Fullshear Living

November 2023

Fulshear Living monthly

+

The Fort Bend Book & Author event makes its second round

A publication of the

V E T E R I N A RY H O S P I TA L

FORT

BEND

HERAL

D

2021

READ

ERS'

CHOIC

E

Now Offering Laser Therapy Happy

Top L-R: Dr. David Thurmond, Dr. Bryan Ping, Dr. Michelle Hessell Bottom L-R: Dr. Sadie Bowling, Dr. Cynthia Aswad Not Pictured: Dr. Jessica Rivera, Dr. Andrew Faist, Dr. Tyler Ping, Dr. Emily Rimes (Galvin)

Family Owned and Operated

•Vaccinations and Wellness Care • Medicine •Spay / Neuter / Surgery • Allergy Treatment •Arthritis & Pain Management •Heartworm / Flea & Tick Prevention •In-House Laboratory / Digital X-Ray •Boarding and Grooming Available Hours: M-F 7am - 6pm Sat 8am - 12pm

GIVING! FREE HEALTHY NEW PET EXAM With ad. For new clients. Not valid with any other offer. One per family.

Expires on 11/30/2023

Now Seeing Pocket Pets (by appointment only)

5910 FM 1463 | Katy, TX 77494 • 281.394.2355 www.thewellpetcenter.com

Contents & Staff Fulshear Living monthly

™

November 2023 CHAIRMAN, EDITOR & PUBLISHER Clyde King cking@hartmannews.com

6

14

6 FEATURE STORY 10 TALK OF THE The Fort Bend Book & Author event returns for a second year and with the same goal — to inspire and to increase awareness about local creators.

TOWN

Fulshear Eagle Scout Christian Mayorga built and installed the little library in the Fort Bend Master Gardeners demonstration garden.

18 16 CUISINE

With the holidays approaching, we're talking turkey.

MANAGING EDITOR Marquita Griffin mgriffin@fbherald.com ADVERTISING Stefanie Bartlett sbartlett@fbherald.com Ruby Polichino ruby@fbherald.com

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.

Tax Preparation - Personal, Corporate, TaxLLCs, Preparation Partnerships, Trusts,- Personal, Corporate,Partnerships, Estates, & Non-Profits LLCs, Trusts,Estates, & Non-Profits New Business Formation New Business Formation Bookkeeping Bookkeeping Payroll Services Services QuickBooksPayroll Services QuickBooks Services

Phone: 281-533-0911 281-533-0911

CHARTER MEMBER MEMBER CHARTER

30502 2nd Street Located in Downtown Fulshear

4 • Fulshear Living Monthly • November 2023

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.

SANDEFUR CPA,P.C.

For more information or to book an appointment, For more book an appointment, please visitinformation our websiteorattowww.sandefurcpa.com please visit our website at www.sandefurcpa.com

WRITERS & CONTRIBUTORS Marquita Griffin Nick Irene Brandon Norvell

Mon. - Fri. 8am-5pm

THERE’S A

BETTER APPROACH

TO CANCER CARE in Katy & West Houston At Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center, we treat every aspect of your cancer. Leading oncologists work with our specialists across disciplines to minimize cancer’s effects on major organs. One comprehensive team — dedicated to your individual care — uses the latest research, treatments and technology to stop your cancer. From infusion and clinical trials to surgery and reconstruction, our innovative care is available in Katy-West Houston.

The Woodlands

Willowbrook

Katy-West Houston Baytown Texas Medical Center

That’s the difference between practicing medicine and leading it.

Sugar Land

832.522.5522 houstonmethodist.org/cancer-west

Clear Lake

The Fort Bend Book & Author event

brings people together and creates inspiration

by MARQUITA GRIFFIN | mgriffin@fbherald.com

L

ast year, the Fort Bend Art Center launched a community event in Rosenberg aimed at increasing awareness about Fort Bend area authors and illustrators, and center officials said the public was so receptive that the Fort Bend Art Center’s Fort Bend Book & Author event will return in full force on Nov. 25.

Last year’s event, initially called The Book Signing & Meet and Greet, “went beyond our expectations [and] all of the authors sold books and made connections,” said Nina Struthers, the marketing director for Art League of Fort Bend and the Fort Bend Art Center.

Jennifer Frnka

“We realized that a book show is a good event to have at our art center, especially because many visually creative people are also writers and illustrators.”

The Fort Bend Book & Author event is set for 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Nov. 25 at The Fort Bend Art Center at 2012 Ave. G in Rosenberg.

