Pecan Grove Monthly January 2025 by Fox Press

Pecan Grove

Have a Hobby?

From dancing and painting to cooking and fishing, recreational activities provide healthy benefits

WCJC Students Save Thousands

Our students save thousands of dollars by taking their first two years of

Scholarship Opportunities

An up-to-date list of scholarship opportunities for WCJC students can be found at wcjc.edu.

Tuition & Fee Installment Plan

WCJC’s Tuition & Fee Installment Plan allows students to pay a percentage of tuition and fees at time of plan entry, plus a $35 non-refundable enrollment fee. Spring plans are open, enroll now for lower payment options. Visit wcjc.edu for plan details.

Pell Grants

Students who display exceptional financial need may be awarded a Federal Pell Grant. A Federal Pell Grant does not have to be repaid and a student may be eligible for an award up to $7,395 for 2024-2025. Visit FAFSA.gov to complete your FAFSA® and to determine your eligibility for financial aid.

Federal Direct Student Loans

Students who have a complete financial aid file at WCJC and are achieving Satisfactory Academic Progress may qualify for subsidized and/or unsubsidized student loans.

Contents and Staff

SPOTLIGHT

Monthly Awareness Topic: The healthy benefits of hobbies & a few to try out this season.

8 TALK OF THE TOWN

First Fridays are for the farmers market, plus Richmond medical student assists with Teddy Bear Hospital launch.

12 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

For the first time in district history, all six Lamar CISD band programs received straight Division 1 ratings at district band competitions.

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

MANAGING EDITOR Marquita Griffin mgriffin@fbherald.com

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WRITERS & CONTRIBUTORS Marquita Griffin

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Melinda Maya mmaya@fbherald.com

Rachel Cavazos rcavazos@fbherald.com

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©2024 Pecan Grove Monthly. All Rights Reserved. Pecan Grove Monthly is a sister publication of Fulshear Living Monthly, Greatwood Monthly, West Fort Bend Living and is a publication of the Fort Bend Herald. Our publishing headquarters is 1902 S. Fourth Street, Rosenberg Texas 77471.

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HAVE A HOBBY?

Research shows it delivers benefits beyond being an outlet

In last month’s edition, we explored the ins and outs of seasonal affective disorder and explained why SAD is considered more than the so-called holiday or winter blues.

Johns Hopkins Medicine characterizes SAD as a form of depression in which individuals’ mood and behavior change when the seasons change, and its researchers believe the shorter days and thus fewer hours of daylight that occur each winter set off a chemical change in the brain that leads to a person experiencing symptoms of depression.

letting your feet move of their own volition is one way to get dancing, but many others like to enroll in dance classes to master moves. Dancing can improve flexibility, and since it is an aerobic activity, it can be a great workout as well.

The disorder is often marked by such symptoms as a persistent sad, anxious or “empty” mood most of the day, every day for at least two weeks; feelings of hopelessness or pessimism; feelings of irritability, frustration, guilt, worthlessness, helplessness or restlessness; loss of energy or feelings of fatigue; changes in sleep or appetite or unplanned weight changes; and physical aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that have no explanation and do not subside even after treatment.

• Reading: Cozying up with a book or e-reader can be a great way to explore topics and locales without leaving home. Reading also is a way to expand vocabulary and improve cognition.

Additional symptoms of winter-pattern SAD include hypersomnia or oversleeping; overeating that leads to weight gain (the National Institutes of Mental Health notes people with SAD may have a particular craving for carbohydrates); suicidal thoughts or attempts or thoughts about death; and social withdrawal.

Although SAD is typically expected during the winter months — most cases of SAD start to affect people in late fall or early winter before symptoms begin to subside during the spring and summer — the disorder, researchers noted, can affect people at any time of year.

• Kayaking: There’s something serene about being on the water away from the hustle of life on land. Kayaking strengthens the body, but the calm of taking in the water and scenery nourishes the mind. Experts agree that outdoor hobbies add another benefit since sunlight helps the body release neuroreceptors that trigger more positive thoughts.

People who suspect they have SAD are urged to speak with their physicians because various treatments, including light therapy, psychotherapy or antidepressant medications, can help to treat the disorder.

HOBBIES HAVE HEALTH BENEFITS

• Gardening: Gardening is physical, requires planning, involves spending time outdoors, and yields tangible results through thriving plants. According to the American Institute of Stress, gardening sparks a level of creativity among enthusiasts and can help to alleviate stress by lowering levels of the hormone cortisol. Authors of a study published in the journal Urban Forestry & Urban Greening concluded that gardening during the COVID-19 pandemic helped people cope with coronavirus-related stress through outdoor activity.

Research also shows that having a hobby can help combat seasonal affective disorder.

Maintaining physical and mental health often requires a multi-faceted approach. Eating well, exercising and reducing stress are part of a healthy regimen, but those are not the only components of a healthy lifestyle.

