West Fort Bend

WEST

FORT BEND November 2023

Living

A publication of the

Contents &Staff 6 FEATURE STORY

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

The Fort Bend Black Heritage Society continues its efforts to uncover, discover,

MANAGING EDITOR Marquita Griffin mgriffin@fbherald.com

maintain and preserve local Black history and its current fundraiser is supporting those efforts.

ADVERTISING Stefanie Bartlett sbartlett@fbherald.com Ruby Polichino ruby@fbherald.com

10 TALK OF THE TOWN

Avery McDonald, a fourth grader at Needville MS, showed her first goat at

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the 2023 Fort Bend County Fair livestock show, and while her goat only finished fifth in its class, Avery finished first in the hearts of

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Melinda Maya mmaya@fbherald.com Rachel Cavazos rcavazos@fbherald.com

TO ADVERTISE If you are interested in advertising in the West Fort Bend Living, please call 281-342-4474 and ask for Stefanie Bartlett or Ruby Polichino. We’ll be happy to send rates, and deadline information to you.

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

spectators.

14 EDUCATION

Fort Bend County Retired Educators Association announces its 'Holiday

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WRITERS & CONTRIBUTORS Marquita Griffin Scott Reese Willey Brandon Norvell

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

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RESPECTING THE RESTING

The Fort Bend Black Heritage Society aims to restore historical Black cemeteries

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by MARQUITA GRIFFIN | mgriffin@fbherald.com

ha’Terra Johnson finds it fortunate that she integrated a child- was as favored as it is until, due to ordering deadline mishaps, the hood memory and reasonably-priced merch as a fundraiser society had to cancel 2023 calendar fundraiser. for a nonprofit organization she’s been involved with since “A lot of people were calling looking for and wanting them,” Johnshe was a child. son said, adding that she was initially shocked but more in“I stumbled across these Black history calendars and I spired by the demand. She noted that fundraiser calenremembered when my grandmother was a representadars have been shipped outside the state and to Texas tive of this company,” began Johnson, the vice prescities beyond Fort Bend. ident of the Fort Bend Black Heritage Society.

This year’s fundraiser presents 300 calendars, Formed in 1984 by Black residents focused on and “once we are out, we are out,” she said. community service, the Fort Bend Black Heritage The calendars are $5 each and can be mailed or Society also concentrates on discovering, sharing picked up by scheduling with Lannis Johnson at and preserving Fort Bend County’s Black history.

Shilo Missionary Baptist Church, 607 West Street As a nonprofit, the Fort Bend Black Heritage Sociin Rosenberg. The mailing fee is an additional $5 to ety relies on donations and volunteerism, so Johnson cover the shipping and handling. The pick-up option regularly searches for sponsorships, donations or volunis free. teers. That’s why her For more inforbrain kicked into high mation about the gear when she saw Fort Bend Black the Black history calHeritage Society endars; she recalled or to volunteer, dothat the company her nate, or purchase a grandmother worked calendar from a sofor had an annual traciety member, visit dition of giving calenits Facebook page dars. or email fbheritagJohnson, a Rosenesociety@gmail. berg resident, is the com. granddaughter of Lannis Johnson, the ‘WE HAVE THE Fort Bend Black HerTOOLS, BUT WE itage Society presiNEED THE HANDS’ dent and notably the Although she last living member of strives to reach the founding mem- Volunteers working to distribute the 2024 Fort Bend Black Heritage Society Black history and art calendars. Below more supporters and above are the 2024 calendar covers“Black History: A Celebration” and “Celebration of African-American Art.” bers. with this year’s cal“I learned through endar fundraiser, my grandmother, and I thought, these calendars could Johnson was confident of its potential triumph bebe an inexpensive fundraiser sold at a nominal fee,” cause of its record.

Johnson said. “I know that people have phones and “It’s always been successful because we’re not easier ways to keep up with [information, appointtrying for billions,” she said mirthfully. ments and schedules], but these calendars are speBut as the delight in her voice tapered off, a cific to Black history.” more fatigued tone took its place.

