The 06-07-23 Edition of The Fort Bend Star

JEANNE GREGORY

Katy man arrested in April arson of Fort Bend County building

By Ken Fountain KFOUNTAIN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

A 29-year-old Katy man who was on probation for a stalking conviction has been arrested and charged with arson in the April 4 fire at a Fort Bond County Community Supervision and Corrections Department satellite office in Richmond, county authorities announced in a press conference Wednesday.

Election Day in Stafford mayoral runoff is June 10

By Ken Fountain KFOUNTAIN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Election Day for the city of Stafford’s mayoral runoff will be Saturday, June 10. Polls will be open at Stafford City Hall, 2610 S Main St, . from 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

Incumbent Mayor Cecil Willis and former Position X Councilman Ken Mathews are vying for the post, after being the top two vote-getters in a four-person May 6 race that also included former Position 4 Councilman and Mayor Pro Tem Don Jones and former Position 2 Councilman Wen Guerra.

In the May 6 election, Willis, who took office after a special election following the June 2020 death of longtime mayor Leonard Scarcella, received 47.71 percent of the vote, while Mathew received 26.18 percent.

Willis, a San Antonio native and retired president of the Quail Valley Homeowners Association, has lived in Stafford since 1973 and has served on the Council for 36 years.

Willis has run a campaign largely based on his central theme of reserving Stafford’s policy of having no property taxes, which has been in place since the 1990s.

Mathew, a native of India who came to the United States to attend college in Detroit, has lived in Stafford since 1982. A retired financial executive, has based his platform of keeping the no property taxes policy in place while also also trying to expand the city’s retail sector in order to gain more sales taxes.

Learn more at staffordtx. gov.

Andrew Huwar was arrested May 25 and is being held in the Fort Bend County Jail on a $250,000 bond. On the evening of April 4, the Community Volunteer Fire Department in Richmond was dispatched to a report of a possible structure fire at the Fort Bend County Road and Bridge Facility at 19310 Beechnut St., Fire Marshal Justin Jurkek

said.

The building was a satellite office of the Fort Bond County Community Supervision and Corrections Department, which provides services to people on parole, probation or deferred adjudication.

Fire investigators quickly determined that the fire was intentionally set. They eventually identified Huwar as the primary suspect. He was on probation for a stalking charge in 2020.

In addition to his Fort Bend County cases, Huwar previously had been charged in Harris County for drug possession, driving while intoxicated, and firearms theft, according to Harris County court records. He had been living at a series of addresses in the Harris County portion of Katy.

At the press conference, Jurek would not discuss details of how the fire was set or a possible motive, saying they were part of the case that has yet to be presented to a grand jury.

He said the estimated costs of the damage to the facility are approximately $300, although that could go higher. Precinct 4 Commissioner Dexter McCoy, in whose precinct the building is located, said it would have to be demolished and that Commissioners Court would eventually have to identify funding for a replacement.

People using the services at the Richmond building have since had to go to the department’s facility in Rosenberg, McCoy said.

This is a case of thorough detective work and the arrest

occurred primarily because of the investigative skills the Fire Marshal developed in their agency,” District Attorney Brian Middleton said. “There are arsons they investigate in Fort Bend County that would go uninvestigated and unprosecuted in other counties. The fire investigators went beyond establishing the probable cause that supported the arrest warrant, conducting additional searches and interviews, that led to important evidence.”

He thanked the U.S. Marshals, the Gulf Coast Violent Offender Task Force, and the Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office for their assistance in making the arrest. He also particularly singled out arson investigators David Zietz, Brandon Venegas, Robert Koryciak, and Robert

Ruiz for their work in the investigation.

Fort Bend County Judge KP George also praised the investigators and other law enforcement officials for their efforts.

Adult arson is a seconddegree felony in Texas.

MOVING AHEAD

By Ken Fountain KFOUNTAIN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Residents who commute to the Texas Medical Center from Missouri City and surrounding areas will soon have a new option, a brand new parking garage that the Metropolitan Transit Authority plans to lease near the agency’s present park-and-ride location at the intersection of Highway 6 and the Fort Bend Tollway.

On May 25, the Metro board unanimously approved a 40-year agreement with NewQuest Properties to lease the land and the garage that NewQuest will build at the

property it owns very near the Kroger parking lot at Fort Bend Town Center that it has leased for years for a commuter bus route that goes directly to the medical center. The property is the site of NewQuest’s planned second phase of Fort Bend Town Center.

When completed, the garage will have 1,750 spaces. The cost of construction is estimated to be $40 million. Metro will pay NewQuest up front for the construction, and then lease both the land at $325,000 annually per year for 40 years (with rent increases every five years). METRO also has three options to extend the agreement for a period of 15 years each.

Construction is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2025, with completion in 1020 months.

Board member Diann Lewter, who made the motion to approve the agreement, said the new garage will serve a fast-growing area where many residents work in the medical center. New commercial and residential developments, including both single-family and multi-family, are expected in the area for many years to come, Lewter said.

Missouri City is the largest city in Fort Bend County served by Metro. Besides the Kroger lot, the commuter

route to the medical center also picks up passengers at a dedicated Park & Ride lot on Fondren Road at the Fort Bend Tollway.

During the public comment portion of the May 25 meeting, former Metro finance head Arthur Smiley spoke remotely against the agreement, saying he had been fighting it for years while he was with the agency.

Smiley said the parking garage cost too much for the expected ridership, especially since Fort Bend Transit (which is a separate entity from Metro) also provides direct service to the medical center. Many of

the people who currently use the service, such as Sugar Land residents, are not part of Metro’s service area.

Missouri City Mayor Robin Eckatt on Monday said that while the city has not been directly involved in the agreement, it has been supportive during the months of discussions.

