Blog entries tagged community

Paint an Art Car to Music and Dancing at Don McGill Toyota in Nearby Katy

Melissa Burnham — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 22:23:23 +0100

Don McGill Toyota in Katy will play host to the painting of the 2020 ARTreach Safari Art Car! Held on Saturday, August 14, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., this is a free community event from ARTreach, a non-profit organization that provides mentoring and art-related programs to children at risk and to others in need. The painting will include several hundred volunteers, plus YOU if you attend, and the painting is being led by award-winning artist Vickie McMillan.

There will also be live music at 2 p.m. from the UrgeWorks dancers and drummers, and refreshments will be provided by Berryhill and Fish City Grill. It will be a great time for everyone at Don McGill Toyota, so come on out for the music, dancing - and especially the art car painting!

Don McGill Toyota is located at 21555 Katy Freeway, Katy, TX 77450. For more information please visit ARTreach Artcar. Bring the whole family and enjoy yourself!

Source: Ultimate Katy and ARTreach

Movie Filmed in Fort Bend Soon to Be Released

Daphne Hager — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 22:38:27 +0100

The independently-produced mystery thriller movie “Apart” has been shooting in and around the Fort Bend area, including Richmond and Rosenberg, for nearly two years -but it’s now in post-production and headed for release soon! Community support has been high for the film, and has included scenes from the streets of Fort Bend, as well as from Lamar Consolidated High School (LCHS) and Foster High School (FHS) - including filming during the 2008 football game between the two schools.

The cities of Richmond and Rosenberg have also lent their support, waiving fees for the small production that meant the difference in getting not just good, but great exposure of the Fort Bend area that will be seen in the upcoming film. The cast includes many veterans of film, but is the debut for writer/director Aaron Rottinghaus, and is produced by Ryan Rettig. The movie and its release will signal that Fort Bend is a great site to film future movies, as well as highlight the great communities and people of Fort Bend.

For more movie details, confirmed release dates and more, visit the “Apart” Facebook page at Facebook.com/apartmovie!

Summer Broadway with “Winnie the Pooh” and “Captain Underpants” at the KVPAC

Daphne Hager — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 23:31:48 +0100

The nearby Katy Visual Performance Arts Center (KVPAC) will host the children’s classic “Winnie the Pooh” on Friday July 23 at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday July 24 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Tickets are a great price at only $6 each, so bring the whole family for a great time with our old friends Pooh, Eeyore, and more!

In addition, the very popular children’s series “Captain Underpants Radio Theatre” will also be at the KVPAC on Saturday July 17 at 2:00 p.m., and tickets are again only $6!

KVPAC is proudly in its 8th year of operation as a non-profit organization, bringing the arts to the area for education, healing, and unifying. It is located at 2501 S. Mason Rd, Suite 290, Katy, TX 77450. For more information on KVPAC and the shows listed here, please call 281-829-ARTS (2787) or email info@kvpac.org, or visit www.kvpac.org.

Annual July 4th Fireworks Show “Katy Freedom Celebration” at Katy Mills Mall

Daphne Hager — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 00:29:51 +0100

Despite some setbacks from a fire this year for the sponsor, Warehouse Pool Supply, the annual July 4th Fireworks Show at Katy Mills Mall is going to be spectacular this year!

Warehouse Pool has always contributed to the fireworks show, and has taken even more interest this year because of the Katy community’s support right after the fire that destroyed some of their facilities. Additionally, the community has rallied with grants from Liberty Mutual and additional funding from the Katy Rice Harvest Festival tickets that are going to help make this a fireworks show to remember.

The show is visible at several nearby Katy locations, including the mall parking lot, and it begins at approximately 9 p.m. as always. For more information, contact Shafer at cshafer@cityofkaty.com or call 281-391-4711.

