01-04-23 Edition of The Ft. Bend Star

UH graduates new class of 76 nurses

Local TSTC students go above and beyond

Ethan Brasseaux and Phillip Haas, students in the Electrical Power and Controls program at Texas State Technical College's Fort Bend County campus in Rosenberg, recently went above and beyond the program's typical expectations.

In the program, third-semester students typically are assigned a project to complete that incorporates the lessons, techniques and skills they learned up to that

point, according to a TSTU press release. The usual project is a digital electronic game. Brasseaux and Haas decided they wanted to try something different.

“We were up for something that was a little more challenging,” Haas said in the release. “It turned into something a bit crazier than that. But looking back now, it was kind of fun to do everything.”

For their project, they built a digital clock in combination with a logic decoder to detect an event and set

off a light. They began by designing blueprints and schematics. Each wire and panel had to be accounted for in order for the clock to run and the decoder to set off the alarm. The goal was to have the logic decoder recognize when the clock hit a certain time and set off the light, much in the same way an alarm clock would.

Brasseaux said it took patience to complete the project.

“It involved a lot of rep -

Walking side by side

Hundreds crowded the Cullen Performance Hall at the University of Houston for recent Fall 2022 Commencement Ceremony and Pinning for the UH College of Nursing, based at the UH Sugar Land campus.

“You are graduating from a special university that you have transformed during your stay here,” said Kathryn Tart, professor and founding dean of the college, said in UH press release. “It’s a university that is your home, your alma mater, your pride and your bragging right.”

Jacqueline R. Ward, Chief Nursing Officer and Senior Vice President for Texas Children’s Hospital, served as commencement speaker. Ward, a doctor of nurse practice, registered nurse and nurse executive -board certified, told graduates that choosing nursing was one of the best decisions they’ve made.

“You experienced nursing school during a pandemic,” she said. “You persevered, adapted, partnered, collaborated and focused. You were resilient, and you did it.”

Seventy-six new nurses crossed the stage, earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

Special student accolades included:

• Outstanding Academic Student: Kayley Danielle Hoffman 4.0 GPA

• Outstanding Clinical Student: Sydney Morah Omwoya

• Outstanding Graduate Student: Katherine Lee Wallender 4.0 GPA

• 4.0 Graduate Students: Jessica Renee Holsch & Victoria Karen Stanczykiewicz Ward, who began her career at Texas Children’s Hospital as a graduate nurse in 1993, told the audience they are now on a journey to become leaders. She urged them to connect with a mentor and

Father and son share military backgrounds, UH degrees

Fall commencement at the University of Houston was a special moment for the Cook family. Levi Cook walked the stage Dec. 16 to receive his Bachelor of Business Administration in Supply Chain Management from the C. T. Bauer College of Business.

The next day, he was in the audience to cheer on his father Ross Cook, 58, who received his Bachelor of Science in Technology and Leadership Innovation Management (TLIM) from the College of Technology, based at UH Sugar Land.

Both are not only fall UH graduates, but also they are proud veterans as Ross served in the U.S. Navy and Levi in the U.S. Air Force, according to a story on the UH website.

For Ross, a bachelor’s degree was many years in the making. His first foray into higher education began at a community college while working in the oil industry. During the 1980s’ oil bust, he enlisted in the Navy and developed his skills as an auxiliary mechanical subsystems technician, specializing in Detroit Diesel engines. Following his service, he

returned to Houston and re-enrolled in community college while working and starting a family. He took a break from academics but recently found his way to UH.

“UH had the degree I was looking for,” he said in the web story. "The bachelor’s in TLIM is a versatile program that allowed me to build on many of the skills I gained both in the Navy and as a professional.”

Levi followed in his father's footsteps. He also started at a community college before enlisting in the service. Following his stint in the Air Force, he

also returned to the classroom at Lone Star College before going to UH.

Like his father, he identified a degree in line with his talents and his career goals. Not long after arriving at UH, Levi developed an admiration for the faculty who provided students with opportunities to meet with leaders from the industry.

Levi also appreciates the lessons learned from his father. He said his dad taught him to have a thick skin and to think twice before debating a peer or a professor.

“I’ve learned patience

from him,” Levi said. “He always told be to be patient and think things through before making a hasty decision.”

Although they will not graduate side by side, both Ross and Levi are excited to be recognized by UH on the same weekend.