The 2024 Fort Bend Black Heritage Society Black Despite the restorative efforts of the Fort Bend History & Art Calendar Fundraiser includes the “CelBlack Heritage Society and its supporters, Johnebration of African-American Art” calendar, which feason said the nonprofit needs additional capital to tures work by Black artists each month and the “Black Hisefficiently complete its community projects, the most tory: A Celebration” calendar, which includes a Black historical crucial of which is maintaining deteriorated and overlooked attribute on each day of each month. historic Black cemeteries in Fort Bend County.

“People love that one,” Johnson said.

“They desperately need care,” said Johnson, further expressing For five years the Fort Bend Black Heritage Society has hosted its her regret, frustration and disappointment at what feels like a general annual calendar fundraiser, and with a charming and genuine open- indifference or insolence regarding forgotten historic Black cemeterness, Johnson shared that she didn’t realize the calendar fundraiser ies.

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West Fort Bend Living

“Headstones are knocked down or covered, and they don’t have a church or governing entity for oversight,” she shared.

She explained that in the past, there were Freedmen churches where formerly enslaved people were buried. Over time and for multiple reasons, those churches were abandoned by membership, resulting in them falling into dilapidation.

And as those buildings were forgotten, so were the cemeteries holding the resting remains of formerly enslaved people, Johnson said.

The calendar fundraiser will help subsidize the restoration and upkeep of the Black cemeteries without oversight, and it will help with the further development of seven acres in Orchard, Texas, which will be the future site of the Garden of Rest Cemetery.

This prospective community cemetery was made possible by the founding Fort Bend Black Heritage Society members who purchased the land.

Johnson said the crusade to restore historic Black cemeteries in Fort Bend County, however, “all started with Byrd Cemetery” several years ago when the society decided on it as the first clean-up project.

Following extensive research during and after the cleaning, Johnson said the Fort Bend Black Heritage Society discovered that one of the graves in Byrd Cemetery dated back to 1906 and an undetermined number of formerly enslaved people rest on the grounds. Additionally, the property holds World War I and World War II veterans.

“Then after doing more research, I noticed there are a lot of historic Black cemeteries around Fort Bend County, and a lot of them are Freedmen churches.”

“It’s sad,” Johnson said, pointing out the consequences of the deteriorating state of some historic Black cemeteries. When a cemetery isn’t maintained, history is lost to the wear of time, Johnson noted.

“We want to do something [more] about it, but we don’t have enough of it —” she defined as nutritive finances and a steadfast volunteer base.

“It costs money and it takes people” for intricate projects such as the one the Fort Bend Black Heritage Society has unofficially undertaken, Johnson continued. And without enough funds to consistently pay for clearing or tree-cutting services, a cemetery that lacks adequate management, “will go unkempt unless there is a community project and then volunteers come out.”

Johnson is grateful for the volunteers, organizations or groups that partnered with the society over the years during community projects, and she’s pushing the Fort Bend Black Heritage Society so it can reach the point when it can effortlessly supervise the maintenance of local historic Black cemeteries.

“We need more manpower out here,” she said, especially since the Rosenberg Rotary Club donated landscaping equipment.

“But we can’t use the tools to their potential,” Johnson said, referring to the scarcity of “youthful strength” among their membership.

“Listen, we can’t be cutting down all the trees,” she said laughing.

“Now, don’t get me wrong, we know how to work with our hands

and we can work with my hands, but my grandmother is about to be 80 years old, so there’s only so much we can do.”

The nonprofit undoubtedly needs more helping hands, but Johnson doesn’t share this predicament with indignation, dread, or acrimony. Instead, she clears her throat, and when she speaks again, there is determination in her words, not defeat.

Since its start in 1984 and despite opposition at times, the Fort Bend Black Heritage Society has hosted trail rides, events honoring Black residents of Fort Bend, festivals and Juneteenth celebrations.

No matter the obstacle, the Fort Bend Black Heritage Society presses forward, Johnson said, before adding that she hopes more people join the bandwagon.

“We have the tools,” she said. “But we need the hands.”

Before and after photographs of Byrd Cemetery in Rosenberg after the Fort Bend Black Heritage Society collaborated with community churches, organizations and volunteers to clean up the long-ignored state of the area. The Fort Bend Black Heritage Society continues to focus on the maintenance of the cemetery, while increasing support for the upkeep of more, overlooked Black cemeteries around the county.

