• The Bayou City Blues Drum & Bugle Corps is seeking additional members to participate in their hornline, drumline and color guard. The group rehearses every Friday, 7:30 to 10 p.m., at Sharpstown High School, 7504 Bissonet St., and performs on a regular basis in parades and field shows. Call 713-756-9288, or visit www.bayoucityblues.org for additional information.
• Visit the Houston Maritime Museum now open at 2204 Dorrington near Holcombe and South Main. Exhibits include more than 50 historic ship models, maps, prints and historical relics. Additional features include a gift shop, lecture hall, library and "The Ship Yard" where a museum representative creates and restores historical model ships. Lectures can be scheduled for all age groups. Admission is free. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. M-F and by appointment. Call 713-666-1910.

Churches, synagogues and other places of worship

• Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, located at 1230 Maxine St., presents "Praise is What I Do", its annual musical workshop and concert series of 2004. Rehearsals for the workshop begin Wednesday, March 31 at 6:30 p.m. and will be held until Friday, April 2. The Workshop Finale Concert will be held on Sunday, April 4 at 7:00 p.m. The clinician for the week will be Minister Johnny Branch of Greater Pure Light Missionary Baptist Church. For more information, please contact Katrina Allen at 281-914-7625 or the church at 713-674-6607.

Civic functions and news

• The First Ward Civic Council meets the first Thursday of the month at Impact Church of Christ, 1704 Weber, on the corner of Weber and Colorado. Meetings start at 6 p.m. All neighbors are welcome. Current projects include canvassing for approval of a Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone and for a Historic District Designation. For more information, call Bert Tibbits @713-228-5604.
• The Washington Avenue Coalition (WAC) meets the second Monday of the Month at Leo's on Washington at 6 p.m. It is open to all residents and businesses along the corridor. The coalition is comprised of Neighborhood Civic Associations along the Washington Avenue Corridor and those along the Houston Avenue Corridor. The neighborhoods are the First Ward Civic Council, Magnolia Grove Civic Club, Old Sixth Ward Neighborhood Association, West End Business Group, West End Civic Club, and Woodcrest Civic Association. The coalition seeks to work together to beautify the Washington Avenue Corridor and the Houston Avenue Corridor; to foster stronger community relationships; and to define neighborhood goals and issues.
• Avenue Community Development Corporation's mission is to revitalize the Near Northside area by developing affordable housing and increasing economic opportunities, while preserving the area's cultural, economic and historic diversity. Avenue CDC provides home ownership programs as well as affordable rental housing in Houston’s Washington Avenue and Near Northside communities. Currently Avenue CDC is working on revitalizing the Old Jeff Davis Hospital into affordable housing.

