Rosenberg-Richmond Helping Hands: Looking Back on Four Decades of Impact
By Zachary Villafuerte and Wendy Dominguez
There are those who still remember when grinches showed up at Rosenberg-Richmond Helping Hands right before the Christmas holiday. It was December 1993 and the nonprofit was ransacked and most of the donated food and children’s coats were stolen. Those responsible for the damages later confessed, but what stood out most about that incident to those who could still remember was the how the nonprofit was met with an outpouring of support from people who understood the vital services the organization provided the community. Since its inception, Rosenberg-Richmond Helping Hands has had a symbiotic relationship with the communities it serves and to this day, it continues that bond.
1985 — The Meeting of 60 Rosenberg-Richmond Helping Hands was birthed from a meeting of 60 men and women of the Ministerial Alliance who met at Calvary Episcopal Church in February 1985. The alliance came together to discuss ways to practically help their neighbors in need. A presentation was given by Candy Johnson of Pearland, Texas who had seen a similar community outreach initiative in her own community called Christian Helping Hands.
In keeping with the spirit of giving and serving, Rosenberg-Richmond Helping Hands adopted the Helping Hands name in its services to the community. The organization quickly grew from that initial idea through the work done by its various board members alongside the first Board President, Mazie Peschel (Leftwich), and volunteer Executive Director Milton Geick.
A year later, a leadership transition welcomed the nonprofit’s first employed executive director, Thomas Hill, who took the reins from Geick. With a limited budget, the board members were hands-on in its early years, fulfilling duties by coordinating volunteers, the food pantry, clothes closet, and facilities. The community embraced the service that the nonprofit provided and supported its efforts. There were even times when there was surplus clothing which was sold to provide for other needs of the organization.
1988 — The Move and The Grinches
In 1988, the nonprofit would move to a nearby location at 802 Morton Street in Richmond, and would also welcome its third Executive Directory, Cathy B (whose last name is unknown). The community support continued, with the covenant churches hosting annual food drives to support Rosenberg-Richmond Helping Hands impact. In December 1993, with only a few weeks until Christmas, Helping Hands would see its property ransacked with two-thirds
of the collected food stolen along with children’s coats. The culprits would later confess and it was determined that a client of RRHH had been the one who committed the crime. From this event, a renewed outpouring of support from the community ensued and Helping Hands was able to quickly hop back on its feet, providing the necessary assistance to its clients.
2008 — Breaking New Ground
Over the course of the next couple of decades, Helping Hands saw a few executive directors come and go, JoAnn Daughtery (1992), Cindy Masterson (1995), and in 1998 the organization welcomed its longest standing Executive Director, Nancy Shurtleff (Brown) who would oversee Helping Hands until her retirement in 2013.
A decade after becoming the executive director, Nancy Brown along with its many board members in February 2008, would eventually break ground on its current location at 902 Collins Street, Richmond. A full move took place a year later in August of 2009 after the completion of the building. 125 volunteers within the community helped the organization with the massive move.
After Nancy Brown’s retirement in 2013, Diane Clark was appointed executive director. Clark would serve in that role until March 2020, when the nonprofit welcomed its current executive director, Michael Gutierrez, on the cusp of the COVID-19 pandemic. Gutierrez would lead the organization into a necessary shift in how it provided its services.
For 14 months, the nonprofit would provide food by using a drivethrough operation. At its peak during the pandemic, over 23,000 families were served, including families who came from outside of west Fort Bend County. Now, post-COVID, Helping Hands moved to a more frequent provision of food, transitioning from bi-monthly to weekly service.
Today — ‘Hunger Stops Here’
The current mission statement of Helping Hands encapsulates the organization’s desire “to feed, clothe, and provide essential services to
those in need in West Fort Bend County.” Ultimately, the organization’s vision is lived out in its current philosophy of “Hunger Stops Here.”
