Pecan Grove Monthly_June 2026_1-20

PECAN GROVE

PUBLISHER

STEVE STRICKBINE Steve@texaslocalmedia.com

MANAGING EDITOR

ALICIA VENTER aventer@texaslocalmedia.com

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CINDY MOLINARI cmolinari@texaslocalmedia.com

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©2026 Pecan Grove Monthly. All Rights Reserved. Pecan Grove is a publication of the Fort Bend Herald. Our publishing headquarters is 1902 S. Fourth Street, Rosenberg Texas 77471.

A LOOK

Fort Bend County Master Gardeners grow in numbers

Fort Bend County Master Gardeners recently added 22 certified Master Gardeners to their ranks this spring.

Bud O'Shieles Community Center hosted the graduation celebration on May 13 welcoming new gardeners with diverse backgrounds, from an oil industry retiree, a recent graduate of the University of Houston, a registered nurse, a retired school teacher and a retired police officer. They come from throughout the county from Rosenberg to Missouri City and Needville to Weston Lakes. Their love of gardening brought them together for eight months of classroom instruction plus volunteer service. "The class as a whole contributed 2,424 hours," said Master Gardener Nancy Utech, who welcomed the more than 60 people to the ceremony.

"This journey was not always easy," continued Utech. "Some of you wondered if you could keep going; how you would fit in volunteer hours while working full-time or already juggling so many responsibilities, how you would pick up your kids from school, care for your families and still make time for this program.

"Like butterflies, you discovered your wings. Like bees, you worked tirelessly; sharing ideas, building connections and getting ready to pass on your knowledge to the Fort Bend community. You came into this program with seeds of possibility and through perseverance and hard work, those seeds are now blooming," said Utech.

The newly certified Master Gardeners, in alphabetically order, are: Judy Bodson, Judy Carley, Joyce Carter, Tina Cray, Alexandria Davis, Coach Jalon Debbs, Susan Fink, Alicia Hunter-Lynch, Debbie Jones, Anna Lee, Gus Lynch, Calina Moon-Kumula, Elissa Roesch, Martha Rushing, Esther Salazar, Julie Sawyer, Jackie Daniels-Sharkey, Kim Smith, Su Tang, Simon Tsai, Shekhar Vaidya and Nina Williams.

Judy Carley and Debbie Jones talked about the class' journey, what they learned and how they became a team. The program included a skit by the class and a Class Power Point Presentation.

Mentors to the class during their studies were Master Gardeners Peg d'Hemecourt, Shelly Beck and Ashok (Kumar) Vakamudi. D'Hemecourt introduced the graduating Master Gardeners to the audience and Beck and Vakamudi presented them with their certificates, aprons, name tags and T-shirts.

Beck also spoke about the accomplishments of the class during their road to certification.

"You are an impressive class. I love to see how you have all bonded as friends and how well you work together. I am excited to see the positive impact I know you will have on our organization and our community, and I look forward to working with each and every one of you. Congratulations and now, get growing!"

For information about Master Gardeners and how to become one, visit Who Are Master Gardeners? - Fort Bend County Master Gardeners.

5 Miles My Way

In-person sign-up day for 5 Miles My Way from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 27, at 727 Pitts Road in Richmond. Pecan Grove Volunteer Fire Department hosts its annual fundraiser on Independence Day each year, starting at the Pecan Grove clubhouse on Plantation Drive. Participants may bike, skateboard, roller blade, skates or walk the route. Proceeds benefit the fire department.

Popular Richmond retreat open day and night

BY DAVID STAYSHICH Special to The Herald

On Main Street in Richmond, between Fifth and Sixth Street ,is a beautiful garden that contains the largest oak tree in Fort Bend County. It is the First Baptist Church Prayer Garden, which is open to anyone day and night. While the property is owned and maintained by the church, visitors are welcome.

About 20 years ago, a church

member donated funds to landscape the property under the tree. Since then, it has been carefully maintained by a dedicated crew of church members. In addition to the awesome oak tree are pathways around the garden, a life-sized cross, a prayer labyrinth, a church memorial of past members and pastors, and several benches.

