Blog entries

Landry's Memorial Day Dinner Cruise offers close view of fireworks

Cheryl Boe — Tue, 21 May 2013 03:56:19 +0100

Share a memorable evening this Memorial Day on board a Woodlands Waterway Cruiser as Landry’s hosts Memorial Day Weekend dinner cruises on Saturday, May 25 and Sunday, May 26 starting at 7:30 p.m.

During each cruise, guests will enjoy a superb four-course dinner and an up-close view of The Woodlands’ dazzling fireworks displays presented by Wells Fargo.

Start with Crab, Spinach & Artichoke dip as an appetizer followed by a Classic Wedge Salad. For your entrée, choose between Seafood Stuffed Shrimp Enbrochette, Cedar Planked Salmon or Chicken Romano. Top off the meal with a choice of zesty Key Lime Pie or New York-Style Cheesecake with Strawberries.

The Memorial Day Weekend Dinner Cruises board at Landry’s Restaurant (1212 Lake Robbins Drive). Cost is $75.99 per guest. Reservations are required and may be obtained by calling 281-363-9750 or by emailing woodbanquet@ldry.com.

For more information on The Waterway Cruisers, visit www.TheWoodlandsWaterwayCruisers.com. Also, you can “like” Landry’s Seafood – The Woodlands and The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau on Facebook and follow the CVB on Twitter.

Ryland Homes Open New Model Home in Graystone Hills

Cheryl Boe — Tue, 14 May 2013 00:20:30 +0100

Ryland Homes is the newest builder to join Graystone Hills, where visitors can tour a new model that is now open daily. The Friendswood Development master-planned community located less than three miles from Interstate 45 in Conroe is offering new-home buyers more selection than ever before, with new homes priced from the $240,000s to the $500,000s.

In addition to Ryland Homes, Graystone Hills offers new homes by Village Builders which has a model home and sales office open daily as well as two new models nearing completion, and a newly opened model by H.G. Walton Homes.

Now open daily, Ryland Homes’ new decorated model offers a preview of the design innovation, included features and some of the many options that are available to home buyers in Graystone Hills.

Highlighted by a classic front porch, the home opens to a two-story entry that offers access to a study as well as a formal dining room. The foyer leads to the home’s central living area – a kitchen with a large island that includes a sink and plenty of workspace on one side, and breakfast bar seating on the other. The kitchen is open to the breakfast area and spacious family room with corner fireplace.

Located just off the family room in its own wing is the master suite with a sitting area, elegant bath and room-sized walk-in closet. A hallway off the kitchen leads to a pantry and a utility room.

Upstairs, the home has a large game room that has double doors opening to an optional media room, three spacious secondary bedrooms and a full bath.

The home is one of six new designs offered by Ryland Homes in Graystone Hills which range in size from 2,345 to more than 3,300 square feet and are priced from the $240,000s. Included in Ryland Homes’ floor plan collection are four large one-story designs with optional second floor living/bedroom areas.

Located just minutes north of The Woodlands, Graystone Hills is known for immediate access to Interstate 45, forested surrounds, rolling terrain, and new-home variety. Residents have convenient access to the Hardy Toll Road and a variety of major medical, employment and retail centers as well as a number of popular recreation destinations in the surrounding area.

Children in Graystone Hills attend schools in the highly regarded Conroe Independent School District. Giesinger Elementary and Cryar Intermediate schools border Graystone Hills and Peet Junior High and Conroe High School are just minutes away.

Amenities within the community include a nature preserve, greenbelt trails, and a lodge- style recreation center with a pool and park.

Another attraction to new-home buyers is the size of Graystone Hills –just 330 acres that will have approximately 780 homes at its completion.

To visit, take I-45 north to Loop 336 (exit 888) and turn left. Travel to Longmire and turn right. The entrance of Graystone Hills will be on the right.

Live music and fireworks for Memorial Day Weekend in The Woodlands

Cheryl Boe — Wed, 08 May 2013 22:19:56 +0100

Join the fun at “Memorial Day in The Woodlands,” hosted by The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau, on May 25 – 26, 2013 from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. at Waterway Square with free concerts, fireworks presented by Wells Fargo, strolling entertainers, activities and more.

