SUGAR LAND WINE & FOOD AFFAIR, APRIL 4-8

The 15th anniversary of the Sugar Land Wine & Food Affair (sugarlandwineandfoodaffair.com), slated for April 4 - 8, will celebrate Gulf Coast to global foods, cultures and traditions. Expected to be the largest in its history, the event will feature award-winning talent, master sommeliers, mixologists, themed events and expansive new venues.

The partial list of talent at The Grand Tasting includes Brian O’Hea, Academe at The Kennebunk Inn; Elise Russ, Clementine; Ricky Cruz, Grotto Restaurant; Andrew Lobeck, Merlion Restaurant; Alex Padilla, Original Ninfa’s on Navigation; Ben Runkle, Salt & Time; Tai Nguyen, SeaSide Poke; Ming Pu, The 502 Bar & Bistro; Kourtenie Tyson, The Burning Pear; Mike Irvin, The Palm; Jett Hurapan, The Sugar Refinery Grub & Grogs

The partial list of restaurants participating at Sip & Stroll include Academe at The Kennebunk Inn; Avenida Brazil; Black Walnut Café; Capone’s Brick Oven Pizza & Bar; Eric’s Restaurant; Fluff Bake Bar; Grimaldi’s Pizzeria; Guerrilla Gourmet; Hopdoddy Burger Bar; Ramble Creek Grill; Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery; Southern Ice Cream, Social Ice; The Sugar Refinery Grub & Grogs; and The Swinging Door.

The partial list of restaurants participating at Bistro Brunch include AGU Ramen; Antone’s Original Po Boys; Belle Station; Cicada Catering Co.; Cupcake and a Smile; Escalante’s Fine Tex-Mex; Fluff Bake Bar; Grimaldi’s; Guerrilla Gourmet; Mala Sichuan Bistro; Marini’s Empanada House; Old Main Street Bakery; Ol’ Railroad Café; Ramble Creek Grill; Rockstar Bagels; Sambuca; Southern Ice Cream, Social Ice; and The Sugar Refinery Grub & Grogs.

Vsit sugarlandwineandfoodaffair.com for tickets and complete list of events.

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OAKBEND MEDICAL CENTER VOLUNTEERS “POWER OF THE PUR$E” FUNDRAISER, APRIL 5

The Volunteers of OakBend Medical Center are holding their third annual Power of the Pur$e fundraiser to raise money that will be donated to the ongoing renovation of the hospital’s Skilled Nursing Unit.

Each year, the volunteers donate money that has been raised through various events such as craft and bake sales and through the sales of popcorn, pickles and items in the gift shop. Over the past two years, the volunteers raised more than $25,000 at the Power of the Pur$e events to help with renovations of the only remaining portion of the original hospital.

This year’s event will take place on Thursday, April 5 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Safari Texas and will include lunch and a silent auction of a variety of purses ranging from everyday purses to designer bags.

Melissa Wilson of Fox 26 will once again be emceeing the program. This year’s keynote speaker will be humorist and motivational speaker Ida Mae Fudpucker, who made her first appearance in 2016 and is pleased to be making her return to support this worthy cause.

The volunteers are looking for donations of new purses and sponsorships. Tickets may be purchased online at oakbendmedcenter.org under the events section or call 281-341-2864. For additional information regarding donations, tickets or sponsorships email [email protected].

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LAKE OLYMPIA GARDEN CLUB

The Lake Olympia Garden Club meets at 9 a.m. the third Friday of the month from September through April at Lake Olympia Club House.

Members donate to a number of worthwhile organizations throughout the year, and are also asked to bring nonperishable items to each meeting for the East Fort Bend food pantry. Membership includes not only Lake Olympia but the surrounding area. Visitors and new members are always welcome.

For more information, contact Jo Ann Keene at [email protected] or 281-438-2174.

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SUBURBAN SUGAR LAND WOMEN SEEKS DONATIONS OF SERVICES OR RESOURCES

Suburban Sugar Land Women and Partners is asking community members to donate services and/or resources one time during 2018. SSLW Partners are the group’s primary fund development source. All SSLW services and resources are free and benefit our infants, children, youth, and adult. Assistance is requested and greatly appreciated.