Helping Hands currently serves its clients with food on a weekly basis, and clothing and other personal care items bi-monthly. Financial assistance may also be provided as funds are available. The organization also provides referrals to other organizations if it not be able to provide a particular service.
Today, Helping Hands provides approximately 87,000 pounds of food and 4,800 pounds of clothing to the nearly 1,400 households it serves on a monthly basis, and is supported by 9 full-time and part-time employees working alongside nearly 90 dedicated weekly, and sometimes daily, volunteers.
Helping Hands continues to grow in its impact in the community servicing about 6,000 individuals across 17 different zip codes and welcoming in an average of around 60 new clients per month. The organization is supported by grants, individual and church contributions, corporate giving, and through fundraising events. It is a member of the Houston Food Bank, where much of its food comes from along with several local grocery stores.
Food drives continue to be a staple in providing the necessary inkind donations, many of which are organized by corporate and local supporters, including various schools in the Lamar Consolidated Independent School District.
This Month — ‘Feast on Fashion’
Considering the growth occurring in Fort Bend County, Rosenberg -Richmond Helping Hands is preparing to provide services to more residents, and is in its early stages of preparing a capital campaign program to expand its facility.
Additionally, it welcomes community members to partner with them through financial contributions, other donations, and volunteering. Annual fundraising events, which the community is invited to attend, include the “Feast on Fashion” dinner and fashion show in June, Souper Bingo in the fall, and Online Auctions during the year.
The Feast on Fashion Show and Luncheon will feature food, shopping and the latest styles from local boutiques . The show will be hosted at Safari Texas in the Magnolia Ballroom.
Learn more about Rosenberg-Richmond Helping Hands or its upcoming events by visiting roserichhelpinghands.org.
Want
to donate
your
time, but don’t know where to start?
Try this volunteer fair
Are you a teen or adult who would like to volunteer your time and talent to help a worthy organization, but you don’t know where to start? Fort Bend County Libraries’ George Memorial Library will have a “Volunteer Fair” on Saturday, June 14, from 2-4 p.m., in the Bohachevsky Gallery on the lower level of the library, located at 1001 Golfview in Richmond.
Representatives from a variety of local organizations and agencies will be on hand to share information about their programs, services, and volunteer opportunities, and to answer any questions. Find out where your talent, skills, and time are most needed, and how you can make a difference in your own community.
Some of the organizations that will be represented include the Mamie George Community Center, SIRE Therapeutic Horsemanship, George Ranch Historical Park, FBC Heritage Unlimited Museum, Fort Bend Partnership for Youth, Inc., and Fort Bend County Libraries. This come-and-go event is free and open to the public. For more information, see the Fort Bend County Libraries website (www.fortbendlibraries.gov), or call George Memorial Library (281-342-4455) or the library system’s Communications Office (281-633-4734).
Local libraries welcome June newborns with the wonders of books
Fort Bend County Libraries will continue its annual tradition of welcoming newborns to the wonders of books. Every Fort Bend County baby born during FBCL’s Children’s Book Week -June 1 -7 -- may receive a special baby book bag, courtesy of the Friends of Fort Bend County Library.
Each bag contains a book, a bib, a special certificate, a list of suggested reading for children, and information on parenting and on library services. These bags represent the library system’s commitment to providing library services for county residents throughout their lives,
Continued on page 15
Stuffed Red Peppers
INGREDIENTS
4 cups water
2 cups brown rice
1 pound ground beef
1 onion, diced
¼ cup chopped mushrooms, or to taste
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 (26 ounce) jar tomato sauce
1 (16 ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
salt and ground black pepper to taste
6 red bell peppers, tops and seeds removed ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, or to taste
INSTRUCTIONS
1Bring water and brown rice to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until rice is tender and liquid has been absorbed, about 40 minutes; transfer cooked rice into a large mixing bowl.
2Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
3Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break ground beef into small pieces and place in the skillet. Add onion, mushrooms, and garlic; cook and stir until the beef is completely browned, 7 to 10 minutes. Mix beef mixture into brown rice.
