Residents looking to make the most of the final weeks of summer can find a variety of events in Bellaire, Meyerland and West University. Here's a look at six happenings taking place in August and early September.

Party on the Patio
West University Place will host a concert at the Colonial Park West end as part of the Party on the Patio summer series. Rescheduled from June, Mary Jane: A Tom Petty Experience will now take place in August.

• Aug. 7, 7-9 p.m.
• Free

• Aug. 22, 9 a.m.
• Free

• Sept. 3, 6:30-8 p.m.
• $20 per ticket, $10 for students and educators

The Gypsy Poet celebrated the soft opening of its Rice Village studio on July 22 and has remained open ever since, officials confirmed. Its address is 2512 Times Blvd., Houston.

Did you know: This is the pizzeria’s third location across Greater Houston that serves a total of eight different types of artisan pizza.

Main course: The Gypsy Poet’s menu consists of wood-fired artisan pizzas, salads and desserts–all inspired by its owners’ travel experiences around the world and passion for artistic expression, according to its website.

The studio’s 13-inch pizzas can be prepared vegan, vegetarian or with a gluten-free crust along with its standard options.

A quick note: Interested patrons are encouraged to review The Gypsy Poet’s hours online prior to their visit, as opening times vary depending on the day.

• 2512 Times Blvd., Houston

Walmart on July 23 announced a multiyear workforce development grant in Houston aimed at helping workers in several communities prepare for higher-quality career opportunities over the next five years, according to a news release.

Walmart and Walmart Foundation announced an initial $250,000 grant to the Greater Houston Partnership to expand the workforce priorities of the Houston Economic Mobility Coalition, while United Way of Houston, Houston City College and San Jacinto College will also be partners in the effort, according to the release.

Another detail: The announcement was made at the Walmart location at 3040 College Park Drive, Conroe, which is also the location of the Walmart Academy in the area, officials said. The grant coincides with the 10th anniversary of Walmart Academy, a private training program that has seen over 4 million training completions since 2016, according to the news release.

Need to catch up on Community Impact’s coverage from last week? Check out six trending stories from the South Houston area from July 27-31.

1. Sugar Land updates green waste collection requirements

2. Katy ISD attendance incentive initiative sees 3 years of growth

3. Houston council member aims to lock down on unenclosed cargo loads while driving on city streets, highways

4. Bellaire begins to prepare for demolition of buildings on Beechnut Street to advance ditch project

5. New mahjong spot opens in Friendswood

6. New private school opens in League City

This summer, Texas is launching a new process to study the viability of data centers and other large projects seeking to connect to the state’s power grid. The process’ strict requirements could deter major industrial projects from coming to the state, experts warn.

The overview: The Electric Reliability Commission of Texas’ new "batch study process" will require that large projects be evaluated in groups, rather than individually. The process was developed in response to Texas’ data center boom.

What they're saying: All projects that would use at least 75 megawatts of electricity will be required to participate in the batch process—including industrial and hydrogen production facilities. However, industrial and manufacturing projects operate differently from data centers and may not be able to meet some of the batch requirements, industry representatives said July 29.

In a state that works to attract major companies and bills itself as business-friendly, that’s a concern, lawmakers said.

"Where are y'all at on trying to differentiate those types of traditional, enterprise, big commercial, large load projects?" Sen. Phil King, R-Weatherford, asked.