Ecklatt said that with the expected growth in commuters to the medical center in the area, the parking garage will be a boon to residents and the city when it becomes operational.

Video of the May 25 meeting is available at ridemetro.org.

A Metro bus prepares to leave the parking lot of the Kroger store at Highway 6 and the Fort Bend Tollway on Tuesday. The Metro board last month approved an agreement to build a new parking garage for patrons nearby. Photo by Ken Fountain

Andrew Huwar, 29, has been charged with arson in the April 4 fire of a Richmond building used as a Fort Bend County community services satellite office. Courtesy Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office

Da Camera offers free viewing of Sugar Land 95-inspired 'Unearthed' concert

By Ken Fountain KFOUNTAIN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

In honor of the Juneteenth holiday, Da Camera, the Houston nonprofit organization that presents premiere jazz and classical artists, is offering a free virtual screening of the recent debut performance of Unearthed by renowned jazz drummer and composer Kendrick Scott, which pays homage to the people known as the “Sugar Land 95.”

Scott, who spent part of his childhood in Missouri City and still has family ties in Fort Bend County, led the multimedia debut performance at the Wortham Center in downtown Houston on May 12.

As Scott told the Fort

Bend Star before the premiere, 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 said that while growing up in 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.

Along with members of Scott’s own quartet - Gerald Clayton, piano; Walter Smith III, saxophone; Joe Sanders, bass - the Unearthed performance featured Deborah D.E.E.P. Mouton, a former Houston poet laureate, and the Harlem String Quartet. The performance also included visual elements designed by Houston artist Robert Hodge, who attended the High School of the Performing and Visual Arts in Houston with Scott.

The free virtual screening will be available on demand from June 16-23. Registration is required at dacamera.

Mike Khan announces bid to challenge Meyers for GOP nomination in Precinct 3

By Ken Fountain

Sugar Land businessman Mike Khan announced Wednesday that he will challenge longtime Precinct 3 Commissioner Andy Meyers for the Republican nomination next March, making a race that was already heating up even hotter.

Khan’s official announcement, at a kickoff event at a Sugar Land hotel, comes a day after Taral Patel, a former chief of staff to Fort Bend County Judge KP George, became the first Democrat to announce that he will seek the Precinct 3 seat.

In an interview before the official event, Khan told the Fort Bend Star that he isn’t challenging Meyers out of any differences in philosophy, but feels that he would be the best candidate to keep the seat in Republican hands in a Precinct 3 that has was radically changed in the re -

districting map approved by a the Democratic-majority Commissioners Court in 2021.

Khan, a Pakistan native who has lived in Fort Bend County for nearly 40 years, is no stranger to local politics. He previously announced his intention to run for Republican nomination for the Precinct 4 seat (before the county’s precinct boundaries were redrawn), but dropped out in favor of Ray Aguilar. Aguilar, who ran unopposed, would go on to lose to Democrat Ken DeMerchant. DeMerchant later would himself come in third in the 2022 Democratic primary. Dexter McCoy, who won the runoff, won election last November.

Last year, Khan ran for the Republican nomination for the District 146 seat in the Texas House of Representatives, but lost to Dan Matthews. The seat ultimately went to Democrat Dr. Suleman Lelani, one of the first two Muslims elected to the Texas Legislature.

Khan, who emigrated to the U.S. in 1984 with only a few hundred dollars, says he set out to achieve “the American Dream.” He has worked in and owned a number of businesses in the four decades since. Seven years ago, he founded Radio Dabang 99.5FM, a South Asian-themed radio station. He lives with his wife in Sugar Land, and they have four adult children.

Khan said his long yeas of business experience will be an asset on Commissioners Court has it deals with infrastructure and other issues in fast-growing Fort Bend County. He also cites his long years of community service.

“I’m not running against Andy Meyers,” Khan said. But, he said, he believes he wold be the better Republican candidate in an ethnically diverse Precinct 4. Meyers is one of two Republicans, with Vincent Morales, on the Democraticled Commissioners Court.

Meyers announced his in-

tention to run again in April in advance of a Commissioners Court vote that kept the precinct’s recently redrawn boundaries intact, effectively forcing him to move out of the Sugar Land house he has owned for decades if he planned to continue if office.

In an emailed statement, Meyers said. “I have won every election I’ve ever run, including high school student body president. You will have to ask my opponents about his track record and ability to deliver. My record includes being elected and then reelected seven times. I continue to fight to keep taxes low and have done so throughout my time in office.”

“I led the effort to reduce the county tax rate from the region’s highest of 66 cents to one of the region’s lowest of 44 cents, saving taxpayers more than $1 billion during my time in office, and making Fort Bend County an attractive place for businesses to locate. I have the trust and respect

of our state’s leaders, which has resulted in the passage of numerous pieces of critical legislation that’s helped Fort Bend become the wonderful place it is today,” he said.

Sugar Land businessman Mike Khan has announced his bid for the Republican nomination for the Fort Bend Precinct 3 Commissioners seat held by Andy Meyers.

Da Camera is offering a free virtual screening of the recent debut performance of Unearthed by renowned jazz drummer and composer Kendrick Scott, which pays homage to the people known as the “Sugar Land 95. Courtesy Da Camera

Courtesy Mike Khan campaign

Space Cowboys struggle to rocky week against Express

By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

After a good week signaled a potential to get back on track at home, things didn’t go according to plan for the Sugar Land Space Cowboys last week, as they struggled to a rough week against the Round Rock Express on the road.

