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.
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
Research also shows that having a hobby can help combat seasonal affective disorder.
• 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.
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.
• 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.
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:
• 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 letting your feet
• 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.
Foster HS SLC Fundraiser
The Social Learning Classroom at Foster High School is raising money for the SLC Activity Fund which supports the students’ annual End of the Year Senior Party as well as holiday and achievement activities. Follow “Slc Foster HS” on Facebook or email tgreen@lcisd.org.
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
Farmer’s Market
at
Imperial Park
Farmer’s Market at Imperial Park runs every Saturday from 9 a.m.1 p.m. at the Imperial Park Recreation Center in Sugar Land. Future markets are Jan. 11, 18 and 25.
Holiday Lights
The 11th annual Sugar Land Holiday Lights runs through Jan. 5 at Constellation Field in Sugar Land. Fearing over 3.5 million lights, a 40 ft. lit tree, light shows, numerous themed displays and food. sugarlandholidaylights.com
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
The Texas Monarch Flyway Strategy and Migration
Sugar Land Garden Club’s free presentation “The Texas Monarch Flyway Strategy and Migration” will be held at 10 a.m. at St. Basil’s Hall, 702 Burney Road, Sugar Land. sugarlandgardenclub.org
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
Felicia Smith Jigsaw Puzzle Competition
The 8th Annual Felicia Smith Jigsaw Puzzle Competition will be held 10 a.m. - noon at the Fort Bend Christian Academy North Campus Gymnasium in Sugar Land. hopeforthree.org
Fruit Trees
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
Plug And Play and Sugar Land announce new location in at the 2024 Silicon Valley Summit
Plug and Play, the world’s leading innovation platform, took the stage alongside the City of Sugar Land Economic Development and Tourism team at the 2024 Silicon Valley Summit in Silicon Valley to announce the opening of its new flagship Houston-Metro location in Sugar Land, Texas. This marks Plug and Play’s fourth location in the state and includes a non-compete radius of 60 miles from the city limits, underscoring its strategic commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the region.
Plug and Play, known for accelerating over 2,700 startups globally last year, aims to drive innovation by connecting entrepreneurs, corporations, investors, universities and governments worldwide. With more than 60 locations globally and over 550 corporate partners, including Dell Technologies, Daikin, Microsoft, LG Chem, Shell, and Mercedes, Plug and Play has a proven track record of fostering successful ventures. Their portfolio includes companies like PayPal, Dropbox, LendingClub, and Course Hero, with 8% of the portfolio valued at over $100 million.
“We are excited to welcome Plug and Play to Sugar Land,” said Mayor of Sugar Land, Joe Zimmerman. “This investment will help us connect with corporate contacts and experts in startups and businesses that would take us many years to reach on our own. It allows us to create a presence, attract investments and jobs to the city, and hopefully become a base of operations for some of these high-growth companies.”
The agreement facilitated by the Sugar Land Office of Economic Development and Tourism outlines plans for a new Plug and Play office in Sugar Land Town Square, a hub known for its business-friendly atmosphere. Leasing and hiring will begin between December and January, with an official launch in February or March, featuring approximately 15 startups announced on Selection Day. Plug and Play will hire four full-time equivalent employees and accelerate two startup batches per year, focusing on Smart Cities, which include sectors such as energy, health, transportation, and mobility. Additionally, one Sugar Land City representative will serve as a board member, helping to set the program’s goals and mission.
“By expanding to Sugar Land, we’re creating a space where startups can access resources, build partnerships, and scale rapidly,” said Sherif Saadawi, VP Growth Strategy at Plug and Play. “This location will help fuel Texas’ innovation ecosystem,
providing entrepreneurs with the tools and networks they need to drive real-world impact and contribute to the state’s technological and economic growth.”
This partnership marks a significant milestone for Sugar Land as it continues to grow as a hub for innovation and technology. The city and Plug and Play are committed to creating extraordinary experiences, delivering unparalleled customer service, and fostering an environment where the right talent can thrive.
For more information visit sugarlandecodev.com/about-us/news-and-press/ plug-and-play or plugandplaytechcenter. com.
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 includes 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 832277-4347.
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 closed-toe, 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 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
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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 presenting 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.”
Rice also commented on the excitement of the district’s Grant Express event, where LEAF board members travel across the district to award grants to Lamar CISD teachers for innovative teaching and learning projects in their classrooms.
“They go to the schools, they surprise the teachers, and it’s so exciting,” Rice said. “It’s really a good thing, it’s a very life-affirming thing, and it’s doing something positive for kids.”
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.
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 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.
Fort Bend 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 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.
Need a good-paying job? Consider an automotive technician career
Texas State Technical College will expand its Fort Bend County campus offerings with the Automotive Technology and Auto Collision and Management Technology programs next fall.
But what do those programs entail, and why are they needed?