Hobbies can have a positive effect on overall health. While varied recreations appear like simple ways to pass the time or alleviate boredom, a deeper exploration could shed light on how beneficial hobbies can be. In fact, researchers press that carving out time for hobbies is actually an essential objective for everyone, and people should consider carving out time for hobbies.

• Fostering animals: Fostering animals offers a sense of purpose by helping needy animals that spend time in domestic settings before being adopted by permanent owners. For the foster person, having a dog involves going on walks, play sessions in the backyard and remaining engaged.

• Cooking/baking: People have always relied on home cooking to fuel themselves and their families but culinary creations can become a passion for some. It also serves as a stress reliever because it boosts creativity, can help save money and allows people to make dishes that cater to specific food allergies or preferences.

• Volunteering: Being a presence in your community can foster social engagement and boost emotional health. It also can keep you physically active.

According to a study published in Aging Clinical and Experimental Research, participation in leisure activities positively influences self-perceived well-being and depressive symptoms. Participation in activities that bring out a creative side leads to an increased sense of well-being that is good for long-term health. They also can reduce cortisol levels. Known to negatively affect energy, mood and sleep, cortisol is known as the stress hormone. While most leisure activities can improve a person’s health, those that focus on a combination of physical and mental stimulation are most beneficial.

Regard the following ideas for avocations:

• Traveling: Travel is an enjoyable pastime enjoyed by many people. Traveling lets people escape the daily grind, explore new places and cultures and rest and recharge.

• Dancing: Laugh, sweat and learn some footwork in a dance class. It can make exercise fun for those who find traditional exercise does not keep their attention. Dancing spans cultures and genres of music. Putting on music and

• Painting and crafts: Artistic endeavors attract their share of enthusiasts, as evidenced by the number of pottery shops, paint and sip businesses and other crafts-based recreational pursuits. By participating in these types of hobbies, one can learn skills and walk away with the fruits of their labor.

• Musical instruments: Listening to music can help reduce stress levels and improve mood. Learning how to play a musical instrument or sing is a hobby shared by many people around the world. Reading and playing music may be one of the best ways to keep the brain healthy, says Penn Medicine, as it engages every major part of the central nervous system.

• Fishing: Few activities may be more relaxing than fishing. Though there are many different ways to fish, some of which require considerable physical effort, casting a line and waiting for a fish to bite is a relaxing way to spend a day in nature. That might not seem like much to novices, but spending time in nature has been found to reduce stress and lower heart rates, which the U.S. Forest Service notes are both risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

Bird Hike

Texas Master Naturalist Coastal Prairie Chapter will host free monthly bird hikes through May. All ages welcome. Bring binoculars and cameras. Held on the first Wednesday of the month, 8-10:30 a.m. at Seabourne Creek Nature Park in Rosenberg. coastalprairie.org

Farmers and Artisan Market

Pecan Grove Farmers and Artisan Market will be open every Sunday from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Future markets on Jan. 12, 19, 26. facebook.com/pecangrovefm

Bus driver hiring event

Fort Bend ISD will host a bus driver hiring event for individuals interested in joining the district’s transportation team and transporting students. The hiring event will take place at Fort Bend ISD’s Hodges Bend Bus Terminal (16707 Bissonnet, Houston, 77088) from 9 – 11 a.m., and registration is currently open for applicants interested in employment as a bus driver or bus driver trainee. Candidates can register at www.fortbendisd.com/hiringevent, and are asked to come to the event prepared for on-the-spot interviews.

Animal Ambassador Engagement

Texas Master NaturalistsTM Coastal Prairie Chapter will offer a free chapter program — “Animal Ambassador Engagement” at 7 p.m. at the Rosenberg Civic Center. The program will feature presenter Emily Essa, Lead Educator & Sierra Merritt, Education Animal Coordinator at Houston Humane Society Animal Wildlife Center. Plan to arrive at 6 p.m. for refreshments and social time. The program begins at 7 p.m.

To attend the program via Zoom, go to https://txmn.org/coastal/event/chapter-program-2025-01-09/. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. coastalprairie.org.

Edible Gardening

Fort Bend County Master Gardeners will host it’s program, “Grown Your Own — Edible Gardening Planning,” from 9-10:30 a.m. at the Bud O’Shieles Community Center in Rosenberg. fbmg.org

Scholarship applications

The Fort Bend County Fair is accepting applications for its scholarship program, which awards recipients a $5,000 scholarship. All recipients must be High School Seniors graduating in Spring 2025 from a recognized Fort Bend County private, public or home-schooled program. To be eligible, students must have participated in the Fort Bend County Fair Livestock Shows, Art programs, Rodeo events, FCCLA, Ag Mechanics competition, Horticulture contest, Queen contest, or have been Fort Bend County Fair volunteers. Scholarship recipient selections are based on Fair involvement, school activities, community involvement, and academic achievement. The deadline to submit a scholarship application is Jan. 16. fortbendcountyfair.com