On Saturday, May 25, bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy the country and variety sounds of Leannasaurus Rex from 6 p.m. – 7:20 p.m. followed by the classic rock sounds of The Rock-a-Fellas from 7:40 p.m. – 9 p.m. Immediately following the concert, enjoy a fantastic fireworks display presented by Wells Fargo, weather permitting.

The celebration continues at Waterway Square on Sunday, May 26 with the country/alternative band Josh Fuller and Dirt & Diesel taking the stage from 6 p.m. – 7:20 pm. Nobody’s Fool with Kelley Peters closes out the night playing country, pop, rock and swing tunes from 7:40 p.m. - 9 p.m. Once again, the night sky will light up with a dazzling fireworks display after the concert.

The fun doesn’t stop there! On Saturday, enjoy complimentary face painting and on Sunday, a balloon artist will craft the finest balloon creations for families to enjoy. Both nights, strolling entertainers will wander the crowd enchanting guests with their talents. All entertainment is free of charge.

Guests can also interact with a variety of booths including The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau, Wells Fargo and the Wells Fargo Stage Coach, The Woodlands Development Company, Munday Chevrolet, The Woodlands Resort, Comcast, Kyle Sherburne – State Farm Insurance, The Woodlands Children’s Museum and Macaroni Kid. Beverages will be available at the Bud Light Beverage Booth along with food options from Gigi’s Cupcakes Mobil Unit and the Wicked Whisk Food Truck, prices vary.

Memorial Day in The Woodlands is free and open to the public thanks to Wells Fargo, The Woodlands Development Company, Munday Chevrolet, Kyle Sherburne – State Farm Insurance, The Woodlands Resort, Wright’s Printing, Kroger, Bud Light, Comcast and Gigi’s Cupcakes.

Paid parking is available at the 24 Waterway Parking Garage (corner of Fountain Plaza and Lake Robbins Drive), the Waterway Square Parking Garage (between Fountain Plaza and Woodloch Court) and the surface lots at the corner of Waterway Avenue and Timberloch Place and the corner of Six Pines and Lake Robbins Drive.

Additional parking is available in the Waterway Square Parking Garage (between Fountain Plaza and Woodloch Court) and curbside along Lake Robbins Drive, Waterway Avenue, Waterway Square Place and Timberloch Place.

Located along Waterway Avenue, Waterway Square is a one-acre public plaza with unique water features and green spaces that serve as the “centerpiece” of The Woodlands Town Center.

For more information on the event and special Memorial Day weekend hotel offerings, visit www.thewoodlandscvb.com/memorialday.asp or call 281-363-2447. “Like” The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau on Facebook, “follow” them on Twitter and “view” them on YouTube.

Insperity Championship Golf Tourney this weekend

Cheryl Boe — Wed, 01 May 2013 16:16:07 +0100

For the second consecutive year, Insperity Championship patrons will have the opportunity to see Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Lee Trevino compete in a special competition Saturday afternoon of tournament week at The Woodlands Country Club
Tournament Course. Last year, thousands of fans witnessed one of the year’s best events in golf as these legends took a step back into history and shared laughter and competitive fire. Once agai n the “Big Four’ along with Johnny Miller, Raymond Floyd, Don January, Gene Littler, David Graham, Tony Jacklin, Charles Coody and Dave Stockton will compete in the “Greats of Golf” competition. Miller, Floyd, Jacklin and Coody are new to the group this year.

On Saturday, May 4, this legendary and world class group of the game’s greatest players will tee off following the last tee time of the official competition. These 12 players will play in threesomes and will play an 18-hole scramble format.

Last year, Palmer made a birdie putt on the final hole to insure his team—including Nicklaus and Player—a two-stroke victory.“These guys had such a great time last year and all wanted to return,”said Executive Director Bryan Naugle. “They enjoyed seeing each other and spending time on and off the golf course and truly were impressed by the great crowd and warm reception they received.”

This group includes eight World Golf Hall of Fame members, has more than 300 PGA TOUR victories, over 50 major championship titles and more than 150 Champions Tour wins.

