Get toasted before you head to Nutcracker Market at Toasted Nutcracker Experience Nov. 13

Just want to go to the Nutcracker Market and shop with friends and family hassle-free? Then the Toasted Nutcracker event on November 13 is definitely for you. Eat, drink, and be merry at the Toasted Yolk in Katy before boarding a bus bound for the holiday market. Get energized with a breakfast buffet, enjoy some bubblies for your morning pick me up, step on board for chauffer service in a luxury bus to the grand Houston Nutcracker Market so you can shop 'til you drop. Relax your feet and hydrate on the bus after a successful day of shopping for loved ones. Bush 1 departs at 8 a.m. from The Toasted Yolk, 98 W. Grand Parkway South #100 in Katy. Purchase your ticket at https://armorofhopefoundation.org/the-toasted-nutcracker/. Only a few spaces left.

Save the date for Carriage Inn’s third annual Casino Night on Nov. 13

Local seniors are invited to join Carriage Inn residents on November 13 from 4 to 6 p.m. for the community’s third annual Casino Night. The event at 1400 Katy Flewellen Rd. in Katy promises a high-stakes night of fun and excitement, featuring classic casino games, sparkling drinks, delicious hors d’oeuvres, and a chance to win big. Guests can enjoy an evening of gaming, laughter, and great company—no luck required! Bring a friend along for the fun, meet and mingle with Carriage Inn residents, and get acquainted with the community. Tours will be available. Free to attend. RSVP by November 6 at 281-759-1781.

Tropicon Book Expo featuring USA TODAY best-selling authors comes to Aloft on Nov. 14

Want to meet best-selling authors in person? You’ll have your chance to do so at the Tropicon Book Expo on November 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Aloft by Marriott Katy Mills, located at 25330 Kingsland Blvd. in Katy. Hosted by Texas native Lynessa Layne, Tropicon is a one-day book signing dedicated to bringing local indie authors to the area for readers. In this technology age, the art of reading a physical book is often lost but Layne hopes to bring this to the local charm of Katy while helping authors achieve their goals.

Among those attending is USA Today Bestselling authors, Mariah Kingsley, Finley Brown, and Lynessa Layne. Popular small town and Claymore award winning author, Leigh Hall will be present as well. International award-winning novelist and American Fiction award winner Cris Burl will be having his launch party celebrating his newest release, “Two for the Road.”

For more details regarding Tropicon Book events, please visit https://www.tropiconbookexpo.com/about-3.

Gardeners invited to free freeze-protection program on Nov. 14

Fort Bend County Master Gardener Deborah Birge will talk about "Mastering the Texas Freeze-Winter Maintenance & Survival Tactics" on Nov. 14 at Enchanted Forest in Richmond. The free program-part of the Landscape Success series will be offered from 3-5 p.m. Enchanted Forest is located at 10611 FM 2759. Birge of Richmond has been a Master Gardener since 2002 and has written articles about this topic. See article.Oct-Nov.Preparing-for-Freeze.pdf. Landscape Success is an online program offered by

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Fort Bend County, along with the Fort Bend County Master Gardeners to help create and maintain home landscapes.

Help Fort Bend shelter pets during Patsy’s Pet Merket’s annual laundry soap drive now thru Dec. 31

Patsy’s Pet Market is conducting its annual laundry soap drive for Fort Bend County Pets-Fort Bend Animal services starting now through the end of the year. Owner Patsy McGirl says that the shelter uses a lot of laundry soap in order to clean pet beds, blankets and towels. All kinds of detergent(liquid or powder) will be acceptd any may be dropped off at Patsy’s Pet Market at 1644 S. Mason in Katy.

Morton JHS to hold 7th annual community cookout on Nov. 19

Morton Ranch Junior High, 2498 N. Mason in Katy, will hold its seventh annual community cookout from 5:30 to 7:30 on November 19. Local businesses will have tables offering opportunities to connect with MRJHS families. Free entry and everyone is welcome.


Transgenter Day of Remembrance set for Nov. 19 at Mary Jo Peckham Aquatic & Fitness Center

Katy Pride LGBTQ Inc. and Trans Voices Houston will hold a remembrance ceremony and vigil on November 19 from 6 to 7 p.m. at Mary Jo Peckham Aquatic & Fitness Center, 5597 Gardenia in Katy. Free to attend.

Mark your calendars for LaCenterra’s tree lighting on Nov. 20

The LaCenterra shopping complex at 23501 Cinco Ranch BLvd. in Katy is kicking off the holiday season with its annual tree lighting ceremony on November 20 from 5 to 9 p.m. In addition to watching the tree light up, enjoy festive activities, live entertainment, local vendors, and holiday fun for all ages. Take a photo with the gitan gift boxes. Free to attaend. For additional information, go to