Based on how well word traveled last year about the event —“on social media as well as through the family and friends of all the participants in and around Fort Bend County,” Struthers noted — the center anticipates another enthusiastic turnout, especially with the City of Rosenberg hosting its Cookie Walk from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. that same day.

“So hopefully we’ll be busy,” Struthers said, explaining the impressive public engagement and foot traffic at last year’s author event was, in part, due to “all the downtown folks who participated in the Cookie Walk.”

Included in the Fort Bend Book & Author experience will be artist Eugenia Algaze Garcia selling her creatively inspired “bookworms” (hand-crocheted bookmarks) as well as coffee, banana bread and a whole lot of cookies circulating because of Rosenberg’s Cookie Walk.”

And in keeping with last year’s trends, Struthers said Fort Bend Book & Author will be again held on Small Business Saturday in recognition and support of Fort Bend artists, illustrators and authors, whether they are novices or established

Sharon Collins

Eva Konopka and her son

Linda Pietz

Nina Struthers

6 • Fulshear Living Monthly • November 2023

Russell Autrey

creators.

The artists of any community need support because “they bring local people together and create inspiration,” said Struthers, a longtime artist and illustrator who recently had art shows in Rockport, Corpus Christi and Galveston, Texas. She’s also one of the event’s featured participants.

The Fort Bend Book & Author event, she stressed, is a two-pronged effort: to increase the community’s awareness and familiarity with local artists and their works and provide a setting to uplift and “motivate more authors and illustrators in our community.”

EDUCATION PROGRAMS & HOLIDAY NIGHTS The Fort Bend Art Center, as usual, has more than one iron in the fire. After sharing the names of last month’s Art League of Fort Bend All 2023 LSAG Judged Open Art Show winners, Struthers announced the center’s education program for its spring classes will be released on Nov. 26.

“We have over 20 teachers with interesting classes — everything from mosaic, weaving, printmaking, painting and even learning how to use an electric pen,” Struthers said enthusiastically.

The Fort Bend Art Center, which opened in 2017, provides members of the Art League Of Fort Bend a sizable space to study and exhibit their works. Established in 1957, the Art League is a nonprofit run by volunteers dedicated to cultivating an appreciation for the arts and furthering artistic development.

The 6,000-square-foot Fort Bend Art Center is located in Downtown Rosenberg and is open noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.

Come December, however, the center will also be open during the Holiday Nights schedule, Dec. 7, 14 and 21 from 5-8 p.m.

“We will be open on Dec. 2 for Rosenberg’s Hometown Holiday Festival from noon to 8 p.m. with some “make it and take it” art and craft activities,” said Struthers, enthusiastically emphasizing the activities will appeal to children. “We will provide Christmas crafts, hot chocolate and Christmas cheer.”

In January, the center also offers “Painting Animals from the Inside Out,” presented

by Lesley Humphrey. The workshop will run from 1-5 p.m. Monday, Jan. 15 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 16 and Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024. For more information, visit artleaguefortbend.org.

Art League of Fort Bend 2023 LSAG Judged Open Art Show winners

THE 2023 FEATURED AUTHORS Russell Autrey | A Galveston photographer and revered former photographer for the Fort Bend Herald newspaper who has worked with writer, Herald columnist and retired high school teacher Denise Adams to illustrate several children’s books and the book, Showcasing the Bolivar Lighthouse.

Sharon Collins | An illustrator who illustrated an art book full of devotionals highlighted with her abstract paintings.

Kathy Golden presents Gary Frisk the Best Of Show award for his oil painting “Pump Jack in West Texas.”

Cynthia Wallace was happy to receive the Babs Wilson Award for her acrylic painting “Dog With Butterfly.”

Nanette Stein | An author who has written an inspiring anthology — short stories about life changes and risk-taking that lead to happy outcomes.

Nina Struthers | An illustrator who has 12 coloring books of her original works. From Galveston’s iconic landmarks, Victorian homes, Fort Bend historic landmarks, cats, dogs and coastal scenes, she has created coloring books for everyone.

Isabella Roy received a first prize as well as Best Of Show student award for her painting “Memories.”

Lynette McQueen received the Fran Kneuppel Most Whimsical Award for her sculpture entitled “Karen.”

Linda Pietz | An author with five informative books about knitting, crocheting and rug hooking. She is a seasoned fiber artist and has taught workshops all over the nation.

Jennifer Frnka | An author who has published a sweet story about the love shared between a child and her grandparents.”Grandmas dancing Shoes” Her mother will also be at the book show with her new devotional book.

Elise Russell | An award-winning piano teacher who will be introducing her brand new music book “Songs for Little Ones” 28 piano songs for kids.

Don Golden received Presidents Award for his digital photo “Reflection.”

