SB+ MAGAZINE - May 2026

Now It's

Front and Center in Spring Branch

Some places are easy to love, but hard to find. . . .like Orchard Bookshop.

But now, thanks to a great opportunity and a lot of hard work, Orchard Books has a new Spring Branch location that’s not only a standout, but easy to access, in a cozy new store front at 8408 Katy Freeway.

“Now you can see us from I-10!" Alison Fairfield is glad to announce. The independent nonprofit will continue to offer children’s, teen, and adult books as well as games, toys, puzzles, and works in Spanish.

The move is just one of many “blessings” in the Orchard Bookshop story.

A Matter of Faith

Orchard Bookshop was founded by Alison and Steve Fairfield, to fill a need in their community. Steve grew up in the Memorial Villages, then moved to Wichita Falls, where he became a Christian. After high school, he studied history at Baylor University. In 2003, his inner city work led to an appointment as a Loeb Fellow at Harvard University, where he spent a year in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Alison, a journalist by training, is a native Canadian. She attended North

Texas State, then went on to earn a Master’s Degree at Dublin City University in Ireland.

Alison and Steve met at a pastor’s theology group where she was a guest speaker on missions. They found they both shared a calling for inner city work. Their longdistance relationship grew through letters. When Alison moved back to Houston, they married, built a home, and started a family.

Inspired by their commitment to the inner city, they raised their three daughters in the Fifth Ward, and after 22 years there they moved to Spring Branch. Their daughters grew up in a home with thousands of books, and they were read to daily, including a bedtime story every night. Literacy experts note that children who are told stories are the ones who first form abstract concepts across the curriculum, and the best writers in a class are always those who are avid readers. Research shows that children who read 2 hours daily have the best outcomes.

Origins of The Orchard

Orchard Bookshop began as an outgrowth of a school bookfair the Fairfields started in response to parent

requests at their daughters' school. “The initial warehouse at I-10 and Bingle began as a Thursday to Saturday operation with just rolling metal shelves and plastic tables,” according to Alison. “Our wonderful landlord loaned the shop shelving, and Second Baptist and Sagemont Baptist donated fixtures when they closed their church-based bookstores. Thanks to Steve, we also added huge colored balls and barn lights, transforming it into a festive space to the surprise of our intrepid customers," Alison said.

The Orchard Comes of Age

"A few months ago our landlord suggested we consider moving to a higher visibility retail space when it became available in his Home Depot center,” Steve said.

Tim Stiemann manages the shop. Alison curates the fiction titles for infants through 8th grade, while Steve handles the nonfiction works including science, nature, history and biography (and toys!).  Tim, who is a bi-lingual Spanish speaker, enjoys assisting customers seeking those titles as well as theological books. The curated collection also features an enriching variety of adult classics and newer fiction plus art, history, biography, science, nature, crafts, Texas travel and regional interest, spirituality, prayer, devotions, theology, Bibles, and reference works.

According to Steve, "Our aim remains to spur curiosity, imagination, character and wonder through quality literature."

And now, with their new Spring Branch base, Orchard Bookshop is really ready to blossom.

Orchard Bookshop is located at 8408 Katy Frwy., between Umiya Sushi and Loves Dumpling House. For more information, go to orchardbookshop.org GRAND OPENING May 9th 10AM

Keep Kids Learning This Summer: SBISD's New "Minds in Motion" Summer Camp

Looking for a great way to keep your kids engaged this summer?

Spring Branch ISD has launched a brand-new summer enrichment series, Minds in Motion, offering a range of fun, hands-on programs for elementary-age students.

Camps run June 8–18 at two convenient locations: Westchester Academy for International Studies (WAIS) and Shadow Oaks Elementary. 2026 Minds in Motion Summer Camp Offerings: CookLearnGrow America’s Delicious Bounty: Exploring Our Nation’s Foods (Grades K–5)

Young chefs will “travel” across the United States, exploring regional foods, cooking dishes, and learning about agriculture and food production.

June 8–11 | WAIS | 8:30–11:30 a.m.| $395

Note: Camp is nut-free and pork-free; additional dietary accommodations are not available.

MoveNation Dance Academy

This unique camp blends dance and science, introducing students to movement through physics, musicality, and artistic expression across multiple dance styles.

June 8–11 | WAIS | 12:00–3:00 p.m. | $250 Chess Wizards

Students of all skill levels can build strategy and critical thinking through lessons, tournaments, and interactive games. June 15–18 | WAIS | 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. | $225 Amazing Athletes

A high-energy, multi-sport camp where students rotate through activities including basketball, soccer, football, and more, with skill-building and team competitions.

June 15–18 | WAIS | 1:00–4:00 p.m. | $295 Camp Invention

In partnership with the National Inventors Hall of Fame, this nationally recognized program offers hands-on STEM learning and creative

problem-solving. June 8–11 and June 15–18 | WAIS | 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. | $325 American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO)

Skill-based soccer camps focused on player development, teamwork, and sportsmanship in a fun, supportive environment. June 8–11 and June 15–18 | Shadow Oaks Elementary | 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. | $150

Minds in Motion Summer Camps is a great opportunity for students to stay active, curious, and connected all summer long, reflecting SBISD's ongoing commitment to learning beyond the classroom.