Clubs and associations

• American Business Women's Association, League City Charter Chapter, is a group of career-minded professionals who support the goals of the organization. ABWA's mission is to bring together businesswomen of diverse occupations and to provide opportunities for them to help themselves and others grow personally and professionally through leadership, education, networking support, and national recognition. The League City Charter Chapter meets on the third Thursday of every month at the South Shore Harbour Country Club at 4300 South Shore Blvd, in League City. For additional information on ABWA, search the ABWA national organization Web site at http://www.abwahq.org, the League City Charter Chapter Web site at http://www.abwa-lccc.org, or contact Mary C. Thomas, 281-483-1091.
• American Business Women's Association, Odyssey Charter Chapter, is a group of career-minded professionals who support the goals of the organization. ABWA's mission is to bring together businesswomen of diverse occupations and to provide opportunities for them to help themselves and others group personally and professionally through leadership, education, networking support, and national recognition. The Odyssey Charter Chapter meets on the second Tuesday of every month at the Hope Village Tea Room, FM 2351 in Friendswood. For additional information on ABWA, search the ABWA national organization Web site at http://www.abwahq.org/ or contact Fleta Key, 281-383-3070.
• The 1960 Area Singles Group meets at 7 p.m. each Friday evening at Rick's Loft on the corner of FM 1960 West and T.C. Jester. Upcoming events include sailing, a boating/picnic/camping week-end ,and a fundraiser for a local women's and children's shelter. For more information contact Sue at 281/586-8045.
• The 1960 PC Users Group is a local computer support group just waiting to help you learn more about your PC and become more productive using it. The group is a community organization serving residents of the Houston area. General meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month. Visitors of all ages are welcome. For more information visit http://www.1960pcug.org or call 713-788-0683.
• Ad 2 Houston, a non-profit professional organization for people 18-31 in the communications industry, is seeking new members. For more information, please contact Kathyrn Giansanti, membership director, at 713-862-2006.
• The After Hours Network sponsors many programs. For more information, call Jon E. King a 981-9595.
• The WINGS Chapter of ABWA (American Business Womens Association) is a group of career-minded professionals who support the goals of the group and each other. WINGS is an acronym for "Women Involved Nurturing Growth & Support." ABWA's mission is to bring together businesswomen of diverse occupations and to provide opportunities for them to help themselves and others grow personally and professionally through leadership, education, networking support, and national recognition. For general membership information, visit the Web site at http://www.fhpw.org/abwa-wings or contact Cathy James via e-mail at cmjdaj@swbell.net.
• The Association of Authors and Publishers, a non-profit group, meets the first Thursday of each month at St Mark's Episcopal Church, 3816 Bellaire Blvd, Houston, Texas 77005. Networking begins at 6:30 p.m., and the meeting is from 7-8 pm. AAP is comprised of authors (and would-be authors), editors, artists, printers, publishers, self-publishers, marketers, distributors, booksellers --- anyone associated with the production, developing, marketing and distribution of books. Our speakers bring valuable information about all aspects of book publishing and marketing and about being a publishing entrepreneur. Topics have included co-publishing ventures, auxiliary product lines, getting booked on radio shows and marketing your book before it's printed. Guests are always welcome. For more information, visit the AAP web site at http://www.authorsandpublishers.org or contact John Martin at editor@boldcreative.com or call him at  (713)690-2653.
• The Bellaire Area Mothers of Multiples invites all area mothers and expectant mothers of twins or higher-order multiples to attend its monthly meeting, held the second Wednesday of each month. BAMOM is a non-profit support group affiliated with Texas Mothers of Multiples and the National Organization of Mothers of Twins Clubs, Inc. It draws members from the Bellaire, West University and Meyerland/SW Houston area. The club is dedicated to offering supportive networking, education, and research to its members. Prospective members may receive a complimentary issue of the club newsletter by contacting Colleen Gold at (713) 665-1217.
• The Cherokee Cultural Society of Houston, meets each first Thursday of the month at 7:00 p.m. at the Houston Regional HIV/AIDS Resource Group, 500 Lovett, Suite 100, a block south of Westheimer and three blocks east of Montrose. Fascinating programs and speakers focus on Cherokee heritage and current events. Meetings are open to all who are interested; no admission fee. For more information call 713-866-4085, or visit the group's Web site.
• Child Care Professionals of Houston, a group of registered child care providers, meets at 7:15 p.m. the fourth Thursday of every month at the Cornerstone United Methodist Church in Copperfield. For more information, call (281) 463-4049 or (281) 550-5204.
• The Clear Lake Amateuer Radio Club (CLARC) is open to anyone interested in Amateur Radio. CLARC was founded in 1987 and is an ARRL Special Services Club. Monthly meetings held on the third Wednesday of every month at 7 p.m. at the Webster Volunteer Fire Department 17100 Texas Avenue. VE test sessions, and Newsletter. We offer training for people who want to obtain their Amateur Radio (HAM) licenses. Information on CLARC can be found at www.clarc.org.
• The Clear Lake Communicators holds its weekly Toastmasters meeting every week on Thursday. This is a daytime lunch meeting from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (You can bring your brown bag lunch is you desire) The meeting location is at the Wyle Laboratories at 1100 Hercules, Suite 305, Houston, TX (In Clear Lake across the street from the Carlson Wagonlit Travel agency). For more information on a friendly and great way to meet people, learn on how to improve you speaking skills, and network, Call Allen Prescot at 281-282-3281 or e-mail allen.e.prescott@usahq.unitedspacealliance.com.
• The Civil Air Patrol - Sugar Land Composite Squadron meets on Tuesday evenings at Hanger 108 on the West side of Sugar Land Airport. Meetings are open to the public, and anyone with an interest in aerospace or emergency services is invited to attend. Cadet members will receive nine free orientation flights in a Civil Air Patrol aircraft. The Civil Air Patrol's Cadet program is designed to provide youth ages 12 - 18 with a high quality program that enhances their leadership skills through an interest in aviation, and simultaneously provide services to the United States Air Forceand the local community. For more information, call Martin Wehmeier, the squadron's public affairs officer, at 281-438-0728.
• The Davy Crockett Dulcimer Society holds an night of fun and great music on the fourth Saturday night of each month at the Wooden Nickel Restaurant in Crockett, Texas. Anyone who plays an acoustical instrument or just enjoys good family music is welcome. At 4 p.m. the club offers beginners and advanced classes on playing the mountain dulcimer. At 7 p.m. the jam starts and continues until 10 p.m.. There is no charge to attend this festival of music that encompasses blue grass, folk, gospel, and traditional favorite tunes. For more information, see the club web site at http://www.intrastar.net/~tmason/davy.htm
