OAKBEND MEDICAL CENTER TO PRESENT “SURF’S UP” BENEFIT EVENT, MAY 4

The azaleas are in bloom, the wild flowers are out, the cold weather is gone. Time to hit the beach because “Surf’s Up!” OakBend Medical Center is the title sponsor for the 2018 Surf’s Up School’s Out, benefitting the Lamar Educational Awards foundation (L.E.A.F.).

The dinner, dance and auction will be May 4 at the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds. Dinner is served from 6:30-8 p.m., with Commissioner Vincent Morales and Shorty Yeaman auctioning off 20 desserts immediately following. The dance starts at 9 p.m. with entertainment by Fort Bend County’s favorite party band, The Triumphs.

Funds raised at Surf’s Up go to underwrite grants for Lamar CISD teachers. More than $432,000 was awarded by the L.E.A.F. “Grant Express” in 2017. Since 2000, L.E.A.F has awarded more than $3.4 million dollars in grants for innovative classroom project.

Individual tickets are $25, which includes a chicken-fried steak dinner catered by Vincek’s. Reserved tables for eight are $250. “Dance only” tickets are available at the door for $15.

For ticket information or to reserve tables, visit leafgrants.org or call 832-223-0334.

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SUPPORT GROUPS AT HOUSTON METHODIST SUGAR LAND HOSPITAL

Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital now offers a wide range of support groups and programs designed to improve the physical, social, psychological and spiritual health of cancer survivors and caregivers. The hospital’s program, developed with a grant from the George Foundation, includes three unique classes, held monthly and all free of charge:

• Thriving Through Creative Arts — Offers survivors a chance to relax and express themselves through art — a proven approach to help cope with the aftermath of cancer and related treatments
• Life in Motion — A creative movement program designed to improve balance, coordination and agility and enhance social and emotional health
• Music4Life — A unique music program offered in collaboration with the Houston Methodist Center for Performing Arts Medicine (CPAM) that can help improve cognitive, physical, psychological and social functioning. Music therapists use evidence-based music interventions to address the stress associated with a diagnosis of cancer and cancer treatment
• Massage — This service will be provided on a limited basis for cancer survivors. The benefits of massage include alleviation of stress, pain and other side effects which may be experienced as a result of cancer and its treatments. Survivors should call Houston Methodist Wellness Services and mention the cancer survivor program provided through Houston Methodist Sugar Land at 713.441.5980.

Visit houstonmethodist.org/events for more information on the cancer survivorship programs, or to register and select Cancer under Health Topic in the Life side bar or call 281-274-7500.

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FORT BEND PARTNERSHIP FOR YOUTH SEEKS ADULT MENTORS

The mission of the nonprofit Fort Bend Partnership for Youth is to reduce youth involvement with the juvenile justice system by establishing positive relationships between youthful offenders and volunteer adult role models from the community.

The juveniles are referred by the Fort Bend County Juvenile Probation Depart­ment. There are so many children in need of a listening ear and encouragement. Come forward and be that person for someone in need… you may be the only one! Mentors must be 21 years of age and willing to give a minimum of an hour a week.

For more information about the program or to make a tax-deductible donation, contact Susan Bearden at [email protected] or call her at 281-633-7317.

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RON POWERS HEADLINES AWARD LUNCHEON, MAY 5

The Hope and Healing Center & Institute’s Chrysalis Award Luncheon has announced its seventh annual luncheon, which is being chaired by Katherine and Paul Murphy. The event is slated for Tuesday, May 1, from 11:15 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Legends Ballroom at the Royal Sonesta Houston Galleria Hotel. The seventh annual event will feature keynote speaker Ron Powers, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and New York Times best-selling author of No One Cares About Crazy People.

The 2018 Chrysalis Award will be presented to Houston Methodist Hospital in recognition of its steadfast commitment to providing compassionate care for mental health. Contact Beth Woodman at 713-830-4137 or hopeandhealingcenter.org for more information.

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OFF TO THE RACES GALA TO BENEFIT CHILD ADVOCATES OF FORT BEND, MAY 5

OCuSOFT, Inc. and Exchange Club of Sugar Land are Winners Circle Sponsors for Child Advocates of Fort Bend’s 18th annual Gala “Off to the Races” on May 5 at the Sugar Land Marriott Town Square.