ALFB President Linda Pietz presents Ellie Demyano with the Another Time Soda Fountain award for her painting “Flamboyance.”

Julie Connor | A former diplomat who was in the US foreign affairs for 30 years and wrote a book about her pilgrimage to Camino de Santiago.

Carrie Carter | An author who will be showcasing her book about travel and her love for cats.

Terry Golden | A retired engineer who has written a studious and fascinating book about how the borders in the USA originated.

Kathy Golden received the Accusoft Award for artist Johnny Wade for his watercolor “Stonewall Jackson.”

Judge Ron Gordon and ALFB President Linda Pietz.

Eva Konopka | An author who has several children’s book including one about Dragons.

She has collaborated with her teenage son in a beautifully illustrated hardcover book Home Is Where I Sleep Tonight.

To advertise, call 281-342-4474

•7

Hometown Happenings

NOVE MBER

8 • Fulshear Living Monthly • November 2023

Continued on page 11

PROVIDE YOUR FAMILY WITH A LUXURIOUS LIFE STYLE THIS NEW YEAR BOTTLED WATER QUALITY AT EVERY TAP! (ON WATER THAT MEETS EPA STANDARDS)

Customized Water Filtration Systems “We have earned Homeowners & Builders Trust” Free Water Analysis and $500 off Purchase

$44/month *Financing Available +other payment options (restrictions may apply call for details)

Finally One System That Fits ALL Your Water Needs!

#1 FOR A REASON ESTABLISHED IN 1989 FORT BEND HERALD

2021 READERS' CHOICE

3 Filtration Systems in 1 System!

FORT BEND HERALD

2022 READERS' CHOICE

*Eliminate Bad Smells and Hardwater Problems

MONEY BACK GUARANTEE Our Business is Improving your Water 281-277-3232

Call Rose “The Clean Water Lady” for an in-home consultation.

To advertise, call 281-342-4474

•9

In & Around Fulshear

T

Fulshear Scout builds a Little Free Library for Master Gardeners demonstration garden

he Fort Bend Master Gardenect. Initially, he said he was hesitant and ers demonstration gardens in worried about the time needed to see a Rosenberg have a new addition project like this through to completion.

— a Little Free Library.

“Then, I fell prey to my overwhelmFifteen-year-old Christian Mayorga ing sense of desire to help young folks of Fulshear built and installed the little develop leadership and planning skills library between the herb and vegetacombined with the purpose of Eagle ble gardens as part of his Eagle Scout Scout service projects — to demonproject. The son of Penny and Van, strate his or her ability to lead others Mayorga spent 80 hours on the build in the accomplishment of a worthwhile but the project from planning to comproject that can benefit many,” said pletion took a year, said his mom.

Blanton. “In the end, after all the many The library was formally presented starts and stops, what a rewarding and to Fort Bend Master Gardeners in Augratifying experience for all involved.” gust.

To earn an Eagle rank, a Scout is “The location was chosen by the tasked with providing leadership for a Master Gardeners and it seems fitting project.

Christian Mayorga, a resident of Fulshear, constructed because the library feeds the mind; the Fifteen-year-old “Unlike most projects, where the and placed the small library amidst the herb and vegetable gardens as a garden feeds the people,” said Penny. component of his Eagle Scout project. student or Scout is responsible for “This little lending library is a new doing as much of the work himself as outlet whereby Fort Bend Master Garhe possibly can, the Eagle project obdeners can provide horticultural education to our community,” said jective is managing the project, thereby managing the people in the Carol Gaas, FBMG president. “We are thrilled that Christian chose our execution of the project,” said Penny. “ gardens to install the lending library.”

Christian had to plan the project, the people, the budget, and the “The library is registered on the Internet at littlefreelibrary.org so timeline, get multiple approvals, oversee execution, keep records and that anyone can locate it,” Penny said. “The library is ideally for any- provide a report. Christian chose to have three beneficiaries, which one to share or borrow a book.” did prove to be challenging.”

The FBMG Little Free Library is accepting gently used or new horChristian, who attends Brazos High School, not only built a little ticulture books but no magazines, said Master Gardener Jerry Zona. lending library for Master Gardeners but also for Master Naturalists at “They may email me about book donations and/or bring them to Seabourne Creek Nature Park and Attack Poverty in Rosenberg. The the front office at 1402 Band Road, Suite 100, Rosenberg. I’ll get an cost for all three libraries was approximately $1,300. inbox for the donations,” said Zona.

