Pecan Grove

6 16

Contents and Staff

OctOber 2023

6 FEATURE STORY

As it continues its educational work in the community, Fort Bend Hope will celebrate all the heroes in its realm with its first fundraising gala this month. Expect a beautiful evening and to hear from keynote speaker Geoff Blum.

10 TALK OF THE TOWN

The Fort Bend County Farm Bureau encourages community organizations, businesses, and individuals to join its mission to combat food insecurity.

14 CUISINE

18

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

WRITERS & CONTRIBUTORS

Marquita Griffin

Brandon Norvell

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Melinda Maya mmaya@fbherald.com

Rachel Cavazos rcavazos@fbherald.com

When thinking of something sweet, pumpkin can make a tasty treat.

TO ADVERTISE

If you are interested in advertising in the Pecan Grove Monthly, please call 281-342-4474 for rates, information and deadlines.

PHOTO & ARTICLE SUBMISSIONS

We are looking for fresh story ideas and enjoy publishing your articles in the Pecan Grove Monthly. If you have an story idea or photo to publish please send your information to mgriffin@fbherald.com with “Pecan Grove Monthly” in the subject line.

©2022 Pecan Grove Monthly. All Rights Reserved. Pecan Grove Monthly is a sister publication of Fulshear Living Monthly, Greatwood Monthly, West Fort Bend Living and is a publication of the Fort Bend Herald. Our publishing headquarters is 1902 S. Fourth Street, Rosenberg Texas 77471.

During the first week of Fort Bend Hope’s Reading Summer Camp, Sierra Ridley with the Natural Science Museum, taught the students about butterflies. In the following weeks, the children experienced cooking, art, science and crafts activities, watched movies and heard from experts like NASA and Brazos Bend State Park representatives.

In addition to its summer camp for the children, Fort Bend Hope’s Conversational ESL classes were also in session this summer.

Volunteers, like the ones during the summer reading camp, are vital to the health and impact of the nonprofit.

Want to Volunteer?

As a volunteer-driven organization, Fort Bend Hope has "lots of places a volunteer can plug in. You could help a child with homework or reading in our after-school program. You can teach a class in ESL, GED, or something else. If you would rather work behind the scenes, we could use help making review videos for ESL, event organization, maintaining our library and so much more,” said Executive Director Adam Yates. “There are lots of different ways that people can use their gifts and talents to make a difference in someone’s life. The saying that a rising tide lifts all boats is true. If you want to help, bring the tide in for this community, come volunteer with us. I promise you will be blessed.” Visit www.fortbendhope.org.

Fall into Fun with the Fair, Rodeo, & Dostal’s Jewelry.

NO APPOINTMENT NEEDED!

JEWELRY IS OUR SPECIALTY BUT WE DON’T STOP THERE!!

Let us help complete the look.

ESTATE SALE! One day only... September 21, 2023 10am—7pm Save The Date

Talk of the Town

Fort Bend County Farm Bureau donates $1,000 of food to community food banks

To support the Texas Farm Bureau Food Connection Program, Fort Bend County Farm Bureau has stepped forward to make a significant contribution to local food banks. The organization donated more than $1,000 worth of food to three prominent Fort Bend County food banks.

The recipients of the donation include Rosenberg-Richmond Helping Hands, East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry, and Needville Ministerial Alliance Food Pantry - Hosted by Immanuel Evangelical Church. The $1,000-plus worth of food donations will help provide essential food supplies to individuals and families who are struggling to put food on their tables.

“Farmers and ranchers are an integral part of our community, and we understand the importance of supporting one another,” said John Cotterell, the President of Fort Bend County Farm Bureau. “Especially in challenging times, it’s essential that we come together as a community to ensure that no one goes hungry. This donation is one of the ways we contribute to the well-being of our neighbors.”

Fort Bend County Farm Bureau encourages other community organizations, businesses, and individuals to join them in their mission to combat food insecurity.