For the third time in its nine-year history, the Insperity Championship presented by UnitedHealthcare wasrecognized as one of the top events on the Champions Tour schedule. Last year, the tournament received The Players Award for having "the best of everything" for players, sponsors and spectators. In 2008, the tournament received the President’s Award as the best overall event and in 2011 was honored with the President’s Award for Excellence in Achievement.

The Insperity Championship offers FREE grounds only admission tickets courtesy of Insperity, TheWoodlands Development Company, Woodforest National Bank and HP. The grounds ticket also includes free parking and shuttle service. For updated information on all aspects of the Insperity Championship,fans are encouraged to visit www.insperitychampionship.com.

The Insperity Championship, the 8th of 26 official events on the Champions Tour schedule, benefits local Houston charities. The tournament is also a partner with the Houston affiliate of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure and will ‘pink out’ on Saturday, May 4 in support of breast cancer awareness.

About the Insperity Championship
A Champions Tour event, the Insperity Championship presented by UnitedHealthcare features the world’s premier golfers age 50 and older. Last year’s tournament winner, Fred Funk, will be returning to the Insperity Championship to defend his title and play for a purse of $1.8 million on April 29-May 5. In addition to support from the title sponsor Insperity and presenting sponsor UnitedHealthcare, official sponsors include Woodforest National Bank, United Airlines, Donoho’s Jewellers, Breitling, Audi, Dr Pepper Snapple Group, Houston Chronicle, National Car Rental, Anheuser Busch, HP, 3M Oil & Gas and CBS Radio. The Insperity Championship is managed and operated by ProLinks Sports. In 2008, the tournament received the prestigious Presidents Award as the best event on the Champions Tour and in 2011 received the President’s Award for Excellence in Achievement. Last year, the tournament received The Players Award for having the “best of everything” for the players, sponsors and spectators. Past champions include Larry Nelson, Jay Haas, Mark McNulty, two-time winner Bernhard Langer, John Cook, Fred Couples, Brad Faxon and Fred Funk. For more information about the Insperity Championship, visit www.insperitychampionship.com.

Annual Fourth of July festival adds second fireworks show

Cheryl Boe — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 04:46:44 +0100

Residents looking forward to another year of fireworks at the annual Red, Hot and Blue Festival in The Woodlands will be happy to know that there will be two chances to see the sky light up for the Fourth of July.

Now in its 16th year, the annual celebration will be in the Town Center area from 6-10 p.m. and will feature live music, face painting, games, food, refreshments and now two fireworks shows.

The Woodlands Township decided to trim the overall show by three minutes, down to a 20 minutes, but will add another firing site. Fireworks will be shot off simultaneously from the corner of Timberloch Place and Woodloch Forest and from the top of the Woodlands Waterway 1 & 2 Parking Garage.

Nick Wolda, president of the Convention & Visitors Bureau, said the move is a way to maximize the fireworks experience for the thousands of residents and visitors who pour into The Woodlands each year for the annual celebration. Adding another show will help more attendees enjoy the show while not adding to the overall cost.

“What’s happened is that The Woodlands has become more urbanized,” Wolda said. “We’re seeing a lot more density in the downtown area with taller buildings.”

Having a second firing site will allow a greater number of people to see either one or both fireworks shows at the same time, Wolda said. Officials have spent time combing the area to find areas with both optimal viewing angles and safety.

“We wanted to make the fireworks viewing as easy as possible. But the viewer also has to understand where exactly the shows will be,” Wolda said.

As the holiday approaches, the township will work to provide advance marketing and publicity much like previous years but also will use test shots during the festival at 30-minute intervals to allow attendees to position themselves in time for the fireworks. The sites may have signage to direct attendees to areas with the best view, Wolda said.

The 20-minute show will be synchronized to a patriotic soundtrack that will played at the event and on the radio on SUNNY 99.1, Wolda said. The township is working on a possible live TV broadcast of the show, but those plans have not been formalized.

“We’re going to try to give the best customer service possible,” Wolda said. “It’s a great way to celebrate America’s Independence and it’s always been a great tradition.”