Summertime Teen and Youth Reading Programs at Fort Bend Public Library

Daphne Hager — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 00:37:30 +0100

The Fort Bend County Libraries are hosting Children and Teen Summertime Reading Clubs (SRC) this summer from June 1 to July 31, with activities and awards for the number of books participants are able read. The Teen SRC is for children in sixth grade and up, and its theme this year is “Within Arm’s Reach, the Future is Yours”. The Children’s SRC program is open to children of all ages, and its theme this year is “Catch the Reading Express.” Reading achievement awards for the SRCs begin on June 7 and run through August 28, 2010.

For more information on the SRC and the library branch nearest you, or to register your child for one of the SRC programs, please visit www.fortbend.lib.tx.us. Information is also available onsite at each library branch or via phone at 281-341-2677.

The Fort Bend Public Library system was founded by the citizens of Fort Bend and approved by the area government in 1947, and was the first library to open in 1948. The system has grown since then and houses several hundred thousand books for the public’s reading enjoyment, so check out a branch near you!

Adopt a Cute Dog this Summer

Daphne Hager — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 21:44:43 +0100

Annie’s Angels in Stafford, TX, is a non-profit rescue shelter for all breeds and ages of dogs, and has a great set of dogs to adopt into your Fort Bend family this summer. These dogs make great pets, and the adoption fee is $125.00 to pay for spay/neuter, vaccinations, heart worm test, and microchip (humanely marks the dog for all veterinarians in case it gets lost).

It’s simple to get a new dog that needs a loving family and has great love to give! You’ll simply fill out some application paperwork to ensure a match of dog and prospective owner, and after approval you pay your fees and collect your pet! You can choose from puppies to larger, older dogs, all shown online and researchable here. Come start your summer with a new family dog that the kids will love for years to come!

For more information, visit AnniesAngelsRescue.com or call 832-483-0997.

A Great Musical Opportunity this May at Sugarland Town Square

Greg Rivera — Wed, 12 May 2010 01:58:27 +0100

May is set to be a great month for music at the wonderful, centrally located Sugarland Town Square!

Do you have a budding teenage singing star in your household? Or perhaps you have always wanted to take your talent beyond the usual shower solo? Your chance has arrived!

On Wednesday, May 19, from 5 p.m. to 7p.m., the Sugarland Town Square will present the “Sugarland Superstar Auditions” for anyone 14 years old and up. Registration and performances begin at 5 p.mm and all singing must be a capella for up to 90 seconds. To compete, you must be a full-time, permanent resident of Fort Bend County.

After the auditions are over, live music will follow, first with a Thursday evening performance, May 20, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., by renowned Houston Jazz saxophonist Stephen Richards. Stephen has played to accolades across the nation and calls Houston home. He is famous for his wonderful live performances at Houston area venues—and now you can hear him live and for free!

For the Grand Finale there will be a Friday evening concert from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. by 2009’s Sugarland Superstar winner Nathan de Jesus!

Sugarland Town Square is host to many retailers, a hotel, and a conference center, and is a beautiful center for family and business activities held in the Fort Bend County area. For more information, please visit Sugarlandtownsquare.com, and good luck - or “break a leg”, as they say in Show Biz!

La Centerra Mall to Host Mark Children's Art Exhibit

Greg Rivera — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 21:22:34 +0100

La Centerra at Cinco Ranch is hosting the Making A Mark Children’s Art Exhibit in partnership with the Katy Visual Arts and Performing Center (KVAPC). Lakemont residents are invited to come out to see the inspiring art!

Making A Mark, is the Texas Children's Cancer Center and Hematology Service's touring art exhibition presented by The Periwinkle Foundation. All the art in the exhibit was created by young people with cancer or blood diseases, and began and continues as an effort to allow expression and focus for the personal issues these children face. Some of it is very remarkable in its positive and inspiring content!

The art exhibit will be on displayed April 19 - 28 in Suite C140 of La Centerra, between Simply Cinco and Panera Bread. The art itself is collected and displayed throughout the year at the Texas Children’s Hospital, and special selections from that exhibit are sent on tour across the state.

