Fulshear

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Dr. David Thurmond, Dr. Bryan Ping, Dr. Michelle Hessell

Bottom L-R: Dr. Sadie Bowling, Dr. Cynthia Aswad

Pictured: Dr. Jessica Rivera, Dr. Andrew Faist, Dr. Tyler Ping, Dr. Emily Rimes (Galvin)

Contents & Staff

September 2023

CHAIRMAN, EDITOR & PUBLISHER

Clyde King cking@hartmannews.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Marquita Griffin mgriffin@fbherald.com

ADVERTISING

Stefanie Bartlett sbartlett@fbherald.com

Ruby Polichino ruby@fbherald.com

It's

WRITERS & CONTRIBUTORS

Marquita Griffin

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Melinda Maya mmaya@fbherald.com

Rachel Cavazos rcavazos@fbherald.com

TO ADVERTISE: If you are interested in advertising in the Fulshear Living Monthly, please call The Herald at 281-342-4474 for rates, information and deadlines.

PHOTO & ARTICLE SUBMISSIONS: We are looking for fresh story ideas and enjoy publishing your articles in Fulshear Living Monthly. If you have a story idea or photo to publish, please send your information to mgriffin@fbherald.com with “Fulshear Living” in the subject line.

©2023 Fulshear Living Monthly. All Rights Reserved. Fulshear Living Monthly is a sister publication of Pecan Grove Monthly, Greatwood Monthly and West Fort Bend Living and is a publication of the Fort Bend Herald. Our publishing headquarters is 1902 S. Fourth St., Rosenberg, Texas 77471.

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The Badasserie Empire Authors want to support &

When Amanda Furgiuele was a child, she romanticized writing in the fantasy genre, penning epic novels filled with dragon tales. “And I’m so glad I was wrong, for now away,” she said because, from her experiences of than two decades of entrepreneurship and business consultation, she has “a lot to say” in a separate genre.

Furgiuele’s first book, The Pursuit of Badasserie: How to Create Badass Business Abundance, co-authored with Lynn Howard, was released last year.

“We really wanted to demystify business ownership and show our readers how to build a successful enterprise, so we broke this book down into easily-digestible chapters that focus on taking action and getting results,” Furgiuele said.

Furgiuele and Howard met in Maui at a Business Networking International meeting years ago and “knew early on that [they] would work together.”

“It was obvious from the start that we had similar business and life values and goals,” Furgiuele said. “We were on a Zoom call talking about business in November of 2021 and we both said we needed to write a book — we’ve been saying it for years — and we finally decided we needed to walk the walk and put our words into action.”

encourage

'millions

of entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners’

by MARQUITA GRIFFIN | mgriffin@fbherald.com

BOOK NO. 2 AND MORE TO COME

Howard and Furgiuele didn’t stop with one book. In March 2023, they released their second book, The Pursuit of Badasserie, The Sales Edition: Badass Business Sales Solutions.

“Before our editor had even completed the first round of revisions for book one, my co-author and I were talking about book two. We have over 40 years of combined experience in business and entrepreneurship, so we have a lot to say,” Furgiuele said.

Following what she called a “brain dump,” Furgiuele and Howard created a master list of, what is now, 10 books in the works.

“It took a lot of back-and-forth to finally pick sales to be book two,” Furgiuele said. “But because sales are such an incredibly important part of building a business, and because so many people are afraid of being ‘in sales,’ we thought this would be the perfect follow-up.” Among additional topics, Badass Business Sales Solution discusses sales strategies, closing techniques, mindset shifts, sales psychology, building authentic relationships, networking and referral partners — it “is the definitive guide to getting the sale without selling your soul,” Furgiuele said.

The Pursuit of Badasserie: How to Create Badass Business Abundance was published in July 2022.

The book focuses on “understanding and embracing the entrepreneurial mindset and journey,” Furgiuele said. “We talk about imposter syndrome, perfectionism, growth and fixed mindset, productivity and efficiency, your best clients, delegation, strategic tips and techniques, and getting out of your own way.”

Achievement in business, said Furgiuele, is “adjusting your own mindset and understanding your time worth value and how to work smarter,” so The Pursuit of Badasserie: How to Create Badass Business Abundance “aims to teach new and aspiring business owners how and why they make the decisions that truly matter in creating a business and life they love.”

To celebrate its one-year anniversary, Furgiuele and Howard launched a limited-time giveaway of free, signed, paperback copies of the book while supplies last. While Furgiuele said the book would specifically benefit “new and aspiring business owners, seasoned entrepreneurs, sales teams, and hobbyists looking to up-level” she feels it will aid anyone interested.