Fort Bend County Farm Bureau is a nonprofit organization that represents the interests of local farmers and ranchers and is committed to being the “voice of agriculture” in Fort Bend County.

OutRun Hunger 5K Returns to Harvest Green

Runners and walkers have another chance to take a bite out of hunger with the return of the OutRun Hunger 5K Family Walk & Run to Harvest Green Saturday, Oct. 7.

The 6th annual race begins with an 8:30 a.m. kid’s run at the Farmhouse, 3400 Harvest Corner Drive, followed by a family 5K race at 9 a.m.

A “Run and Fundraise” option will allow people to sponsor participants, and the top three finishers in each age bracket will receive medals. A post-race party will feature a bounce house, face painters, vendors and balloons. All proceeds benefit the East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry. Participants can register at runsignup.com/Race/TX/Richmond/5thAnnualOutRunHunger5K.

FBJSL committee accepting assistance fund applications

In preparation for the 2023-2024 league year, the Fort Bend Junior Service League has revealed the members of the Beneficiary Review Committee. This year’s members are Alexis Geisler and Jennifer Semeyn as Co-Chairs, members Monique Brown, Jennifer Bombach, Susan Chevalier, Vernique Francis, Becky Green, Warraine Jolivet, Melissa Smalling, and Kelsea Weatherford as board liaison.

And now, the FBJSL’s Beneficiary Review Committee is accepting Community Assistance Fund applications for $5,000 or less. This fund allows the league to make multiple small grants to local Fort Bend County nonprofit organizations. The CAF is funded through FBJSL’s annual Sugar Plum Market.

For more information on applying for a CAF grant, visit www. fbjsl.org/requestsupport. For more information about the Sugar Plum Market, visit www.sugarplummarket.com.

Sabrina Greenlee to speak at Annual Healing & Hope Luncheon

S.M.O.O.O.T.H. founder Sabrina Greenlee will speak at an upcoming luncheon focused on healing and hope for domestic and sexual assault survivors in Fort Bend.

Following an acid attack that blinded her in 2002, Greenlee battled many challenges before founding a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women impacted by domestic violence (S.M.O.O.O.T.H.).

On Oct. 17, as the featured speaker at the Fort Bend Women’s Center 6th Annual

Sabrina Greenlee

Fort Bend County Farm Bureau donated food to three Fort Bend County food pantries. County Farm Bureau representatives load food to be delivered by board members Ross Werlla, Lois Meyer, and John Cotterell.

Healing & Hope Luncheon which is the center’s annual keynote event in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Greenlee will share how she transformed from victim to victor.

The luncheon is set for 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Houston Marriott Sugar Land, 16090 City Walk, and will benefit the Fort Bend Women’s Center.

“Healing & Hope [...] will provide a powerful testimonial of courage, strength, and resilience,” stated Fort Bend Women’s Center officials. “You will be inspired by the tenacity of a woman, who despite all odds, continued to persevere by not just surviving, but thriving.”

For more information, visit fbwc.org.

Visitors thrilled with $120 million EpiCenter

by NICK IRENE | nirene@fbherald.com

The Fort Bend EpiCenter is open for business at 28505 Southwest Freeway in Rosenberg.

The open house months ago showcased games, prizes, food, and an opportunity for guests to snap photos with the Houston Astros’ World Series championship trophy.

During ribbon-cutting ceremony, General Manager Toby Wyman attributed the EpiCenter’s realization to the diligent work of elected officials and anticipated providing the community with exceptional must-see events.

“The grand opening weekend of the Fort Bend County Epicenter was truly an epic experience,” Wyman expressed. “We are excited to introduce this exceptional venue to the community, and our partners have been crucial in bringing this to fruition. We appreciate the support and are enthusiastic about presenting a range of incredible events in Fort Bend County.”

The $120 million, 230,000-square-foot sports and entertainment venue has a capacity of up to 10,000 guests in the main arena, featuring a 38,000-square-foot outdoor pavilion, six basketball courts, and 12 volleyball courts.

