YMCA Dragon Boat Team Challenge

SEPT. 27-30

The South Montgomery County YMCA will hold the 2012 YMCA Dragon Boat Team Challenge “Presented by AonHewitt” on Sept. 27-30 at Northshore Park and Lake Woodlands.

A team is composed of 20-30 members. Each team roster must have a minimum of five females and participants must be at least 18 years of age. High school teams, ninth-12th grade, are eligible to participate in the Sunday morning bracket from 8 a.m.-noon.

The event features six different team activities, but the Dragon Boat Races are the main event. Dragon boats are 40-foot long, extremely colorful dragon-headed canoes that weigh more than 1,800 pounds. This exciting team building event is designed to build community spirit among corporations, civic groups and community organizations.

The Y organizes and facilitates all team activities, provides all the equipment, rules and instructions, team tent, water and ice, and event T-shirt. The Y also provides professional staff, volunteers and safety/security agencies to create a positive, safe and fun environment.

The team entry fee is $625 or $550 for high school and nonprofit groups. This event benefits YMCA Outreach Programs. Registration forms are available at ymcadragonboat.org.

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Landry’s Offers Summer Dinner Cruise On The Woodlands Waterway

SATURDAYS THROUGH AUG. 25

Join Landry’s for a unique dining experience with the Evenings on Board Summer Dinner Cruise Series on Saturdays through Aug. 25 at 7:30 p.m. Indulge in an extravagant four-course meal while cruising at sunset along The Woodlands Waterway.

Start with an appetizer of Crab and Crawfish Cakes followed by a Shrimp and Spinach Ravigote Salad. Entrée options include Thai Halibut, Seared Wild Salmon and Citrus Grove Mahi. Complete the meal with a choice of Summer Strawberry Cheesecake or Zesty Key Lime Pie.

The Evenings on Board Summer Dinner Cruise Series board at Landry’s Restaurant, 1212 Lake Robbins Drive. The cost is $69.99 per guest. Reservations are required and can be obtained by calling 281-363-9750.

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Spotlight On The Arts’ Gallery Open House Preview

AUG 29

Spotlight on the Arts Gallery, located in The Woodlands Mall, will host an Open House Preview on Aug. 29 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. for members of the community to view art created by various community service and educational organizations. The event is co-hosted by The Woodlands Mall and BAM!! (Because Art Matters), which is the community and educational outreach arm of The Woodlands Waterway Arts Council, a non-profit organization that provides cultural enrichment through the arts.

The gallery, located adjacent to the Food Court on the second level of the mall, includes art created by Montgomery County Youth Services, Montgomery County Women’s Center and Children’s Safe Harbor.

Three murals that will be on display for the next several months include one created by seniors from the Interfaith community of The Woodlands, another by youth from Tri-County Services and a third by ORWALL baseball and senior high art students from CISD and The John Cooper School.

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New Women’s Leadership Ministry

LeadHer Ministries has launched its new ministry, offering a unique approach to women’s ministry that seeks to encourage, equip and educate women to make a deeper impact on the world for Christ.

LeadHer wants to inspire women to be involved and authentic in their relationships and their leadership platforms. Founder Christie Love felt she was led to start a ministry that changed the view women have of themselves in reference to leadership, and challenged them to a both a deeper faith and a deeper impact.

To learn more, visit LeadHer.org or email Chrissy@chrissybernal.com.

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Woodlands Soccer City To Open This Summer

The Woodlands Soccer City will open its new Indoor Soccer Complex this summer. Located on FM1488 at SH 242, the complex will house two large air-conditioned indoor fields, offices, a party room, meeting room and concessions. This unique building will be the only indoor complex in the area with two large fields, the latest technology in artificial turf, tempered glass for clear spectator viewing, as well as ample parking.

The Woodlands Soccer City will be for players of all abilities from ages 4 to 74 with Adult Leagues for men, women, co-ed and corporate, plus Youth Leagues for ages 4 and above. The company will also offer indoor soccer camps, adult and youth tournaments and skills clinics. For more information, visit WoodlandsSoccerCity.com or call
281-685-3067.

