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A milestone more than five decades in the making was reached this week as Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels delivered its 8 millionth meal to Juanita Navarro, a local senior in Needville.
The achievement marks an important chapter in the nonprofit’s 52-year history of serving older adults throughout Fort Bend and Waller counties.
What began as a community effort to address senior hunger has grown into a comprehensive support system providing nutritious meals, wellness checks, transportation, and social connection to thousands of seniors each year, Meals on Wheels execs say.
For Chief Executive Officer Doug Simpson, the milestone represents much more than the number itself.
“Eight million meals represents eight million opportunities to care for someone,” Simpson said.
“Every delivery means a senior received not only nourishment, but also a friendly visit and reassurance that someone cares.”
Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels serves adults age 60 and older in Fort Bend and Waller Counties at no cost to clients who qualify based on need.
The agency served more than 369,000 meals in 2025 and continues to respond to increasing demand among older adults.
For many clients, the meal delivery is about more than food. The familiar knock at the door often serves as a daily wellness check and an important source of human connection. Volunteers delivering meals may be the only
person some seniors see during the day.
“Our mission has always been about more than a meal,” Simpson added.
“We help seniors maintain their independence, remain safe at home, and stay connected to their community.
” The organization delivers meals designed to meet at least one-third of recommended daily nutritional needs and provides additional support services to help older adults age in place.
The 8 millionth meal comes at a time when local senior nutrition programs face increasing pressure from rising operational costs and uncertain government funding. Yet community support has continued to sustain the mission. Behind the milestone are thousands of volunteers, donors, staff members, and community partners, who have helped make each delivery possible over the years. From delivering meals, volunteering at senior centers, and supporting fundraising efforts, community involvement remains central to the organization’s success.
Rosenberg publisher releases new children’s book
‘Sasha’s Secret Gift’ teaches children that their differences are their greatest gifts
A deeply moving new story for young readers is emerging from Rosenberg as Richmond author A.M. Villarreal releases her debut children's book, Sasha’s Secret Gift.
Tailored for children ages 4 to 8, the book marks the arrival of a vibrant new voice in children's literature. Though she relocated to Austin two years ago, A.M. Villarreal is a proud Rosenberg native whose deep ties to the area remain a central part of her identity.
The launch represents a true celebration of local talent and enterprise. The book is being released by Amblewood Press, an independent publishing house based right here in Rosenberg. Additionally, the company's founder, Connie Hernandez, grew up in Richmond, making the entire project a homegrown Fort Bend County collaboration.
schools, and libraries to share a story that teaches children that their differences are actually their greatest strengths.”
“I want children to know not to be ashamed of the gifts God has given them,” said author A.M. Villarreal. “I knew I was different as a child, so I always kept quiet out of fear of being called different. I hope this book helps other children not have to experience that.”
While celebrating the milestone, organization leaders say their focus remains on the future and ensuring local seniors continue receiving the support they depend upon.
“One meal may not seem like much,” Simpson said, “but to the person receiving it, it can mean comfort, security, and hope. Reaching 8 million meals reminds us how powerful community support can be and how much work still lies ahead.”
For more information about Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels or opportunities to volunteer or donate, visit fortbendseniors. org.
Sasha’s Secret Gift follows the journey of a young girl named Sasha who feels deeply isolated and different from her peers because she is spiritually gifted. As Sasha navigates the overwhelming experiences of understanding her unique gift, she finds solace and guidance in her grandmother, who ultimately helps her name and embrace her remarkable gift.
“We are incredibly proud to bring Angelica’s debut children's book to the world,” said Connie Hernandez, founder of Amblewood Press. “As someone who lives and runs my business in Rosenberg, it is an honor to champion a fellow Fort Bend na tive. We structured this book specifical ly to captivate early readers, and we can't wait for local families,
Sasha’s Secret Gift was officially released on Tuesday, June 16, and is available online at Amazon.com.
ABOUT AMBLEWOOD PRESS
Based in Rosenberg, Texas, Amblewood Press is an independent hybrid publisher dedicated to discovering fresh voices and elevating faith-based storytelling.
