tallied three doubles and three RBIs in the win, while Braelyn Daniels and Alexandria Rezac also homered. Ridge Point (247) is set to face off with Cy-Fair (20-13) in the second round.

It was not as rosy an ending for the rest of the area’s teams, however. Travis dropped a pair of games to Katy Cinco Ranch last week by scores of 2-0 on April 28 and 11-2 on April 29 to end their season.

Maddie Howell and Maddie Morris had two hits apiece Game 1 while Ariel Kowalewski had three hits and an RBI in Game 2. The

EN PEN P O WO W NO NO

Lady Tigers finished their campaign with a 15-11 overall record.

Dulles also saw its season come to an end last week, dropping a 12-0 decision to Katy to end their season at 11-14 overall.

N

E P O

W NO

Class 4A Needville’s Lady Blue Jays made quick work of

W NO

Bay City in their bi-district matchup last week, winning 11-0 on April 27 and 11-1 on April 28 to advance to the area round for the second time in the last three seasons. Bree Winkelman homered while Kourtney Carter and JoJo Cantu combined for seven RBIs in the Game 1 victory, and Carter homered

while Cadence Kovarcik had three hits and three RBIs in Game 2. Makala Smith was dominant in the circle in both games, striking out 29 total batters while allowing just four hits. Needville (26-9) will face off with San Antonio Davenport (14-9) in the area round this weekend.

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soon became his passion.

Through the years, that passion and desire to win have just kept growing, according to Do. Now, he and the sport he loves are a perfect match that has led to an unprecedented individual run at Kempner.

“As I kept playing it and playing more competitions, I came to love the feeling of hitting the ball and love the feeling of winning,” he said.

Do has, in fact, won at Kempner. And then he has won some more, and eventually a little bit more. During his two seasons so far at Kempner, Southard said not only has Do not dropped a single match – he has not even lost a set during his young high school career.

That’s two seasons, with dozens of matches across district, regional, and state tournament play. And Do has mowed through all of them. And though she was

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work on Unearthed.

For Scott, the convict leasing system that was used in Texas and other states was simply "slavery by another name," which is the title of one the five movements of Unearthed. Under that system, the state leased out the labor of convicts, most of them African-Americans, mainly to agricultural producers.

The work could be extremely harsh, contributing to ill health and shortened lives among the inmates.

While the convict-leasing system ended many years ago, Scott said the many of the vestiges of that era - Jim Crow laws, the Black Codes, and redlining - "live on in their sly ways."

Scott, who was performed across the globe, said he is struck that many people in the

H COMPOSER FROM PAGE 1

Fort Bend and in Houston, he had no awareness of the convict-leasing system that had occurred just a few miles from his childhood home. It wasn't until January 2019, while visiting family, that he read a local news story about the Sugar Land 95 discovery and about Moore's long campaign.

"I immediately just thought about the people. Who were their families? Could some of them be my people," Scott said.

Inspired in part by the 2016 documentary film 13th, which examines the history of the post-Civil War 13th Amendment and features music by Jason Moran, also a renowned Houston-bred jazz musician and composer, Scott began

United States want to ignore some of the more unattractive parts of the nation's history.

Germany makes a point of remembering the horrors of the Nazi regime, he noted, while South Africa also highlights the darkness of the Apartheid era. He said he hope Unearthed will help spur a similar conversation about the convict-leasing system in Texas.

"It's a dark piece," he said. But he hopes that will will inspire curiosity among concertgoers - curiosity about the people known as the Sugar Land 95 and about the system of which they were victims.

This is not the first time Scott has been associated with DA CAMERA. He's performed many times in different ensembles with the organization. In fact, he said, it was a DA CAMERA performance he saw at age 14 by drummer Eric Harland, also an HSPVA graduate, and the late jazz singer Betty Carter that inspired him to become a serious musician.

Along with members of Scott's own quartet - Gerald Clayton, piano; Walter Smith III, saxophone; Joe Sanders, bass - Unearthed will feature Deborah D.E.E.P. Mouton, a former Houston poet laureate, and the Harlem String Quartet. The performance will also include visual elements designed by Houston artist Robert Hodge, who attended HSVPA with Scott.