“I’m extremely proud of my father,” Levi said. “It’s not easy to go back to school in your 50s, but he did it. He’s an example for so many others out there, who may have thought school passed them by.” Ross agrees. Although

-

The

Ross Cook, left, and his son Levi are both new University of Houston graduates. (Photo courtesy of University of Houston)

The Fort Bend Junior Service League presented a $352,000 check representing the proceeds of the 21st annual Sugar Plum Market to 24 local charities serving Fort Bend County at a December 13 ceremony hosted by title sponsor Memorial Hermann Sugar Land hospital.

Speakers in attendance included Malisha Patel, Memorial Herman Sugar Land CEO and Senior Vice-President, and

Tanesha Mosley, FBJSL President.

following beneficia

ries were presented with grants: Access Health, Big Brothers Big Sisters Lone Star, Boys & Girls Club of Greater Houston, Brazos Bend Guardianship, Catholic Charities, Child Advocates of Fort Bend, College Community Career, East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry, Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center, Fort Bend History Association, Fort

The Fort Bend Junior Service League present a check representing $352,000 in Sugar Plum Market proceeds to representatives of local organizations at an event at Memorial Hermann Sugar Land. (Contributed photo)

Texas State Technical College Electrical Power and Controls students Ethan Brasseaux, left, and Philip Haas showcase their semester project. (Photo courtesy TSTC0

Staff Reports

Staff Reports

Staff Reports

Staff Reports

By Ken Fountain KFOUNTAIN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Did you hear that?

I'm talking about the fireworks, of course. If you'll allow me to channel my inner Clint Eastwood in Gran Torino (you know, the one where he belts out "Get off my lawn!"), the older I get the more I find the whole peopleshooting-off-fireworks-inmy-neighborhood thing grating.

I've never actually been one for firing my own

fireworks. I've always preferred seeing the professional fireworks shows. One year when I was in the Navy, I had duty on the Fourth of July and watched several spectacular displays along San Diego Bay from the flight deck of my aircraft carrier.

Before moving into Fort Bend County a few years ago, I lived inside the Loop and could easily walk to see the City of Houston's displays on Buffalo Bayou. To each their own, of course, but it seems there are a lot more of the unpro -

fessional types these days, and they go on for much longer than they used to. And judging by my social media feed, it's a phenomenon that is growing more

and more pervasive.

Anyway, rant over. Happy New Year!

And we all hope it will be. There are still a lot of issues to deal with: the still-going pandemic, war abroad, inflation at home, and the ever-present political divisions in this country.

Those divisions exist right here in Fort Bend County, too. On Sunday, all of the newly elected or re-elected County officials took part in a mass swearing-in ceremony at the County Courthouse.

I wasn't able to go to the event, but news footage I saw depicted officeholders of both major parties enjoying the moment and each other's company.

One would like to think that that kind of goodwill could prevail when those officeholders go back to work. But as we've seen all to well in the last several years, too often that's not the case.

A couple of weeks ago, an example of what seemed (to an outside observer, at least) of raw politics occurred right here in Fort Bend. I'm new to covering politics here, and I can't pretend to know what people's true motivations might be. But it looked like the particular action might not have been made with

the county's long-term interests in mind.

I think most people would prefer that whatever officials' political affiliation might be, when they are voting on key decisions, they will put the benefit of their constituents at the forefront. It may be naive, but I still hold a residual ideal from high school civics class that that's the way government is supposed to work.

But maybe that's why I've always been an observer of politics and never a participant. Still, in this new year, I'd like to think we can all strive to do better.

As always, please send story ideas or news tips to me at KFountain@fortbendstar.com.

Fountain

Fort Bend hoops squads soar at holiday tournaments

While many were relaxing during the Christmas holidays, a number of Fort Bend County high school basketball teams were making their mark at holiday tournaments to finish off the 2022 portion of their schedules.

Elkins’ Lady Knights were among the shining stars last week, going 3-1 at the Pasadena Memorial Tournament with wins over host Pasadena (5210) on Dec. 27 as well as against Hamshire-Fannett (53-17) and Porter (42-38) on Dec. 28 to take home the Silver Bracket championship.

The Bush Lady Broncos also took home some hardware, going 3-0 at the aforementioned tournament with wins over La Porte (37-28), Clear Falls (60-48) and Pasadena Memorial (39-28). Crystal Schultz averaged better than 20 points per game in the tournament to pace the Lady Broncos (10-11) including a 24-point performance in the win over Clear Falls.

The George Ranch Lady Longhorns went 2-2 at the Aggieland Invitational Dec. 27-28, moving to 1410 on the season ahead of Tuesday’s non-district tilt with Houston Westside.