Registration is open March 16 through May 29. Families can complete the registration form to secure a spot. Tuition for SBISD-managed camps will be paid through MySchoolBucks, with invoices issued after registration.

HEALTH SCIENCES

“Como la flor con tanto amor”

Life is just an endless series of Starting Overs. I really wish I would have understood that when I was younger.  Starting Overs always terrified me. But then Life teaches you lessons the Hard Way and you realize Starting Overs are just the natural way of things. And when you realize that, you understand that each and every single day is an opportunity to start fresh, to fix things, to change things, to find that path that you are supposed to be on and live your truth and happiness. You come to truly know that Yesterday is just a memory and Tomorrow is just a dream. And when your marriage ends, or your business fails and all of a sudden your dreams aren't going to come true - that sucks. And it's scary. So we fear starting over. But it is going to be okay.

I think that is why a Plants make such wonderful housewarming presents. When I was younger, I just thought the plant symbolized putting down roots. And it does. But Older Me realizes it also symbolizes change and movement and growth. In order to get that plant into your new home, someone has to dig it up, re-plant it in a pot, move that pot to your new home, and then you have to find a place where it can thrive.

And the plant will flourish in its new environment if you love it and care for it and make sure its needs are met. Just as you should do for yourself when your life has been uprooted.

My friend is going through a divorce so I went to Tall Plants on Katy Fwy to get her something pretty that can brighten her new space and her new life. The life she wasn't planning on.

Tall Plants is family owned and has been in the neighborhood fifty years. They are friendly and knowledgeable. Not just about Plants - they know the neighborhood, the local weather and they might have even gone to school with you if you grew up around here. Pun intended - they have serious roots in the Spring Branch/Memorial Area. The owner himself, Chris, helped me pick out a nice Ficus.

They also rent plants if you need them for special events and can provide commercial plant services if you want to spruce up your place of business.

I realize I mainly talk about food and restaurants, but I do other stuff too sometimes. Like shop for plants. And I go to Tall Plants when I do.

InspiHER truly redefined what it means to gather with intention, and I felt incredibly grateful to be part of such a meaningful evening. Presented by MetroNational at 990 Town & Country, the event brought together an inspiring group of women from across Houston for a night rooted in connection, purpose, and community.

From the moment I arrived, there was an immediate sense that this was something special. The atmosphere struck a perfect balance—elevated yet genuinely welcoming—creating space for authentic conversations and new connections. The evening opened with a beautiful performance by the Houston Symphony’s allwomen ensemble, which set an inspiring and powerful tone for everything that followed.

At the heart of the evening was a dynamic and thought-provoking panel led by Suzan Deison, Founder and President of GHWCC. She was joined by an incredible group of women: Lauren Levicki Courville of Dress for Success Houston, Jules Lairson of Work&, Donna Lewis of Tootsies, and Christine A. Mikulich of MetroNational. Listening to their candid reflections on purpose, growth, and navigating both personal and professional paths was not only inspiring, but deeply relatable. It was the kind of conversation that stayed with you long after it ended.

What stood out most to me was the intention behind the event. Beyond connection and inspiration, there was a meaningful charitable component supporting Dress for Success Houston. Seeing 118 handbags donated to help empower women in the workplace was a powerful reminder of what can happen when a community comes together with purpose.

I also felt honored to be in the presence of so many accomplished and driven women—leaders and changemakers who are making a real impact across Houston. Being included among such a remarkable group was both humbling and energizing.

InspiHER is more than just an event—it’s the beginning of an ongoing series that will continue to bring women together in meaningful ways. I’m truly grateful to have been part of this experience and look forward to seeing how it continues to grow and inspire.

Guest & Publisher, Dawn Gunther

The USA Won at the Junior World Rio de Janeiro,

The USA won GOLD at the Junior World Championships in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on April 9, 2026. Three local Houston fencers were on the fourman team representing the USA where teams from 45 countries competed for the title. This is the first time in US history that the Junior Men’s Epee Team has won gold.

To register or view the summer camp catalog, please scan the QR code above! COME GET IN-SQUIRED!

Campelot is co-ed and open to non-Regis students!

Only the top four Junior fencers in the country are chosen to represent the USA. The three Houston natives are also from the same fencing club, Alliance Fencing Academy.

The World Championships are the highest level of international competition for Juniors (under 20 years old). Fencers chosen to represent the USA are selected based on cumulative points scored at national and international tournaments over the course of the fencing season from July 2025 through February 2026.

Won GOLD World Championships in Janeiro, Brazil

The competitors representing the USA from Alliance Fencing Academy were:

• Elijah Imrek

• Hometown: Missouri City, Texas

• College: University of Notre Dame

• Simon Val Lioznyansky

•Hometown: The Woodlands, Texas

• College: University of Pennsylvania

• James Sennewald

•Hometown: The Woodlands, Texas

• College: University of Pennsylvania

Alliance now has nine World Champions in the cadet, junior, and senior levels. One of Alliance’s fencing coaches, Dorian Jimenez, coached the athletes at the competition. Jimenez learned fencing in Cuba and joined Alliance Fencing Academy in 2016. Alliance Fencing Academy has grown to over 350 students, making it one of the largest fencing clubs in the country. Alliance has three locations - one in downtown Houston, one in The Woodlands and one in Katy.    For more information, contact:email inform@alliancefencing-academy.com.  Or Vika, Alliance Fencing Academy Office Manager at 713.410.6655.

