Pecan Grove

November 2023

Pecan Grove monthly

The For

t Bend B ook & Auth or even t

Opening worlds, e places, this eve xploring ideas nt embo a dies cre nd bridging ative sp aces

A publication of the

Contents and Staff November 2023 6 FEATURE STORY The Fort Bend Book & Author event returns for a second year and with the same goal —

6

to inspire and to increase awareness about local authors.

10 TALK OF THE TOWN $78,000 for Fort Bend Seniors.

16 CUISINE With the holidays approaching, we’re talking turkey.

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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

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

La Cocina Mexican Restaurant raises

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

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.

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by MARQUITA GRIFFIN | mgriffin@fbherald.com

The Fort Bend Book & Author event returns to

‘bring people together and create 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.

“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.”

Jennifer Frnka

Linda Pietz

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 soRussell Autrey cial 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 creators.

The artists of any community need support because “they bring local people together and create inspiration,” said Struthers, a

6 • Pecan Grove Monthly

Sharon Collins

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 twopronged 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 Nina Struthers 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 Eva Konopka with her son 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

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Talk of the Town

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La Cocina Mexican Restaurant raises $78,000 for Fort Bend Seniors

a Cocina Mexican Restaurant and Catering presented a check for a record-breaking $78,000 to Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels.

The donation was the result of the restaurant’s annual Cinco de Mayo fundraiser, a tradition that has been supporting Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels for 16 years.

Since it began, this event has raised more than $500,000.

Andres Novoa, the owner of La Cocina Mexican Restaurant, discovered Fort Bend Seniors’ mission to provide nourishment to local seniors in 2005, so after realizing the financial and nutritional challenges faced by elderly residents in the community, he initiated the annual fundraiser in support of Fort Bend Seniors.

“The challenges of the last few years, marked by weather events, pandemics, and inflation, have taken a toll on everyone.

Seniors have been particularly vulnerable, fearing for their health and financial stability. This burden is especially heavy for those

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seniors who were already struggling with limited resources and support,” Novoa said.

“We’re truly fortunate to live and work in a county with such remarkable organizations, like Fort Bend Seniors, and a community filled with incredibly generous people and volunteers who have been instrumental in the success of this event over the years.”

La Cocina’s next Cinco de Mayo Fundraiser is set for May 4, 2024. For more information about Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels, visit www.fortbendseniors.org.

Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels plays a vital role by delivering hot meals to nearly 1,300 senior citizens daily, including many who live alone and cannot prepare their own meals.

In 2023, the organization is projected to serve over 400,000 meals to homebound seniors and attendees of the eight senior centers they operate. Beyond meal delivery, Fort Bend Seniors provides transportation to and from the centers, fitness classes, recreational activities, case management, emergency meals, and more, all at no cost to local seniors, 60 years and older.

“Andres’ remarkable dedication and unwavering commitment over the past 16 years have been nothing short of inspiring,” said FBS Executive Director Doug Simpson. “Through his tireless efforts, he has not only elevated this event but also raised over half a million dollars, proving that one person can indeed make a profound and lasting difference in our community.”

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‘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.

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GCOR kicks off the club year by looking through scrapbooks of the past

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Gardening

embers of the Garden Club of Richmond ended their summer vacation and gathered in at Long Acres Ranch in Richmond with hostess Susan Farris and co-hostesses Cathy Madron, Mike Greenwood, Vona Morefield, and Sandy McGee serving a light buffet with an autumn theme setting.

After a social time for members to visit and share summer experiences, Deidre Doggett, president of the Garden Club of Richmond, opened the first meeting of the club for the 2023-2024 year. The thought for the day provided to members was: “Your mind is like a garden.

Your thoughts are seeds. You can grow flowers The Garden Club of Richmond leaders for their 2023-2024 term of office. Front row, or weeds.” from left, are Claudia Wright, Justine Huselton, Deidre Doggett, Susan Farris, Roz Member’s scrapbooks are stored at the Tyree House Kavanaugh and Sandy Scott. Back row, from left, are Laurel Wendt, Barbara Benes, Knipling, Cathy Madron, Marilyn Long, Lynn Hewitt, Vona Morefield, Roberta in Richmond, and during their September meeting, members Keely Terrell, Courtney Raska and Nancie Rain. browsed through the photos and newspaper articles of the scrapbooks dating back to 1935 which were on display at the meeting.

The club’s civic project assisting in the widening and planting of the Moore Home sidewalk entrance is progressing. In addition to the sidewalk, the garden club will be planting pansies in the An- Field trip chairmen Cathy Madron, Laura Hartman, Marilyn Long, Barbara Benes, and Kelli Metzenthin add a little “Ooh La La” to their presentation encouraging members to attend the Texas trip to Round Top and other sites. niversary Garden at the Moore Home.