La Centerra at Cinco Ranch is a unique and pleasant open-air shopping experience in a beautiful outdoor mall setting. The large central fountain is fun during the day and extraordinary during the evening, and the many shops and restaurants provide a full range of shopping, food, and entertainment for the whole family! La Centerra couldn’t be easier to get to! Travel just a few minutes down the Grand Parkway, South of the Katy Freeway (I-10) and West of Houston, which will bring you to the Southwest corner of Cinco Ranch Boulevard and Grand Parkway. You’ll be glad you did.

Sources: La Centerra at Cinco Ranch

Shrine Circus Heads to Fort Bend County Fairgrounds in Late April!

Greg Rivera — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 21:41:30 +0100

The circus acts that children and families love are returning in April to Rosenberg in the 74th Arabia Shine Circus with great shows from Wednesday, April 21st, through Sunday, April 25th, at the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds located at 4310 Highway 36 South, Rosenberg, Texas. There are evening shows at 7pm Wednesday through Sunday, and two more early shows at 10am Saturday and Sunday.

The very exciting and fun shows this year are by the Jordan Circus performers, including Yangdong Chinese Acrobats, the China Eagle Aerial Bungee Team, and the España Sphere of Fear. Admission has a great deal on Wednesday and Thursday evening, where families of up to six (two adults and four children) can get in for a total of $30. At all other times, admission for each show time is $15 for adults and $10 for children.

For even more family enjoyment, the shows will open to the public two hours prior to show time, and light entertainment will be provided by the performers—and, as well, children will be able to get close to the circus animals for photographs and to pet them and also ride the ponies and elephants.

The Arabia Shrine Circus has been 74 years making fun and memories and providing to the Arabia Shrine to support the twenty-two Shiners Children’s Hospitals across the country. These hospitals have helped injured and burned children since 1922.

To make sure you get your seats ahead of time, tickets can be ordered by phone at 713-2CIRCUS (713-224-7287) or 713-664-7210. Box office sales at the fairgrounds ticket office will begin April 13th. Transportation for seniors to the circus is available, please see http://www.hcp4.net/senioradult/events/pdf/042410Circus.pdf. For more information, check www.fbcfa.org.

Sources: Fort Bend Herald, Fort Bend County Fairgrounds

Lakemont Swim Team Registration for Summer 2010

Cheryl Boe — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 00:31:41 +0100

Lakemont parents can register their children to join the Lakemont Marlin swim team!

Registration will be held at the main swimming pool, next to the Lakehouse on Lakemont Bend. Below are the dates a times.

Sunday, 4/11 from 1-4pm

Sunday, 4/18 from 1-4pm

Sunday, 4/25 from 1-4pm

If you have any questions, please email the swim team chair, Rob M. at robmitzi@sbcglobal.net or Jennifer L. at jenpli@yahoo.com.

Old-Town Charm of Richmond Lands the City In A Texas Lottery Commercial

Greg Rivera — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 23:46:34 +0100

Old-Town Charm of Richmond Lands the City In A Texas Lottery Commercial The city of Richmond served as a unique backdrop for a new Texas Lottery commercial, highlighting Richmond’s recognition for old-town charm as well as serving education needs in Texas in late March, 2010.

The commercial features a giant red ball rolling down a quaint and beautiful downtown Richmond street to the awe of passers-by, highlighting the Texas Lottery’s new participation in the high-stakes multi-state PowerBall Lottery. PowerBall jackpots have reached hundreds of millions of dollars, and, as with all Texas Lottery sales, the Texas ticket proceeds go to the Foundation School Fund to benefit education in Texas. Over the last twelve years, Texas Lottery has funded $12 billion in Texas education.

Several Richmond residents acted in the commercial, including a Sandy McGee’s Restaurant employee, Catherine Sdao. Catherine had originally arrived with restaurant owner Sandy McGee to serve food and drinks, but she was quickly recruited into the commercial. “The next thing I knew after arriving was people were changing my clothes and telling me to hold something,” Sdao said.