• Easthaven Civic Club Inc. meets the second Monday of each month except December at the Easthaven Baptist Church, 9321 Easthaven St., in the old chapel. Enter under the bell.
• The Esperanto Society of Houston meets at 10 a.m. on the third Saturday of each month. Meetings are held in conference room 2 of the Julia Ideson building across from the main Houston Public Library building downtown. Several activities in Esperanto are planned for each meeting. Esperanto is an international language designed to break down communication barriers among peoples while preserving their cultural identity. For more information, call president Gil Guillory at (281) 362-8061 or (713) 753-2724 or email him at gil@intergate.com
• The Fort Bend County Chapter of American Business Women's Association  meets the first Thursday of each month at the Quail Valley Country Club in Missouri City. For more information, see the group's Web Page at http://www.compassnet.com/lornas/abwa.html or send email to lornas@compassnet.com.
• Galveston County Gem & Mineral Club meets each first Thursday of the month at 7:30 p.m. in the Texas City Nessler Civic Center (2010 5th Ave. No.) for rockhounds of all ages to share their common love of gems and minerals. Call 409-938-0718 or 409-938-7607 for more information.
• The Greenspoint Chapter of the American Business Women's Association meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 11:30 a.m. at the Greenspoint Club, 16925 Northchase Dr. Call (713) 868-1333 for further information.
• Guitar Houston is a non-profit 501© organization dedicated to promoting the classical guitar and historically related plucked instruments like the lute. GH has monthly performance meetings that are free and open to public. In addition, GH also presents world-class classical guitarists in a yearly concert series. Membership includes a monthly newsletter, free masterclass attendance, concert ticket discounts and access to private lessons with top players from around the world. For more information visit the Web site at http://www.guitarhouston.org.
• Habitat for Humanity Galveston meets at Rosenberg Library 2310 Sealey, Galveston (763-8854  -- library number). Please join us in helping to eliminate substandard housing in our area. Meetings are at 6 p.m.  on the 2nd Wednesday of the month and  9 a.m. on the 4th Saturday of the month For further information or directions, please call Robin O'Toole  (409)-747-1886 or e-mail robin.otoole@UTMB.edu
• The Houston Business Network is a group of business professionals that meet once a week to share business leads, provide mutual support and listen to guest speakers. Members of the Houston Business Network will hold their first meeting at the Houston Doubletree Guest Suites on Thursday, January 8, 2004. The group is accepting applications for one member per business category on a first-come, first-serve basis. HBN seeks applicants to fill 35 to 40 of the 69 business categories listed on its website http://houstonbusinessnetwork.com. Meetings will be conducted weekly from 7:00 AM to 8:30 AM. The first half hour will be devoted to individual networking, the second half hour to club business and the last half hour to guest speakers. For more information on club activities, dues and application for membership, call Michael Harris at 713.446.6453 or send Email to michael@houstonbusinessnetwork.com.
• The Houston Chapter of American Production & Inventory Control Society, the Educational Society for Resource Management, holds Professional Development Meetings the third Thursday of every month, except July and December. The meetings are located at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 12801 Northwest Freeway at 290 & Pinemont. Registration begins at 5:30 pm, dinner and the Business Meeting are at 6:15 pm and the Keynote Speaker is at 7:00 pm. Reservations are recommended and should be made by the Tuesday prior to the meeting. To make reservations or for information on the monthly topic, call (713) 952-7266 or visit www.apics-houston.org.
• The Houston Area Woodcarvers meet the third Saturday of each month (except October). from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Bayland Park Meeting Room, 6400 Bissonet. For more information, visit the Web at www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Pagoda/6149.
• The Houston Chapter of the Risk & Insurance Management Society, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of the professional standards of risk management. Established in 1950, RIMS has grown from a network of 5 to 95 chapters across the United States and Canada. Its membership is comprised of more than 4,300 corporations, institutions and governmental bodies and includes 90 percent of the Fortune 1300 lists. The Houston Chapter has more than 130 corporate members. The chapter functions as a clearinghouse for information on risk management and sound insurance procurement practices. Among the objectives: To aid in maintaining a reasonably competitive insurance market to the interest of all consumers of insurance, to foster a minimum of regulations with due regard to the financial stability of underwriters and the financial integrity of the insurance contract, to collect and disseminate statistics and other information dealing with risk management, and to cooperate with producers, underwriters, regulatory bodies or agencies. For more information contact the Houston RIMS Chapter President, Sheryl Bittick, Corporate Risk Manager, Weingarten Realty Investors, 2600 Citadel Plaza, Houston, TX 77088. Or, call 713-866-6978, or by email at cbarnes@bcm.tmc.edu
• The Houston Inventors Association is a nonprofit organization of inventors helping inventors. The group meets at 7 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month (except December) at the Bayland Community Center, 6400 Bissonnet (one block west of Hillcroft). Drinks and sandwiches are available before the meetings. The association provides information, resources, and networking for inventors, entrepreneurs, and those interested in the invention process. General meetings with guest speakers are held on the fourth Wednesday and workshop meetings discussing specific topics are held on the second Wednesday. For more information contact Ken at (713) 686-7676 or Chuck at (281) 326-1795 or visit the website at www.inventors.org.
• The Houston Model Yacht Club promotes competitive radio-control sailing in the Houston area. We sail the Thunder Tiger Victoria, the East Coast 12 Meter, the Star 45, and scale models of tugs, workboats, and shrimp- boats. We are a recognized club of the American Model Yachting Association and welcome all interested parties. We have monthly regattas and more information on our activities can be found at http://www.hal-pc.org/~evor or you can contact Oliver Tse at 281-343-7838 or Ted Cooper at 281-342-1658.
• The Houston Osteoporosis Society meets the second Thursday of each month from 10:45 a.m. to noon at the Memorial Rehabilitation Hospital, 3033 N. Gessner, Conference Room 4. Meetings are open to the public, and refreshments are provided. For more information, call (281) 493-6883 or (713) 690-7303.
• The Houston Osteoporosis Support Group meets the second Thursday of each month at the Memorial Hermann Spring Shadows Pines, 3033 N. Gessner (near Clay Rd.), Conference Room #4. Meetings are from 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon. There is a different speaker program each month, and there is no charge to attend unless specified. For general information, call (281) 493-6883 or (713) 690-7303.