The Garden Club of Richmond will again sponsor their annual Caladium Bulb sale despite hurricanes, drought, and bugs that have plagued the suppliers. Members and the public who have previously purchased bulbs are encouraged to look for information and purchase forms for the bulbs coming by email starting in November.

Other topics mentioned at the first meeting involved name tags for members, a brief reminder of attendance requirements and duties of active members, hostess duties and costs, and encourJackson R. agement to attend events listed in the garden club event calendar.

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Continued on page 20

story and photo by JOEL LUNA | jluna@fbherald.com

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ICHMOND — Foster High School juniors, Jordan Tosch and Grant Currier are still searching for those qualities needed to becoming a good cross country runner. Good thing is that they are having a good third year in the sport.

Currier has leaped ahead as the top Falcon on the course while Tosch is currently the second best runner for the Lady Falcons.

For Currier, it hadn’t been easy especially his first two seasons, but he finally has seen some light.

“My freshman year was rough because I had a lot of injuries, and in my sophomore year I was kind of stagnant for the most part,” Currier said. “It was in the district meet when I finally broke through some ground on Will Davis at the district meet. That was when I beat him with a kick that helped me win the district championship.” Currier came in at 16:37.6 with Davis right behind him in second place 16:41.9 in 2022.

“I thought everyone took off way too fast, but I was chilling hoping to catch up a bit,” Currier said. “And I got Will toward the end with about 800 meters left, I just had that late burst which over took him.”

This season it has been all Currier as the lead Falcon, but mostly because Davis had surgery prior to the season and has steadily been working himself back. For Currier two races have stood out this season.

Education

Runners grinding it out to improve techniques

“The Clear Falls Invitational and the Regional Preview because of the kick at the end,” he said.

“I just had two good kicks in those races and was in control never panicking.”

At the Clear Falls 3K Invitational Currier clocked in at 12:44.02 and at the Region III 5K Preview, he finished third overall in at 15:49.8.

“My consistency has been putting in the work which eventually has paid off, because it was weeks upon weeks of work with no breaks,” Currier said. “Of course I didn’t have any setbacks like no injuries which was a key for me. I am feeling good and I know this has been my best cross country season so far.”

Once cross country is over, Currier will head to track and field where he will compete in the 400, 800, 1,600, 3,200 meters.

A two-sport athlete, Tosch is also a third baseman and outfielder for the Lady Falcons, Foster High School cross country while on the cross country runners Grant Currier (left) and Jordan course she is following in the Tosch have been a big part of the cross program this season. They footsteps of relatives who country are set to start the quest toward a state competed in the sport. nod which will take place at Old Settlers “My mom used to run cross Park in Round Rock on Nov. 3.

Continued on page 18

To advertise, call 281-342-4474

• 13

Art & Entertainment

Pecan Harvest Festival takes place Nov. 18

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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 bakeoff 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.

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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 lineup 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.

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

14 • Pecan Grove Monthly

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.

To advertise, call 281-342-4474

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Continued from page 13 country in college, and so did my older sister, so it kind of runs in the family,” Tosch said. “I also ran with my sister during my freshman and sophomore seasons and learned quite a bit from her including to never give up no matter how hard it is.”

As a freshman, Tosch had a goal of becoming one of the better runners on the team and also make it to state. “I almost made it to state that year but came up a bit short,” she said. “As a sophomore I tried staying consistent with every race and just continue to keep my spot as the fourth or fifth best runner. And I continued to get faster.”

During the summers, Tosch plays select softball but she makes sure she gets her runs in before. Tosch has never second guessed her decision to jump into something she had never done much of before.

“When I first joined it was hard, because it was the first time I had run so many miles,” Tosch said. “But by having those good leaders in front of us, it just helped shape us into the athletes that we are today. But really coming into that environment has been great for me.”

A couple of her recent runs netted a ninth overall finish at the Nike South Varsity Girls White 5K with a 21:50 run and prior to that was an eighth place finish at the LCISD Invitational in 20:17.5. “For me to be hitting about 20:45 or faster for a race, or having my second mile under seven minutes that is something that I am trying to accomplish,” Tosch said. “But this season I have been struggling by not been able to push as much on the second mile.”

Becoming a runner has helped out her first love, softball. And she’d like to duplicate what her sister, Mickayla Tosch did during her senior year — make state.

“Everyone who gets into running knows it is a mental sport,” she said. ”By being able to push myself through every race has helped me with softball. Now when I strike out or make a bad play, that mental strength has helped me turn the page a lot quicker.”