In addition to the concert, Scott and his collaborators have been working with DA CAMERA to do outreach with students. In January, students from Texas Southern University and HSPVA were invited to an open rehearsal and workshop at the Wortham Theatre.

On May 11, members of the Harlem String Quartet will be visit two Fort Bend ISD schools for a masterclass program entitled “Mentors in Music.” They will meet with students in the orchestra programs at Ridge Point High School and Elkins High School to discuss and teach chamber music performance and discuss their collaboration on Unearthed.

E E Obituary E E LINDA RUTH POWELL AUGUST 17, 1941 E APRIL 27, 2023

Linda Ruth Powell, 81 of Missouri City, Texas died surrounded by loved ones on April 27th, 2023. She was born August 17, 1941 to Charles William Manoushagian and Ruth Pyle Manoushagian in Wichita Falls, Texas. She was a 1959 graduate of Pasadena High School and studied at Sam Houston State University.

She was deeply devoted to her faith and was a member of the First United Methodist Church Missouri City for 36 years. She enjoyed working with various charities over the decades. She also enjoyed golfing, the outdoors & skeet shooting. She worked alongside her husband Ed at the 3M disturber they owned, Bayou Sales & Service, before retiring in 2007.

Linda was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother and grandmother, who was much loved throughout her life.

She will always be remembered as an inspiration for so many.

She is survived by her son Charles Edwin Powell and

his wife Catherine and their twins Charles and Caitlyn of Garden City, New York; and son Douglas Gene Powell and his wife Kendra and their daughter Ka’ila of Kealakekua, Hawaii, sister Charlotte Ann Strader, of Sugar Land, TX, sister Jenny Sue Muggli of Weimar, TX and beloved dog Cooper.

She is preceded in death by her husband Edwin Branch Powell, her husband for 54 years.

At the family’s request, in lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in memory of Linda to the FUMC Missouri City Good Samaritan Fund.

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A non-mandatory Pre-Bid Conference will be held on May 9th, 2023, at 2:00 pm. Prospective bidders must contact Mr. Hector Pena, P.E. at hpena@ardurra.com for details on how to join the pre-bid conference call.

Owner will be bound by the terms of this invitation only to the extent funds, from whatever source, are available.

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Wednesday, May 3, 2023 • PAGE 5

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RE-ELECT UH-Sugar Land students awarded fellowships to assist the homeless DR. SHIRLEYROSE-GILLIAM FOR FORT BEND ISD

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Staff Reports

Two family nurse practitioners and students in the University of Houston College based at at the UH Sugar Land have been selected for prestigious fellowships that will allow them to bring easily accessible mental health to the homeless population in the Houston area.

Debra Bayliss and Arlena Davis have been selected as Albert Schweitzer Fellows for 2023-24. The fellowship provides graduate and undergraduate students the opportunity to design and implement a year-long mentored community project that addresses an unmet health need for an underserved population in the Houston-Galveston area, according to a UH online story.

“This is a project that is close to my heart,” said Davis. “Mental health is my passion.”

Bayliss and Davis see a need to provide Houston’s homeless population with fast, consistent care for such mental health issues as anxiety and depression. While homeless clinics like the one at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church (where Bayliss and Davis have both done clinical hours) are equipped to treat hypertension, diabetes, and wound care, they lack the resources necessary for immediate and acute mental health care.

Bayliss and Davis plan to reach out to homeless clinics and other community partners to see what is being offered and has proved successful (or not), and from there, develop options for on-site mental health treatment and support. They are especially excited about the potential of telemedicine.

Once their program is fully implemented, Bayliss and Davis will contact lo-

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VOTE4SHIRLEYROSE.COM UH-Sugar Land nursing students Arlena Davis (left) and Debra Bayliss have received the Albert Schweitzer Fellowship. (Contributed photos)

cal emergency rooms to let them know there is an alternate resource for homeless patients with mental health concerns.

“My brother was homeless for a long time,” said Bayliss, “and the one thing he did hold onto was his cell phone.” Bayliss’s brother, who lived on the streets in Houston for 12 years before returning home to Boston, died last December after a long struggle with alcohol and drugs. “That was the turning point for me,” she said.

The College of Nursing’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program, approved in 2021, is a part-time, postmaster’s program is designed for nurse administrators and family nurse practitioners seeking the highest degree available in nursing practice.