Doug Simpson, chief executive officer of Fort Bend County’s Meals on Wheels program, delivers the agency’s eight millionth meal to Juanita Navarro of Needville. The Meals on Wheels staff also presented her with a colorful bouquet of balloons.
Juanita Navarro
THE GROWTH FACTOR
CITY LEADERS SAY FOUNDATION LAID NOW FOR PROSPEROUS FUTURE
The city of Richmond is growing by leaps and bounds and city leaders say the community is primed for even more growth in the near future.
That’s the message shared by Mayor Becky Haas and City Manager Terri Smith during Thursday’s State of the City Address.
The event was hosted by the Central Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce and took place at Safari Texas Ranch in wayout Richmond.
The theme of this year’s address was “Built on Legacy, Focused on the Future.”
Haas took a few moments to discuss the city’s rich legacy. She began by reminding the crowded room of Richmond’s rich heritage. Richmond was established in 1837, only a year after the fall of the Alamo and the subsequent Battle of San Jacinto, which won Texas its independence from Mexico. Many important people have called Richmond home over the years, including Jane Long, known as the Mother of Texas,
and Mirabeau B. Lamar, the second president of the Republic of Texas and “Father of Texas Education.”
Over the past 189 years, the city has grown and prospered, she said.
It was named the 2025 Scenic City of the Year by Scenic Texas and recognized nationally for its charm.
“This is a statewide honor that reflects years of coordinated effort to keep the city both beautiful and forward-looking,” she said.
Richmond was also recently recognized nationally as one of the seven small towns near Houston that feel like a Hallmark movie, she said. “Travelers Elixir chose Richmond for its store downtown and downtown charm. It was further described as having an unhurried atmosphere and historic roots. The other six cities named were Minnesota, Brenham, Round Top, Belleville, Thompson, and Keenan.”
Richmond was also named one of the cutest towns by Southern Living magazine in 2024, which Haas said will certainly entice folks all over to come check Richmond out.
The city employs 186 people, who Haas credits with helping the community earn accolades by the travel industry and make it the wonderful place it is to live, work and play. One of those workers is Jim Whitehead, who celebrated 40 years of service to the community, Haas noted.
She also took a few moments to talk about the city finances and how city leaders spend tax dollars to benefit the community.
The 2026 budget totals $58.6 million. She said the Richmond City Commission, which she leads as mayor, has steadily reduced the property tax rate year after year until it now sits at 63 cents.
“The budget supports infrastructure, public safety, utilities, and city services, while maintaining responsible financial management,” Haas assured the audi-
Richmond Mayor Becky Haas attributed much of the city’s success to its 186 employees who help make it the wonderful place it is to live, work and play.
Richmond Mayor Becky Haas shares a laugh with Howard Cohen, who attended the annual State of the City Address as a representative of Schwartz, Page & Harding LLP, which does legal work for MUD districts throughout Fort Bend County.
ence.
She said city commissioners recently voted to increase the homestead exemption to 4% with a $5,000 minimum for fiscal year 2027 while the over 65 exemption will remain at $6,000.
Haas said she is proud to announce that the city’s finance department earned The Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Association for its 2025 budget. “This was the 20th year that award has been won by the city. It’s the highest form of recognition in the governmental budgeting, and reflects the commitment Richmond’s governing body and staff on meeting the nationally set principles.”
Major projects include a new city hall, infrastructure improvements, and a public-private partnership to revitalize the old fire station. (News flash: Jim Flores and wife plan to open Pier 36 Oyster Bar & Grill in the location in the near future).
Haas said the city also received accolades for its emergency response and water management efforts and noted that the city has contributed to the grand remodeling of the YMCA on Thompson Road. She said the new facility is scheduled to be completed and open sometime in 2027.
City Manager Terri Smith discussed the new City Hall at 1517 Thompson Road.
She said the new facility “will become our new home, a modern, efficient, and community-focused facility.