“He paid for the supplies needed from money he earned mowing Email jerryzona@aol.com to discuss donations. and weed-eating. Our family already had many of the supplies left “This is a learning experience and we’ll change as we go,” he add- over from other home projects,” said Penny. ed.

“Other Scouts helped by providing leadership,” she said.

“We will have a memorial plaque attached to the library. At some And what did he learn from the project? “Being a leader is not alpoint we will have a dedication ceremony but that won’t happen till ways about telling someone what to do, but rather guiding them and the weather is cooler,” said Donna Blackburn, FBMG Youth Activities teaching them. It’s also about how to adjust with project changes and Director. “I’m happy we will have something dedicated to the master that not everything goes as it was planned,” Penny said. gardeners we have lost.”

Christian belongs to Troop 941 of Fulshear which is sponsored by Master Gardener Patti Lawlor wrote the plaque wording which the Brazos Rotary Foundation. reads: This Lending Library was established to honor the memory The troop is in the Coastal Plains District of the Sam Houston Area of past Master Gardeners who believed education is the foundation Council. “Christian joined Scouting as soon as he could,” said his mom. for growth. Grow a garden, feed a butterfly and share your passion Christian became a Tiger Scout in 2014 at the age of 6 and crossed by borrowing a book, donating a book, or doing a gardening activity. over to Boy Scouts as an Arrow of Light Webelo in January 2019 at Master Gardener Everett Blanton worked with Christian on the proj- the age of 12.

STOP BY TODAY! 4725 BUSINESS PARK DR ROSENBERG, TX 77471

281-845-2450 *Offer available for well qualified buyers.

Expires 12/31/23.

10 • Fulshear Living Monthly • November 2023

Continued on page PB

Continued from page 9

Ho Ho Ho, Merry Christmas!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Alpesh Desai, D.O.

HOLIDAY SPECIAL All Cosmetic Products

20% OFF

Vy Ngo, PA-C

SKIN CANCER TREATMENTS

GENERAL DERMATOLOGY • Acne • Psoriasis • Cysts • Rosacea • Eczema • Warts • Moles • Wrinkles

Heights Dermatology - Rosenberg “Taking Your Skin To Greater Heights”

5219 Reading Road • Rosenberg, TX 77471

Hours of Operation: Mon-Fri: 8 am - 5pm

Follow Us:

713-730-2000

www.HeightsSkin.com

• Mohs Micrographic Surgery • Levulan® • Image-Guided Superficial Radiotherapy (IG-SRT)

• Cryosurgery • Electrodesiccation & Curettage • Surgical Excision

To advertise, call 281-342-4474

• 11

‘ROUND THE BEND PHOTO COLLECTION Judicial portrait unveiling ceremony draws large crowd Photos by BRANDON NORVELL | The judicial portrait unveiling ceremony took place on Oct. 6 at the Fort Bend Justice Center.

Dean Hrbacek was elected judge of the Fort Bend County Court At Law No. 6 in 2022. His portrait was unveiled last month. It hangs in the Fort Bend County Justice Center along with the portraits of other judges.

“I am so thankful to the people of Fort Bend County who elected me,” 458th Judicial District Judge Chad Bridges said. “It is a blessing to be here.”Bridges had served as judge of the 240th Judicial District from 2016-2018.

Judge Monica Rawlins applauds along with the audience as she revealed her portrait at the Fort Bend County Justice Center. She was elected judge of the 328th Judicial District Court in 2022.

Tyra Jones McCollum, who was elected as the presiding judge of the Fort Bend County Court at Law No. 2, dedicated her portrait to her mother during an emotional speech at the judicial portrait unveiling ceremony.

Judge Steve Rogers thanked residents of Fort Bend County for being elected as the judge of the 268th Judicial District.

240th Judicial District Judge Surendran K. Pattel thanked the community and residents of Fort Bend County during his speech at the judicial portrait unveiling ceremony.

H O M EO WNERS l e t u s h e l p y o u g o S o l a r !

Jackson R. Reed Travis B. Terr

Reed & Terry, LLP ACCIDENT AND INJURY LAW

281-491-5000 Office@reedterrylaw.com Freedom Forever / SunRun and KWJ CONSULTANT Authorized Dealer F r e e In -H o m e Co n s u l t a t i o n Ca l l : ( 7 1 3 ) 2 4 2 -9 7 1 8 To d a y !

w w w .k w jc o n s u lta n ts o la r.c o m

12 • Fulshear Living Monthly • November 2023

www.reedterrylaw.com

Trusted and Proven - FREE CONSULTATION NO RECOVERY, NO FEE

Est. 1994 - Richmond, Sugar Land and Katy Offices

Jackson R. Reed

Travis B. Terry

Education

S

Fulshear junior named FBCF Queen

ixteen-year-old in various activities and Kathryn Grace contests.