St. Luke's The Woodlands Hospital Coffee with the Cardiologist Series

Cheryl Boe — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 21:34:57 +0100

St. Luke’s The Woodlands Hospital is hosting a series of discussions with well-known cardiologists. This event is called “Coffee with the Cardiologist,” and it starts at 8 a.m. and last through 9 a.m. at the hospital on various dates throughout the year. Each talk takes place with a different doctors.

The next seminar will be hosted by Dr. Bernardo de la Guardia on April 17th, and his talk is titled Coronary Artery Disease. The following seminar, The Day I Became a Patient: A Doctor’s Stroke Survival Story, will be on May 8th and will be presented by Dr. Charnette Taylor. There are 2 more seminars in the series; the schedule can be seen at http://www.woodlandsonline.com/npps/story.cfm?nppage=49889.

The seats for this educational series will fill up fast, so make sure to register on the phone at 936-266-4050 or at http://www.stlukeswoodlands.com/AboutUs/calendar.cfm.

Lone Star College Foundation StarGala

Cheryl Boe — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 00:52:16 +0100

Why not bring out the gala dresses and the black ties for a good cause? The Lone Star College Foundation’s StarGala is scheduled for Saturday April 27 at 6:30 p.m. at the Woodlands Waterway Marriott. Lone Start College is able to give more than $700,000 in grants annually because of this event and the generosity of the attendees. This year, thanks to PBK, Inc. who very generously donated $50,000 as a table sponsor, the event is expecting revenues that surpass any other year.

This fun event started back in the 70’s, so you can either wear formal black tie or vintage 70’s clothing. The gala consists of dinner, live music from the 5th Avenue Band, and silent auctions, so this will definitely be a night to remember. It is not too late to sign up to give scholarships and individual tickets are still available. For more details, go to http://www.yourhoustonnews.com or email Judy Lux, the special events manages, at Judy.Lux@LoneStar.edu to buy your tickets.

D.R. Horton Rockin' Home Sale

Cheryl Boe — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 20:54:34 +0100

Visit the D.R. Horton model in Graystone Hills April 18-22, 2013 and find out about the Rock Star pricing, Upgrades and Options available!!!

Village Builders Home Open Event

Cheryl Boe — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 20:10:33 +0100

Purchase a new Village Builders home in Graystone Hills before April 14 and receive a complimentary upgraded washer and dryer. See Sales Counselor for details.

New Bike Shop Opening in The Woodlands area

Cheryl Boe — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 19:55:40 +0100

Bikers, a new bike shop will be opening at The Woodlands Town Center soon: Cycles TX. The new store will be located at 1501 Lake Robbins Drive.

Construction of Cycles TX will begin in April and can be expected to be completed around the end of June or in early July. Once the store opens, it will stock many different brands of bikes and equipment that ranges from beginners to experts, so everyone will be able to choose what will fit their biking needs.

Bernardo Davids, the Chief Operating Officer of Cycles TX declares, “We live in The Woodlands, and we want to share our passion and love for the sport with everyone,” a quote which portrays how family-oriented this shop will be. Be on the lookout for this great shop and let us know how you like it.

The Woodlands Resort and Conference Center Undergoes Major Renovations

Cheryl Boe — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 04:49:31 +0100

The Woodlands Resort and Conference Center is about to begin their 18-month long project that will add more guest rooms, a lazy river, a new on-site restaurant, and other features. The renovation will also update the conference center.

This project will not be a small one, but many of their operations will remain open. These include the golf courses, the pools, and the existing restaurants. The resort is planning on updating everything in different phases so that the guests can still enjoy their stay while the resort works to renovate the amenities.

Some of the renovation details are the installation of a 1,000 foot long lazy river, the addition of another pool, a two-story water slide, waterfalls, spraygrounds, and a café. Even the spa will be renovated to create a more modern and relaxing spa environment.

The staff is excited for the upcoming renovations. According to the general manager, Greg Parsons, “The significant expansion and renovation marks a high point in our resort’s 38-year history.” So be sure to take a relaxing vacation in the Woodlands, enjoy the new renovations, and let us know which one you enjoyed the most.