“And today, that vision is becoming a reality as construction continues to progress,” she noted. “We anticipate beginning the transition of some of our city offices early in September of this year. Believe me, we are thrilled, because what makes this project truly meaningful is not just what we are building, it’s how we’re doing it. This principle reflects a fundamental principle of good local government delivering the greatest value possible for the residents by repurposing an existing
structure rather than constructing a new facility from the ground up.”
She said the Richmond City Commission is making a smart, sound financial decision, one that allows the city to invest in its future while remaining responsible stewards of our taxpayers’ resources.
“In government, every dollar has a destination,” Smith said. “Our responsibility is to ensure those dollars work hard as the people who earn them. This facility represents an investment, not simply an expense, an investment in efficiency, in accessibility, and in public service, and an investment in the longterm future of Richmond.”
The return on that investment will not be just measured only in dollars saved, but in services delivered, time preserved, and opportunities created for our residents and all of our businesses, when complete, Smith added.
“Richmond will, for the very first time, bring essential city service together under one roof,” she explained.
“That means less time navigating government, fewer operational inefficiencies, and better coordination amongst all of our departments, all while creating a more convenient experience for our public. In other words, we’re not just building city hall, we’re building a facility that works better for everyone who uses it. And another first, yes, our mayor will finally have an office, exactly what staff and I would like her time, a space where residents can walk in, they can take care of business, whether that’s paying utility bills, attending municipal court, participating in pre-development meetings, or engaging directly in city commission meetings. The design brings us together purpose and accessibility, a commission chamber that invites public participation, an emergency operations center that strengthens our readiness and administrative offices that allow our team to collaborate more
Dr. McCrea and Dr. Willow Meline have been creating healthy, beautiful smiles in Richmond/Rosenberg since 1994. Their goal is to work with each patient to produce the best possible outcome based on the patient’s individual needs and desires.
Richmond Mayor Becky Haas talks with Tim Studenrouch with Planned Community Developers and Marvin Marcell with Develop Richmond before the start of the annual State of the City Address.
CONGRATULATIONS to
the 2026 Graduating Class of LCISD
3,413 LCISD graduates take part in commencement
Commencement 2026 is in the book, at least for 3,413 Lamar Consolidated ISD seniors.
LCISD held its commencement ceremonies on Saturday and Sunday at the Epicenter in Rosenberg.
Walking the stage were 830 Fulshear High School seniors, 423 Lamar Consolidated High School seniors, 728 Foster High School seniors, 495 Randle High School seniors, 562 George Ranch High School seniors, and 375 Terry High School seniors.
“We did it!” Foster High School Student County President Abbigail Licari told her fellow graduates on Sunday.
Few could be more proud of the seniors than the people who oversee education at LCISD — members of the school board and Supt. Dr. Roosevelt Nivens.
“Congratulations to the Class of 2026,” said School Board President Jacci Hotzel. “We are so proud of all your hard work and the dedication that has brought you here today. We’re rooting for you, and we can’t wait to see what you
Foster High School senior Alyssa Hohman will attend the U.S. Naval Academy after high school. She was among a handful of Foster seniors who were recognized for their desire to defend their nation.
LCISD GRADUATING CLASS
accomplish next.”
Board Vice President Jon Welch was equally proud of the seniors. “Today is a big day for our graduates and their families, and a big day for our district as we come together to celebrate the Class of 2026,” he told graduates from each campus. “Congratulations on all your accomplishments and best of luck in your future endeavors. We believe in you!”
Trustee Suzanne Box told seniors that commencement is a huge milestone in their lives. “It is our duty as trustees to help commemorate it together with all of you, our newest Lamar CISD graduates,” she said. I encourage each of you to stay involved in your community, to look for ways to serve others and to bring your very best to everything you do, now and in the future.”
Trustee George Arroyos told seniors that education is one of the most valuable things they can acquire in their lifetimes. “There’s just no telling what amazing places (education) might take you to,” he said.
“Your being here today is a testament to years of hard work, and I encourage you to never stop learning, no matter where life takes you.”