The Space Cowboys managed to snag two of the series’ first three games on May 30-31, but then proceeded to fall in four straight games to end the week. With the 2-5 record last week the Space Cowboys now sit at 24-33 overall on the season. They currently sit in fourth place in the Pacific Coast League’s (PCL) East Division, and were slated for a day off Monday before returning to action with a six-game road series against the Albuquerque Isotopes Tuesday through Sunday.

Sugar Land will return to Constellation Field next week with a home series against the Sacramento River Cats – the San Francisco Giants’ Triple-A affiliate –from June 13-18.

Leading the offensive charge for the Space Cowboys last week was infielder Joe Perez, who went 8 for 24 with a triple and two home runs.

Perez also drove home five runs last week while reaching base in 12 of his 28 plate appearances and sporting a 1.096 OPS for the week. Also having a strong week for Sugar Land was Pedro Leon, who went 5 for 16 with two home runs and a 1.103 OPS in 17

plate appearances. Justin Dirden was 8 for 18 with a double, triple, and four RBIs for the Space Cowboys last week, while Bligh Madris reached base in 13 of his 33 plate appearances (.394 OBP) and tied with J.J. Matijevic for a team-high seven RBIs.

Nick Allgeyer had the best starting pitching performance of the week for Sugar Land, allowing just two runs in five innings with six strikeouts to earn the win in a 5-4 victory on May 3. Meanwhile, Joe Record had a strong week for the Space

Lambda Sigma Chapter

Lambda Sigma Chapter Donation of $300 to

Lambda Sigma Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International donated $300 to The Williams School, a private school for students with learning differences. Dr. Denese Wolff-Hilliard, Lambda Sigma Chapter President, Ann Thompson, and Linda Russell presented the check to Lisa Williams, School Administrator, on May 30, 2023.

Pictured in the back row from left to right are Melissa Bailey, Ann Thompson, Dr. Denese Wolff-Hilliard, Lisa Williams, Linda Russell, and Susanne Collier. Kneeling on the left is Gregory Moulton and on the right is Maximilian Williams.

Cowboys’ bullpen, hurling three scoreless innings in three appearances with five strikeouts while picki ng up a pair of saves.

Upcoming promotions

A space-filled weekend lands at Constellation Field June 16-18, beginning with

a Star Wars themed night on June 16 including an in-stadium jersey auction for game-worn Star Wars jerseys. June 17 is Space Appreciation Night, featuring a Space Jersey giveaway, presented by Bowlero, designed after a James

Webb Space Telescope image. Saturday, June 18 is also Black Heritage Night as part of MiLB’s initiative The Nine. Father’s Day on June 18 rounds out the weekend with a Hunter Brown MLB Debut Space City Bobblehead giveaway.

The funds will support the school's academic and extracurricular programs. "We are grateful for the generosity of Lambda Sigma Chapter and their commitment to our community," said Williams. "This donation will help us strengthen our quality education and enrichment opportunities for our students."

Founded in 1929, Delta Kappa Gamma Society International promotes the professional and personal growth of women educators and excellence in education. Serving East Fort Bend County, Lambda Sigma Chapter serves

East Fort Bend County, which includes Missouri City, Stafford, and Sugar Land, Lamba Sigma Chapter has provided service and leadership opportunities for its members since 1982 and supported various causes such as literacy, health, and environmental awareness. For more information about DKG, contact Dr. Wolff-Hilliard at dkglsnews@gmail.com.

The Williams School is a private school that serves students with dyslexia, ADHD, and other learning differences. In operation for nearly 14 years, The Williams School offers individualized instruction, small class sizes, and a nurturing environment and is located at 3900 Lexington Blvd, Missouri City, Texas.

Sugar Land — Lisa R.Pierson, 56, of Sugar Land, Tx, passed away on May 28th, 2023 surrounded by her loved ones. Lisa was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She enjoyed fishing, cooking and had a strong Catholic faith. Lisa is survived by her husband, Charles R. Pierson Jr, her daughter Lindsay Chavez, her son Marcus Pierson, her stepson

Photo from Twitter

Sugar Land's Morrison receives prestigious award from Baylor School of Education

Sugar Land resident Julia Morrison, a 2019 graduate of St. John XXIII College Preparatory School in Katy, is the 2023 recipient of the Lorena B. Stretch Award for Outstanding Student in Elementary Education from the Baylor School of Education. Morrison is the daughter of Richard and Allyson Morrison of Sugar Land.

The award is named for Lorena Stretch, Ph.D., who was dean of the SOE from 1935 – 1957 and the school’s longest-serving dean.

Morrison graduated summa cum laude from Baylor

University with a BSEd in elementary education and a minor in Spanish. During her senior year at Baylor, she was a student teaching intern in fourth grade at South Bosque Elementary School in Midway ISD in the classrooms of mentor teachers Amber Brown and Lindsey Pick. In the fall, Morrison will be teaching at Adolphus Elementary in Lamar Consolidated ISD.

Morrison said she chose a career in education because she has always loved school and was in awe of her teachers. “When I realized I could study how to be a teacher in college, I was ecstatic,” she said.

“Baylor School of Education’s program exposed me to some of the best elementary teachers, who modeled how incredible it is to make learning fun and accessible to all students,” she said. “I fell in love with planning lessons that would make my students excited to learn. There is nothing more fulfilling than giving students a safe space where they are excited to try something new.”

Morrison’s Baylor intern supervisor, Lisa Plemons, said that she stood out as confident and always prepared. “Each of her lessons is designed to a detail that exhibits a depth of content

knowledge and the students she’s teaching,” Plemons said. “Her high expectations, rapport, preparedness, and content knowledge keep students engaged and eliminate behavior problems. Her instruction is provided like a veteran teacher, varying the activities, knowing areas of possible misconceptions, and strategically sequencing the content to make it most accessible for students to learn and engage. She’s impressive!”