CISD Students Learn to Manage Money

Cheryl Boe — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 20:02:33 +0100

Conroe ISD seniors are learning practical money-management skills and the short- and long-term impact of educational, financial and lifestyle decisions.

More than 3,000 CISD students will participate in Junior Achievement Finance Park Virtual this school year, with individuals volunteering from Capital One, Talisman USA, Newpark Resources, Woodforest Bank, First National Bank Texas, Halliburton, KPMG, Corven and Chevron Phillips.

The game Finance Park Virtual provides students an interactive simulation where students will create their own avatar and receive a life scenario such as a fictional job, age, income, educational background and family. Based on their choices, they encounter real-world situations such as how to develop a budget, maintain a household and pursue a career. Each simulation session offers a unique learning objective that builds on previous knowledge.

“This unique, award-winning program has a proven track record of engaging students in financial education learning that is both substantive and fun,” said Judy Knocke, senior operations manager for Junior Achievement at CISD. “The hands-on financial education helps students to understand the short- and long-term impact of their (buying) decisions and prepares students to succeed as adults by teaching them practical money management skills.”

“We are excited to offer this wonderful learning opportunity to all of our seniors,” CISD Superintendent Dr. Don Stockton said. “I feel that JA Finance Park is a great tool for students to learn the importance of making good financial decisions and a wise career choice.”

The program will help prepare young people for the real world by showing them how to generate wealth and effectively manage it, how to create jobs which make their communities more robust, and how to apply entrepreneurial thinking to the workplace, Knocke said.

“Students put these lessons into action and learn the value of contributing to their communities.”

During the 2012-13 school year, more than 17,000 CISD students participated in the Junior Achievement program and $11,000 in JA scholarships were awarded to CISD graduating seniors.

JA’s mission is to prepare and inspire young people to be successful and to own their own economic future.

“Our students and our economy are asking for a solution, and Junior Achievement believes it is the answer,” Knocke said.

To know more about how you or your company could become a volunteer in the local Junior Achievement program, please contact Judy Knocke at 832-515-8430 or JKnocke@JAHouston.org

Source: The Woodlands Villager

Is Your Garden Ready for Spring?

Cheryl Boe — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 04:37:50 +0100

Spring is right around the corner for Montgomery County, and spring gardening fever is reaching a fever pitch at the area nurseries!

Are you dreaming of ripe tomatoes, bright greens and a bushel of bounty from your home garden?

Now is the time to prepare your space or garden beds for the growing season. Whether you plan to grow in containers, raised beds, furrows or a space in an established landscape bed, one of the first tasks is to prepare the soil/site for the plants to flourish.

The hallmarks for achieving a successful gardening or landscaping venture are proper site selection, appropriate plant selection, soil improvement, efficient irrigation and maintenance of the project.

Examine and inspect the soil — is it primarily sand, clay or a balanced mix? A mix is ideal, as sand will not retain moisture and too much clay will lead to water-logging tender roots. Balance the composition with a variety of undecomposed organic matter such as leaf mold, sawdust, grass clippings and fresh green waste (kitchen scraps).

Or, for a time saving approach add finished compost. The addition of organic matter in either form will balance pH, amend nutrients, attract earthworms and correct drainage through the action of necessary micro and macro organisms.

Testing your soil pH is easily performed by taking a sample to the Master Gardeners at the Agri-Life Extension Office on Airport Road in Conroe. Bring a small bag or jar of soil during office hours and have the soil tested at no charge. Testing the soil pH is important information to have for the success of your garden.

Most varieties and species need a neutral range of 6-7.5. However, there are exceptions such as blueberries that require a very acidic pH. The Montgomery County Master Gardeners will be happy to provide print outs and instruction on how to amend the pH for a specific plant or to correct a pH imbalance. Online, TAMU provides a wealth of information on all topics related to horticulture in Texas.

Their site is: http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu

Once the planting site is selected, plants have been determined, pH is tested and amended as need, and watering and irrigation have been taken into consideration, the next thing to do is plant!

Remember the hallmarks for achieving a successful gardening or landscaping venture:

proper site selection,
appropriate plant selection,
soil improvement,
efficient irrigation, management of water needs
maintenance of the project.