For a chance to receive a free paperback edition (after paying shipping and handling), visit www.ThePursuitofBadasserie.com or email info@thepursuitofbadasserie.com.

“Anyone can grab this book,” she said. “We want to help you grow in life and business and there is more to this book than just work.”

“There are seemingly endless negative connotations about being in sales, but the truth is, if you own a business, you are in sales. If you’re on a dating site, you are in sales. If you have ever tried to convince your kid to eat vegetables, you are in sales. We just wanted to demystify the whole sales process and make it less “icky” for anyone in business.”

She notes that while both books complement one another, they’re stand-alone works. And “because business can be daunting and bland,” the books are designed in an “easy-to-follow, engaging, accessible” manner, and the chapters include a “Track Your Badasserie” worksheet so readers can implement strategies immediately.

“It’s kind of a ‘choose-your-own-adventure’ format,” Furgiuele said. “You can open any of our books, read a chapter on the subject you need, then put it in action.”

Subsequent planning between Furgiuele and Howard also led the co-authors to record a podcast and start their first online business course on sales — both of which are additional elements included in what Furgiuele refers to as The Pursuit of Badasserie empire.

“Our next book is slated to release in the first quarter of 2024, with several more on the horizon,” Furgiuele said. “My co-author and I are also working on our own personal books, which should also release at the beginning of next year. Now that I’ve finally gotten out of my own way, I have a million ideas and stories I want to write.

“I can’t wait,” she said enthusiastically.

The Pursuit of Badasserie: How to Create Badass Business Abundance and The Pursuit of Badasserie, The Sales Edition: Badass Business Sales Solutions are available through Amazon and a few independent book stores across the United States and Thailand. The audiobooks are available on Audible. Co-authors are (left) Amanda Furgiuele and (right) Lynn Howard.

Amanda Furgiuele isn’t shy about her appetite for life. She calls herself tenacious, a bit of a workaholic, an unapologetic go-getter, and driven, although she considers “driven” to be an understatement. In addition to becoming an author, she’s balancing her life, which is a combination of motherhood, writing, podcasting, homeschooling, traveling, and multiple busi ness ventures. “I’m not everyone’s cup of tea,” she said. “I’m more like a shot of whiskey.”

Marquita Griffin: Why is The Pursuit of Badasserie: How to Create Badass Business Abundance important to you?

Amanda Furgiuele: Other than the fact that this book is my first and that in and of itself is special, it has opened up a new door for me. I have always wanted to be an author and now I am. I know it’s possible and this is only the beginning. From non-fiction to self-help, children’s literature, and more, I can’t wait to write, write, write. When we published it, we were so excited to hit the Amazon best-seller list in just a matter of hours! Moreover, we just recently discovered that both of our books were chosen as finalists in the prestigious International Book Awards (IBA) for Small Business and Entrepreneurship and Sales, respectively. We knew we loved our books, and it feels pretty incredible to join a distinguished group of past laureates, including Pope Francis, Amy Tan, Anne Lamont, George Sanders, Julie Andrews, Vanessa Williams, Clive Barker, Shark Tank’s Daymon John, Brad Thor, Kitty Kelley, and many others.

MG: You’ve been awarded with the Mayor’s Business Awards for Young Small Business Person of the Year (2019), Better Business Bureau’s Torch Award for Ethics (2018), and the Pacific Business Edge Young Professional of the Year Award (2016); tell me about your entrepreneurial experiences and ventures.

AF: I have a few, but I’ve been working (unofficially) in business consulting for almost 20 years. I also own and co-own two dance and movement studios in Hawaii, am a partner in a Cabaret and Burlesque Company, have a few side hustles and hobby businesses, and have bought and sold multiple businesses in multiple states. AF Consulting Team LLC is one of my current enterprises and I have companies, partners, and clients in mul-

tiple states and countries. It’s a lot, but I love it.

MG: How long have you been an author?

AF: I have been an aspiring author all my life. If you looked at my “what I want to be” posters from kindergarten, which I’m sure my mom still has, it would list “writer” as my future occupation. I started writing for a small local paper when I was fifteen and was a collaborator on a few books and articles in college, but The Pursuit of Badasserie series was my first official publication

MG: How did you and Lynn Howard contribute to and collaborate on these books?