4Stir tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and Italian seasoning into the rice mixture; season with salt and pepper.
5Arrange bell peppers in a baking dish; spoon a generous amount of filling into each bell pepper.
6Bake in the preheated oven until peppers are tender, about 1 hour. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the stuffed peppers to serve.
Jalapeno Quesadillas
INGREDIENTS
6 jalapeno peppers - stemmed, seeded, and halved lengthwise
1 tablespoon butter, softened
2 (10 inch) flour tortillas
2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
½ cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
3 tortilla chips, crushed, or more to taste
INSTRUCTIONS
1 Set oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source and preheat the oven’s broiler. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
2Arrange jalapeno peppers, cut-side down, on the prepared baking sheet.
3Broil jalapeno peppers in the preheated oven until skins are bubbling and blackened, 10 to 15 minutes. Immediately place peppers in a resealable plastic bag; seal. Allow peppers to steam in bag to help loosen skins, about 20 minutes. Carefully open bag, pull skins off peppers, and chop peppers.
4Spread half the butter onto 1 side of each tortilla. Spread half the cream cheese onto the other side of each tortilla. Sprinkle half the jalapeno peppers, half the Mexican cheese blend, and half the tortilla chips over the cream cheese-side of each tortilla. Fold each tortilla in half over the fillings with butter-side on the outside.
5Heat a skillet over medium-low heat; cook 1 quesadilla in the hot skillet until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Repeat with second quesadilla.
Roasted Pepper & Cheese Cornbread
INGREDIENTS
½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
1 cup chopped onion
1 ¾ cups cornmeal
1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup white sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 ½ teaspoons salt
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 ½ cups buttermilk
3 eggs
1 ½ cups shredded pepperjack cheese
1 ⅓ cups frozen corn kernels, thawed and drained
2 ounces roasted marinated red bell peppers, drained and chopped ½ cup chopped fresh basil
INSTRUCTIONS
1Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (205 degrees C). Butter a 9x9x2 inch baking pan.
2Melt 1 tablespoon butter in medium nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Add onion and saute until tender, about 10 minutes. Cool.
3
Mix cornmeal with the flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, and baking soda in large bowl. Add 7 tablespoons butter and rub with fingertips until mixture resembles coarse meal.
4Whisk
buttermilk and eggs in medium bowl to blend. Add buttermilk mixture to dry ingredients and stir until blended. Mix in cheese, corn, red peppers, basil, and onion. Transfer to prepared pan.
5Bake
cornbread until golden and tester inserted comes out clean, about 45 minutes. Cool 20 minutes in pan. Cut cornbread into squares.
Derby Day Party raises $350K
Reining Strength Therapeutic Horsemanship’s 11th annual Derby Day Party fundraiser held on Saturday, May 3, 2025, and it broke records by raising more than $350,000 and welcoming over 450 guests.
Additionally, Reining Strength p placed first at their Derby Day Party.
The Derby Day Party event offered various activities to entertain the guests while they anxiously awaited the start of the 151th running of the Kentucky Derby. Guests strolled through the auction in their festive Derby attire, captured smiles in the photo booths, and competed in the annual boots and bowties contest for the gentleman and a hat contest for the ladies. The competition was fierce but thanks to our local community member judges the best of the best won.
After the dust settled from an exciting race, guests were reminded why they were celebrating such a powerful organization through the story of sweet Uma and Zac. Their family said it is grateful and looking forward to what the future holds for Zac and Uma at Reining Strength.
The evening continued with an amazing live auction led by Michele Fisher and Auctioneer Todd Sherrill to support the programs at Reining Strength.
“The community that supports Reining Strength is amazing, and we are so grateful that they have enabled our team to continue to change lives through horses,” said Executive Director Heather Hernandez Sedillo. “This was our second year at the Houston Marriott Sugar Land and we are thrilled our guests had such a wonderful time while making an impact. We want to thank our Run for the Roses Title Sponsor Houston Methodist and all the sponsors and contributors who made
Derby Day a success.”