40th

Annual Fort Bend Regional Vegetable Conference

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension - Fort Bend County will host its 40th Anniversary of the Annual Fort Bend Regional Vegetable Conference Feb. 6 at the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds (Building C). Check-in will be held from 7:30 am to 8 am with the conference beginning at 8 am and ending at 3:30 pm. Register by Jan. 24, for a discounted rate of $35. After that date, the registration is $45. Registration will close at noon on Feb. 4. To register and pay online visit: https://40thAnnualVegConf.eventbrite. com or to register and pay in person by check or cash, visit Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, 1402 Band Road (Annex Building) in Rosenberg. fortbend. agrilife.org

Brazos Home & Garden Show

The 2nd Annual Brazos Home & Garden Show returns Jan. 24-26 at the The Fort

Bend County Epicenter from 2-6 p.m. brazoshomeandgardenshow.com

Landscape Success

Fort Bend County Master Gardeners will host it’s program, “Landscape Success – Growing a Great Lawn,” from 1-2:30 p.m. via Zoom. fbmg.org

Fruit Trees

Hometown Happenings

Fort Bend County Master Gardeners will host it’s program, “Grow Your Own – Fruit Trees,” from 9-10:30 a.m. at the at the Bud O’Shieles Community Center in Rosenberg .fbmg.org

Talk of the Town

First Fridays are for the farmers market

The Development Corporation of Richmond and the City of Richmond will continue the Richmond Farmer’s Market the first Friday of the month from 3-7 p.m.

The Richmond Farmers Market is now located at City Hall Park Plaza, 402 Morton St.

With the goal of becoming the biggest farmers market in Fort Bend County, the Richmond Farmers Market offers fresh produce from local growers and artisan goods as well as some prepared foods.

This market is being managed by Stephanie Catlow who has been activating with farmers markets in various communities and is looking forward to sharing this market with our community. She can be reached at manager@richmondtxfarmersmarket.com.

“We have been eager to bring back the Richmond Farmers Market and look forward to the seasonal changes in produce and goods which will be offered at the markets,” said City Manager Terri Vela. “It has been a goal of the City team to bring events to our community which introduce people to historic downtown Richmond and a chance to shop local.”

Remains of World War II Soldier buried in Richmond

The remains of U.S. Army Air Forces 2nd Lt.

Hulen A. Leinweber, a Soldier killed during World War II, were interred on Dec. 5 at Morton Cemetery, Richmond, Texas. E.P. Compean Funeral Directors, Rosenberg, Texas, will perform graveside services preceding the interment.

A native of Houston, Texas, Leinweber was a pilot with the 40th Fighter Squadron, 35th Fighter Group. He was killed in action on June 10, 1945, at age 21, when the P-51 aircraft he was flying crashed after being struck by anti-aircraft fire over Infugao Province, Republic of the Philippines.

Leinweber was accounted for by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency on June 20, 2018, after remains excavated in 2017, from a site believed to be associated with Leinweber’s crash, were transferred to a DPAA laboratory for analysis and identification.

The Past Conflict Repatriations Branch, under the Army Casualty and Mortuary Affairs Operations Division at the U.S. Army Human Resources Command, Fort Knox, Kentucky, plays a key role in the process of locating Family members of missing Soldiers from WWII, and the Korean and Vietnam Wars.

The process begins with locating the Family member most closely related to the missing Soldier, known as the primary next of kin, followed by a request for Family reference samples or DNA, which are used as a main source in identifying remains.

Once a Soldier has been identified by the Armed Forces Medical Examiner, the PCRB notifies and briefs the Family about the results of historical, forensic, and DNA reports, benefits and the mortuary process including burial with full military honors.

FBBHS 2025 Black History & Art Calendar fundraiser underway

The Fort Bend Black Heritage Society’s annual Black History & Art Calendar Fundraiser is underway. And, as has been the tradition, there are two calendar options — the “Celebration of African-American Art” calendar which features work by Black artists each month, and the “Black History: A Celebration” calendar, which in-

cludes a Black historical attribute on each day of each month.

Formed four decades ago by Black residents focused on community service, the Fort Bend Black Heritage Society concentrates on discovering, sharing and preserving Fort Bend County’s Black history, and its most notable work is with the area’s overlooked historic Black cemeteries.

This calendar fundraiser is a means to cover some of the nonprofit’s cemetery restoration expenses.

The calendars are $5 each and can be picked up or mailed. The mailing fee is an additional $5 to cover the shipping and handling. The pick-up option is free.

Lannis Johnson will manage the pick-up orders. Contact her at 832-877-2756.

Calendars can be purchased online or through Fort Bend Black Heritage Society members. Visit the nonprofit’s Facebook account at facebook.com/FBBHS

For more information, contact the Fort Bend Black Heritage Society at fbheritagesociety@gmail.com or call or text 832-2774347.