In Class 5A tournament action, the Foster Lady Falcons took home the bronze bracket championship with a perfect 4-0 week at the Aggieland Invitational, sweeping through the tournament

with wins over Cinco Ranch (52-46), Kempner (47-26), Klein Oak (48-30), and Cy Lakes (42-39) to improve to 17-8 overall.

Fulshear’s Lady Chargers also went 2-2 at the Aggieland Invitational, with wins over Kingwood (7226) on Dec. 27 and Cypress Ridge (62-42) on Dec. 28, sandwiched around losses to Pflugerville Hendrick-

son and Bryan. Kimora Lopez had 20 points and six rebounds for the Lady Chargers (17-5) against Kingwood, while Ruke Ogbevire added 18 points, six rebounds, and eight steals.

Boys On the Class 6A front, the Ridge Point Panthers took home the Silver Bracket championship at the Bay-

town Lee College Classic Dec. 28-29, going 3-1 with a 65-64 triple-overtime win against Bryan to close out the tournament on Dec. 29. T.J. Ford Jr. led the way for the Panthers (12-7) with 32 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists in a win over Cinco Ranch on Dec. 28, and also had 31 points against Bryan.

The Hightower Hurricanes swept through a Texas vs. Louisiana challenge, defeating Zachary 57-49 on Dec. 27 and taking down Dumas Academy 60-50 on Dec. 28. The Hurricanes were 14-6 overall and 4-0 in District 20-6A ahead of Tuesday’s matchup with Clements, and were ranked 15th in Class 6A in the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches’ (TABC) newest rankings released Mon -

day. In the Class 5A ranks, the Marshall Buffalos took home third place at the Whataburger Tournament, going 2-2 with wins over Leander Rouse as well as Keller in the third-place game. Point guard Jaland Lowe averaged 31.5 points for the Buffalos (18-3) during the tournament – including 43 points in a loss to Arlington Martin – while Naheim Northern scored 17 points in the third-place win over Keller.

The Foster Falcons went 2-2 at the Conroe Christmas Holiday Classic last week, moving to 6-11 on the season in the process. Jace Jones had 27 points and eight rebounds for the Falcons in a 59-57 overtime win against Crosby on Dec. 28, while Jaime

Archelle scored 14 points and grabbed eight rebounds in their 47-42 win against Cy Lakes on Dec. 29.

Fulshear went 2-1 at the Baytown Lee College Tournament, bouncing back from a 63-47 loss to South Houston on Dec. 28 with wins over Conroe Oak Ridge (55-31) and Houston Milby (48-40) on Dec. 29. The Chargers were 9-11 overall entering Tuesday’s matchup against Randle.

Other local standout performances included 21 points from Caden Slater in Needville’s 68-60 loss to Brookshire Royal on Dec. 30. Bohdan Zietz also had 11 points and nine rebounds in the loss.

On Friday, December 23rd, Mary Warwick, Director of Wildlife at Houston Humane Society: Texas Wildlife Rehabilitation Coalition went down to investigate Waugh Drive Bridge's bat colony after becoming increasingly concerned with how the colony would fare during the hard freeze Houston would experience through the next week. Upon her first visit, 138 cold stunned bats were found under the bridge, having dropped due to the hypothermic shock. Mary witnessed people passing by the poor animals, not knowing what they were, much less how to save them. She immediately began to safely gather the bats to bring them home for rehabilitation efforts. She knew this would only be the first round of rescues, as temps were expected to drop further and more bats would need HHS: TWRC's help. Warwick even began to frequent other bat hotspots in Houston such as Pearland's Frite bridge colony. All in all, over the holidays, HHS:TWRC rehabilitated 1600 bats. Providing feedings, incubation, and general wellness care with the goal to release them once the weather would permit. Mary also spent hours speaking with local media to help educate Houstonian's on how to get frozen bats to rehabilitation care. Thanks to HHS TWRC, and especially Mary Warwick's efforts, the bat colony is thriving through the ups and downs of the unpredictable, and at times unfriendly, Texas weather. To help TWRC further their wildlife rescue efforts, please consider donating to the "Invest In Our Nest" Fund, going towards providing the Non-Profit with a permanent home to save even the littlest lives.