Derby Day provides the funds needed to provide equine assisted services to individuals with physical, cognitive, social, and emotional needs. Reining Strength is Accredited through PATH International (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship, Intl.).
Continued on page 16
beginning at birth.
“We hope to start every child born in hospitals in Fort Bend County on a successful road to life-long learning,” says Dana Brittain, Coordinator of Youth Services for FBCL. “We distribute the baby book bags to babies born during that week at area Fort Bend County hospitals, but ALL Fort Bend County babies who are born during the week of June 1 through 7 are eligible to receive one, while supplies last.”
Families of Fort Bend babies born at other locations during this period should call the Youth Services department, at 281-633-4762, to receive their book bag, while supplies last.
Who wants to be the next Fair Queen?
With Fair season gradually approaching, the Fort Bend County Fair is accepting applications for the 2025 Fair Queen Scholarship contest.
The contest, open to females ages at least 15 years of age and not older than 19 years old on Sept. 1, and who reside in Fort Bend County, is more than a competitive chance to win a crown; earning the coveted title of Fair Queen comes with the opportunity to lead, inspire and represent the community while also progressing as a leader, making friendships and earning scholarships and prizes.
The deadline to apply is June 12, 2025, and only the first 20 qualified applicants will be accepted.Contestants will be judged on a personal interview, an essay, a networking event, and overall participation.
The journey to the crown begins with a mandatory orientation on July 13, followed
by Enrichment/Derby Day on Aug. 3, Group Volunteer Day on Aug. 16, and the Life Member/Committee Dance on Sept. 6. Contestants will also participate BBQ Cook-Off events on Sept. 19 and 20, ride in the Kickoff Parade on Sept. 26 before the highly anticipated Coronation that evening.
The crowned Queen will serve as an ambassador during the Fair’s 10-day celebration and at community events throughout the year, attending receptions, auctions, and representing the Fort Bend County Fair Association. For more information, visit fortbendcountyfair.com or call 281-342-6171.
The ‘Bon Voyage Boogie’:
Bidding farewell to longtime CEO and creating an evening of ‘fun, connection and purpose’
In light of its continual efforts to support survivors of domestic abuse and sexual assault, the Fort Bend Women’s Center’s upcoming fundraising event, Bon Voyage Boogie, will take place on Saturday, June 28, from 6-10 p.m. at Sugar Creek Country Club.
This year’s event carries special significance as the community comes together to bid ‘bon voyage’ to Fort Bend Women’s Center CEO Vita Goodell, who is set to retire after 22 years. The evening’s travel-themed festivities will send Vita off in style while raising crucial funds to
assist and empower survivors in Fort Bend County and the Greater Houston Area.
Guests can look forward to a night of dinner, drinks, dancing, a live auction, and plenty of fun on this evening.
“It has been a privilege and a blessing to work with Fort Bend Women’s Center for 22 years and to play a part in helping thousands of survivors and their kids become safe and self-sufficient. Thank you to our volunteers, staff, donors and the entire Fort Bend community for your continuing support and commitment to our mission,” said Vita Goodell, CEO of Fort Bend Women’s Center.
Known for its lively atmosphere and strong community support, the Boogie fundraiser has long been one of the organization’s signature traditions. Well-attended in years past, the event returns this June after a brief hiatus, once again inviting guests to come together for an evening of fun, connection, and purpose.
Tickets are available at $100 per person, with sponsorship opportunities starting at $3,000. Members of the public are encouraged to attend. All proceeds benefit Fort Bend Women’s Center. For more information, contact Resource Development Director Patty Holt at pholt@fbwc.org or 281-344-5761.
The Summer Night Gala is ‘a celebration of community and commitment’
The Fort Bend County Fair’s Summer Night Gala will light up the evening with music, fine dining and community spirit — all for a great cause on June 28.