UPCOMING FBBHS EVENTS & EFFORTS

• Cemetery beautification at Byrd Cemetery for Veterans Day + placing flags on the graves of veterans across Fort Bend. • The Red Kisses Entertainment B.C. Music Jam concession stand fundraiser on Dec. 9 .• Participation in World AIDS Day Remembrance & Awareness • 2024 FBBHS Black Honors Awards in February to highlight Black families, businesses, churches, politicians and service organizations. __________________________________________________________________________________________________ The Fort Bend Black Heritage Society meets monthly on the second Wednesday of every month.

For more information follow the Fort Bend Black Heritage Society on F @FBBHS or d @ fb_blackheritage.

To advertise, call 281-342-4474

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NOVE MBER

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West Fort Bend Living

Continued on page 26

To advertise, call 281-342-4474

•9

A ribbon for Avery

Story & Photo by BRANDON NORVELL | bnorvell@fbherald.com

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very McDonald, a fourth grader at Needville Middle School, was greeted with deafening cheers, big smiles and a wave of hands as she showed her first goat at the 2023 Fort Bend County Fair livestock show.

While her goat only finished fifth in its class, the Needville lass finished first in the hearts of spectators.

“When you look into Avery and the McDonald family posed for a family the livestock barn, you photo after placing fifth at the Fort Bend County Fair don’t see the kids that livestock show. More photos online at fbherald.com. have the same kind of condition as Avery,” said official boot man and mentor Travion Dickson.

Avery has Down Syndrome, but it doesn’t keep her from participating in the same activities as her classmates.

Dickson and livestock adviser Dwight Callis played a helping hand in getting Avery in the big show. Dickson assisted in getting the goat’s feed donated from the Needville feed store and Callis helped get the goat.

“It was a community effort and a lot of people stepped in,” Dickson said.

Ace and Avery’s sister, Kayleigh, were with her in the arena to support her along the way.

“My goat is nice to me and he loves to walk with me,” Avery said.

In the audience was Avery’s family: Her mom, dad, grandparents and friends. As they walked Ace jumped on Avery and while that did cause a setback, Avery did not give up.

“I had to walk him and feed him every day,” Avery said. “I fed him twice a day for two months.”

Kayleigh is no stranger to livestock shows, as she has shown rabbits in the past.

“We are so proud of Avery and her big sister Kaleigh,” Avery’s mom, Amber McDonald, said. “They learned a lot, worked hard and had a positive outlook on the whole experience.”

Once the show ended, Avery was greeted by those she knew in the audience. She saved her biggest hug for her grandfather. Because of her placement, Avery will advance to the freezer sale taking place on Saturday where she will undoubtedly be greeted with more cheers.

When Avery is not at school she said she loves to play with her LOL dolls.

“Just to give Avery that opportunity to come out here and show an animal. It means everything,” Dickson said.

Scout builds a Little Free Library for Master Gardeners demonstration garden

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he Fort Bend Master Gardeners demonstration gardens in Rosenberg have a new addition — a Little Free Library.

Fifteen-year-old Christian Mayorga of Fulshear built and installed the little library between the herb and vegetable gardens as part of his Eagle Scout project. The son of Penny and Van, Mayorga spent 80 hours on the build but the project from planning to completion took a year, said his mom.

10 • West Fort Bend Living

The library was formally presented to Fort Bend Master Gardeners on Aug. 26.

“The location was chosen by the Master Gardeners and it seems fitting because the library feeds the mind; the garden feeds the people,” said Penny.

“This little lending library Fifteen-year-old Christian Mayorga, a resident is a new outlet whereby of Fulshear, constructed and placed the small Fort Bend Master Gardenlibrary amidst the herb and vegetable gardens ers can provide horticulturas a component of his Eagle Scout project. al education to our community,” said Carol Gaas, FBMG president. “We are thrilled that Christian chose our gardens to install the lending library.”

“The library is registered on the Internet at littlefreelibrary.org so that anyone can locate it,” Penny said. “The library is ideally for anyone to share or borrow a book.”

The FBMG Little Free Library is accepting gently used or new horticulture books but no magazines, said Master Gardener Jerry Zona.

“They may email me about book donations and/or bring them to the front office at 1402 Band Road, Suite 100, Rosenberg. I’ll get an inbox for the donations,” said Zona.

Email jerryzona@aol.com to discuss donations.

“This is a learning experience and we’ll change as we go,” he added.