• The Houston Planning Forum (formerly Strategic Leadership Forum) meets for lunch on the third Wednesday of each month at 11:30 a.m. at The Courtyard on St. James, 1885 St. James Place. Call (713) 908-0211 or email dottie@kerr-solutions.com for further information.
• The Houston Section of American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) is an international professional society for all aerospace enthusiasts. The Houston Section is primarily composed of NASA engineers but is open to the public. For more information about the club, call Dan Selters at 281-333-7312.
• The Houston Underwater Photographic Society is a non-profit organization formed to encourage interest and promote participation in underwater photography and videography. Each meeting includes a speaker presentation and slide contest. Attendance is free to the public. Meetings are generally held at 7 p.m. the first Monday of each month, always at the Bayland Community Center, 6400 Bissonnet. Since the dates occasionally vary from the first Monday, it is a good idea to check the current month's newsletter on the club Web site at www.hups.org for the latest information.
• Houstonians for Secular Humanism is a non-profit community organization committed to promoting science, reason, education, ethics, and other humanistic values in a non-religious context. It is associated with and operates in cooperation with The Council for Secular Humanism and is a member of its Alliance of Secular Humanist Societies. HSH is also a member of the Houston Humanist Alliance. Founded in 1998, HSH seeks to further its goals through educating the public, networking with similar groups, and helping others in the community. Activities include education of the public; social gatherings consisting of informal discussion groups, book clubs, meetings, and guest speakers; civic and volunteer work; media watch and response in cases involving science and pseudo-science the "paranormal"; networking with local humanist groups in other areas; publishing of the HSH newsletter. For more information, visit the Houstonians for Secular Humanism web site at http://www.flash.net/~dts2000/index.html
• The Institute of Management Consultants - Houston Chapter is an affiliated chapter of the Institute of Management Consultants USA, Inc., the premier association supporting professionalism and ethics in management consulting, and the awarding body for the CMC (Certified Management Consultant) certification designation. IMC Houston meets for breakfast on the third Fridays of each month at 7 a.m. at The Briar Club, 2603 Timmons at Westheimer. Meetings are open to guests, but reservations are required and can be made at www.imchouston.org.
• The meetings for Justice For All are held the second Wednesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at the Aramco Building Auditorium, 9009 W. 610 Loop at N. Braeswood.
• Katy Aquatics Masters Swimming is a non-profit organization that provides for the community of West Houston and Katy. The team offers the opportunity for triathletes, cyclists and novice and expert swimmers to improve their swimming endurance, stroke mechanics and overall health and vitality. We practice Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 6-8 p.m. and every other Saturday from 8 to 10 a.m. Workouts are held at Katy High School and occasionally at Taylor High School. Participants must be 19 years or older with no upper-age limit. Participants must also be able to swim 50 yards freestyle without stopping. For more information contact Derek Piester at 281-829-1516 or email: piester@flash.net.
• The Katy Prairie Promenaders square dance every Friday night from 7-10 p.m. at Mary Jo Peckham Park in Katy. The club caller is Fred Goynes. For additional information, please contact Carolyn Smith at 281-392-0713.
• The Katy Toastmasters Club meets the first three Thursdays each month from 7:30pm -9:00pm at the Carriage Inn, 1400 Katy-Flewellen Road (I-10/Pin Oak). For more information, contact Jody at 281-395-8293.
• All the residents of the Larkwood subdivision are invited to attend its  bi-monthly meetings. They are held at 7:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of every month at the Bank One Building, Fondren and Bissonnet.
• The Lone Star Chapter of the American Merchant Marine Veterans meets the second Tuesday of every month at 11 a.m. at the Seaman's Club, Port of Houston. For further information write to The Lone Star Chapter, AMMV, 8150 S. Loop East #208, Houston, TX 77017-1747. All former or present mariners, Navy Armed Guard, all service veterans, and Merchant Marine Academy and Maritime Academy graduates and students are welcome. We are especially looking for World War II mariners who have not received their deserved veteran status from the U.S. government.
• The Manuscriptors Guild of Houston meets the first and third Friday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at Canterbury United Methodist Church, 12143 Bellaire Blvd (between Kirkwood and Cook) in southwest Houston. The Manuscriptors Guild is a community of writers from the novice to the professional. It is a place of inspiration as well as motivation. Writers are able to participate in a common atmosphere with members who believe in the written word. Meetings include critique committees, professional speakers, workshops, networking, parties and social extravaganzas. Membership includes a subscription to The Writers Forum, a monthly publication of The Manuscriptors Guild. For additional information call (713)455-4675 or visit our web site Manuscriptors Guild.
• The Mended Hearts, a support group for cardiac patients and their families, meets the first Monday of each month. Call Bob Turnbull at (409) 321-4115 or  email him at turnbull@mcia.com for more information.
• The Men's Cancer Support Group of St. Martin's Episcopal Church meets the first Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Activity Center's Fireside Room, 717 Sage Road. For more information, call 713-621-3040.
• The Humble Area Chapter (2308) of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees meets at the Humble City Cafe on the third Monday of each month with the exception of December. The cafe is at 200 Main St. in Humble. Lunch is from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. with the meeting beginning immediately after lunch. Visitors are welcome. Call 281-359-9266 for additional information.
• The Houston Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind meets on the third Saturday of each month at the Houston Public Library's main branch, 500 McKinney. Meetings begin at 2 p.m .each month. For more information contact James Skelton at 713-957-4520.
• The National Space Society, Clear Lake Area Chapter. CLA-NSS holds meetings on the first Monday of each month beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Parker Williams Branch of the Harris County Library, 10851 Scarsdale Blvd., in Houston. Members are citizens interested in space exploration. Everyone is invited to attend. Call Murray Clark at 281-367-2227 after 7 p.m.
• The Native Plant Society of Texas meets  at 7 p.m. the third Thursday of every month at the Houston Arboretum.  Meetings are free and open to all.  Members receive state and local newsletters, a list of suggested native plants for Houston, a list of books for suggested reading on natives, plus other benefits.  Cost is $20 for individuals and $50 for patrons.  For more information, call Glenn Olsen at (281) 8144.