Davis, who is originally from Pasadena, was compelled to pursue a career in nursing while her grandmother was sick in a hospital. “The nurses were acting as if they had no compassion or time for her,” said Davis. She decided to leave her job as an administrative assistant at Baylor College of Medicine and go to nursing school. “You should be able to trust that I am going to treat your family like it’s my own,” said Davis, who com-

pleted her MSN in 2016.

Bayliss grew up in Boston, and for the past 27 years, she and her husband have lived in Katy. Growing up as the child of a single mother, Bayliss was encouraged to go to medical school and is the first person in her immediate family to go to college. She was inspired to go into nursing after viewing the Discovery Life TV series Shock Trauma: Edge of Life, which documented doctors and nurses as they treated patients with lifethreatening injuries at the Shock Trauma Center at the University of Maryland.

“We are so proud that Debra and Arlena are the first nurses selected from the University of Houston College of Nursing for this prestigious fellowship,” said Kathryn Tart, professor and founding dean of the college.

“Albert Schweitzer was a German physician, theologian and musician, who gave his life to care for the underserved in Africa. His work continues to inspire young people in the health-related fields who have a deep reverence for life.”

Since 2008, more than 300 students have completed a year-long mentored projectbased program through the Albert Schweitzer Fellowship Houston-Galveston.

Dr. Shirley Rose-Gilliam currently serves as an advocate for education in her community as the Secretary of the Fort Bend ISD Board of Trustees. Shirley has resided in Fort Bend since November, 1986 and both of her children graduated from FBISD schools. She and her husband Kevin are residents of Missouri City.

She is a 34-year veteran educator with 25 years of service in Fort Bend ISD. Shirley was sworn in on November 9, 2020. She brings a wealth of practical experience and proven leadership to the Board of Trustees. She is a member of the Fort Bend Church and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She holds a Bachelor of Science from University of Houston, a Master of Education from University of HoustonVictoria, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Texas A&M University.

Her motto, “Believe in the Possibilities!” Her purpose in life is to serve and be a blessing to others.

Dr. Rose-Gilliam brings a wealth of experience to the Fort Bend ISD Board of Trustees She is up for re-election on May 6, 2023 and is asking for your vote!

“I have been a teacher, assistant principal, associate principal and campus principal in Fort Bend ISD for 25 years. I consistently support FBISD by staying current with all Board required and suggested trainings, supporting campus principals, employees, superintendent, student fund raisers, athletic events, fine arts events, and other community programs. Fort Bend Independent School District is my home. I represent and will continue to represent children, parents, and business with honesty and integrity. I am a servant leader and I believe I can make a difference by being intentional and sincere in my daily practice. Being available for volunteer opportunities, conversations, and being straightforward when we, the Board, cannot change a situation or create a different outcome.

Being a career educator, I am well versed as it pertains to Board Policy, SPED, G/T, Graduation, STAAR/EOC, curriculum, school management, etc. and have the ability to answer questions with knowledge. I absolutely love my community and would like the opportunity to continue working with the current Trustees to ensure a quality education for our students. Fort Bend ISD is my home.”

Political ad paid for by the Shirley Rose-Gilliam Campaign, Chelsea Rose Treasurer.

• First elected November, 2020 • Service to Fort Bend ISD - 25 years spanning across the District from Willowrideg HS to Bush HS/East Fort Bend to West Fort Bend • Doctorate of Education, Texas A&M University • Campus Principal, Fort Bend ISD and Houston ISD • Region IV and FBISD Secondary Principal of the Year, 2006 • Teacher of the Year Secondary Finalist 1998 • Professional Development for Educational Leadership-Local, State, National Level • Experience with educational policy and programming to boost academic excellence • Proud resident of Fort Bend since 1986 • Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. • Member of Fort Bend Church

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Wednesday, May 3, 2023 • PAGE 7

We've all been watching Faux News in defending Fox. This settlement is a greedy shake-down of an honest and impartial American company. OK, it’s actually owned by an Australian, Rupert Murdoch, but let’s not be too nationalistic.

How can you sully the reputation of a network whose very motto is “Fair and Balanced?” So they abandoned that line apparently after facing a false adverting accusation. And, no, “Fox News” is not an oxymoron.