Meals on Wheels offers volunteer ride-along experience

Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels, a long-standing organization committed to supporting seniors’ independence through nutritious meals and social connections, launched its Training Wheels Program. Through the Training Wheels Program, participants can join a ride-along with one of FBS’ experienced staff drivers, providing an up-close look at what it’s like to deliver meals to seniors in need. By offering this firsthand experience, FBS hopes to make volunteering more accessible and provide potential volunteers with confidence before they take the next step.

“Our volunteers are the backbone of our program, and with Training Wheels, we hope to give potential volunteers a clear understanding of the invaluable role they play,” said Doug Simpson, Executive Director of Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels. “This program is a great way to introduce community members to our mission and inspire them to help us continue providing vital services to our seniors.”

How It Works

Ride-alongs are available once a month on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to approximately 1 p.m., however, the ending time may vary based on delivery routes.

Up to four participants will be accepted for each ride-along and all routes will begin and end at the Bud O’Shieles distribution center, located at 1330 Band Road in Rosenberg.

Participants must be 18 years or older and sign a release of liability prior to participation. Volunteers are encouraged to wear closedtoe, non-slip shoes (e.g., tennis shoes) and

comfortable clothing suitable for the day’s deliveries.

After completing the ride-along, interested participants will be invited to fill out an official volunteer application and attend a volunteer orientation, the next step in becoming a dedicated member of the FBS volunteer team.

Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels serves more than 2,300 seniors annually across Fort Bend and Waller counties, delivering approximately 422,000 meals in 2024. With food insecurity and social isolation posing significant threats to seniors’ well-being, the services provided by FBS are more essential than ever.

To sign up for the Training Wheels Program or learn more about volunteering with FBS, visit fortbendseniors.org/volunteer or call 281-633-7053.

$140K+ raised at LEAF’s ‘Golf Fore Greatness’ tournament

Clear blue skies and mild fall weather set the perfect stage at Black Hawk Country Club in Richmond, where the Lamar Educational Awards Foundation (LEAF) hosted its eighth annual “Golf Fore Greatness” tournament, raising money to fund teacher grants and student scholarships across Lamar CISD.

The golf tournament has been successful not just as a fundraising event – with participant slots selling out the past several years and this year’s tournament raising more than $140,000 for the foundation, up substantially from early years – but also as a sign of the strong and vital partnerships that help fuel the district’s impressive growth in recent years, as more and more families from across the country and all around the world choose to make their home within the Lamar CISD boundaries.

LEAF Executive Director Kameela Lewis oversaw the Nov. 12 event and explained how it has blossomed into a chance for business partners to forge deeper connections that go beyond the scope of any single contract or project.

“The golf tournament is an opportunity to create a bridge,” Lewis said, “and it’s become kind of a family reunion. Many of these donors have been with us for quite some time, so it’s an opportunity for them to show partnership while also building stronger relationships, with the district and with one another.”

Superintendent Dr. Roosevelt Nivens helped kick off the event, which began bright and early as players and other guests were greeted by student volunteers, drumline players and cheerleaders, as well as Lamar CISD student golfers, who joined with registered

participants for a special putt-putt contest before the start of the official tournament.

“Our LEAF golf tournament has become a hallmark event on our annual calendar, bringing

Continued on page 16

Eviana Williams is a passionate Texas School Safety Teen Ambassador

by MARQUITA GRIFFIN | mgriffin@fbherald.com

Foster High School student Eviana Williams was named a Texas School Safety Teen Ambassador for the 2024-2025 school year. For more information about the ambassador program, visit txssc.txstate.edu. To check out Eviana’s online blog, "Mind of Crime," visit Mindofcrime.com.

Texas State University’s Texas School Safety Center says the youth can be ideal conveyances to develop secure educational environments and has thus launched a statewide program intended to involve middle and high school students in school safety initiatives.

That program — the Texas School Safety Teen Ambassadors — creates opportunities for students to work on campus safety, building connectedness and positive social norms and increasing awareness about the dangers of alcohol, tobacco and drugs.

Richmond, as it turns out, has one such ambassador.

Foster High School senior Eviana Williams was selected to serve as a Texas School Safety Teen Ambassador for the 2024-2025 school year.

In this role, Williams educates both youth and adults about the dangers of drugs like vaping and fentanyl, empowering their student body to build connections that matter and increasing awareness about teen mental health.

“Mental wellbeing is violence prevention,” she said.

“I strongly believe that a person’s mental state is significant to violent and criminal behavior. If we support today’s youth in the academic or social struggles they may be facing, we can begin to prepare for a better future.

“I believe that mental health and violence are connected, and to combat one, you have to change the other.”

Williams also promotes safety awareness, employs the information

she’s learned from the Texas School Safety Center in her community, and recognizes her peer ideas to “facilitate an initiative that not only educates but sparks action.”

With a passion for criminal psychology — which Williams said she “[fuels] through law enforcement classes, school clubs and community service” — the 17-year-old Foster student aims to understand those around her and the circumstances they have to navigate.