Hosted by the Fort Bend County Fair’s BBQ Committee, the Summer Night Gala w will be held in Building “C” at the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds and will benefit the Fair’s mission while financially supporting all five youth auctions held during the annual Fair. Because of the gala’s overwhelming success in past years, the Fort Bend County Fair Association was able to offset exhibitor service fees—making a direct impact on the lives of young participants.
“This Gala has become more than a fundraiser—it’s a celebration of community and commitment,” said Fort Bend County Fair President Bobby Poncik. “Our BBQ Committee continues to go above and beyond to support the youth of Fort Bend County, and we’re thrilled to bring the Gala back for its third year with even more excitement.”
The 2025 Fort Bend County Fair & Rodeo will run from Sept. 26 to Oct. 5.
During the 10-day run of the Fair, youth exhibitors participate in the Replacement Heifer Sale, School Art Auction, Jr. Livestock Auction, and Freezer/Last Draw Sale, earning funds for their education and future livestock projects. The Gala directly fuels those opportunities.
Gala attendees can expect a night full of lively entertainment and upscale flair. The well-known band Horizon will headline the evening, bringing their signature high-energy performance. Guests will also enjoy a gourmet dinner prepared by Anthonie’s Market Grill; a culinary gem located in Simonton known for its Texas fare. The evening will also include a spirited live auction, wine pull, and a stylish setting with guests dressed in Texas formal attire—all contributing to a truly memorable night.
Table sales are open, and seating is limited. Please note that only tables are being sold; individual tickets will not be available.
Visit fortbendcountyfair.com or call 281342-6171 for more information or to purchase a table.
Have a ice cream recipe ?
Fort Bend County Libraries’ University Branch Library invites ice-cream lovers to put their creations of this cold, tasty summer treat to the test at a “Homemade IceCream Competition” on Saturday, June 21, from 2-3 p.m., in the Meeting Room of the library, located at 14010 University Blvd in Sugar Land, on the UH campus. Competitors -- as well as samplers -- are welcome to join in on the fun. Prizes will be awarded by official staff judges, but members of the public will get to sample the entries to vote on their favorite flavor for the People’s Choice Award.Pre-registration for competitors is required. Those wishing to enter their ice-cream masterpiece at the competition on June 21 should register between June 1-18.
Register at the library or online: www.bit. ly/FBCL_IceCream2025, and please provide the flavor.
Rules & Information:
• All entries must include the list of ingredients used. If not available upon registration, the list must be submitted on or before June 21. Entries without a list of ingredients will not be accepted.
• Recipes must not include eggs or alcohol.
• Judging will be based on flavor, texture, and appearance.
• A minimum of 2 quarts must be available for judging.
• One recipe per competitor.
• Ice cream must be brought to the library on Saturday, June 21, between 1:15-1:30 pm.
• Competitors should provide their own ice-cream scoop and means for keeping their ice cream cold, such as a small cooler.
• Competitors will scoop out samples of their ice cream for the public to taste until 3:00 pm.
This competition and the taste testing are free and open to the public. For more information visit www.fortbendlibraries.gov or call the University Branch Library at 281-6335100.
Free summer arts seriesf fore teens launches
Fort Bend County Libraries will present a series of free, hands-on teen art workshops exploring a variety of artistic
styles and art movements from different time periods. Presented by volunteers with Unite & Inspire, the series, “Color Our World: Journey Through Global Art Forms,” will take place at multiple locations in the Fort Bend County library system for teens entering grades 9-12.
Teens will explore the timeless creativity that can be found within various styles of art from different periods, including Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, and Pop Art. Participants will learn about the history of the art styles before having an opportunity to paint their own masterpieces to take home. Those attending the workshops are encouraged to wear clothes that would not be ruined by paint splatter.
Materials – including canvas, acrylic paint, and brushes – will be provided courtesy of the Friends of the Library organizations that support these libraries. Because materials are limited, registration is required for each workshop.