Currier and Tosch go into the run for the UIL Class 5A Cross Country State Championships with a good head on their shoulders.

C

CEP High schoolers tour colleges

alvary High School students get the opportunity to go on annual college adventures, visiting one large and one small university. This experience exposes students to different colleges and aids them in deciding what college is the best fit for them. The highlight of these trips is meeting current college students and hearing about their experiences. During the most

Pastor Randy Puckett and his family invite you to join them on Sundays at 10:30 am We’re a Family.. and there’s always room for more!

recent trip, Calvary Crusaders enjoyed their tours at The University of Texas at Austin and Southwestern University in Georgetown.

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CEP’s Matriculation Chapel tradition embraces the Crusader spirit

alvary Episcopal Preparatory held its Matriculation Chapel, encouraging students officially embrace the Crusader spirit by signing the iconic matriculation book. This symbolic act connects them to generations of Crusaders who have signed that same book, uniting the past, present and future.

(LEFT) Tobiah Ogunleye in PK3 is signing his name with the help of Ms. Charlyn Harris.

(RIGHT) Angelin Cho is signing the book with the guidance of Mr. Furukawa.

(LEFT) Joshua Bonilla with his teachers Mrs. Garcia and Mrs. Howard.

(RIGHT) PK4 student Christian Duran is signing the book with his teacher, Mrs. Lynn Kidda.

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AG’tivity Barn teaches kids about agriculture Photos by SCOTT REESE WILLEY

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and bees by the Coastal Prairie he AG’tivity Barn at the Fort Bend Chapter of the Texas Master NatuCounty Fair & Rodeo was a senralists. sation among local school chil4H member Aubry Huston disdren who toured the barn. cussed rabbits, Rosa Lingenfelter The AG’tivity Barn is hosted each shared insights on raising poultry year by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and Wes Druke talked about corn Service of Fort Bend County, Prairie and corn products. He demonstratView A&M Cooperative Extension, and ed a hand-cranked corn sheller the Fort Bend County Fair Associaused before electricity. tion and in cooperation with 4H clubs “I want to try it,” one student told throughout Fort Bend County.

Druke, who was seeking a volunteer Located in the George Pavilion, the to demonstrate the hand-cranked barn is an Agricultural Awareness Event corn sheller. hosted by Texas A&M AgriLife ExtenOther educators included Leticia sion Service of Fort Bend County, using Club member Rosa Lingenfelter, 13, discussed the importance Hardy, who spoke on cotton, Paige research-based information to create 4H of poultry in everyday life and how to raise chickens. During her informative educational materials to 10-minute session, she showed students an egg-hatching exhibit and Kalmus, who spoke on poultry, Abdul Hakeem and Sujata Jhangiani, who better educate the general public on a cage with just hatched baby chicks. discussed rice; John Few who spoke how agriculture affects people’s daily on pollinators and bees; Boone Hollives and the farm-to-table process.

Classrooms of students visited the AG’tivity Barn throughout laday, who discussed pecans; Kally Felcman, who spoke on beef; the county fair and Dr. Amy Ressler, Ph.D., county extension di- Erica Knighton, who discussed the important of physical activity; rector for the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Fort Bend Krystal Wilcox, who spoke on fruits and vegetables.

The AG’tivity Barn included a rabbit hutch, a cage with justCounty, welcomed hundreds of fourth-grade students to the barn.

The students spent 10-minute sessions learning about beef, hatched chicks, an egg-hatching cage, a duck pond, a bird yard poultry, rice, corn, cotton, pecans, bees, wildlife, nutrition, physi- complete with chickens and a turkey, a gator and fish area, a bee cal activity and more. The 10-minute segments also covered bats and a pollinator education site.

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Seeing changes in your garden’s planting times?

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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 2030°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.

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Expertise Matters When You Need

BACK AND NECK CARE

Specialists Serving Fort Bend County and Surrounding Areas

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HOUSTON METHODIST SUGAR LAND HOSPITAL MEDICAL OFFICE BUILDING 3

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If you suffer from back and neck pain, you have options when it comes to treatment. At Houston Methodist Neuroscience & Spine Center at Sugar Land, we offer comprehensive spine care ranging from nonsurgical and minimally invasive options to highly complex spine surgery. Whether you are experiencing everyday discomfort or severe pain from a significant condition or injury, our spine specialists provide advanced, personalized care — so you can get back to your active life.

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To schedule an appointment, scan the QR code, visit houstonmethodist.org/neuro-sl or call 281.205.4662.

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• A multidisciplinary team of board-certified doctors and specialists

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