The Montgomery County Master Gardeners are preparing their demonstration beds at the Texas AgriLife Center in Conroe, and would enjoy giving you a tour of the gardens, at any time of the year.

Source: The Conroe Courier
By Liz Montgomery
Montgomery County Master Gardener

My Gym Children’s Fitness Center opens in The Woodlands

Cheryl Boe — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 07:00:30 +0100

When Karl Phillips and his wife Shannon graduated from Western Kentucky University, they wanted to put their degrees in exercise science to good use, but weren’t really interested in becoming personal trainers.

While at WKU, Karl played tight end for the Hilltoppers football team, and through community reachout events, he developed the love for interacting with kids that Shannon also had.

That’s when the My Gym Children’s Fitness Center in Aventura, Fla., came into their lives. The couple has spent the past six years as co-directors of the center, and now they own their own gym in The Woodlands, hoping to make fitness a priority for the community’s youth.

“It’s a great way for parents to start their kids young in getting fit,” Karl said. “With the My Gym program, we make it fun. Childhood obesity is something that’s getting really bad, leading into cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol and high blood pressure as adults. The best way to combat those things is to develop good habits as a child.”

Shannon said working for My Gym is an exciting experience because it allows her and Karl to spend time together doing something they both love.

“It’s very exciting,” Shannon said. “It’s fun to see it all come to life. We’ve done it before, but now, to have our own (gym) and be able to come in here every day and make a difference in kids’ lives is really exciting. Making a difference in their lives and seeing them accomplish something is so rewarding, and that’s how I knew I wanted to do this for a long time.”

According to the My Gym website, benefits for kids include increased strength, balance, fitness, coordination, motor skills, social skills, body awareness, teamwork concepts, sports skills and self-esteem.

The My Gym franchise has been around for 30 years and has more than 270 locations in 30 countries around the world, according to the website. There are currently five locations in Texas, including The Woodlands, Austin, Colleyville, Frisco and Katy.

The gym has 10 age-specific classes: Little Bundles (6 weeks-6 months), Tiny Tikes (7-13 months), Waddlers (14-22 months), Gymsters (23 months-2 ½ years), Terrific Tots (2 ½ -3 ¼), Mighty Mites (3 ¼-4 ½ years), Whiz Kids (4 ½-6 years), All Star Sports (4-7 years), Champions (6-9 years) and Cardio Kids (7-13 years).

Formal classes will begin March 11, but the gym will hold grand opening celebrations from Feb. 28-March 10 for those interested in learning more. For additional information, visit the My Gym website at www.mygym.com/thewoodlands. The gym is located at 525 Sawdust Road Suite 109 in The Woodlands.

Source: The Woodlands Villager

D.R. Horton Texas Two Step

Cheryl Boe — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 23:40:15 +0100

D.R. Horton presents their Texas Two Step incentive March 1st - March 30, 2013. Visit the D.R. Horton model home in Graystone Hills for more information!!!

11th Annual Spring Home & Garden Show in The Woodlands

Cheryl Boe — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 21:33:22 +0100

Experts and exhibitors at the 11th annual Spring Home and Garden Show at The Woodlands will share new ideas and products that can both beautify and add value to your home.

The show will be held Saturday and Sunday, March 2 and 3 at the The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center at1601 Lake Robbins Drive.

Tony Wood, president of Texwood Shows, Inc. and producer of the event, said this year’s show will have a lot to offer.

“Sometimes a small improvement to a home or yard can make all the difference, and spring is the perfect time of year to spruce things up.”

Wood welcomes Massarelli's Fountains, to the show for the first time. "They are a top-of-the-line producer of fountains and fine stone garden statuary, with each piece handmade by master craftsmen. Each piece is an original."

Locals can find Massarelli's one-of-a-kind products at Spring Home & Outdoor, who will feature a 88" Massarelli fountain with a 8' fiberglass pool in their booth. They also carry other landscaping water features, such as disappearing fountains, Talavera and other pottery, benches and urns; along with potted arrangements to complement any decor from The Potted Shop.