“I enjoy spending my time reading books, volunteering in my community and creating art,” she said. “Additionally, I love to learn about the human mind and created a blog called Mind of Crime where I publish articles exploring the relationship between the brain and criminal behavior. I’m the type of person to seize every opportunity to learn and support my community with an optimistic and ambitious outlook on the goals that I set for myself.”

It was William’s law enforcement teacher Dr. Fred Guess who informed her and other club members about the Texas School Safety Teen Ambassadors program, and she said she was “immediately drawn to the position because of [her] passion for psychology and the chance to advocate for teen mental health.”

“I noticed that I didn’t really hear about mental health awareness in my area and wanted to be able to create a support system for students who are struggling,” she added.

As part of the youth advisory board of Texas School Safety Teen Ambassadors, Williams will collaborate with center staff to develop training, resources, educational videos and activities for youth and adults to use together in their school safety efforts.

“Having a teen ambassador like Eviana is crucial for understanding the unique perspectives of our youth,” said Program Manager Kathleen Bates. “We believe she will inspire both youth and adults to take an active role to engage teens in ensuring a safe and nurturing school environment.”

‘ALL STUDENTS DESERVE TO THRIVE IN SAFE COMMUNITIES’

After explaining that the role of the teen ambassador is to “bridge the gap between students, school administrations, and the community through youth-adult partnerships,” Williams said she advocates for safety because she believes everyone deserves to feel content and supported in their environment.

“It’s important to acknowledge that safety isn’t limited to external threats but truly relies on how people perceive what’s around them. My experience within safe institutions has allowed me to concentrate on pursuing academic interests rather than constantly being alert for threats,” she said. “As a result of my feeling of support, I have engaged in diverse extracurricular activities which have further crafted my passions and skills in life.

“I am dedicated to providing similar opportunities to my peers because all students deserve to thrive in safe communities.”

She has previously helped organize a substance abuse awareness summit and led community events with the Juvenile Justice Advisory Council, bringing together law enforcement and students to develop

trust and create a positive campus climate at her school.

At Foster High, Williams is the president of the SkillsUSA Chapter and Foster Justice League, which she’s been involved with for three years.

“In SkillsUSA, I lead weekly meetings and train new members in preparation for competitions highlighting our technical, personal and workplace skill set,” she explained.

For the last two years, she competed on a Crime Scene Investigation team and won gold medals at the district level.

The Foster Justice League, she explained, encourages club members to become active in the school and local community through clean-ups and holiday events that facilitate leadership development and responsibility.

Outside of school, she volunteers with the District Attorney Office Expose Excellence Youth Program and was one of six students selected to collaboratively design a restorative justice mural at the Fort Bend County Justice Center.

She is now discussing the possibility of a summit with the Juvenile Justice Advisory Council that addresses teen mental health, substance use and violence prevention.

She is also working with the Texas School Safety Center staff to organize projects at Foster High School and around Fort Bend in the spring.

“I want teens in the community to know that their voices are just as important as anyone else’s when it comes to advocating for school safety,” she said. “In my brief time as an ambassador, I’ve been fortunate to meet many amazing people, including the other eight fantastic teen ambassadors from across Texas who are leading change within their communities.

“It’s inspiring to be part of such a dedicated group, and I hope to encourage others to take initiative and make their voices heard.”

Q&A with Eviana Williams

MARQUITA GRIFFIN: I would like to know more about the substance abuse awareness summit you organized. Was this a campus-only event? And what was the motivation behind it?

EVIANA WILLIAMS: As a member of the Juvenile Justice Advisory Council, I helped organize and facilitate a summit where students across Fort Bend County schools, parents and law enforcement officers attended to learn about topics such as substance use, traffic stops, and drunk driving. This was a community event held at the Gus George Law Enforcement Academy in 2023 [to promote] community safety by bringing together youth and cops.

MG: Considering graduation is on the horizon, what passions or goals will you pursue following high school?

EW: I plan to pursue a college dual degree in psychology and criminology. My ultimate goal is to become an FBI Behavior Analyst, focusing on understanding and addressing complex issues such as youth-related violence, psychopathy and addiction. While in college, I will continue creating art to share with the community and join organizations similar to the Youth Advisory Board.

MG: I’d like ask you more about your efforts to increase discussions around mental health. What within the topic of mental health do you most want to address?

EW: I am particularly passionate about bringing awareness to teen mental health with a focus on reducing the apprehension many teens feel toward seeking help. I think its valuable to access professional support for mental struggles, but how can teens do this if they’re unsure of how to identify their mental state? I want to advocate for students seeking a supportive team and differentiate mental disorders from normal reactions.

Art & Entertainment

LCISD bands enjoy banner year

Photos by DAVE SANDERS & RHONDA TAORMINA

For the first time in district history, all six Lamar CISD band programs received straight Division 1 ratings at district band competitions, with one of those programs already making history at the area round. The success is no accident, according to at least one district director.