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Friendship Center Meals On Wheels Needs Volunteers

Everyday somewhere in Montgomery County, approximately 50 Friendship Center volunteers are serving the needs of the senior population of the county.

The Friendship Center offers a two-hour volunteer training program that provides basic information on aging issues as well as tips on working with seniors in the various volunteer capacities. Trainings are scheduled twice a month, once in Conroe and once in The Woodlands. Volunteers also receive a manual for private study and reference.

For more information, contact Anna Claire Croghan at 936-756-5828, ext. 43, or acroghan@tfc-seniorservices.org.

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The Woodlands Celebrates Labor Day Weekend

Celebrate Labor Day in The Woodlands with two evenings of fireworks, live concerts, face painters, balloon artists and more Saturday, Sept. 1, and Sunday, Sept. 2, from 6-9 p.m. at Waterway Square.

The festivities kick-off Saturday with classic rock favorites by Mike Maker from 6-7:20 p.m. followed by Alter Ego, playing the latest alternative and classic rock hits from 7:40-9 p.m.

On Sunday, the fun starts all over again with cover band KAOS playing music from the ’80s through today’s hottest hits from 6-7:20 pm. Rounding out the holiday weekend celebration is ’80s variety band The Spicolis from 7:40-9 p.m.

A fireworks display will light up the night’s sky each evening beginning at 8:55 p.m., weather permitting. Organizers say Waterway Square offers the best viewing for fireworks. For event directions and parking, visit TheFountainsAtWaterwaySquare.com, click on “Labor Day Event.”

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12th Annual Memorial Hermann In The Pink Of Health Luncheon

OCT 12

The 12th annual Memorial Hermann In the Pink of Health Luncheon will be held on Friday, Oct. 12, at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott. Husband and wife TV personalities and entrepreneurs Giuliana and Bill will speak to attendees about the power of a positive attitude.

Giuliana is a well-known entertainment journalist and can be seen nightly as anchor of E! News. She is also the co-star of E!’s popular Fashion Police team. A young breast cancer survivor, she recently created “Fab-U-Wish,” a program to grant fashion, beauty and celebrity-themed wishes to women battling breast cancer. The program is just one aspect of her ongoing mission to help those going through hardships to find happiness and a positive outlook on life.

Sponsorship opportunities are available for the luncheon. A limited number of individual tickets also will be sold. For more information, visit inthepinkofhealth.org or call 713-897-PINK.

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Denton Florian To Speak At South Regional Library

AUG. 13

Denton Florian will present “Why Sam Houston Matters” at the South Regional Library on Monday, Aug. 13, at 2 p.m. The library is located at 2101 Lake Robbins Drive in The Woodlands. Refreshments will be served. This is a free event.

Florian is executive producer of the film Sam Houston. He and his team worked for five years filming in 31 locations and in four states to document the life of Sam Houston.  Highlights of the film will be shown.

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Free Spay Or Neuter Procedures Through Montgomery County Animal Shelter

Laura Fulkerson Rone, owner of Accessible Design Solutions, is sponsoring five free spay or neuter procedures in August and September through the Montgomery County Animal Shelter.

Rone challenges other local businesses or individuals to match her offer. A commitment of just $300 per month for three months will pay for five spay surgeries, or seven neuters. Smaller sponsorships are also welcome.

If just 10 businesses in Montgomery County accept her challenge, it will prevent at least 150 animals from reproducing. One single unspayed cat can produce up to 300 kittens in her lifetime, and one unspayed dog can have up to 100 puppies. This program will be a significant step toward reducing overpopulation at the Montgomery County Animal Shelter, which takes in around 22,000 dogs and cats each year.

To sponsor spay/neuter procedures, donate through the Montgomery County Animal Society via the PayPal button at mcaspets.org, or by check to the Montgomery County Animal Society. Be sure to indicate that the donation is for the Spay/Neuter Challenge. Mail checks to MCA Society, P.O. Box 130448, The Woodlands, Texas 77393. Donations are tax-deductible.