Wood said attendees can get creative ideas to transform a backyard into an oasis at the feature landscape exhibit by Stewart Land Designs. “Also, the Belgard Hardscapes Mobile Display is one of our new show features and literally is a semi truck filled with ideas to create your own picture-perfect patio,” said Wood.

Brandon Lynch, a certified Aging-in-Place Specialist, will be featuring the Easy Living by Design booth. “Brandon is with Keechi Creek Builders and will share products and ideas on how to update a home to make it more accessible to meet an owner’s changing needs - a trend as baby boomers age,” Wood said. Discover new products such as walk-in tubs and control centers to adjust lighting and make life more comfortable.

Visitors can stop by the Whirlpool Cooking Stage for live cooking demos and quick and easy recipes from a Whirlpool culinary instructor. Also get an update on the latest convection and easy clean ovens and cook tops, all in one, from Whirlpool Corporation.

"And for a special treat, get a sneak peek of the works of Rick Loudermilk, the featured artist of The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival 2013," said Wood.

“We are proud of our lineup of expert speakers. They are enthusiastic, experienced and have what it takes to get you started on the right track with your home improvement projects.”

Aspiring green thumbs can meet Kathy Huber, the Houston Chronicle’s gardening editor and listen to Randy Lemmon, popular host of AM 740 KTRH’s GardenLine, who will broadcast live from the show on Saturday until 1 p.m.

John Ferguson, author and organic gardening expert, will share his knowledge on how to use natural materials to create a greener garden.

Ellen Delap, professional home organizer, will offer tips to help you organize your home and life, while certified color consultant Catherine Falgoust will share the latest in color trends.

LaVerne Williams, AIA, LEED certified architect, will give advice for creating a more energy efficient and sustainable home. Mary Scalli, a home staging professional, will share secrets for making homes sell quickly, and John Johnston, president of Designer Kitchens, will provide insight into the latest developments and trends in kitchen design.

“This year’s show is truly a fun event for the entire family – with lots of new ideas to take back home and plenty opportunities to shop,” Wood said.

About the 11th annual Spring Home & Garden Show in The Woodlands

The 11th annual Spring Home & Garden at The Woodlands will be held from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 2 and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, March 3, at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center at 1601 Lake Robbins Drive, 77380. Tickets are cash only and are $9 for adults, $7 for seniors and free for children under 12. An ATM is located near the ticket window.

FREE parking in the Parking Garage behind the Convention Center next to the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion on Six Pines and Lake Robbins, with a covered walkway to the Convention Center. More information about exhibitors, speaker schedules, discount admission coupons and exhibitor special offers available at www.woodlandsshows.com.

Source: Woodlands Online

The Woodlands Pavilion Partners Looking for Volunteers

Cheryl Boe — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 06:30:28 +0100

The Pavilion Partners, the official volunteer organization of The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, is looking for volunteers with a passion for the arts.

Partners is hosting a volunteer information meeting for anyone interested in becoming a performing arts event volunteer. The meeting takes place Feb. 28 at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion.

For more information on the meeting or to RSVP, contact Leslie Williams at 281-210-1125 or lwilliams@woodlandscenter.org.

For more information on volunteer opportunities with Partners visit www.woodlandscenter.org/partners.

Go Texan Parade Scheduled for this Saturday in Downtown Conroe

Cheryl Boe — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 21:00:05 +0100

GThe 48th annual Go Texan Parade is on schedule to wind its way through downtown Conroe starting at 1 p.m. this Saturday, February 16th.

More than 80 entries – ranging from handmade floats to real rodeo clowns – have signed up for the event, said Go Texan Parade Chairman Will Evans.

Last year’s event was canceled due to freezing rain that closed area roads. Still, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Metro Committee was able to distribute $192,000 in scholarships to students from the Conroe and Willis school districts.

The theme of Saturday’s Go Texan Parade is “Boots, Books and Education,” which was supposed to be the theme of last year’s parade.

The Go Texan Parade float contest will award first and second place in the categories of Commercial, Nonprofit, Youth and Overall. He will accept entries until the end of business today. Call 936-203-0774 for more information.

