MILSTEAD RECOGNIZED AS WOMAN OF DISTINCTION. Amy Milstead, president of Milstead Automotive, was recognized as a Woman of Distinction for her tireless volunteer service to Montgomery County Youth Services, an agency that offers services and activities benefiting youth, up to age 18, who struggle with the challenges and complexities of life. Milstead began her association with MCYS by serving on the Ladies Night Out committee for approximately seven years before she joined the board, where she has been a member for two years.

The event was held April 8 at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center. A special “Petticoats to Parasols” presentation by Cypress-Woodlands Junior Forum depicted the evolution of women’s fashion in the last 100 years.

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DOT MAXWELL HONORED AS MCWC WOMAN OF DISTINCTION. Dorothy Dillard “Dot” Maxwell was honored as a Woman of Distinction for her tireless volunteering with the Montgomery County Women’s Center. She has volunteered at Montgomery County Women’s Center since 2003, where she invests more than 50 hours a month researching and pricing collectibles and vintage items for the resale shop in Shenandoah.

Maxwell has also been a member of Colonial Dames, 17th Century, First Families of Mississippi, First Families of Louisiana, United Daughters of Confederacy, Daughter of the American Revolution, Friends of the Cabildo – New Orleans, Louisiana Pen Women, American Poetry Society, and is a member of Christ Way Baptist Church.

During her many years of volunteer work with The Arthritis Foundation, both in Ouachita Parish and the state of Louisiana, she received their National Service Award.

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MONTGOMERY COUNTY UNITED WAY’S WOMAN OF DISTINCTION. Montgomery County United Way’s Woman of Distinction, Lucy Shanahan, was honored at the annual Montgomery County Women’s Council of Organization luncheon at the Marriott Hotel. Many local nonprofit organizations in the area honored volunteers that regularly serve to improve the condition of citizens in the area.

Shanahan is currently serving as a board member of Montgomery County United Way and a panel facilitator for the Strategic Investment process. She has also served as marketing committee chair, and has been very active at CB&I for its United Way Campaign fundraising team. She was the “face” of MCUW in the 2008 campaign materials.

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CHILDREN OF THE WOODLANDS DONATES TO INTERFAITH.

Kindergarten classes of The Children of The Woodlands at The Woodland United Methodist Church donated more than 600 cans of food to Interfaith of The Woodlands’ Food Pantry.

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MCUW BREAKS RECORD FOR FUNDRAISING. Montgomery County United Way surpassed $4.5 million this year in its annual fundraising campaign to support 22 funded agency partners and 50 programs that improve lives in the community.

During the Volunteer Appreciation Celebration held on the courthouse steps in Conroe, Barry Carpenter, MCUW’s 2010 campaign chair with the Greater Conroe Economic Development, announced the total raised was $4,502,071. The success, in large part, was due to the $1 million campaign by Anadarko and its employees.

Sylvia Olszowy, representing Judge Alan B. Sadler’s office, read a proclamation from the Montgomery County Commissioner’s Court proclaiming, Tuesday, April 12, 2011, as “Montgomery County United Way Volunteer Appreciation Day.” Volunteers and guests enjoyed a barbecue luncheon prepared by The Preacha’s BBQ and served by The Salvation Army in the emergency response truck.

Jim Fredricks, 2011 MCUW board chair, thanked MCUW volunteers by recognizing board members, Impact Council and Strategic Investment volunteers, and local companies that participated in MCUW’s Days of Caring program.

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BORDER BUNNIES ADD FLAIR TO MUSEUM’S EASTER FESTIVITIES. Cindy Wexler, manager for Borders – The Woodlands, held a drive for customers to purchase a bunny and then donate the bunny to The Woodlands Children’s Museum.  In turn, the museum gave bunnies to guests during Easter weekend. Jann Ross, financial and HR administrator for the museum, cut festive vests for each bunny to create a unique style that kids loved.

Elton Martin, age 2, won a stuffed Easter Bunny after correctly guessing how many jellybeans  were in a container. More than 400 people visited the museum on April 16 for the Egg-tivities programs.