Becoming an automotive technician means learning skills in a variety of fields. The Automotive Technology program includes skills such as electrical systems, suspension and steering systems, engine repair and performance analysis, and brake systems. For the Auto Collision and Management Technology program, the focus is on vehicle structural analysis, automotive refinishing, color analysis and paint matching.
While hiring companies are typically not looking for an expert in every field, they want someone who knows the basics — and is willing to learn more. Kayla Harden, a recruiter for Christian Brothers Automotive, finds the need for qualified technicians to be ever-present.
“I’ve noticed working with our franchises, they still reach out to us with concerns of being able to find those certified technicians, especially the higher-skilled ones,” she said. “There’s also a need as technology changes. Hybrids have become more advanced, electric cars are increasing in number, and there is still gas on the road.”
According to onetonline.org, automotive service technicians and mechanics will see a 10% increase in the number of such jobs in Texas from 2020 to 2030. Likewise, automotive bodies and related repairers in the state will see a 14% increase in job prospects over the same period.
“Automotive programs create a steady stream of skilled professionals who are ready to step into the workforce, which helps local shops fill positions and provide great service to our guests,” Harden said. “These programs not only support businesses, but also give students a path to a rewarding and stable career.”
Automotive Technology is available at TSTC’s Harlingen, Sweetwater and Waco campuses. Auto Collision and Management Technology is available at the Harlingen and Waco campuses. Both will be available on the Fort Bend County campus beginning in the fall 2025 semester.
Registration for TSTC’s spring semester has begun. For more information, visit tstc. edu.
ABOVE: TSTC’s Fort Bend County campus will be expanding to add the Automotive Technology and Auto Collision and Management Technology programs in the fall 2025 semester. Students in TSTC’s Automotive Technology and Auto Collision and Management Technology programs will be involved in an ever-evolving career field when the programs come to the Fort Bend County campus in the fall 2025 semester. Pictured is Jonathan Garza, a student in the Automotive Technology program in Harlingen.
Katie Cobe, assistant director of alumni relations (front row, second from left), stops by the Teddy Bear Hospital at the Long Island Fall Festival.
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
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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 eating 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 heart-healthy 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.
How to pair food with exercise
Food pairing is often discussed in terms of which wines best complement particular dishes. But pairing food with exercise merits consideration, as it can create the balance needed for overall health.
Food plays an important role in workouts, giving individuals the energy necessary to perform at their peak. Timing meals appropriately and knowing what to eat before or after a workout can make a difference.
Creatine benefits weight lifting
Creatine is an organic acid that is an important ingredient for short duration, high-intensity exercises, such as weight lifting.
According to Kelly Pritchett, Ph.D., RDN, director of the nutrition graduate program and assistant professor of nutrition and exercise science at Central Washington University, foods rich in protein from meat, poultry and fish can help optimize stores of creatine. Creatine also may be found in foods and beverages targeted to athletes, like protein shakes and snacks.
Pre-workout mixes include protein and carbohydrates
A snack or mini meal one to three hours before a workout is ideal so that digestive issues don’t occur during a workout when the body directs more blood to muscles than digestion. Food pairings that include a high quality carbohydrate, like whole grain bread or oatmeal, with a protein source, such as peanut butter or milk, can be key. Blood sugar will stay steady with whole grain carbs, and the protein will help you to feel full and avoid overeating after a workout.
Glucose, glycogen and running
Distance running or other exercises that require endurance, such as skating or biking, require ample energy stores. Although low-carbohydrate diets are popular for people looking to lose weight, they’re not ideal for people who engage in endurance sports and need carbohydrates for energy, states Johns Hopkins Medicine. Endurance athletes need more carbs than those who aren’t training. These activities use both glucose in the blood and glycogen, which is sugar stored in the liver and muscles. Eating plenty of healthy carbs helps bolster energy stores. Whole fruits and grains are good sources of carbohydrates.
Benefits of bananas
For those with limited time to grab a bite before a workout, bananas might be the perfect option. According to WebMD, bananas have easily digestible carbs that will not weigh you down. The potassium in bananas also may help prevent muscle cramps during and after workouts.
Power up with potatoes
Potatoes are whole foods, meaning they contain a balance of all the essential amino acids, despite being low in whole protein. They’re also rich in vitamin B6, which is critical to protein metabolism, says Mark Anthony, Ph.D., adjunct professor of science and nutrition at St. Edwards University, Austin. Potatoes also contain the right mix of sodium and potassium to maintain an electrolyte balance in the body.
Recover right
A mix of carbohydrates and lean proteins also is ideal for exercise recovery. Mix in good fats like avocado and olive oil. Carbs will help replenish depleted levels of glycogen and high-quality protein will help build and repair muscle. Don’t forget to drink plenty of fluids to replace what was lost while working out. Food and exercise go hand in hand. It’s important to eat well to keep the body in top form.
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.
Johanna Compean
Breanna Compean