$25 off camp withregistrationmention of SB+

Mental Health Awareness Month

Jewish Heritage Month

Stroke Awareness Month

Foster Care Month

Esophageal Cancer Awareness

Photography Awareness Month

Second Saturday Every Month Spring Branch Village Farmer’s Market, 9 am – 1 pm, 8141 Long Point

Every Saturday Walk30 walking group, Meets 10 am at the Edgewood Elementary parking lot.

Skin Cancer Awareness Month

Lupus Awareness Month

ALS Awareness Month

Every Saturday Memorial Village Farmer’s Market, 9 am—1pm, First Congregational Church at I-10 and Voss

Every Friday 3 pm, Live Music at Republic Boot Company, 1133 E. 11th Street, Info at 832.767.6586

Ongoing Space Center Houston, Create and design your own Spacecraft, Enter the 21-foot long training module of NASA’s new lunar landing space station, Experience The Moonwalkers: A Journey with Tom Hanks, and more, 1601 NASA Parkway, Tickets@spacecnter.org, All Month Rajin Cajin' Buy one Po-Boy with fries and get one free with coupon, see page 3

May 13&20, June 10, & July 15 Fit Houston Free Bike Days, 4PM, Pitner Park

June 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18 Tall Tales Art- 10AM-12PM, Ages 8-5th grade, $5/person, Altharetta Yeargin Art Museum

June 8-18 SBISD Minds in Motion Summer Camp, see page 22

June 9 Live music with Dallas Moore, 3PM Republic Boot Company

June 19 Live music with Donice Morace, 3PM Republic Boot Company

June 14-19 & 19-24 Annual Global Teen Medical Summit, see page 19

June 20 World Cup Watch Party Kickoff, The Plaza at City Centre

July 13-17 Spring Branch Leadership Institute Summer Camp, see page 8

May 1

May Day

National Space Day @ Space Center Houston Info spacecenter.org/featured_events

Heart Assoc. Go Red for Women Hats Off for Heart 2026 Luncheon, 10:30AM, The Post Oak Hotel, Info @ heart.org/houstongoored Music in the Park 7PM, The Reverb Cartel Rock and Roll Band, Spring Valley Village Park 3D Printer Orientation, 4 PM, SB Memorial Library

May 1- May 3

Republic Wine Castle Grand Opening, see page 17

May 2

Kentucky Derby Kentucky Derby Party-4-10PM, King Steak, Reserve your table now, 713-244-6111

Wine and Dance 7PM, UDC Outdoor Theater, Info @ uptowndance.org

Aye Candy Speakeasy Live Music featuring Joanna Sereko from The Voice, info @ ayecandyhtx.com

Homemade with Love: Mother's Day Card

Decorating, 12PM, Freed Community Center

May 3

Adult Forum 10AM & 11AM, Sunday Service, Unitarian Fellowship of Houston, www.ufoh.com

May 4

Meditation 7-9PM, Unitarian Fellowship of Houston, www.ufoh.com

May 5

Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo Potluck Fiesta, 6 PM, Freed Community Center

May 6

Bayou Moon Sanha Mediation 7-9PM, Unitarian Fellowship of Houston, www.ufoh.org

Baby Bouncer 10:15 & 11:15AM, SB Memorial Library (Tickets Req.)

ESL Level 2, 11 AM, Adults, SB Memorial Library

May 7

Tiny Tikes, 10:15 & 11:15AM,

SB Memorial Library (Tickets Req.)

Ladies Lunch 12:30-2PM, Unitarian Fellowship of Houston, www.ufoh.org

Chess Club 4:30PM, Info @ sm@hcpl.net SB Memorial Library (Registration Req.)

May 8

Brushes & Blooms Painting Party for Mothers 121:30PM, Freed Community Center

May 9

Orchard Bookshop Grand Opening

10AM 8408 Katy Frwy.

Uptown Dance Company 26/27 Auditions, Register by email udc@pdg.net

SB Memorial Library (Tickets Req.)

May 10

Mother's Day

Adult Forum 10AM & 11AM, Sunday Service, Unitarian Fellowship of Houston, www.ufoh.com

Potluck Lunch 12, Unitarian Fellowship of Houston, www.ufoh.com

Spiritual Practice Session 1:30PM, www.ufoh.com

May 12

Tuesday Book Club via Zoom 10:30AM, www.ufoh.com

Between the Panels: Tween Graphic Noval & Book Club, 4:30 PM, (Registration Req.), SB Memorial Library

May 13

Bayou Moon Sanha Mediation 7-9PM, Unitarian Fellowship of Houston, www.ufoh.org

Fit Houston Free Bike Days 4PM, Pinter Park

Baby Bouncer 10:15 & 11:15AM,

SB Memorial Library (Tickets Req.)

May 14

Aye Candy Speakeasy Singles Mixer info @ ayecandyhtx.com

Tiny Tikes, 10:15 & 11:15AM,

SB Memorial Library (Tickets Req.)