AF: Lynn and I have a unique partnership full of our individual strengths and weaknesses. In a lot of ways, we divide and conquer and honestly, it couldn’t be a better fit. Where she gets out in the world (literally — she’s based in Thailand) and networks, I tackle the behind-the-scenes workings of websites, tech, and editing. We share many core values and both process and work at a high rate of speed and efficiency, which is the foundation of how we are able to do so much. We also trust that the other will “get it done” so we don’t have to micro-manage each other; rather, we motivate each other. In working on the books, we carved out weekly, sometimes daily meetings and check-ins over Zoom, and then wrote our own chapters individually. Each chapter notes who wrote it, and in the audiobooks, we narrate our own chapters.

MG:: What are your hopes for the books?

AF: Is it too early to say world domination? (laughs) Just kidding. But we truly do want to reach millions of entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners. We want to make a difference and leave the world better than we found it. We are building an empire and the books are step one. That’s why we are giving away free, signed copies of our first book (just pay shipping and handling) and offering free master classes in business—to reach as many people as possible. We are also in negotiations to have our books translated into multiple languages. Maybe one day our books will even be required reading for business students and sales teams—I know I would have benefited from reading this information a long, long time ago.

SEPTE MBER

Fourth graders Lennan and Lila Ortiz had a blast at Fulshear High School’s volleyball camp over the summer.

In & Around Fulshear

Fulshear wildlife showcased in new book

The abundant wildlife found throughout Cross Creek Ranch has found a new home — between the pages of a photography book created by residents of the master-planned community.

The new book, “Fulshear and Beyond - Wildlife of Southeast Texas” is the result of hundreds of hours behind the camera by residents Paul Broussard, Keith Turpin, Raymond Choo and David Hollier.

Thirty percent of the photographs in the book were taken in Cross Creek Ranch. The rest are from nearby spots throughout Southeast Texas.

“Cross Creek Ranch planners kept nature habitats in mind when they planned the development,” said Paul Broussard. “The many lakes, Polishing Pond, trails along Flewellen Creek and layout of the neighborhoods allow wildlife to co-exist with Cross Creek Ranch residents.”

It was the required isolation of Covid that had the photographers looking more closely at the wildlife in their own backyard.

‘The pandemic is what brought me back around to spending more time in the outdoors,” said Keith Turpin. “I was looking for something interesting to do and that is when I picked up my cameras and dusted them off after they had sat unused for a few years.”

areas to go for wildlife photography.”

Broussard’s favorites include the photos of birds he took, including an eagle, White-faced Ibis, and mourning doves.

Both Turpin and Broussard hope the book helps give people an appreciation for nature.

“What I hope is that the people enjoy the pictures and diversity of wildlife here in Cross Creek Ranch and the surrounding areas,” Broussard said. “Secondly, that families can enjoy them together and the children are able to put a name to the wildlife they encounter in our area.”

“Fulshear and Beyond - Wildlife of Southeast Texas” can be purchased at local markets and online at texwildlife.square.site.

Construction commences on CCR fire station

The Fort Bend County Emergency Services District #4 has started construction of a permanent fire station within Cross Creek Ranch.

Located along W. Cross Creek Bend north of Morgan Spur Road adjacent to Chrysalis Preschool, the 9,715-square-foot facility will have two bays and will house an engine company that is staffed with four firefighters/EMTs around the clock. Estimated to cost $6,746,432, the station is expected to be complete in June 2024. Johnson Development donated the land for the fire station.

“This, of course, is a great benefit to the thousands of people who make their home here in Cross Creek Ranch, but also to the region,” said Rob Bamford, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Cross Creek Ranch.

The station will have six dorm rooms and three bathrooms. There will also be four pantries located near the kitchen, giving each shift their own pantry. The kitchen will be open to the living room and dining room. There will also be a strength and conditioning room. Rainwater will be collected onsite for irrigation.

Broussard has been shooting wildlife since he retired in 2019.

“My background in photography is what I might call an advanced amateur status,” Broussard said. “I have an RV that I use to go to state parks to take wildlife pictures during migration times. I am in my truck at least once a week looking to take some nature shots around the area.”

The men began posting their work on social media. Soon after, friends and family suggested they publish a book. Each photographer contributed their favorite photographs.