While many people are not aware of the Prayer Garden others come here regularly — some on a daily ba-

sis — to pray, to meditate and to enjoy the quiet. It is also a popular setting for wedding, graduation, family and miscellaneous photo opportunities.

In addition, each year, First Baptist Church conducts an Easter sunrise service in the Prayer Garden.

The church considers the prayer garden a gift from God to be shared with the city of Richmond. Everyone who visits the garden is encouraged to do so in a quiet, respectful manner.

Haygood Elementary School second-grader Luis Chavez, 8, spent one day last month selling lemonade out of his stand in front of SI Environmental

in Rosenberg. He was among 18 young entrepreneurs who took part in national Lemonade Day in central Fort Bend County.

Lemonade Day teaches the fundamentals of entrepreneurship, including business skills, financial literacy, teamwork, social and emotional learning, goal setting, and responsibility. With the guidance of mentors, participants learn how to plan, launch, and operate their own lemonade stand businesses. Along the way, they gain valuable lessons in setting goals, creating a plan, and seeing it through to achieve success. After repaying their initial investment, participants keep their profits and are encouraged to spend some, save some, and give some.

The Central Fort Bend Chamber of

Commerce hosts the event each spring in the Rosenberg, Richmond, Fulshear, and Needville communities.

This year’s event is presented by Si Environmental, with support from dedicated sponsors and community partners who are committed to empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs including Frost Bank, Brazos Valley Schools Credit Union, NewFirst National Bank and Texas Regional Bank.

Luis said Saturday’s event was the first time he opened a lemonade stand, and he looked forward to doing brisk business.

If the heavy traffic on Reading Road in front of SI Environmental was any indication, Luis should do well in his first business venture.

WCJC geology surveys wild west

By COLBY PRIMEAUX Special to the Herald

Wharton County Junior College geology professor Peter Anderson has spent the spring semester not only showing his students the great outdoors, but helping them understand it.

“The goal is to make more geologists,” Anderson said. “We want to show geology isn’t as unapproachable as it seems. This can be a career.”

The semester began with a dozen WCJC Pioneers exploring the Old West, with Anderson leading students in January, along with a contingent of students from the University of Houston and the University of Kansas, to Elephant Butte Lake State Park in New Mexico to study the migration of the Rio Grande River.

Students collected core samples to gather sediment and rocks for geochemical analysis and used drones to generate 3D photomosaics of the topography, enabling accurate and detailed remote research in the future.

The expedition included a visit to the Kilbourne Hole, a three-kilometer wide extinct volcano system which interacted with water between 20,000 to 80,000 years ago, resulting in an explosion that created a collapse structure, or caldera, bringing pieces of the Earth’s interior to the surface.

In addition to scientific research, students learned how to work alongside people they did not know as well as resilience in the cold and rugged terrain of New Mexico, Anderson said.

Some students were able to adapt to the expedition’s conditions better than others.

“We’ve had students sign up thinking this would be just a hiking trip, not realizing they’d have to learn to do science,” Anderson said. “We’ve had others, even

Helping Hands to host annual Feast on Fashion fundraiser

Rosenberg Richmond Helping Hands will host its third annual Feast on Fashion on June 26 at Safari Texas Ranch.

The luncheon and fashion show will begin at 11 a.m.

Runway sponsors are Classic Chevrolet-Sugar Land and Consolidated Home Health.

Bring friends and family and enjoy fashion from local boutiques, shopping, raffles, silent auction and much more.

though we told them what to pack, show up with just a sleeping bag and a cheap, thin tent.”

Students participating included Santos Osuna, Damon Burnes, Canaan Allen, Cameron Ero-Hughes, Gabriel Heimann, Rafael Herrera, Havel Hernandez, Makynzie Flores, Dakota Hall, Jacob Molina and Esmerelda Garcia along with geology professors Anderson and Kornelia Oostingh.

This expedition was just the beginning to the Pioneers’ adventures this year.