“We will have a memorial plaque attached to the library. At some point we will have a dedication ceremony but that won’t happen till the weather is cooler,” said Donna Blackburn, FBMG Youth Activities Director. “I’m happy we will have something dedicated to the master gardeners we have lost.”

Master Gardener Patti Lawlor wrote the plaque wording which reads: This Lending Library was established to honor the memory of past Master Gardeners who believed education is the foundation for growth. Grow a garden, feed a butterfly and share your passion by borrowing a book, donating a book, or doing a gardening activity.

Master Gardener Everett Blanton worked with Christian on the project. Initially, he said he was hesitant and worried about the time needed to see a project like this through to completion.

“Then, I fell prey to my overwhelming sense of desire to help young folks develop leadership and planning skills combined with the purpose of Eagle Scout service projects — to demonstrate his or her ability to lead others in the accomplishment of a worthwhile project that can benefit many,” said Blanton. “In the end, after all the many starts and stops, what a rewarding and gratifying experience for all involved.”

To earn an Eagle rank, a Scout is tasked with providing leadership for a project.

“Unlike most projects, where the student or Scout is responsible for doing as much of the work himself as he possibly can, the Eagle project objective is managing the project, thereby managing the people in the execution of the project,” said Penny. “ Christian had to plan the project, the people, the budget, and the timeline, get multiple approvals, oversee execution, keep records and provide a report. Christian chose to have three beneficiaries, which did prove to be challenging.”

Christian, who attends Brazos High School, not only built a little lending library for Master Gardeners but also for Master Naturalists at Seabourne Creek Nature Park and Attack Poverty in Rosenberg. The cost for all three libraries was approximately $1,300.

“He paid for the supplies needed from money he earned mowing and weed-eating. Our family already had many of the supplies left

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over from other home projects,” said Penny.

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

And what did he learn from the project? “Being a leader is not always about telling someone what to do, but rather guiding them and teaching them. It’s also about how to adjust with project changes and that not everything goes as it was planned,” Penny said.

Christian belongs to Troop 941 of Fulshear which is sponsored by

the Brazos Rotary Foundation.

The troop is in the Coastal Plains District of the Sam Houston Area Council. “Christian joined Scouting as soon as he could,” said his mom.

Christian became a Tiger Scout in 2014 at the age of 6 and crossed over to Boy Scouts as an Arrow of Light Webelo in January 2019 at the age of 12.

‘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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• 13

[Education] T

Fort Bend County Retired Educators Association members Suzanne Unruh and Nancy Hall are the chairs for the group’s annual book drive. Throughout the year, members donate brandnew or gently used books that will be distributed in May to pre-kindergarten, kindergarten and first grade students attending Thomas Elementary.

FBCREA announces ‘Holiday Lunch and Highlights’ meeting

he Fort Bend County Retired Educators Association is open to all retired teachers and paraprofessionals in Fort Bend County. Their next meeting is a “Holiday Lunch and Highlights from George Ranch Students” at 11:30 a.m. Dec. 6 at GRHS. Food will be prepared by the GRHS culinary arts students. The luncheon is free for members. Please let Kay Danziger, kay.danziger@aol.com, know by Dr.1 Kyle D. McCrea and Dr. Victoria Vo Dec. if attending.

Upcoming meetings include Feb. 14 at 2 p.m. at Long Acres Ranch highlighting heart healthy exercise, and March 20 at 2 p.m., also at Long Acres Ranch. The guest speaker will be Russell Autrey, photographer and storyteller. Autrey will share photos from his many years of taking photos for the Fort Bend Herald. He is also the author of numerous books highlighting the Bolivar Peninsula area.

During the year, members donate new or gently used books to donate to an elementary school in the spring. In 2024, pre-kindergarten, kindergarten and first-grade students at Thomas Elementary will receive the books. Members also collect money throughout the year to fund scholarships for area seniors wishing to pursue a degree in education. Applicants are asked to submit a packet, available from high Your Home for Dentistry school college coordinators and counselors, in early spring. For more information, the group’s Facebook page or contact Danziger.

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Runners grinding it out to improve techniques

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

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,”

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[Cuisine|Corner] 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.

“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, while on the cross country course she is following in the footsteps of relatives who competed in the sport.