Board member Monica Henderson asked the seniors of each campus whether they were ready to walk the stage, because trustees were certainly ready to see them graduate.
“Congratulations on all that you’ve accomplished throughout all your years in school, and may all your dreams and goals help lead you to amazing adventures, meaningful work, and a life filled with passion and purpose,” she said.
As the graduates stop and think about the years of their lives they have dedicated to earning their high school diploma and the future ahead, “make sure you take time to think about all the ways you have grown and all the lessons you have learned,” Trustee Zach Lambert told all 3,413 graduates.
“Be grateful for those lessons. Yes, even the hard ones, because they shaped you into who you are today, and all that you are going to accomplish in the future,” he added.
From left are Logan Acayan, Devin Able-Winston and Hala Abdalla – who led seniors out of the back room and into the arena where graduation took place.
Foster High School seniors Madilyn Ziegler and Emery Zebold wait for commencement to begin on Sunday at the Epicenter in Rosenberg.
The family of Foster High School senior Jurni Rivers turned out in matching T-shirts.
Right at 728 Foster High School seniors walked the stage on Sunday at the Epicenter in Rosenberg. Altogether, 3,413 LCISD seniors took part in commencement this past weekend.
LCISD GRADUATING CLASS
Trustee Vanessa Marsters encouraged the graduates to celebrate their big day. “Celebrate with your classmates and loved ones and don’t forget to tell them how much their support has meant to you,” she said. “You have accomplished so much, but the truth is, it’s only the beginning. From all of us on the Lamar CISD Board of Trustees to all of you, congratulations on your graduation day!”
LCISD Supt. Dr. Roosevelt Nivens also gave a shout-out to the graduates. “You worked hard for this moment for years, and I want you to know we are so proud of you,” he said. “From Pre-K to right now, your senior year, every single lesson, every challenge, every setback, every moment of growth has brought you to today.” He told graduates that what they think of themselves is more important than what others think about them.
“Believe in yourself. Speak life into yourself,” he said. “Remember, what you think about you matters, and it matters more than what anybody else thinks about you.”
He assured the seniors that they are more than ready for what lies ahead.
“The world you are stepping into may feel uncertain at times,” he said. “There will be challenges. There will be moments when things don’t go your way and things don’t go as planned. But that’s life. You’re ready for life.”
Foster High School senior Alana Acosta’s family arrived early to grab front row seats.
Johnson makes good on football
BY JOEL LUNA jluna@texaslocalmedia.com
Playing football from a young age, George Ranch’s Josiah Johnson made the varsity squad for the Longhorns in his senior year, which worked out well as he earned an opportunity at playing at the next level.
The 5-foot-7, 125 pound safety will next play at Division III Westminster College, the home of the Blue Jays in Fulton, Mo.
“I went ballistic in my junior offseason by training and working out trying to make this happen,” Johnson recalled. “I put in a lot of work, which meant no off days for me, and what helped the most was the consistency that I kept with those workouts. Whether training with the trainer or by myself, I was destined to play at the next level and that dream wasn’t going to escape me.”
Johnson spent his freshman season playing with the freshman team, and in the next two seasons he played with the Junior Varsity A team.
“Right after the season I went to a Senior Showcase and that was where Westminster saw me,” Johnson said. “They told me that they liked my film and wanted me to go for a visit, so I went. I had never heard of them until they contacted me afterwards, so I searched where it was at and what it looked like. I liked the engineering program that they had, because that was my interest in the visit as well. But the Westminster coaches also liked my physicality on the field.”
Westminster College wasn’t the only program that had noticed the Longhorn.
“I also got offers from Allegany College from Maryland, as well as Centenary from Louisiana and Clark University from Massachusetts, which was pretty cool,” he said.
Johnson trained with Jerome Howard right after his junior year, and also worked out with former University of Houston standout Greg Ward Jr.
“I mainly worked out one-on-ones with Greg and as soon as I started working out with him he opened my eyes to some of the things that I was doing wrong,” Johnson said.
Ward Jr. went undrafted but he hooked up with the Philadelphia Eagles as a wide receiver.