Mentor teacher Amber Brown added, “It has been such a joy to have Julia Morrison be a part of our fourth-grade classroom. From the relationships she

has made with students to the creative, student-centered lessons, Julia’s impact on our classroom can be felt and seen in many ways. Ms. Morrison’s future students and colleagues will be so blessed to have Julia on their team.”

While at Baylor, Morrison was a member of the School of Education’s Student Advisory Council, serving on the Special Events and Service Committee, and worked as a student assistant in the School of Education’s library. She was a member of St. Peter Catholic Student Center in Waco and served as the outreach officer.

Taral Patel announces bid for Fort Bend Precinct 3

With more than a year to go before the 2024 election, the race for Fort Bend Precinct 3 commissioner is already heating up with the Wednesday announcement by Taral Patel that he is running as a Democrat for the seat held by longtime Republican Commissioner Andy Meyers.

Patel made the announcement in a press release that included a link to a splashy campaign ad-style video showing him driving around the precinct and interacting with residents.

Patel, a former chief of staff to Fort Bend County Judge KP George from 2019-2011, recently completed his service at the White House, where he served in the Biden administration’s Office of the White House Liaison, working on matters related to housing, urban development, and disaster recovery and resilience.

He previously worked in the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division in the public integrity section, as the deputy finance director for former Colo. Governor Hickenlooper, and as a legislative staff member for former Texas Rep. Celia Israel, focusing on

Patel is the son of Indian immigrants who came to the U.S. in the 1980’s, working in various small businesses while attending Texas Southern University and the University of Houston.

In an interview with the Fort Bend Star, Patel said his governmental experience at the local, state and federal levels, combined with his experience in the private sector working at small businesses with his parents, gives him a wide perspective on how government can work to improve people’s lives.

Patel grew up mostly in Fort Bend County (with brief stints in Harris County) and attended Mission Glen Elementary, Garland Mcmeans Junior High and Cinco Ranch High School. He attended the University of Texas at Austin, where he received a B.A. in government in 2016. Patel graduated from the Antonin Scalia Law School at George Mason University in 2023.

After leaving Washington D.C. a couple of months ago, he is now a resident of the Sugar Land area.

He said that as his White House tenure was drawing to a close, he stuck upon the idea of running for the Precinct 3 seat during his frequent visits

community, he said, he felt a sense of excitement that someone from that community could represent them at the county level.

If Patel were to win the Democratic nomination next March and ultimately the election in November 2024, he would be the second former chief of staff to George to win election to Commissioners Court. Dexter McCoy, who succeeded Patel in the post in 2021, won election to the Precinct 4 seat last November and took office in January. (McCoy is also a White House alum, having served in the Obama administration.)

A win by Patel would also strengthen the fairly recent Democratic majority on Commissioners Court, which had been in Republican hands for two decades previously.

Although he has been involved in Democratic politics since he was a teenager, Patel, a self-described “policy wonk,” said he plans to run a campaign focused on pragmatic solutions to residents’ problems, as well as preparing the county for the modern issues it will face as it gains an additional 1 million new residents in the next couple of decades. He said he would take a bipartisan approach to finding “21st Century tools to

decades, announced his intention to run again in April in advance of a Commissioners Court vote that kept the precinct’s recently redrawn boundaries intact. That effectively forced Meyers to have to change his residence from the house he has owned in Sugar Land for decades in order to run again, a move he said was all but unprecedented in Texas politics.

Meyers is one of two Republicans (with Precinct 1’s Vincent Morales) serving on the five-person court. He has long been known for his fiscal conservatism, and has frequently sparred with the Democratic majority. Morales has already announced his intention to run.

““I’m going to respect the primary process and let the Democrat voters select their candidate before commenting on who they choose,” Meyers said in an emailed statement.

Filing for the Commissioners Court races officially begins on November 11.

281-690-4200

713-433-6421

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

Worship Directory

FORT BEND COUNTY

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.staffordcoc.com

- 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

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

CALCIFER

Hi! My name is Calcifer and I am a 5 years old cat who LOVES to purr on your lap! I was adopted 2 weeks ago but was returned back to HHS because I am very affectionate. I am the SWEETEST cat ever that just wants to give lots of love to you.

Please come to Houston Humane Society and adopt me! ADOPT CALCIFER

Sugar Land resident Julia Morrison is the 2023 recipient of the Lorena B. Stretch Award for Outstanding Student in Elementary Education from the Baylor School of Education. Courtesy Baylor School of Education

By Ken Fountain KFOUNTAIN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Taral Patel, a former chief of staff to Fort Bend County Judge KP George, has announced his campaign for Precinct 3 commissioner. Courtesy Taral Patel campaign

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”

THE OFFICE

Lynn Ashby Columnist

like. My type of music (bagpipe bands) is humming in the background and my co-workers don’t complain. Same for my cigar smoke. But the commute kills me. Down the hall, past the kitchen where I get my next cup of coffee, keep going through the dining room and here to my office. That’s because I work at home, and so do millions of other Americans. This is not new, since the pandemic, but what is new is that experts who keep tally on such things say this change in Americans’ work habits appears to be permanent and our lives will never be the same. A generation from now people will say, “It all began in 2020.” Or maybe, “Grandad, did you really go to an office? What’s an office?”