Anderson, who has taught at WCJC since 2018, led 21 students on a six-day trip to Longhorn Caverns State Park, Big Bend National Park and Enchanted Rock State Natural Area March 7-12 over spring break.

The trip was a joint venture by the WCJC geology department and Anderson’s student organization, the Adventure Sports and Outdoor Club.

“The shared goals were learning through experience,” Anderson said, “both in a scientific sense about the geology, paleontology, stellar processes, cave processes and river processes, but also applicable skills around camping, hiking and outdoor pursuits across Texas.”

There may still be the possibility of a coastal camping trip in Galveston in the works, as well as several summer activities.

The department, which had approximately 200 enrollees in geology courses this year, relies heavily on grants to make the larger trips possible.

The New Mexico trip was made possible by a $1 million National Science Foundation grant, for which 2026 is the third of four years. Anderson’s hope is the NSF grant will be renewed, leading to more partnerships with U of H, and eventually, WCJC leading their own expeditions with other community colleges.

It's time to grab your friends and enjoy a stylish midday break of fashion, fun, and philanthropy at Safari Texas in the beautiful Magnolia Ballroom. Feast on Fashion features the latest looks and from beloved area boutiques, all modeled in a lively runway show you won’t want to miss.Guests will enjoy a delicious luncheon, beverage service, a silent auction, a raffle, and our featured boutique pop-up shopping – before and after the fashion show—with fabulous finds for women, men and teens. There truly is something for everyone, and no one goes home empty-handed! Most importantly, your attendance helps make a difference. All proceeds support the programs and daily operations of Rosenberg-Richmond Helping Hands, furthering our vision that no child goes to bed hungry and ensuring local families have access to food, clothing, and hope when they need it most.

To reserve seats, become a sponsor or for inquiries regarding the event or making a donation, contact Becky Watts at Becky@ roserichhelpinghands.org | 713.542.0706. Learn more about our mission at www.roserichhelpinghands.org.

WCJC history instructor to attend teaching institute

Wharton County Junior College Instructor of History Paul Villa will spend this summer in Gettysburg, Penn., as a member of the American Battlefield Trust Summer Teaching Institute. Villa earned a scholarship to attend this year’s institute, which focuses on the Civil War, the American War for Independence and the War of 1812.

“The summer teacher institutes are designed to provide educators with the knowledge and experience to bring the events of these conflicts to life in the classroom,” Villa said. “I’m pretty excited about this opportunity.”

Villa, who retired from the Reno Police Department in Nevada, has taught history at WCJC since 2023.

The institute is open to educators across the nation. This year’s group will meet from July 9 to July 12 and attend symposia and tours related to three major American conflicts.

“Since I will be meeting with educators from all over the country, it is always profitable to share teaching approaches and experiences, especially as it relates to topics that are of particular interest to the instructor,” Villa said. “Finding new ways to ignite an interest in my students about our national history and heritage is something I am always searching for.”

19TH ANNUAL CINCO DE MAYO BENEFIT RAISES MORE THAN FOR MEALS ON WHEELS PROGRAM

$132K

BY SCOTT REESE WILLEY swilley@texaslocalmedia.com

Paul and Crystal Kropf of Richmond know first-hand how important the Meals on Wheels program is to Fort Bend County senior citizens. They and members of their roofing company, Final Touch Roofing on Rosenberg, helped deliver hot, nutritious meals

to the elderly folk for several years.

“They appreciate the meals, they certainly do, and they tell us,” Crystal said.

The Kropfs were among 300 kind-hearted donors who attended La Cocina Mexican Restaurant’s 19th annual Cinco de Mayo celebration benefit last month.

More than $132,000 was raised for Meals on Wheels — a record amount, organizers

said.

“This year’s Cinco de Mayo fundraiser was everything we hope for when we bring this community together,” said Meals on Wheels program CEO Doug Simpson.

“ A record amount raised, a full house at La Cocina, and a beautiful evening outside — all of it in support of seniors in Fort Bend and Waller Counties who count on us every

single day. The need is real — 1 in 6 seniors in this country faces hunger, and for many of the neighbors we serve, our daily delivery is the only face-to-face contact they receive. Events like this one remind us why we do this work.”

