CATS AND DOGS AT MONTGOMERY COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER

NEED A HOME

Montgomery County Animal Shelter has experienced a tremendous jump in the number of animals surrendered to the shelter. Incoming dogs have increased exponentially since the beginning of 2010. Help animals and the community by adopting a new furry friend or providing temporary foster care. Most of the kittens and puppies that arrive at the shelter are too young to be adopted, but if they receive a few weeks of care in a foster home, MCAS can find them permanent homes.

Montgomery County Animal Shelter is located at 8353 State Highway 242 in Conroe and is open weekdays from 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and weekends from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. For information on adopting a pet, call 936-442-7738 or go to www.mcaspets.org.

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“TINSEL TIME IN TIMARON” HOLIDAY HOME TOUR

BEGINNING DEC 04

Get in the holiday spirit at “Tinsel Time in Timarron,” a free special event featuring a holiday home tour and mini-market, carriage and sleigh rides, caroling and delicious holiday treats. Set for Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 4-5, from noon to 5 p.m., this festive event will take place in Timarron, the newest neighborhood in The Woodlands’ Village of Creekside Park.

The seven model homes in Timarron will be decorated for the holidays, with beautifully decorated holiday trees that will be available for auction. Proceeds from the auction will benefit the Montgomery County Women’s Center, to provide holiday gifts for a family in need. A special appearance from The Woodlands’ lovable mascot, Puffy “Claus” Pine Cone will take place on Saturday afternoon. Puffy will pose for free souvenir photos.

A special appearance by Susie Windall, holiday decorating guru and spokeswoman for The Woodlands “Holiday Countdown,” is planned for Sunday to demonstrate holiday crafts and mingle with guests.

Purchase a new home in The Woodlands by Dec. 31, 2010, and receive a $2,000 Woodforest National Bank MasterCard in The Woodlands “Holiday Countdown” program. An added bonus with a new home purchase in Timarron is the gift of a free one-year family membership to the South Montgomery County YMCA. The builders are also offering attractive incentives in Timarron of up to $15,000 off the sales price on selected homes.

The Woodlands Township Parks & Recreation Department is the park sponsor for this event.

For more information, call 281-719-6333 and visit www.thewoodlands.com and www.thewoodlands.net.

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WAS-H ANNUAL SMALL PAINTINGS EXHIBIT

BEGINNING DEC 07

Members of The Watercolor Art Society-Houston are hosting their annual Small Paintings Exhibit juried by noted artist and curator Katherine Veneman on Dec. 10 from 6-8 p.m. with a free reception.

The exhibit will be on view Dec. 7-Jan. 6. The gallery is open Tuesday-Saturday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Make-A-Wish is the recipient of a WAS-H donation made possible by artists and viewers alike through the sales of the watermedia artworks on exhibit. This event features small paintings that are affordable as seasonal or personal gifts.

For additional information, call 713-942-9966 or go to www.watercolorhouston.org.

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IKEA SOFT TOY PROGRAM AND TOY DRIVE

THROUGH DEC 24

The holiday season is a great time to bring smiles to the faces of children around the world, whether with a gift that brings a sparkle to the eye or a gesture of good will that can change a life forever. IKEA, along with long-time partners, UNICEF and Save the Children, are releasing products this holiday season that are designed to do both.

For each IKEA Soft Toy purchased through Dec. 24, IKEA will donate approximately $1.30 to UNICEF and Save the Children to extend and start new children’s educational programs in 22 countries. For the first time in IKEA history, the retailer will also make a donation for every IKEA Children’s product and Soft Toy kids meal sold through Dec. 4.

The Children’s Assessment Center provides professional, compassionate and coordinated treatment to sexually abused children, and serves as an advocate for children in our communities. IKEA Houston invites visitors to support the organization by participating in the in-store local toy drive through Dec. 4. The collected toys will be presented at the CAC’s annual Holiday Party on Dec.15, and given to parents to place under their tree for their children.

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MEN WHO COOK

DEC 07

The South Montgomery County Woodlands Chamber of Commerce’s 5th Annual Men Who Cook is scheduled for Dec. 7 at 6:30 p.m. at The Woodlands Resort & Conference Center. Formerly an exclusive event for Chairman’s Circle Members, it is now open to the community.

