Hometown Heroes: Jimmy Cantu

Investing energy and support into his community feels as organic to Jimmy Cantu as the sun rising and setting each day, because there is a beautiful balance to it. “When you live in and work in the same community, it just seems natural to give back to it,” said Cantu, 48. “When you see the needs of...

Hometown Heroes: Bradley Stavinoha

By M.G. Angulo – Bradley Stavinoha is a genuine man with simple motives. He loves to kiss his beautiful wife hello and goodbye, is grateful for his growing children  and values his work as an independent insurance agent and owner of Needville Insurance Agency. And — to no surprise of anyone who...

Hometown Heroes: Lupe and Lee Cabello

By M.G. Angulo – Born and raised in Rosenberg and later to become a business owner in and even lead the city, Lupe Uresti Cabello can easily speak on the climate of Rosenberg. “I love my city. It’s a wonderful community with rich, historic roots,” she said. “And I want to continue to make it a...

Hometown Heroes: Dustin Vacek

Although he has been involved in his community for most of his life, Dustin Vacek said his efforts increased three years ago, mainly because he’s a realtor with RE/MAX Opportunities. “I got into real estate because I love to help people, and this is something I now get to do on a daily basis,” said the...

Hometown Heroes: Frank Nunez

By M.G. Angulo – What Frank Nunez most enjoys about his work is witnessing the marvels of nature, which he undoubtedly considers God’s work. The owner of Frank’s Nursery at 302 FM 359 in Richmond, Nunez spends his days caring for and selling his plants, flowers, mulch and garden accessories. And...

Hometown Heroes: Shelly Wendt & Scott Wieghat

By M.G. Angulo – In the eyes of longtime Needville residents Shelly Wendt and Scott Wieghat, children are the core of their volunteering efforts. “Volunteering helps teach children the value of work ethic and supporting their community,” said Wendt. “When you teach young members of the community...

Hometown Heroes: Quart Graves

By M.G. Angulo – Quart Graves considers his borrowed time precious beyond means. He can recall vividly that phone call he received from his doctor in 1997 informing him that he had metastatic cancer. That was it, he thought. He would lose what he most treasured in his life: his wife Carrie of 35 years...

Hometown Heroes: Renee Butler

By M.G. Angulo – It could seem odd that a woman who started life not too captivated by history is now consumed by it. “I did make As and Bs in the course during school, but I just didn’t care for it,” said 56-year-old Renee Butler with a slight laugh. Still, local history became increasingly...

Hometown Heroes: Victoria Bedo

By M.G. Angulo – The most memorable wedding anniversary Victoria Bedo ever experienced surprisingly came in the midst of one of the most turbulent times in Fort Bend County: the devastation of Hurricane Harvey. Roads and neighborhoods were flooded, people were displaced from their homes and all around...

Hometown Heroes: Cynthia Barratt

By M.G. Angulo – A few months ago Cynthia Barratt was named Child Advocate of the Year, which is a honor she is proud of, not simply because the recognition, but rather because it confirms that she is achieving what she set out to do decades ago: to support the community around her. “I have been...