Simpson said the Meals on Wheels program is grateful to HEB for presenting the benefit and La Cocina for hosting the event year after year — “and to every person who showed up and gave generously. Together, we delivered!”

Andres Novoa, owner of La Cocina, was equally thrilled with the turnout and the record money raised.

“Giving back to this community means everything to me, especially supporting Meals on Wheels and the seniors who depend on it,”

Novoa told The Herald. “La Cocina has been part of the Pecan Grove community for over 20 years, and this event is our way of paying it forward. It’s only possible because of the incredible generosity of our supporters, sponsors, volunteers, and loyal patrons. I’m truly grateful to everyone who comes together each year to make a difference.”

La Cocina Mexican Restaurant and Catering hosted its 19th Annual Cinco de Mayo Fundraiser on Saturday, May 2, at the restaurant’s Pecan

Grove location.

A line had formed outside long before the doors opened at 5:30 p.m.

The event featured a live auction, bucket raffles, “Pay What You Pull” for a Burberry handbag, and La Cocina’s signature Tex-Mex cuisine. Besides presenting sponsor HEB, other sponsors: Staff Force Personnel Services, OCuSoft, and The Newton Real

Estate Group.

Live auction winners were David and Dan Howard, Staff Force Personnel Services, Legacy Ford

Texan Hyundai, Patty Newton, E P Compean Funeral Directors, Roy Cordes, Jr., Tessie O’Guinn, Mike Johanson, Tori Johanson, Chip Bryant, Dan Cheek and Anthony Artino. What began as a small event in 2005, raising $16,000 after owner Andres Novoa learned about the growing need to support

Marie

homebound seniors, has grown into the organization’s most impactful annual fundraiser, raising more than $800,000 to date.

The event continues to help ensure local seniors have access to nutritious meals and essential support services.

“We are incredibly grateful to Andres and the entire La Cocina team for their unwavering commitment to our seniors,” Simpson said.. “For nearly two decades, this event has not only raised critical funds but also

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brought our community together in a powerful way. Andres’ generosity and leadership have made a lasting impact on the lives of the seniors we serve.”

Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels delivers daily meals to homebound seniors across Fort Bend and Waller counties, many of whom live alone and are unable to shop for or prepare food. In 2025, the organization served more than 369,000 meals and supported over 2,100 seniors through the home-delivered meal program, 6 senior centers, and transportation—at no cost to those served.

“Rising costs and reductions in government funding over the last 12 months have made community support more important than ever,” Novoa explained. “We’re proud to continue this tradition and invite everyone to come out, enjoy a great evening, and crush hunger for seniors in our community. Our seniors need us more than ever!”

Missed the benefit but still wish to help Meals on Wheels? Contact Novoa at 281-460-6479 or Meals on Wheels at 281-233-7049, or visit bit.ly/cinco2026. Donations made directly to Fort Bend Seniors are tax-deductible.

Founded in 1974,

Fort Bend Seniors

Meals on Wheels is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of seniors through nutritious meals and human connection. The agency provides nutritious meals, daily wellness checks, and social engagement to seniors in Fort Bend and Waller counties ensuring that no senior is left hungry or isolated.

Learn more or donate at www. fortbendseniors.org.

YMCA of Greater Houston launches campaign to better serve Fort Bend County

Meaningful investment will focus on construction of a new Richmond facility and updated amenities for the community to enjoy

The YMCA of Greater Houston has launched its T.W. Davis Family YMCA Capital Campaign, a multiphase effort to strengthen and reimagine a longtime community resource serving Fort Bend County.

Phase 1 of the capital campaign will focus on the core building of the T.W. Davis Family YMCA, including construction of a more than 36,000-square-foot facility in Richmond.

“This campaign represents a meaningful investment in the future of this community,” said Stephen Ives, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Houston. “For decades, the T.W. Davis Family YMCA has been a place where people of all ages come together to build healthier lives and stronger connections. Through this capital campaign, we are positioning the nonprofit as an organization actively meeting the evolving community’s needs while ensuring access and impact for generations to come.”