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TWO MEN AND A TRUCK SINK TEETH INTO MUSEUM MOVE. Two Men and a Truck assisted The Woodlands Children’s Museum with moving some most unusual items. “We have never moved a helicopter boom and a gigantic set of teeth before,” said Steve Ziara, Two Men and a Truck general manager. The helicopter parts and teeth were being stored from the museum’s previous location and may be used for an upcoming exhibit.

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LIFE BEYOND CANCER FOUNDATION EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS FOR INAUGURAL FUNDRAISER. The Life Beyond Cancer Foundation, a nonprofit agency dedicated to improving the lives of cancer patients and their families on their journey to a life beyond cancer, held its inaugural “Toast to Life” fundraiser event at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar.

Dr. Jenna Everson shared her personal story about cancer and how it has affected her family, reminding the crowd that cancer is no respecter of age, creed, color, financial status or “if this is a convenient time in one’s life.”

“The evening was quite different from most fundraisers,” said Natalie O’Roark, director of operations for the Life Beyond Cancer Foundation. “We didn’t feature a live auction, a silent auction or even sell raffle tickets. Instead we asked our guests to ‘pay it forward’ for families affected by cancer. We  exceeded our $75,000 goal and are so grateful to those who supported the foundation.”

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar hosted the event as the lead sponsor, providing the venue for the event featuring a wine tasting and hors d’oeuvres.

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OUTSTANDING LADY GOLFERS TAKE HOME STATE TITLES. Montgomery High School lady golfers, coached by Rusty Herridge, brought home the Class 4A golf championship for the third straight year and the 10th time in the last 11 years.

The team, which includes Abby Corson, Kirby Sullivan, Kallie Gonzales, Katy Kile and Abbey Bradley, brought a six-shot lead into the final round, taking the crown from Lake Travis High School.

Magnolia High School senior Kendall Anderson came from behind to win the girls individual 4A state title at four over par. Coached by JimBob Jackson, Anderson will play college golf for Newman University in Wichita, Kansas, next year.

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MARCELLA’S “BONNET BELLES” TEA PARTY AT THE WOODLANDS COUNTRY CLUB. Pretty hats…white gloves…best manners and smiles were all around as 27 young girls became “young ladies” at Marcella Mayeur’s annual Tea Party at The Woodlands Country Club on A pirl 30 Marcella calls the girls, all members of The Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church,  her “Bonnet Belles.” The girls, their mothers and guests were served a tea party lunch, with tea poured from Marcella’s traditional silver tea service.

Marcella gave a short lesson on how to set a table, and language etiquette tips on how the girls can “be their best”. Thomas Miller, Daniel Miller, Austin Murray and Jacob Major ­from the Christian Youth Theater entertained the audience with their singing and dancing, then escorted each party girl to a “red carpet” runway where she walked and modeled her outfit.  Taryn Lenert from Spirit of Joy sang and played guitar, and serenaded the ladies as he played his guitar.

Each girl left with an American Girl book titled “A Smart Girl’s Guide to Manners.” Says Marcella, “My Belles are learning some secrets to grace, confidence and being their best.”

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CHAMBER’S COMMUNITY RELATIONS TEAM HOSTS VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION LUNCHEON. The South Montgomery County Woodlands Chamber of Commerce’s Community Relations Team hosted its annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon at The Woodlands United Methodist Church.

Robert Landau, America’s FUN speaker, was the humorous and energetic guest speaker. This former cruise ship social director stressed how vital volunteers are to the community..

Deborah Kaschik, The Woodlands Young Learners Academy, is the community relations team leader this year. Kathy Rifaat, Interfaith of The Woodlands, is the co-team leader. Along with their team, they coordinated the luncheon.

Thirty Chamber member nonprofit organizations were recognized as well as representatives of the Chairman’s Circle Investors. New members of the Chamber were recognized: America’s FUN Speaker.com Inc.; Artistic Touch Décor Inc.; Blue Leaf Productions; and Glenna Rodgers, Attorney At Law.

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CONNECTING FAMILIES OBSERVES CHILD ABUSE AWARENESS MONTH. Connecting Families handed out pinwheels as part of the national Pinwheels for Prevention outreach program to observe Child Abuse Awareness Month.