For a list of the opportunities and needs in services and resources, visit sslw.org mand click on the “Help Us” tab. For more information or questions, call 713-256-7953, or email [email protected].

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FAMILIES SUPPORTING FAMILIES DURING AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH

Hope For Three Autism Advocates gives help and hope and is asking your family for support this April in celebrating Autism Awareness Month with two events.

Hope for Three is the story of one family, the Montgomerys. Hope’s girls, affectionately named the Triple Divas, are identical triplets, and all three have autism. Watching this family navigate through insurance denials, bureaucracy, a maxed-out social services system, and an unknowingly blind community, this single family is the very reason Hope For Three has been able to help hundreds of other children and families in Fort Bend County.

To kick off Autism Awareness month, Hope For Three’s Teen Huddle and more than 100 local teens will raise awareness by hosting a Car Wash for Kids on April 8. This eco-friendly car wash is hosted by C&C Dental, 17003 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land. Stop by between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. for a free car wash (donations welcome). Each dollar donated doubles the impact and is matched by Sugar Land Baptist Church, up to $3,500. A variety of sponsorship and volunteer opportunities are available. Learn more at hopeforthree.org/events/carwash

Next up, at Constellation Field in Sugar Land on April 29 is the sixth annual “Strike Out” Autism Family Fun Day, presented by the Fred & Mabel R. Parks Foundation. Strike Out is Hope For Three’s signature awareness and fundraising event, bringing the community together to support and honor families and children affected by autism. This unique family fun day brings together Judge Bob Hebert, all of Fort Bend County’s 18 city mayors, along with 300 volunteers and 7,500 community supporters. This day includes a children’s fun area, meet-and-greet with the Sugar Land Skeeters players, networking, a jersey auction and baseball.

Individual and group tickets as well as sponsorships are available. Volunteer positions are also available both before and during the event. For more information visit hopeforthree.org/events/soa

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SCHLUMBERGER EDUCATION EXPEDITION BENEFIT BIKE RIDE, APRIL 7

On Saturday, April 7, the Fort Bend Education Foundation will host its 15th annual bike ride. Whether you are training for the BP MS 150 or just wanting a great day with friends, this is the ride for you.

Riders take off at 7:30 a.m. from Ken Hall Stadium (located at Hightower High School in Missouri City) to wind through the quiet streets and countryside of Fort Bend and Brazoria counties before looping back home. Riders have the option of three routes; 31, 51, and 77 miles.

Rest stops are themed and staffed by Fort Bend ISD high school students vying for the “Best Rest Stop” award. SAG wagon and motorcycle support will be on the course to assist you with any needs. After the ride, stay and enjoy a scrumptious lunch and don’t forget to vote for your favorite rest stop.

This ride is a BP MS 150 Recommended Ride and all proceeds benefit the Fort Bend Education Foundation, which provides opportunities to enrich and enhance the quality of education for all Fort Bend ISD students through its grants to Teachers and Schools programs. Register online at thedriven.net/2018SchlumbergerEducationExpedition before event day to prevent any distractions for you on the ride morning. For more information, go to fortbendisd.com/foundation.

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BALLETFORTE PRESENTS SWAN LAKE APRIL 7-8 AT STAFFORD CENTRE

BalletForte, Fort Bend County’s pre-professional ballet company, presents Swan Lake, a mesmerizing tale of romance and a battle between good and evil, April 7-8 at the Stafford Centre, 10505 Cash Rd, Stafford. One of the quintessential ballets of all time, Swan Lake is a technically and emotionally demanding four acts featuring Tchaikovsky’s heartbreakingly beautiful score. Come see the area’s best dancers tackle it in two shows: 7 p.m. Saturday, April 7, and 2 p.m. Sunday, April 8.

Directed by Michael Banigan and Dianne Jarrell, BalletForte provides a training ground and professional quality performance opportunities for serious dancers from the Houston area. BalletForte Company members audition for and are accepted into summer programs offered by professional ballet companies nationwide. BalletForte, which includes more than 40 area dancers, has been performing The Nutcracker every December since 1996. As a member of Regional Dance America, the group will be attending the Regional Dance America-Southwest festival near Dallas in March and then return to present Swan Lake to local fans in April. BalletForte is a nonprofit organization and all donations are tax-deductible. Group rates, as well as student and senior discounts, are available. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit balletforte.org or call 281-799-7554.

