Lucia Noto, a Rice University student studying biosciences, started the nonprofit organization Butterfly Books to promote literacy for children with medical needs and kids in underserved communities.

Read all about it: Noto initially began the venture in middle school by selling books on Amazon, later establishing the 501c3 nonprofit in 2023 in Maryland. After moving to Houston, she created a student chapter at Rice University and has continued to expand.

How it works: Butterfly Books currently has four college chapters and promotes its goals through three main initiatives:

• Read-Aloud events where team members read to children and do activities at schools, community centers and hospitals

• Book Bundles, which are customized care packages for children receiving medical treatments

• Little Libraries built and installed in various communities

The nonprofit has reached a milestone of impacting 49,500 kids, donating over 13,000 books, completing more than 200 read-alouds and installing 8 little libraries.

BodySpec, which operates over 100 locations nationwide, opened its first brick-and-mortar storefront along Rice Boulevard Nov. 10, officials confirmed.

What to expect: The company specializes in providing medical-grade dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, also known as DEXA, scans for body composition monitoring. These scans are designed to accurately measure one's body fat, visceral fat, lean muscle mass and bone density in under 12 minutes and for less than $60, according to news release details.

After a scan is completed, clients receive a "comprehensive virtual dashboard" and gain access to a conversational artificial intelligence agent that breaks down their results before sharing actionable tips for the next steps.

Learn more: Interested clients can find more information about DEXA scans and book an appointment through the company's official website.

• Opened Nov. 10

• 2524 Rice Blvd., Houston

Houston City Council unanimously approved $13.4 million, making funds available to the Parks and Recreation Department for capital improvement projects in parks throughout the city.

What this means: Officials approved funding from the Parks Special, Parks Dedication and Parks Consolidation Construction funds to go toward projects at 17 neighborhood parks, recreation facilities and broader park infrastructure.

Parks included are:

• Jensen Park

• Keith-Wiess Park

• Cullinan Park

• Hermann Park

• Blueridge Park

• Hager Park

• Waldemar Park

Funding will also go toward splash pad renovations, swimming pool upgrades, playground replacements, ballfield and park lighting upgrades and repairs to the Milby Park Community Center roof.

Additional funding covers lift stations at Cullen and Herman Brown parks, bridge condition assessments, design services for various parks and capital renewal for park facilities. Civic art funding will also be included when applicable.

Moving forward: The appropriation provides funding for the projects but does not approve individual construction contracts. The General Services Department will use existing contracts when possible. Any additional contracts will follow city procurement procedures and return to City Council for approval.

As Thanksgiving approaches, the Greater Houston area is hosting several turkey trot races. The details: The events are subject to change and include:

• The second annual 1K Turkey Trot at Peckham Park in Katy on Nov. 14

• The District 2.4.9 Turkey Trot in Tomball on Nov. 21, benefiting the nonprofit Kirstyn’s Krew.

• The Better Together Turkey Trot in Spring on Nov. 26, hosted by Kids R Kids.

• The 18th annual Bay Area Turkey Trot in Houston on Nov. 26, where dogs are welcome.

• The Friendswood Turkey Trot on Nov. 26, featuring a post-race festival at Centennial Park.

• The 41st annual Sugar Land Turkey Trot on Nov. 26.

• The 37th annual Run Thru the Woods in The Woodlands on Nov. 26, supporting local YMCA programs.

• The Jersey Village Turkey Trot on Nov. 26 at Jersey Village High School.

• The Addi's Faith Turkey Day 5K and Kids Wishbone 1K in Kingwood on Nov. 26, supporting Addi's Faith Foundation.

The Harris County Commissioners Court took action on election results and future legislative plans during its Nov. 12 meeting.

The details: Commissioners adopted the official canvass of votes cast in the Nov. 3 general election, certifying results countywide. While Democrats won offices across the county, a runoff election for two Harris County Appraisal District positions is scheduled, with early voting from Nov. 30 through Dec. 8 and Election Day on Dec. 12.

In other news: Commissioners voted unanimously for the Office of Intergovernmental and Global Affairs to update the county's legislative agenda before the state legislature convenes Jan. 12. The court directed the office to present a reprioritized agenda on Dec. 17 that includes:

• Eliminating unfunded mandates

• Expanding county authority and financing tools

• Repealing or amending restrictive laws