Phase 1 represents an investment of approximately $16.6 million, inclusive of building and campaign-related costs. The campaign has already secured $11.96 million toward the project, including a $2.5 million contribution from Fort Bend County and $1 million from the City of Richmond.

Future phases will further expand amenities and services at the T.W. Davis Family YMCA.

Planned features include a modern lobby, a welcome area, a gymnasium, wellness and group exercise studios, a dedicated youth program space, locker rooms and outdoor gathering areas. These updates are designed to create a more welcoming, functional and

accessible environment for members and program participants, Ives explained.

The Richmond Y has been closed since March 2020 due in part to the Covid-19 pandemic but also due to its age.

Plans call for the present building to be remodeled and the 19-acre property updated with modern athletic and recreational fields and facilities, lobby and common areas, child watch and kids adventure room, multipurpose rooms, intergenerational facilities, gymnasium, as well as multipurpose group exercise studios, lockers, aquatics, administration offices, outdoor pavilion, outdoor trails and much more, said Jess Stuart, community outreach coordinator for the YMCA of Greater Houston.

The campaign's fundraising efforts are being led by a dedicated Capital Campaign Steering Committee, chaired by Dr. Jacquie Baly, an entrepreneur, professor, and philanthropist committed to improving community health and wellness resources, Ives added.

The committee also includes former Fort Bend County Judge Robert E. “Bob” Hebert, who brings decades of public service

experience to his role as honorary chair.

"Fort Bend County has grown significantly in the last 20 years, and this campaign will deliver an improved T.W. Davis Family YMCA that meets the needs of our expanding community,” said former Fort Bend County Judge Bob Hebert. “We are all working together to make good things happen in Fort Bend.”

Dr. Jacquie Baly, president of BalyProjects LLC. and former Sugar Land councilmember said some of the most meaningful milestones aren't personal — “they're shared with the community we call home.”

“The T.W. Davis Family YMCA Capital Campaign is about investing in families, in futures and in the strength of the Fort Bend Community,” she said.

The YMCA of Greater Houston will keep the community updated on the project's progress as the campaign moves forward. For more information and the latest news, please follow us on Facebook @ TWDavisFamilyYMCA. For more information about the YMCA of Greater Houston, please visit www. ymcahouston.org.

OTHER KEY UPGRADES INCLUDE:

• Expanded parking

• A wellness center on the second floor with walls of glass to let in natural light and provide visitors with a view of the outdoors

• Expanded lobby to include more seating, coffee bar and deli counter.

• Six pickleball courts

• Heated outdoor swimming pools

• Remodeled ball fields with turf instead of sod to keep maintenance fees down

• Two tennis courts

• Parking spaces for food trucks, a common request by visitors.

• A mini-pitch, which is a small soccer pitch surrounded by raised walls so that the ball rebounds and is always in constant play.

• Outdoor restrooms (In the past, visitors playing outside had to go inside to use the restroom)

• A separate free-standing building for day camps.

• Roll-in sporting equipment, such as softball backdrops, soccer goals, etc.

Zimmerman joins The George Foundation Board of Trustees

The George Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Joe R. Zimmerman as its newest Trustee.

Zimmerman will serve a 10-year term on the Foundation’s five-member Board of Trustees, succeeding Dr. Jim Condrey, who recently concluded a distinguished decade of service.

Mr. Zimmerman brings a wealth of leadership experience and a deep commitment to the Fort Bend County community. He currently serves as a Senior Consultant with Turner & Townsend Heery, where he provides project and program management expertise across a wide range of industries. His professional background spans homebuilding, land development, consulting engineering, and municipal utility operations. Notably, his career includes

international experience as Program Manager for a major infrastructure project in Tripoli, Libya.

In addition to his professional

accomplishments, Mr. Zimmerman is well known locally for his public service.

