The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. in Conference Room 2 of the Cinco Ranch Branch Library.

The book to be discussed is “Midnight Champagne,” a novel by A. Manette Ansay.

Ansay’s fourth novel sashays between dry, Midwestern humor and tender, warm-hearted compassion when blushing bride April and her groom-to-be Caleb find themselves and a host of friends and relatives trapped at the Hideaway Lodge in the midst of a raging, Valentine’s Day snowstorm.

A brothel-turned-nondenominational event-hall, the lodge has a questionable reputation that sets the tone for this slightly-Gothic wedding tale, which includes mysterious strangers, a murder, and a ghost or two.

The handful of relatives, with their own histories of betrayal, divorce, alcoholism, and shame, serve as guides to the legacy of love and misfortune in the wedding couple’s family tree. They find that April and Caleb’s nuptial celebration is a loud, rude comment on their own thwarted romantic lives.

Copies of the book are available at the checkout desk.

Anyone interested in joining the literary review club is invited to attend.

For more information, call the branch library at 281-395-1311.

New members are always welcome.

The next meeting of the Fulshear Book Club will take place on Monday, Feb. 20. The meeting will begin at noon in the library’s meeting room.

The book to be discussed is “The Art of Racing in the Rain,” a novel by Garth Stein.

The Fulshear Night Readers Guild will meet on Monday, Feb. 27, beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the library meeting room.

The book to be discussed is Empire of the “Summer Moon,” by S.C. Gwynne.

Anyone interested in joining either of the literary review clubs is invited to attend. 

For more information, call the branch library at 281-633-4675.

MILLIE

CAP spokesperson Rita Benton said Millie was “unceremoniously dumped” at the shelter last October and is yet to find a home.

“Millie has no bad habits, is cuddle bug, has a wonderful personality and is full of love to give to the lucky person that adopts her. I guess everyone wanted kittens for Christmas,” Benton said. “Fortunately, Millie is settled down and there will be no ‘midnight crazies’ for her adopter to deal with.”

Benton went on to say Millie would make an ideal house pet for a loving family.

To make Millie a part of your family, go to the CAP website at www.cap4pets.org or call the shelter at 281-497-0591 for adoption information.

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LifeGift President and CEO Sam Holtzman said Garcia’s appointment would help bring additional perspective to the board.

“The addition of Sheriff Garcia to the board of directors is significant for two reasons.  One, he represents an organization that is familiar with making sacrifices for the well-being of others, which is what our donors and donor families do,” Holtzman said. “Secondly, Sheriff Garcia brings his Hispanic heritage to the table, which will help us continue to shape the attitudes and beliefs of Hispanics when it comes to donation.  It is critical that we push the message of donation to this community as Hispanics make up more than half of those waiting for a lifesaving transplant in Texas.”

Garcia oversees the largest sheriff’s office in Texas and the third-largest in the nation. 

Last August, the sheriff announced that his workforce of 4,000 law enforcement and civilian employees would become a Workplace Partner for LifeGift.  Spearheaded by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, the Workplace Partner initiative encourages employers – large and small – to save and enhance lives through promoting organ and tissue donation in their workplaces.

“In law enforcement, we see people lose their lives far too often, so partnering with LifeGift to help save lives just made sense,” said Garcia.  “I’m looking forward to serving on the board of directors and exploring how the two organizations can align strategically on more initiatives to increase the level of awareness in Harris County about the importance of registering as organ and tissue donors.”

A native Houstonian, Garcia is a former Houston police officer. In 2003, he was elected to the Houston City Council.  During his service at city hall, he chaired the council’s Public Safety and Homeland Security committee and served as mayor pro-tem. 

Garcia returned to law enforcement in 2009 when he was elected as Harris County Sheriff.

The classes will consist of a hands-on introduction to basic skills for people who would like to learn more about using these computer programs.

• The “MS Publisher Survival Basics” class for version 2007 will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 14, beginning at 10 a.m. in the Computer Lab.
• The “MS Excel Survival Basics” class for version 2007 will take place on Thursday, Feb. 23, beginning at10 a.m. in the Computer Lab.
• The “MS Word Survival Basics” class for version 2007 will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 28, beginning at 10 a.m. in the Computer Lab.

The classes are free and open to the public. Seating is limited, however, and reservations are required.

To register online at the library’s website at www.fortbend.lib.tx.us, click on “Calendar,” select “Cinco Ranch Branch Library,” and find the program.

Participants may also register in person or by calling the library at 281-395-1311.

