Wednesday, September 18, 2002
Cy-Fair College Fairbanks Center presents “Getting Started in Business.” This practical workshop provides an overview of how to start a small business in Texas. From evaluating your idea to writing a business plan, developing a marketing strategy and finding financing, this workshop will put you on the road to success. Includes the book, Texas Roadmap to Starting a Business. Free. Course No. CBUSI 7900201. 6 – 9 p.m. Call 832/782-5000 for more information.

Wednesday, September 18, 2002
Carver Center Book Club hosts author, Ernest M. Fountain “To Achieve the American Dream” from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at 2330 S. Victory St. (located in Acres Home) Books will be available for purchase on event day. Call 281/618-5818 for more information.

Thursday, September 19-20
The Texas Association of African American Chambers of Commerce (TAAACC) convenes the 4th Annual Conference at the Adams Mark Hotel in Dallas. Workshops will be led by business and political leaders from across Texas. Call 512/457-0370 for more information.

Monday ,September 23
Work Advantage in collaboration with Wyndham Arlington is presenting Texans Helpin’ Texans Job Fair at Wyndham Arlington, 1500 Convention Center E. Dr., Arlington. Call 817/ 531-6760 for more information.

Friday ,September 20
The D/FW Minority Business Development Council, invites minority business enterprises,and corporate representatives for a day of friendly competition and fun. The Council must receive entries and Registration no later than September 20, 2002. Limited to the first entries received s send your entry in early for the 2002 Golf & Tennis Classic which will be held Monday, October 7, 2002 at the Trophy Club Country Club, 500 Trophy Club Drive, Dallas, Texas. Sponsored by Exxon Mobil. Send Entry Fee and Registration form to: D/FW MBDC, 1000 Stemmons Freeway, Dallas, Texas 75207-2212. Call 817/430- 8995 for more information

Thursday, September 26, 2002
The Phyliss Wheatley Senior High School Class of 1972 will celebrate its 30-year reunion, September 27-29, 2002 at the Sheraton Hilton-Intercontinental Airport Hotel, 15700 John F. Kennedy Boulevard in Houston, Texas. Call 713/672-6122 or 713/675-3669 for more information.

The 16th Annual Houston Caribbean Carnival Festival will take place September 27-29, 2002, in downtown Houston. The organizers have also announced a series of happy hours titled “A Display of Caribbean Gems,” will continue throughout the summer until Thursday, September 26, 2002. The happy hours will take place at the newly opened Club Negril, 9344 Richmond Avenue. Call 832/277-1222 for more information.

Saturday, September 28, 2002
The American Cancer Society and the United Way of the Texas Gulf Coast will have their making Strides Against Breast Cancer, a 4.5 mile walk. Located at the Robertson Stadium on the University of Houston Main Campus. The registration begins at 8:00 a.m. and the walk begins at 9:00 a.m. Funds are raised through pledges and donations. Call 877/606-9255 for more information.

Community volunteers are needed for Hospice Preferred Choice of Houston. A hospice volunteer may work in the office, provided companionship to the patient or the patient’s family, or provide bereavement support to the family. Training will be held on September 28 and October 12. Call 713/ 864- 2626 for more information.

Monday, September 30, 2002
The International Library of Photography is pleased to announce that over $60,000.00 in prizes will be awarded this year in the International Open Amateur Photography Contest. Photographers from the Houston area, particularly beginners, are welcome to try to win their share of over 1,300 prizes. The contest is open to everyone and entry is FREE. Photographs should be sent to The International Library of Photography, Suite 101-2614, 3600 Crondall Lane, Owings Mils, MD 21117. Entries must be postmarked by September 30, 2002. You may also submit your photo directly online at www.picture.com.

Through Monday, September 30
SOTM, Inc. will offer a Divorce Recovery Support group to the community. The event will be held each Monday evenings, August 5 - September 30, 2002 at 7:30 p.m., 423 West Wheatland Road Suite 101, Duncanville, Texas 75116.

Thursday, October 24, 2002
The Texas Legislative Black Caucus will host the TLBC Golf Classic 2002, at Forest Creek Golf Course located at 99 Twin Ridge Parkway Round Rock, Texas. The registration begins at 7:00 a.m., the shotgun start at 8:00 a.m., from 12:30 p.m.- 2:00 p.m. the luncheon and the recognition ceremony will take place. Call 512/388-2874 for more information.

Monday, October 28, 2002
The Business and Community Council of North Harris Montgomery Community College District will host the college’s 16th annual Small Business Awards Banquet. Companies must be independent, privately held corporations; partnerships or proprietorships located in North Harris or Montgomery counties. Anyone may submit nominations including self-nominations. Call 281/260-3174 for more information.

Wednesday, November 13, 2002
The International Dyslexia Association will hold its annual national conference, “Reading on My Mind” on November 13-16, 2002, at the Atlanta Hyatt Regency. This national conference will bring together 400 researchers, educators, parents, and public officials from around the country to share the latest scientific research, teaching techniques and public policy initiatives in addressing the needs of individuals who struggle with reading, writing, and spelling. Governor Roy Barnes has declared the week of November 13 as “Dyslexia Awareness Week.” Call 1/800-222-3123 for more information.

Through Saturday, December 8
Dallas Museum of Natural History the Museum, 3535 Grand Avenue in historic Fair Park presents “Texas Scariest and Deadliest,” an exhibit that debunks the myth about deadly plants and animals. The exhibit also includes a large collection of venomous snakes, a real five-foot yellow jacket nest and a beehive.

Through Tuesday, December 10
Fort Worth Slam’s Spoken Word Competition. Hottest Spoken Word competition ever at The Black Dog Tavern, 903 Throckmorton Street. Call 817/455-7932 for more information.

Tuesday, February 4, 2003
The Texas Senior Advocacy Coalition will have their Senior Day 2003 at the capitol Tuesday, February 4, 2003 at 10:30 a.m. at the State Capitol in Austin. Call 214/823-5700 for more information.