The Foster Lady Falcons' girls basketball team displays their trophy after winning the Aggieland Invitational bronze bracket championship last week. Foster was one of several local high school basketball squads to take home hardware from holiday tournaments. (Photo from Twitter)

Welcome

Sebastian Trapp was the first baby born at St. Luke's Health - Sugar Land in 2023. Mom, Marielena, and dad, Parker, welcomed this 8-pound, 12-ounce little guy to the world at 12:10 a.m. on New Year’s Day. All are doing well.(Photo courtesy St. Luke's Hospital)

Fort Bend County Libraries hosting educational events this month

Fort Bend County Libraries is hosting a pair of educational events later this month

The library system’s spring educational series focusing on “Ancient Civilizations” will kick off with “Mesopotamia & Ancient Persia,” on Saturday, Jan. 21 from 2-4 p.m., in the Meeting Room of George Memorial Library in Richmond.

Architecture professor Sheba Akhtar will discuss how Mesopotamia became known as the “Cradle of Civilization” through its religion, writing, cities, art, and architecture, according to the library system. Attendees will learn about the emergence of agriculture in the “fertile crescent";

how ancient Persia was shaped by events such as the Babylonians’ destruction of Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem, the Persian Emperor Cyrus’s conquest of Babylon and reconstruction of the Jewish temple, and Alexander’s defeat of Persia and the burning of the Persian capital, Persepolis.

An assistant professor of architecture at Prairie View A&M University, Akhtar received her Master of Architecture degree from the University of Pennsylvania and taught art and architecture history for more than 20 years. She has practiced as an architect in the United States, England, Scotland, Jordan, and Pakistan. She is the author of Of Colour and Form and numerous articles on art and architecture.

The next program in the

Bend Hope, Fort Bend Rainbow Room, Fort Bend Seniors, Gigi’s Playhouse, God’s Garden, Hope Fort Bend Clubhouse, Hope for Three, Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sug -

ar Land, Literacy Council, Parks Youth Ranch, Reining Strength Therapeutic Horsemanship, Sire, Texana Center, and the FBJSL Community Assistance Fund (CAF).

The 21st Annual Sugar Plum Market attracted nearly 6,000 attendees to shop from about 105 ven -

connected, and always to prioritize self-care.

Ancient Civilizations series will take place on Saturday, Feb. 11, at the Cinco Ranch Branch Library. The topic will be “Egypt.”

Then on Jan. 23, the library system will launch

dors. The City of Stafford has partnered with FBJSL to host the Sugar Plum Market at the Stafford Centre since 2004.

"This year's Market was a true testament to the importance of every sponsor, vendor, volunteer, and patron. The proceeds we raise will further allow us

as a priority.”

its spring “Reel Talk”

to give back to the community we love and serve. We wouldn't be able to do any of this without your support,” Mosley said in a press release.

Since its inception in 2001, the Sugar Plum Market has raised over $4.8 million for the community.

FBJSL is an orga -

and its topic, according to the library system.

Fake Famous follows three average people participating in a social experiment to turn them into “famous” social-media influencers.

nization of women committed to promoting volunteerism, to developing the potential of women and to improving the Fort Bend County community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable as

This documentary is not rated and is intended for mature audiences.

The screening will be followed by a discussion at approximately 7:30 pm. The discussion will explore topics such as fame, social media, identity, mental health, and human connection.

This HBO film is available in FBCL’s Access Video on Demand digital collection, and it is being shown publicly with permission from Infobase.

The movie screening is free and open to the public. For more information, see the Fort Bend County Libraries website (www. fortbend.lib.tx.us), or call the University Branch Library (281-633-5100) or the library system’s Communications Office (281-633-4734).

well as providing an atmosphere of friendliness, goodwill and camaraderie for all members.

To date, FBJSL has raised over $5 million dollars in grants and scholarships for charitable 501(c)(3) organizations and individuals in the community.

listen to their guidance. She encouraged them to lend their voices in shared governance opportunities, to listen actively, stay

“To be a leader you’ll need to be refreshed and recharged,” she said. “Understand the importance of focusing on who and what you are as a nurse. I urge you to take yourself

The commencement included the traditional pinning ceremony. Students receive a nursing pin, in addition to their diplomas, that is unique to UH. The circular pin has an interlocking UH

at the center to represent the student’s journey and partnership with the University of Houston. A red border is inscribed with “University of Houston Nursing” and represents passion, advocacy, love, caring and leadership—

the values of UH Nursing. At the bottom of the pin is a banner that indicates the degree (BSN or MSN) that the student has earned.

Additionally, students received a “Lamp of Learning” and recited the Florence Nightingale

bleshooting and making sure everything is right is key.”

Pledge.