May 15

Aye Candy Speakeasy Anniversary Party Info @ ayecandyhtx.com

Movie Night, starts at dusk, National Treasure, Spring Valley Village Park

Live Music with Hudson Mueller @ Republic Boot, 3PM

May 16

Growing and Cooking with Herbs 2PM Freed Community Center

Aye Candy Speakeasy Anniversary Party Info @ ayecandyhtx.com

May 17

Adult Forum 10AM & 11AM, Sunday Service, Unitarian Fellowship of Houston, www.ufoh.com

May 18

Explore Histoy Talks 11AM, Freed Community Center

May 20

Compassionate Houston’s Annual Luncheon, “Creating Change, Cultivating Joy,” Junior League of Houston. Details at www.compassionatehouston. org/luncheon-2026

Fit Houston Free Bike Days 4PM, Pinter Park

Bayou Moon Sanha Mediation 7-9PM, Unitarian Fellowship of Houston, www.ufoh.org

May 22

Practice Guided Journaling 11AM, Freed Community Center

Strum the Strings of Heritage Ukulele Celebration 3PM, Freed Community Center

May 23

Pianos in the Plaza with Howl at the moon, 6PM City Centre

May 24

Adult Forum 10AM & 11AM, Sunday Service, Unitarian Fellowship of Houston, www.ufoh.com

Spiritual Practice Session 1:30PM, www.ufoh.com

May 25

Chalice Circle 10AM & 7PM Unitarian Fellowship of Houston, www.ufoh.com

May 27

Bayou Moon Sanha Mediation 7-9PM, Unitarian Fellowship of Houston, www.ufoh.org

Live Music with Donice Mor @ Republic Boot, 3PM

May 30

Aye Candy Speakeasy Live Music, info @ ayecandyhtx.com

May 31

Adult Forum 10AM & 11AM, Sunday Service, Unitarian Fellowship of Houston, www.ufoh.com

After weight loss, skin doesn’t always tighten on its own—leading to sagging, crepey texture, and loss of definition.

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Book your Facial Skin Tightening Treatment, get your skin in the game—and be entered to WIN two (2) Astros tickets for the 2026 season!

Perfect for women on a weight loss journey with loose facial skin.

Why Cyclists Shave Their Legs: A Wine

Back in the day when I fancied myself a competitive cyclist, I tried to fit in: I bought all the fancy gear that I could afford, I covered my torso with skin-tight lycra, and, yes, I shaved my legs. Most people think that cyclists shave for aerodynamic reasons. Not true. Cyclists say that they shave since it makes taking care of road rash (the nasty abrasions that occur on your skin when you crash) easier. Also, not true (for the most part). The real reasons? One, it makes our legs look better and two, everyone else does it. Until I started shaving my legs, every time I rolled up to a start line with hairy legs, I got endless razzing. Once I started shaving my legs? I started dishing out the ridicule myself.

So what does that have to do with wine? Just about everything. There is a lot of posturing in the wine world. A lot. And some people go out of their way to try to make you think you are “doing wine” wrong. While there are countless examples in the wine world, this month I am focusing on one of my pet peeves: wine glasses.

Before I get started, I will admit that I am a complete hypocrite; I have a ton of wine glasses. There was a time, not too long ago, that I succumbed to the hype and I believed that I needed a different wine glass for not just every type of wine, but every grape variety. According to many in the wine industry, Pinot Noir should be poured into a different glass than Cabernet Sauvignon. Syrah? Sangiovese? Different glass. In fact, there are even different glasses for Pinot Noirs from different regions (Burgundy, Oregon, Russian River Valley, all different glasses). Many glass producers claim that variety-specific glasses can enhance the experience. And while there may be some “truth” to that? Come on.

There are a few high-end producers of stemware that seem to come out with a new glass just about every month. And they are not cheap. “Quality” wine glasses start at around $25/stem and go up rather precipitously from there; I have seen them as high as $500 for one glass. Yikes.

I have written a bunch about how the wine industry is shooting itself in the foot in myriad ways and one includes implying, suggesting, even blatantly stating that wine needs to be consumed from special, very expensive vessels. And for a while in my wine journey, I bought in, literally. I purchased glasses for Cabernet, Pinot, Chardonnay, Riesling, Champagne, heck, even different

By Jeffrey M. Kralik, Ph.D. (The Drunken Cyclist)

Wine Glass Lesson

styles of dessert wine. Then, one evening, while washing glasses after a dinner party (since you can’t put expensive glasses in the dishwasher, no matter what the producer claims), I broke a $100 stem in my hand while drying it.

I cried. (Well, not literally, but you know what I mean.)

At that moment, I made a conscious decision to never buy another over-priced wine stem. And I haven’t. I literally use one glass for all whites, rosés, and champagnes (see below for more on bubbles), and another glass for all reds (OK, I still have a few special Pinot Noir glasses, which I like when I am feeling fancy). That’s it. The other 327 glasses I own stay in their respective cabinets, taking up space and gathering dust. My advice? Find glasses that fit your budget and lifestyle and just go with it. Yes, you should probably have different white and red glasses. Or not. There is no exam here, and there really should be no judgment. If you like to entertain, I think you should probably have enough of the same style glass for every guest. Or not. Life is too short to worry at all about what other people think. Drink wine. Have fun.

