Around The Bend October 2016
Candace Bushnell is the featured author for Reading Between the Wines, March 31.
CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF LITERACY WITH CANDACE BUSHNELL AND COSMOPOLITANS!
In celebration of its 30th anniversary, The Literacy Council of Fort Bend County (LCFBC) has announced that Candace Bushnell will be the featured author for the Reading between the Wines event to be held at Safari Texas Ranch on Friday, March 31.
Bushnell is the critically acclaimed, internationally best-selling author of the 1996 novel Sex and the City, which was the basis for the hit HBO series and two subsequent blockbuster movies of the same name. Her other novels include Killing Monica, Summer and the City, One Fifth Avenue, Trading Up and Four Blondes. Two of her novels –– Lipstick Jungle and The Carrie Diaries –– were television series on NBC and The CW networks, respectively.
“To say that we’re excited to have Candace Bushnell as the featured author at our 2017 Reading between the Wines event is an understatement,” said Helen Bow, co-chair of RBTW and a LCFBC board member. “Having an author of her caliber brings an unprecedented sense of excitement, adventure, and prestige to our event. We invite all fans of the wildly popular Sex in the City franchise to join us next year for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
Gena Horak, co-chair of RBTW and a LCFBC board member adds, “We were able to secure an author as renowned and acclaimed as Candace Bushnell solely through the vast generosity of the Fred and Mable R. Parks Foundation.”
Sponsorship opportunities, ranging from $500 to $15,000, are available. Sponsor benefits include reserved and premier seating, signed copies of Sex and the City, and much more.
Individual tickets are $125 and include live music, wine, a “restaurant stroll” featuring tastes from local chefs and restaurants, the opportunity to bid on exciting auction items and the chance to win a cash raffle. Specialty Book Club and Young Professionals discounts are available. For more information, visit ftbendliteracy.org
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ROSENBERG LIONS CLUB DONATES BENCH AND UPGRADES TO SEABOURNE CREEK NATURE PARK
Celebrating 100 years of community service around the world, the Rosenberg-Richmond chapter of the Lions club donated a new park bench and pavilion upgrades at Seabourne Creek Nature Park in Rosenberg as part of its Legacy Project.
The Lions club is one of the largest service organizations in the world with over 1.4 million members who perform valuable services around the globe. The Rosenberg Lions, for example, offer eye exams and new glasses to students in need, sponsor scholarships to high school seniors, support the 5K run/walk during the Fort Bend Fair, as well as many other need-driven services.
Seabourne Creek Nature Park received a new bench overlooking the lake near a clearing that is optimal for fishing. Visitors to the park will have a place to sit and relax while taking in the scenic views.
“We hope that as you sit here with either a fishing line in the water or just reflective thoughts about nature, you too will be filled with the spirit of service to the community,” Eugene Aufdembrink, President of the Rosenberg Lions said. “Lions have provided the funding for the concrete upgrades to the pavilions so that visitors can sit more comfortably as they enjoy their snacks.”
Seabourne Creek Nature Park is a 164-acre nature park and wetlands. Considered a prairie restoration zone, the park also features a butterfly garden, a four-acre lake stocked with bass, perch, and catfish, and the 1,025-square-foot R.W. Lindsey Gazebo equipped with electricity and available for rental. The new bench and pavilion are conveniently located near the lake for visitors wishing to enjoy fishing, trails, or scenic views. To visit the park and see the new gift from the Lions or for more information, visit rosenbergtx.gov.
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(L-R): Sharon Leonard, Becky Stinson Sartain, Susan McLaughlin-Taylor, Marlyn Davis, Judy Childress, Barbara Brescian and Kathy Luckenbach.
SUGAR CREEK GARDEN CLUB ELECTS NEW OFFICERS 2016- 2017
New officers were recently elected for the Sugar Creek Garden Club coming year, and they have been busy planning exciting events. The club offers scholarships, community beatification and other other community services. Meetings are held the third Thursday of every month at Sugar Creek Country Club, beginning at 9:30 a.m. with a social hour and a program following each meeting. For more information, call Connie Bingham at 281-494- 5065.
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Participants at the Art of Living Summer Camp with Courtney Bryant (far right), camp leader.
THE ART OF LIVING SUMMER CAMP
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Fort Bend County in cooperation with Prairie View A&M Cooperative Extension, held a free summer camp at The Fort Bend Church entitled The Art of Living, led by Courtney Bryant, FCS-Cooperative Extension Agent. The opening guest speaker for the two-day event was Precinct 4 County Commissioner James Patterson.