• Overeaters Anonymous of Houston has established a web site offering a local meeting list, news of upcoming events, and general information about the organization. Visit it at www.oahouston.org.
• The P. G. Wodehouse Society Literary Society will meet Friday, March 30th, at Barnes & Noble on Westheimer near Gessner at 7:00p.m. The meetings are open to the public, please join us. The book for this meeting is THE UNCOLLECTED WODEHOUSE, available at Barnes & Noble. For questions about TWS please e-mail: Rudersdorf@pdq.net.
• The Philippine Nurses Association of Metropolitan Houston holds its monthly meeting every third Thursday of the month at the Gold Ribbon Bake Shop and Restaurant on West Holcombe near the Medical Center. Included in every meeting is an hour of health-care-related presentations for which participants receive one CEU credit. Non-members pay $5. For more information, please call Cleo Robinett at 281-859-5047.
• The San Jacinto Model Railroad Club, founded in 1953, is the granddaddy of Houston model railroad clubs. The club cooperates with the National Model Railroad Association and NMRA Lone Star Region Division 8. It is made up of about 130 men and women who model in scales ranging from Z to 1-1/2" live steam. Five of the clubs members have been awarded the prestigious Master Model Railroader award by the NMRA, and a number of layouts have been featured in national model railroad publications and video productions. Members of the club have also served as national officers in the NMRA. Meetings are open to the public and are held at 7 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month, usually at the Bayland Community Center, 6400 Bissonnet. For more information contact Dale Farney at 281-931-7311.
• Sharpstown Toastmasters Club, one of the oldest Toastmasters Clubs in Houston, meets every Tuesday night from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Community Room of Sharpstown Mall, on the second level next to the food court and above the movie theater. Sharpstown Mall is at the Southwest Fwy. (U.S. 59 S.) and Bellaire Boulevard. The club is open to anyone interested in improving his communication and leadership skills. Contact Judy Ragland at  (713) 266-9688 for more information.
• Single Parent Family Club of West Houston. Hang out and do fun things with other single parents and their kids! Join us for dinners, dances, picnics, trips, camping, playdates, babysitter network, and more. Meet new friends for you and your kids. Single parents of all ages, toddlers to teen-agers, welcome. Custodial / non-custodial members. For more information call 281-578-5953. Leave message and one of our friendly members will return your call.
• The Society for Software Quality, West Houston Chapter meets on the second Wednesday of each month at BMC Software, 2101 CityWest Blvd. Registration is at 11:30 a.m., and the meeting is from noon - 1 p.m. For more information contact Mike Giordanelli at 281-584-1865 or visit our website at http://www.bullpenmarketing.com/ssq.
• The Space City Branch 159 of the Fleet Reserve Association and Unit 159 of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Fleet Reserve Association, are non-profit organizations that meet the second Sunday of every month at 2 p.m. at the FRA Branch home in Pasadena. All Active Duty, Reserve, and Retired members of the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, or U.S. Coast Guard, and their families are eligible for membership. For further information write to Fleet Reserve Association, 4810 Pine Avenue, Pasadena, Texas 77503 or contact (281) 238-9441 or email mdchancebr159@aol.com.
• Texans Against Gun Violence Education Fund is  a non-profit, volunteer, 501c-3 organization working to reduce gun violence in the Houston area. We especially need volunteers who can help with public relations activities. For more information visit our homepage: http://www.insync.net/~tagvhou We can also be reached at 13164 Memorial Drive #160,77079, phone 713-827-8916, fx-713-827-1860, email tagvhou@insync.net.
• The Texas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty meets from 7-9 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month at its office in the SHAPE Center, 3903 Almeda. The office is open every Tuesday from 2-9 p.m. Volunteers for needed telephone work, mailings, answering mail from death row prisoners and sending newsletters. Phone 713-523-8454 or during office hours at 713-521-0629. Email is tcadp-post@juno.com.
• The Houston chapter of the Texas Economic & Demographic Association meets regularly. For more information, contact TEDA/Houston Executive Secretary Edith Chambers at 713-844-3618 or at edithchambers@houston.org.
• The Texas Gulf Coast Association for Healthcare Quality (TGCAHQ). Non-profit organization provides education and networking opportunities to enhance healthcare professionals' ability to measure and improve quality in healthcare services. Meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month at 11:00 a.m. For more information visit the Web site at www.tgcahq.com or write to Texas Gulf Coast Association for Healthcare Quality, P.O. Box 301121, Houston 77230-1121.
• District 29 of the Texas Nurses' Association has various programs. Call Jean Ivey at 409-772-8233 for further information.
• The Texas Outlaws Flyball Club is taking applications for its premiere racing season. Flyball is a dog relay race in which four dogs run 50 feet, jump 4 hurdles, catch a tennis ball in the air, and then run back to the start line, releasing the next dog. Tournaments are held almost monthly in various parts of the state. Contact Carol Friedman at (713) 667-3813 for additional information.
• Toastmasters Cy-Fair Super Speakers: Toastmasters Club 5916. The Toastmasters program will help you to develop your communication skills and open doors in your personal and professional life. Instead of laboring in an academic setting, or spending up to thousands on costly seminars, you learn in a self-paced atmosphere of understanding and helpful fellowship. Meeting every Monday night from 6:30 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce, 11050 FM 1960 West, Suite 100, guests are always welcome at this Toastmasters Club. You don't need an invitation, all you need to do is show up! (But you might want to contact someone at the club first to make sure the meeting is going on as scheduled.) You may take part in the meeting if you wish, or just watch and listen. For more information, visit our Web site, or contact David E. Stoll, vice president of education, at 281-281-955-8060 in the evenings, or email destoll@houston.rr.com.
• The Vintage Bicycle Club of Texas, meets every third Wednesday of the month at Hickory Hollow 101 Heights Blvd. For more information on the club, visit the Website at http://users.argolink.net, or email vbcoft@argolink.net, or call Juan DeLeon at 713-330-9073.
• The West Houston Italian Club, a social, charitable and Italian cultural organization formed in June 1990, meets the third Friday of every month at 7:30 p.m. in the Glencairn Civic Center, 17030 Keith Harrow. For more information, call (281) 850-0651.
• The West Houston Quilt Guild meets at 7 p.m. the third Wednesday of each month at the Harris County Agricultural Extension Service Building on Bear Creek Drive. For more information, call (281) 859-4602.
• USS Whetstone LSD-27 holds monthly meetings the first Saturday of every month. Please call Don "Huey" Hulen (SFP 3) for details at (281) 471-0224 or email him at donhulen@io.com  All former crewmembers are welcome.