--A special note on Champagne flutes. We drink a ton of champagne. A ton. And over the years, we have collected a ton of champagne flutes. A ton. Sure, they are sexy, but we no longer use them. In fact, when I am out, I will specifically ask for regular wine glasses when ordering champagne in a restaurant/bar. Why? Well, much like when asked about shaving my legs, I will say something stupid like “I write about wine for a living and it is too difficult to perceive the delicate aromas of the wine in a flute.” Not true (for the most part). OK, that really is true, but an additional benefit? A standard pour of champagne by the glass is about 4 ounces. The standard pour for still wine is 5-6 ounces. Most bartenders are trained to fill wine to a certain spot on the glass and they will do this regardless of what they are pouring. So do the math. Ask for a white wine glass the next time you order a glass of bubbles. And don’t mock me for shaving my legs.

Want more musings on wine? Check out my blog: thedrunkencyclist.com. Have a wine question, need advice, or want me to conduct your next wine tasting? Drop me a line: jeff (at) thedrunkencyclist.com

Republic Wine Castle Sets Grand Opening Dates, Uncorks 11 Signature Local Wines

Republic Boot Company, the legendary purveyor of custom cowboy boots and Texas swagger, is officially planting its flag in the heart of Texas wine country. After a meticulous renovation, the company is proud to announce the grand opening of the Republic Wine Castle, taking place from May 1 through May 3, 2026.

The 12-acre estate has undergone a transformation to align with the bold, handcrafted aesthetic that clients expect from Republic Boot Company. The castle has been extensively remodeled to match the unique decor and flair found in the brand's historic Houston flagship, successfully blending rugged Texas heritage with old-world grandeur to create a bucket-list destination for wine lovers and boot enthusiasts alike.

“We’ve always said that Republic isn’t just about making boots; it’s about preserving the soul of Texas,” said Chris Conrad, CEO and Founder of Republic Boot Company. “Acquiring and remodeling this castle allows us to create a legendary destination where our customers can immerse themselves in the craft and make memories that last a lifetime. It’s bold, it’s unique, and it’s exactly where the Republic belongs.”

The three-day grand opening celebration will serve as the official debut of the Republic Wine Castle and its sprawling grounds. Throughout the weekend of May 1 – 3, visitors will experience the first public unveiling of the redesigned castle interior, which features the signature Republic atmosphere. The event will spotlight the brand's new Texas wine offering, featuring the unveiling of 11 premium Texas wines, all of which are locally sourced from the fertile soils of Johnson City. These tastings will be complemented by live music, custom boot fittings, and the unparalleled Texas hospitality for which the company is known.

For more information on the grand opening and upcoming events, please scan the QR code.

Houston’s Furriest Superheroes

Raise $270,000 at IM Houston Wags and Whiskers Annual Luncheon and Pet Fashion Show

The 13th Annual Wags and Whiskers Luncheon and Pet Fashion Show, held April 11, 2026, at The Ballroom at Bayou Place, brought together nearly 300 guests and raised $270,000 for IM Houston’s Animeals program, which provides pet food and supplies to nearly 1,000 pets of homebound seniors in Meals on Wheels.

Chaired by Chaun and Derrick Vaughn, the superhero-themed event featured a silent auction, three-course lunch, and a high-energy pet fashion show produced by Todd Ramos, with hair and makeup by Edward Sanchez and Arched Beauty Architects. Guests entered a “Heroes Headquarters” experience, including a custom animated short produced by Chaun Vaughn that highlighted the Animeals mission.

Kirksey Gregg Productions transformed the ballroom with vibrant blue and lavender décor, sequin linens, and superhero-themed elements. Emcee Amanda Sapp led the program as attendees enjoyed a curated meal. IM Houston President and CEO Sheroo Mukhtiar and Board Chair Henry Florsheim shared updates on the organization’s impact and growth, while the Vaughns spoke about their personal connection to Animeals.

Honoree Chrissy Tate was recognized for her ongoing support and volunteer work delivering pet food monthly. A special appearance by Animeals spokesdog Moose, escorted by Vice Chair Nadia Tajalli, inspired additional donations.

The fashion show featured models and pets, with top winners Sutton French (1st), Ellen Grofjesk (2nd), and Francisco Sanchez (3rd).

Sponsors included H-E-B, Linh and Fred G. Marshall, Chrissy Tate, Susan and Dan Boggio, Ann and Ron Kaesermann, and MAREK.

IM Houston board members, community leaders, and notable guests were also in attendance.

The Health Museum to Host Annual Global Teen Medical Summit

The Health Museum, an interactive health science museum located in the heart of the Houston Museum District, is offering high school students the opportunity to explore modern-day health and bioscience challenges with experts from the Texas Medical Center at the annual Global Teen Medical Summit this summer from June 14-19 or July 19-24, 2026.

Registration is now open for students currently enrolled in 9th – 12th grade, ages 14-18, to attend and experience behind the scenes tours of biomedical research labs, interactive workshops to learn skills like CPR and suturing, group-based challenges in ethical case studies, and an overnight dormitory experience at the University of Houston Main Campus. Partnering with some of the brightest minds in healthcare today, the Global Teen Medical Summit experience provides access to thought leaders involved in cuttingedge medical research, clinical practice, and public health. Throughout the week, the team will work on a design concept with mentorship from renowned healthcare professionals, attend workshops, hear from leading speakers, and generate new ways of thinking about the most pressing healthcare issues of today. For more information on the Global Teen Medical Summit and to register, scan the QR code or call 713-337-8458.