Impressionism is an art movement that became popular in the 1870s and 1880s. Artists of the period – including Monet, Renoir, and Degas – become known for capturing light and color in contemporary scenes by using short brush strokes, realistic colors, and lifelike depictions of the subject.
In the Impressionism workshops, teens will study Monet’s “Japanese Bridge Over a Pond” from 1899. The Impressionism workshops will take place at the following locations from 11 am to 2 pm: June 21 – Sienna Branch Library (8411 Sienna Springs Blvd, Missouri City) and July 12 – George Memorial Library (1001 Golfview, Richmond)
Post-Impressionism is an art movement that emerged in France in the late 1880s. An extension of Impressionism, Post-Impressionism rejected the limitations of the earlier art movement, choosing to include more vivid colors, symbolic content, formal order, and structure. Artists of this movement included Cézanne, Gaugin, and Van Gogh.
In the Post-Impressionism workshops, teens will study Van Gogh’s “Vase with Irises Against a Yellow Background” from 1890. The Post-Impressionism workshops will take place at the following locations from 11 am to 2 pm, June 7: University Branch Library (14010 University Blvd, Sugar Land) and June 28 –Cinco Ranch Branch Library (2620 Commercial Center Blvd, Katy)
Pop Art was an art movement that began in the 1950s and 1960s. A rebellion against
WINNING ENTRIES
Best Abstract: “The Animal Whisperer” by Alpa Khandwala (5)
Best Water Media: “Minnie in New Orleans” by Manny Boudreaux (3)
Best Animal Art: “Rex” by Sherry Simmonson (6)
Best Nature Art: “Blanca’s Peak” by Larry Besong (8)
Most Imaginative: "8 of Wonda" by Cynthia Connor Kinda Creepy Kinda Kool: “I See You” by Claudia Salazar (10)
Most Whimsical: “Mi Alibrije Karma” by Claudia Diaz (1)
Lillian McLean Memorial Award: “Life’s Sweet Symphony” by Elijah Poon (6)
Mayor’s Award: “The Body of Christ” by Sue Zelko (11)
President’s Choice Student: “Barnside Bond” by Symphony Stroud (9)
President’s Choice: “The Gathering” by Ann Knauth (4)
Best of Show Student: “Blossoms on White” by Swarnima Chakraborti (2)
Best of Show Adult: “Reflections on the Pond” by Larry Besong
The Art League of Fort Bend also hosts an annual fall art show competition. Visit artleaguefortbend.org
Continued from page 16
elitist art, Pop Art was one of the first art movements to blur the divide between commercial and fine arts, finding inspiration from popular culture. In the Pop Art workshops, teens will study Andy Warhol’s “Campbell’s Soup Cans” from 1962. The Pop Art workshops will take place at the following locations from 11 am to 2 pm: June 14 – George Memorial Library (1001 Golfview in Richmond); July 19 – Sienna Branch Library (8411 Sienna Springs Blvd, Missouri City) and July 26 – Cinco Ranch Branch Library (2620 Commercial Center Blvd, Katy)
The workshops are free and open to the public. Seating is limited, however, and registration is required. To register online at www.fortbendlibraries.gov), click on “Classes & Events,” select the library, and find the program on the date indicated. For more information, call 281633-4734.
Exploring Contemporary Art
Fort Bend County Libraries’ George Memorial Library will also host a series of free, hands-on teen art workshops exploring contemporary artists on Mondays in June, July, and August, from 4-5 pm, in Room 2C of the library, located at 1001 Golfview in Richmond.
Each week of the “Color Our World Art Talk & Creation” series will focus on different contemporary artists from around the world. Teens (entering grades 9-12) will have an opportunity to create their own masterpieces while being inspired by these artists and their contributions to modern art.Materials – including canvas, paint, and brushes – will be provided courtesy of the Friends of the George Memorial Library. Because materials are limited, registration is recommended for each workshop. Participants may register for any individual workshop, or they may choose to attend the whole series.