Competitions and opportunities

• The Klein Volunteer Fire Department is actively seeking volunteers. The department provides fire protection for a portion of unincorporated northwest Harris County. It needs fire suppression and support personnel to assist in daily operations. For more information, see the department Web page at www.kleinfiredept.com or call between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. at 281-376-4449.
• Leauge City Volunteer Fire Department is in need of volunteers. The department is comprised of four stations, with more than 90 members, and a ladies auxiliary, serving approximately 60,000 citizens within the community. It needs fire suppression and support personnel to assist in daily operations. Training classes are available twice a year. For more information, see the department Web page at www.lcvfd.com or call 281-332-1311.
• The Mickey Leland Center on World Hunger and Peace at Texas Southern University has a constant need for volunteers. Those who are willing to work a few hours or those who can devote days to helping the center assist area residents should contact Sherill Carrington, director of programs, at 713 313 7451 or email her at mickeyleland@hotmail.com for additional information.
• Windows of the World (WOW) Reading Enrichment Program, sponsored by the Peace Community Development Corp., a tax-exempt 501(c)3 non-profit agency serving the Fifth Ward, is offering employment and volunteer opportunities for retired persons and high school and college students. The WOW program is sponsoring an after-school program to provide activities in arts and crafts, recreation, homework assistance, music, dance, Spanish and drama. Please contact Dr. Mildred Bright at 713-227-3223 if you are interested in working with elementary-aged students.
• The Kelsey-Seybold Foundation for Medical Research and Education is in need of volunteers to make reminder phone calls to women scheduled for their annual mammograms. One person is needed each morning for approximately 2 hours. Training will be provided. For more information contact Sonna Alton at (713) 442-1219.

Events and activities

• The Houston Arboretum, 4501 Woodway, holds various classes for adults and children.  For more information, call (713) 743-1060 or (713) 681-8433.
• A Lunar Rendezvous Festival Market & Gift Show will be from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on July 27 at the South Shore Harbour Resort, 2500 South Shore Blvd. in League City. Upscale merchants will be offering a variety of specialty items such as bath & beauty products, candles, children's clothing, custom stationery, day spa, embellished handbags, floral arrangements, gift baskets, gourmet foods, home decor, jewelry, ladies clothing and accessories. Admission will be $3.00 with free parking. More information is available at http://www.lunarrendezvous.org/.
  

Reunions

• Cy-Fair Class of 1974 will have it’s 30th year reunion on Saturday, Aug. 7. Contact J. Paul Smith at 936-321-9104, or e-mail at longhornfans@hotmail.com for details.
• Marshall High School Class of 1994 is planning a reunion July 23-25 in Marshall. For information contact Angela Jones Fitzpatrick.
• Texas City High School Class of 1964 has 40th Reunion plans made ... a party and a cruise. Information is available from the reunion chairperson, Judy Holcomb Minter at 409-692-1565 or cajun5224@aol.com.
• The Houston Chapter of the Texas Southern University Alumni Association is looking for all alumni in the Houston and surrounding areas. For more information, call the Houston Chapter office at 713-641-0001 or send e-mail to TSUHoustonAlumni@aol.com.

Self-help

• Clutterless in Houston is a free self-help group for people who have a challenge with clutter or hoarding in their lives. The groups meets every Tuesday, 8 - 9:30 p.m. at First Church of Religious Science 6600 Harwin Drive. For more information, please call 409-763-1908.