“A few of my favorite photos are the soaring Short Eared Owl, the resting bobcat, the brightly colored Painted Bunting, the approaching alligator, or the dancing squirrel,” Turpin said. “We actually have a page at the end of the book where we listed out our favorite local

“This station is esthetically pleasing to the community and will blend in very nicely,” said Fire Chief Gilbert “Herc” Meier, Jr. “The fire station will be built to the standard that the department has set in place which includes a state-of-the-art alerting system for our firefighters, a patio where they can congregate and get fresh air along with a strength and conditioning room where they can focus on physical fitness. Most importantly, this great location allows us to take care of the Cross Creek Residents quickly. We are excited to be a part of the neighborhood. “We hope you never need us, but we are here if you do.”

Martinez Architects designed the station and Bass Construction — based in Rosenberg, Texas, — is building the facility.

The district opened a temporary fire station in Cross Creek Ranch

Photographers and Cross Creek Ranch residents — from left, Keith Turpin, Raymond Choo, David Hollier and Paul Broussard — recently published “Fulshear and Beyond - Wildlife of Southeast Texas,” a book of local nature photos.

Raymond Choo | This photo by Cross Creek Ranch resident Raymond Choo is one of many nature photos in a new wildlife book authored by Choo and three other residents.

Helping break ground on a permanent fire station in Cross Creek Ranch are, from left, Fire Chief Gilbert “Herc” Meier, Jr., Brandi Crone, Jacob Rice, Ricardo Martinez, Daniel McJunkin, Robert Pechukas, Tommy Kuykendall, Precinct 1 County Commissioner Vincent Morales, Fort Bend County Emergency Services District No. 4 Board President Ed Krenek, Kim Stacy, Bob Bass and Buck Bass.

in January 2022.

“We are excited that we will be in our permanent home in the neighborhood soon,” Meier said.

Fort Bend County Emergency Services District No. 4 DBA Fulshear Simonton Fire Department covers 106 square miles with an estimated population of 77,000 residents. The cities of Fulshear, Simonton, Weston Lakes and outlying areas of Katy and Richmond are served from five stations located throughout the district.

Volunteers needed for Texas Adopt-A-Beach 2023 Coastwide Fall Cleanup

Volunteers are encouraged to participate in the 2023 Texas Adopt-A-Beach Coastwide Fall Cleanup on Sept. 23. This year’s cleanup effort features 24 locations across the Texas coast.

“It was truly an honor to work alongside thousands of volunteers to remove over 73,000 pounds of trash from the Texas coast during the Spring Adopt-A-Beach Coastwide Cleanup in April,” said Texas Land Commissioner Dr. Dawn Buckingham.

“This fall, I challenge Texans and volunteers from across the country to help make the upcoming coastwide cleanup another resounding success by seizing this opportunity to show our appreciation and respect for Texas’ beaches, their ecosystems and our coastal communities. Through the GLO’s Adopt-A-Beach-Program we can continue to build a better future for our beautiful Texas coastline.”

The Adopt-A-Beach program began in the fall of 1986 when 2,800 volunteers picked up 124 tons of trash. Since then, more than 567,000 Texas Adopt-A-Beach volunteers have picked up nearly 10,000 tons of trash from Texas beaches.

To sign up as a volunteer visit TexasAdoptABeach.org.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. to support Fulshear and more Fort Bend communities

On Aug. 6, the Alpha Gamma Alpha Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. was chartered to serve the communities of Wharton, Kendleton, Needville, Rosenberg, Richmond and Fulshear.

The chapter has been active in the community and has established partnerships with Pilgrim Journey Baptist Church, the Fort BendCounty Recycle Center, the Fort Bend Rainbow Room, Legacy Youth, Reliable Oaks Assisted Living Facility, Rosenberg-Richmond Helping

Hands, Inc., and more.

This historic event was the result of 94 women selflessly serving and giving back to communities in Fort Bend and Wharton Counties over the past two years.

Chartered under the leadership of the 26th South Central Regional Director Joya T. Hayes, Alpha Gamma Alpha Omega, became the 143rd chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (AKA) is an international service organization that was founded on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C. in 1908.

It is the oldest Greek letter organization established by African American college-educated women.

Alpha Kappa Alpha is comprised of more than 355,000 members in graduate and undergraduate chapters located in 12 countries including the United States, Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, Dubai, Germany, Japan, Liberia, Nigeria, South Korea, South Africa and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Led by International President & CEO Danette Anthony Reed of Dallas, Texas, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, often is hailed as “America’s premier Greek-letter organization for African American women.”