As you know, Dominion is a Colorado-based voter-counting machine company which, time and again, was accused by Fox commentators, anchors and countless guests of rigging the 2020 Presidential election by turning Trump ballots to Biden ballots, thus changing the outcome of the election. Dominion

Lynn Ashby Columnist

THE TV – “This is difficult to say with a straight face. ‘This settlement ref lects Fox’s continued commitment to the highest journalistic standards.’”

Then Jake Tapper, on CNN, started laughing.

He was reading a press release from Fox after the media company had agreed to a $787.5 million settlement with Dominion Voting Systems. That’s a large amount of money but pales in comparison to what Dominion originally wanted in its defamation lawsuit: $1.6-billion. But I rise, along with every other biased journalist,

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lawyers had unearthed piles of emails and notes showing that Fox executives and hosts had known that the Biden victory was legal. The network’s hosts knew their guests were either lying or “nuts.” They traded emails worried that they were losing viewers. (“Getting creamed by CNN,” Murdoch wrote in an email.) It’s all about ratings, aka money. So what?

The Fox lawyers faced an uphill battle because it is hard to prove media defamation. Even before the trial was supposed to begin, the judge in the case, Eric Davis of the Delaware Superior Court, agreed with Dominion’s lawyers, writing that “the evidence developed in this civil proceeding demonstrates that [it] is CRYSTAL clear that none of the Statements relating to Dominion about the 2020 election are true.” When the judge writes in caps and bold face that Fox’s lawyers are lying, we get his drift.

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1964 case, The New York Times Co. v. Sullivan, in which the U.S. Supreme Court held that a public official or candidate must prove "actual malice," and the defendant either knew the statement was false, or “recklessly disregarded” whether it might be false.

The Fox lawyers cited the First Amendment, that part about freedom of the press. Actually, the Constitution simply says that Congress shall make no law abridging the freedom of the press. Nowhere does it say you can lie, distort or knowingly hide the truth, but let’s not get picky.

While many Americans, both pro- and ante-MAGA, followed the case with interest, and other national TV news covered the events nightly, the one place viewers didn’t get informed was – one guess – Fox News. The night after the settlement was announced I watched both (the late) Tucker Carlson and Sean Hannity. Neither mentioned the outcome.

Fox media critic Howard Kurtz said only: “A Dominion lawyer gave reporters a dollar figure for the settlement, but I have not been able to independently confirm that.” In total, the network’s broadcast coverage of its blockbuster settlement amounted to about six minutes.

Let’s talk money. That $787.5 million is not pocket change for most of us, but is only three-quarters of Fox Corporation’s annual income. Its news channel is a cash cow because the network usually

stomps the competition, sometimes having more viewers than MSNBC, CNN and the other competition combined. But Fox should operate a GoFundMe. If each of its 2.1 million viewers sends Murdoch just four dollars that would more than cover the settlement. He probably needs the money for alimony. The 92-year-old media tycoon just shed his fourth wife, Jerry Hall (a native of Mesquite, Texas).

The Dems plan on spending millions on the 2024 Presidential campaign.

Fox could start running Biden For President ads.

Have Sean Hannity lead in with: “And now a word from that loveable old guy and sure winner.” Unlike Jake Tapper, Sean, don’t laugh. Come to think of it, Hannity, Carlson & Co. are constantly ridiculing Biden’s age. He is 81, which makes him younger than most of Fox’s viewers.

Winners & Losers: Obviously, Tucker Carlson lost, then Murdoch and Fox. Or did they? This settlement and the dirty laundry it exposed to the world probably won’t make a dent in ratings. The network’s viewers are Trump supporters and nothing can dissuade them. If they are still in the corner of Agent Orange by now, they must groove on scandals, misinformation and outright lies. I say don’t judge. Other winners are the high-priced lawyers on both sides. Dominion will happily pay their cut, and it has been discovered that

Trump has diverted donations for his campaign to pay his legal fees. Another big winner is Smartmatic. Like Dominion, it’s a voting-machine company that alleges it was the target of conspiracy theories in the wake of the 2020 election. But unlike Dominion, Smartmatic is not suing Fox for a measly $1.6-billion. Smartmatic wants $2.7 billion. But I say, “What about Hunter’s laptop?” The judge in this high-profile over-covered court case, Eric Davis, didn’t get much publicity, but he still may land a “Court Time With Judge Eric” TV show.