As NASA prepared to launch Artemis II, its first crewed mission of the Artemis campaign, Space Center Houston marked the historic occasion with a soldout launch watch party, welcoming more than 1,300 guests. The event brought together space enthusiasts to witness the next chapter in human space exploration, as NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen embarked aboard the Orion spacecraft for a 10-day lunar flyby. The mission represents a critical step in testing systems for future deep-space exploration and signals humanity’s return to the Moon.

Stained Glass in Spring Branch: A Family's Legacy

Tucked away in her backyard, Mary Nell Brastrom, has cultivated a quiet, personal space in Spring Branch.  Light reflects and bounces off colorful shapes that share the space:  custom stained glass.  These items made by Mary Nell's parents, Lowell and Jo Anne King, and now Mary Nell display a family hobby now passed on to grandchildren, cousins and even friends.  This legacy began as an innocent request by Jo Anne to her husband.

Jo Anne wanted an octagon shaped stained glass for a window so Lowell learned how to make stained glass.  They both took a Leisure Learning class with Jo Anne becoming the designer and Lowell the creator of the panels.  "It was a great thing for Mom and Dad to do together," said Mary Nell.  "Dad cut the glass which had to be very precise and then fit the glass together.  They sold some but mostly gave it away."

Family and friends all benefited from their generosity by receiving lamps, windows, panels, street number signs and more as gifts.  They made 3D boxes that open and a miniature of their house.

Mary Nell's favorite is a freestanding nativity scene with 12 pieces.

Mary Nell enjoys creating, making "something from nothing".  The hardest part, she says, is the idea and design.  Now her Dad has given her so much glass that she'll have many opportunities for new designs and continuing the family legacy.

Summer Day Camps Are Coming!

Can you feel it? Summer is just around the corner, and it’s the time to register your kids for summer day camps, ASAP. So here are a few suggestions from Spring Branch+. Most of these camps are near the Spring Branch/Memorial area, but some are a bit outside of our zip codes. (Disclaimer: SB+ does not guarantee that the camps listed are available. This is not meant to be an exhaustive list. Please check with each individual camp for details.)

Introductory Experience for New Fencers ( Ages 5 –14): Houston: June 1–5, June 22–26, July 27–31, August 3–7, 9 am–3pm Katy: June 22-26, July27–31, August 3–7, 9 am–3 pm, The Woodlands: June 22–26,July 27–31, August 3–7, 9 am–3 pm, Alliance Mega Epee Camp to Prepare for Summer National Championships (All Ages): June 8–12,Y12–Senior, June 15–19,Y8–Senior, June 22–26,Y8–10, Information at 713.410.6655 or scan QR code.

June 8–26, July 5–24, Nurture your young thespian’s creativity, character, and confidence. One week sessions at your choice of 10 campuses. Sponsored by A.D. players Education at The George Theater. Information at adplayers.org

Diverse, hands-on STEAM-powered summer camps for kids age 3–12+, Featuring hands-on, weekly or daily sessions in coding, robotics, 3 D art, culinary arts and entrepreneurship Camps run May 25–August 14, Spring Branch location is 1022 Wirt Rd., Suite 310, Info at idealabkids.com

Minds in Motion Summer Camp

A brand-new summer enrichment series, Minds in Motion, offers a range of fun, hands-on programs for elementary-age students. Camps run June 8–18 at two convenient locations: Westchester Academy for International Studies (WAIS) and Shadow Oaks Elementary.

Offerings include: CookLearnGrow -America’s Delicious Bounty, MoveNation Dance Academy, Chess Wizards, Amazing Athletes, Camp invention, American Youth Soccer Organization, Scan QR to register

Spring Branch Leadership Institute Health Sciences Summer Camp 2026

July 13–17, Five -day camp for 10th–12th graders interested in healthcare career, For more information visit SBleadership.com or email tespindola@sbchc.net

Explorer Camps

May 11–Aug. , Single and MultiDay STEM Camps for children ages 4–11, From programming robots and designing space habitats to launching rockets and solving real-world engineering problems, each day sparks creativity and critical thinking. Information at spacecenter.org/educationprograms/explorer-camps/

Space Center Houston Space Center

May 25–October 11, For Students Ages 11–18, At Space Center Houston, Built around realworld space exploration, the program features project-based teamwork, guest speakers from NASA, and–for select sessions- a live presentation with an astronaut. Students enjoy daily lunch onsite, then wrap their experience with a graduation ceremony and certificate. Scan QR for more information.

Uptown Dance AcademySummer Intensives 2026

Ages 2.5 and up, Tap, Jazz, Acro, Ballet, Pointe, Modern, Hip-Hop, Character, Conditioning, Contemporary, Ballet Variation, Musical Theater, Creative Movement, June1–June 20, July 13–Aug. 1, scan QR for more information.