The Fort Bend Commissioners Court approved the project in 2021, and in 2022, they agreed to allocate up to $26.78 million for the facility’s operating expenses during its initial years. Stonehenge LLC initiated construction in February 2022.

The venue is fully equipped to accommodate concerts, rodeo events, graduation ceremonies, sports events, and more. One of the first events scheduled for the complex was the inaugural Fort Bend County Festival of One.

The complex will also serve as the venue for Fort Bend and Lamar Consolidated ISD graduations, according to George.

Among the major events slated to take place within the arena are All Elite Wrestling’s Dynamite and Rampage tapings on Oct. 18, airing on TBS. Wyman also mentioned that the arena will host an ESPN Top Rank boxing fight and a Hot Wheels Monster Truck show.

“This will be an asset to the county for years to come,” Precinct 1 Commissioner Vincent Morales said during the public opening.

Eric Garcia and Ender Friloux, owners of Uncanny Comics and Games in Rosenberg, said they were impressed with the size and amenities of the EpiCenter.

“I’m super excited about all the concerts and exhibitions that will start coming to Rosenberg now because of the EpiCenter,” Garza said.

Friloux said he expects local businesses to benefit from the EpiCenter as visitors to town stop and dine, gas up or stay the night.

Find the perfect pumpkin at the ‘Pumpkin Patch Church’

by MARQUITA GRIFFIN | mgriffin@fbherald.com

The scorching summer temperatures punished Fort Bend County residents for months. Almost seemingly without end, days and weeks of rolling and dangerous heat with no respite from rain or even cooler evening temperatures. But as always, the summer season

shifts into another, the autumn, and as Mother Nature slowly changes her garments for the season, Holy Cross Episcopal Church is also preparing with a community event that captures the essence of the fall season — the Holy Cross Pumpkin Patch.

The local patch attracts more than pumpkin pursuers; the tradition also draws enthusiastic people who want to volunteer. In fact, the volunteer opportunities at the patch often fill expeditiously, said the Rev. Scott Thompson of Holy Cross Episcopal Church.

Known as the largest pumpkin patch in the county, the Holy Cross Pumpkin

Patch is a Fort Bend fall favorite, so much so that the church is often called “The Pumpkin Patch Church.”

“Many families have been coming to the pumpkin patch for years,” said Rev. Thompson. “And some children have literally been coming to the pumpkin patch the whole of their life.”

With the exception of 2020 and 2021, the pumpkin patch launched in 2007 and continues every fall, featuring a variety of pumpkins for sale, as well as family-friendly activities, music and food.

The 15th annual Holy Cross Pumpkin Patch will run for the last three weekends in October: Oct. 14, 15, 21, 22, 28 and 29 at the church at 5653 West Riverpark Drive in Sugar Land. The patch is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays (Oct. 14, 21 and 28) and noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays (Oct. 15, 22 and 29). There is no admission fee. For more information visit holycrosschurch.com.

Rev. Thompson said the pumpkin patch is “a happy place” that draws thousands of people. “It’s a total blast,” he said. “Attendees come from

they spend several hours at the patch, enjoying food, live entertainment, taking family photos with the pumpkins, and finding the perfect pumpkin to take home.”

BRING ON THE PUMPKINS

Before opening to the public, however, Holy Cross Episcopal Church will receive a semi-truck with 40,000 pounds of pumpkins from the Navajo Reservation in Farmington, New Mexico. Those pumpkins are then unloaded by church members and student volunteers from several area high schools.

“For members and volunteers, the Pumpkin Patch formally begins on unloading day when long lines are formed, and pumpkins are passed from one volunteer to another and placed on pallets in the field located behind the church on the northwest corner of the Grand Parkway and River Park Drive,” Rev. Thompson explained.