“Announcement booths will be placed throughout the parade route to recognize each entry and to entertain spectators during the event,” Evans said.

About two hours before the parade starts, DJs will be playing music at various locations along the parade route.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo will be Feb. 25 through March 17 at the Reliant complex.

DR Horton Announces Love It Sale

Cheryl Boe — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 07:06:24 +0100

11th Annual Spring Home and Garden Show in The Woodlands

Cheryl Boe — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 05:23:46 +0100

Experts and exhibitors at the 11th annual Spring Home and Garden Show at The Woodlands will share new ideas and products that can both beautify and add value to your home.

The show will be held Saturday and Sunday, March 2 and 3 at the The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center at1601 Lake Robbins Drive.

Tony Wood, president of Texwood Shows, Inc. and producer of the event, said this year’s show will have a lot to offer.

“Sometimes a small improvement to a home or yard can make all the difference, and spring is the perfect time of year to spruce things up.”

Wood welcomes Massarelli's Fountains, to the show for the first time. "They are a top-of-the-line producer of fountains and fine stone garden statuary, with each piece handmade by master craftsmen. Each piece is an original."

Locals can find Massarelli's one-of-a-kind products at Spring Home & Outdoor, who will feature a 88" Massarelli fountain with a 8' fiberglass pool in their booth. They also carry other landscaping water features, such as disappearing fountains, Talavera and other pottery, benches and urns; along with potted arrangements to complement any decor from The Potted Shop.

Wood said attendees can get creative ideas to transform a backyard into an oasis at the feature landscape exhibit by Stewart Land Designs. “Also, the Belgard Hardscapes Mobile Display is one of our new show features and literally is a semi truck filled with ideas to create your own picture-perfect patio,” said Wood.

Brandon Lynch, a certified Aging-in-Place Specialist, will be featuring the Easy Living by Design booth. “Brandon is with Keechi Creek Builders and will share products and ideas on how to update a home to make it more accessible to meet an owner’s changing needs - a trend as baby boomers age,” Wood said. Discover new products such as walk-in tubs and control centers to adjust lighting and make life more comfortable.

Visitors can stop by the Whirlpool Cooking Stage for live cooking demos and quick and easy recipes from a Whirlpool culinary instructor. Also get an update on the latest convection and easy clean ovens and cook tops, all in one, from Whirlpool Corporation.

"And for a special treat, get a sneak peek of the works of Rick Loudermilk, the featured artist of The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival 2013," said Wood.

“We are proud of our lineup of expert speakers. They are enthusiastic, experienced and have what it takes to get you started on the right track with your home improvement projects.”

Aspiring green thumbs can meet Kathy Huber, the Houston Chronicle’s gardening editor and listen to Randy Lemmon, popular host of AM 740 KTRH’s GardenLine, who will broadcast live from the show on Saturday until 1 p.m.

John Ferguson, author and organic gardening expert, will share his knowledge on how to use natural materials to create a greener garden.

Ellen Delap, professional home organizer, will offer tips to help you organize your home and life, while certified color consultant Catherine Falgoust will share the latest in color trends.

LaVerne Williams, AIA, LEED certified architect, will give advice for creating a more energy efficient and sustainable home. Mary Scalli, a home staging professional, will share secrets for making homes sell quickly, and John Johnston, president of Designer Kitchens, will provide insight into the latest developments and trends in kitchen design.

“This year’s show is truly a fun event for the entire family – with lots of new ideas to take back home and plenty opportunities to shop,” Wood said.

About the 11th annual Spring Home & Garden Show in The Woodlands

The 11th annual Spring Home & Garden at The Woodlands will be held from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 2 and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, March 3, at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center at 1601 Lake Robbins Drive, 77380. Tickets are cash only and are $9 for adults, $7 for seniors and free for children under 12. An ATM is located near the ticket window.

FREE parking in the Parking Garage behind the Convention Center next to the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion on Six Pines and Lake Robbins, with a covered walkway to the Convention Center. More information about exhibitors, speaker schedules, discount admission coupons and exhibitor special offers available at www.woodlandsshows.com.

Source: The Woodlands Online