June 9 – Andy Warhol. Explore the works of Andy Warhol, a trailblazer of the pop-art movement known for turning everyday objects into iconic works of art.
June 16 – Takashi Murakami & Yayoi Kusama. Dive into the bold, colorful worlds of Murakami and Kusama and explore their fusion of traditional Japanese woodblock techniques with the modern “superflat” aesthetic.
June 23 – Mr. Doodle. Teens can unleash their creativity with Mr. Doodle’s spontaneous style rooted in doodling and automatism.
June 30 – Wassily Kandinsky & Hilma af Klint. Delve into the abstract visions of Russian artist Wassily Kandinsky and Swedish artist Hilma af Klint, who were pioneers of modern abstract art, turning emotions and spirituality into visual language. The series will continue in July with other modern artists as well as a historically significant art form.
July 7 – Georgia O’Keefe. Explore the surrealism movement with the works of American artist Georgia O’Keefe.
July 14 – Byzantine Mosaics & Tiles. Step back in time to an earlier period, when visual masterpieces were created with small pieces of stone, glass, ceramic, or other materials.
July 21 – Mark Rothko & Helen Frankenthaler. Become inspired by the works of Latvian-born artist Mark Rothko and American artist Helen Frankenthaler, who were known for their work with expressionism and color fields.
July 28 – Georges Seurat. Delve into the artistic style of French artist Georges Seurat, known for his work with pointillism and impressionism. The series will conclude in August. August 4 – Njideka Akunyili Crosby. Wrap up the summer with Nigerian-born, 21st-century artist Njideka Akunyili Crosby and her work with patterns and collage.
ing out that I just want to stay on that path as an actress and work on my craft ( as us actors say). I enjoyed singing and recording a song for Jurassic Pet 3 so that’s something on my radar too.
MG: If you could go back to when you were seven years old, when the desire to become an actress was just budding, would you pursue it precisely the same, knowing what you know now? Would you do anything different? Or would you let it all play out as it did?
AT: All of this is God’s plan. I would love to go back and chat with that 7-year-old me and tell her how proud you will be of your older self. You kept true to yourself and stayed humble and kind. I honestly would not change anything.
MG: Tell me about how you manage your family time with your project schedule.
AT: God has given me amazing and wonderful opportunities. You know, sometimes there are ups and downs trying to juggle being a full-time actress and a full-time student but I always look at the positive and with the support of my family, teachers and great friends ...I get through it! I’m
Way of the Warrior Kid. It’s my biggest role to date. Two words: Chris Pratt. Love him!”
HAVING THE FINAL SAY
As the years progressed, so did Torres’ roles, leading her to work with actor Chris Pratt on the film Way of the Warrior Kid.
Based on the 2017 children’s novel of the same name by Jocko Willink, the film adaptation Way of the Warrior Kid is written by Will Staples and stars Pratt, who also serves as a producer, alongside Linda Cardellini and Jude Hill.
“It is such a special project to me and I hold it very close to my heart for many reasons,” Torres said.
Ava’s mother, Ashlea said she is undoubtedly proud of her daughter, but “not just because of her amazing movies and TV shows she has under her belt and that are coming out but, for the wonderful young lady she is.”
“It warms my heart to hear compliments on her acting and talent, but what really makes me proud is when I’m told how mannered and polite she is. She manages to be a successful actress and maintain her good grades in school,” shared Ashlea, noting that Ava also has to manage her ADHD. “It is very fun to see her on TV and in movies but it is a lot of hard work. She’s working on all her schoolwork while on set with a studio teacher, but she also needs to memorize scenes and do scene study. Plus, she’s a teenager and her friends are important to her, and so is martial arts. It’s come to a point where we have
not saying it’s easy but it is totally worth it. My awesome mom is my travel buddy, acting coach, scene study partner, supporter and advocate on set. She is always right there by my side when we’re on set, plus, she manages to work (on her computer), too. I don’t know how she does it; she is Superwoman! My little sister, too, is a rockstar with all my travels and busy schedule. We have a great support group with my Gigi, Gma (grandmothers), my Aunt Nene (Paul’s sister), and my sister’s best friend’s mom (Miss Megan is mom and Sofia is best friend of Alex), all helping my dad out while my mom is with me on set. But we always try to find a way for us all to be together while my mom and I are gone. I told you about our spring break in Chicago while filming Chicago Fire, but we were all able to be together for a week in Los Angeles, too, when I was filming Way of the Warrior Kid. My parents surprised us with a day of fun at Disneyland, which was awesome, and my whole family got to come on set and watch me do my thing! My sister loved just hanging out in my trailer! The saying is true, it takes a village, and I am so appreciative of my village!”
