MOODY GARDENS TAKING FLIGHT WITH WINGS OF WONDER, THROUGH AUG. 20

This summer, visitors will have the chance to get up close to owls, falcons, hawks, vultures and a variety of other bird species as they learn about these amazing creatures and their place in nature at Moody Gardens live bird presentation series, Wings of Wonder. The live bird shows will focus on history, special traits and demonstrate the natural skills of some of the most notorious avian creatures in the world.

During this half-hour presentation guests will learn about conservation, biology of the various bird species and be witness to these amazing creatures being put into flight through commands by their trainer Kevin Gaines of Wildlife Revealed. Visitors will also have the rare opportunity to view the birds’ hunting styles and techniques as the animals soar overhead. Wildlife Revealed is partnering with Moody Gardens to offer this one-of-a-kind show for bird lovers throughout the region as both of the nonprofit organizations share the common mission of education and conservation.

“We are very excited to offer this special experience to our guests,” said Moody Gardens President and CEO John Zendt. “We hope that this series will educate visitors of the importance of these birds and give a better understanding on conservation of the species.”

Tickets are $7.95 for general admission. This price will be included for Moody Gardens memberships as well as the Day Pass, which gives access to all attractions. Shows are scheduled daily through Aug. 20 at 12 p.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. at the white tent located near the Colonel Paddlewheel Boat dock. For more information including group pricing call 800-582-4673 or visit moodygardens.org.

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CELEBRATE AMERICA AT FOURTH ANNUAL STAR SPANGLED SPECTACULAR, JULY 4

The City of Sugar Land’s Fourth of July Celebration is scheduled for Monday, July 4, from 6-10 p.m., at Constellation Field, 1 Stadium Drive. Gates will open at 5:30 p.m.

This year’s event will highlight America’s favorite sport, baseball. Before the event moves to its new home near Sugar Land Memorial Park, the Sugar Land Skeeters will host the New Britain Bees for a seven-inning game to close out the Star Spangled Spectacular at Constellation Field.

Patriotic entertainment and activities are planned along the concourse, and the evening will conclude with a dazzling fireworks display.

Due to stadium capacity requirements, free tickets will be distributed for the event on a first-come, first-serve basis. Sugar Land residents may request up to four tickets per household from May 1 through June 19. Tickets will be available at the Constellation Field Box Office Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and during weekend home games from 10 a.m. through the fifth inning. A driver’s license will be required to establish proof of residency. Any remaining tickets will be made available to the general public beginning June 19. Tickets will be limited to four per address.

For more information or to become an event sponsor, contact the Sugar Land Parks and Recreation Department at 281- 275-288 or visit sugarlandtx.gov.

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QUAIL VALLEY GARDEN CLUB MEETING, SECOND THURSDAY

Since 1972, The Quail Valley Garden Club has provided community service efforts including beautification, scholarships and education in Quail Valley, Missouri City and Fort Bend County. The QVGC Member Meeting is the second Thursday of each month from 9:30-11 a.m. For information, visit the website, Quailvalleygardenclub.org or email [email protected].

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ROVER OAKS PET RESORT TO HOST OPERATION: WAR DOGS, THROUGH JULY 4

Rover Oaks Pet Resort has launched its sixth annual month-long donation drive, Operation: War Dogs to support nonprofit organization Mission K9 Rescue, the Houston chapter of the United States War Dogs Association (USWDA). The drive officially ends on July 4. In 2015, Rover Oaks raised over $35,000 for Mission K9 Rescue through Operation: War Dogs. To date, Rover Oaks has raised over $70,000 for United States War Dogs.

Mission K9 Rescue is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the service of retiring and retired Military Working Dogs. They provide monetary, transportation, adoption, and professional assistance for these retired hero dogs. Over the past year, Mission K9 Rescue has reunited many hero dogs with their handlers and worked tirelessly to find adoptive homes capable of meeting the needs of a retired military working dog.

During Operation: War Dogs, donations can be made by credit card online at roveroaks.com/wardogs. Donations will also be accepted at Rover Oaks Houston, located at 2550 West Bellfort or Rover Oaks Katy located at 24250 Kingsland Blvd.

To learn more about Rover Oaks or for directions, visit roveroaks.com. For more information on Mission K9 Rescue, visit missionk9rescue.org.