Two great area parks were also used for shooting, including NASA’s Rocket Park at the Johnson Space Center featuring actual rockets from a NASA space flight and the close-by George Ranch Historical Park , a long-loved 480-acre living-history museum on a 23,000-acre working ranch.

Stay tuned to your favorite local channels to see the new commercial!

Sources: Fort Bend Herald Texas Lottery, NASA Rocket Park, George Ranch Historical Park

Visit Lakemont – Victorian Easter Egg Hunt

Greg Rivera — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 23:33:53 +0100

Lakemont residents looking for a place to celebrate the Blessings of Easter are invited to the George Ranch Historical Park for a Victorian-style Easter Egg Hunt around the 1890s Davis Mansion.

Helping to connect locals and visitors to the areas remarkable history, The George Ranch Historical Park is a “must see” for Lakemont Residents, and is a living history partnership of the Fort Bend County Museum Association and The George Foundation. The Park aims to educate people of all ages about Texas history through programs that inspire visitors of all ages. “We believe that understanding the past is a key to succeeding in the future.”

Egg hunts begin at 9:30 a.m. and will be held every half-hour until 4 p.m. (There will be no egg hunts between noon and 1 p.m.) Children who find five or more eggs will receive a certificate for a free piece of candy from the Dry Creek General Store gift shop. With many fun things to see and do, plan to spend the day!

The George Ranch Historical Park is located just minutes from the Lakemont neighborhood. Take US 59 South, exit Grand Parkway/Hwy 99 and turn left (South) at the traffic light on Crabb River Road (FM 2759). The Park's main entrance is located 6 miles down the road on the right.

For more information, call (281) 343-0218 or e-mail info@georgeranch.org.

Source: George Ranch Historical Park

Easter Bunny to Visit Lakemont

Cheryl Boe — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 21:03:13 +0100

The Lakemont Executive Committee of resident, a part of the Lakemont Homeowner’s Association, will host a day with the Easter bunny on Saturday, April 3, 2010.

Mr. Cottontail will be on hand to host an easter egg hunt for children of all ages. A professional photographer will be on hand to take “keepsake” photos for each family for a nominal cost.

The event, exclusively for Lakemont residents, will be held at the Lakemont Lakehouse and will be complete with music, cookies and punch. Photos will be from 1 to 3 pm and an egg hunt for all ages will be from 3 to 4 pm.

This event is just another example of why living in Lakemont is so much fun!

Mondays with Mommy-West Houston Mothers Meetup

Greg Rivera — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 04:01:47 +0100

Lakemont mothers of pre-schoolers looking to be better involved with the community through playgroups and fellowship with other moms will find lots to do this year at "Mondays with Mommy," a program by partnership with the West Houston Moxie Moms group and LaCenterra.

Every Monday, moms who mention "Mondays with Mommy" in various LaCenterra stores will receive a number of benefits :

10% off various services and/or products at Aurea Salon & Spa, Beau Kisses, Cold Stone Creamery, Designs of the Interior, Get Personal Katy, J. Barton Clothiers, Mint, Nestlé Tollhouse Café, Relax the Back, and The Wine Next Door.

15% off Bath Junkie purchases
Get a free scoop of ice cream at Fish City Grill as well as all-you-can-enjoy Catfish (unlimited at menu price).
20% off any original or power size smoothie at Jamba Juice
15% off Merle Norman Cosmetics
20% off sheet music and music books at Music & Arts Center

In addition, on the second Monday of each month there are free meet-ups for Mom and child from 10:30 am to 11:30 am. The 2010 series follows the theme, "When I Grow Up, I Want to Be…" which will introduce children to popular professions and familiar faces in the community. These meet-ups take place in the Heritage Square at LaCenterra - 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd. Katy, TX 77494.