As for losers, this has nothing to do exactly with the court case, but MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell must hope his pillows are filled with cash. (He’s supposedly worth $50 million.) A strong Trump supporter and election denier, Lindell promised to pay $5 million to anyone who could disprove his data that he claimed proved China interfered in the election to benefit Joe Biden. A private arbitrator heard both sides, then ordered Lindell to pay that $5 million to Robert Zeidman, a software expert who disproved Lindell’s claims.

But I still stand with Fox. It tells me what I want to hear, and I don’t care if it’s the truth. That is CRYSTAL clear.

Ashby is gullible at ashby2@comcst.net

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FBJSL IS ACCEPTING CAF GRANT APPLICATIONS We provide grants of up to $5,000.00 to charitable causes serving Fort Bend County with requests to fund a critical need, pilot a program, or expand a significant service to the community. If your agency or organization is interested in applying for a CAF grant, please visit the Request Support page of the FBJSL website (www.fbjsl.org/ request-support). All applications should be submitted via e-mail to

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FT. BEND ACCORDION CLUB

brccom@fbjsl.com

RICHMOND/ROSENBERG ALZHEIMER’S CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP MEETING Please join us on Thursday, May 4, at 7:00 p.m. We will be meeting in Room 105, the Gathering Room, at St. John’s UMC in Richmond. St. John’s is located at 400 Jackson Street. Alzheimer’s Association support groups are a safe place for caregivers and loved ones of people with dementia to develop a support system.

SUGAR CREEK GARDEN CLUB BACKYARD GARDEN TOUR Sugar Creek Garden Club. Backyard Garden Tour. On May 6, 2023, 10 am to 4 pm. At Sugar Creek Subdivision. Tickets available at Guard House (Sugar Creek Blvd. at Country Club Blvd.), or at any of the 5 homes featured. Fundraiser for horticultural scholarships and neighborhood beautification.

FORT BEND-HARRIS RETIRED EDUCATORS BOXED LUNCHEON MEETING MAY 11TH Meeting Thursday, May 11th, from 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. at Sugar Land Methodist Church, 431 Eldridge Rd. in the Venue Room. Pre-paid boxed lunches will be for members who ordered in April. Last meeting until August. Programs: CASA presented by Pat Sommers and Vacationing presented by Mary Crochet

Ongoing community service

project: bring peanut butter or monetary donations for East Ft. Bend Human Needs Pantry. Arrive earlier to socialize, sign in and pay dues if you haven’t already for the upcoming year. All Fort Bend and Harris County I.S.D. retired public educators are invited. Website: http:// localunits.org/FortBendHarris/ For more information, call 713-2062733.

LIBRARIES OFFER INTRODUCTORY HANDS-ON COMPUTER & TECHNOLOGY CLASSES THROUGH APRIL 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

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: 281-204-7716 vincer. music@gmail.com

FORT BEND JUNIOR SERVICE LEAGUE RECRUITING NEW MEMBERS FOR 2022-2023 YEAR

EXPERIENCE COUNTS! 35+ YEARS SERVING FORT BEND COUNTY 14090 S.W. Freeway Suite #200

281-243-2344 (Direct) Sugar Land, TX 281.243.2300 (Main) • KenWoodPC.com

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/.

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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 281240-8181 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 832-428-3165 for further information.

THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY FOR MEN

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

Houston Humane Society

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.

Communications Office (281-633-4734). The schedule for April is list-

GIVE A GIFT OF HOPE

ed online.

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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

ALIEF AARP CHAPTER 3264 Meets the first Thursday of every month at 10:00 a.m. at Salvation Army Church, 7920 Cook Road, Houston, TX 77072. Educational Program/Entertainment at each meeting. Bus Trips every month.

The next Bus Trip is on April 26, 2023, to Painted Churches. Seniors 50 and above invited. Call 281-785-7372 for more information.

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).

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!

Have a Non Profit?

FILL OUT THIS FORM & EMAIL jsazma@fortbendstar.com

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

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