“I’ve worked in different districts, and Lamar really, really supports the fine arts,” Foster band director Erich Sonnier said. “We’re well-funded and well-supported, and we appreciate that. It makes a big difference, having the funds to do what we want to do. It really helps.”

In 5A, each LCISD band advanced from the district competition to the Area E contest at Ray Maddry Memorial Stadium in Channelview. Randle advanced to its first-ever area finals after placing 12th in prelims.

The Lions’ band earned placings of 11th, 14th and 14th in music but placed 11th in both visual categories.

Lamar Consolidated placed three spots out of finals at 15th, while Terry came in at 17th.

In finals, Randle climbed one spot higher to 11th on the backs of a ninth-place score in Music 3 and two top-10 placings in Visual at sixth and 10th. Friendswood claimed the area title, sweeping the categories, while College Station, Barbers Hill, A&M Consolidated, Fort Bend-Kempner and Angleton all advanced to state as top-six placers.

The three 6A bands, Foster, Fulshear and George Ranch, competed in the Area E contest at Freedom Field in Rosharon. George Ranch placed 20th in prelims, while Fulshear (seventh) and Foster (10th) advanced to finals. In finals, Foster placed seventh to finish two spots shy of a trip to state, while Fulshear finished 10th. State qualifiers from the area show were Pearland, Pearland-Dawson, Clear Brook, Dickinson and Stephen F. Austin.

Outside the UIL circuit, LCISD bands made even more history.

Fulshear became the second program in district history to qualify for finals at a Bands of America regional, placing 12th at the BOA South Houston Regional Championship on Oct. 5 at Challenger Columbia Stadium in Webster.

The Charger band earned a score of 77.05 in finals after scoring a 76.05 in prelims to qualify as the 12th-place band. Foster, which was the BOA regional finalist band in program history, now sits as the only LCISD program to be a multiple-time BOA regional finalist after qualifying for finals as the 11th-place band in prelims.

The Falcon band placed eighth in finals, its best-ever finish at a BOA show, with a score of 78.7.

“We wanted a theme that was easy to grasp and understand, so like circles, Oculus,” Sonnier said. “The main theme is from the movie Stargate. The main theme is taking a journey through space and time. So it’s something you watch. We go through the portals, around them, hanging on them.”

George Ranch finished outside of finals but still in the top 20 at 19th with a score of 69.55. Pearland won the regional crown with a score of 86.6, while Ronald Reagan (85.95), Bridgeland (84.15), Klein Oak (82.05) and San Antonio-Claudia Taylor Johnson (81.35) rounded out the top five.

The Foster band also competed in the venerable BOA San Antonio Super Regional last Friday, a show considered by many to be the toughest in the country. Foster placed 40th overall out of 69 bands in the field with a prelims score of 82.175.

Flower Mound took home the Super Regional championship with a score of 97.2. Other Houston-area bands at the show included The Woodlands (fourth, 95.65), Pearland (12th, 90.15) and Katy-Seven Lakes (14th, 87.75).

Libraries celebrate digital age of Ebooks & streaming collections

In 2007, Fort Bend County Libraries launched an online eLibrary with 400 OverDrive ebooks in its digital collection. The service was so well received that 600 more books were added a few months later.

Since then, the OverDrive collection of ebooks and e-audiobooks has grown to 37,018 digital copies available for free checkout. Since

it was launched in 2007, library users have checked out offerings from the OverDrive collection more than 2.3-million times!

In 2015, FBCL added access to the hoopla digital collection, which expanded the eLibrary offerings to include streaming movies, TV series, music, and e-audiobooks. The total number of checkouts from the hoopla digital collection – which now includes e-audiobooks, ebooks, comics, movies, music, and television – is quickly nearing the one-million mark, with the most popular categories being e-audiobooks, ebooks, and movies.

With the evolution of electronic devices over the years – including smartphones, tablets, and even the ability to cast video from a digital device to a large-screen TV or monitor – free access to FBCL’s digital collection has become more popular than ever.

The Libby by OverDrive app and the hoopla digital app have made accessing, browsing, downloading, and streaming selections easier and even more convenient for library cardholders who are on the go. These digital resources are popular options for travelers, commuters, or those participating in physical exercise.

Both OverDrive and hoopla digital offer selections for library users of all ages, including children, teens, and adults. The two collections include bestsellers and new releases. Library cardholders can select from virtually every genre, ranging from mystery and romance to cookbooks and travel guides, tech and business guides, young adult and children’s titles, and much more.

Hoopla has made it easy for children to browse for children’s materials, and for parents to feel confident letting kids browse on their own. “Kids Mode” can be implemented in the hoopla website and apps with the flip of a switch.

Libby by OverDrive offers curated lists for different genres, including ones specifically for children, enabling them to go directly to Texas Bluebonnet Award Nominees, the 2x2 Reading List, and Lone Star Reading List.

The service is compatible with all major computers and devices, iPhone®, iPad®, Android™ phones and tablets, and Chromebook™.