2010 Mondays With Mommy Schedule: http://www.lacenterra.com/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=2yNBwGIO9U8=&tabid=93

Email kristi@moxie-moms.com for more info.

Healthier Lifestyles and Better Eating Habits at LaCenterra Farmers Market

Greg Rivera — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 22:43:19 +0100

Lakemont residents seeking healthier lifestyles and eating habits will find the LaCenterra Farmers Market an excellent source for locally grown fresh produce. The Farmers Market has been a staple at LaCenterra for years, and the management is continually looking to expand the market's products for an enhanced variety of choices to shoppers.

Visitors to the LaCenterra Farmers Market will find fresh seasonal produce, handmade products, organic skin care, local honey, fresh breads, olive oil, free range eggs, natural pet foods, and local art.

The Farmers Market is open on the west side of LaCenterra, adjacent to Commercial Center Blvd. or in Heritage Square, the center courtyard on Saturdays.

Hours:
Spring - Summer 8:00 am - 12:00 pm Fall - Winter Hours 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
LaCenterra Shopping Center
23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd. Questions & Comments: 281-533-0340 Products available at the market this week. Farmersmarketlacenterra.com

LCISD Seeks Judges for UIL Competition

Greg Rivera — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 12:36:46 +0100

Lakemont residents can get involved in their community during the New Year by taking time to cultivate the excellent education the area provides. The highly-acclaimed Lamar Consolidated Independent School District is seeking judges from the community for the District’s annual Academic UIL competition. The UIL is the University Interscholastic League, a governing organization residing over Texas schools for competitions ranging from academic, speech and debate, to athletics.

Students from elementary to high school take part in these competitions throughout the year, demonstrating their excellent aptitude from academics to athletics. Any interested student can participate in the competitions as long as they are passing all their classes. Teachers will also select students from across the academic line whom they feel will be successful. Students are then encouraged by teachers who have volunteered their time to coaching them for competition. In addition to coaching students take practice tests from previous year’s to build their skills.

On January 30, 2010 the Lamar CISD will host its annual Academic UIL competition at George Junior High from 9am-1pm. The competition will be for students from 6th, 7th, and 8th grades and will include Lamar CISD, Victoria ISD, Calhoun County ISD and El Campo ISD. The LCISD is seeking judges from the community to judge various speaking events covering art, dictionary skills, listening skills, mathematics, number sense, science, social studies and more. No experience is necessary to participate in judging.

If you or someone you know would like to sign up for one or more of the 45 minute sessions, please contact Lisa McNally at HYPERLINK "mailto:lmcnally@lcisd.org" o "blocked::mailto:lmcnally@lcisd.org" lmcnally@lcisd.org or call 281-964-7866.

A Million and Counting

Greg Rivera — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 02:44:14 +0100

Lamar Education Awards Foundation (L.E.A.F.) has reached a milestone in grant giving to the Lamar Consolidated Independent School District. The nonprofit organization, established just 9 years ago in 2000, has been fulfilling its purpose of raising money to disperse throughout the LCISD for the benefit of teachers and students, and on Friday November 13 they hit the million dollar mark. The sentiments of many that day were of excitement and gratitude. “It’s one of those figures you think you’ll never reach. It’s an overwhelming feeling, knowing what we’ve accomplished,” shared Janice Knight, executive director of L.E.A.F.

Friday was not just a day to celebrate a milestone that had been reached in the past, it was a day where a step was taken and the mark was made. Twenty-six campuses received a total of 109 grants that day, with Huggins Elementary receiving the largest donation of 9 grants totaling $21,483. The funds raised by L.E.A.F. go to fund programs and needs that would exceed the district’s budget. These include fine arts programs, scholarships for students and LCISD employees, as well as teaching materials. They are able to raise the money by hosting small events throughout the year and by holding three major fundraisers: Surf’s Up, Men Who Cook, and New Teacher’s Dinner.