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SAINT THERESA CATHOLIC SCHOOL SPRING FAMILY FESTIVAL, APRIL 6

Saint Theresa Catholic School is hosting its annual Spring Family Festival on Friday, April 6, from 2-8 p.m. The event includes carnival rides, games, craft booths, a fabulous silent auction and BBQ dinner.

Saint Theresa Catholic School considers family fun time to be emotionally beneficial for everyone. The Spring Family Festival gives school families and the community the opportunity to spend time together, get to know one another and to share the joy of games and rides while raising much-needed funds for the school to continue providing the highest level of Catholic classical education.

Tickets are available for pre-sale or at the event. Contact [email protected] or visit sttheresacatholicschool.org for more details.

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MISSOURI CITY GREEN’S DON’T MESS WITH TEXAS TRASH-OFF, APRIL 7

Missouri City Green will host the Don’t mess with Texas Trash-Off event on Saturday, April 7, at the Missouri City Community Center, 1524 Texas Parkway. Join participants of all ages in making Missouri City’s parks and trails shine during the largest one-day clean up event in the state of Texas. This is a great service opportunity for Scouts, school and community service organizations and corporations as well as families and individuals.

Sign-in is at 8 a.m. with parks and trail clean up from 8:30-10:30 a.m. Volunteer appreciation reception and awards ceremony will follow from 10:45-11:45 a.m. Participants under 18 years of age must have a waiver signed by a parent or guardian. Registration and waiver forms are available at missouricitygreen.org. For more information, visit the website or email [email protected].

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THE FORT BEND SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA PRESENTS CHILDREN’S CONCERT, APRIL 7

FBSO’S season-long patriotic theme continues with the annual children’s concert, Saturday, April 7, at 2 p.m. at the George Memorial Library in Richmond. In “This Land is Made for You and Me,” attendees will enjoy traditional American folk songs from all corners of our great nation. The concert is free of charge, and no tickets are required.

Most of the music will be familiar to children, including folk songs from our American heritage, Oh, Susannah, America the Beautiful and songs from Stephen Foster. The concert will also salute Texas heritage, with The Yellow Rose of Texas and Texas, Our Texas. There will be a few ballads and slow melodies, such as Shenandoah, Just a Closer Walk with Thee and We Shall Overcome.

FBSO will hold an instrument petting zoo following the performance. Other activities are being planned for the day; please check the website for more details. More information is available online at fbso.org or by calling 281-276-9642.

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FREE BACK & NECK PAIN SEMINAR, APRIL 12

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FORT BEND AGGIE MOMS’ CLUB ANNUAL RAFFLE, APRIL 14

The Fort Bend Aggie Moms’ Club is conducting their Annual Raffle, which raises funds to provide scholarships to deserving Fort Bend Students attending Texas A&M University, College Station or Galveston campuses and Texas A&M, Blinn TEAM students. Purchase your raffle ticket for $20.

This year’s Grand Prize is a trip for two to the Big Island of Hawaii for six days and five nights. Stay at the AAA Four Diamond Fairmont Orchid. Plus, the winner will receive one day Oceanfront Cabana Experience for two and a $1,500 travel gift card. Blackout dates may apply. Must be booked within 12 months and traveled within 18 months of certificate issue date, valued at $5,000.

The First Place prize is a Lexus Loaner Weekend plus a Lexus golf bag and a round of golf for two at Sugar Creek Country Club. The prize is compliments of Sterling McCall Lexus, valued at $1,300.

Only 800 tickets will be sold. Winners need not be present to win, and drawing will be held on Saturday, April 14 at Texas A&M University, College Station. For more details and to purchase a ticket, email Carol Gaas at [email protected] or call 832-746-7739.