“The Gala committee is hard at work and we’re excited to put together another top-notch event that’s tons of fun, but raises money for the agency,” stated Lisa Moore, event chair. “In addition to Diamond Club seats behind home plate to a Houston Astros game, numerous jewelry pieces, furs from Woody’s Furs and unique experiences in our extensive silent auction we have a great raffle, wine pull, jewelry pull, fine dinner and late-night dancing. Some of the items for bidding in the live auction include stays in Ireland, Cabo San Lucas and a six bedroom/six bath home in Park City, Utah.

Michele Fisher will serve as the evening’s emcee. Johnny Bravo will be the auctioneer. Attire is elegant; black tie and derby attire are optional.

The gala and auction raise much-needed funds to support Child Advocates of Fort Bend and its programs for abused and neglected children. The public is invited to join OCuSOFT, Inc., Exchange Club of Sugar Land and Child Advocates of Fort Bend in making a difference for children in Fort Bend County.

Sponsorship and underwriting opportunities are available ranging from $2,000 to $35,000. Individual tickets are $150. Go to cafb.org/events/gala/sponsorship-opportunities or contact Lisa Moore at 281-344-5108 or [email protected] to attend the gala, become a sponsor or for more information.

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LIBRARY CELEBRATES GRAPHIC-NOVEL DAY WITH AUTHORS AND BOOK-SIGNINGS, MAY 6

Fort Bend County Libraries will celebrate the art and authors of the graphic-novel literary world on Sunday, May 6, from 1:30 to 4 p.m, at George Memorial Library, 1001 Golfview, Richmond. The Graphic-Novel Day family event will feature special guest appearances and book signings by popular graphic novelists Mike Maihack, Charise Harper, and George O’Connor.

Families are welcome to dress up as their favorite superheroes for the event. Each child will receive a free comic book as part of the National Free Comic Book Day celebration.

Co-sponsored by the Friends of the George Memorial Library and Bedrock City Comics, the event is a great opportunity for fans of children’s graphic novels to interact with a variety of literary creators. Books will be available for sale and signing in the first-floor lobby of the library throughout the afternoon. A portion of the sales will benefit the Friends of the Library organization.

The graphic novelists will also make appearances in the library’s Meeting Room to talk about their individual experiences as graphic-novel creators. Hear about their love of the genre, how they began writing graphic novels and how their characters came into being.

From 1:30 to 2:15 p.m., Charise Harper will discuss her series, Crafty Cat, Fashion Kitty, and Just Grace. An author/illustrator of more than 50 books for children, Harper has also been a freelance editorial illustrator for many national magazines and newspapers, created a weekly comic strip that ran in multiple alternative newspapers, and earned a marketing degree.

From 2:15 to 3 p.m., Mike Maihack will discuss his award-winning series, Cleopatra in Space, published by Graphix/Scholastic. Enjoyed by readers of all ages, the series follows the adventures of young Cleopatra, who was zapped away as a teenager from her home era of 52 BC and thrust into the future, where she must battle against the evil Xaius Octavian to become the savior of the Nile galaxy. Cleo must learn what it takes to be the great leader she is destined to become while still trying to figure out how she’s ever going to pass her classes, make friends, avoid detention, and all of the other important things that come with being a reckless, 15-year-old future queen of the universe.

From 3-3:45 p.m., George O’Connor will talk about his Olympians graphic-novel series, which retells the classic Greek myths in comics form. O’Connor is also the author of several picture books for children, including the New York Times bestseller Kapow!, Ker-Splash, Uncle Bigfoot, and Sally and the Some-thing.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call George Memorial Library at 281-342-4455.

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SSLW SERVICE 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.

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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COMPLIMENTARY MEALS FOR SENIOR CITIZENS

Catholic Charities Mamie George Community Center offers daily complimentary hot meals to Fort Bend 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. For more information, call 281-202-6200.

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SIENNA PLANTATION FARMERS MARKET, FOURTH SUNDAY

Fresh produce, locally sourced spreads and condiments, and other foodie favorites can be found each month at the Sienna Plantation Community Farmers Market. The market happens 1-5 p.m. the fourth Sunday of each month at the train depot parking lot near the amphitheater, 9600 Scanlan Trace, in Sienna Plantation.

Launched in 2016, the market typically attracts more than three dozen vendors each month providing baked goods, beverages, meats, prepared foods, olive oils, honey, vegetables, spices, flowers and more. Learn more at siennafarmersmarket.com.

