Library hosts May 11th program for first time pet owners

Are you thinking of adding a pet to your life? Fort Bend County Libraries’ Cinco Ranch Branch Library will host a program for first-time pet owners on Saturday, May 11, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., in the Multipurpose Room of the library, located at 2620 Commercial Center Blvd in Katy. Learn about responsible pet ownership and choosing the right animal for one’s family and circumstances. Hear about different types of pets, their traits and characteristics, and their level of care. Costs for having a pet – including materials, supplies, food, medical care, and training – will also be discussed. Discover ways of buying or adopting a pet. This program is free and open to the public. For more information, see the Fort Bend County Libraries website fortbend.lib.tx.us.

Carriage Inn to hold Italian-themed Open House on May 11

Join the team at Carriage Inn, 1400 Katy-Flewellen Road in Katy from 1 to 3 p.m. on May 11th for an Italian-themed open house where you can meet the residents and tour the property while enjoying refreshments. Each guest will receive ingredients for a spaghetti dinner as they visit different areas of the community. To RSVP, call 281-769-5586 or email Rebecca at rborrello@cardinalbay.org.

Katy Library announces May programs

The Katy Branch Library at 5414 Franz Road in Katy, a part of the Harris County Public Library System, invites area residents to join these free activities:

· Story Time May 14 from 6 to 7 p.m.: at Mary Jo Peckham Park, 5597 Gardenia in Katy Join the Katy Library and Precinct 4 at Mary Jo Peckham Park every second Tuesday at 6 p.m. for an evening story time and craft!

· Knotty & Nice, May 15 and May 22 from 1 to 3 p.m.: Knit, crochet, craft, or just come and socialize! Knotty & Nice will take place at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (5373 Franz Rd) on May 22.

· ESL Book Club and Conversation Circle, May 15 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.: This program is for informal English conversation on any topic; participants are encouraged to read a book together to learn English.

· Book & Bite Club, May 23rd from 2 to 3 p.m.: Stop by the library to check out the book we are consuming this month. This month, this program will take place at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (5373 Franz Rd).

For more information call (281) 391-3509.

Maud Marks Branch Library schedules May offerings

The following free programs will take place in person at the Maud Marks Library, 1815 Westgreen in Katy, during the month of May. Please call 832-927-7860 for further information.

· DIY Workshop, Plaster of Paris-dipped flowers, May 14, at 2 p.m.: Join us as we create beautiful plaster of Paris-dipped flowers for decorating your home or gifting to loved ones. Registration is required for this event and seating is limited.

· Teen Anime Club, May 14, 4:30 to 6 p.m.: Calling all anime and manga fans ages 11 to 18 -- hang out with your fellow anime fans as we watch anime shows, discuss manga, and make anime-themed crafts. Snacks provided.

· Timeless Travelers, Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens, May 14: Seniors 55+ are invited to join the Maud Marks Library’s Timeless Travelers program for a trip to visit the Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens. The house is situated on 14 acres of organically maintained gardens that you can stroll through in Houston’s historic River Oaks neighborhood.

· After School Game Day, May16, 4:30 p.m.: Teens, tweens, and elementary-aged kids can drop in and play all the games! We will have a wide variety of tabletop and card games available. Warning: there will be laughs!

Have a smokin’ good time at the Smokin' Savvy Brisket Workshop on May 18

May is National Beef Month and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension of Fort Bend County wants to celebrate! The group has announced a collaborative effort between Fort Bend County's Livestock Coordinator, Kally Felcman, and the County Extension Agent for Family and Community Health, Nisa Khan. Together, they're hosting an engaging workshop on May 18th at 10 a.m. to delve into the art of smoking brisket, its nutritional benefits, and understanding how the cattle industry contributes to society. The "Smoking Savvy" workshop is just $25.00 and open to all who register in advance: fortbend.agrilife.org/fch/healthly-eating/smokin-savvy/ But hurry…space is limited! Participants will discover the secrets of beef brisket and its nutritional value in a relaxed and informative setting. Lunch and lots of healthy protein samples will be offered. The event takes place at the Fort Bend County Extension Office’s Education Center (behind main building), 1402 Band Rd., Rosenberg For more information, contact Amy L. Ressler at amy.ressler@ag.tamu.edu.