An FBCL library card is required to access the eLibrary resources. Any resident of the state of Texas can obtain a free FBCL library card, and there is no charge to access selections in the eLibrary. Since the digital files automatically expire at the end of the lending period, there is never an overdue fine.

Demonstrations of the OverDrive online collection and the Libby app will take place at several FBCL locations in January, but those who are interested may also inquire about them at any time at any FBCL location. Those attending the demonstrations are encouraged to bring their smartphone, tablet, and library card for personal assistance in setting up the service.

Sienna Branch Library (8411 Sienna Springs Blvd, Missouri City) | Tuesday, January 7, 2:00-3:00 pm, Computer Lab. Registration required.

Fulshear Branch Library (6350 GM Library Road, off Texas Heritage Parkway, north of FM 1092) | Wednesday, January 15, 11:00 am-12:00 noon, Computer Lab. Registration required.

University Branch Library (14010 University Blvd, Sugar Land) | Tuesday, January 28, 10:15-11:15 am, Computer Lab. Registration required.

These services and demonstrations are free to the public. To register for a demonstration, visit www.fortbend.lib.tx.us

Winter Book Sale supports special programming & cultural events

The Friends of the University Branch Library will host a Winter Book Sale on Saturday, Jan. 25, from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., in Meeting Room 1 of the library, located at 14010 University Blvd in

Sugar Land, on the UH campus.

People who love books, people who love bargains, and people who need to get rid of some spare change will find a lot in common at the book sale, where they will discover adult and children’s books, all at prices that are hard to beat.

Items of special interest at this book sale include: World War II books, opera performance CDs, large-format books, children’s items, fiction, cookbooks, and other nonfiction.

Prices range from 50¢ to $2.00, with special items slightly higher. Checks or cash are accepted; bills larger than $20 cannot be accepted.

Donations of gently used books (fiction and nonfiction adult, youth, and children’s hardback and paperback books that are clean and not torn), CDs, DVDs are always welcome and may be taken to the library throughout the year during regular business hours. Textbooks published within the past five years are also accepted.

Items that cannot be accepted include cassettes, VHS tapes, encyclopedias, magazines, medical/legal/computer books older than 2020, or books that are damp, moldy, dirty, or insect-ridden.

The Friends of the University Branch Library organization is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt corporation. Donations and contributions to the Friends are tax-deductible.

The Friends of the University Branch Library organization is instrumental in funding library programs such as the children’s Summer Reading Challenge. Proceeds from the book sale and annual membership dues also help to underwrite the costs of special programming and various cultural events at the University Branch Library.

Membership applications will be available for people who would like to join the Friends of the University Branch Library.

For more information visit www.fortbend.lib.tx.us.

‘Funky Florals’ workshop set for Jan. 13-15

The Art League of Fort Bend’s upcoming ‘Funky Florals’ workshop will be led by Elizabeth St. Hilaire, an award-winning fulltime artist, art workshop instructor and published author.

A Signature Member of the National Collage Society, St Hilaire holds a BFA from Syracuse University and has been working in her medium for more than 20 years. This workshop will allow participants will explore the versatility of various materials, blending acrylic paint, metallic leaf, stencils, and gel-printed collage papers.

The workshop will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is appropriate for all levels of experience, and the chosen medium will be mixed media and acrylic paints.

Visit artleaguefortbend.org for more information about the workshop and www.paperpaintings.com/patreon for more information about Elizabeth St. Hilaire.

2024 Pecan Harvest Festival

Photos by SCOTT REESE WILLEY

Visitors, reflected in the chrome bumper of a ‘55 Chevy, check out the vintage automobiles at the 2024 Richmond Pecan Harvest Festival in historic downtown Richmond. The annual event included two stages for live bands, a kids zone playground, beer and wine booth, plenty of good eats, the always-popular pecan bake-off contest and the equally-popular car show.

AT LEFT: Ron Saenz of Richmond shows off one of the Texas shaped cutting boards he had for sale. Wood Stuff by Ron was among several dozen arts and crafts vendors selling their unique items at the festival; AT RIGHT: Dennis Piniones of Sugar Land poses for a photo with granddaughter Isla Cowley, who is 14 months old.

AT LEFT: Mark Schlegel of Richmond and grandson Charlie Schlegel-Guidry check out the Christmas wreathes on sale. Charlie liked the bright colors.; AT RIGHT: Pete Pavlovsky of Rosenberg demonstrated a vintage pecan-shelling machine.

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together so many of the people and business partners that support Lamar CISD and help make our extraordinary growth more manageable,” Nivens said. “It means so much to see the participation from our partners and other supporters who believe in the foundation’s mission, and who want to support its work that, in turn, supports our teachers and students.”

Among the approximately 50 event sponsors was architectural and consulting firm Stantec, whose support made the afterparty possible, complete with live music and both silent and live auctions of a range of donated items and services.