U.S. Presidents get to work at home as do lighthouse keepers, shepherds and January 6th rioters under house arrest. So let’s look at this phenomenon which is unfolding before our very bloodshot eyes – you stayed up late because you didn’t have to set the alarm and get dressed, underwear and bathrobe are the uniform of the day. First, we are over the pandemic hump. Not many people wear a mask anymore. No more standing 6-feet apart. Theaters and ball parks are almost back to normal. The anti-vaxxers are dead. But have you noticed that doctors no longer work on Fridays? Landlords are frantic because their tenants don’t need that much office space. Drycleaners are going broke since office workers no longer dress up for work. Some restaurants have closed for good. Even today they can’t find enough employees. Your order is so slow your hot potato soup became vichyssoise. Blame Dr. Fauci.

These matters have probably already changed your life. You may have worked from home since Covid-19 hit town and still do. More than a third of U.S. households report working from home more frequently than before the pandemic. (Before Covid-19 arrived just 5 percent of people worked at home. A huge change.) The switch depends widely on what you do

for a living. Those who work from home more report higher income and education and better health than those wage slaves who didn’t change their work habits because of the pandemic. In the highest-earning households — those with annual incomes of $200,000 or more — 73.1 percent switched to telework. This is more than double the percentage (32.1 percent) of households with incomes between $50,000 and $74,999. The lowest-earning households were less likely to switch to home work. Only 12.7 percent of households earning under $25,000 reported working from home instead of hitting the warehouse, the kitchen at Whataburger or paving Westheimer. Simply put, the boss is at home and her employees are at work on the job.

Here’s an odd finding by researchers: Stay-at-home workers like to spiff up their office. That makes sense. After spending most of their waking hours sitting in the basement at a computer or on the phone, they may get a new wastebasket, better lighting, turn their man cave into their old digs by putting in cubicles and a water cooler. On average, workers invested 15 hours of time and $560 to upgrade their work space. On top of those expenses by at-home workers is money spent by employers in cloud computing and other technology to deal

with their remote workers. Also, there are entrepreneurs who have figured out a way to turn a buck on this new work force: The number of patents for technological innovations to accommodate the stay-athomes more than doubled from January to September 2020. Another finding: spending in city centers has already decreased.

OK, that’s where we are now. But where do we go from here? Number crunchers at the U.S. Census Bureau have studied the situation (probably from their homes) and have determined that up to 20 percent of the entire U.S. workforce will continue to work at home permanently. Just mull that over. One out of every five U.S. workers plans to avoid the 9-to-5 Monday-through-Friday routine from here on. The other 80 percent are wary of mass transit, crowded elevators, and indoor dining. The researchers estimate that the drop in the number of commuters will result in a 5 to 10 percent drop in spending on meals, entertainment, and personal services in major city centers. That spending will be redirected to business establishments closer to workers’ homes. (Many of the mom-and-pop sandwich shops in office buildings and the tunnels have gone broke, and that appears to be permanent.)

Then there is commuting which pops up time and again in the surveys. Commuters in New York-Newark-Jersey City take 37.7 minutes to commute to work one-way each work day. That’s the longest. Next is the Washington, D.C. area at 35.6 minutes and the San Francisco region at 35.2 minutes. The average one-way commute in Houston takes 27.0 minutes. That’s longer than the US average of 26.4 minutes. The busiest times in Houston traffic are, obviously, rush hours: 7 to 9 a.m. and 4 to 7 p.m. It’s interesting that our rush hours are two and three hours long each way. If you go to work five days a week, you spend almost 5 hours a week just sitting in your car. There are Houstonians whose legal voting address is the West Loop. A final aspect that we must consider about commuting: hybrid work. More and more employers are allowing their employees to spend part of

the week at home and a day or so at the workplace. Most workers choose to work at home Mondays and Fridays. That is why Happy Hours seem to be busier mid-week. The good news for the boss is that a hybrid workforce is expected to boost productivity by 4.6 percent mainly due to the reduction in commuting. Now strike up the bagpipes! Ashby is home at ashby2@ comcast.net

Comisión de Calidad Ambiental del Estado de Texas

AVISO DE RECIBO DE LA SOLICITUD Y EL INTENTO DE OBTENER PERMISO PARA LA CALIDAD DEL AGUA RENOVACION

PERMISO NO. WQ0012073001

to the application. https://gisweb.tceq.texas.gov/LocationMapper/?marker=-95.520833,29.590833&level=18

ALTERNATIVE LANGUAGE NOTICE. Alternative language notice in Spanish is available at https://www.tceq.texas. gov/permitting/wastewater/plain-language-summaries-and-public-notices. El aviso de idioma alternativo en español está disponible en https://www.tceq.texas.gov/permitting/wastewater/plain-language-summaries-and-public-notices.

ADDITIONAL NOTICE. TCEQ’s Executive Director has determined the application is administratively complete and will conduct a technical review of the application. After technical review of the application is complete, the Executive Director may prepare a draft permit and will issue a preliminary decision on the application. Notice of the Application and Preliminary Decision will be published and mailed to those who are on the county-wide mailing list and to those who are on the mailing list for this application. That notice will contain the deadline for submitting public comments.

PUBLIC COMMENT / PUBLIC MEETING. You may submit public comments or request a public meeting on this application. The purpose of a public meeting is to provide the opportunity to submit comments or to ask questions about the application. TCEQ will hold a public meeting if the Executive Director determines that there is a significant degree of public interest in the application or if requested by a local legislator. A public meeting is not a contested case hearing.

OPPORTUNITY FOR A CONTESTED CASE HEARING. After the deadline for submitting public comments, the Executive Director will consider all timely comments and prepare a response to all relevant and material, or significant public comments. Unless the application is directly referred for a contested case hearing, the response to comments, and the Executive Director’s decision on the application, will be mailed to everyone who submitted public comments and to those persons who are on the mailing list for this application. If comments are received, the mailing will also provide instructions for requesting reconsideration of the Executive Director’s decision and for requesting a contested case hearing. A contested case hearing is a legal proceeding similar to a civil trial in state district court.