Currently he is playing in the UFL with the Dallas Renegades.
“Along with the one-on-ones we did a lot of foot work and worked on my speed also,” Johnson said.
“Those were intense workouts and I can’t thank those guys enough because of how they helped me develop so much.”
Johnson didn’t disappoint on the field with George Ranch, finishing with 40 tackles, 20 solo and 20 assists, while getting an interception which he brought back for a 20-yard gain. He also caused a fumble.
“I had actually played cornerback since I came in as a freshman, but the coaches decided to try me out at safety and I stuck,” Johnson said. “I liked the safety position more because the corner position is so far away from the action. The the safety position fit me perfectly.”
It was a long, tough season for the Longhorns on the field finishing 3-3 in District 20-6A and 5-6 overall for the season. But George Ranch pulled out a crucial district game against Alief Taylor (28-24) where Johnson played a part in the victory.
“I had quite a few moments for the season but my biggest one was during that game because Taylor was driving on us,” Johnson added.
“We had stopped them at the 1-yard line and they were about to win the game, but myself and a teammate went in after the quarterback after he called a draw, but we got there at
the same time and cleaned them up to ice the game on the last play of the game.”
Westminster College plays in the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference.
The Jays finished 2-5, 4-6 in 2025.
“When I went on my visit I thought the guys on the team were good because they seemed like a big family, and they were always talking about campus life, the team and of course food,” he said.
For his one season on varsity, Johnson accomplished what he set out to do.
“It was an amazing season and I
loved it, because I was free to go out and play the game,” he said. “I played to the best of my ability, without any worries anywhere. This game has meant a lot to me since the early days and I can’t explain why it means so much to me, but I always wanted to be involved with the sport. I do know that football has shaped me into the person I am today.”
This summer Johnson is training to prepare for some Blue Jay football.
“I think it will be a fun experience, but to me it will be an experience of the game I love at the collegiate level,” he said.
George Ranch Longhorn’s Josiah Johnson will head to Missouri to play football at Westminster College home of the Blue Jays in Fulton.
I Only Have Fangs for You
BY TERI MATHIS Special to The Herald
INTERACTIVE CAMPY COMEDY IS DOWNRIGHT FUNNY THROUGHOUT
I Only Have Fangs for You, written by Craig Sodero, can be seen at Cast Theatrical Company’s temporary home at 1117 First Street, Rosenberg — the former First Baptist Church on Highway 36 at Avenue I. This season’s melodrama may be one of the best this company has staged and that’s saying something because there have been some doozies.
The production runs through June 28 and tickets are still available.
As we settled into our seats, I reminded myself that the show would probably be enjoyable enough — after all, it is directed by Stephanie
Phillips and she is known for her theatrical excellence. What a pleasant surprise! If you’ve been longing for a campy comedy, this is it. I have never heard so much audience laughter, interaction and all-around appreciation as I did for Fangs.
Starting with the four friendly ghosts: Roger Bauer (the GOAT at Cast, but no lines to memorize this time), Sylvia Powers, Sylvie Parris and Erica Garcia-- all looking scary but having an important function in the plot.
As the play unfolds, the looong-term resident of Rattrap Manor, Count Fritz Fangful, believes a prophecy about his life is being fulfilled by the
arrival of Greta Belleneck, played by Sofia Uribe, who has inherited the seedy hotel.
Otiz (O.T.) Porter’s Count is the most dazzling vampire ever and he plays his role with a gusto that keeps the audience enthralled. His physical presence on stage is solid and this gifted actor squeezes every drop of dark humor out of his character. Though he is deserving of the boos and hisses, there’s a lovable quality in his funny badness.
The vulnerable heroine Greta must defend herself against the Count’s amorous advances and she does a stellar job. The convincing girly-girl would-be hotelier attracts not only the Count but also the handsome plumber, Able Abe. Played by Yankee transplant Tom Rayder, Abe is the hero intent upon saving his lady love from the blood-thirsty Count. Do not assume that this scenario is generic for I assure you, it is anything but. The dialog is layered, crisp and is delivered with comic flair.