Social services

• Houston Child Advocates mobilizes volunteers to ensure abused children involved in the children's protective system have someone designated to speak up on their behalf. Appointed to an abused child's case by a juvenile court judge, volunteer advocates make recommendations to the courts and children's protective services working in tandem with juvenile court judges, attorneys, caseworkers, parents, foster parents, teachers, physicians and therapists to ensure that the best interests of the child are met. Information is available on the group's Web site at www.childadvocates.org or by calling 713-529-1396.
• Adopt 2000 is working to place more than 700 Houston-area children in need of permanent homes. Waiting children are six years and older, minorities, and sibling groups. Find out how you can make a difference by becoming an adoptive parent. For more information, call Adopt 200 at 1-800-613-3199, or visit www.adopt2000houston.org.
• Associated Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Galveston-Houston is looking for African-American and bi-racial families who will consider adopting children. The charity says there is a special need for such adoptive families now. For more information, please call Mary McDonald at 713-526-4611, extension 3242.
• The mission of the Arthritis Foundation is to support research to find the cure for and prevention of arthritis and to improve the quality of life for those affected by the disease. Volunteers are needed for special events, the speaker's bureau and clerical work. Please contact Sonia Soto at 713-529-0800 or by email at SSoto@arthritis.org for additional information.
• CROSSROADS: Community Partnership for Youth, Inc. needs adult mentors. CROSSROADS' mission is to prevent or reduce youth involvement with the juvenile justice system by fostering positive relationships between youth and volunteer mentors. To become a part of the solution today, call us at (713) 394-4300 or visit us at www.crossroads-volunteers.org.
• The Epilepsy Foundation of Southeast Texas and the University of Texaws Medical Branch in Galveston offer medical services to adults diagnosed with seizure disorders and who have little or no income. In addition, the foundation provides support groups, information and referral, community education, children services programs and professional education. For more information call 409-839-2950 or 409-839-2951. Toll free: 1-888-548-9716. Website: www.efset.org.
• The Interstitial Cystitis Association needs volunteers in the Houston area to run support sroups for patients suffering from interstitial cystitis, a painful bladder disease. If you are interested, please contact the state coordinator, Martha Billman at (972) 682-9658, or Co-Support Leaders Lou Stevens at (281) 488-0698, or Geneva Tillian at (281) 488-1234. You may also email Stevens at vlstevens@pdq.net
• Brazos Valley Doberman Rescue Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to the rehabilitation and adoption of purebred Doberman Pinschers in and around Brazos Valley, Texas. Our mission is to try and find quality homes for the many abused, neglected, abandoned, or stray Dobermans as possible. For more information visit our web page at http://PersonalWebs.myriad.net/snooks/
• If you're pregnant and need help, contact the Family Assistance Center at 3806 Live Oak at Alabama. The number is 713-524-7801. In addition to Maternal Assistance, other programs include Mentoring For Positive Action (Males and Females) and Prevention Of Sexually Transmitted Disease Workshops. Community service hours are provided for those who need it. Volunteer counselors and non-client contact volunteers are also needed.
• Would you like to help out a low-income apartment resident council? Low-income apartment dwellers are organizing resident councils to deal with their landlords and with HUD and to take advantage of the health, education and self-advancement programs available to them. What's needed is someone to attend resident council  meetings and help them get up to snuff on getting organized and involving the maximum number of residents. Our experienced core people will back you to the hilt. For more information, call Texas Action for Cooperative Housing, Sam Keeper, Phone (713) 524-0530; Fax (713) 529-9682. Or send email to samkeeper@aol.com
• The Brazos County Rape Crisis Center in Bryan, Texas, offers "Anonymous, Confidential On-line Support Counseling Service" at its new home page at http://rapecrisis.txcyber.com This service is totally secure and the same as banks and stock brokerage firms use for transfer, on-line banking, credit card banking, and such. Users enter a password and code names that only they know to send messages to the center, which responds back, not knowing where the mesage came from. The email address shows up as anonymous. The center feels this service will allow victims to come forward and receive help without the fear of people knowing who they are. Their identity remains anonymous. For more information, call Sherry Hostetter, assistant director, Brazos County Rape Crusis Center. Email: bcrcc@cy-net.net Phone: (409) 268-7273. Fax: (409) 846-9313.
• The Methodist Home continues to seek two-parent foster families of all ethnic groups to provide 24-hour foster care for young children. For more information, call Barbara Lee at (713) 682-8911.
• Texas Polio Survivors Association (TPSA) provides informative meetings and soon will offer more support in the way of durable medical equipment to polio survivors. A post-polio clinic is held every Monday and Tuesday at The Institute for Rehabilitation & Research in the Medical Center at 1333 Moursund. The main number there is 799-5000 if one needs to reach the clinic. The TPSA number is 690-0695; leave a message if the volunteer isn't there. Another organization provides -- free of charge -- durable medical equipment, such as wheelchairs, bath and shower chairs, crutches, and hospital beds (when available) to people who have no other resources. This volunteer organization is called Health Equipment Recycling Coalition (HERC) and is in the Multiservice Center, 1475 W. Gray. It accepts donated equipment; call 524-1217.
• The S.I.R.E. Therapeutic Riding Program in the Hockley/Tomball area northwest of Houston needs volunteers. They may work directly with the clients and other volunteers, serving as a sidewalker or a horse handler, or they may prefer to help "behind the scenes" with fundraising, publicity, booths, bulk mailings, special events or working in the office. Previous experience  with horses is helpful but not mandatory except for those serving as horse handlers. Volunteers who work directly with the horses and riders must be at least 14 years old and must attend a two-hour training session. Please contact SIRE at (281) 356-7588 for more information.
• The Unique Advantage Exchange Program (UAEP), a non-profit organization founded in 1988, in Michigan, is in need of Host Families for high school foreign exchange students who wish to come to America in January and August. Arriving in January for second semester and August for the new school year, are some very nice students from many different countries. These students are very eager to learn more about the "American Way of Life" firsthand by living with an American family during the school year. Students speak fluent English, are fully insured, come with their own spending money and have a strict code of conduct to follow. Host families are asked to provide a home-away-from-home. If your family is interested in hosting a student from another part of the world, please call: Unique Advantage Exchange Program at (248) 634-8415 We hope that you will join us in giving these students a warm welcome to our country and your community. (We are also looking for Area Representatives in your area.)

