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Greatwood NOVEMBER 2023

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Contents & Staff November 2023

06 10

6 FEATURE | 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.

16 18

22 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT |

Author Rubén Degollado will headline an upcoming free book festival.

TALK OF THE TOWN | The Sugar Land Cultural Arts Foundation honors local muralists.

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

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

TO ADVERTISE If you are interested in advertising in the Greatwood Monthly, 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.

©2023 Greatwood Monthly. All Rights Reserved.

Greatwood Monthly is a sister publication of Fulshear Living Monthly, West Fort Bend Living 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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The Fort Bend Book & Author

bringing people together and creating 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.”

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

6•

Greatwood Monthly

Jennifer Frnka

Linda Pietz

Russell Autrey

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 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 Sharon Collins 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 Nina Struthers 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 Eva Konopka with her son 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

88• • Greatwood Monthly

Continued on page 19

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Talk of the Town

Sugar Land Cultural Arts Foundation honors local muralists

T

he Sugar Land Cultural Arts Foundation, founders of the Sugar Land Arts Fest, recently unveiled murals painted by local artists that will hang in the lobby of Smart Financial Centre. The muralists painted the artwork during the 2023 Sugar Land Arts Fest, a two-day festival presented by PrimeWay Federal Credit Union, which highlights the cultural and artistic diversity of Sugar Land and beyond.

The Foundation honored local artists Sylvia Blanca, Craig Carter, Jessica Guerra, and Stephanie Noe. During the Sugar Land Art Fest last year, the muralists were given the topic of “music” as their inspiration. The murals depict each artist’s interpretation of the theme and are visible to all who enter the Smart Financial Centre for concerts and other events.

“The Sugar Land Cultural Arts Foundation is grateful to partner with the Smart Financial Centre, allowing our local artists to share their talent and creativity with the Sugar Land community and beyond,” said Tim Stubenrouch, President of Sugar Land Cultural Arts Foundation.

The murals will adorn the Smart Financial Centre lobby for a year. Next summer, the Centre will hang a new set of murals participating in the 2024 Sugar Land Arts Fest. The Sugar Land Cultural Arts Foundation looks forward to this becoming an annual tradition as a way to showcase work by local artists.

Honoring the muralists was a way to kick off the 2024 Sugar Land Arts Fest, which will take place on Saturday, April 27, and Sunday, April 28.

The premiere festival, now entering its third year, features a variety of art, including painting, sculpture, photography, mixed media, glass art, woodworking, and jewelry. Attendees can also enjoy a wine and beer garden, cuisine from local restaurants, and live music during the festivities. Proceeds from the festival benefit the Sugar Land Cultural Arts Foundation.

To learn more about the Sugar Land Art Fest, visit www.sugarlandartsfest.com.

Photo of Muralists with Sugar Land City Council - Craig Carter (Muralist), William Ferguson (Sugar Land City Council), Jessica Guerra (Muralist), Stewart Jacobson (Sugar Land City Council), Carol McCutcheon (Sugar Land City Council), Naushad Kermally (Sugar Land City Council), Sylvia Blanca (Muralist), Stephanie Noe (Muralist)

Muralists with Sugar Land Cultural Arts Foundation Board - Stacy Borgfeldt (SLCAF Board Member), Beth Wolf (SLCAF Board Member), Craig Carter (Muralist), Jessica Guerra (Muralist), Chip Sutton (SLCAF Board Member), Cindy Sutton (SLCAF Board Member), James Drew (SLCAF Board Member), Tim Stubenrouch (SLCAF Board Member), Bridget Yeung (SLCAF Board Member), Sylvia Blanca (Muralist), Ray Glath (SLCAF Board Member), Stephanie Noe (Muralist), Ruth Stubenrouch (SLCAF Board Member), Apurva Parikh (SLCAF Board Member)

T The four murals.

Muralists with Sugar Land Arts Fest Artist Committee - Debra Jan Hall (SLCAF Board Member), Craig Carter (Muralist), Elyse Scally (GM of Smart Financial Centre), Jessica Guerra (Muralist), Ruth Stubenrouch (SLCAF Board Member), Sylvia Blanca (Muralist), Stephanie Noe (Muralist).

1010• • Greatwood Monthly

Scout builds a Little Free Library for Master Gardeners demonstration garden

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.

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 is a new outlet whereby Fort Bend Master Gardeners can provide horticultural 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 people in the execution of the project,” said change as we go,” he added.

Penny. “ “We will have a memorial plaque attached Christian had to plan the project, the peoto the library. At some point we will have a ple, the budget, and the timeline, get multidedication ceremony but that won’t happle approvals, oversee execution, keep repen till the weather is cooler,” said Donna cords and provide a report. Christian chose Blackburn, FBMG Youth Activities Director. to have three beneficiaries, which did prove “I’m happy we will have something dedicatto be challenging.” ed to the master gardeners we have lost.”

Christian, who attends Brazos High Master Gardener Patti Lawlor wrote the School, not only built a little lending library plaque wording which reads: This Lending for Master Gardeners but also for MasLibrary was established to honor the memter Naturalists at Seabourne Creek Nature ory of past Master Gardeners who believed Park and Attack Poverty in Rosenberg. The education is the foundation for growth. cost for all three libraries was approximateGrow a garden, feed a butterfly and share Fifteen-year-old Christian Mayorga, a resident of Fulshear, ly $1,300. constructed and placed the small library amidst the herb your passion by borrowing a book, donat- and vegetable gardens as a component of his Eagle Scout “He paid for the supplies needed from ing a book, or doing a gardening activity. money he earned mowing and weed-eatproject.

Master Gardener Everett Blanton worked ing. Our family already had many of the with Christian on the project. Initially, he supplies left over from other home projsaid he was hesitant and worried about the time needed to see a ects,” said Penny. project like this through to completion.