Men Who Cook is a dining extravaganza where teams of “Celebrity Chefs,” comprised of community leaders and board members, prepare and serve cuisine from a selected theme. This year’s theme is “France.” Attendees will begin with cocktails, followed by an amusing evening of friendly, comical competition between Chef Teams while enjoying some of the best French dishes.

Door prizes will be awarded throughout the evening. Dancing to live entertainment by Yelba and Latin Fire will follow the dining.

A table for 10 is $500; individual reservations are $50 and are required by noon on Dec. 3; seating is limited.

For sponsorship information and a registration form, visit www.woodlands­chamber.org.

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GERMAN CHRISTMAS MARKET

BEGINNING DEC 11

German Christmas Market “Weihnachtsmarkt Texas Style” will be held Dec. 11-12 in Tomball, Old Town near the historical Train Depot Plaza, 201 S. Elm. Hours are 10 a.m.-9 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sunday.

Enjoy the family-friendly ambience —Gemütlichkeit — of this unique music/street festival with three stages of live music and an open air market along with antique shops in the old town area.

An estimated 120 unique and interesting street vendors will line Market and S. Walnut streets selling German Christmas items, arts and crafts and much more. Visit the “Weihnachtshaus” inside the Community Center at 221 Market Street.

The Kinderfest will provide entertainment and fun for the young visitors including carnival rides, bungee-jumping, rock wall, petting zoo, pony ride, bounce house and more. Enjoy the large outdoor movie screen, hayride and Christmas lights tour. Food vendors consist of traditional German food and drinks as well as festival foods.

Highlights include the lighting of the city Christmas tree, fireworks, music on the Depot Stage, Santa’s arrival, and the dedication and unveiling of the new bronze statue of Elmer Beckendorf representing the impact of agriculture to Tomball.

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WHITE CHRISTMAS

THROUGH DEC 18

Playhouse 1960 presents the holiday classic, White Christmas, through Dec. 18.

Just in time for the holidays comes a delightful new stage adaptation of the yuletide movie. White Christmas includes all your favorite Irving Berlin songs. The fun begins after World War II when two of the hottest song-and-dance men in showbiz team up with a sister act to save their former general’s country inn. The result is a sparkling holiday package filled with splashy dance numbers, treasured songs and heartwarming nostalgia.

For more information or to purchase tickets, go to www.ph1960.com.

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DONOHO’S JEWELLERS WINTER WONDERLAND FOOD DRIVE

THROUGH JAN 17

The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau and Donoho’s Jewellers are joining together again this year for a Holiday Food Drive to benefit Interfaith of The Woodlands through Jan. 17. Visit Donoho’s Jewellers on Six Pines Drive and bring non-perishable food items. Donors of 10 items or more will receive a free admission to The Ice Rink at The Woodlands Town Center (limit one per family). Any items brought in will earn the donor a coupon for $2 off admission to The Ice Rink.

Donoho’s Jewellers has been a continuous sponsor of The Woodlands Winter Wonderland, which features illuminated holiday scenes and storybook displays surrounding The Ice Rink at The Woodlands Town Center and will be on display through Jan. 3.

For complete information on all holiday events, visit www.HolidayInTheWoodlands­.com or call 281-363-2447.

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HOLIDAY ST. NICK’S MARKET,

DEC. 3-4

St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School presents it’s annual Holiday St. Nick’s Market. Shop for two days, Dec. 3-4, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the school’s gymnasium. More than 40 Woodlands stores will be represented. There will be door prizes.

St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School is located at 7901 Bay Branch Drive, The Woodlands.
For more information, go to www.staopcs.org or call
281-296-0300.

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6TH ANNUAL SLUGFEST,

DEC. 3-4

College Park Cavalier Baseball is gearing up for its 6th Annual SLUGFEST Co-Ed Softball Tournament on Dec. 3-4 at the SMGSL & ORWALL fields on Pruitt Road.

This year there will be an adult, high school and new junior high school division. The community is invited to come out and enjoy the co-ed softball, the “new talent and entertainment venue” emceed by Dana Tyson from SUNNY 99.1, live bands, food and silent auction.

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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 Carmen Pelletier at 936-441-2982, ext. 43, or cpellettieri@thefriendshipcenter.com.

