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19TH ANNUAL CINCO DE MAYO BENEFIT RAISES MORE THAN
$132K
FOR MEALS ON WHEELS PROGRAM
BY SCOTT REESE WILLEY swilley@texaslocalmedia.com
Paul and Crystal Kropf of Richmond know first-hand how important the Meals on Wheels program is to Fort Bend County senior citizens.
They and members of their roofing company, Final Touch Roofing on Rosenberg, helped deliver hot, nutritious meals
to the elderly folk for several years.
“They appreciate the meals, they certainly do, and they tell us,” Crystal said.
The Kropfs were among 300 kind-hearted donors who attended La Cocina Mexican Restaurant’s 19th annual Cinco de Mayo celebration benefit last month.
More than $132,000 was raised for Meals on Wheels — a record amount, organizers
said.
“This year’s Cinco de Mayo fundraiser was everything we hope for when we bring this community together,” said Meals on Wheels program CEO Doug Simpson.
“ A record amount raised, a full house at La Cocina, and a beautiful evening outside — all of it in support of seniors in Fort Bend and Waller Counties who count on us every
Organizers and volunteers of the La Cosina’s annual Meals on Wheels benefit pose for a photo with La Cosina owner Andres Novoa. From left are Breanna Compean Flores, Frances Elizondo, Johanna Compean, Andres Nova, Carol Papenfuss and Melanie Kelly-Blair.
single day. The need is real — 1 in 6 seniors in this country faces hunger, and for many of the neighbors we serve, our daily delivery is the only face-to-face contact they receive. Events like this one remind us why we do this work.”
Simpson said the Meals on Wheels program is grateful to HEB for presenting the benefit and La Cocina for hosting the event year after year — “and to every person who showed up and gave generously. Together, we delivered!”
Andres Novoa, owner of La Cocina, was equally thrilled with the turnout and the record money raised.
“Giving back to this community means everything to me, especially supporting Meals on Wheels and the seniors who depend on it,”
Novoa told The Herald. “La Cocina has been part of the Pecan Grove community for over 20 years, and this event is our way of paying it forward. It’s only possible because of the incredible generosity of our supporters, sponsors, volunteers, and loyal patrons. I’m truly grateful to everyone who comes together each year to make a difference.”
La Cocina Mexican Restaurant and Catering hosted its 19th Annual Cinco de Mayo Fundraiser on Saturday, May 2, at the restaurant’s Pecan
Andres Novoa, owner of La Cosina Mexican Restaurant, gives a thumbs up while meeting with Pat Hebert, wife of former Fort Bend County Judge Bob Hebert, who was signing in.
Paul and Crystal Kropf, owners of Final Touch Roofing in Rosenberg, pose for a photo with Andres Novoa, owner of La Cosina Mexican Restaurant in Pecan Grove during the eatery’s annual Meals on Wheels benefit.
Grove location.
A line had formed outside long before the doors opened at 5:30 p.m.
The event featured a live auction, bucket raffles, “Pay What You Pull” for a Burberry handbag, and La Cocina’s signature Tex-Mex cuisine.
Besides presenting sponsor HEB, other sponsors: Staff Force Personnel Services, OCuSoft, and The Newton Real Estate Group.
Live auction winners were David and Dan Howard, Staff Force Personnel Services, Legacy Ford Texan Hyundai, Patty Newton, E P Compean Funeral Directors, Roy Cordes, Jr., Tessie O’Guinn, Mike Johanson, Tori Johanson, Chip Bryant, Dan Cheek and Anthony Artino.
What began as a small event in 2005, raising $16,000 after owner Andres Novoa learned about the growing need to support homebound seniors, has grown into the organization’s most impactful annual fundraiser, raising more than
$800,000 to date.
The event continues to help ensure local seniors have access to nutritious meals and essential support services.
“We are incredibly grateful to Andres and the entire La Cocina team for their unwavering commitment to our seniors,” Simpson said.. “For nearly two decades, this event has not only raised critical funds but also brought our community together in a powerful way. Andres’ generosity and leadership have made a lasting impact on the lives of the seniors we serve.”
Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels delivers daily meals to homebound seniors across Fort Bend and Waller counties, many of whom live alone and are unable to shop for or prepare food. In 2025, the organization served more than 369,000 meals and supported over 2,100 seniors through the home-delivered meal program, 6 senior centers, and transportation—at no cost to those served.
“Rising costs and reductions in government funding over the last 12 months have made community support more important than ever,” Novoa explained. “We’re proud to continue this
tradition and invite everyone to come out, enjoy a great evening, and crush hunger for seniors in our community. Our seniors need us more than ever!”