Charter Members: Holly Arimo Njoku, Kasey Bailey, Secunda Bailey, Yvette Barker, Elainea Bennett, LaTonya Bergeron, Phaedra Best, Wendy Bhola, Henva B. Medlow, Courtnei Brass Hawkins, Kristy Brown, Kia Bruce-Ojiaku, Lavonne Burke, Rhonda Burnett, LaTonya Chalmers, Elizabeth Chandler, Lawanda Coffee, Latecia Coleman, Rossana Deadrick, Janea’ Dennis, Twila Dotson, Alicia Forde, Marsha Franklin, Crystal Giles, Shamia Gipson, Jacqueline Goodwater, Kia Greene, Melissa Griffith, Valorie Hampton Jones, Sade Harrison-Evans, Ilene Harper, Danelle Harris, Danielle Hartford, Trenae Hill, Keniquel Holley, Lauren Johnson, Tamara Johnson, Jearine Jordan, Samantha Keller, Rosalind Kinney, Ainka LeBlanc, Alexis LeBlanc, Ira Lynn Lewis, Orjanel Lewis, Robyn Lincoln, Myisha Lindsey, Stacci Mahadeo, Victoria McDonnell, LaKeisha McGowen, Denise Milton, Jocquel Moore, Chaunci Newell, Ashley Odom, Marva O’Neal, Marilyn Parker, Michele Parker, Margaret Patton, Natasha Platt, Lisa Plummer-Harris, Rachelle Pugh, Nikki Roberts, Amber Robinett, Jamila Rogers, Kodi Rowden, Sonya Scott, Kimberly Scott Guillory, Rhonda Evette Shelby-King, Kelli Smith, Paulette Smith, Melissa Spriggs, Kenetta Stephney, Jordan Thomas, Monica Thompson, Adrienne Tollerson, Jennifer Whitley, Rashalyn Wiggins, Leslie Williams, Tamara Williams, Richerica Wolf, Jacqueline Woods, Shondrell Woodward, Leshawn Wyatt. Chapter Members: Julie Collins, Nicole Evans, Morgan Gaskin Thomas, Charlene-Mary James-Piper, Charli Lennon, Charity Selvey, Barbara Smith, Keisha Sylve, Harriett Thomas, Yolanda Trueheart, Melody Woodard, Charlene Young.

Golf Fore Autism tournament set for Oct.2

The 8th Annual Golf Fore Autism, presented by Landmark Charities at Sweetwater Country Club in Sugar Land is set for Oct. 2. Proceeds benefit the local autism nonprofit, Hope For Three which provides resources and support to families with members living with autism.

Golfing and networking are only part of the fun while taking on both courses, doubling the impact of raising funds and awareness.

The tournament will feature creative contests at various holes, lunch, food on the courses (thanks to Lopez Mexican Restaurant and Smokehouse BBQ), live and silent auctions, raffles, wine pull, and more. The dinner and awards ceremony will immediately follow the tournament.

“Participating in this golf tournament can change a child’s future along with the well-being of their family,” said Jessica Jubin, Hope For Three Philanthropy Director. “Funds raised aid in accessing life-changing treatments and therapies families may not otherwise acquire due to high-cost or inaccessibility.”

Event sponsors, OCuSOFT, Regions Bank, Trusted Senior Specialists, GFL Environmental, Cooltime Services, Albemarle Foundation, Liberty Engine-South Texas, and more supporters offer individual play

for $150, a team of four is $600, and numerous sponsorship and volunteer opportunities are available.

Hope For Three is accepting all donations or bottles of wine valued at $50, or above, for the wine pull. Registration begins at 9 a.m. with breakfast sponsored by First Watch, The Daytime Cafe. The tournament starts at 11 a.m. To register a team, sign up as a sponsor, volunteer, or donate, visit www.hopeforthree.org.

Tanya Justice | From left, Gordon Macintosh-Beatson, JD Hawk, George Shaw, and John Zera attend Golf Fore Autism annually and play in honor or Mr. Shaw’s autistic granddaughter, Daphne. He shared, “Someday I hope to start a trend where more folks put a picture of their special angels on their golf carts.” Daphne rides, in spirit, shot gun with her photo displayed front and center.

Park photo contest closes Sept. 30

Cullinan Park Conservancy invites photographers of all levels to submit photos to its annual photo contest.

The contest is in conjunction with the Conservancy’s 7th annual “Picnic for the Park” luncheon on Friday, October 20th, at Sweetwater Country Club. The photo contest opened in August and closes Friday, September 30.

“We always look forward to the beautiful photos submitted each year and are amazed at the talent. We know it is not easy for the judges to choose, and we appreciate their thoughtful and experienced process for selecting the winners,” said Cullinan Park Conservancy President Keith Borgfeldt. “We thank all the volunteers and the participants for helping make this contest a success, and we invite you to ‘hit us with your best shot.’”