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FORT BEND BOYS CHOIR AUDITION, APRIL 28 IN MISSOURI CITY

If a boy has a talent and desire to sing, he should definitely audition for the Fort Bend Boys Choir of Texas for its 37th concert season! Entry into one of their treble choirs (for unchanged voices) is by audition only. These auditions will be held on Saturday, April 28 from 9 a.m.–noon at the First United Methodist Church-Missouri City. Boys should be 8 years old or going into the third grade for the 2018-2019 school year. Scholarships and payment plans are available in addition to carpool assistance. Call the choir office at 281-240-3800 for more audition details and/or if you need to schedule an alternate date. You can also visit their website at fbbctx.org as well as the choir’s Facebook fan page.

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SSLW APRIL AND MAY PROGRAMS

Suburban Sugar Land Women and its partners provide free, ongoing, individual and group support, services and resources to the community through six programs: seniors enrichment, families outreach, infants/young adults development, scholarships and support and community partners.

April programs include:

(15) – Ensemble Theatre production of The 8th Day. Three volunteers are needed. Attire all black. For details, email [email protected];

(28) – Scholarship Recipients Mandatory Service & Academic Excellence luncheon. For details, email [email protected];

(28) – Board of Directors programs, scholarships, partnerships, fund development after the community giving luncheon - Dress For Success. For details, email [email protected];

May programs include:

Adopt-A-Spot Quarterly Clean Up. For details, email [email protected];

Girl Scouts Sleepover at Constellation Field Sugar Land. For details, email [email protected];

Adopt Fort Bend County Schools: Provide students incentives and staff appreciation. For details, email [email protected];

(20) – Ensemble Theatre production of MaRainey’s Black Bottom. Three volunteers are needed. Attire all black. For details, email [email protected];

Hope for the Homeless. For details, email [email protected].

Tax-deductible donations fund SSLW’s community programs and continuing scholarships. Donate at sslw.org or by mail at P.O. Box 2384, Sugar Land, Texas, 77487. Receipts will be mailed within 30 days.

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AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY COUTURE FOR THE CAUSE, APRIL 14

In light of the Hurricane Harvey recovery and rebuilding efforts, the Couture for the Cause chairs and the American Cancer Society decided to postpone the “Garden Glitz” event. The premier Fort Bend County affair benefitting The American Cancer Society – a fashion-filled night of food, fun and philanthropy – is now set for April 14 at The Farmhouse in Richmond’s Harvest Green – Houston’s first farm-centric community by Johnson Development.

Emceed by Ryan Chase of 104.1 KRBE’s Roula and Ryan Show, this year’s theme is “Garden Glitz.” A fashion show will feature couture models – many of whom are cancer patients or survivors. Attendees also will enjoy a wine pull (make a donation, draw a cork, win a bottle of wine), Big Board (unique auction items available for bid), “Baubles & Bubbles” raffle sponsored by Plaza Jewelers, and fabulous food from local restaurants.

Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. Event tickets are $125. One hundred percent of the proceeds benefit The American Cancer Society and their mission. For more information, call 713-706-5657 or email [email protected].

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FOOD TRUCK FARE AT HARVEST GREEN, APRIL 14

Food truck enthusiasts or those just looking for a quick bite can get their fill at Harvest Green now that Street Eats Saturdays have returned from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. every second Saturday (April 14).

Food trucks offering menu items ranging from catfish to cupcakes will converge on the Richmond master-planned community’s model home park, 618 Vineyard Hollow Court.

“Food trucks are fun,” said Shay Shafie, general manager for Harvest Green. “It’s great to see members of the larger community out here mingling with our residents and enjoying the great food, music and activities. It’s what Harvest Green is all about.”

The community partners with Food Park Katy to provide a slate of rotating trucks. Food trucks are subject to change and not all of them accept credit cards, so diners should be prepared to bring cash. Harvest Green is located at Harlem Road and the Grand Parkway in Richmond. Visit harvestgreentexas.com for more information.

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GEORGE RANCH HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC BOOSTER CLUB BOOTS & BLING, APRIL 14

George Ranch High School (GRHS) Athletic Booster Club invites the public to attend its annual Boots & Bling 2018 on Saturday, April 14, at 7 p.m. at Fort Bend County Fairgrounds, Bldg. C.

Western or cowboy-themed attire is suggested.