passed on a few projects, not only because of content or scheduling conflicts but because she has other non-entertainment-industry things she wants to do, and I encourage that.
“Ultimately, in the end, it is Ava’s decision on whether or not she does a project —it’s not my decision, it’s not her dad’s and it’s not her manager’s. Ava gets the final say.”
At the time of the interview, Torres was supposed to start a special project this month, but scheduling conflicts prevented advancement — “but, that happens,” Torres summarized simply. While devoted to her acting work, she’s not confined to the profession. Just as she dedicates herself to martial arts, she also loves choir and is a member of her school’s girls varsity choir. And, she gushes when she speaks of her family and friends, so it's fitting when she shares the scope of her current project: “My current project is working on me and having a fun summer with my friends.”
Follow Ava Torres on Instagram at @ ava_liz_torres (parent-monitored account)
4
5 Miles My Way | The Pecan Grove Volunteer Fire Department’s July 4th “Five Miles My Way” event is the department’s largest fundraiser of the year and during it, each participant chooses a five-mile course (running, biking, skating) or walking a three-mile route. No motorized vehicles allowed, prizes will be awarded in each category, and a T-shirt is given to each participant, while supplies last. The day will also include a bike decorating contest for the children. Early Bird pricing through June 29 is Adults : $30; 6-17yo: $20 and 0-5 yo: Free ($10 with shirt). Afterward through July 4 the pricing is Adults: $40; 6-17yo: $30; and 0-5yo: Free ($10 with shirt) For more information Five Miles My Way, or to register, visit www.pecangrovefire.org/5mmw or register in person at Station 1 727 Pitts Road every weekend from 10 am. to 3 p.m. through June 29.
ImagineNation Expo | Step into a World of Wonder with LEGO, superheroes, princesses, comics, funko pops, gourmet-themed foods & MORE at The ImagineNation Expo in Rosenberg, July 4-6 Friday, Saturday & Sunday from 10 am-5 pm at the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds in Building C, D and Clubroom. imaginenationexpo.com
5 Free to Thrive | Enchanted Forest in Richmond is hosting its Free to Thrive, a celebration of food, wellness, and community. This festival focuses on culinary freedom, featuring delicious gluten-free, dairy-free, and plant-based offerings. The fest runs from 4:30-7:30 p.m. at Enchanted Forest. Free admission. enchantedforestrichmondtx.com
7 Andyroo & the Andyrooniverse | The University Branch Library will feature a special performance by family entertainer Andyroo on Monday, July 7, at 2:30 pm, in the Meeting Room of the library, located at 14010 University Blvd in Sugar Land. Andrew Karnavas (“Andyroo”) is a Houston singer/ songwriter who delights children of all ages by interweaving music and movement with playful storytelling. In his performance of “Andyroo & the Andyrooniverse,” everyone takes a musical journey to the Andyrooniverse – a magical town created by the ever-expanding landscape of children’s imaginations. A featured performer on Radio Disney AM 1590, Karnavas has appeared at the PBS Kids show at SXSW, on the Kids Country Stage with Radio Disney at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, and at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. Space is limited at this performance. Free tickets are required for entry and will be handed out starting 1 hour before showtime. No late admittance. fortbendlibraries.gov