Photographers may submit up to three total photos in the following categories: Birds; Wildlife; Flora (trees, flowers, plants), Landscapes, and Cell Phone Pictures (any subject).

First, second and third places for each category will be announced and promoted on social media. First-prize winners in each category will be awarded a $50 cash prize.

Thanks to photo contest sponsor Oxbow Advisors, a new platform is available this year to help gather, sort, and share photos with the judges of local photographers, park enthusiasts, and stakeholders of Cullinan Park.

Woobox will simplify the application process for participants allowing them to apply and submit photos easily on the Cullinan Park Conservancy website. It will also allow the public to vote on their favorite photo.

The winner of this “People’s Choice” poll will also receive a $50 cash prize.

Anyone can participate in the photo contest, and while there is no entry fee, all photographs must be taken at Cullinan Park, located just north of Sugar Land Regional Airport on Highway 6 in Sugar Land. The photos may be taken at any time of year.

For complete details and contest rules, visit www.cullinanparkconservancy.org/contest.

Annual spelling bee supports literacy organization’s efforts

The Literacy Council of Fort Bend County announced that “the beehive is buzzing” in preparation for the 14th annual Great Grown-Up Spelling Bee, set for 6 p.m. Sept. 14 at the Quail Valley Golf Course.

Presented by CenterPoint Energy & Houston Federal Credit Union, the spelling bee benefits the Literary Council, a local nonprofit that provides literacy classes and resources through thousands of volunteer tutors.

Last year, the bee raised more than $29,000 to provide more than 13,000 hours of instruction to over 400 students in our community who enrolled in English as a Second Language, US Citizenship, High School Equivalency or Adult Basic Literacy courses.

“We would greatly appreciate your support of the Literacy Council and the students we serve,” nonprofit officials said.

For more information visit www.ftbendliteracy.org.

Find books and bargains at the library

For book lovers looking for deals, the Friends of the George Memorial Library organization has long had an ongoing book sale in the lobby of the library, located at 1001 Golfview in Richmond.

People who love books, people who love bargains, and people who need to get rid of some spare change will find low prices on books for children and teens, fiction and non-fiction books for adults, classics, graphic novels, inspirational books, romance novels, science fiction, and textbooks, as well as audiobooks, music CDs, movie DVDs, and even puzzles. The selection also includes large-print books and books in Spanish.

Prices of items in the book sale range from 50¢ for paperback children’s books to $1.50 for hardback fiction books. A library card is not required to shop at the Friends’ book sale.

Money raised by the Friends of the Library Book Sale has provided funding for special adult and children’s programs, cultural events, and staff development and continuing-education programs for library employees.

Donations of gently-used books, audio CDs, DVDs, and puzzles are always welcome and may be taken to the library during regular business hours. All contributions are tax-deductible.

Items that cannot be accepted include cassettes, VHS tapes, encyclopedias, legal statutes, case books, National Geographic and other magazines, or books that are damp, moldy, dirty, or insect-ridden.

The Friends of the Library groups are nonprofit, all-volunteer organizations. New members are always welcome.

Friends of the Library members support the library in a variety of ways. Some members are able to donate their time and expertise to support, promote, raise awareness of their libraries, and augment the resources of their libraries. They do this through advocacy and through fundraising (usually book sales).

For those with limited time, simply becoming a member and paying annual membership dues is a wonderful way to show support of the library.

For information on how to become a Friend of the George Memorial Library, ask for an application at the library, visit www.fortbend.lib. tx.us. Call George Memorial Library at 281-342-4455 or the library system’s Communications Office at 281-633-4734 for assistance.

SFestive fall-time lineup launches

ugar Land city officials have announced upcoming festive, family-friendly and fun events starting with the city's first-ever Parking Day experience on Friday, Sept. 15, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., in Sugar Land Town Square, 2700 Town Center Blvd. North. PARK(ing) Day is an annual international event where the public collaborates to temporarily transform parking spaces into small parks to

demonstrate the value of parks and open spaces. This community event will reimagine public spaces, foster community and business engagement, and promote team building. Applications are available now and will be accepted throughout the month of August from community members ready to create a park out of a parking space for the day. There is no theme for PARK(ing) Day and imagination is encouraged.