TO REQUEST A CONTESTED CASE HEARING, YOU MUST INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING ITEMS IN YOUR REQUEST: your name, address, phone number; applicant's name and proposed permit number; the location and distance of your property/activities relative to the proposed facility; a specific description of how you would be adversely affected by the facility in a way not common to the general public; a list of all disputed issues of fact that you submit during the comment period and, the statement "[I/we] request a contested case hearing."

If the request for contested case hearing is filed on behalf of a group or association, the request must designate the group’s representative for receiving future correspondence; identify by name and physical address an individual member of the group who would be adversely affected by the proposed facility or activity; provide the information discussed above regarding the affected member’s location and distance from the facility or activity; explain how and why the member would be affected; and explain how the interests the group seeks to protect are relevant to the group’s purpose.

Following the close of all applicable comment and request periods, the Executive Director will forward the application and any requests for reconsideration or for a contested case hearing to the TCEQ Commissioners for their consideration at a scheduled Commission meeting.

The Commission may only grant a request for a contested case hearing on issues the requestor submitted in their timely comments that were not subsequently withdrawn. If a hearing is granted, the subject of a hearing will be limited to disputed issues of fact or mixed questions of fact and law relating to relevant and material water quality concerns submitted during the comment period. TCEQ may act on an application to renew a permit for discharge of wastewater without providing an opportunity for a contested case hearing if certain criteria are met.

MAILING LIST. If you submit public comments, a request for a contested case hearing or a reconsideration of the Executive Director’s decision, you will be added to the mailing list for this specific application to receive future public notices mailed by the Office of the Chief Clerk. In addition, you may request to be placed on: (1) the permanent mailing list for a specific applicant name and permit number; and/or (2) the mailing list for a specific county. If you wish to be placed on the permanent and/or the county mailing list, clearly specify which list(s) and send your request to TCEQ Office of the Chief Clerk at the address below.

INFORMATION AVAILABLE ONLINE. For details about the status

SOLICITUD. Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 26, 2727 Allen Parkway, Suite 1100, Houston, Texas 77019 ha solicitado a la Comisión de Calidad Ambiental del Estado de Texas (TCEQ) para renovar el Permiso No. WQ0012073001 (EPA I.D. No. TX 0078891) del Sistema de Eliminación de Descargas de Contaminantes de Texas (TPDES) para autorizar la descarga de aguas residuales tratadas en un volumen que no sobrepasa un flujo promedio diario de 500,00 galones por día. La planta está ubicada 1403 Lazy Spring Drive, Missouri City en el Condado de Fort Bend County, Texas 77489. La ruta de descarga es del sitio de la planta hasta una zanja de drenaje de Fort Bend; de allí a la zanja del Distrito de Control de Inundaciones del Condado de Harris, de allí a HCFCD, de allí a Sims Bayou, de allí a Houston Ship Channel/Buffalo Bayou Tidal. La TCEQ recibió esta solicitud el March 27, 2023. La solicitud para el permiso estará disponible para leerla y copiarla en 3134 Cartwright Road, Missouri City, Texas antes de la fecha de publicación de este aviso en el periódico. Este enlace a un mapa electrónico de la ubicación general del sitio o de la instalación es proporcionado como una cortesía y no es parte de la solicitud o del aviso. Para la ubicación exacta, consulte la solicitud. https://gisweb.tceq.texas.gov/LocationMapper/?marker=-95.520833.29.590833&level=18 AVISO ADICIONAL. El Director Ejecutivo de la TCEQ ha determinado que la solicitud es administrativamente completa y conducirá una revisión técnica de la solicitud. Después de completar la revisión técnica, el Director Ejecutivo puede preparar un borrador del permiso y emitirá una Decisión Preliminar sobre la solicitud. El aviso de la solicitud y la decisión preliminar serán publicados y enviado a los que están en la lista de correo de las personas a lo largo del condado que desean recibir los avisos y los que están en la lista de correo que desean recibir avisos de esta solicitud. El aviso dará la fecha límite para someter comentarios públicos.

COMENTARIO PUBLICO / REUNION PUBLICA. Usted puede presentar comentarios públicos o pedir una reunión pública sobre esta solicitud. El propósito de una reunión pública es dar la oportunidad de presentar comentarios o hacer preguntas acerca de la solicitud. La TCEQ realiza una reunión pública si el Director Ejecutivo determina que hay un grado de interés público suficiente en la solicitud o si un legislador local lo pide. Una reunión pública no es una audiencia administrativa de lo contencioso.

OPORTUNIDAD DE UNA AUDIENCIA ADMINISTRATIVA DE LO CONTENCIOSO. Después del plazo para presentar comentarios públicos, el Director Ejecutivo considerará todos los comentarios apropiados y preparará una respuesta a todo los comentarios públicos esenciales, pertinentes, o significativos. A menos que la solicitud haya sido referida directamente a una audiencia administrativa de lo contencioso, la respuesta a los comentarios y la decisión del Director Ejecutivo sobre la solicitud serán enviados por correo a todos los que presentaron un comentario público y a las personas que están en la lista para recibir avisos sobre esta solicitud. Si se reciben comentarios, el aviso también proveerá instrucciones para pedir una reconsideración de la decisión del Director Ejecutivo y para pedir una audiencia administrativa de lo contencioso. Una audiencia administrativa de lo contencioso es un procedimiento legal similar a un procedimiento legal civil en un tribunal de distrito del estado.