Tompkins, a juAs a sophomore, nior at Fulshear High Tompkins received her School, was crowned Texas FFA Lonestar Dethe 2023 Fort Bend gree, a considerable acCounty Fair Queen complishment at a young this year, earning the age. She spends most of crown in a fierce jourher time working in the ney among 10 young barn, caring for her show ladies. heifers and steers.

She is the daughter As a volunteer, Tompof Brian and Shannon kins gives her time to varTompkins and the ious organizations, menyoungest of three sistoring younger students ters. and serving in programs With the title, Tompshe has been involved kins represented the Scott Reese Willey | Fulshear High School junior Kathryn Grace 2023 Fort Bend County Fair Queen in. Her most recent is the Fair during the its run Tompkins, right, was crowned the 2023 Fort Bend County Fair Kathryn Grace Tompkins.

Junior Rodeo Committee Queen. Tristen Drury, left, the 2022 Fort Bend County Fair Queen, and will serve as a Fair placed the tiara on Tompkins’ head. for the Houston Livestock ambassador throughShow and Rodeo. out the year. She also Tompkins is considreceives a $5,000 scholarship, crowns, buckle, life membership, and ering attending Texas A&M or Oklahoma State University after high more. school.

Aleida Martinez of Austin High School was named First Runner up She credits her teacher, Ms. Kasie Vestal, for pushing her to follow and Miss Congeniality was awarded to Hannah Funderburk of Foster her dreams and has played a large part in showing what it means to High School. be a leader and how to face adversity with strength and dignity.

Tompkins is the President of Wild West 4-H Club and the Vice She enjoys traveling, spending time with her sisters and nieces, President for Fulshear FFA, where she enjoys working with her peers and swimming.

To advertise, call 281-342-4474

• 13

Arts & Entertainment

T

Pecan Harvest Festival takes place Nov. 18

he Rotary Club of Richmond will host the eighth annual 2023 Pecan Harvest Festival in Richmond’s Historic Downtown District on Saturday, Nov. 18, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Pecan Harvest Festival in Richmond is a free family event that celebrates the rich history of pecans in Fort Bend County while simultaneously showcasing the unique features of historic downtown Richmond. Festival attendees can expect to find outdoor artisan vendors, a classic car show, pecan bake-off contest, kidz zone, farmers market, live entertainment all day, food trucks and vendors, as well as a beer and wine garden.

The festival centers around the season when area pecan farmers harvest their crop and the Fort Bend County AgriLife Extension Service and the Fort Bend Pecan Growers Association judge locally grown pecans and present winning pecan classes at the festival.

AgriLife presents pecan equipment demonstrations and brief educational sessions, as well.

A portion of the proceeds from the event will benefit Richmond Rotary’s charitable giving programs in the community, such as scholarships for Lamar and Foster high school students, support for Fort Bend Women’s Center, Nery’s Promise, Bed building projects with Sleep in Heavenly Peace and many other local non-profit partnerships.

F

Author Rubén Degollado to headline book festival

ort Bend County Libraries’ annual Book Festival will have a Hispanic flair in 2023, featuring Tejano headliner Rubén Degollado, a performance by Ballet Folklorico, and a presentation on Latin American cuisine, in addition to a special line-up of writing workshops.

FBCL’s “Community Reads” featured author Rubén Degollado will be the special guest speaker at the annual Book Festival 2023, which takes place on Saturday, Nov. 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at George Memorial Library, located at 1001 Golfview in Richmond.

The keynote address by Rubén Degollado will take place from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., in the Meeting Room of the library. Additional presentations, workshops, and author appearances are planned throughout the event, which will also include a special performance

by Ballet Folklorico Herencia Mexicana de Houston.

In his author talk, Degollado will read an excerpt from his novel, The Family Izquierdo, released in September 2022. He will talk about how the development of his characters’ unique voices and experiences helps to immerse readers in a specific culture and enables them to understand universal truths, widening their view of the world.

Scan with your smartphone:

Building stronger marriages, building stronger families Weekday preschool • Ministries for all ages • AWANA • New youth building

9:00 am – Sunday Bible Study | 10:30 am – Sunday Worship

Visit us at RiverBendBC.org | 281-346-2279 27600 FM 1093, Fulshear 14 • Fulshear Living Monthly • November 2023

The FBCL’s 2023 “Community Reads” selection, The Family Izguierdo is a beautifully-written novel that weaves together the lives of three generations of a tight-knit Tejano family bound by love… and a curse. Told in a series of soulful voices brimming with warmth and humor, The Family Izguierdo is a tender narrative of a multi-generational family at a turning point.