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SUGAR LAND BRANCH LIBRARY PRESENTS “ANCIENT EMPIRES – GREECE,” MAY 5

Fort Bend County Libraries’ Sugar Land Branch Library will have an educational series focusing on “Ancient Empires” this spring. The next program in the series, “Ancient Empires: Greece,” will take place on Saturday, May 5, from 2-4 p.m., in the Meeting Room of the library, located at 550 Eldridge.

In this segment of the Ancient Empires series, former architecture professor Sheba Akhtar will talk about the roles that topography, mythology, and science have played in the history and development of Greece. She will talk about the country’s city-states, philosophy, drama, art, and architecture of the classical period, as well as Alexander the Great, the conquest of Asia Minor, Persia, and Egypt during the Hellenistic period. She will also touch upon Mycenae, the Trojan War, and Homer.

Akhtar received her Master of Architecture degree from the University of Pennsylvania and taught art and architecture history for 20 years. She is the author of Of Colour and Form and numerous articles on art and architecture. The series will continue in June with a program on Rome. The program is free and open to the public. For more information, call the library at 281-238-2140.

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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.

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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.

Visit quailvalletygardenclub.org or email [email protected].

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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 infants, children, youth and adult. Assistance is requested and 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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FORT BEND ISD SEEKS INPUT ON COMMUNITY EDUCATION PROGRAM

Fort Bend ISD’s Extended Learning Department is planning to grow its programs to offer enriched learning opportunities for all ages in 2018. Community Education courses will be offered at FBISD campuses within the community, and to determine what courses will be offered, the Extended Learning Department is hoping to hear from potential teachers and students.

By visiting the Community Education webpage on the FBISD website (fortbendisd.com/Page/95553), members of the community are invited to participate in a brief survey to share what kind of courses they would like to see in a Community Education program. The website also includes a link where people can submit course proposals, indicating what kind of courses they would be interested in teaching.

Lori Montelongo, FBISD Assistant Director of Extended Learning, said, “Community Education gives all of our community members an opportunity to become lifelong learners, which is an important attribute in the District’s Profile of a Graduate, and give our District the ability to engage and partner with our community in a new way. We want the courses to be affordable so that they are mutually beneficial for the community members and District as a whole.”

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THAI FRUIT-CARVING DEMONSTRATIONAT GEORGE MEMORIAL LIBRARY, MAY 12

Would you like to impress your guests by decorating your table with artfully carved edible centerpieces? Fort Bend County Libraries’ George Memorial Library will present a demonstration of “Thai Fruit-Carving” on Saturday, May 12, from 10:30 a.m. to noon in the Meeting Room of the library, located at 1001 Golfview in Richmond.

The program is presented by Sucharee Yossunthorn, who attended the Culinary Academy of Las Vegas and received professional training for carving in Bangkok, Thailand. Yossunthorn will discuss the history of this traditional Thai art, and will demonstrate how to carve colorful fruits and vegetables into exquisite flowers, leaves, and garnishes that are suitable for special events.

The program is free and open to the public. For more information, call the George Memorial Library at 281-342-4455.

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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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LOVING FRIENDS SOCIAL 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 iin the Bluebonnet Room of Quail Valley City Centre, 2880 La Quinta Drive, Missouri City. Members can also meet for lunch, movies and join its book club. The cost for dinner is $22. For more information on the group, call 281-208-3124.

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“HEAR – BOYS SING!” AT THE FORT BEND BOYS CHOIR’S SPRING CONCERT AND OPEN AUDITIONS

The Fort Bend Boys Choir is wrapping up its 36th concert season with a Spring Concert on Saturday, May 12, at 7 p.m. This event will be at Grace Presbyterian Church in Houston. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under.

Four ensembles – Training, Town and Tour Choirs and Music Magic (the music enrichment class of 6- and 7-year-olds) – will be showcased as they celebrate “Hear – Boys Sing!” the 36th concert season’s theme.

Boys who love music and singing can get in “treble” with the Fort Bend Boys Choir by auditioning for their 37th concert season. Entry into one of the treble choirs (for unchanged voices) is by audition only. These auditions are held at the First United Methodist Church-Missouri City throughout the summer by special appointment. 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.

Boys learn so much more than music as a member of the Fort Bend Boys Choir. They become leaders and develop time management skills, self-confidence, self-esteem and citizenship. There are no benchwarmers or substitutes in choir. Each boy plays an integral role in the organization’s success.