Last year, when the pumpkin patch came out of a two-year hiatus because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Rev. Thompson said “lots of laughs and fun is had” during the unloading process, but calculated care of the pumpkins is also included during that day. Pumpkins aren’t handled by their stems, and relay lines are used to carefully place the pumpkins on pallets.

The Holy Cross Pumpkin Patch features pumpkins and gourds that differ in shape, texture and size, the latter of which, determines the pumpkin’s price.

When guests find their favorite pumpkin, they can take it to the pricing table, and volunteers will help size it against the sample pumpkins that will showcase a price.

“The sizes of the pumpkins are wide-ranging from very small to very large and everything in between,” said Rev. Thompson. “There is also a large assortment of colorful gourds.”

SERVING IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE

Aside from purchasing a pumpkin, the patch is further enriched

by its hayrides, bounce house, photo booth, pumpkin decorating, silent auction with sports memorabilia and daily drawing for a complimentary family entertainment product.

The church will also host a Blessing of The Animals each Saturday at noon.

Live entertainment, music, dancing and food, including smoked brisket, pulled pork, sausage on a stick, hot dogs, nachos, cotton candy, popcorn, snow cones and baked goods, are also included in the experience.

“The patch features a wide range of food items, fun activities, and live entertainment,” Rev.Thompson said before explaining that the patch, while full of fun for the family, provides another purpose.

“Each concession is run by a church ministry group that gives 10% of its proceeds to an outside charitable organization,” he said.

Such charities include Compassion International, Samaritan’s Purse, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the Pregnancy Resource Center in Fort Bend County, Lord of the Streets Mission in Houston and Free the Captives, which is ministering to formerly sex-trafficked young women in Harris County.

“Many people benefit from the sales of the pumpkins, food, and activities,” he said.

This demonstration of a servant’s heart, along with being labeled as the largest pumpkin patch in Fort Bend County, is perhaps why the Holy Cross Pumpkin Patch is a beloved community tradition.

“People love coming to patch,” Rev. Thompson said. “And church members and volunteers love meeting and serving those who attend.”

Art &

The season for Sugar Plum Market is fast approaching

Since September, excitement has been brewing behind an upcoming Fort Bend County holiday staple — the Sugar Plum Market.

This popular annual shopping event held at the Stafford Centre in Stafford features more than 100 vendors and lunch options provided by Chick-fil-A Sugar Land with refreshment choices such as water, soft drinks and adult beverages sponsored by Molson Coors Beverage Company.

Presented by Fort Bend Junior Service League and Title Sponsor Memorial Hermann Sugar Land, the 22nd annual Sugar Plum Market will open to the public Nov. 2-4, with the special Preview Night held on Nov. 1.

The hours are: Nov. 2 from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Nov. 3 from 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Nov. 4 from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m..

Preview Night tickets are $100 and include a complimentary drink ticket, bites of holiday cuisine, an exclusive shopping bag and entry to one general market shopping day to come back either Thursday, Friday, or Saturday.

General Admission tickets are available for pre-sale online at sugarplummarket.com for $12. Tickets will be sold at the box office during the market for $15.

Tickets can also be purchased in bulk. Valet parking is available for $15 via cash or credit card, as well as free general parking. Please contact tickets@sugarplummarket.com for questions or to inquire about bulk ticket orders.

The Sugar Plum Market is the signature fundraising event for the Fort Bend Junior Service League and all proceeds raised through sponsorships, ticket sales, vendor fees, etc., benefit Fort Bend County nonprofits. Since its inception in 2001, the market has raised more than $4.4 million.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available, and the Sugar Plum Committee is also seeking donations for its Premium Raffle. Contact sponsors@fbjsl.com and/or raffle@fbjsl.com to find out more information. Keep up with the latest news and updates by following Sugar Plum Market on Instagram and Facebook.

Fiction, nonfiction, collectible sets, CDs and more finds at library book sale

The Friends of the University Branch Library will host a Fall Book Sale on Saturday, Oct. 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., in Meeting Room 1 of the library, located at 14010 University Blvd in Sugar Land, on the UH campus.