Missed the benefit but still wish to help Meals on Wheels? Contact Novoa at 281-460-6479 or Meals on Wheels at 281-233-7049, or visit bit.ly/ cinco2026. Donations made directly to Fort Bend Seniors are tax-deductible.
Founded in 1974, Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of seniors through nutritious meals and human connection. The agency provides nutritious meals, daily wellness checks, and social engagement to seniors in Fort Bend and Waller counties ensuring that no senior is left hungry or isolated.
Learn more or donate at www.fortbendseniors. org.
Jose shuttled frosty drinks to thirsty donors all evening.
4-H member receives scholarship
Stephen F. Austin High School senior Saige Sowa received the 2026 scholarship from District 9 of the Texas EEA (Extension Education Association), part of the Agri-Life Extension program.
Each county may submit an application for the district 4-H Scholarship given at district.
Fort Bend County’s 4-H winner was Saige Sowa and she received the District 9 scholarship.
She has been a Journey 4-H member for 10 years and currently serves as the president.
An active member of 4-H, she has earned the Gold Star Award, Danforth I Dare You Award, and both Silver and Bronze Star Awards.
One of Saige’s hobbies is raising show steers and entering in the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo where her steer “Chance” was selected to be a part of the Texas A&M Judging Team.
Her goal is to become a large animal veterinarian and she will attend Texas A&M this summer through the Gateway program.
The Aggie Gateway to Success is a summer provisional admission program that allows selected students to earn full admission to Texas A&M University by completing academic requirements over five weeks.
Saige is the daughter of Bill and Lori Sowa of Sugar Land.
Inspired by Sachin Dada Dharmadhikari, volunteers unite for cleaner communities
Driven by the inspiring guidance of Sachin Dada Dharmadhikari, volunteers from Fort Bend County joined hands to make a positive environmental impact through a cleanup initiative led by the Dr. Shri Nanasaheb Dharmadhikari Pratishthan.
Last month, as part of the Adopt-A-Highway program in collaboration with the Texas Department of Transportation, a team of eight volunteers cleaned a stretch of FM 361/FM 1994 up to Seiler Road in Needville.
The volunteers collected 10 bags of litter — approximately 150 pounds — helping restore the cleanliness and safety of the roadway.
The effort reflects Sachin Dada Dharmadhikari’s message of selfless service and collective responsibility toward society and the environment.
Rooted in the principle “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (“The world is one family”), DSNDP contin-
ues to inspire communities nationwide.
Along with Dr. Shri Appasaheb Dharmadhikari, Sachin Dada Dharmadhikari has helped mobilize thousands of volunteers across the United States since July 2022.
In Texas, volunteers have completed 69 cleanup drives with 694 participants contributing 957 hours of service and removing over 6,045 pounds of waste. Across 19 states and 80 cities, 4,529 volunteers have collectively cleared more than 6,8145 pounds of litter.
Beyond cleanups, DSNDP actively promotes tree plantation drives, women’s health awareness, and blood and plasma donation initiatives — strengthening its mission of community service.
For more information, visit https://www.dsndp. com.
From left are Pat May, president of the Fort Bend EEA, 4-H member Saige Sowa, recipient of District 9 Scholarship, and Victoria Zwahr, Fort Bend County Extension Program Coordinator.
Volunteers collected 10 bags of litter — approximately 150 pounds — alongside FM 361/FM 1994 in the Needville area, helping restore the cleanliness and safety of the roadway.
In Texas, volunteers have completed 69 cleanup drives with 694 participants contributing 957 hours of service and removing over 6,045 pounds of waste.
Volunteers led by Dr. Shri Nanasaheb Dharmadhikari Pratishthan clean up the sides of FM 361/FM1994 in the Needville area last month.
City leaders cut ribbon on newlycompleted Rosenberg Fire Station No. 1
Rosenberg city leaders and local dignitaries celebrated the official ribbon-cutting and uncoupling ceremony for the brand-new Fire Station No. 1 in May, marking another major milestone in the City’s continued investment in public safety infrastructure.
This project was made possible in part through a $4,121,300 Community Development Block Grant Mitigation award from the Texas General Land Office, which provides funding to help states, cities, and counties develop stronger, more resilient communities.
The remaining $2.9 million was allocated from the city’s fiscal years 2022 and 2023 budgets.
“Pursuing grant funding reflects the city’s commitment to completing vital infrastructure improvements without increasing the tax burden on residents by leveraging external funding opportunities,” City Manager Joyce Vasut said.
Current and former city council members, city staff, community members, and both current and retired firefighters gathered to commemorate the completion of the new facility, located at 1021 Fourth St in Rosenberg’s Historic District.