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STAGE RIGHT PRESENTS CHRISTMAS BELLES,

BEGINNING DEC. 3

Stage Right invites all to ring in the holidays with its production of Christmas Belles from Dec. 3-19 at Crighton Theatre.

Don’t miss the hilarious misadventures of the citizens of Fayro, Texas, as they prepare for the annual Christmas pageant at The Tabernacle of the Lamb. The story revolves around squabbling sisters, a family secret, a vengeful sheep and a reluctant Elvis impersonator.

Performances are held on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. with two Sunday matinees on Dec. 12 and Dec. 19 at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $17, adults; $15, seniors; and $12, youth. Purchase tickets by calling 936-441-SHOW or go to www.stage-right.org.

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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED AT MCWC

The Montgomery County Women’s Center needs volunteers to serve in a variety of areas. Volunteer coordinator Linda Hardwick now has a home study training program for those who are unable to attend training classes in person, making it both easy and rewarding to volunteer.

MCWC serves victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault through crisis intervention, counseling support, emergency shelter, legal advocacy and transitional housing. All services are offered free of charge.

For more information, contact Linda Hardwick at 281-292-4155, ext. 277.

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MEMORIAL HERMANN CANCER SUPPORT GROUP,

FOURTH THURSDAY

The cancer support group at Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital serves patients with any type of cancer, as well as family, friends or caregivers, and meets the fourth Thursday of every month from 6:30-8 p.m. in the hospital conference center. Kathy Purvis, a registered nurse and cancer survivor, leads the group. For more information, contact Carol Lewis, R.N., at 281-364-4668 or carol.lewis@memorialhermann.org.

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HOLIDAY COUNTDOWN INCENTIVES FOR NEW HOME BUYERS

The Woodlands Development Company is offering new home buyers in The Woodlands a special holiday gift — a $2,000 Woodforest National Bank MasterCard — for purchases made between Oct. 1-Dec. 31 and closing on the home or before Feb. 28, 2011. In addition, valuable builders’ incentives, a YMCA membership incentive, and a drawing for three holiday weekend packages will add to the gifts being offered this holiday season.

Anyone who signs a contract for a new home until Dec. 31 and registers for the “Holiday Countdown” program will be entered into a drawing to win one of the weekend
packages.

Also under way is an incentive to purchase in the neighborhoods of Timarron in the Village of Creekside Park and May Valley in the Village of Sterling Ridge. Purchase a new home in either of these neighborhoods by Dec. 31 and close by Feb. 28, 2011, and receive a free one-year family membership to the South Montgomery County YMCA.

To search for new homes, visit www.thewoodlands.com, go to Homefinder and then New Home Search.

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A GOOD OLD FASHIONED REDNECK COUNTRY CHRISTMAS,

THROUGH DEC. 4

Theatre Suburbia presents A Good Old Fashioned Redneck Country Christmas with performances through Dec. 4.

Lou’s Diner is the friendliest place in the south and the girls are steamed. Lou’s husband, Bill, and his pals, Dave and Jimmy, have taken off for a day of hunting in the mountains on Christmas Eve. The first miracle of Christmas blesses everyone in this tender comedy, and, with simplicity and grace, gently reminds the audience of the real reason for the season.

For more information or to purchase tickets, go to www.theatresuburbia.org.

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SYMPHONY NORTH OF HOUSTON HOLIDAY CONCERT,

DEC. 4

Bring the entire family to celebrate the sounds of the holiday season with a concert by Symphony North of Houston on Saturday, Dec. 4, at 4 p.m. at Northwood’s Presbyterian Church. Admission is free; donations are welcome.

Under the direction of conductor Dr. Reynaldo Ochoa, Symphony North of Houston is in its 36th season of presenting quality performances of orchestral music to area residents. For more information or sponsorship opportunities, visit www.symphonynorth.org.

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OPEN HOUSE AT BARBARA BUSH LIBRARY,

DEC. 4

The Barbara Bush Branch Library Friends will sponsor the 8th Annual Community Open House at the Barbara Bush Branch Library on Dec. 4 from 2-4 p.m. in the Earl Elliott Meeting Room. Enjoy food, entertainment and holiday decorations with the library staff, volunteers and Friends. Local schools will provide musical entertainment.