Uptown Dance Company Themed Summer Dance Camps for Youngest Dancers

Dancing with Bluey: Ages 2.5–4, June 8–12, 2:30–4:30 pm, Tuition $250, Zoo Friends Dance Camp: Ages 5–8,June 15–June 19,2:30 pm–4:30 pm, Tuition $250, K-Pop Acro: Ages 5–8, June 1–5, 2:30 pm–4:30 pm, Tuition $250, Ice Queen Dance Camp: Ages 2.5 –4, July 3–17, 2:30 pm–4:30 pm, Tuition $250, Barbie’s Dance Camp: Ages 5–8, July 20–24, 2:30 pm–4:30 pm, Tuition $250.

Summer Camps–May 26th–July 17th, Water activities, Sports, Arts and Crafts, Fun and Games, Information at thevillageschool. com/summer

Wolfie’s Swim Camp

Looking for a summer filled with swimming, splashing, and smiles? Wolfies Summer Camp is BACK and better than ever! 8:30 AM to 3:30pm, For ages 4+, Two 45-minute swim lessons a day, Free swim fun, Themed crafts and activities, at wolfiesswimscchool.com

Houston Broadway Theatre (HBT) announces creatives for Disney’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame at the Wortham Center playing June 16–July 5 with a limited three-week engagement.

“This production will feature a full 21-piece live orchestra made up of Houston’s most accomplished professional musicians. Rather than placing the instruments in a traditional pit, the orchestra will be featured onstage as a visible, integral part of the production and will perform an expanded orchestration of Alan Menken’s celebrated score,” said Houston Broadway Theatre President Tyce Green. “This marks the first time this expanded orchestration will be performed in the United States, making it a singular event for Houston audiences.”

Based on the 1831 novel by Victor Hugo and songs from the Disney animated feature, The Hunchback of Notre Dame showcases the Academy Award winningmusical score with new music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz with book by Peter Parnell. Premiering in Berlin in 1999 as Der Glöckner von Notre Dame, with an earlier book by James Lapine, the musical was Disney Theatrical Productions first musical to premiere outside the United States, running for three years and becoming one of Berlin's longest-running musicals. The English language version opened at La Jolla Playhouse in San Diego in 2014 with a revised book by Peter Parnell.

“I couldn’t be more excited to return to HBT with The Hunchback of Notre Dame, such a beautiful and powerful story that asks us to confront how we define goodness and beauty. It’s a tremendous score, and with a 21-piece orchestra, a 24-person choir, and a cast of 17, the sound of it is going to be glorious,” said Director Calarco. “We’re embracing that size by presenting it as part theater, part rock concert, part opera. I know that this won’t be like any The Hunchback of Notre Dame you’ve seen before.”

Scan the QR code to purchase tickets now!

THEATRE UNDER THE STARS ANNOUNCES THE FINALISTS FOR THE 2026 TOMMY

Theatre Under The Stars (TUTS) is excited to introduce the finalists for the 2026 Tommy Tune Awards!

The stage is set, the lights are up, and the energy is electric—it's time for the Tommy Tune Awards, where Houston’s most talented high school performers, designers, and directors take center stage! This annual celebration isn't just about trophies—it's about passion, creativity, and the magic of live theatre. For students and educators alike, it’s an opportunity to shine, connect, and embrace the performing arts as a lifelong journey.

The 2026 Tommy Tune Awards will be held on May 8 at 7 p.m. at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets for the event will go on sale to the public Wednesday, March 25, and will be available for purchase through TUTS.org, by phone at 713-558-8887 or by visiting the TUTS Box Office at 800 Bagby.

“We are beyond excited to recognize this incredible group of finalists and the artistry they bring to their schools and communities. The Tommy Tune Awards give us the opportunity to spotlight and uplift these young performers, designers, and storytellers, while also connecting them to a broader theatre community. It’s inspiring to see the next generation step into their power and shape the future of the arts,” said Adavion Wayne, TUTS Director of Education. Education, creativity, and community take center stage at the Tommy Tune Awards, where high school students from across Greater Houston come together to showcase their talent and passion for theatre. Throughout the 2024-2025 school year, a panel of 40+ Houston-based theatre pros reviewed 66 high school productions, ultimately nominating standout students in 18 award categories.

The Tommy Tune Awards spotlight more than performers—they showcase rising storytellers too! Each year, select Student Reporters cover the event through social media and behind-the-scenes content, bringing fresh takes from journalism, film, and media programs. Partnering with the Marketing Team, they capture everything from red carpet interviews to key show moments. One standout even earns the chance to cover the Jimmy Awards in New York City on June 23, taking their talents to a national stage. It’s a front-row pass to live theatre—and a chance to share the magic with the world!

In addition to these awards, the Tommy Tune Awards Program awards scholarships to graduating seniors who plan to pursue a career in the arts.

Each year, high schools across the Houston area bring full-scale musicals to life, competing for top honors in

TUNE AWARDS!

18 thrilling categories—from Outstanding Musical to Outstanding Choreographer, Director, Orchestra, and more. Over the course of the 2024-2025 school year, a panel of seasoned theatre professionals evaluated every production, carefully reviewing performances, technical achievements, and standout moments that made each show unforgettable. These adjudicators—directors, designers, choreographers, and musicians with deep roots in arts education—bring their expertise and passion to the judging process, recognizing excellence on and off the stage.