Degollado is a longtime educator who lives and writes in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. His fiction has appeared or been featured in Texas Highways, Literary Hub, Bilingual Review/Revista Bilingüe, Beloit Fiction Journal, and elsewhere. His first novel, Throw, won the Texas Institute of Letters Best Young Adult book for 2020. His literary novel, The Family Izquierdo, is a PEN/Faulkner nominee, a Texas Institute of Letters and Writers League of Texas Fiction finalist, and is a long-list title for the Mark Twain American Voice in Literature Award.

The Book Festival will also feature several workshops designed to encourage aspiring writers of all ages and genres. Creative and inspiring programs are planned for children as well as adults who dream of becoming published authors. Readers will also have an opportunity to visit with local authors at a meet-and-greet area throughout the event.

From 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., children’s author and creative-writing teacher Valerie Sweeten will present “Exploring Your World: A Kids’ Writing Workshop” for youth in grades 2-5. Children are encouraged to explore their creative side through writing. This program will be presented in Room 2A of the library.

Also from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., Biblioboard representative Emily Gooding will present “Publish for Free with Your Library Card” in the Computer Lab. Budding writers will learn how to use the free services provided through FBCL’s Online Writers’ Corner — including Biblioboard Library, the Indie Author Project, and Pressbooks — to get published.

A performance by Ballet Folklorico Herencia Mexicana de Houston will take place in the Jodie E. Stavinoha Amphitheater from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm. Visitors will be treated to music, dancing, and vibrant costumes from the Huasteca region of Mexico, along with the state of Jalisco.

Food trucks will be on hand, and visitors are invited to eat lunch while enjoying the shade of the outdoor amphitheater and the festive atmosphere of this exciting performance. Books by visiting authors will be raffled off during the lunch hour, as well! Following the outdoor entertainment, visitors may return inside for additional presentations or meet some of the local authors who will be on hand for book signings throughout the event. Guest authors— representing children’s, Young Adult, and adult literature — include Tonya Duncan Ellis, Raul Herrera, Saborna, Roychowdhury, Sherrie Schmidt, Valerie Sweeten, and Robin Winckler.

Aspiring writers are invited to attend a writing workshop, “From Idea to Completed Draft Fast,” from 1-2 p.m., in Room 2A. Local author Taki Zyngtara will provide tips on overcoming writer’s block, finding inspiration, and staying organized. A regular with the library’s Story Spinner’s Writing Club, Zyngtara has encouraged beginning writers for many years.

“A Taste of Latin America” will be presented by Erica Knighton from the Prairie View A&M Cooperative Extension Program, from 1-2 p.m., in the Meeting Room. Knighton will demonstrate the preparation of a dish that celebrates and explores the flavors of Latin America.

CASTLE FURNITURE DESIGN CENTER

WE BRING YOU THE FINEST FURNITURE OF QUALITY, FUNCTIONALITY, AND DESIGN

HERITAGE

by Alf Italia AS UNIQUE AS YOU ARE! DINING ROOMS

BEDROOMS

LIVING ROOMS

STORAGE

LIGHTS

HOME OFFICE

ACCESSORIES

RUGS

SHOWROOM 3819 FONDREN RD (WESTPARK & FONDREN) HOUSTON, TX 77063 CALL: 832 201-1000

www.CastleFurniture.com

Cuisine Corner

So... How’s your plumbing?

SOUTHERN PAINTING

SOUTHERN PAINTING

Since 1989

Look For The Bucket!

Lots of Satisfied Customers!

713-465-7717 CALL TODAY FOR FREE ESTIMATES

Call Today! (713) 465-7717 • Painting Cabinets • Refinish Front Doors • Interior Painting • Exterior Painting and Repairs • Fence Staining

We’re Now Offering Heating & Air Conditioning Services!

Apartments • Restaurants • Hotels • Stores • Office/Commercial Buildings Industrial • Grocery Stores • Manufacturing • Residential

www.yourkpc.com ◆ 281-646-1700 MPL36673

TACLB00119162E

16 • Fulshear Living Monthly • November 2023

Enjoy 10% Off Your Next Interior or Exterior Painting Project!* *Some exclusions apply, not valid with any other offers.

www.SouthernPainting.com

To advertise, call 281-342-4474

• 17

Gardening Seeing changes in your garden’s planting times?

I

by SANDRA GRAY | Fort Bend County Master Gardener

f you are a gardener, you may have noticed changes in your plants.