Stantec Principal and Bond Strategist Kimberly Bow, who is also a district parent and a member of the LEAF Board of Directors, explained why it was so important to her firm to support and take part in events like the golf tournament.

“As a community member and business partner with Lamar CISD, the reason why Stantec is involved here is we want to support our future leaders,” Bow said. “We want to support education within our communities, and that’s at the heart of what we do. We try and make a difference in every community that we’re involved in.”

Jim Rice, another longtime district supporter and president of the engineering and construction support services firm Rice & Gardner – which served as this year’s pre-

senting sponsor – has been involved with the foundation’s golf tournament since its inception in 2016, and said he was always happy to return each year.

“I’m really pleased that it’s grown to this extent,” Rice said during the after-tournament event at the Black Hawk clubhouse. “I think this is the best one that we’ve had. A lot of people at LEAF work really hard to make this happen, and it’s really all about raising money to serve the teachers and the students.”

FBJSL opens scholarship applications

The Fort Bend Junior Service League announced the application period for its annual Scholarship Awards is open through February. The scholarships will be awarded in spring 2025 and must be used towards tuition for the 2025-2026 academic year. FBJSL is offering up to six $1,000 Volunteer Scholarships and one $2,000 New Beginnings Scholarship.

college, university, or vocational school after a break in their education and demonstrate a financial need.

For more information visit www.fbjsl. org/scholarship-programs. The application deadline is Feb. 1, 2025.

Richmond medical student assists with Teddy Bear Hospital launch

OLD WESTBURY, NY — Medical students from the New York Institute of Technology, including Yousuf Khan of Richmond, recently helped to launch the Teddy Bear Hospital at the 2024 Long Island Fall Festival.

New York Institute of Technology’s six schools and colleges offer undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and other professional degree programs in in-demand disciplines including computer science, data science, and cybersecurity; biology, health professions, and medicine; architecture and design; engineering; IT and digital technologies; management; and energy and sustainability. A nonprofit, independent, private, and nonsectarian institute of higher education founded in 1955, it welcomes nearly 8,000 students worldwide.

The Volunteer Scholarships are available to female high school seniors, who are residents of Fort Bend County, who aspire to higher education. Recipients must have exhibited exceptional dedication to volunteerism and community service. High school seniors must have completed a minimum of 100 hours of community service, maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5, and plan to enroll in an accredited two or four-year college or university.

The New Beginnings Scholarship is designed to empower adult women, who are residents of Fort Bend County, by enhancing their career opportunities through continued education. Eligible candidates should have been accepted into an accredited

The Teddy Bear Hospital introduces elementary and middle school students to the medical field, helping to ease anxiety about doctor visits while teaching exam skills on stuffed animals.

Katie Cobe, assistant director of alumni relations (front row, second from left), stops by the Teddy Bear Hospital at the Long Island Fall Festival.

Cuisine Corner

Nutritious foods are a cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle. The World Health Organization says a healthy diet protects a person against many chronic noncommunicable diseases, such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes. Nutritious foods also help a person get to or maintain a healthy weight, promote stronger bones and teeth, and positively affect long-term mental health.

People often wonder how they can improve their daily diets. Here are some ways to make meals more nutritious.

• Eat an array of fruits and vegetables. Healthline notes a diet rich in fruits and vegetables has been proven to offer many health benefits. Incorporating a variety of fruits and vegetables into the meals eaten each day will provide fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Vegetables also are low in calories and fat, which aligns with diets designed for weight management. Health experts suggest eat-

ing greens and other vegetables first so that you fill up and are therefore less likely to eat fewer, less nutritious foods during each meal.

• Consume sufficient healthy sources of protein. Protein is important for managing hunger and sustaining energy and maintaining muscle. Lean sources of protein are best, and can include skinless poultry, unprocessed lean meats, seafood and fish, legumes, and nuts. Eggs also are excellent sources of protein. Fish tends to be low in calories for the amount of protein it provides. Try to incorporate oily fish like salmon into your culinary repertoire since it’s a source of hearthealthy omega-3 fatty acids.

• Choose whole grain carbohydrates. When selecting breads, cereals, rices, and other carbohydrates, select higher fiber or whole grain varieties. Whole grains contain more fiber than white or refined starches and will help you

feel fuller longer.

• Cut down on saturated fats and sugars. Be mindful of food labels when selecting ingredients for meals. Opt for foods that are low in saturated fats, which tend to contribute to an increase in the amount of cholesterol in the blood. Also, regularly consuming foods and beverages high in sugar increases a person’s risk for obesity and tooth decay, says the National Health Service of the United Kingdom.

• Practice additional smart eating tips. In addition to the foods eaten, there are ways to eat in a more healthy manner. Slow down when eating and savor the foods. Gauge whether you feel full before going back for another portion. Eating foods off a smaller plate can trick the brain into thinking you ate more, a tactic that can help to reduce portion sizes. Cook and prepare more foods at home where you can control ingredients.