He served as Mayor of Sugar Land from 2016 to 2025, following four years as a City Council member. During his tenure, he led the city through several major challenges, including natural disasters and periods of significant growth, demonstrating steady leadership and a strong commitment to community resilience.

The George Foundation’s Board of Trustees is composed of five Fort Bend residents and community leaders who guide the Foundation’s mission and stewardship. Founded in 1945, the Foundation leverages its resources to create a positive impact in Fort Bend County. Through strategic grantmaking, the Foundation supports nonprofit organizations in

serving our community in the areas of Education, Health & Wellness, Human Needs, Affordable Housing, and Community Enhancement.

Since its inception, the Foundation has invested more than $330 million to strengthen the community and expand opportunities for its residents. In addition to its grantmaking efforts, The George Foundation awards approximately $1.7 million in scholarships annually to local students pursuing higher education.

“We are excited to bring Joe’s leadership, local perspective, and diverse skill set and experience to the Board of Trustees to continue the pursuit of Albert and Mamie George’s vision,” said Board Chair Steve Ewbank.

Tye Blue nominated for Tony Awards

Tye Blue has been nominated for two Tony Awards and his musical has been nominated for two more.

Tye Blue, who grew up in Fort Bend County, and other members of the production team, were nominated for four Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Book of a Musical category for Titanique.

“What is Titanique? Titanique is what happens when good and crazy friends get together to simply have fun. No agenda, no delusions of grandeur or visions of success, just pure camaraderie, stagecraft, and joy,” Blue explained. “It started as a scrappy pop-up concert, held together with my credit card and scotch tape, and eventually found its way Off Broadway with producer Eva Price, growing beyond anything we imagined. As I look at Titanique now, on Broadway, with productions continuing to take shape around the world, I remain in awe of this queer little engine that could.”

Reviews of the play have been complimentary.

“An unsinkable hit! The funniest musical currently on Broadway,” said Dave Quinn with People Magazine.

“The audience weeps tears of hysterical joy,” said Johnny Oleksinski with the New York Post.

Exhilarating lunacy! A wild joy-

ride,” said Elisabeth Vincentelli with the New York Times.

Competing against Titanique in the Best Musical category are Schmigadoon!, Two Strangers (Carry A Cake Across New York) and The Lost Boys. Likewise, Titanique will compete in the Best Book of a Musical against Schmigadoon!, Two Strangers (Carry A Cake Across New York) and The Lost Boys.

Marla Mindelle, Constantine Rousouli and Tye Blue will share the honor if Titanique wins Best Book of a Musical.

The "book" of a musical refers

to the script, including all spoken dialogue, storyline, character development, and dramatic structure that holds the show together, distinct from the songs and lyrics.

Titanique also has been nominated in the Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Marla Mindelle) and Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical (Layton Williams).

Blue is a writer, director, producer and former actor/singer. After graduating from Needville High School, Blue went to Berkley College of Music in Boston for a year before transferring and finished at Sam Houston State University.

He has been working on this show for 10 years and he and the show has been all over the world — Montreal, Sydney, London, Paris, Chicago and of course New York with him directing the show in all these cities.

Blue won an Olivier and Lucille Lortel award for the musical.

His mother is Rhonda Howell and his maternal grandparents are Ronnie and Sue Howell. His father is Jim Bacchetta and his stepmother is Michelle Bacchetta. His paternal grandparents are Vincent Bacchetta and Lea Bacchetta.

This year’s Tony Awards will return

to the legendary Radio City Music Hall in New York City on Sunday, June 7. Hosted by music superstar and global icon P!NK, The American Theatre Wing’s Tony Awards will broadcast live to both coasts on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+ from 8-11 p.m. Eastern time and 5-8 p.m. Pacific Standard Time.

Nominations in 26 competitive categories for the American Theatre Wing’s 79th Annual Antoinette Perry Tony Awards® were announced today by stage and screen stars Uzo Aduba and Darren Criss. The nominees were selected by an independent committee of 55 theatre professionals appointed by the Tony Awards Administration Committee. The 2026 Tony Awards are presented by The Broadway League and the American Theatre Wing.