Sporting events

• The Greenwood Longrifles, an NMLRA Charter Club, will host the 19th Annual Texas X-Center State Championship June 25-27, 2004, at the Greenwood Gun Club in Brazoria. Camping space with electrical hookups available at the range. Call to reserve a space. Call 979-265-7282 for additional information or match rules. Or e-mail ejkana@academicplanet.com.
• The Houston Athletic Rugby Club is a not-for-profit organization that is recruiting men and women to play rugby. The club practices each Tuesday and Thursday evening, 6:30 p.m., at the Westland YMCA, 10402 Fondren Road The club fields two competitive premier men's sides, a competitive women's side and an Over-35 social side. For more information log on to www.houstonrugby.org or call the club hotline at 281-754-4540.
• The Houston Women’s Flag Football League is currently recruiting new players and teams. The league typically starts in October and runs through February. PJ’s Softball Park in Spring, TX is the home field. There will be a skills clinic for new and returning players in late summer or early fall. Please visit our web site at www.hwffl.org for events and more details. Or call 713-540-4843.
• Katy Aquatics Masters Swimming is a non-profit organization that provides for the community of West Houston and Katy. The team offers the opportunity for triathletes, cyclists and novice and expert swimmers to improve their swimming endurance, stroke mechanics and overall health and vitality. We practice Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 6-8 p.m. and every other Saturday from 8 to 10 a.m. Workouts are held at Katy High School and occasionally at Taylor High School. Participants must be 19 years or older with no upper-age limit. Participants must also be able to swim 50 yards freestyle without stopping. For more information contact Derek Piester at 281-829-1516 or email: piester@flash.net.

Support groups

• The Baytown Texas Chapter of The Compassionate Friends, a self-help support group for bereaved parents, grandparents, and siblings, meets on the fourth Monday of each month. Meetings are held in the conference room of Transitions Outreach, Inc., 4721 Garth Road Suite E, Baytown. For more information or for directions please call Lois Walstead at 281-424-5760 or Carol Mendelovitz at 281-422-3517.
• The Sugar Land-Southwest Houston Chapter of The Compassionate Friends meets on the second Wednesday of every month at First Presbyterian Church of Sugar Land, 502 Eldridge Rd, Sugar Land 77478. Everyone is welcome; there are no fees or dues. For more information, phone 281 980-4350 or visit our Web site at www.tcfsugarland.org.
• Cypress Creek Couples Corner meets the 3rd Saturday of each month at Cypress Creek Community Center at 7:00 p.m. to discuss issues facing married couples. Leader couples are trained by the Association for Couples in Marriage Enrichment (ACME) -- see the website at "bettermarriages.org" for event schedule and additional information. Contact: Kay and Tom Gallatin 281-370-4181
• Dialogue on Cancer is an ongoing support group of the American Cancer Society designed to help patients, their families and friends better understand and learn to live with cancer. Bosom Buddies was initiated in 1995 as a support group for breast cancer survivors in Baytown and nearby communities. In 1996 the two groups combined and are endorsed by the Baytown Unit of The American Cancer Society. Sessions are informal and often include guest speakers and experts in fields relating to cancer prevention, causes, trends, coping skills, prosthetics, diet, exercise and more. Discussions are free and open to the public. Eight and ten people usually attend each meeting at the conference room of Transitions Outreach, Inc., 4721 Garth Suite E. For more information, contact Sue Weir at 573-1945 and Joy Boswell at 424-1419. For support, contact Susan Massman at 839-1338 or 425-6563 and Carol Mendelovitz at 424-5995 or 422-3517.
• The For Men Only Cancer Support Group, sponsored by the Anderson Network of the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, meets the first Monday of every month from 7-8:30 p.m. at St. Martin's Episcopal Church, 717 Sage Road. For more information contact: Bill Cutshall at 713-644-9500 or the Anderson Network 713-792-2553.
• gayDAR and For Mature Audiences Only are two wellness communities at Bering Memorial United Methodist Church, 1440 Harold. gayDAR is a wellness community of 22-35 year-old gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered (GLBT) persons interested in making healthy connections and personal growth. gayDAR meets on Mondays at 7 p.m. in room 218. For Mature Audiences Only is an inclusive multi-issue health & wellness community for persons over 35 to celebrate the successes and share the challenges of midlife changes. FMAO meets on Tuesday nights at 7 p.m., also in room 218. Come share your wellness secrets and learn some new ideas. For more information about both groups, call 713-526-1017.
• Houston Osteoporosis Support Group meeting on Thursday, Aug. 9, Osteoporosis Research and Treatment Update by Clark McKeever, M.D., Orthopedist, Diagnostic Bone Density Institute and Associate Medical Director for inTouch Research. Meetings are the second Thursday of each month at Memorial Hermann Spring Shadows Pines, 3033 N. Gessner (near Clay Road), conference room No. 4. Meetings are from 10:30 a.m. to noon. There is no charge to attend, unless specified for a meal. For more information, call 281-493-6883 or 713-690-7303.
• The Houston Area Parkinson Society, is a nonprofit organization serving the needs of those impacted by Parkinson’s disease. For more than 25 years, the organization has provided Tai Chi, support, physical, occupational, speech, and water therapies throughout the Houston Metropolitan Area. For more information, contact Anne Martin (713) 626-7114.
• Transitions Outreach, Inc., a nonprofit corporation dedicated to helping individuals who are learning to live with a loss in their lives, is offering free support groups for anyone in the community who has experienced a loss of a family member or friend. Encouraging the sharing of bereavement experiences in a safe and friendly environment has proven beneficial in the healing process. Understanding the grief process and the havoc it plays in daily life is a key to resolution. Learning new ways to cope with sorrow and how to regain control of life are topics of discussion. The groups will be facilitated by Carol Mendelovitz, LMSW, NCBF. If you or someone you know could benefit from a support group, please call 281-422-3517.