Upon her first visit to Rattrap Manor to plan its transformation into a resort, Greta is accompanied by her Aunt Chatterbit, played lustily by Danielle Mari. Danielle has never been cast in a role too big for her. Aunt Chatterbit could have been that role, but no, she devours it and seems to have an appetite for more!
Every vampire master must have a servant – enter Igor. Greg Griffin’s Igor is probably the bestcast member of any play I’ve every seen. His yin to the Count’s yang make up the most outrageous pairing and Igor’s antics brought tears to the eyes of the laughing audience. I will think of Greg now every time I encounter an Igor.
At long last, we come to Ana Madrigal, who plays Miss Lotta Pain. This woman exudes onstage ability and Cast is fortunate to have her back. Her droll delivery ultimately leads to the denouement which is both hilarious and satisfying. Whew! Can she act!
The opening of Act II is an absolute stunner, thanks to Brittany Stephenson. What talent we find on the Cast Theatrical stage! Director Stephanie Phillips has her way with several popular songs which you will find quite amusing. Ellen Graham is her excellent Assistant Director with Sally Thompson as Stage Manager. Kudos to Megan Harris with her well-placed rimshots. And we can never forget the Queen of the Box Office, Alicia Meier.
To the set designer and builders (Jim Hernandez, Glen Myska, David Smith, Nick Guerrero, Marc Pirtle, Joe Wilson, James Leshikar, J. Ryan Hernandez, Roger Bauer and Frank Plut), we thank you for a ‘killer’ set!
The production runs from June 5 through June 28, 2026. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays, doors open at 7:00 PM. Sundays, doors open at 2:00 PM. Concessions are available for a much-appreciated donation and include soda, wine, cookies and other munchies. As always, melodrama tickets sell out quickly so visit www.CastTheatrical.com or call 832-889-3808.
But wait! There’s more! Cast will be making the announcement we’ve all been waiting for regarding the future home of the beloved theater. Come enjoy this delightful thespian offering and learn the fate of the longest-running theater in Fort Bend County! Here’s to another 37 years!
Playing Igor and the Count are Greg Griffin and Otiz Porter. Performances take place at Cast Theatrical Company’s temporary home at 1117 First St. in Rosenberg, the former First Baptist Church on State Highway 36.
Tom Rayder and Sofia Uribe play Able Abe and Greta. The production runs through June 28.
The cast of I Only Have Fangs For You are, back row, from left, Sylvia Powers, Danielle Mari, Otiz Porter, Andrew Phillips, Tom Rayder, Sylvie Parris and Roger Bauer. Front row, from left, are Ana Madrigal, Erica Garcia, Greg Griffin and Sofia Uribe.
Susan Krewson shows off a Coach brand handbag she won during OakBend Medical Center’s annual Power of the Purse fundraiser on Friday.
POWER
BY SCOTT REESE WILLEY swilley@ fbherald.com
purse of the
OakBend’s benefit raises more than $50K for local health care
Susan Krewson was all smiles Friday evening.
And for good reason.
She was an expensive designer handbag during the OakBend Medical Center’s annual Power of the Purse fundraiser.
Krewson, a guest at a table sponsored by Joe and Doris Gurecky, was among dozens of women — and a few men — who gathered at The Club at Pecan Grove to play rounds of Bingo in hopes of winning the prized purses. Krewson left with a Coach brand purse.
Organizers said they were thrilled to have every seat sold before the event began.
“We were very excited that the event sold out,” said Reagan Duffey, a spokesperson for the Medical Center.
“The event is growing bigger each year.”
She said the benefit raised more than $50,000.
The event raised more
than $46,000 last year as well.
The pre-sale tickets purchased buyers a tasty meal and opportunities to vie for the handbags.
Those guests who didn’t get the opportunity to yell “BINGO!” still had plenty of opportunities to take home a nice purse thanks to raffles, second-chance drawings and other fun games of chance.