To request a voucher, visit mcaspets.org/spayneuter.html. Vouchers will be provided to pet owners in Montgomery County on a first-come, first-serve basis as available. Animals must have current vaccinations administered at least two weeks before surgery.

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Events At The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

Upcoming events at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion include:

Pitbull, Aug. 2, 7:30 p.m.;

KISS and Motley Crue, Aug. 3, 6:45 p.m.;

Jason Mraz with Christina Perri, Aug. 12, 7:30 p.m.;

Sublime with Rome with Matisyahu, Pepper & The Dirty Heads, Aug. 14, 6:20 p.m.;

Crosby, Stills & Nash, Aug. 15, 7:30 p.m.;

Iron Maiden with Coheed and Cambria, Aug. 18, 7:30 p.m.;

Journey with Pat Benatar featuring Neil Geraldo and Loverboy, Aug. 24, 7 p.m.;

Linkin Park & Incubus with MUTEMATH, Aug. 28, 6:30 p.m.;

The Rock of Ages Tour Def Leppard & Poison with Lita Ford, Sept. 1, 7 p.m.;

Houston Symphony, Latin American Classical, Sept. 6. 8 p.m.;

Kelly Clarkson and The Fray, Sept. 7, 7 p.m.;

Toby Keith with Brantley Gilbert and Thomas Rhett, Sept. 8, 7 p.m.;

Train with Matt Kearney, Sept. 14, 7 p.m.;

and Rockstar Energy Drink Uproar Festival with Shinedown, Godsmack, Staind, Papa Roach, Adelitas Way, P.O.D., Duece and Redlight King, Sept. 15, noon.

For more information, call 281-363-3300 or visit woodlandscenter.org.

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Woodlands Children’s Museum In Need Of Donations

The Woodlands Children’s Museum has a need for toilet tissue, paper towels and facial tissues. Donations can made at the museum located at 4775 W. Panther Creek in the Panther Creek shopping center next to Sears Hardware.

Summer hours are Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, noon-5 p.m. For more information, call 281-465-0955 or go to woodlandschildrensmuseum.org.

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Knitting/Crocheting Meets At Bush Library

ON FRIDAYS

The knitting, crocheting and conversation group meets every Friday from 2:30-4:30 p.m. in the Earl Elliott meeting room at the Bush Library. Help make lap blankets for veterans and chemo caps for MD Anderson Cancer Center patients. Bring items for a soldier in Afghanistan including playing cards, books, toiletries or hard candy. For more information, call 281-376-4610. The library is located at 6817 Cypresswood Drive in Spring.

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Le Tour De Woodlands Cycling Event

OCT 20

Online registration for the inaugural Le Tour de Woodlands cycling event, presented by Pentagon Services and hosted by Interfaith of The Woodlands, is now open.

The cycling event, slated for Saturday, Oct. 20, will feature both a long course and short course to provide cycling opportunities for individuals and families. The bike ride will begin at 7:45 a.m. at The Woodlands Township.

Online registration will be available through Friday, Oct. 5. The cycling event is open to the first 500 individual participants and 500 family participants. To register, visit  woodlandsinterfaith.org/events/le-tour-registration.php

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NAM’s Jeans & Jewels Gala

OCT 27

Northwest Assistance Ministries’ 2012 Jeans & Jewels™ Gala will be held on Saturday, Oct. 27, at the Woodlands Waterway Marriott. The gala event will honor long-time volunteers and supporters Valerie and John vonBerg.

The 2012 Jeans & Jewels ™ luncheon will be held on Thursday, Sept. 20, at Shirley Acres. The honoree is Betty Griffin.

Gala tickets are $175 and tables start at $1,750. Luncheon tickets are $60 and tables start at $600. For more information, contact Tanecia at 281-885-4608 or email tsnid@namonline.org.

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Woodlands Art League Gallery Offers Kids Art Camps

THROUGH AUG. 24

The Woodlands Art League Gallery at Market Street will host Off the WAL Kids’ Art Camp. The camp meets weekly by themes on Aug. 6-10, Aug. 13-17, and Aug. 20-24 for ages 4-15. The classes meet on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9-11 a.m. Additional classes are available for children, teens and adults.