“Go forth, change the world. And as a nurse, change health care for the betterment of our world,” Ward said.

etition,” he said. “There are about four 4-by-4 centimeter chips that are all the exact same thing, just segmented throughout,” he said. “It has taught me that projects take a lot of patience.”

“Taking your time, always looking back, looking for different ways to go about things” Haas said. “Trou-

All of the tools and techniques they had learned during their last three semesters came together in the project. It involved a variety of electrical components, including direct current power supplies, signal generators, digital multimeters, oscilloscopes, logic probes, electronics components, and other items as the need arose.

Jonathan Bonkoske, the lead instructor for the EPC program, expressed his admiration for the pair.

“Ethan and Philip weren't anticipating the complexity of the completed design and the soft skills required to see it to completion,” he said. “Patience, perseverance, and a never-give-up work ethic gave them the drive to put in lengthy overtime hours to achieve their goal.”

other students mistook him for a professor or staff member, he’s proud to graduate alongside his fellow Coogs no matter the age difference.

“It’s been a daunting and

amazing experience, and I am glad I did it,” he said. “It will be a great graduation weekend for our family. It will definitely be a mile marker both for my son and myself. Now, we move on to other goals, but I am glad we can share the experience of completing our degrees together.”

documentary film series with Fake Famous: An Unreal Social Experiment. Each screening in the monthly series will be followed by a brief discussion of the film

Fort Bend County Libraries' George Memorial Branch in Richmond will host an "Ancient Civilizations" educational event on Jan. 21. It is the first of the library system's spring series. (Photo from Facebook)

HOW TO RESEARCH

HISTORY

George Memorial Library (Richmond): Heavy Inks Graphic Novels Book Club -- Saturday, January 21, 11:00 am-12:00 noon, Room

2B. The book to be discussed is

Sugar Land Branch Library: Sidekicks Graphic-Novel Book Club -- Monday, January 30, 4:00-5:00 pm, Conference Room. The book to be discussed is Miles Morales, Vol. 1 and 2, created by Saladin Ahmed. This title is available in print and digitally as an ecomic on Hoopla; call the library to check availability of additional print copies.

FORT BEND COUNTY LIBRARY GAME & CRAFT DAYS FOR YOUNG ADULTS

Video-Game Night will take place on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month (January 3 and 17), 6:00-8:00 pm, in the YA Room, at the Sienna Branch Library (8411 Sienna Springs Blvd, Missouri City). Play a variety of video games during this come-and-go activity time. YA Gaming: Telestrations – Thursday, January 5, 4:00 pm, University Branch Library, 14010 University Blvd, Sugar Land.

“Teen Tuesdays: Sip & Color Animé” – Tuesday, January 10, 4:00-5:00 pm, Missouri City Branch Library, 1530 Texas Parkway. Teens will enjoy a movie, gigantic coloring, and an animé-themed beverage. Registration required.

YA Craft: Matchbook Notebook – Thursday, January 19, 4:005:00 pm, Sienna Branch Library (8411 Sienna Springs Blvd, Missouri City). Teens will use cardstock and paper to make a mini-notebook that can be tucked into a pocket, purse, or other small space.

Board-Game Club – Monday, January 23, 4:00-5:00 pm, Sugar Land Branch Library, 550 Eldridge. Learn the basics of new classic board games as well as niche titles and meet others who enjoy playing board games!

JANUARY 21, 2023

FELICIA SMITH JIGSAW PUZZLE COMPETITION

This exciting event is on January 21, 2023, at Fort Bend Christian Academy, South Campus Gymnasium, 1201 Lakeview Drive, Sugar Land. Teams of four, young and seasoned, have two hours to complete a 500-piece jigsaw puzzle. Awards immediately follow, and bragging rights are guaranteed! Check-in is at 9 am, and the competition is from 10 am-noon. The event is one-way the local nonprofit raises awareness and funds for families with loved ones on the autism spectrum. Register your team ($140) now. Limit 50-teams. To serve as a sponsor or for autism resources, visit: www.hopeforthree.org

CRAFT DONATIONS NEEDED FOR LIBRARY CRAFT SQUAD’S

FIRST COMMUNITY CRAFT SWAP

(281-342-4455).