The event includes dinner, beer, wine and entertainment by Molly & the Ringwalds. There will also be live and silent auctions, featuring an Astros signed jersey and a puppy.

Get tickets at grhsabc.com or at the door. Cost is $30 ($45 after April 7).

Sponsorship and donation opportunities available. Contact [email protected]. All Proceeds benefit the student athletes of GRHS.

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ELKINS HS PROJECT GRAD STYLE SHOW, DINNER AND AUCTIONS, APRIL 14

The Elkins High School senior class is excited to announce its annual Project Graduation Style Show, Silent and Live auction, and Dinner to be held on Saturday, April 14 from 6-9 p.m. at Elkins High School. The public is invited to this exhilarating evening as the students “Dance Through The Decades” and celebrate the music and culture from the Roaring 20s through the New Millennium. Performers had to earn their way into the show through volunteer time and participation in many activities. They also put in a lot of hours choreographing and finding music for 11 different performance groups.

This is the biggest ProGrad fundraiser of the year. Tickets will be available to purchase beginning in March at elkinsprograd.org. All proceeds from the event will go directly to ProGrad night and senior activities. For more information or to become a sponsor, contact Style Show Chair Michelle Corley at 281-468-9259 or [email protected].

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CITY OF SUGAR LAND CULTURAL ARTS, UPCOMING EVENTS

The following Cultural Arts programs are scheduled for the City of Sugar Land. Everything is free and open to all. Many of these programs are partnerships with area organizations such as the Sugar Land Cultural Arts Foundation, Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra Chorus, University of Houston Sugar Land, FotoFest Biennial, Houston Grand Opera, and Moksh Community Arts.

For a full schedule, visit sugarlandtx.gov/culturalarts.

Fotofest 2018 Biennial, Participating Spaces In Sugar Land – This program includes over 120 independent venues across the Houston region that organize and present photography exhibitions alongside FotoFest’s central exhibitions, during the FotoFest Biennial. Sugar Land will host venues showcasing free photography exhibitions through April 22. Locations include:

The Photography of Usha Peddamatham – Sugar Land City Hall, 2700 Town Center Blvd N. Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Faces of India by Michele Wambaugh – University of Houston Sugar Land, 14000 University Blvd., Brazos Hall (Multipurpose Room). Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

My Texas: Plant Life of Western Texas by Kevin Greenblat – Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land, 13016 University Blvd. Thursday-Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 12-5 p.m.

Additional Fotofest programs include:

Poetry in Motion – University of Houston Sugar Land, 14000 University Blvd., Brazos Hall (Multipurpose Room), Thursday, March 22, 6:30-8 p.m. Indian dancer Rathna Kumar and global best-selling author Chitra Divakaruni will collaborate in Poetry in Motion, inspired by the work of internationally acclaimed photographer Raghubir Singh. This rare occasion brings together two Sugar Land-based artists for a free, family-friendly performance.

Sites of Conflict: Architectural Photography Through the Lens of Contemproary Politics – Ismaili Jamatkhana and Center, 1700 First Colony Blvd., Sunday, April 15, 2 p.m. Mature topics, 13 years and up. Architectural photography in the context of contemporary political realities. Visual artist, Ram Rahman, will discuss how architecture and site, both historical and contemporary, are interpreted as political realities change, and how readings of the photographic document change over time.

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LOVING FRIENDS MEETING, APRIL 17

Loving Friends will meet for dinner and entertainment on Tuesday, April 17, at 5 p.m., at Quail Valley City Cr., 2880 La Quinta Dr., Missouri City. Maurice Daugherty, a concert pianist and well-known Houston musician will entertain the group. Daugherty will also share his story as he is a professional boxer and a martial arts weapons expert, specializing in the art of nunchaku.

Loving Friends, a social group of men and women who lost their spouses but want to move on with their lives, meet for dinner and entertainment on the third Tuesday of the month. It is not a grief support group. Other monthly activities include lunches, pokeno, book club and bridge. Reservations are required by calling 281-208-3124. Cost for dinner and entertainment is $23 inclusive, paid at the door. For more information, call the above number. New members are always greeted with a warm welcome.