Annuals that once stopped blooming in October are now blooming through November; tomatoes that once produced well into July are now depleted by June. Some of your beloved plants are no longer thriving. Let’s explore what is happening.

In February 2023, the faculty of the Department of Atmospheric Sciences of Texas A&M University issued a statement in which they unanimously affirmed that climate change is happening and “average global surface air temperatures warmed by about 2°F between 1880 and 2022.”

Home gardeners will need to make changes to adapt to this warming.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) divides the United States into 13 plant hardiness zones. These zones are based on the average low temperature for a region based on a 10-year average.

The 13 zones cover a 10-degree range and are further divided into subzones A and B, which have 5-degree ranges.

For example, zone 9 has an average low temperature of 20-30°F degrees while zone 9A has an average low of 20-25°F degrees and 9B has an average low of 15-20°F. The modern USDA Plant Hardiness Zones were defined in 1960 and have been adjusted since then for various reasons, including rising temperatures.

To handle these changes, check the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map at planthardiness.ars.usda.gov for current information.

When planting seeds, the seed packet will typically give a range for when to plant. Choose a time in the middle of that range. Your plants are more likely to succeed then.

For example, if your seed packet suggests planting in March to April, plant in late March to early April. When planting seedlings, your nursery workers and local extension office can help guide you on when to put the plants into the ground.

Climate change includes both warming temperatures and more erratic weather. Hotter hot days, colder freezing days, longer drought conditions, wildfires, torrential rains, and more are all part of this.

A gardener cannot protect their gardens from all these possibilities.

However, there are some choices you can make.

• Choose more drought-resistant and heat-resistant plants for your summer garden.

• Choose more native plants.

• Be extra diligent about mulching around plants to protect them from heat, drought and cold. Perhaps upgrade your irrigation system to drip irrigation to get the biggest bang for your irrigation bucks.

• Consider rainwater harvesting.

• For winter vegetables, consider planting them in pots that can be brought inside or into a greenhouse as needed.

•

Reduce your use of gas-powered lawn and garden equipment.

• Use fertilizers wisely. Synthetic nitrogen fertilizer contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.

Gardeners will need to use all the tools in their gardening tool chest to get the best production.

AG’tivity Barn teaches kids about agriculture

T

Photos by SCOTT REESE WILLEY

he AG’tivity Barn at the Fort Bend County Fair & Rodeo was a sensation among local school children who toured the barn.

The AG’tivity Barn is hosted each year by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service of Fort Bend County, Prairie View A&M Cooperative Extension, and the Fort Bend County Fair Association and in cooperation with During 4H Club member Rosa Lingenfelter’s 4H clubs throughout Fort Bend 10-minute session, she showed students an egg-hatching exhibit and a cage with just County.

Located in the George Pavil- hatched baby chicks. ion, the barn is an Agricultural Awareness Event hosted by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service of Fort Bend County, using research-based information to create informative educational materials to better educate the general public on how agriculture affects people’s daily lives and the farm-to-table process.

Classrooms of students visited the AG’tivity Barn throughout the county fair and Dr. Amy Ressler, Ph.D., county extension director for the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Fort Bend County, welcomed hundreds of fourth-grade students to the barn.

The students spent 10-minute sessions learning about beef, poultry, rice, corn, cotton, pecans, bees, wildlife, nutrition, physical activity and more. The 10-minute segments also covered bats and bees by the Coastal Prairie Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalists.

4H member Aubry Huston discussed rabbits, Rosa Lingenfelter shared insights on raising poultry and Wes Druke talked about corn and corn products. He demonstrated a hand-cranked corn sheller used before electricity.

Other educators included Leticia Hardy, who spoke on cotton, Paige Kalmus, who spoke on poultry, Abdul Hakeem and Sujata Jhangiani, who discussed rice; John Few who spoke on pollinators and bees; Boone Holladay, who discussed pecans; Kally Felcman, who spoke on beef; Erica Knighton, who discussed the important of physical activity; Krystal Wilcox, who spoke on fruits and vegetables.

Business

832-401-5259

FULL-SERVICE ROOFING • Residential Roofing • Commercial Roofing • Flat Roof Installation • Roof Repairs • Metal Roof Coating • Metal Roof Cleaning • Patio Construction • Concrete • Gutters • Siding

Call today for a FREE, no obligation ROOF INSPECTION

www.ricksmithroofing.com • ricksmithroofing@yahoo.com

18 • Fulshear Living Monthly • November 2023

Texas Local Honey 2 Bottle Deal!