Call the Fort Bend Boys Choir office to schedule an audition at 281-240-3800. Find out more about the audition process or how to purchase Spring Concert tickets online by visiting fbbctx.org as well as the Facebook fan page, YouTube channel or Twitter.

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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.

For registrations received prior to May 1 the individual player fee is $150, which includes the Advantage Package: two Mulligans, a “Huge drive on Par 5” and a putting contest entry. The cost per player increases to $175 on May 1. The Single Player fee includes the box lunch, the Mexican buffet dinner, drinks on the course, a golfer goody bag, giveaways and raffle opportunities.

Silent auction chairs Jim and Kathy Horcica promise a large selection of items including rounds at local golf courses, a Cabo vacation and numerous other gifts.

Stan Wilkening, Hands and Hearts board president and chair of the golf committee, invites individuals, companies and corporations to support this fund-raising event. Sponsorships range from a Tournament Co-Sponsor at $3,500 to Hole Sponsor levels of $2,000, $1,000 or $500.

Hands and Hearts Foundation (HHF) was formed in April 2002 as a Christian-based, nonprofit corporation. Volunteers carry out all operations and activities of the foundation. HHF has also funded individuals who seek to improve the lives of people in under-resourced areas, both locally and worldwide, by serving as teachers, Christian evangelists, and volunteers on mission trips to Guatemala, Mexico, Honduras, Tibet, Africa and the Netherlands.

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

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SSLW HOSTING CHILDREN’S BOOK DRIVE THROUGH MAY 14

The Suburban Sugar Land Women (SSLW) will host the inaugural Children’s Book Drive from April 2 through May 14. They are accepting new or gently used children’s books (Spanish and English) for pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students (ages 4-5 years old) and will present them to the Stafford Municipal School District. The drive goal is 500 books, which will allow each student to receive one book and the remainder will be placed in the classrooms.

The drop-off site is Stafford City Hall, Admin­istration Department, 2610 South Main Street in Stafford. For more information or questions,contact Project Chair Tomika R. Lewis at 713-256-7953 or [email protected].

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FORT BEND FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP LUNCHEON, MAY 17

Fort Bend Friends and Neighbors Foundation will hold its annual Scholarship Luncheon and Officer Installation on Thursday, May 17, at 10:30 a.m.

Fort Bend County high schools scholarship winners will be honored and presented. Christian Covington, No. 95 of the Houston Texans, will be the inspirational speaker. The event is being held in The Forum Room at Safari Texas.

For information or reservations, contact Sharon Harry at 281-980-8090. Membership in Fort Bend Friends and Neighbors is open to all women who reside in Fort Bend County.

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ARTS WORKSHOPS AT MAMIE GEORGE COMMUNITY CENTER

Catholic Charities offers a Creative Aging program to help bring the arts to seniors in Fort Bend County. The program at the Mamie George Community Center runs Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. and offers classes on painting, crafts and mixed-media art and invites an intergenerational mix of volunteers and friends. The program’s focus is on the seniors’ creativity, providing enriching experiences, and social opportunities. For more information, call 281-202-6200.

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FBSO SPRING ORCHESTRAL AND CHORAL PERFORMANCES, MAY 19 AND 20

The spring concerts conclude the 26th season for the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra. In every concert, the orchestra and chorus have celebrated the wonders and the diversity that make up this American land we call home. For these final concerts, FBSO teams up with NASA.

On Saturday, May 19, at 7 p.m., the Fort Bend Symphony Chorus, now in its second year, visits the historic Sugar Land Auditorium for the season finale “Out of the Stars: Songs of Creation.” This free concert celebrates heaven, earth and everything in between. No tickets are required; it is a free concert.

On Sunday afternoon, May 20, FBSO closes its season with a breathtaking performance of Gustav Holst’s “The Planets.” The female members of the FBSOC join the orchestra for this concert. A space-themed video created by the art design students of Harmony Science Academy Houston will be projected during the concert.

“The Planets” is a seven-movement orchestral suite, with each movement named after a planet in our solar system. Each movement conveys the ideas and emotions associated with the planets on the psyche through its corresponding astrological character. Almost 100 years later, it remains Holst’s most popular work, and one of the best-known pieces of classical music.

There will be science and space-related activities for families and children during intermission. More details about the concerts are available at fbso.org.

More information about special season ticket pricing and performances is online. Single tickets for “The Planets” begin at $15 for adults. Children 12 and under are $5 each, and teens are $10 per ticket. Discounts are available for college students, seniors 55 and over, military personnel, and groups of 10 or more. Tickets are available online on the website or by calling 281-276-9642.