People who love books, people who love bargains, and people who need to get rid of some spare change will find a lot in common at the book sale, where they will discover adult and children’s books, all at prices that are hard to beat.

Items of special interest at this book sale include jazz CDs (Dave Brubeck, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Thelonious Monk); religious studies and inspirational books; literature anthologies; and collectible sets.

Also available are adult fiction and nonfiction books, foreign-language books (especially Chinese), infant and toddler books, Young Adult teen and “tween” selections, homeschool materials and textbooks, and special-interest books.

Prices range from 50¢ to $2.00, with special items slightly higher. Checks or cash are accepted; bills larger than $20 cannot be accepted.

For more information, visit www.fortbend.lib.tx.us.

In addition to the fall books sale, the community can enjoy programs at the George Memorial Library in Richmond. For more information, visit Fort Bend County Libraries website at www.fortbend.lib.tx.us or call George Memorial Library (281-342-4455).

CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS:

Craft packets will be given out at the end of each program, so that children may take them home to enjoy. The library announced Pajama Night Story Time, After-School Breaks, and Creative Connections will resume in September.

Family Story Time

When: Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10:15 to 10:45 a.m. in the Meeting Room.

What: Families with children of all ages will enjoy stories, songs, and action rhymes. Oct. 4 and 5 – Community Helpers; Oct. 11 and 12 – Elephants; Oct. 18 and 19 – Things That Fly. There will be no programs on Oct. 25 and 26.

Pajama Night Story Time

When: Thursdays at 6-6:30 p.m.

What: Gives families an evening option for some activities presented during the day time. The themes are the same as those for Family Story Time each week. This activity is for all ages. This activity will not take place on Oct. 26.

Continued on page 21

New to fall edible gardening?

by SANDRA GRAY | Fort Bend Master Gardener

If you have moved to this area from a more northern climate, you might be surprised to learn that it is common in the Houston area to plant two vegetable gardens a year. How lucky are we?

Not all fruits and vegetables are planted in both seasons. For example, okra, pumpkins, and watermelons are planted only in the summer months while lettuce and spinach are usually only grown during the fall planting. However, many vegetables can be grown in both spring and fall gardens. Some, like tomatoes, are perennials but are planted twice to increase production.

There are some differences in how the plants grow at different times of the year. Carrots are typically planted from mid-January to early March and late August to early November. It then takes about 70-80 days for them to mature (this varies by variety). However, autumn carrots grow slightly slower as the weather cools, which results in a sweeter taste. Others, like ‘Green Magic’ Broccoli (a Texas Superstar), can be grown in both seasons but perform better in cool growing conditions.

Other plants, such as the Celebrity tomato (a Texas Superstar plant), may be grown in both seasons but are more vulnerable to pests in fall because the insects are more plentiful in fall than ear-

ly spring. This should not dissuade you from growing tomatoes in the fall but you need to be vigilant about pests and diseases.

Some vegetables that do particularly well in fall gardens are:

Leafy greens: arugula, cabbage, endive, kale, lettuce, spinach, Swiss chard

Root vegetables: beets, carrots, leeks, radishes, rutabagas, turnips

Cruciferous vegetables: broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower.

For all vegetables, you will have more success if you:

Plant in sunny locations

Avoid using pesticides

Choose the right varieties for your locale

Prepare the soil well by breaking up the top 10” and adding compost and fertilizer

Add flowers to attract pollinators

Water adequately

Fertilize correctly (no lawn fertilizer!)

Follow the directions for the varieties you plant.

Happy gardening!