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Each dollar raised from the Fun Run/Walk will support Katy’s first comprehensive heart program at CHRISTUS St. Catherine Hospital.

The sanctioned, certified, chip-timed 5K Fun Run/Walk event will include a 5K Run, 1 Mile Kids Run, a 1 Mile Family Walk/Run, race awards and an after party with food and music.

Awards will be given to the top three male and female participants in each category, to the overall male and female 5K Run participant and to the top three boys and girl participants in the 1 Mile Kids Run.

“CHRISTUS St. Catherine Hospital is committed to encouraging healthy living, education, and most of all, community support.” said Dana Mersiovsky, chief development officer at CHRISTUS St. Catherine Hospital. “The community looks forward to the annual Run/Walk as a way for families to raise awareness of heart disease, as well as honor loved ones living with or lost to heart disease.”

The family-friendly day will begin at 6:45 a.m. at CHRISTUS St. Catherine Hospital, 701 S. Fry Road in Katy, with late registration and packet pick-up. Ayanna Mack from MIX 96.5 will emcee the event beginning with announcements and race line-up at 8 a.m.

The 1 Mile Kids Run for ages 12 and under begins at 8:15 a.m., followed by the 5K Run at 8:30 a.m. and Family Walk/Run at 9:15 a.m.

Kids Zone sponsor Chick-fil-A and its famous cows will provide food during the after party, and MIX 96.5 will provide music and entertainment.

Event participants will be treated to post-race leg stretches and calf massages provided by CHRISTUS St. Catherine Hospital Sports Medicine.

Registration rates are $30 per 5K participant, $20 per 1 Mile Kids Race participant and $15 per 1 Mile Family Walk participant.

Event day registration rates are $35 per 5K participant, $25 per 1 Mile Kids Race participant and $20 per 1 Mile Family Walk participant.

Packet pick up day will be on Wednesday, Feb. 8 and Thursday, Feb. 9 from noon – 7 p.m. at Luke’s Locker at 23501 Cinco Ranch Boulevard, suite J-200.

For more information on registration, sponsorship opportunities, packet pick-up or CHRISTUS St. Catherine Hospital’s cardiac program, visit www.CHRISTUSStCatherine.org or contact Dana Mersiovsky at 281-599-6696 or e-mail dana.mersiovsky@christushealth.org.

The luncheon will take place this Friday, Feb. 3 at the Houston Marriott Energy Corridor Hotel with State Sen. Glenn Hegar as the featured speaker.

Hegar is expected to discuss the ongoing redistricting controversy and other topics of importance facing the state.

In addition, outgoing chamber officers will be recognized and incoming officers will be installed.

Networking for the will begin at 11 a.m. with the meal served at 11:30 a.m.

The cost is $30 for Katy Chamber members and $40 for non-members. Tables for eight people are $275 and tables for 10 are $350.

Reservations are required and must be prepaid by 5 p.m. today.

To make reservations or for more information, contact the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce at 281-391-5289.

Reservations can also be made online at www.katychamber.com.

The Houston Marriott Energy Corridor Hotel is located at 16011 Katy Freeway.

"DECO"

Deco is a six-year-old Lab/Weimaraner mix weighing in at 69 pounds.

CAP spokesperson Rita Benton described Deco as “housetrained and a very handsome fellow.”

“He likes other dogs and cats and he would do great with older kids and adults,” Benton said.

To make Deco a part of your family, go to the CAP website at www.cap4pets.org or call the shelter at 281-497-0591 for adoption information.

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Are you wondering what the social networking craze is all about?

Fort Bend County Libraries will present a special class called “Facebook Set-Up for Senior Citizens” for older adults who would like to learn more about the popular social networking site.

The program will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 8, in the meeting room of the Bob Lutts Fulshear/Simonton Branch Library in Fulshear.

Those attending should have a basic working knowledge of computers and must have a personal e-mail account before attending the class.

The class is free, but seating is limited and reservations are required.

To register online at the library’s website, www.fortbend.lib.tx.us, click on “Calendar,” select “Bob Lutts Fulshear/Simonton Branch Library,” and find the program.

Participants may also register in person or by calling the library at 281-633-4675.

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Curtain time will be 8 p.m.

The program will include such compositions as “Fanfare for the Kennedy Center” by Ron Nelson, “Spirituals for Strings” by Morton Gould, “New Morning for the World (Daybreak of Freedom)” by Joseph Schwanter, “Make Our Garden Grow” from Candide by Leonard Bernstein, “Old American Folk Songs, Set One” by Aaron Copland, “Rhapsody in Blue” by George Gershwin and the “Battle Hymn of The Republic.”