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SARA EVANS BRINGS HER BRAND OF COUNTRY TO THE STAFFORD CENTRE, JULY 14

Sara Evans, one of the most authentic vocalists in country music, will take the stage on July 14 at 8 p.m. She is a multi-platinum selling singer and songwriter and has been called “one of the most compelling vocalists of her generation.”

Evans is best known for her hits including “Suds In The Bucket,” “A Real Fine Place To Start,” “Born To Fly,” “A Little Bit Stronger,” and “No Place That Far.” She’s had five No. 1 songs, two No. 1 Country albums, sold six million records and has been nominated and/or won 15 major music awards including Academy of Country Music Top Female Vocalist and CMA’s Video of the Year.

Evans has developed a reputation for bringing great songs to life by her distinctive voice featuring the classic heart-in-the-throat quality found in such country legends as Dolly Parton and Loretta Lynn.

Tickets are available at staffordcentre.­com. A limited number of VIP package seats are available in the first two rows. Additional ticket information is available on the Stafford Centre’s Facebook page. The Stafford Centre is located at 10505 Cash Road in Stafford just 15 minutes west of the Galleria on Highway 59, exit Murphy Road.

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SSLW JULY PROGRAMS

Suburban Sugar Land Women (SSLW) members and partners are celebrating their 27th year of providing cheerful, willing and generous collaborative services and resources in Fort Bend county and beyond.

The group’s vision is to encourage, educate, equip, engage, and empower. Mem­ber­ships and partnerships are available at sslw.org. Volunteer at your comfort level – monthly, bimonthly, quarterly, semi-annually or annually.

Ongoing programs include seniors en­rich­ment, infant through young adult development, family outreach, children/youth development, summer enrichment and educational opportunities, member­ships and partnerships, community involve­ment, fund development, continuing scholarships and support, military/veteran appreciation, collaborations, voter registration and education, community gar­dens and special requests.

July programs include the following:

July 9 – from 10 a.m.–noon is the annual planning of programs, budget development and new board member interviews.

July 15 – Annual U.S. Mail deadline for scholarship recipients bursar form and acceptance/enrollment documentation.

July 21-31 – Review and select continuing scholarship recipients.

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COMMUNITY GROUPS SEEKING DONATIONS FOR FLOOD VICTIMS

Local Community leaders have formed a coalition of nonprofit and governmental organizations, churches and community supporters to provide immediate relief to the approximate 4,000 flood victims in the Richmond, Rosenberg, Simonton, Fulshear, and Missouri City areas. The list of immediate needs for the flood victims includes toiletries (shampoo, lotion, toothbrushes, bars of soap, toothpaste, etc.,) water, diapers, baby wipes and formula, Ensure, towels, blankets and new clothing: specifically undergarments, socks, shorts and t-shirts. For more information, contact the Central Fort Bend Chamber at [email protected] or 281-342-5464.

Lamar CISD’s Common Threads program is accepting donations for Lamar CISD students and families affected by the recent flooding. Please check lcisd.org and Lamar CISD’s social media for updates. Donations may be dropped off at any of the following locations: Common Threads (at Jane Long Elementary), 710 Houston Street, Richmond; Central Fort Bend Chamber, 4120 Avenue H, Rosenberg; Gingerbread Academy, 814 FM 2977, Richmond; and BF Terry High School auditorium.

Residents, churches, businesses and groups interested in helping the cause can contact Jill Davis at [email protected] or 832-223-0342. The Jane Long Gym will be open for distribution from1-5 p.m., Mondays through Thursdays, through June 30. There will be limits on the amount distributed to each family.

Cash donations to support all Fort Bend victims are also being accepted by the Second Mile Mission at secondmile.org. Donations may be designated to the Brazos River Flood Recovery effort.

Additional resources: Three American Red Cross shelters are operating in the Lamar CISD area:

Simonton/Valley Lodge Red Cross Shelter: Bible Fellowship Baptist Church, 1214 FM 359N, Brookshire, 281-375-5001;

Richmond/Rosenberg Red Cross Shelter: First Baptist Church Richmond, 502 South Fifth Street, Richmond, 281-342-8664; and River Pointe Church in Richmond, 5000 Ransom Rd., 281- 277-6767.

Those with flood-related needs are urged to call the American Red Cross at 1-866-526-8300.