A little more than a week later, Sugar Land Town Square will serve as the fall backdrop for the Sugar Land Fall Fest on Saturday, Sept. 23, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This festive event will include fall activities, an artisans market, food and entertainment, and an assortment of attractions. The main stage will energize viewers with upbeat music and dance performances. A family fun zone with additional activities will feature DIY art and craft projects facilitated by favorite Sugar Land businesses and community organizations.

Next up is the pups’ favorite event within the Parks Event Series, Yappy Hour. Featuring pet-friendly activities, music and a variety of food and beverages on Thursday, Oct. 19, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., at Pawm Springs Dog Park, located inside Sugar Land Memorial Park at 15300 University Blvd. Bring pets along for free activities and entertainment while grabbing a bite to eat.

Back by popular demand is the Sugar Land Haunted House to round out the fall season. The Imperial Park Recreation Center, 234 Matlage Way, will transform into a Haunted House for the entire weekend of Friday-Sunday, Oct. 27-29. Don’t miss out on the fun and freight. Time and ticketing information will be made available soon.

For more information about events or to become an event sponsor, contact Sugar Land Parks and Recreation Department at 281-2752825 or visit www.sugarlandtx.gov/specialevents.Follow Sugar Land Parks and Recreation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @SugarLandParks.

melted and smooth, stirring after each interval.

5Coat each side of the skewered bacon with the chocolate mixture using a pastry brush. Place coated bacon on a sheet of waxed paper. Refrigerate until firm, at least 30 minutes. Store in refrigerator until ready to serve.

Chocolate-Covered Bacon

INGREDIENTS

12 slices thick-cut bacon

12 wooden skewers

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

1 tablespoon vegetable shortening

DIRECTIONS

1Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Place a baking rack on top of a large baking sheet.

2Thread each slice of bacon onto a skewer; place skewered bacon on the baking rack.

Corn Dogs

INGREDIENTS

1 cup yellow cornmeal

1 cup all-purpose flour

¼ cup white sugar

4 teaspoons baking powder

2 (16 ounce) packages beef frankfurters

16 wooden skewers

INSTRUCTIONS

1Combine cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl; stir in milk and egg to make a batter.

2Heat oil in a deep fryer or large saucepan to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Meanwhile, pat frankfurters dry and insert a skewer into each one. Roll frankfurters in batter until well coated.

3Fry 2 or 3 corn dogs at a time in preheated oil until lightly browned, about 3 min-

3

Bake bacon in the preheated oven until crisp; 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from oven and cool completely.

4Combine chocolate chips and shortening in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in the microwave in 30-second intervals until chocolate is

¼ teaspoon salt

⅛ teaspoon black pepper

1 cup milk

1 egg

1 quart vegetable oil for frying

utes. Drain on paper towels.

Fried Ice Cream

INGREDIENTS

1 quart vanilla ice cream

like to receive convenient mail delivery of the Fort Bend Herald. Please start my 13 week

and

3 cups crushed cornflakes cereal

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

3 egg whites

2 quarts oil for frying

DIRECTIONS

1Scoop ice cream into eight 1/2-cup-sized balls. Place on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, about 1 hour.

2Combine cornflakes and cinnamon in a shallow dish. Beat egg whites until foamy in a separate bowl.

3Roll ice cream balls in egg whites, then in cornflakes, covering ice cream completely. Repeat if necessary. Freeze again until firm, about 3 hours.

4Heat oil in a deep-fryer or large, heavy saucepan to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

5Using a basket or slotted spoon, fry ice cream balls 1 or 2 at a time in hot oil until golden, 10 to 15 seconds. Drain quickly on paper towels and serve immediately.

Vintage Lemonade INGREDIENTS

5 lemons

1 ¼ cups white sugar

1 ¼ quarts water

DIRECTIONS

1Peel the rinds from the 5 lemons and cut them into 1/2 inch slices. Set the lemons aside.

2Place the rinds in a bowl and sprinkle the sugar over them. Let this stand for about one hour, so that the sugar begins to soak up the oils from the lemons.

3Bring water to a boil in a covered saucepan and then pour the hot water over the sugared lemon rinds. Allow this mixture to cool for 20 minutes and then remove the rinds.

4Squeeze the lemons into another bowl. Pour the juice through a strainer into the sugar mixture. Stir well, pour into pitcher and pop it in the fridge! Serve with ice cubes.

Strawberry Lemonade Shaved Ice INGREDIENTS

6 tablespoons lemon juice

6 tablespoons white sugar

3 large fresh strawberries, finely chopped 21 large ice cubes

DIRECTIONS

1Mix lemon juice and sugar in a bowl until sugar is dissolved.