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HOUSTON METHODIST SUGAR LAND HOSPITAL OFFERS FREE STOP-SMOKING PROGRAM, STARTING APRIL 19

Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital is offering the community a proven program to help people quit smoking. The complimentary program, called Beat the Pack®, was developed by Pfizer Inc. and is sponsored by Houston Methodist Sugar Land Respiratory Therapy Department and Cancer Center. The next four-week series will start on April 19, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in Houston Methodist Sugar Land’s Main Pavilion Conference Room A.

Participants will meet once a week for four weeks with a trained facilitator from Houston Methodist Sugar Land who will provide tools, tips and support to help smokers create and follow through with a personalized “quit plan.”

For more information or to register, visit the website houstonmethodist.org/events and search for Beat the Pack, or call 281-205-4514.

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EXCHANGE CLUB OF SUGAR LAND’S ANNUAL SPAGHETTI DINNER, APRIL 21

The 31st annual Spaghetti Dinner hosted by The Exchange Club of Sugar Land and sponsored by Classic Chevrolet-Sugar Land will be held Saturday, April 21 from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. at Fluor Corporation cafeteria, 1 Fluor Daniel Drive in Sugar Land.

Local law enforcement agencies and fire departments prepare a variety of spaghetti sauces as they compete to win the cook-off trophy. This family oriented dinner features great raffle prizes, live and silent auctions and a kids area with fun and games.

The funds raised allow the Exchange Club to continue supporting local nonprofits including Child Advocates of Fort Bend, Fort Bend County Women’s Center, Texana Center for Autistic Children, Fort Bend Council on Substance Abuse, the ESCAPE Family Resource Center and many others.

Funds also support the Exchange Club’s many community service projects, including Santa’s Exchange, which distributes more than 10,000 toys a year to underprivileged children; the Back to School Bash that provides backpacks, school supplies and new shoes; the Service to Seniors program that provides a monthly party for Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels, the Youth of the Month program that recognizes FBISD students for outstanding performance, and several others.

An individual adult dinner ticket is $15; children 7-12 are $5 and children under 7 eat free. Spaghetti dinner sponsorships range from $1,500 to $10,000. Visit ecsl.org for more information.

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HOUSTON’S COOLEST CRAWFISH BOIL RETURNS TO RIVERSTONE, APRIL 21

Crunchy crustaceans will star at Houston’s Coolest Crawfish Boil, returning to Riverstone on Saturday, April 21, from noon-4 p.m.

The Fort Bend community is getting its Cajun on, and the public is invited to enjoy 5,000 pounds of spicy crawfishwith all the fixins’ at The Club at Riverstone, 18353 University Boulevard. Rounding out the party will be live music, food trucks, activities for the kids and more! The event is free.

For more information, visit riverstone.com.

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2018 GRANT-A-STARR FAMILY FUN RUN, APRIL 21

The Grant-A-Starr Foundation (GASF) Fun Run is a 5K and 1-mile Run/Walk on April 21 at Sugar Land’s Brazos River Park, 18427 Southwest Freeway (new location). Start time is 8 a.m.

The race is open to all novice and competitive runners, students, parents and children. It will include both a 5K chip timed race on a USATF course and a 1-mile event. A community post-race party with food, freebies and fun for everyone will follow. There will also be an awards ceremony for multiple age groups and categories.

Go to grantastarr.org to register and see more race details, including the Team Challenge for corporate sponsors, local schools and student groups to compete against each other. For additional registration information, contact Sharise Amante at 281-889-0534 or [email protected].

GASF brings awareness and vital research funding dedicated to pediatric diagnostic testing. Newer and faster diagnostic technologies can save children’s lives by reducing the critical time required to identify an illness, so treatment can begin. In 2005, Rod and Dolores Starr lost their 7-year-old son, Grant, to a deadly undiagnosed infectious disease. Had rapid and accurate diagnostic testing been available, Grant’s life might have been saved. Over the past 11 years, the foundation has supported key research projects at Texas Children’s Hospital and Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital, which have produced advancements in the diagnosis of meningitis, H1N1 virus and other infectious diseases. The annual Fun Run Family – with the help of generous sponsors, City Council, FBISD, students and volunteers – has contributed to GASF raising over $1.2 million since its inception, with 100 percent of donations funding life-saving research.