Named after Broadway icon and Houston native Tommy Tune, the awards honor the legacy of a performer, director, and choreographer whose dazzling career has earned nine Tony Awards. A proud Lamar High School alum, Tune has left an indelible mark on Broadway with legendary productions like Seesaw, My One and Only, Nine, Grand Hotel, and The Will Rogers Follies. In 2003, his contributions to the arts were further recognized with the National Medal of Arts.

Jimmy Awards

Of the 34 Tommy Tune Award nominees for Outstanding Performance in a Leading Role, two will be selected via a rigorous audition process adjudicated by a panel of industry professionals ultimately winning an opportunity to represent Houston and TUTS at the Jimmy Awards. The National High School Musical Theatre Awards® (the Jimmy Awards®) are a national celebration of outstanding student achievement, recognizing individual artistry in vocal, dance, and acting performance and elevating the importance of theatre arts education in schools. The Jimmy Awards are presented by The Broadway League Foundation.

Theatre Under The Stars is grateful to our Tommy Tune Awards sponsor, H-E-B.

AI’s Quiet Revolution: How Early 2026 Is Already Rewriting

the Rules of Work, Science, and Power

Who doesn’t love a good sci-fi movie? My favorite, Interstellar, is one I can watch over and over and still spot a fresh little nugget. Those cool, futuristic AI bits that feel eerily spot-on, like TARS, the calm, all-knowing robot with its dry humor and deadpan honesty, quietly guiding Cooper through impossible calculations and life-or-death decisions in the stars. And now we’ve got another oncein-a-decade gem, Project Hail Mary. If you haven’t caught it yet, seriously, grab tickets before it disappears from theaters. It’s the kind of flick that makes you sit up and think, “Wait… could this actually happen?” Especially when you see Ryland Grace, the regular-guy scientist, teaming up with Rocky, that super-smart alien engineer, to crack an existential puzzle and save two worlds through pure collaboration and clever problem-solving.

Here’s the kicker: the sci-fi future those movies dreamed up has already happened.

It kicked off in January, just like TARS rolling in to handle the heavy lifting. Boston Dynamics’ humanoid robots started factory tests at Hyundai plants, stepping off the screen and into the warehouse to do real physical work alongside humans.

February brought the kind of bold team-up you see in Project Hail Mary. SpaceX snapped up xAI for $250 billion, creating a $1.25 trillion powerhouse that’s mashing cutting-edge AI together with satellites, Starlink, and dreams of data centers floating in orbit. At the same time Google DeepMind dropped Gemini 3.1 Pro, a multimodal beast that nails abstract reasoning and science questions that would make most PhDs sweat.

By March the AI sidekick had become the full-on collaborator. OpenAI dropped GPT-5.4, and it now crushes marathon coding gigs and tricky legal stuff so well it can knock four hours off a seven-hour workday, exactly the kind of precise, tireless help TARS gave Cooper.

Then in early April came the quiet protector moment. Anthropic’s Claude Mythos 5, a massive 10-trillionparameter monster, proved so good at spotting cybersecurity weak spots the company straight-up refused to release it publicly. They only shared it with a group of forty tech giants so everyone could patch old software that, in some cases, hadn’t been touched in twenty years, like Rocky and Grace quietly fixing the ship before disaster strikes.

The cool part? It’s not just about throwing more power

at the problem anymore. These models have gotten smarter at thinking longer while they run, delivering expert-level or better results without needing insane training runs. Throw in xAI’s Grok 4.20 multi-agent setups and suddenly AI isn’t just answering questions. It’s juggling whole sequences of tasks, catching its own slipups, and iterating like an old pro.

But the most exciting stuff is happening in the labs. Google DeepMind’s Gemini Deep Think has graduated from math contests to tackling real open problems in physics, math, and computer science. It spits out solid proofs, shoots down old theories, and even helps write papers that are landing in places like Nature. Other tools from Sakana AI and MIT are now handling hypothesis brainstorming, experiment planning, and doublechecking. Scientists aren’t getting replaced. They’re finally free to focus on the creative, big picture stuff machines still can’t touch. Decades of discovery are getting squeezed into months.

And yeah, the money showed up fast. VCs dumped $242 billion into AI startups in the first quarter alone. That’s fourth-fifths of all global venture funding. The bet is clear. The next jump isn’t just code; it’s code hooked up to realworld hardware.

So what does this mean for the rest of us?

Knowledge work is about to get the same shake-up manufacturing got decades ago. Coding, legal drafting, analysis. Stuff that used to take years to master can now be handled with a solid prompt. We’re looking at huge productivity boosts, but yeah, real disruption too. New jobs will pop up around bossing AI around, checking its work, and keeping everything on track.

Science is speeding up like crazy. When an AI can dream up ideas, test them, and tweak them faster than any grad student, drug discovery, new materials, and big physics breakthroughs are going to fly. 2026 might end up being the year we stopped asking “Where do we get the next idea?” and started asking “How do we keep up with all these ideas?”

The question isn’t if AI will change the world anymore. It’s how fast we get used to one that already has.

So finish Project Hail Mary, grab some popcorn, and take a look around. The future isn’t on its way. It’s already sitting right here in the room with us.