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WRITERS IN THE SCHOOLS SUMMER WRITING CAMPS

WITS summer camps provide an exciting adventure for 3,500 Houston youth. For 26 years the renowned Creative Writing Camp with Rice University has nurtured storytelling, literacy, and creative learning. WITS also provides creative writing camps throughout the summer at numerous locations across Houston. In Sugar Land, camps will be held starting in June at the Trent Internationale School and the Brazos Bend Elementary School.

Storytellers, grades K-2, experience dramatic play, reading, dictation, journaling, and independent writing in creative ways. Children create short stories, plays, and poems for a class anthology and performance. Basic literacy skills are addressed in context, and are not a prerequisite for entering kindergartners.

Writers, grades 3-6, write stories, essays, poems, and plays with daily exercises that teach literary techniques, extend vocabulary, and encourage creative expression. Students write, edit, and revise original writing that is shared through readings, performances, and an anthology.

Inventors, grades 7-8, explore different literary genres (poetry, fiction, nonfiction) in a supportive writing environment that includes individualized attention and group interaction. Students participate in readings, performances, and publish their work.

Authors, grades 9-12 experiment with genres and emerging art forms (such as performance poetry or graphic novels), helping them excel at advanced writing. Students develop their voice through daily writing, one-on-one conferences, peer review, publication, and performance.

For dates, registration and more information, visit witshouston.org/camp.

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COMPLIMENTARY MEALS FOR SENIOR CITIZENS

Catholic Charities Mamie George Community Center offers daily complimentary hot meals to senior citizens at Patty’s Café, open Monday through Friday 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Dining is available both inside and outside, with free wireless Internet access. Enrollment in the meal program is required at the Mamie George Community Center, 1111 Collins Road in Richmond. For more information, call 281-202-6200.

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FASHION WEEK SUMMER CAMP, JULY 19-22

Youth Fashion Week is the only summer camp designed to take you on a four-day exploration through the fashion industry. The event will be held on July 19-22 from 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at the Fort Bend County Extension Office, located at 1402 Band Rd. Suite 100, Rosenberg. The event is open to all youth ages 11-16 years of age.

The summer fashion camp was developed by the Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Service in partnership with the Cooperative Extension program. This camp is designed to teach students about fashion design and illustration, sewing, modeling, buying and careers in the fashion industry. Fashion enthusiasts will have the opportunity to take a hands-on approach to the many aspects of fashion.

The camps are open to all levels of sewing and fashion design. Campers will participate in activity sessions that will allow them to explore fashion trends and create their own personally-styled outfit and accessories. Campers will learn the basics to sewing, improve their stitch technique and help dazzle up their wardrobe. They will also learn the simple ins and outs to applying age-appropriate makeup and how to have a successful photoshoot. In the sewing lab students will learn to use the sewing machines properly. Participants do not have to know how to sew to participate. They will learn how to sew a stylish garment.

Interested participants should contact Joy Davis at the Fort Bend County Extension Office to reserve a space no later than Thursday, June 30 by calling 281-342-3034.

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LOVING FRIENDS SUPPORT GROUP

Loving Friends is a social group that meets once a month for dinner, entertainment and fellowship as they move on with their lives after the death of a spouse. The group meets the third Tuesday of each month at Sweetwater Country Club.

Members can also meet for lunch, movies and join its book club. To become a member, call 281-438-5224. The cost for dinner is $17 with complimentary valet parking.

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TURNING POINT AT THE BRIDGE FELLOWSHIP, THURSDAY NIGHTS

Every Thursday evening, The Bridge Fellowship offers Turning Point, an evening designed for people to find encouragement and direction out of life’s hopeless situations. Join others to help find healing and hope in a safe and confidential environment. Whether you’re suffering from the loss of a loved one, a broken marriage, physical or verbal abuse, post-abortion trauma, alcohol, chemical or pornography addiction, or another hurt, habit or hang-up, there is a group for you.

Meetings begin with free casual dining at 6:30 p.m., followed at 7 p.m. with an hour of contemporary worship music and inspirational testimonies before breaking into small group sessions with programs designed for each particular problem. Free child care is available. The Bridge Fellowship is located at 802 Brooks Street, Sugar Land. Call 281-494-3046 or email [email protected] for more information.