The guest conductor will be Dr. Jonathan Babcock from Texas State University-San Marcos.  The guest artist will be Dr. Timothy Jones from the University of Houston. 

Tickets are $8 for adults, $5 for students and $5 for Katy ISD Gold Card members.  

For more information, contact Shannon Carter at shannonkcarter@katyisd.org.

Turner Duran Architects designed the new 12,000-square-foot  Connections Center and sanctuary that will open in Old Town Katy near Fifth Street and Avenue B, according to a First United Methodist of Katy news release.

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Ducks Unlimited is the recognized global leader in wetlands conservation.

Puddle for the Ducks will start and finish in front of Sun & Ski Sports on Saturday, Feb. 4. The ride will begin at 7 a.m.

Ducks Unlimited, founded in 1937, works to conserve, restore and manage wetlands and associated habitats for North America’s waterfowl, including ducks and geese.

Over the past few decades, natural habitats have rapidly diminished.

The Katy prairie that surrounds Katy Mills has historically provided important wintering habitat to migrating waterfowl and has benefited from conservation efforts by Ducks Unlimited and their conservation partners. Two restored wetland projects are just south of Katy Mills and will be referenced during the bike ride.

Participants can choose from a 25, 37, 45 or 70 mile bike route. The registration fee is $30 through Jan. 30. Registration will be $35 thereafter.

Following the ride, registered riders will be offered a light lunch and the opportunity to win a bike.

For more information or to register for the bike ride, go to www.puddlefortheducks.org or call 713-669-9810.

HAPPY

Happy came to CAP after he was turned in for adoption by his former owner. The owner got a new dog that Happy didn’t get along with, so Happy found himself homeless.

CAP spokesperson Rita Benton said Happy had some health problems, but his future now looks bright – as long as he can find a home.

“He had heartworms and has now been treated for that, but a grade three heart murmur has lingered. This may, or may not, get better as time goes on,” Benton said. “He is not on any meds for it at this time.”

Since he has been around females his whole life, Happy is uncomfortable with men and small children.

“He is looking for an experienced, all adult home with only females. He is very sweet and loving, once he bonds with you, and can be very playful,” Benton explained. “He would be okay as an only dog or with another Chihuahua that will not intimidate him. He is house-trained.”

To make Happy part of your home, go to the CAP website at www.cap4pets.org or call the shelter at 281-497-0591 for adoption information.

Scholarship awards are available for up to $2,000 per academic year to Fort Bend County students who will be attending a four-year college or university program, and up to $1,000 per academic year to students enrolling at two-year community/junior colleges or technical schools.

To be eligible for scholarship consideration, applicants must be a graduating high school senior whose parent or legal guardian is a current or honorably retired peace officer, reserve peace officer, correctional officer, emergency medical technician/paramedic, firefighter or 9-1-1 dispatcher serving with a governmental or volunteer emergency response agency within Fort Bend County.

Behind the Badge Charities emerged following the line-of-duty death of Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Deputy J.D. Norsworthy in January, 2011.

“The Fort Bend County Deputy Sheriff’s Association gave us an opportunity to bring the greatest good from deepest tragedy,” said Detective Robert Williams, who is president of the foundation. “With raw emotion and the endless support of our friends and donors we organized and hosted a benefit fundraiser that was successful beyond our expectations.”

Through that fundraiser, held last March, the charity was able to establish trust funds for the Norsworthy children and also provided emergency assistance grants for several sheriff’s office personnel.

Williams said the foundation wanted to expand the charity’s reach “to be more responsive to all public safety professionals working in Fort Bend County.”

The organization is planning its next fundraiser to coincide with National Police Week, May 12-17, with the fundraiser scheduled for Friday, May 18 at the Stafford Centre.

“The goal of this year’s fundraiser will be to establish a permanent endowment for scholarships and the Injured Officer Emergency Assistance Fund,” Williams said. “Every day our public safety professionals place themselves in peril to keep our communities safe. This is an opportunity for the community to assist these real life heroes in their moment of need.”

To obtain a scholarship application, visit Behind the Badge Charities on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BehindtheBadgeCharities or e-mail BTBC.scholarship@gmail.com. 

Completed applications must be postmarked by March 31, 2012.

To obtain more information about the fundraiser on May 18 or to donate, contact Robert Williams at 281-7035512 or e-mail BTBC.fundraiser@gmail.com.