The GASF Family Fun Run is truly unique as it is organized by a Teen Board, with the support of parent volunteers.

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GEORGE RANCH HIGH SCHOOL BAND BOOSTERS PRESENTS AUTORAMA AT THE RANCH, APRIL 22

The George Ranch High School Band Booster Club’s (GRBBC) fifth annual AutoRama at the Ranch will take place at the high school on April 22 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. A fun, free community event for all ages, AutoRama at the Ranch is a unique car show featuring hundreds of classic cars, trucks and motorcycles from all eras. The high school is located at 8181 FM 762 Rd., Richmond.

Last year, more than 1,500 people attended the show, visiting with the car, truck and motorcycle owners who were displaying their vehicles. A continuous stream of musicians performed on the front steps of the school – a natural stage and focal point for the show. Contact Laura Bowen at [email protected] for more information.

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FORT BEND CHRISTIAN ACADEMY TO HOST FINE ARTS FESTIVAL, APRIL 28

Fort Bend Christian Academy invites the community of Sugar Land and Houston artists to its first Fine Arts Festival from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, April 28 at the Art Pavilion located at 1250 Seventh Street.

The festival is free and open to the public and will have something for everyone. It will feature crafts, face painting, AP student art, chalk art, ceramics/wheel throwing, music and food trucks.

In addition to the festival, attendees are encouraged to attend the 2 p.m. matinee of the upper school musical, Into the Woods. The show will be performed on campus, and tickets will be available on the school’s website and at the door. The cast will be dressed in costume and available for photos throughout the event.

Local artist and FBCA alumnus, Michael Leanes, will showcase his handcrafted contemporary furniture at the festival. Contact Robert Sanders at [email protected] to participate or get more information.

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SIENNA PLANTATION HOSTS TEXAS 10 RACE, APRIL 29

Sienna Plantation will be the site of the third race in the Texas 10 Series “Race to the Armadillo Cup” on Sunday, April 29.

The race will get under way at 7 a.m. at the Fort Bend community’s on-site Ridge Point High School, 500 Waters Lake Boulevard. It is a 15-point race in the Armadillo Cup Standings.

“It’s very exciting to be part of the Texas 10 series,” said Alvin San Miguel, general manager of Sienna Plantation. “I think the runners will enjoy the route, and it’s great seeing so many people coming out to cheer them on.”

Spots are still available in the Sienna 10, which offers runners the choice of a 10-mile, 5-mile, 5-kilometer or kids’ 1-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.

A highlight of the post-race party will be the Crazy Cash Giveaway. During the giveaway, 10 random racers in the 10-mile race will win $100, five participants in the 5-mile race will win $50 and one child from the kids’ 1-mile event will win $100.

The race is open to the public. Cost is $60 for the 10-mile race, $50 for the 5-mile event, $35 for the 5-kilometer race and $20 for the kids’ 1-mile run. Register at texas10series.com/races/about-sienna/.

Sienna Plantation is the reigning Greater Houston Builders Association’s Master-planned Community of the Year. The top-selling community hosts a number of public events throughout the year, including a monthly farmers market, the Brazos River Bike Rally on March 31 and a Canine Carnival planned for April.

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CAFB ANNOUNCES OFF TO THE RACES GALA IN SUGAR LAND, MAY 5

Exchange Club of Sugar Land and OCuSOFT, Inc. will be Winner’s Circle Sponsors for Child Advocates of Fort Bend’s 18th annual Gala Off to the Races on Saturday, May 5, at 6 p.m. This fun, adult event will take place at the Sugar Land Marriott Town Square and will feature a live and silent auction, raffle, wine and jewelry pulls, dinner and dancing. Michele Fisher will emcee for the seventh year and Johnny Bravo is serving as the auctioneer. Black tie and derby finery are optional. Sponsorship and underwriting opportunities are available ranging from $2,000 to $35,000. Individual tickets are available for $150. For more details, to buy tickets or become a sponsor visit cafb.org or contact Lisa Moore at [email protected] or 281-344-5108.