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

“Then, I fell prey to my overwhelming sense of desire to help young And what did he learn from the project? “Being a leader is not alfolks develop leadership and planning skills combined with the pur- ways about telling someone what to do, but rather guiding them and pose of Eagle Scout service projects — to demonstrate his or her teaching them. It’s also about how to adjust with project changes and ability to lead others in the accomplishment of a worthwhile project that not everything goes as it was planned,” Penny said. that can benefit many,” said Blanton. “In the end, after all the many Christian belongs to Troop 941 of Fulshear which is sponsored by starts and stops, what a rewarding and gratifying experience for all the Brazos Rotary Foundation. involved.”

The troop is in the Coastal Plains District of the Sam Houston Area To earn an Eagle rank, a Scout is tasked with providing leadership Council. “Christian joined Scouting as soon as he could,” said his for a project. mom.

“Unlike most projects, where the student or Scout is responsible Christian became a Tiger Scout in 2014 at the age of 6 and crossed for doing as much of the work himself as he possibly can, the Ea- over to Boy Scouts as an Arrow of Light Webelo in January 2019 at gle project objective is managing the project, thereby managing the the age of 12.

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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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• 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 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

•

Choose more native plants.

•

plants for your summer garden.

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 • •

• •

AG’tivity Barn teaches kids about agriculture

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.

18• • Greatwood Monthly 18

Photos by SCOTT REESE WILLEY

T

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 4H clubs throughout Fort Bend County.

Located in the George Pavilion, 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 farmto-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 4H Club member Rosa Lingenfelter, 13, discussed the importance of poultry in students to the barn. everyday life and how to raise chickens.

The students spent During her 10-minute session, she showed students an egg-hatching exhibit and a cage 10-minute sessions learn- with just hatched baby chicks. ing 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 4H Club member Wes Druke, 13, explains insights on raising poul- to school children ow early Texans shelled try and Wes Druke talk- corn with the use of a hand-cranked sheller.

Students got the opportunity to try it for ed about corn and corn themselves. Druke spent the 10-minute products. He demonstrat- session explaining how corn products were used in everything from food to plastics to ed a hand-cranked corn beverages and fuel. sheller used before electricity.

“I want to try it,” one student told Druke, who was seeking a volunteer to demonstrate the hand-cranked corn sheller.

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.

Continued from page 9

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30TH 1:00PM - 4:00PM

Get ready to ignite your holiday spirit and join the fun festivities at our Holiday World Market, where the magic of the season comes to life! Experience the enchantment with live music, indulge in delectable holiday treats, get inspired with gift ideas and savor festive beverages.

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Arts & Entertainment

Popul

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.

Author Rubén Degollado to headline book festival

F

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

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Popular Christ 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. Stavino-

ha 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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Education

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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 Dec. 1 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 Fort Bend County Retired Educators donate to an elementa- Association members Suzanne Unruh and ry school in the spring. Nancy Hall are the chairs for the group’s annual book drive. Throughout the year, members In 2024, pre-kindergar- donate brand-new or gently used books that ten, kindergarten and will be distributed in May to pre-kindergarten, first-grade students at kindergarten and first grade students attending Thomas Elementary 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 school college coordinators and counselors, in early spring. For more information, visit the group’s Facebook page or contact Danziger.

LCISD school dedicated to Lunches of Love creator

Story and Photos by BRANDON NORVELL | bnorvell@fbherald.com

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amar Consolidated ISD and Lunches of Love (LoL) came together to honor the late Adriane Matthews Gray in a school dedication ceremony. Gray Elementary opened its doors to students for the fall 2023 semester.

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Gray was the founder of LoL and dedicated her life to helping end child hunger. In attendance at the dedication ceremony were Gray’s family, friends and Lamar CISD’s Board of Trustees.

“We want to make sure we honor her legacy, especially Gray’s family pictured from left to right, Chris Gray, Elizabeth Fairfield, Ellen Fairfield, Eden Fairfield, here with our young Emma Fairfield, David Fairfield, and Jeannette people,” LCISD Supt. Matthews.

Dr. Roosevelt Nivens explained.

A ribbon cutting took place and present were Randle High School’s cheer squad and band team.

Following the ribbon cutting, a dedication ceremony took place in the cafeteria of Gray Elementary, which was crowded with friends, family, colleagues and students.

“This was the most amazing honor and she would be so proud,” Gray’s sister, Elizabeth Fairfield said. “We are so proud of her.”

Speakers included LCISD Board of Trustee President Mandi Bronsell and Secretary Kay Dizinger, Nivens, along with Gray’s mother Jeannette Mathews.

“Adriane dedicated her life to give back to the community and was able to influence thousands of lives over the years,” Matthews announced.

Along with speakers, the Randle High School choir gave an emotional performance of “A Million Dreams”.

Following the speeches, attendees were invited to take a tour of the elementary provided by students. Lunches were provided for guests of the elementary as well.

The elementary school is located at 5055 Sunrise Meadow Dr., Richmond and follows the motto “Gray Grizzlies Growl with Greatness!”

“She never wanted credit or recognition for what she did, but rather desired to do whatever she could to help kids and their families have a better life and not have to worry about food,” Matthews said.

Gray died on April 5 after a five-year battle with cancer. Her work and dedication to the community left an impact on residents of the Richmond/Rosenberg area.

LoL was founded in 2009 and currently serves 20 Lamar CISD schools and five Fort Bend ISD schools.

“Adriane’s heart for students and her community is contagious, and it was very evident that she loved what she did,” said Nivens.

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• 23

Expertise Matters When You Need

BACK AND NECK CARE

Specialists Serving Fort Bend County and Surrounding Areas

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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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