2Put strawberries in a strainer and place over the bowl. Mash berries against the strainer to extract their juice. Remove strainer and discard mashed berries. Mix strawberry juice with lemonade.

3Place ice cubes into a shaved ice machine or snow cone maker. Shave ice into serving bowls and pour strawberry-lemonade over top.

Taylor Abshier to discuss safeguarding waterfowl and wetlands in a free public program

Texas Master Naturalist Coastal Prairie Chapter will present the program, “Safeguarding Waterfowl and Wetlands: Unraveling the Mission of Ducks Unlimited,” from 7-9 p.m. Sept. 7, at the Rosenberg Civic Center. Guests can arrive at 6 p.m. for refreshments and social time.

Coastal Prairie Chapter programs are free and open to the public. The presentation will be led by Taylor Abshier, Regional Biologist on staff at Ducks Unlimited.

He will delve into the fascinating world of protecting waterfowl and wetlands. In his talk, “Safeguarding Waterfowl and Wetlands: Unraveling the Mission of Ducks Unlimited,” Taylor will shed light on the critical efforts undertaken by Ducks Unlimited, a renowned organization committed to preserving and protecting our natural habitats.

Taylor’s passion for wildlife conservation and his in-depth knowledge of wetland ecosystems will offer attendees a unique perspective on the challenges faced by waterfowl and the importance of wetland conservation. Through captivating stories and compelling data, he will reveal the profound impact Ducks Unlimited has had in preserving these vital habitats, ensuring the survival of countless waterfowl species.

“Prepare to be inspired as Taylor shares the successes, challenges, and ongoing initiatives of Ducks Unlimited, showcasing their tireless dedication to the environment and the creatures that call wetlands home,” the chapter stated. “Whether you’re an avid nature lover, conservationist, or simply curious about the incredible work being done to protect our natural world, this presentation is not to be missed.”.

For more information about the Texas Master Naturalist Coastal Prairie Chapter visit txmn.org. For more information about Ducks Unlimited, visit www.ducks.org.

Need compost? Learn how to make it, yourself

On Sept. 9 from 9 -10:30 a.m. the Fort Bend County Master Gardeners and the Fort Bend County AgriLife Extension will present “Grow Your Own – Composting Class” in person at Bud O’Shieles Community Center in Rosenberg.

“Making your own compost can be a fun and rewarding activity,” organizers said. “There are many advantages to making compost, including a healthier garden and less yard waste going to a landfill.” Attendees will learn how to easily make their own compost using kitch-

en, yard and garden items. Register online at fortbend.agrilife.org.

Fall, they say, is for planting

The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Fort Bend County, along with the Fort Bend County Master Gardeners, are offering Landscape Success, an 8-class online program to help create and maintain beautiful home landscapes. The class “Fall is for Planting,” will be held 2-3:30 p.m. virtually on Zoom. Register in advance at fbmg.org/events. “Fall is a great time to plant so the plants or trees will have sufficient time to establish roots before the cold weather sets in,” officials stated. “We will cover the best practices on how to get the most out of your fall planting.”

Have gardening questions? Ask a master!

Do you have questions about your home landscape and plants? Fort Bend County Master Gardeners have a group of dedicated volunteers who staff a help desk to answer gardening-related questions, and they specialize in researching horticultural information specific to the Fort Bend County area.

They can also provide the public with reference material.

Help desk volunteers follow these guiding principles:

• Answers must be factual with minimal or no negative effect on the environment.

• All recommendations must be based on scientific research from Texas A & M, Land Grant Universities, horticultural books or publications.

• Recommendations should follow the Integrated Pest Management approach.

The help desk is staffed most non-holiday weekdays from 9 a.m. to noon. People are encouraged to send an email and to include photos when possible. Or, they can call and leave a voicemail. If anyone wants an in-person visit with someone at the help desk, call first to ensure someone is staffing the help desk. Please keep in mind: If you bring a specimen to show the master gardener, no citrus or citrus products are allowed on the property due to the citrus quarantines. For more information, visit fbmg.org.

Nursing excellence recognized nationwide.

Excellent care stands out. That’s why Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital has earned a Magnet designation for nursing excellence. And we’re the only hospital in Katy to receive the honor. Our nursing staff’s dedication, experience and continuous pursuit of excellence help to ensure that every patient and every family member receive high-quality, compassionate care.

memorialhermann.org/katy

Advancing health. Personalizing care.