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MATINEE PERFORMANCE OF MUSIC FROM FINAL FANTASY AT JONES HALL, JULY 23

The Houston Symphony has announced an additional matinee performance of Distant Worlds: Music from Final Fantasy scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Saturday, July 23. The second performance will take place at 7:30 p.m. the same day.

Guest conductor Arnie Roth will lead the Houston Symphony and Chorus in the multimedia concert spectacular. With new orchestral arrangements and HD video presentations from game developer Square Enix, the concert will feature music from the main Final Fantasy franchise, including games VII, VIII, IX, X and XII.

Roth is a Grammy Award-winning artist known for his work with a variety of performers including Il Divo, Diana Ross, Jewel, The Irish Tenors, Charlotte Church, Peter Cetera and Dennis DeYoung. He has conducted the London, National, Atlanta and Dallas symphony orchestras; the Hollywood Bowl, Czech National Chamber, Ravinia Festival and Royal Stockholm Philharmonic orchestras; the Los Angeles and Tokyo philharmonics; the BBC, Detroit, San Francisco, San Diego, Sydney and Winnipeg symphonies; and the Joffrey Ballet of Chicago.

For tickets and more information, visit houstonsymphony.org or call 713-224- 7575.

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TIRR MEMORIAL HERMANN’S CAMP KIDS UNLIMITED, JUNE 28-JULY 1 AND JULY 27-JULY 30

Camp Kids Unlimited, TIRR Memorial Hermann’s annual overnight summer camp for children with physical disabilities, is offering two options for potential campers this summer.

The first Camp Kids Unlimited session is scheduled for June 28-July 1 at Camp Aranzazu in Rockport. This camp will offer typical summer camp activities including the ropes course, kayaking and canoeing, and adaptive sports. This camp is offered to campers ages 8-18 who are either independent or who might require some assistance with mobility, transfers, and self-care functions. The registration deadline is June 20. The cost of the camp is $125. Scholarships are available.

The second Camp Kids Unlimited session is scheduled for July 27-July 30 at Sea Scout Base Galveston. At this camp, appropriate campers are ages 10-21 and independent with their personal care, transfers, and mobility. The camp will offer adaptive sailing and other water-based activities, as well as handcycling. The registration deadline is July 19. The cost of the camp is $150. Scholarships are available.

Staff members from TIRR Memorial Hermann –– recognized around the world as a leader in medical rehabilitation and research –– will help with both camps. The camp staff is experienced in caring for people with disabilities and hosting adaptive camps.

“Camp Kids Unlimited is a great opportunity for our campers to expand their independence, try new things and make lasting friendships,” says Ava Skrabanek, camp director and adaptive sports coordinator at TIRR Memorial Hermann.

For more information on both camps visit tirr.memorialhermann.org/patient-resources/camp-kids-unlimited-2/ or call Skrabanek at 713-797-5928.

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INKY PANELS BOOK CLUB AT MISSOURI CITY BRANCH LIBRARY

The Inky Panels Graphic-Novel Book Club meets on the fourth Monday of every month at 5 p.m. in the library’s Conference Room. The book club is free and open to the public. For more information, call the branch library at 281-238-2100.

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CHILD ADVOCATES OF FORT BEND TRAINING CLASS, AUG. 8-12

Are you interested in making a difference in the lives of children? Aug. 8-12 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily, Child Advocates of Fort Bend (CAFB) is offering a week-long training class to train volunteers to advocate for abused and neglected children. This is your last opportunity this year to complete the volunteer training class in a single week.

CAFB is a nonprofit agency dedicated to providing a voice for abused and neglected children in Fort Bend County. With an army of volunteers, CAFB currently serves more than 400 children each month through its Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Program and Children’s Advocacy Center.

Volunteers must be over 21 years of age, complete an application and interview, and submit to background screening. For more information or an application, contact Volunteer Services at 281-344-5258 or [email protected].

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SUGAR LAND HERITAGE HIKE, SECOND SATURDAY

Presented each second Saturday of the month, trained guides will lead tours through a beautiful, historic neighborhood and share stories about the people and events that shaped Sugar Land’s history.

As an added bonus, the Sugar Land Heritage Foundation is now partnering with the Sugar Land Cultural Arts Foundation to include the 1918 Sugar Land Auditorium on the walking tour. Participants will have an opportunity to view the interior of this restored historic building.