“My mom used to run cross 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.”

Foster High School cross country A couple of her recent runs net- runners Grant Currier (left) and ted a ninth overall finish at the Nike Jordan Tosch have been a big part South Varsity Girls White 5K with a of the cross country program this season. They are set to start the 21:50 run and prior to that was an quest toward a state nod which will eighth place finish at the LCISD In- take place at Old Settlers Park in vitational in 20:17.5. “For me to be Round Rock on Nov. 3.

Continued on page 22

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Fort Bend Art Center’s Fort Bend Book & Author set for Nov. 25

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by MARQUITA GRIFFIN | mgriffin@fbherald.com

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.”

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 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

16 • West Fort Bend Living

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Judge Ron Gordon and ALFB President Linda Pietz.

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• 17

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.

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

18 • West Fort Bend Living

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.

Like reading and bargains?

Consider shopping at this local sale

I

n conjunction with Fort Bend County Libraries’ Annual Book Festival, the Friends of the George Memorial Library will have a major book sale at the front entrance of the library, Nov. 18 from 10 a.m.

- 2 p.m.

People who love books, people who love bargains, and people who need to get rid of some spare change will find low prices on books for children and teens, fiction and non-fiction books for adults, classics, graphic novels, inspirational books, romance novels, science fiction, and textbooks, as well as audiobooks, music CDs, movie DVDs, and even puzzles. The selection also includes large-print books and books in Spanish. Money raised by the Friends of the Library Book Sale provides funding for special adult and children’s programs, cultural events, and staff development programs for library employees.

In addition to the book-centric events, the George Memorial Library offers more free monthly programs for children. Not to mention, the library regularly presents a variety of free programs, classes, clubs, and special programs for people of all ages each month.

All programs are open to the public. Please note that the library will be closed Nov. 10 for Veterans’ Day and November 23-26 for the Thanksgiving holiday.

For more information, visit Fort Bend County Libraries website at www.fortbend.lib.tx.us or call George Memorial Library at 281-3424455 or the library system’s Communications Office at 281-633-4734.

More November events at the library: NATIONAL NOVEL-WRITING MONTH SPECIAL EVENTS The Story Spinners Writing Club: NaNoWriMo Edition When: Thursdays, Nov. 2, 9, 16, and 30, 5:30-8:30 p.m. in Room 2C. What: This program normally meets once a month, but in recognition of National Novel-Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), the group will meet weekly in November, except for Nov. 23, when the library will be closed for the holiday. From beginning blogger to published novelist, writers of all genres and experience levels are welcome to join the Story Spinners Writing Club to write, share, learn, support, network, and critique each other’s work.

Writing prompts, brainteasers, and brief exercises will be available to ignite the imaginations of any and all wordsmiths who wish to hone their craft. This program is recommended for adults and teens aged 14 and up.

The topics for the month will be: Nov. 2: Beginnings; Nov. 9: Ambiance; Nov. 16: Action; and Nov. 30: Plot Holes.

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National Novel-Writing Month: Write-Ins When: Mondays, Nov. 6, 13, 20, and 27, 5:30-8:30 pm, Room 2C. What: During National Novel-Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), participants devote the month to writing a 50,000-word novel by 11:59 pm, on Nov. 30. Write-Ins are informal gatherings where novice writers can network with each other for inspiration and feedback.

Join fellow writers for quiet writing time, word sprints, and encouragement.

SPECIAL FAMILY EVENTS Interactive Movie Night When: Monday, Nov. 20, 6-8 p.m. in the Meeting Room.

What: Free tickets will be available starting one hour before the movie begins. Using pre-established prompts and props, the audience is encouraged to sing, cheer, and react along with the film. Based on the Super Mario video games, this 2023 animated film is about a plumber named Mario who teams up with his friends, Princess Peach and Toad, to find Mario’s brother, Luigi. Together, they hope to defeat the evil Bowser and save the Mushroom Kingdom. This film is rated PG. Preschool Story Lab: Baking When: Tuesday, Nov. 21, 10:30-11:30 a.m. in the Meeting Room.

What: The Preschool Story Lab is a creative story time event that encourages children (ages 3-6) to discover and explore concepts in science, technology, engineering,

arts, and math (STEAM). The activity will begin with a brief story time to introduce the topic: Baking. Children and their caregivers may then rotate through a variety of handson activities based on that theme.

CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS: Craft packets will be given out at the end of each program, so that children may take them home to enjoy.

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. Nov. 1, 2, 8, 9 – no programs; Nov. 15 and 16 – Farm; Nov. 22 – Food; Nov. 23 – closed; Nov. 29 and 30 – Mice.

Pajama Night Story Time When: Thursdays, 6-6:30 p.m. in the Meeting Room.

What: Gives families with children of all ages an evening option for some activities presented during the day time. Because of elections and holidays, this program will take place on Nov. 16 and 30 only.

After-School Break When: 2nd and 4th Tuesday, 4:15-5 p.m. in the Children’s Corner Puppet Theater.

What: Crafts, movies, stories, and more for school-aged children in grades kindergarten through 5. Schedules: Nov. 14 – Build It! ;Nov. 28 – STEM: Snowflake Patterns.

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inment] Continued from page 15 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.

The 2023 Superheroes of Fort Bend Hope Gala triumphed

Keynote speaker Geoff Blum.

F

ort Bend Hope Executive Director Adam Yates said he was overjoyed at the turnout and success of the nonprofit's first gala on Oct. 5, in The Lodge of the Safari Texas Ranch in Richmond.

The Superheroes of Fort Bend Hope Gala included keynote speaker Houston Astros, Geoff Blum, dinner, a cocktail hour, and a silent auction.

At the core of the evening was encouragement to financially support Fort Bend Hope which provides free educational resources, classes, programs and workshops in Rosenberg.

“Education gives people control of their lives,” Adam said.

“The American Dream is unblocked by education and fueled by hope.”

Visit fortbendhope.org.

Guests play the Heads or Tails game and winners were announced.

The Fort Bend Hope board cutting the 10-year Anniversary cake.

Greatwood Veterinary Hospital At Greatwood Veterinary Hospital, we are dedicated to providing excellent and compassionate care for your furry, family friends. We offer full veterinary services in our new, spacious 6,500 square foot facility. Our experienced and caring veterinarians and staff strive to provide the best quality care available for your pets, with an emphasis on client education and an understanding of your pet’s specific needs. We would like to be partners with you in ensuring your pet’s good health and well-being. In addition to full medical, surgical, and dental veterinary care, we also offer boarding, grooming, and cremation services. Greatwood Veterinary Hospital has been providing affordable and quality veterinary care to the Fort Bend area for over 15 years.

It is our hope that we can meet all your animal’s health care needs with our warm, friendly, and knowledgeable services.

To make an appointment for your pet or for more information, please call us at (281) 342-7770 or visit us at 401 Crabb River Road in Richmond.

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• 23

Seeing changes in your garden’s planting times?

By SANDRA GRAY | Fort Bend County Master Gardener

I

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.

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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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AG’tivity Barn teaches kids about agriculture

T

Photos by SCOTT REESE WILLEY

he AG’tivity Barn at the Fort Bend “I want to try it,” one student told Druke, County Fair & Rodeo was a sensawho was seeking a volunteer to demonstrate tion among local school children who the hand-cranked corn sheller. toured the barn.

Other educators included Leticia Hardy, The AG’tivity Barn is hosted each year who spoke on cotton, Paige Kalmus, who

by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service of spoke on poultry, Abdul Hakeem and SujaFort Bend County, Prairie View A&M Coopta Jhangiani, who discussed rice; John Few erative Extension, and the Fort Bend County who spoke on pollinators and bees; Boone Fair Association and in cooperation with 4H Holladay, who discussed pecans; Kally Felcclubs throughout Fort Bend County. man, who spoke on beef; Erica Knighton, Located in the George Pavilion, the barn 4H Club member Wes Druke, 13, explains to school who discussed the important of physical is an Agricultural Awareness Event hosted children ow early Texans shelled corn with the use of a activity; Krystal Wilcox, who spoke on fruits

by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service hand-cranked sheller. Students got the opportunity to try of Fort Bend County, using research-based it for themselves. 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 4H Club member Rosa Lingenfelter, 13, discussed the importance of poultry in everyday life and how to raise chickens. During her 10-minute session, she showed used before electricity. students an egg-hatching exhibit and a cage with just hatched baby chicks.

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• 25

Continued from page 9

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