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GEORGE MEMORIAL LIBRARY PRESENTS ART & CULTURE: GOTHIC CATHEDRALS, MAY 19

Fort Bend County Libraries’ George Memorial Library will have an educational series focusing on Art & Culture this summer. The first program in the series, Art & Culture: Gothic Cathedrals, will take place on Saturday, May 19, from 1-3 p.m., in Room 2A of the library, located at 1001 Golfview in Richmond.

In this segment in the series, former architecture professor Sheba Akhtar will talk about Gothic architecture and art, which flourished in Europe during the High and Late Middle Ages, originating in 12th-century France and lasting into the 16th century.

Hear about how characteristics of the Gothic period, including urbanization, economic prosperity, professional guilds, the crusades (1095-1291), and the veneration of the Virgin Mary, influenced the design of structures such as the Basilica of St. Denis, Chartres Cathedral, and Notre Dame Cathedral. Akhtar will also talk about Abbott Suger and the incorporation of stained-glass windows in structures.

Akhtar received her Master of Architecture degree from the University of Pennsylvania and taught art and architecture history for 20 years. She has practiced as an architect in the United States, England, Scotland, Jordan, and Pakistan. She is the author
of Of Colour and Form and numerous articles on art and architecture.

The series will continue in June and July with programs on Renaissance Art and Impressionism.

The program is free and open to the public. For more information, call 281-342-4455.

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SUSHI DEMONSTRATION AT SIENNA BRANCH LIBRARY, MAY 26

Fort Bend County Libraries’ Sienna Branch Library will celebrate Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month with a Sienna Sushi Fest on Saturday, May 26, beginning at 1 p.m. in the Meeting Room of the library, located at 8411 Sienna Springs Blvd in Missouri City.

Carl Rosa, founder of the Sushi Club of Houston, will demonstrate the making of sushi rolls and lead the audience members to make their own. Learn about the Japanese culture and discover facts and little-known secrets about sushi.

Rosa is a sushi instructor and also serves as the Director of the Japan-America Initiative, a Houston-based organization dedicated to increasing awareness of the Japanese culture.

The program is free and open to the public. For more information, call the library at 281-238-2900.

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LIBRARIES’ SUMMER READING CLUBSFOR KIDS, TEENS AND ADULTS, BEGINNING MAY 28

Fort Bend County Libraries presents special reading clubs during the summer to encourage reading among children from birth and up, as well as teens and adults. “Libraries Rock!” is the theme for this year’s Summer Reading Club. Registration will begin on Monday, May 28, and continue through Sept. 1, at all Fort Bend County Libraries (FBCL) locations. Library programs and activities for children begin during the week of June 4, and continue through July 28.

For more information, call the branch library nearest you, or the library system’s Communications Office at 281-633-4734.

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NEWTON KNOW-HOW EXHIBIT AT DISCOVERY CENTER

Whether a rocket scientist or a dancer, we are all governed by the laws of motion. But how well do you really understand these laws which cannot be broken? You’re invited to engage in exciting, educational activities that will help you understand the physics associated with the laws of motion. Come step into a world alive with action as you delve into force, friction, momentum, gravity, aerodynamics and speed in the all-new Newton Know-How! exhibit at the Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center.

“Whether engineering new safety harnesses or designing video games, the physics surrounding Isaac Newton’s three laws of motion are essential knowledge,” said Keith Ostfeld, Director of Educational Technology and Exhibit Development for the Discovery Center. “Everything that moves has to follow these laws. However, many people often have an incorrect understanding of these laws. Newton Know-How! gives you the opportunity to correct misconceptions and put ideas to the test.”

All components in Newton Know-How! are hands-on and built for open-ended explorations of physics. Some exhibit experiences include: Testing methods to get golf ball trains through the Golf Ball Roller Coaster; accelerating balls using gravity on the Spiral; and building a domino pattern and watching dominoes fall in a chain reaction on a Domino Table.

To help you understand the physics behind components like Ricochet, a table-mounted putt-putt golf course where you have to bounce balls to get them into holes, the Discovery Center has installed “Know-How” signs around the room. Each sign contains short animations which explain fundamental physics concepts like velocity, potential energy, and friction. The Discovery Center has also integrated QR codes into the exhibit so the animations may be viewed on smartphones and tablets directly at the exhibit components. Visit childrensdiscoveryfb.org for more information.