The Art of Living participants attended breakout sessions focusing on managing social media, mental health, etiquette, nutrition and beauty, leadership, finance, arts and film and real estate development. The breakout sessions were conducted by Fort Bend County Extension Agents Derrick Banks, Amber Foster and Leticia Hardy. Community representatives from Centre Wealth Management, Iscential Insurance, Regional Consulting, Ann Miller Etiquette, Devine Creations, Workforce Solutions, Toriano Bryant Real Estate and Silly Charm Productions also conducted breakout sessions.
Area businesses partnering with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Fort Bend County to ensure the success of the program included Kaptau Drafting and Design, Panera Bread-Sugar Land, McAlister’s-Rosenberg, Centre Wealth Management, Iscential Insurance, Which Wich, Consuela’s Kitchen and The Fort Bend Church.
Participants were Baily Billings, Ellie Breaux, Gabrielle Broadnax, Nicholas Carroll, Naviah Dixon, Bryce Edwards, Brent Edwards, Ariel Freeman, Jordan Gilliams, Olvice Greenwood, Jayla Harris, Caleb Haynes, Kassidy Jones, Jackie Nowlin, Kali Patton, Zyan Primes, Jordan Reed, BelleAime Robinson, Maci Rubesh, Tyler Thomas, Sidney Thomas and Anthoni Wardlaw.
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N.E.S.T. prepares children to start school.
CHILD ADVOCATES OF FORT BEND’S N.E.S.T. PROGRAM
Child Advocates of Fort Bend’s N.E.S.T. (Nurturing Education and Social Triumphs) Program was established to help children (ages 6-13) build strong foundations in education, health, and social interaction. The goal is to establish positive behaviors early in life. To that end, the children are provided with workshops, events and resources throughout the year to start them on a path to a successful future. Seventeen children recently participated in the agency’s week-long N.E.S.T. Back to School Summer Program to get them excited and ready to start the new school year.
“The children who participate in our N.E.S.T. Back to School Workshop have the opportunity to experience invaluable educational and life lessons that will impact them for the rest of their lives,” said Metoyer Martin, director, Child Advocates of Fort Bend CASA.
The week included a variety of fun and educational outings, including visits to the Houston Zoo, Health Museum, Crocodile Encounter, and the Houston Museum of Natural Science. During a visit to Access Health, the children learned how to brush their teeth properly, what makes up each of the food groups and what constitutes a “healthy” plate. A trip to Pinot’s Palette allowed them to try their hand at painting (see photo). During a session at Urban Chef, they learned to make dough and created their own pizza lunch.
Former CAFB board member and First Tee Houston Executive Director Doug Earl introduced the children to the game of golf and its inherent values. Safety presentations by Fort Bend County Internet Crimes Against Children Unit, the DEA, Rosenberg Fire Department and the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Department rounded out the week.
“My favorite thing about N.E.S.T. is “all the things we learned” said one child. Another said their favorite thing was “being able to make new and more friends.” All enjoyed the week, improved their social skills and were looking forward to the start of school and more N.E.S.T. adventures.
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Evelyn Peters Dean, newly elected president of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
DELTA SIGMA THETA ELECTS EVELYN PETERS DEAN AS NEW PRESIDENT
Evelyn Peters Dean is the newly elected president of Suburban Houston - Fort Bend Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
The Sorority’s purpose is to provide assistance and support through established programs in communities throughout the world. The group was founded on January 13, 1913 by 22 collegiate women at Howard University in Washington, DC.
The local chapter was founded in 1976 by 12 charter members: Sheryl Bozeman, Rosalie Buggs, Marilyn Carter, Helen Glover, Archietta James, Joy McIntosh, Jeralean Money, Claudine Shorter, Alma Tate, Glenda Wall, Mary Ann Welch and Patricia Williams.
In her installation address Dean said, “Let’s work collectively to retain the Chapter’s vision with integrity and sustain the legacy of our illustrious sisterhood.”
The chapter’s 300 members provide numerous ongoing free and public programs and projects based on the organization’s Five-Point Programmatic Thrusts: economic development, educational development, international awareness and involvement, physical and mental health and political awareness and involvement.
Nine chapter committees provide direct services and resources to the community: arts and letters; economic development; May week; membership, Pan Hellenic Council; program, planning, and development; scholarships and awards; social action; and ways and means.
The local chapter’s members are celebrating forty years of service in the Fort Bend communities. For more information, visit shfbac.org.