Visit woodlandsartleague.org for additional information. Register by phone at 281-419-1980 or in person at the gallery located at Market Street across from Z Gallerie.

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Nominations Accepted For 2012 Hometown Heroes

THROUGH AUG. 24

Application forms for 2012 Hometown Hero nominations will be accepted through Friday, Aug. 24.

The honor is bestowed upon individuals  who serve as outstanding role models for volunteerism and dedication to The Woodlands community. The 2012 Hometown Heroes will be inducted into the Hometown Heroes Hall of Fame at the Celebration of Excellence Gala on Saturday, Oct. 6, at the Marriott Waterway Hotel and Convention Center. A business or institution also can be nominated.

Nomination forms are available in The Villager newspaper, at The Woodlands Homefinder Center located at 2000 Woodlands Parkway, and thewoodlands.net.

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NAM Kicks Off Annual Back To School Drive

NAM is kicking off its annual Back to School drive with a goal of raising $30,000 to provide school supplies for 3,000 children. Cypress-Woodlands Junior Forum made a $5,000 donation. Last year’s project helped nearly 3,000 children with hopes to expand that number in 2012. The annual drive will benefit needy students in Spring, Klein and Aldine school districts.

A gift of $20 will provide school supplies for one child. To make a cash donation to NAM’s Back to School drive, go to namonline.org, select “Donate Now,” and then choose “Back to School Project.”

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YMCA Summer Camps

There are many programs for kids this summer at the South Montgomery County YMCA. The Summer Day Camp Program is held at the Creekside YMCA Outdoor Adventure Center for campers ages 5-12. Each weekly session features a theme and special activity.

Specialty camps include Mad Science for ages 6-12; Adventures in Art Camp for ages 6-12; Rocketry & Robotics Camp for ages 6-12; and Princess Camp for ages 5-8.

Y Teen Camp is for teens ages 13-15. Each themed week features up to two field trips, field sports, team building and service learning projects. The Teen Camp is based at the South Montgomery County YMCA.

Summer Sports Clinics provide kids, ages 3-13, the opportunity to learn new skills and improve current skills. Each session is unique with a different sport and drills introduced weekly. Most Sports Clinic sessions run three hours daily, Monday-Thursday.

For more information on summer programs, call 281-367-9622 or visit ymcahouston.org/south-montgomery-county/.

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The Woodlands Mall Hosts Fashion’s Night Out

SEPT. 6

The Woodlands Mall sets the stage for shoppers to experience the ultimate fashion soirée as it hosts Fashion’s Night Out on Thursday, Sept. 6, from 6 to 10 p.m. Guests can relish in the fun and excitement of this unique event, taking advantage of special retailer offers, giveaways, entertainment and more.

Last year’s Fashion’s Night Out featured events in 18 countries and more than 4,500 events in the United States featuring special limited-edition products, celebrity appearances and unforgettable performances. The Woodlands Mall is located at I-45 north at Lake Woodlands Drive.

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Fight For A Cause

SEPT. 8

Fight For A Cause, presented by Montgomery County Hispanic Chamber in association with P4P Boxing, will be held on Saturday, Sept. 8, from 4-7 p.m. at Sports Culture, 17951 Interstate 45 North in The Woodlands.

Local community and business leaders will face off in a friendly boxing match in an effort to raise money for a cause that’s close to their heart.

Eight matches in total, each boxer will fight for their charity of choice. The winner of each match will receive $750 for their selected charity. The loser will receive $250 for their selected charity. Celebrity judges, ring announcer, and ring girls will all partake in the event.

A donation of $15 per ticket is encouraged. For more information, contact Miguel Lopez at Miguel.Lopez@mhes.com or visit mchchamber.org.

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2012 School Supply Program Is Under Way

Interfaith’s School Supply Program provides school supplies to area families facing financial difficulties due to a job loss or other financial circumstances. With ongoing support from the community, it is estimated that Interfaith will distribute approximately 2,000 complete school and grade required school supply kits to eligible students to start the school year with the tools needed.