832-303-1595 OPEN: Tues-Sat 9Am - 3PM

16oz $21, 32oz $32

8922 Main Street Needville, TX 77461

Raw Honey • Creamed Honey Honey Comb • Beeswax Honey • Bee Education Beekeeping Supplies Pollination Services • Gifts & MORE!

SweetNesHoney.com FOLLOW US TO SEE WHAT’S BUZZING!

Bring or Mention this ad. FBH

Business

Fulshear Business Directory BEST SEPTIC TANK CLEANING Serving the Fort Bend Community since 1982!

Licensed with the TECQ

281-342-9891

◆ Aerobic Systems ◆ ◆ Septic Tanks ◆ ◆ Residential & Commercial ◆ PO Box 1669 • Rosenberg Tx 77471 bestseptictankcleaning.com

Lymphatic Drainage Therapy & Instructor Lymphatic Facials • Gift Certificates Reflexology • Infra Red Saunas Ion Cleanse Hand • Foot Bath Colon Hydrotherapy (Colonic)

By M.D. Prescription Only (Yours or Our)

Wellness Therapies Best Message Therapist in Fort Bend County 1308 James Street Rosenberg, Texas 77471 FORT

BEND

HERA

“Our clients become family and we are here to celebrate their WELLNESS”

LD

2022

Joyce Long

READ

ERS'

V Massa oted #1 Internationally Certified g 2 yearse Therapis Colon Hydrotherapist & Instructor in a ro t w!

Nationally Certified Massage Therapist #ME0170 CHOI

CE

281-344-0095

Services by appt only. www.Joycelongwellness.com

COUPON

ROSENBERG Carpet & Flooring

500 OFF*

$

Dr. Kyle D. McCrea and Dr. Victoria Vo

“What’s On Your Floor Matters” Ceramic Tile Flooring Ceramic Tile Flooring Counter Tops Counter Tops Wood Floor Refinishing Wood Floor Refinishing Wood Wood&&Laminate Laminate Flooring Flooring Shower & Bath Remodel

281.342.5193

2518 1st Street

Rosenberg, TX 77471

(281) 341-5779

A Complete Roof Job of 35 Squares or More *Insurance job upgrade coupon

50 OFF A Repair

$

*Discount May Not Be Combined with any other Coupons

Locally Owned & Family Operated Since 1993

Your Home for Dentistry

RosenbergCarpet.com

Dr. McCrea has been creating healthy, beautiful smiles in Richmond/Rosenberg since 1994. Dr. McCrea and Dr. Vo are both graduates of and current Professors at the Herman Hospital based General Practice Residency Program for UTDS Houston.

Their goal is to work with each patient to produce the best possible outcome based on that patient’s individual needs and desires.

Dr. Kyle D. McCrea & Dr. Mary George

YOUR HOME FOR DENTISTRY

Westside Brick & Masonry Larry Horelica, General Contractor

From Check-ups and Cleanings to Implants and Braces, Concrete Services • Flagstone We want to be your home for Dentistry

Patios • Brick Fences

Remodeling From Check-ups to ImplantsVisit to Braces, us at www.mccreadds.com to learn more about our office, our outstanding team, and the services we offer.Services • Carpentry We want to be your home for Dentistry 601 South Second St. Visit us at mccreadds.com to learn more about our office, our outstanding team & services we offer

601 South Second St. • Richmond, TX 77469 281-342-2121

Richmond, TX 77469 281-342-2121

Vincek’s smokehouse

BBQ & Plate Lunches Served Every Day!

PO BOX 986 | Fulshear Tx 77441 info@westsidebrick.com | www.westsidebrick.com

Smokehouse Meat Can’t Be Beat!

Deer Processing • Barbeque Fresh & Smoked Meats Catering • Bakery Pecan Smoked Sausage

713-866-5893

Highway 60 East Bernard, TX 77435

(979) 335-7921 1-800-844-MEAT Tues. — Sat. 7 AM to 5 PM Sun. 8 AM to 2 PM Closed Mondays

RANGER PLUMBING COMPANY

Residential & Commercial Service Responsible Master Plumber rangerplumbing@gmail.com

832-868-8065 www.plumbersugarland.org

Licensed Insured Heath McClure, Owner M-40315 To advertise, call 281-342-4474

• 19

Advanced care to put cancer behind you.

Fighting cancer starts with having the right team beside you.

And at Memorial Hermann, we’re here for you every step of the way. As one of Houston’s leading providers of cancer treatment, we offer advanced care from screening and diagnosis to treatment and survivorship. With locations throughout Greater Houston, you can find care close to you. This is comprehensive cancer care designed for you. memorialhermann.org/cancer

Advancing health. Personalizing care.

20 • Fulshear Living Monthly • November 2023