LIBRARY’S PODCAST CLUB FOCUSES ON SETTING NEW YEAR GOALS IN JANUARY

The next meeting of the University Branch Library’s Podcast Club will take place on Wednesday, January 25, beginning at 6:00 pm, in Meeting Room 2 of the library, located at 14010 University Blvd in Sugar Land, on the UH campus. The theme for the month is “New Year, New You.” Similar to a book club, the Podcast Club provides an opportunity for podcast listeners to meet to discuss podcast selections from a themed podcast-listening list and share their opinions on trending topics. Each month features a different theme, along with a short list of podcast episodes. A direct link to the podcasts can be found on the University Branch Library’s online calendar on the Fort Bend County Libraries website. The playlist of podcasts from which to choose in January includes: “Scientifically Proven Ways to be Happier” – Life Kit: Health, 15 m. We could all use a little boost these days. Laurie Santos, who teaches a class on the science of happiness at Yale University, shares her advice.

“How Meditation Helps Us Become Better at Life” – The Mindvalley Podcast with Vishen, 24 m. Emily Fletcher, the Founder of Ziva Meditation, uses real-life examples and humorous anecdotes to prove that the 3 M’s of wellbeing are a powerful way to reduce stress, heal past wounds, and enable one to live a happier and more fulfilling life. Emily shares how her personal story led her to develop a meditation practice, which resulted in her founding one of today’s most successful meditation schools. She explains how mindfulness, meditation, and manifesting are different, and how -- when used in combination -- they can help people become good at life.

“Need to Make a Change in Your Life? Behavioral Science Can Help” – Life Kit, 18 m. When’s the best time to start a new habit? What makes some stick, while others fall by the wayside? Behavioral scientist Katy Milkman’s new book, How to Change, breaks down the research about how to leverage human nature instead of working against it to achieve goals.

“Hardcore Kindness” – The Gathering Pod, 31 m. Martha

The University Branch Library’s Craft Squad will have a Community Craft Swap on Friday, January 6, in Meeting Room 1 of the library, located at 14010 University Blvd in Sugar Land, on the UH campus. Between December 10 and January 5, crafters are encouraged to clean out their craft closets and donate any unwanted craft supplies in good, usable condition. Crafters who bring their unused craft supplies by January 5 will receive special early access (1:00-2:00 pm) to the Craft Swap on January 6. Free crafting supplies can be claimed from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. The Craft Squad meets weekly on Fridays, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm, at the library. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, see Fort Bend County Libraries’ website (www.fortbend.lib.tx.us) or call the University Branch Library (281-633-5100).

ONGOING

FT. BEND ACCORDION CLUB

Meets on the 4th Sunday of every month from 2:pm - 4:pm at: CHRIST CHURCH SUGAR LAND (in the Chapel) 3300 Austin Parkway, Sugar Land, TX 77479 FREE and Open to the Public! We welcome everybody! If you play accordion, beginners to professional and would like to play Call, Text or email: Vince Ramos Cell: 281-204-7716 vincer.music@gmail.com

FORT BEND JUNIOR SERVICE LEAGUE RECRUITING NEW MEMBERS FOR 2022-2023 YEAR

To join, the membership application can be accessed at https:// www.fbjsl.org/join/how-to-become-a-member/. FBJSL will also be hosting multiple virtual and in-person recruitment events over the summer where potential new members can learn more about the League. Information regarding attending these events is available at www.fbjsl.org or on the FBJSL Facebook page at www.facebook. com/FortBendJuniorServiceLeague/.

LITERACY COUNCIL OF FORT BEND COUNTY

We enhance lives and strengthen communities by teaching adults to read. We need your help. Literacy Council is actively recruiting Volunteer Tutors to provide instruction for English as a Second Language (ESL) Levels 0-5, three hours a week. For more information, call 281-240-8181 or visit our website www. ftbendliteracy.org

JAM WITH SAM

FORT BEND COUNTY LIBRARIES

TEEN PROGRAMS

University

George

Cinco

Missouri

Sienna

George

Sienna Branch Library: Sienna Subtext: Graphic Novel & Animé Club -- Thursday, January 12, 4:00-5:00 pm, Conference Room 2A. Readers of all ages who

novels, and comic books are invited

specifically for graphic-novel enthusiasts. The focus will alternate each month between viewing and discussing animé/manga and reading and discussing graphic novels. For the January meeting, participants will be discussing A Radical Shift of Gravity, by Nick Tapalansky.

Mission Bend Branch Library: Teen Readers Meet-Up Wednesday, January 18, 7:00 pm, Conference Room. In this informal gathering, meet with other teens to talk about what everyone is reading, watching, listening to, or playing – and maybe discover a new favorite!

Join Sam

THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY FOR MEN

She-Hulk: Law & Disorder, created by V.E. Schwab. This title is available in print; call George Memorial Library to check on availability of additional print copies.