“This fun and lively event puts a fresh spin on bingo, where guests play for the chance to win beautiful designer handbags,” organizers say. “With good food, exciting prizes, and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s an evening you won’t want to miss.”
All proceeds from Power of the Purse support OakBend Medical Center’s mission to provide exceptional, compassionate health care for our community, regardless of ability to pay.
“Every ticket helps make a difference for patients and families across Fort Bend County and surrounding areas.” OakBend CEO Joe Freudenberger said.
Once again, OakBend Medical Center Board of Directors President Jeff Haley emceed the event and served as number caller. He was assisted by Ray Aguilar, who provided amusing color commentary that kept diners and players chuckling throughout the evening.
Guest speakers included Dr. Tracy Stammann, a family practitioner, who encouraged guests to find a doctor who listens and communicates effectively; Dr. Huong Tong, a board-certified family medicine physician, who spoke on hormonal replacement therapy; and Dr. Genna Lubrano, a surgeon, who spoke about colorectal cancer.
Jeanette Mathews also won a prized purse. She and fellow guest Theresa
Hargrove both Bingoed at the same time. A quick game of dice decided that Mathews would take home the Coach brand denim crossbody purse and Hargrove was presented with another handbag.
Mathew, who sponsored a table in memory of her late daughter, Adriane Matthews Gray, said she will likely donate the purse to the Lunches of Love, which Adriane founded and which has an annual fundraising auction.
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 NoWait Hospital Emergency Room, a hospital-based skilled nursing facility, and a permanent hospital-based air ambulance.
Bingo Baddies Sarah Shimek, Amber Barbee, Tammy Rome, Karen Smith, Abby King, Carol Lynch and Terri Mund wore matching shirts to bring them luck.
Bingo winners Jeanette Mathews and Theresa Hargrove celebrate after they both win handbags during the first game of Bingo.
Joe and Doris Gurecky sponsored one of the tables at the annual fundraiser, which raises funds for local health care.
Theresa Hargrove is all smiles after winning her prized purse.
Sitting at the Huntington/Cadence Bank table are, from left Tiffany Bryant, Tonia Nicholas, KaShana Bray and Nicole Patrick.
Breah Campbell and Kelli Odum wait for fellow guests to arrive at the table sponsored by SI Environmental.
KolacheKlobaseFestival
The 25th Annual Sugar Plum Market benefit returns Nov. 4-7.
‘Once Upon a Sugar Plum Market’ is a festive, joyous time to shop for loved ones, make new connections and give back during the most wonderful time of the year—and this year we are thrilled to celebrate the Silver Anniversary of the Sugar Plum Market!
Fort Bend Junior Service League (FBJSL) is excited to announce the 2026 Sugar Plum Market Co-Chairs Holly Barker, Darcholcia Easley, Molly Kolle, Jacquetta Madgett, Ursula McLendon, and Stacey Schwab. This volunteer team of FBJSL members have already been hard at work planning this beloved Fort Bend County tradition.
Centre from November 4-7, with a special Preview Night Celebration kicking off the event on Wednesday, Nov. 4.
“We’re thrilled to unveil this year’s Sugar Plum Market theme: Once Upon a Sugar Plum,” shared Michelle Vargas, the incoming FBJSL President for the 2026 Sugar Plum Market. “This year we ‘turn the page’ and celebrate 25 incredible years of Sugar Plum with amazing vendors, whimsical entertainment, photos with Santa, a return of our Fashion Show and much more!” The 2026 Sugar Plum Market will take place at the Stafford
25th Annual
The Sugar Plum Market, hosted by the Fort Bend Junior Service League and Title Sponsor Memorial Hermann Sugar Land, stands as the organization’s premier fundraising event.
Since its debut in 2001, it has successfully raised over $5 million, supporting numerous nonprofit organizations throughout Fort Bend County.
The Sugar Plum Market and the Fort Bend Junior Service League appreciate
your support in their charitable mission. Businesses and individuals can explore a range of sponsorship and underwriting opportunities, while the Market is also accepting donations for its Premium Raffle. For more information, visit www. sugarplummarket. com and follow us on social media
The Fort Bend Junior Service League (FBJSL) is an organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women, and to improving the Fort Bend County community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Our purpose is exclusively educational and charitable as well as providing an atmosphere of friendliness, goodwill and camaraderie for all members.