Cuisine Corner

Pumpkin Cheesecake with Gingersnap Crust

INGREDIENTS

CRUST

1½ cups gingersnap cookie crumbs

½ cup finely chopped hazelnuts

6 Tbs unsalted butter, melted ¼ cup sugar

FILLING

1½ pounds cream cheese, at room temperature

½ cup packed light brown sugar

¼ cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

2 large egg yolks

1½ Tbs all-purpose flour

2 tsp pumpkin pie spice

1 cup solid-pack pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie mix)

½ cup créme fraîche, homemade (see below) or store-bought, or sour cream

2 tsp pure vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS

1Preheat the oven to 350 F. Lightly butter an 8- or 8½-inch springform pan.

2To make the crust: Stir together all of the ingredients in a medium bowl until the crumbs are moistened. Press the mixture over the bottom and up the sides of the pan. Bake the crust for 10 minutes. Let cool completely on a wire rack. Increase the oven temperature to 425 F.

3To make the filling: With an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the cream cheese, brown sugar and granulated sugar in a large deep bowl until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs and then the egg yolks one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the flour and pumpkin pie spice and beat on low speed until just combined. Add the pumpkin purée, créme fraîche and vanilla, and beat until just combined. Pour the filling into the shell.

4Place the cheesecake on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 250 F and continue baking for 1 hour.

5Turn the oven off and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 21/2 hours. Then transfer to a wire rack and let cool to room temperature.

6Refrigerate, tightly covered, for at least 10 hours, until thoroughly chilled and

set, or for up to 2 days.

7To serve, run a knife around the side of the cheesecake and remove the side of the pan. Serve slightly chilled or at room temperature, cut into thin wedges with a sharp knife dipped into hot water and wiped dry after each cut.

TO MAKE THE CRÉME FRAÎCHE

½ cup heavy whipping cream

½ cup créme fraîche or sour cream with live cultures

DIRECTIONS

Pour the cream into a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid and spoon in the créme fraîche. Let sit on the counter, with the lid slightly ajar, until the mixture thickens, from 4 to 24 hours, depending on the weather. Refrigerate, tightly covered, until ready to use

5Spread batter evenly into an ungreased 10x15-inch jelly roll pan.

6Bake in the preheated oven until cake bounces back when gently pressed, 25 to 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool.

7While the cake is cooling, make frosting: Beat together butter and cream cheese until smooth; stir in vanilla. Add confectioners’ sugar a little at a time, beating until mixture is smooth.

8Spread frosting evenly on top of cooled cake. Cut into 24 squares.

Pumpkin Ginger Cupcakes

INGREDIENTS

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 (3.4 ounce) package instant butterscotch pudding mix

⅓ cup finely chopped crystallized ginger

1 Tbs ground cinnamon

2 tsp baking soda

½ tsp ground ginger

½ tsp ground allspice

INGREDIENTS

FROSTING:

½ cup butter, softened

1 (3 ounce) package cream cheese, softened

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 cups sifted confectioners’ sugar

CAKE:

1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree

1 ⅔ cups white sugar

1 cup vegetable oil

4 large eggs

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

DIRECTIONS

1Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

2To make the cake, beat pumpkin, sugar, oil, and eggs with an electric mixer in a medium bowl until well combined.

3Sift together flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl.

4Stir into pumpkin mixture until thoroughly combined.

¼ tsp ground cloves

¼ tsp salt

1 cup butter, room temperature

1 cup white sugar

1 cup packed brown sugar

4 large eggs, room temperature

1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree

1 tsp vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS

1Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease 24 muffin cups or line with paper liners.

2Whisk together flour, pudding mix, crystallized ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, ground ginger, allspice, cloves, and salt in a bowl and set aside.

3Beat butter, white sugar, and brown sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition; beat in pumpkin purée and vanilla with last egg. Stir in flour mixture, mixing until just combined. Divide batter between the prepared muffin cups.

4Bake in the preheated oven until golden and the tops spring back when lightly pressed, about 20 minutes. Cool muffins in the pans for 10 minutes before removing to cool completely on a wire rack.