PARA SOLICITAR UNA AUDIENCIA DE CASO IMPUGNADO, USTED DEBE INCLUIR EN SU SOLICITUD LOS SIGUIENTES DATOS: su nombre, dirección, y número de teléfono; el nombre del solicitante y número del permiso; la ubicación y distancia de su propiedad/actividad con respecto a la instalación; una descripción específica de la forma cómo usted sería afectado adversamente por el sitio de una manera no común al público en general; una lista de todas las cuestiones de hecho en disputa que usted presente durante el período de comentarios; y la declaración “[Yo/nosotros] solicito/solicitamos una audiencia de caso impugnado”. Si presenta la petición para una audiencia de caso impugnado de parte de un grupo o asociación, debe identificar una persona que representa al grupo para recibir correspondencia en el futuro; identificar el nombre y la dirección de un miembro del grupo que sería afectado adversamente por la planta o la actividad propuesta; proveer la información indicada anteriormente con respecto a la ubicación del miembro afectado y su distancia de la planta o actividad propuesta; explicar cómo y porqué el miembro sería afectado; y explicar cómo los intereses que el grupo desea proteger son pertinentes al propósito del grupo. Después del cierre de todos los períodos de comentarios y de petición que aplican, el Director Ejecutivo enviará la solicitud y cualquier petición para reconsideración o para una audiencia de caso impugnado a los Comisionados de la TCEQ para su consideración durante una reunión programada de la Comisión. La Comisión sólo puede conceder una solicitud de una audiencia de caso impugnado sobre los temas que el solicitante haya presentado en sus comentarios oportunos que no fueron retirados posteriormente. Si se concede una audiencia, el tema de la audiencia estará limitado a cuestiones de hecho en disputa o cuestiones mixtas de hecho y de derecho relacionadas a intereses pertinentes y materiales de calidad del agua que se hayan presentado durante el período de comentarios. Si ciertos criterios se cumplen, la TCEQ puede actuar sobre una solicitud para renovar un permiso sin proveer una oportunidad de una audiencia administrativa de lo contencioso.

LISTA DE CORREO. Si somete comentarios públicos, un pedido para una audiencia administrativa de lo contencioso o una reconsideración de la decisión del Director Ejecutivo, la Oficina del Secretario Principal enviará por correo los avisos públicos en relación con la solicitud. Ademas, puede pedir que la TCEQ ponga su nombre en una or mas de las listas correos siguientes (1) la lista de correo permanente para recibir los avisos de el solicitante indicado por nombre y número del permiso específico y/o (2) la lista de correo de todas las solicitudes en un condado especifico. Si desea que se agrega su nombre en una de las listas designe cual lista(s) y envia por correo su pedido a la Oficina del Secretario Principal de la TCEQ.

CONTACTOS E INFORMACIÓN A LA AGENCIA. Todos los comentarios públicos y solicitudes deben ser presentadas electrónicamente vía http://www14.tceq.texas.gov/epic/eComment/o por escrito dirigidos a la Comisión de Texas de Calidad Ambiental, Oficial de la Secretaría (Office of Chief Clerk), MC-105, P.O. Box 13087, Austin, Texas 78711-3087. Tenga en cuenta que cualquier información personal que usted proporcione, incluyendo su nombre, número de teléfono, dirección de correo electrónico y dirección física pasarán a formar parte del registro público de la Agencia. Para obtener más información acerca de esta solicitud de permiso o el proceso de permisos, llame al programa de educación pública de la TCEQ, gratis, al 1-800-687-4040. Si desea información en Español, puede llamar al 1-800-687-4040.

se puede obtener información

a new sludge transfer pump system at WWTP No. 1, and the replacement of five blowers and the fine bubble diffuser system at WWTP No. 2.

A non-mandatory Pre-Bid Conference will be held on June 21st, 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. All bids must be accompanied by proposal guaranty in the form of a Certified or Cashier’s Check, or Bidders Bond drawn to the order of Fort Bend County MUD No. 25, and in the minimum amount of five percent (5%) of the total amount of the bid. No proposal may be withdrawn for a period of ninety (90) days after receipt of bids except with the approval of Owner. Owner reserves the right to reject any or all bids or to accept any bid from any responsible person which will be most advantageous to it and result in the best and most economical completion of the Work. The successful bidder will be required to provide a Performance Bond and Payment Bond in full amount of the contract.

Leonela Ruvalcaba, Executive General Manager, Owner

PUBLIC NOTICE 06-05-2023

TAKE NOTICE THAT: I Mariama Keita the real flesh and blood woman is stating my claim for the Real Property stated below now and forever. If anyone has prior superior, equitable or legal rights of interest, please state your claim in, and come forward under the penalty of perjury of law within 30 days. With all legal documents stating all legal rights in/ to/for/of said Real Property located on,8810 Morning Glow Dr. Missouri City, Texas 77459 Instrument/Book# -Page# 2022064472. It is HEREBY REQUESTED to present your claim of witness in writing to: Mariama Keita at the following address 7820 Paragon Circle Apt#408 Elkridge, MD 21075 on (or) before 07-08-2023.

Notice to Creditors

Notice to Creditors

MY PLACE STORAGE

Beverage Permit] by [Jeffrey Hajovsky] dba [Fulbrook Ale Works LLC], to be located at [1125 FM 359], [Richmond], [Fort Bend County], Texas. Officers of said are [Owner - Jeffrey Hajovsky].