The first year of L.E.A.F. a total of $35,000 in grant money was awarded, and this year the organization was able to award $184,329. For some of the schools the money comes by way of the Grant Express where L.E.A.F. board members surprise the school unannounced, bursting through their front doors with whistles, balloons and cheering. The ensuing excitement on both ends cannot be contained; Huggins Elementary Principal Veronica Williams screamed and danced at the generosity and care shown to the school district. “Having reached the milestone in less than a decade says something about the LCISD community. It knows how important L.E.A.F. is and values its presence in the district,” Knight said. “We live in such a wonderful community with wonderful people.”

“Every year we outdo the year before,” Knight continued. Knowing the importance of education to area residents this organization will keep on chugging as the Grant Express rolls into more schools throughout the years, benefitting both teachers and students. Both LCISD and L.E.A.F. are looking to the future to see what the next decade will hold, and what milestones will be reached in coming years.

Source: www.fbherald.com

Convoy of Hope – A Carnival for Hope

Greg Rivera — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:42:10 +0100

Fort Bend County churches, businesses, and community service agencies are working together to reach out to the community by providing service to the Fort Bend Convoy of Hope. On Saturday, November 21, over 700 volunteers and 60 organizations will be donating their time and resources toward the event.

Convoy of Hope coordinator, Rev. Deborah Prihoda says, “With the economy the way it is, we’re hoping to be able to reach out to a lot more people,” referring to the previous event held in 2007, when 3,000 people were reached by the program.

With high hopes of reaching around 5,000 locals, the “carnival-like event” will have 40,000 pounds of food, medical services, parenting classes, a job fair, and other free personal development opportunities. Additionally, there will be family music and entertainment, giveaways, family portraits and free hair-cuts.

No identification is necessary and the event will continue regardless of weather.

For Lakemont residents looking to join the effort, visit www.fortbendconvoyofhope.com or call Prihoda at 281-342-3801.

Santa Claus is Coming to Lakemont

Cheryl Boe — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:13:55 +0100

Christmas is just around the corner and Santa Claus will be visiting Lakemont residents! The Lakemont Homeowner’s Association’s Events Committee has invited Santa Claus to visit the Lakemont community on Sunday December 13th from 1pm-4pm at the Lakehouse. This fun filled event is for Lakemont residents only.

Mrs. Clause will be telling christmas stories, the children will be decorating Christmas cookies and a photographer will be on hand for photos with Santa. This is just another reason living in Lakemont is so much fun!

Amnesty Food Drive – Donations to help Others and a Chance to Waive Your Fines

Greg Rivera — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 06:00:00 +0100

Fort Bend County Libraries is hosting an Amnesty Food drive from November 2-15 to benefit local food pantries, and provide library patrons an opportunity to get their fines cleared by returning their late materials along with a nonperishable food item.

Late fees for overdue books will be waived during the two week period if the materials are returned. “We’re aware that some patrons might not return overdue items because of fines, especially if they have accumulated over a period of time,” FBC Library Director Clara Russell commented. “Amnesty gives them an opportunity to clear their fees for overdue books and get a fresh start with the library.”

The donations will be collected by the Youth in Philanthropy program, and will be distributed to Second Mile Mission Center, East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministries, Rosenberg-Richmond Helping Hands and Katy Christian Ministries. As the holiday season approaches the food banks will see a growing need, and the donations couldn’t come at a better time. “Food banks are always in need, even in the best of times, but we know the demands are greater in tough economic times,” said Russell.

The FBC Library System holds an Amnesty food drive every 2-3 years, which is generally very successful in getting library materials returned and collecting nonperishable items. The program assists the library by getting materials returned, relieves library patrons by getting fines cleared, and helps people in need by providing an essential need - food. In sum, it is a benefit for the Richmond community and Fort Bend County as a whole.

If you’d like to take part, you can find your local library and business hours at www.fortbend.lib.tx.us Charges for lost or damaged items will NOT be waived during the amnesty period.

Source: www.hcnonline.com/fort_bend_sun