Contributed Reports

Thunderbird Squadron to meet Oct. 11 at Redeemer Community Church

Thunderbird Composite Squadron will hold a general meeting at 6:45 p.m. Oct. 11 at Redeemer Community Church, 24201 Cinco Ranch Blvd, The meeting is open to the public.

Officers will explain the benefits of the Civil Air patrol cadet program at the meeting. Cadets are trained in STEM, aerospace and emergency services. Benefits cadets enjoy include flying, leadership training, model rocketry, teambuilding, hiking and camping, earning rank & awards, exploring aviation careers and making friends.

Cadet special activities are held all across the nation and at a very low cost to parents as all activities are led by volunteers.

Established in 1941, Civil Air Patrol is the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force and as such is a member of its Total Force. In its auxiliary role, CAP operates a fleet of 555 single-engine aircraft and 2,250 small Unmanned Aircraft Systems and performs about 90% of all search and rescue operations within the contiguous United States as tasked by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center.

For more information, visit the website gocivilairpatrol.com.

Fort Bend County names director of economic opportunity and development

Fort Bend County Judge KP George Monday announced that Carlos Guzman has joined the county as the director of economic opportunity & development. His first day on the job was Oct. 4.

Joined by Fort Bend Pct. 2 Commissioner Grady Prestage, Greater Houston Partnership Senior Vice President and Chief Economic Development Officer Susan Davenport, Fort Bend County Human Resources Director Nicole Ledet, Katy Area Economic Development Council President and CEO Chuck Martinez and Vanessa Wheeless of the Katy Area EDC, George touted Guzman’s experience and described the expectations of his new role.

“Carlos has an understanding of the economic development opportunities and challenges facing Fort Bend County, he can advise our team on emerging and existing economic development issues, work with the economic development council and city economic development departments, support policy, and reach out to diverse businesses,” George said.

As the director of economic opportunity & development, Guzman will oversee the county’s efforts to promote economic development by setting strategic goals for economic growth and prosperity, targeting diverse industries, and working with existing industries and regional partners to strengthen the county’s economy.

Guzman has over 16 years of economic development experience working in local and regional organizations throughout Texas, having worked for the City of Dallas and The Greater Houston Partnership. Prior to his role with the county, he served as the executive director of the Pasadena Economic Development Corporation. Under his leadership, Pasadena EDC launched numerous successful initiatives.

Guzman holds degrees from Georgetown University and George Mason University. He holds certifications as a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) and Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP). He is a native Spanish speaker and is fluent in Portuguese.

Fort Bend Master Gardeners to sell veggie, herb plants

The Fort Bend County Master Gardeners will hold their annual fall veggie/herb plant sale from 9 a.m.-12 p.m., or until sold out, on Oct. 15 in the Extension Education Center Building, 1402 Band Road in Rosenberg.

Vegetable plants for sale include varieties of broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, celery, collards, mustard, pac choi, spinach, kale, kohlrabi, lettuce and Swiss chard.

Herb plants for sale include chamomile, cilantro, dill, marjoram, Mexican mint marigold, oregano, parsley, sage, salad burnet and thyme.

For more information, as well as answers to questions about growing particular plants, visit the website. fbmg.org.

Katy restaurant participating in dine out for Independent Restaurant & Bar Month

Sonoma Wine & Cheese, 9920 Gaston Road, is participating in a month-long fundraising campaign to help educate lawmakers and consumers, as well as help support restaurant and bar owners.

As part of Independent Restaurant & Bar Month in October, the Independent Restaurant Coalition (IRC) announces Dine Out for Independents, which is designed to drive consumers to their local independent restaurants and bars such as Sonoma Wine & Cheese.

The drive will help the IRC raise funds to continue advocacy work and keep membership prices affordable for those in the industry that want to join the mission. During the month of October, participating Dine Out for Independent restaurants and bars across the country will donate $1 from a menu item of their choice to the IRC.

Other Texas restaurants participating in the Dine Out for Independents campaign include Counter Culture Restaurant in Austin and The Cace Kitchen in Longview.