Kids will enjoy the puppet show, Santa Claus is Coming to Town, by Carranza Puppets at 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. For additional information,call 281-376-4610.

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MASTER COMMUNITY CALENDAR OF EVENTS

AVAILABLE ONLINE

The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau has launched an online tool that consolidates the hundreds of concerts, community events, festivals, athletic competitions and other gatherings held in The Woodlands into a single events calendar.

To access the TWCVB’s Online Community Event Calendar, go to www.VisitTheWoodlands.com and click on the “events” tab. Events are listed on the corresponding dates along with a link to additional information.

The Online Community Event Calendar currently includes events hosted by The Woodlands Chamber of Commerce, The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, Market Street, The Woodlands Development Company, The Woodlands Township Parks and Recreation Department and TWCVB.

Other groups are encouraged to submit their events for posting to the TWCVB’s calendar. In order to be posted, events must be open to the public and held in The Woodlands.

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GROGAN’S MILL FARMERS’ MARKET,

THROUGH DEC. 11

Grogan’s Mill Farmers’ Market fall season continues every Saturday through Dec. 11 from 8 a.m.-noon. Local/seasonal produce, meats, cheeses, eggs, prepared foods, baked goods, olive oil, natural bath sundries, orchids and more are available.

The market is held at Grogan’s Mill Village Center, 2230 Buckthorne in The Woodlands.

For further information, call 713-992-5983 or e-mail ldr66@prodigy.net.

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MERCURY BAROQUE PERFORMANCES IN THE WOODLANDS,

DEC. 12, FEB. 13

Fresh from their European debut tour, Houston’s Mercury Baroque has two new performances planned in The Woodlands. The orchestra returns to the Performing Arts Center at The John Cooper School to perform Handel’s Messiah on Sunday, Dec. 12, at 2 p.m. and again on Sunday, Feb. 13, at 2 p.m. with a special performance entitled 8 Seasons.

Tickets can be purchased at www.MercuryBaroque.org or by phone at 713-533-0080.

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2ND ANNUAL LANDSCAPE GIVEAWAY,

DEADLINE DEC. 17

Stewart Land Designs launches the 2nd Annual Spirit of The Season Landscape Giveaway to help brighten one homeowner’s holiday this year. The local landscape design/build company is giving away a complete landscape design, including installation, free of charge.

Stewart Land Designs team considers this an opportunity for the community to pull together in an effort to spread holiday cheer. Nominees are submitted through the Stewart Land Designs website in an essay format describing why the nominee would appreciate a landscape makeover and how the gift would help make a positive impact in their life. Nominations will be accepted through Dec. 17.

One nominee will be chosen as the recipient of the landscape giveaway on Dec. 24. For complete contest details, visit StewartLandDesigns.com.

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BOOK CLUBS AT BARBARA BUSH BRANCH LIBRARY,

DEC. 14. 16, 17, 20

The Evening Book Club will meet on Dec. 14 at 7 p.m. at the Barbara Bush Branch Library. The group will discuss A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith.

The Afternoon Book Club will meet on Dec. 16 at 1:30 p.m. or Dec. 17 at 2:30 p.m. to discuss The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery. The book club meets the fourth Thursday of each month. The selection for January is Nefertiti by Michelle Moran.

The Great Books Discussion Group will meet on Dec. 20 at 7 p.m. in the WCR Conference Room. The group will read Hell Screen by Ryunosuke Akutagawa. The group meets on the third Monday of each month. For more information, contact Jeanne Henderson at 281-288-8941.

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FOREVER PLAID: PLAID TIDINGS,

THROUGH DEC. 23

The Texas Repertory Theatre Co. presents Plaid Tidings: The Forever Plaid Christmas Show with four performances a week through Dec. 23.

Forever Plaid: Plaid Tidings is a tune-filled show of Christmas standards that have been “Plaid-erized.”A charming, enjoyable musical for the entire family, Plaid Tidings will have you tapping your feet and celebrating the holiday spirit with lush vocal harmonies and hilarious hijinks.

For tickets or more information, call 281-583-7573 or log onto www.texreptheatre.org.