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Registration is now open for the Texas Sienna 10, happening April 29. The event includes a 10-mile race, a five-mile race and a one-mile kids’ run.
REGISTRATION OPENS FOR 2017 TEXAS SIENNA 10
Registration is now open for the second annual Texas Sienna 10, slated for April 29, in Sienna Plantation.
Part of the Texas 10 Series, the race features a 10-mile, five-mile, five-kilometer and kids’ one-mile race. Participants accrue points toward cash prizes in the Armadillo Cup, which awards top point earners in an array of male and female age categories. Those interested can register online at texas10series.com. Early bird costs are $45 for the 10-mile race, $35 for the five-mile event, $25 for the five-kilometer race and $15 for the kids’ one-mile run. Registration fees increase as race day approaches.
“The Armadillo Cup is designed to award a large number of racers,” said William Fowlkes, race director. “Age group categories are in five-year increments, and participants score points throughout the year by racing in our different events. The series caters to racing clubs, as well, which can earn points toward the 10 Gallon Club Cup.”
The Texas Sienna 10 is a 15-point race. Last year, about 800 racers (including 85 children) participated in the inaugural Texas Sienna 10. Fowlkes said he expects the number of racers in 2017 to approach 1,100.
“We have received a tremendous amount of positive feedback from the runners about the first Sienna 10 and the venue,” Fowlkes said. “We also typically see an uptick in the number of racers after the first year as more people hear about the race.”
A draw for participants are the race after-party and the Crazy Cash Giveaway, during which 10 random racers in the 10-mile race will win $100, five participants in the five-mile race will win $50 and one child from the kids’ one-mile event will win $100.
Learn more about the Sienna 10 – Texas 10 Series at texas10series.com.
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SUGAR LAND CULTURAL ARTS FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES 2017 GALA, JAN. 21
Sugar Land Cultural Arts Foundation (SLCAF) proudly announces the 2017 Founders Ball to be held at Safari Texas on January 21, 2017. This year’s Founders Ball theme will be “IN HIGH GEAR” and is guaranteed to be an evening of supersonic fun that will get your motor running!
Honorees for the 2017 Gala are John and Diana Null, and the Honorary Co-chairs are Jimmy and Gay Thompson.
Proceeds will benefit the mission and goals of the SLCAF, which include continued improvements to the Sugar Land Auditorium, the city’s oldest public space, and the continued support of the arts in Sugar Land.
SLCAF is currently accepting sponsorships for the event at varying levels. Tables for 8 and individual tickets are also available for purchase. For tickets and more information, call 281-313-0752 or contact Cindy Sutton at [email protected].
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Sugar Land City Council approved the Sugar Land Police Academy Alumni Association’s donation of 150 badges on Aug. 2.
CITIZEN GROUP DONATES NEW BADGES TO SLPD
The Sugar Land Police Academy Alumni Association donated 150 new badges totaling more than $20,000 to the Sugar Land Police Department.
The new badges replace those currently used by SLPD, described as stock badges ordered from a common catalogue that lack features unique to Sugar Land.
The new design is the result of a task force of officers who solicited proposals during the course of a year’s work for designs that depicted attributes portraying the City’s heritage.
After feedback from officers throughout the department, a badge designed by a Sugar Land public safety dispatcher was chosen.
The new badge includes an oval shape, an eagle, a state seal, American and Texas flags, a ribbon for officers’ badge numbers and rays of sunlight. The badge also prominently displays the Imperial Sugar char house, an iconic structure that was once the focal point of sugar refinery operations and a building that’s now being preserved and repurposed as a luxury hotel and restaurant.
The Sugar Land Police Department’s Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association handles most volunteer opportunities at SLPD that are administrative or clerical in nature. For more information, visit sugarlandtx.gov/cpaaa
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The newly minted Amy Ahlbrand Robinson, M.Ed.
LIFESTYLES ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE EARNS MASTER’S FROM UH
Lifestyles & Homes account executive and editor of the Houston Remodeling Guide, Amy Ahlbrand Robinson, recently obtained her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Houston, focusing on art and digital media. Her UH Capstone Project involved teaching new technologies such as digital storytelling to older adult learners, which empowers them by learning new skills and also helps to delay cognitive decline. Through their stories the adult learners can also leave a legacy of information for future generations.
Robinson is currently using these technologies to create digital stories for Lifestyles & Homes social media and for the Greater Houston Builders Association’s Remodelers Council.