Pumpkin Bars

A library reveal returns magical traditions to CEP students

Acherished Calvary Episcopal Preparatory tradition returned this year as the librarians and parent volunteers transformed Calvary’s library into a magical journey with different destinations that they’ve only read about in books. Students of all ages loved exploring paths through “Books: The Doorway to New Worlds.” The Library Reveal is a celebration of Calvary’s commitment to promoting a love for reading among CEP students.

Lawson claims double gold in junior olympics

by NICK IRENE | nirene@fbherald.com

Accolades continue accumulating for Brielle Lawson, as the Lamar Consolidated High School freshman secured double gold and achieved dual All-American status in shot put and discus last month at the 2023 USATF Junior Olympics.

Following victories at the USATF Gulf District Championship in June and the USATF Region 12 Championship in July, where she set a shot-put record in Fort Worth, Lawson earned qualification for and participation in the USA Track and Field Junior Olympics held in Eugene, Oregon, on the campus of the University of Oregon.

Competing against athletes from across the nation, Brielle clinched first-place finishes in the shot put and discus competitions for the 13-14 age group.

In the shot put event, she triumphed with a throw of 14.45 meters; in the discus championship, she achieved a personal-best toss of 37.69 meters.

Lawson attributes her triumph to her family and unwavering faith in God, which strengthened her during the demanding challenges.

“Every time I would think about quitting or if I was in pain during practice, I remember my end goal and gifts God gave me,” Lawson said. “I persevered and it led me here. I was in a stadium

Miley McConnell is excited to be entering into Winnie the Pooh’s One Hundred Acre Woods

Librarian Christin McDonald leads Calvary’s Pre-K 4 class through “Where the Wild Things Grow”

Kindergarten students are excited for their turn to see the transformed library.

Middle School students Sean Hennesey and Kase Rubio are amazed to see no books in Calvary’s library (as they are all hidden) and instead books come to life!

Stella Baxter and Tirzah Barron are checking out all the sites!

Students Tristan Petty, Savannah Vakulenko and Maxwell Facker are amazed at the Quiddich Field from Harry Potter.

Students are trying to catch all of the details in the barn from Charlotte’s Web

8th graders (left to right) Wonu Adedeji, Sara Catherine McDonald, Vivian Truong, Jesicka Gursahani are submersed into the market from the book Aladdin.

with thousands of people watching me on a supertron and it gave me motivation to want more moments like that.”

As the reigning national champion in shot put and discus for her age group, Lawson now boasts the distinction of being a 10time All-American shot put and discus thrower.

Lawson previously joined the Lamar Junior High School Track team, where she secured district championships in shot put and discus last year.

She is now set to join the Lamar Consolidated High School track team, nurturing aspirations of clinching a state title and even harboring dreams of the Olympics.

“I want to level up my competition skills against some of the best around the world,” Lawson said. “I want a diverse selection of competition so I can experience what I need to so I can make it one day to the Olympics.”

In addition to her athletic endeavors, Lawson actively participates in the Fort Bend County summer track club known as “The Afterburners.”

Fort Bend ISD receives prestigious stateaward for theatrical excellence

Fort Bend ISD earned a Texas Educational Theatre Association “Awards of Distinction-Outstanding Level” for its commitment to theatrical excellence and dedication to the educational growth of its students.

Fort Bend ISD represents a consistent commitment to fostering supportive learning environments, promoting a culture of achievement, and pursuing excellence that has impacted the lives of countless students, the association noted.

“Our fine arts program is second to none, and I say that not only as the superintendent but also as a fan of the productions I have had the pleasure of attending,” said FBISD Superintendent Dr. Christie Whitbeck. “I am so proud of every staff member who works extremely hard and with loads of passion to train, direct and inspire our students on the stage and in the classroom.”

The Awards of Distinction program was created to recognize the theater departments of colleges, universities and school districts that demonstrate exceptionally high standards for theater education through achievement, curation of resources, diversity, and advocacy for theatre arts.

Fort Bend ISD was also recognized at the annual Texas Educational Theatre Association’s awards ceremony in Galveston last month.