Legitimate theatrical productions opening in any of the 41 eligible Broadway theatres during the current season may be considered for Tony nominations. The 2025/2026 eligibility season began April 28, 2025 and ended April 26, 2026. The Tony Awards will be voted in 26 competitive categories by 857 designated Tony voters within the theatre community.

Libraries’ annual summer reading challenge underway

Among the array of pressing topics analyzed in Fort Bend households, concerns about literacy rates and general reading skills are at the forefront of more current daily discussions.

According to the organizations Literacy Texas and the National Center for Education Statistics, Texas has the fourth-lowest literacy rate at 81%, with 19.0% of adults lacking basic prose literacy skills. The state also ranks fourth lowest in the number of libraries, with 3.2 per 100,000 residents.

Evidenced by its free collection of supportive programs and services, reading and literacy support has always been prioritized at Fort

Bend County Libraries.

Thus the need for the library system’s annual Summer Reading Challenge is in the spotlight.

“Unearth a Story” is the theme for the 2026 Summer Reading Challenge, which is divided into categories: youth, middle school, and young adult/adult, with prizes varying with each group. There is no cost to register online or in person at any of the libraries in the system.

Online registration for the 2026 Summer Reading Challenge begins on Monday, May 25, and continues through August.

That’s right, you can start the challenge anytime during the

The challenge runs from June 1 through August 31. To complete the challenge, participants must log their summer reading hours or the books they read completely at any of the 11 county libraries or online at fortbend.beanstack.org.

In the February 2026 report, “Child Reading Literacy and the Role of Public Libraries: A Review of Secondary Sources,” the Institute of Museum and Library Services found, among other key points, that “[p]ublic libraries play an important and multifaceted role in the literacy ecosystem […] acting as resource hubs that offer reading literacy materials for children and caregivers, as direct service providers of programs like summer reading, and as conveners of other community organizations devoted to improving

children’s reading literacy.”

Fort Bend County Libraries has been infusing the local literacy ecosystem for decades. Just last month, the system was recognized and honored by Fort Bend County Judge Daniel Wong, who emphasized that Fort Bend County Libraries’ “mission to bring people, information, and ideas together remains the cornerstone of our progress, fostering a diverse community where minds are expanded, and lives are enriched.”

Beyond serving as a reference and independent learning center, Fort Bend County Libraries also functions as an educational introduction for preschool-aged children by continuously enhancing preschool programs, book collections, audiovisual materials, educational toys, and story kits. Notably, initiatives such as the Summer Reading Challenge also significantly aid Fort Bend County

Libraries’ efforts to encourage and foster literacy development and growth.

The 2026 Summer Reading Challenge is open to everyone, regardless of their county of residence, making it one of the easiest and most beneficial ways to add free and wholesome recreation to summertime enjoyment. Coinciding with the three-month-long reading challenge are complementary library activities for youth and young adults taking place throughout the library system. These activities are listed online at www.fortbendlibraries.gov in the events calendar.

YOUTH

The Youth Summer Reading Challenge | Ages: Newborn-grade 5

Younger children (newborn to grade 5) are encouraged to read or listen to as many books as they can, and they will earn rewards based on the total number of books they read or have read to them. For the first five books read, the child will receive a bookmark. The rewards continue with a color-on door hanger for 10 books, a color-on tote bag for 15 books, and a reading trophy for the first 20 books read. For every 20 books read, the participant’s name

will also be written on a cut-out shape of a dinosaur to be displayed in that branch library.

Drawings for puppets will take place weekly. The names of readers who complete the goal of reading 20 books or more will be entered into a drawing for gift cards donated by the Friends of the Library organizations. One winner from each library location will be selected in a drawing that will take place in early September.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

The Middle School Summer Reading Challenge | Grades 6 - 8

Exciting free activities are planned, while area readers in grades 6-8 participate in the Middle School Summer Reading Challenge by logging online the time they spend reading. Upon completion of 10 hours (600 minutes) of reading, readers will receive a mystery prize. After completing 20 hours (1200 minutes) of reading, they will receive a trophy. The names of participants who complete 20 or more hours of reading will be entered into a drawing for a $25-gift card (donated by the Friends of the Library) that will be awarded to one lucky reader at each branch library, in a drawing that will take place in early September.