Notice is hereby given that original Letters Testamentary for the Estate of Arthur T. Moore a/k/a Arthur Tompkins Moore and Arthur T. Moore Jr., Deceased, were issued on May 22, 2023, under Docket No. 23-CPR-039063, pending in the County Court at Law No. 1 of Fort Bend County, Texas, to Angela L. Moore and David K. Moore. Claims may be presented as follows:

of Fort Bend County, Texas, to Angela L. Moore and David K. Moore. Claims may be presented as follows:

Notice is hereby given that original Letters Testamentary for the Estate of Arthur T. Moore a/k/a Arthur Tompkins Moore and Arthur T. Moore Jr., Deceased, were issued on May 22, 2023, under Docket No. 23-CPR-039063, pending in the County Court at Law No. 1 of Fort Bend County, Texas, to Angela L. Moore and David K. Moore. Claims may be presented as follows:

Representative, Estate of Arthur T. Moore a/k/a Arthur Tompkins Moore and Arthur T. Moore Jr., Deceased

c/o John J. Clennan 4502 Riverstone Blvd., Suite 103

Representative, Estate of Arthur T. Moore a/k/a Arthur Tompkins Moore and Arthur T. Moore Jr. Deceased c/o John J. Clennan 4502 Riverstone Blvd., Suite 103 Missouri City, Texas 77459

Missouri City, Texas 77459

Representative, Estate of Arthur T. Moore a/k/a Arthur Tompkins Moore and Arthur T. Moore Jr., Deceased c/o John J. Clennan 4502 Riverstone Blvd., Suite 103 Missouri City, Texas 77459

All persons having claims against this estate, which is currently being administered, are required to present them within the time and in the manner prescribed by law.

All persons having claims against this estate, which is currently being administered, are required to present them within the time and in the manner prescribed by law.

All persons having claims against this estate, which is currently being administered, are required to present them within the time and in the manner prescribed by law.

DATED May 23, 2023.

DATED May 23, 2023.

DATED May 23, 2023. Clennan Law Firm, PLLC By ____________________________________ Attorney(s) for Applicant

Clennan Law Firm, PLLC By

Clennan Law Firm, PLLC

By ____________________________________ Attorney(s) for Applicant

Attorney(s) for Applicant

Publisher’s Affidavit

Publisher’s Affidavit

I solemnly swear that the above notice was published once in Fort Bend Star, a newspaper of general circulation in Fort Bend County, Texas, as provided in the Texas Estates Code for the service of citation or notice by publication, and the date that the issue of said newspaper bore in which said notice was published on __________________________, 2023. A copy of the notice published, clipped from the newspaper, is attached hereto.

I solemnly swear that the above notice was published once in Fort Bend Star, a newspaper of general circulation in Fort Bend County, Texas, as provided in the Texas Estates Code for the service of citation or notice by publication, and the date that the issue of said newspaper bore in which said notice was published on

2023. A copy of the notice published, clipped from the newspaper, is attached hereto.

I solemnly swear that the above notice was published once in Fort Bend Star, a newspaper of general circulation in Fort Bend County, Texas, as provided in the Texas Estates Code for the service of citation or notice by publication, and the date that the issue of said newspaper bore in which said notice was published on __________________________, 2023. A copy of the notice published, clipped from the newspaper, is attached hereto. SUBSCRIBED

___________________________ on

Review: Elite Indo-Pak Restaurant offers fine food in family-friendly setting

By Ken Fountain KFOUNTAIN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

This past weekend, a friend with whom I frequently go on these restaurant-review outings headed out a bit further than we usually go, to a restaurant that opened with a splash last year past the Sugar Land Airport. Sadly, when we arrived we found that the restaurant had closed.

Thankfully, I’d spotted another promising place on the way, the Elite Indo-Pak Restaurant. As I’ve written before, food from that part of the globe has not been a regular staple of my restaurant-going life, but when you are a budding food critic in highly diverse Fort Bend County, you find yourself trying it more and more.

Just as with last week’s review, I had absolutely no knowledge of Elite, and therefore no expectations about it. When we walked in, we found an expansive,

ornately designed space (befitting the name). If Nirmanz Food Boutique, the last Indian restaurant I reviewed had an ambiance I described as “subcontinental hip,” Elite has a much more sedate feel that is a mix of traditional and modern.

This being a weekend, we found the place fairly packed for the buffet. I’ve only written once about a buffet-style restaurant, and wondered if I should go for that or order from the regular menu. In the end, my friend and I split the difference - I chose the buffet and he ordered from the menu.

The menu offers a wide variety of dishes: chicken curries, seafood, goal curries, rice dishes with various protein and vegetarian options, and barbecue and grilled dishes. There are also wraps, vegetarian dishes, soups, salads, and of course desserts.

There are two separate options: brunch-style foods and more traditional fare.

ONGOING

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 brccom@fbjsl.com

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).

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

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

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

I went with the latter, and had healthy portions of goat biryani, chicken tikka (barbecue), chicken masala, paya and more, plus some of the bread called naan. All of it was excellent, even the kinds that were a bit more spicy

Elite Indo-Pak

Restaurant

Address: 11941 S Texas

6, Sugar Land

Hours: 1 a.m.-10 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday and public holidays

Entrée prices: $12.9939.99

Kid-friendly: Yes

Alcohol: No

Senior discount: No

Healthy options: Yes Star of the show: Buffet

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

than I usually like. My friend ordered a chicken curry off the menu, and he also enjoyed it immensely.

The staff were unfailingly welcoming and polite, and kept me well-supplied with

the water I needed to offset the spiciness.

Elite has a very familyfriendly atmosphere, and there are separate rooms for private parties. The restaurant also adjoins the Lantern

Banquet Hall, so they’ve got a lot of bases covered.

I learned that Elite has been open for about a year. From what I saw last weekend, it’s doing very well indeed. Go check it out.

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 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

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 invited. For more information, call 713-859-5920 or 281-499-3345.

The lunch buffet at Sugar Land’s Elite Indo-Pak Restaurant offers a wide selection of great food.

Photo by Ken Fountain