Proceeds from various events and fundraisers have made it possible for FBJSL to donate more than $6 million to non-profit agencies in the Fort Bend community since its inception in 2001. Contact us at http://www.fbjsl.org or publicrelations@fbjsl.com.
SugarPlum Market
THE 2026 Sugar Plum Market Co-Chairs are, front row, from left, Molly Kolle, Stacey Schwab, Jacquetta Madgett and Darcholcia Easley; back row, from left, Ursula McLendon and Holly Barker.
LIBRARY OF THINGS OPEN
Community-driven initiative pilot program that aims to end ‘a cycle of wasted spending and limited access’ debuts at George Memorial Library
A community-driven initiative that began nearly a year ago with two high school seniors has reached fruition and is ready to debut to the Fort Bend public. It’s called the Fort Bend County Libraries Library of Things, and its purpose is adequately expressed in the name — a collection of things people can borrow from the library.
“We were both frustrated by the constant need to purchase expensive, one-time-use items,” explained one of the high schoolers, Rishan Hemrajani, who, at the time, was president of his school’s Technology Student Association and had built nationally recognized TSA projects. Fellow classmate and se-
nior, Kyle Nguyen, who was the senior class president, agreed, recalling how often a one-time-use item was needed when he was organizing large school and community events.
The duo said they considered the challenges they experienced with having to purchase one-use items “a cycle of wasted spending and limited access.”
Operating beneath the Fort Bend County Libraries system, The Library of Things allows people to borrow useful and oftentimes expensive items, from tools to tech and gadgets to games, for free — just like books. The program promotes sustainability, saves money, and encourages sharing by giving everyone access to donated items they may need occasionally or want to try before making a purchase.
Items currently found in The Library of Things include binoculars, a telescope, a power and moisture meter, a projector with WiFi and Bluetooth, a selfie ring light, a Smart Pen (Scanning dictionary pen), a Metal Detector, Hayner-seek studio headphones with a microphone, Hayner-seek podcast equipment, a thermal camera, a gimbal stabilizer, and a portable cassette player.
George Memorial Library, 1001 Golfview in Richmond, is the launching site for the pilot program, which opens June 8.
To be eligible to check out an item from The Library of Things, the library user must be at least 18 years old, a Fort Bend County resident, and have a full-service or homebound library card. The patron must also provide valid photo identification and proof of residence at check-out.
For more information, please visit www.fortbendlibraries.gov.
FROM VISION TO REALITY
Beyond being classmates at Jordan High School in Katy, Rishan Hemrajani and Kyle Nguyen were also active members in the Fulshear Branch Library’s Young Adult Advisory Council. It was through involvement with that specific library program that they came to understand the library’s role as “a hub for innovation, sustainability and community connection,” Hemrajani explained.
Motivated by this, the two high schoolers brainstormed a solution to the one-use purchases that would help
the community at large: “A shared collection where neighbors could borrow rather than buy,” they explained.
With the desire to help serve some 900,000 county residents across 11 library branches, they reached out to Fort Bend Libraries Library Director Roosevelt Weeks with a proposal. “What we thought might go unanswered quickly turned into a meeting with library leadership,” said Hemrajani. “And within weeks, the ambitious concept became a county initiative.”
In the months that followed, through social media campaigns, community engagement, and local media, the students amassed a collection for The Library of Things from donations from all corners of the county.
Now, the Fort Bend community can benefit from their vision.
“What began as a grassroots effort steadily grew into a collection of hundreds of items,” said Hemrajani and Nguyen. The project, they added, “stands as both a reflection of Fort Bend County Libraries’ mission and a testament to the remarkable leadership of two students.”
Rishan Hemrajani (left) and Kyle Nguyen (right) pose with items donated to the Library of Things.Photo Courtesy of Rishan Hemrajani
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