TEEN/ADULT

The Teen/Adult Summer Reading Challenge | High School & Adults Young adult and adult participants will also log their reading time, aiming for 1,000 minutes to complete the challenge. The completion prize, while supplies last, is a “Libraries are Life” notepad, which can be picked up at any Fort Bend County library. In addition, the names of participants who log at least 1,000 minutes of reading time will be entered into a drawing for a Libraries are Life Note Organizer that will be awarded to one reader at each branch library in a drawing that will take place at the end of August.

An ultimate grand prize will be awarded to one reader from throughout the library system. Participants in the Teen/Adult Summer Reading Challenge who complete the program by logging 1,000 minutes of reading time will be entered into a drawing for a 32-GB Fire HD 8 tablet, which will be awarded to one winner in the library system at the end of August.

HOW TO REGISTER

Register at any Fort Bend County library or online at www.fortbendlibraries.gov by clicking on the “SRC

Sign-Up” image, which will become available on May 25. Once the online registration form is completed, readers will have a personal online page to record their books and reading time.

Participants may also register and log their books and reading time by downloading the free Beanstack Tracker app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. Reading rewards can be redeemed beginning Monday, June 1.

The last day to pick up awards is August 31. All prizes can be picked up at the Adult Reference Desk at any Fort Bend County Libraries branch.

The Summer Reading Challenge is sponsored by Fort Bend County Libraries, the Friends of the Library organizations that support the county library system, and by the Collaborative Summer Library Program, a consortium of states working together to provide high-quality children’s summer-reading program materials for public libraries.

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

OakBend Medical Center demonstrates commitment to community with updated financial assistance policy

In alignment with its mission to provide exceptional, compassionate health care for our community, regardless of ability to pay, OakBend Medical Center has a Financial Assistance Policy for patients with a demonstrated inability to pay for services. The policy reaffirms OakBend's dedication to ensuring access to quality care for individuals facing financial constraints.

Recognizing the diverse economic landscape of our community, OakBend Medical Center has developed a Financial Assistance Policy to better serve patients who demonstrate an inability to cover medical expenses. This program, meticulously crafted with the community's well-being in mind, offers support to individuals and families based on specific criteria, including household income, the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines, and OakBend’s Financial Assistance Policy.

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JOE FREUDENBERGER, CEO, AT OAKBEND MEDICAL CENTER

"We understand that healthcare should be accessible to everyone, regardless of financial circumstances," stated Joe Freudenberger, CEO, at OakBend Medical Center. "Our Financial Assistance Policy reflects our ongoing commitment to prioritize patient care and alleviate financial burdens for those in need."

OakBend Medical Center encourages individuals seeking information related to the Financial Assistance Policy to reach out to the dedicated

team in OakBend’s Patient Access Department. Patients and their families can connect with a knowledgeable representative by calling 281-6334074.

The institution's steadfast dedication to providing comprehensive healthcare services underscores its role as a cornerstone of the community. Through initiatives such as the Financial Assistance Policy, OakBend Medical Center remains steadfast in its mission to serve with compassion

and excellence.

OakBend Medical Center’s mission is to provide exceptional, compassionate health care for our community, regardless of ability to pay. As the last remaining independent, nonprofit hospital in the Greater Houston area, OakBend is committed to excellence and meeting the needs of all patients. The hospital provides inpatient and outpatient surgical specialties, a catheterization lab, emergency care, wound care, imaging, laboratory, cardiopulmonary, and nutritional education. OakBend also stands apart with unique programs and facilities, including the county’s only No-Wait Hospital Emergency Room, a hospital-based skilled nursing facility, and a permanent hospital-based air ambulance.

For more information about OakBend Medical Center and its services, visit https://oakbendmedcenter. org/.

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That’s the difference between practicing medicine and leading it. For you.

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