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DOG SEES GOD: CONFESSIONS OF A TEENAGE BLOCKHEAD,

JAN. 6-8

Aside Productions announced its fifth season of producing edgy, original and powerful works in the Spring community. The 2011 season will kick off with Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead by Bert V. Royal with performances from Jan. 6-8 at 7:30 p.m. in the McCullough Junior High Black Box Theatre .

What happens when beloved characters like Charlie Brown, Lucy and Linus grow up?  Drug use, suicide, eating disorders, teen violence, rebellion and sexual identity collide and careen toward an ending that’s both haunting and hopeful.

For more information, go to www.asideproductions.org.

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HOUSTON’S CENTER STAGE YOUTH AUDITIONS,

JAN. 7-8

Houston’s Center Stage’s Youth Production will hold open auditions for ages 7 to 18 on Jan. 7-8 for its production of Into The Woods. This beloved and challenging production intertwines the plots of many well-known Brothers Grimm fairytale characters and follows them to explore the consequences of their wishes and quests.

Be ready to dance and prepare a one-minute vocal selection. Bring sheet music; accompanist is provided. Songs from the show are acceptable.

Performances will be held on weekends from April 8-17. Register at www.Houstons­CenterStage.com.

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FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE SEMINAR,

BEGINNING JAN. 17

Interfaith of The Woodlands is offering Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University financial management classes beginning Jan. 17. The financial management course is an informative 13-week video series designed to teach families effective, time-proven principles to better manage their finances.

Classes will be held on Mondays from 6:30-8:30 p.m., excluding March 14. Participants are required to purchase
a $99 workbook kit; scholarships are
available.

To register or for more information, contact Robert at 281-367-1230 or go to www.woodlandsinterfaith.org.

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ARBOR DAY CELEBRATION,

JAN. 22

The 35th Annual Arbor Day Celebration is set for Jan. 22 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in Rob Fleming Park. Lovable mascot of The Woodlands, Puffy Pine Cone, will also celebrate his birthday at this event at 1 p.m.

Approximately 31,000 tree seedlings in eight different varieties will be distributed free, continuing a 35-year tradition that began in 1977. In addition to receiving free tree seedlings, guests may register at the event to win one of five, seven-gallon native trees. The drawings will take place hourly.

Free giant inflatable rides and rock walls, pony rides, petting zoo, hay rides and face painting will entertain the crowd. Musical entertainment from local talent will also be highlighted.

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DECEMBER EVENTS AT MITCHELL LIBRARY

Events for all ages are offered at the George and Cynthia Woods Mitchell Library in The Woodlands.

Family Storytime is held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. This story program is for children of all ages (birth-4 years) and a caregiver with an emphasis on stories and activities for toddlers. This program emphasizes early literacy skills and is a great way to meet other families with young children.

Designed for children ages 3 and up, Story Club is held on Tuesdays at 1:30 p.m. Children are introduced to new authors and illustrators and develop literacy skills, listening, thinking, participation and social skills.

The Fiction Book Club for adults will meet Dec. 2 at 2 p.m. To sign up or receive more information, contact Emily Osburn at Emily.Osburn@countylibrary.org.

The Teen Anime Club will meet on Dec. 15 at 6 p.m. to view a current anime production, talk about their favorite anime/manga series, and feast on a load of snacks and goodies.  Ages 13 and up only. For more information, contact Tabatha Perry at 936-442-7728, ext. 310.

For complete details and late breaking programs, see the calendar at www.countylibrary.org.

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BACK 2 BASICS MINISTRY NEEDS DONATIONS FOR CHRISTMAS

Back 2 Basics Ministry is a nonprofit organization that reaches out to teens and children who live on the streets, in shelters, placements and group homes. Christmas is their busiest time of year, and the organization wants to provide a family-style Christmas to more than 500 teens this year. Members from Back 2 Basics will visit each of the 32 homes this year and share a meal, enjoy fellowship and the gospel, as well as provide snacks, a personalized gift, and a chance to enter a gingerbread house building contest. Visits to each home will begin around Dec. 10.

To make a donation or find out more information, visit www.b2bministry.com or call 832-892-0858. Donations can also be mailed to Back 2 Basics Ministry, P.O. Box 132902, The Woodlands, TX 77393.