The ceremony featured remarks from the city manager, fire chief, architect and contractor, followed by a ribbon cutting paired with an uncoupling ceremony, a longstanding fire service tradition that honors the department’s history while recognizing the evolution of modern firefighting.
Symbolically uncoupling the hose symbolizes the final step of a fire call: uncoupling, draining, and placing the hose back on the truck. It marks the moment a station becomes “in service,” ready for duty.
“This hose uncoupling bridges our past and our future,” Fire Chief Daryl Maretka explained to those in attendance. “It marks not just the opening of a building, but the beginning of a new chapter in fire service for the City of Rosenberg. We are proud to place this station into service, and we
look forward to continuing our mission of protecting this community with honor and dedication.”
“Fire Station No. 1 represents a strategic investment designed to enhance emergency response capabilities, improve firefighter safety, and better serve the growing needs of the Rosenberg community,” Vasut said.
The upgraded facility includes modern apparatus bays, improved living quarters, and expanded operational space
to support today’s fire service demands.
“Fire Station No. 1 reflects our ongoing commitment to protecting our residents and strengthening our community’s resilience,” Vasut said. “We are grateful to the Texas General Land Office for their support in making this important project possible.”
For more information, visit RosenbergTX.Gov or call Citizens Relations at 832-595-3301.
Rosenberg Fire Chief Daryl Mareka cuts the ribbon during the grand-opening celebration of the just-completed Fire Station No. 1, located at the intersection of Fourth Street and Avenue I.
The project was made possible in part through a $4,121,300 Community Development Block Grant Mitigation award from the Texas General Land Office.
Those in attendance included present and former city council members as well as local dignitaries and business professionals.
Rosenberg City Manager Joyce Vasut tells those attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony that the new fire station represents a strategic investment designed to enhance emergency response capabilities, improve firefighter safety, and better serve the growing needs of the Rosenberg community. That’s Fire Chief Daryl Mareka at the podium with Vasut.
35th annual Kolache Klobase Festival set for June 13
This is the 35th year for the Czech Kolache Klobase Festival scheduled for Saturday, June 13, at Riverside Hall in East Bernard, located about 45 miles southwest of Houston on US 90-A. This event brings people together to enjoy good music, good food, and to celebrate ethnic heritage and culture.
Beginning at 11 a.m. and continuing nonstop until 6 p.m., this year’s festival again features a firstrate lineup of entertainers — Czech & Then Some, Red Ravens, Dujka Bros. and Al Sulak’s Country Sounds. The three-band concert at 5:30 p.m. inside the hall will feature Dujka Bros., Czech & Then Some, and Red Ravens. A Kolache Eating Contest sponsored by the KJT State Office is scheduled for 2 p.m. in the pavilion.
Festival admission is $10 per person — children 12 and under are admitted free. The admission fee covers all entertainment and music provided by bands and entertainers in the hall and outdoor pavilion. Parking is free and there are plenty of handicapped parking spaces. Massive water fans will cool the pavilion to provide a more comfortable setting for dancers and spectators. Arts and crafts booths will be located both inside and outside the hall. Crafts and
goods of every kind will be available for sale and there will be a silent auction. This is a good opportunity to shop for all types of hand-crafted items, jewelry, and clothing. Win something sweet in the cake walk or buy raffle tickets to win great prizes.
A plate lunch will be available for purchase featuring sausage, barbecue chicken, sauerkraut and other trimmings. The sausage and chicken will be prepared on site the morning of the festival by society members assuring a fresh-cooked meal. Serving begins at 11 a.m. Drive-thru plates-to-go will be available from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Of course, there will be hundreds of kolaches for sale throughout the day. Hamburgers and sausage sandwiches will be available for purchase in the afternoon.
The Festival Committee welcomes and encourages the wearing of Czech costumes to add a festive atmosphere and to further promote the preservation and celebration of ethnic heritage. The Po.L.K. of A. are also urged to attend in their “red and whites” and to join in the spirit of fun and appreciation of the happy sounds of polka and waltz music. A moving flag tribute is scheduled at 3 p.m. and will recognize attending armed services veterans. This will be followed by a grand march featuring the Czech and festive costumes on parade.
For information about game or arts and crafts booths, call 979-531-9747 or srdujka@gmail.com. For general information or band schedules, call 979533-1902 or 979-232-0265. Visit the festival website at www.kkfest.com for further information.
KJT Society No. 40, the festival sponsor, is a non-profit organization and has been in existence in East Bernard since 1905. The society participates in a program of charitable works, including scholarships, social welfare, and civic support. KJT Society No. 40 would like to extend a special invitation to everyone to come out and enjoy the festival.
At right, Michael and Debbie Logue of Rosenberg enjoy dancing to polka music each year at the festival.