Each child will receive a complete school and grade specific supply kit along with a new backpack and a voucher from Interfaith’s Hand Me Up Resale Store where the child can select a back-to-school outfit.

For more information or to make a $60 donation, call 281-367-1230 or visit woodlandsinterfaith.org.

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Memorial Hermann Support Groups

Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital provides a variety of free support groups including Mended Hearts, cancer education, cancer nutrition, yoga for cancer survivors, diabetes, stroke, weight-loss surgery and Mothers of Multiples. For more information on meetings, call 713-222-CARE or click on “Classes and Events” tab at memorialhermann.org.

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Casa Superhero 5k

SEPT. 15

The CASA Superhero 5K trail run/walk will take place on the trails of The Jones State Forest on Sept. 15 at 8 a.m. There is also a 1K Kids Fun Run.

There will be a DJ, raffles and health, fitness and discovery activities for participants and families. The first 450 participants receive a T-shirt. Refreshments, prizes and awards will be given; all participants of the 1K Kids Fun Run will receive a CASA SUPERHERO Run Medal.

Sign up by Aug. 15 for $25. Registration is $40 on race day. Registration for the Kids 1K is $10 and is available to kids 12 and under. All proceeds allow CASA Child Advocates of Montgomery County to continue providing dedicated volunteer advocates to provide a voice for abused and neglected children.

Jones State Forest is located on FM 1488 between I-45 and State Highway 242 in Magnolia. To register, go to secure.eztoregister.com/search/event.aspx.

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Woodforest Charity Run

SEPT. 22

Woodforest National Bank has opened registration for the 3rd Annual Woodforest Charity Run scheduled for Sept. 22 in downtown Conroe. The certified 10K Run, sanctioned by the USA Track and Field, begins at 7:45 a.m. at Heritage Place Park and curves through scenic downtown Conroe.

Additionally, a 5K Run will begin at 8 a.m.  The race will be followed by the Woodforest Post Race Party at Heritage Place Park where participants, volunteers, and spectators are invited to enjoy food, music and activities. Register online at woodforest.com.

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Casino Night “Betting On Courage”

SEPT. 29

Casino Night “Betting on Courage,” benefiting Children’s Safe Harbor, will be held on Saturday, Sept. 29, from 6:30-10:30 p.m. at The Woodlands Resort & Conference Center, 2301 N. Millbend Drive in The Woodlands.

Individual tickets are $300. Sponsorship levels range from $1,000 to $15,000. To purchase tickets or to inquire about sponsorhip, visit ChildrensSafeHarbor.org or call 936-756-4644, ext. 235.

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The Woodlands Celebration Of Excellence

OCT. 6

Don and Vicki Norrell, community leaders and long-time supporters of Interfaith of The Woodlands, have been named honorary chairs of The Woodlands 2012 Celebration of Excellence Gala scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 6, at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center.

This event recognizes extraordinary community volunteers who, through their caring and compassionate acts, are examples for others. The 2012 Hometown Heroes, comprised of residents and businesses or institutions that serve as outstanding role models for volunteerism and dedication to The Woodlands community, will be inducted into the Hometown Heroes Hall of Fame at the event.

For more information, contact Mary Jo O’Neal at mjoneal@woodlandsinterfaith.org or call 281-615-8221.

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American Business Women’s Association

SECOND THURSDAY

The Tomball Charter Chapter American Business Women’s Association will hold its monthly meeting on the second Thursday of the month at Lone Star College Elmer Beckendorf Conference Center, 30555 State Highway 249 in Tomball. Networking begins at 6 p.m. with dinner at 6:30 p.m. Men are also invited to attend and join.

The cost is $15 for members; and $18, non-members. To RSVP, call Katherine at 713-206-5557 or email kebel@sbcglobal.net.

The mission of the American Business Women’s Association is to bring together businesswomen of diverse occupations and to provide opportunities for them to help themselves and others grow personally and professionally through leadership, education, networking support, and national recognition.