Walking tours begin at 10 a.m. and conclude at 11:30 a.m. The group will depart from the SLHF office, 198 Kempner Street (next to the historic Char House).The cost is free for children under 12; $5, teens; and $10, adults. Proceeds benefit the Sugar Land Heritage Foundation and the Sugar Land Cultural Arts Foundation. Reservations are appreciated but not required.

For more information, visit slheritage.org or call 281-494-0261.

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ART CAMP FOR KIDS AT SUGAR LAND ART CENTER & GALLERY, THROUGH AUG. 18

The Sugar Land Art Center & Gallery is holding its 10th annual Kids Art Camp now through August 18. Morning and afternoon camps will be held Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-noon and 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Drawing, Painting and Sculpture will be offered. Only 12 kids per camp. Tuition: $139 per camp plus $15 supply fee per camp. Sibling discounts available. A Kids Art Camp Juried Show will be held on August 20. The Center is located 104 Industrial Blvd., Sugar Land. Visit sugarlandartcenter.org or call 281-565-0957 for more information.

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HOUSTON GLASS CLUB SHOW, AUG. 19-21 IN ROSENBERG

“Glass is more delightful and sightly than any other material at this day known to man” could be a quote from a modern day glass collector. Actually it is part of Neri’s introduction to his Art of Glass book written in 1611.

At the 42nd annual Vintage Glass & Antique Show and Sale to be held Aug.19-21 at the Fort Bend County Fair grounds in Rosenberg, the focus will be on American glass made from the early 1900’s through the 1960’s. Sponsored by The Houston Glass Club, dealers carry a wide variety of colorful 1930’s depression era glass and elegant glass (Heisey, Fostoria, Cambridge, etc.) from the 1920’s forward among their high quality glassware. Mid-century glass, another popular collectible, will be throughout the show. American-made kitchenware, pottery and dinnerware are also featured. With more than 30 dealers from across America, you’ll find a cross section of glass heritage combined under one roof.

A second building full of beautiful and one-of-a-kind general line antiques is right next door to the glass building. From primitives, silver, linens, jewelry, postcards, furniture and European collectibles, choose items to match your glass purchases. From plain to fancy, common to rare finds, attendees will develop distinctive style through vintage glass and antiques.

Sandwiches, cakes and other food items are found at the on-site concession. Additionally, Leigh Ann Winter from Texas Silver Mercantile will also be on-site to repair your damaged glass, silver and costume jewelry items. Information on joining the Houston Glass Club will also be available.

Show hours are 2-7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 19; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 20; and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 21st at the fairgrounds, on Hwy. 36 in Rosenberg. Admission is $10 on Friday, $6 on Saturday and Sunday and is good all weekend. Free parking. For more information, call 281-240-0382.

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GOLF FORE AUTISM 2016, SEPT. 12

Join Hope For Three for the 1st Annual Golf Fore Autism tournament Monday, Sept. 12 at Sugar Creek Country Club. It is a noon shotgun start with lunch and dinner provided. Net proceeds go towards Hope Fore Three’s mission of supporting families living with autism spectrum disorder. For registration and sponsorship information, contact Caroline Bordelon at 281-245-0642 or [email protected].

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THE ARC COMMUNITY CALENDAR

The Arc of Fort Bend’s webpage, aka SNEAK Community Calendar, was developed to advertise events and activities for persons with disabilities.

Anyone can browse through the community calendar. Agencies, organizations, therapy groups, etc. that serve persons with any type of disability or organizes an event or activity for persons with special needs is invited to register the company and add events to the calendar. SNEAK has the ability to handle reoccurring events, including monthly support groups or trainings. No fundraising events accepted. The website is arcoffortbend.org.

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PENNYWISE RESALE CENTERS TAKE SHOPPING ONLINE

PennyWise Resale Centers and the Fort Bend County Women’s Center’s new eCommerce site, thriftingfashionista.com, is available for existing PennyWise customers who want to shop for the best arrivals from the comfort of their own home. The site features collectibles, sports memorabilia, jewelry, computers and electronics, designer clothing and accessories, home décor and housewares and more. The best part is that every purchase will continue to help change the lives of the survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault served by the Women’s Center.

For more information or to schedule a donation pick-up, call 281-344-5777 or email pickups@fortbendwomens­center.org.