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ANNUAL HIBISCUS SOCIETY SHOW AND SALE, MAY 12 AND JUNE 3

Replenish your garden with hibiscus at the Lone Star Chapter of the American Hibiscus Society’s annual show and sale events in May (Sugar Land) and June (Bellaire). On Saturday, May 12, growers will gather at the Knights of Columbus Hall on 702 Burney Road in Sugar Land and on Sunday, June 3, at Condit Elementary, 7000 S. 3rd Street in Bellaire. For both shows, judging will take place in the morning, and the flower show and sale will be open to the public from 1-4 p.m. Admission is free.

Exhibitors, both experienced and novice, will enter their hibiscus blooms the morning of each show to compete to win awards in four major categories – Amateur, Collector, Open Collector and Commercial. Growers wishing to enter their plants in the competitions generally arrive between 7:30 and 9 a.m., and entries must be complete by 11:30 a.m. Once the plants are entered, the judges inspect the blooms and evaluate them based on their form, size, color, substance and condition. Blooms can be single, double or miniature, and there will also be a competition for seedlings.

Hibiscus growers are encouraged to join in the festivities by simply bringing their blooms that are opening on the morning of the show to enter in the competition.

Once the judging is complete, the facilities are open free to the public from 1-4 p.m. to view the competition blooms and purchase plants. At the plant sale, you will find eye-catching hibiscus in a wide variety of colors, including whites, yellows, oranges, peaches, pinks, reds, purples, lavenders, blues, and browns, as well as various combinations of these colors. New varieties of hibiscus and special plant selections from Florida and California will be available for purchase. Many varieties of this stunning perennial will be available that cannot be found at your local nursery.

Even if you have shopped the show in the past, you may want to come again this spring because the assortment of hibiscus plants expands each year as many growers experiment with hybridizing the flower. Hybridization is the process of cross-breeding flowers to create new types of seedlings that blossom into blooms with unique color combinations and patterns.

For more information on the Lone Star Chapter of the American Hibiscus Society and the upcoming Hibiscus shows, visit lonestarahs.org.

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HANDS AND HEARTS 2018 GOLF TOURNAMENT, MAY 14

Hands and Hearts Foundation of Sugar Land, Texas, will host its 17th annual Benefit Golf Tournament at Pecan Grove Plantation Country Club, 3000 Plantation Drive, Richmond.

Registration begins at 11 a.m. with a putting contest. A box lunch will be provided for all golfers at noon. The tournament will begin with a Shotgun Start at 12:30 p.m. A Mexican buffet dinner, an awards ceremony and silent auction follow tournament play. Each team will be given the opportunity of a group photo prior to the start of the tournament with prints delivered at the dinner. Donations are accepted.

Email [email protected] for more information. To register, visit handsandheartsfoundation.org.

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HOUSTON METHODIST CANCER CENTER AT SUGAR LAND OPEN HOUSE, MAY 10

Houston Methodist Cancer Center at Sugar Land, 16655 Southwest Fwy., invites the Fort Bend community to an open house from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, May 10, to tour the facility and to showcase the technological innovations and resources that are available close to home.

Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital is the only hospital in Fort Bend County with the American College of Surgeons – Commission on Cancer (CoC) accreditation. The hospital received this accreditation by complying with CoC standards. The cancer treatment team at Houston Methodist Cancer Center at Sugar Land provides comprehensive care for cancer patients by routinely collaborating to ensure each patient receives the best possible care. The team is focused on using innovative approaches to treatment such as immunotherapy treatments, the latest surgical procedures and the most targeted radiation therapies to treat cancer.

“Not only does Houston Methodist Cancer Center at Sugar Land offer the most advanced treatments for our patients, the center also offers many types of support for patients and their families,” said Amy Sebastian-Deutsch. “Physically treating the cancer is important and so is providing patients with resources to help with other aspects of the healing process such as nutritional support, spiritual care, providing tools for caregivers, and offering free survivorship programs such as Thriving Through Creative Arts, Music 4 Life, Life in Motion, Massage Therapy and Pet Therapy.”

Visit events.houstonmethodist.org/openhouse-sl or call 281-275-0751 for more information.