Brielle Lawson, a freshman at Lamar Consolidated High School, won the USATF Region 12 Championship in Fort Worth in July.

Presenting Sponsor Polly Shouse

After-School Break

When: On the 2nd and 4th Tuesday, from 4:15-5 p.m., in the Children’s Corner Puppet Theatre

What: Crafts, movies, stories, and more for school-aged children in grades kindergarten through 5. Oct. 10 – Build It! Students will use LEGOs and other building materials to create something of their own design. Oct. 24 – Glow-in-theDark Lanterns. Children will use recycled glass jars, paint, and accessories to create a glow-in-the-dark lantern.

YA PROGRAMS:

Intended for teens in grades 9-12.

YA Advisory Council

When: Thursday, Oct. 12, 5-6 p.m., Room 2C.

What: Teens entering grades 9-12 who are interested in an exciting new leadership opportunity and volunteer service hours are invited to attend this meeting of the Young Adult Advisory Council.

ADULT PROGRAMS:

NaNoWriMo Novel-Writing Prep Workshop

When: Mondays, Oct. 2 and 30, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Room 2C.

What: During National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) in November, aspiring writers are challenged to write a 50,000word first draft of a novel in the 30 days of November. This preliminary 2-part workshop will give an overview of the challenge, how it works, and ways to prepare. Part 1 (Oct 2) will focus on: brainstorming exercises, big-picture plot outlines, character creation, and scene cards. Part 2 (Oct 30) will focus on: brainstorming exercises, setting attainable goals and schedules, sharing a brief synopsis of their novel, and an open Q&A period. This workshop is recommended for adults and teens aged 14 and up.

Story Spinners

When: Thursday, Oct. 19, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Room 2C.

What: This month’s topic is “Immersive World. From beginning blogger to published nov-

elist, writers of all genres and experience levels are welcome to write, share, learn, support, network, and critique each other’s work. This program is recommended for adults and teens aged 14 and up.

Beginning Acrylic Painting

When: Saturday, Oct. 21, 10:30-11:30 am, Room 2A.

What: Diane Whitmarsh will provide a basic introduction to painting with acrylics for anyone considering starting a new hobby. Those attending the program will learn about basic acrylic-painting materials, various techniques with different brushes, and mixing paint colors. Whitmarsh will demonstrate how to plan a landscape composition, and those attending will have an opportunity to create their own painting to take home with them. Registration required.

Art & Architecture: Renaissance

When: Saturday, Oct. 21, 2-4 p.m., Room 2A.

What: Architecture professor

Sheba Akhtar will talk about Renaissance Art, from the Early Renaissance period’s rebirth of classicism in 1400 to the High Renaissance period of Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael (1490s to 1527). Learn how Florence, Italy, became the “Cradle of Renaissance Art” and how the Medici family of merchants and bankers influenced the period by becoming patrons of Florentine art. Akhtar will also discuss the art of Masaccio, Donatello, and Brunelleschi.

Canva Design Basics

When: Tuesday, Oct. 24, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Computer Lab.

What: Canva is a free, online graphic-design tool. Canva’s easy-to-use interface provides access to millions of photographs, graphics, and fonts, enabling the user to create designs for web or print. Learn how this tool can be used to create blog graphics, Facebook covers, flyers, posters, invitations, presentations, and more. Registration required.

Faris Ohan O.D. Ouida Middleton O.D. David S. Schaub O.D.

Early Detection Starts With Your ANNUAL MAMMOGRAM

The recommended age to start your annual mammogram is 40. Schedule yours today.

At Houston Methodist Breast Care Centers, our board-certified experts use the latest imaging technology to provide you with cutting-edge breast screenings — such as 3D mammograms — to detect even the smallest lumps and abnormalities with accuracy. We offer:

• 10+ convenient locations across Houston

• Online scheduling with readily available appointments

• Expanded hours available at most locations

• Access to medical records and test results through MyChart