The Red Ravens perform polka and country oldies and are always a big hit at the annual festival.
STATE CHAMPS
TERRY, FULSHEAR AND LEAMAN WIN STATE PERCUSSION TITLES
The Terry High School winter percussion ensemble earned first place at the Texas Color Guard Circuit’s championship competition April 11 at the Fort Bend Epicenter in Rosenberg. Terry scored a school-record mark of 92.9 to win the Scholastic Concert A division.
The Rangers’ drummers beat out La Joya (90.25), Magnolia (86.525), Aldine (86.45) and Willis (84.35) in the competition.
The title was one of three won by Lamar CISD programs at the event, as Fulshear High School won the championship in the Percussion Scholastic A division with a score of 93.3, beating out Edinburg-Vela (91.063), Fort Bend-Kempner (90.3) and Tomas (90.038). Foster also competed, taking 10th with a mark of 83.75.
Other Houston-area teams in the division included Langham Creek (fifth, 88.963), Cypress Falls (sixth, 88.675), Katy-Morton Ranch (seventh, 88.288), Alvin (11th, 82.975), Deer Park (12th, 82.25), Waller (13th, 81.663), South Houston (14th, 81.55) and Katy-Tompkins (15th, 79.775).
Leaman Junior High School claimed the third title, scoring a 93.4 for a dominant win against Edinburg-South Middle School (87.6) and Klein-SchindeStrack (87.1).
Other teams from around the greater Houston area enjoyed success at the meet, as Katy-Jordan claimed first in the Percussion Scholastic Open division, scoring a 90-67 to beat out San Antonio-Sotomayor (89.9), Pasadena Memorial (86.8), La Porte (85.575), Cypress Park (81.475) and Fort Bend-Ridge Point (79.035).
Velazquez crowned NYF Queen
A new court now rules over the Needville Youth Fair.
The fair crowned its latest group of pageant winners Friday, naming Juliette Velazquez as 2026 NYF Queen.
Velazquez won the honor while Jada Vasquez was tabbed as the competition’s first runner up.
Velazquez is the daughter of Anabel Velazquez-Gonzalez and Rick Gonzalez and was sponsored by Needville 4-H, an organization which she serves as president. She’s also an active member with Needville FFA and the Texas Association of Future Educators.
Eady Miller was named NYF Princess, with Alayna Cain being named first runner up, Adeline Koeppen sec-
ond runner up and Emery McCurry third runner up.
In the Mini Miss competition, Charlize Woods won the crown, while Anderiea Williams was first runner up, Ellie Mayard second runner up and Avery McCurry third runner up.
Macy Peters won the crown of Jr. Miss over Avery Waterwall (first runner up), Brooklyn Pool (second runner up) and Leighton Marci (third runner up).
The Miss Teen coronation went to Charlie Ortega, with Aubrey Rueda winning first runner up and Kennedi Alvarez taking second runner up. Ansley Lounder took third runner up in the division.
Macy Peters won the crown of Jr. Miss over Avery Waterwall (first runner up), Brooklyn Pool (second runner up) and Leighton Marci (third runner up).
Julieta Velazquez (left) was named 2026 Needville Youth Fair Queen Friday, taking the crown over first runner up Jada Vasquez (right). Velazquez is the daughter of Rick Gonzalez and Anabel Velazquez-Gonzalez. For more photos from the pageant, see Page X. (Contributed photo)
In the Mini Miss competition, Charlize Woods won the crown, while Anderiea Williams was first runner up, Ellie Mayard second runner up and Avery McCurry third runner up.
The Miss Teen coronation went to Charlie Ortega, with Aubrey Rueda winning first runner up and Kennedi Alvarez taking second runner up. Ansley Lounder took third runner up in the division.
Eady Miller was named NYF Princess, with Alayna Cain being named first runner up, Adeline Koeppen second runner up and Emery McCurry third runner up, at Friday’s Needville Youth Fair pageant.
Contributed photos
State competition
Two Needville High School welding students competed at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Industrial Craft Competition, a live, industry-judged event featuring top high school seniors from across the state. In the event, Brad Duarte took second out of 36 competitors in pipe welding, while Henry Garcia placed second out of 50 in structural welding. (Contributed Photo)
Needville Youth Fair parade
2026 Needville Youth Fair Queen Juliette Velasquez waves to the crowd during the NYF parade. The Needville Youth Fair celebrated its 70th anniversary this year. Parade winners were, Christian School House Academy, 1st place; Jada Vasquez, 2nd place; Julieta Velasquez, third place; and Leaps and Bounds, fourth place.
2025 Fair Queen Emma Satsky took part in the always-popular fair parade through downtown Needville.
The Needville ISD bands and flag corp march down mainstreet.
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