Waller County Sesquicentennial kickoff set for April 28

Waller County is celebrating its sesquicentennial, with official kickoff festivities set for 10 a.m. April 28 at the Waller County Courthouse in Hempstead.

At 12 p.m. that day, the Hempstead Garden Club will host a sesquicentennial tea and fashion show at The Grand Texana, 53447 Highway 290 E. in Hempstead. At 6:30 p.m., the Sesquicentennial Queen’s Pageant will be held at the Hempstead High School auditorium, 801 Donoho St. in Hempstead.

The April 28 events are the first of a series of activities to celebrate the sesquicentennial, the official date for which is May 5. Community activities are also planned for various Waller County communities, including Katy, a part of which is in Waller County. For more information, visit the Waller County website co.waller.tx.us. From the website click the Waller County Sesquicentennial (150th) Celebration link. Information is also on the Facebook page Waller County Sesquicentennial 05/05/23.

Dog adoption event set for April 29

Mancuso Harley-Davidson Crossroads is hosting a dog adoption event from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. April 29 at its facility, 12710 Crossroads Park Dr.

The event features animals for a cause, a 50/50 raffle and live music. A package of four tacos and a drink will be available for $12. Proceeds will benefit Give Us Paws, a Houston-based nonprofit that provides subsidized and free training of eligible candidates' dogs as assistance animals. According to its website, the organization focuses veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress (PTSD), Military Sexual Trauma (MST), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and limited mobility. Subsidized services are also provided to civilians determined to be disabled under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

For more information about the event, call 713-510-3713.

Fort Bend County Clerk Laura Richard receives Exemplary 5 Star Award

The vital records division of the Fort Bend County Clerk’s office, under the leadership of County Clerk Laura Richard, has earned the highest marks for the year 2022 receiving the “Exemplary 5 Star Award” from the State of Texas Vital Statistics Unit.

With a total of 335 eligible local registrar facilities, only 18 or 5% received the exemplary status. The criteria include registering 100% of birth and death records within one business day, attending regular trainings, having an excellent record of customer service, data quality and implementing strong security of records.

On April 11, the Fort Bend County Commissioners Court presented Richard with a proclamation in recognition of receiving the prestigious award of the Exemplary 5 Star registration status. “The Honorable Laura Richard strives for excellence in areas such as understanding the importance of vital statistics and its impact on the citizens of Texas, staying current with the latest legislation and best practices, advanced training for staff, security and confidentiality of data pertaining to the records in her custody and excellent customer service,” the proclamation reads in part.

The clerk’s office offers many of its services online. One can search property records, request certified copies and find needed forms for birth, death, business, and marriage licenses. For more information, visit the website fbctx.gov, and click on County Clerk within the Government tab.

LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch celebrates Earth Day

LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch will host an Earth Day Celebration in partnership with Central Green Park. The event will be from 1-4 p.m. April 22 at Central Green and Heritage Square.

The celebration will kick off with a complimentary yoga class from 12-1 p.m. at Heritage Square. Guests are encouraged to bring a yoga mat, towel and water bottle to class. Those interested in participating can register for the class here: bit.ly/3zMVkVG.

Guests will also have an opportunity to participate in various activities throughout the event including:

• Water conservation education and giveaways from Inframark at Central Green.
• Tree and plant giveaways at Heritage Square
• Interactive booths, kids’ activities and live music at Central Green and Heritage Square
• Face painting at Central Green.

“We’re thrilled to be partnering with Central Green to spread awareness of different ways community members can do their part to protect the earth,” Ulisa Quiroz, marketing coordinator at LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch marketing director, said. “It’s sure to be a great time with activities for people of all ages.”

For more information, visit the website lacenterra.com.