HEART BALL

FEB 19

Carol Garner and Soly Lachterman are taking on the roles as co-chairs for the American Heart Association’s annual Montgomery County Heart Ball set for Feb. 19 at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center.

This year’s theme is “Bling for the Heart” and will include a unique fundraising opportunity, the “Diamond District,” in which guests can purchase a wristband to play a variety of action-packed carnival-themed games to win fabulous prizes.

Honorees are Judy and Glenn Smith.  Cocktails and a silent auction session begin at 6:30 p.m, followed by a live auction, dinner, and dancing.

Benefiting the American Heart Association’s Montgomery County Division, the annual popular gala raises funds to support lifesaving research and educational programs to fight cardiovascular disease and stroke.

Individual tickets are $300, and event sponsorships are still available ranging from $1,000-$40,000.

For more information, contact Megan Crawford at 713-610-5021 or e-mail megan.crawford@heart.org.

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SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE GALA

FEB 26

The Center for the Performing Arts at The Woodlands will host the Saturday Night Live gala on Feb. 26 at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott. The Blues Brothers, Dan Aykroyd and Jim Belushi, will take the stage for the event benefiting The Pavilion’s Endowment Campaign. The evening includes food and wine, and guests are encouraged to dress as their favorite SNL character.

Another highlight of the event is the Audi raffle for a chance to win a 2011 Audi A5 Convertible or two first-class airline tickets on Continental Airlines. Only 750 tickets will be sold at $100 each.

Tables of 10 are priced from $5,000-$50,000. Individual tickets are $500, and other sponsorships are available.

For more information about the gala, Audi raffle, or to purchase a table or tickets to the event, visit www.woodlandscenter.org or contact Christine Scully at 281-210-1102 or cscully@woodlandscenter.org.

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HOUSTON LIVESTOCK SHOW AND RODEO

BEGINNNG MAR 01

The 21 different star entertainers scheduled to perform at the 2011 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo represent a wide variety of musical genres. Together, these superstars have garnered numerous music  industry honors, including 18 GRAMMY awards, 60 Country Music Association awards, 66 Academy of Country Music awards and an Emmy.

Performances include: March 1, Clay Walker; March 2, Trace Adkins; March 3, Sugarland; March 4, Black Heritage Day sponsored by Kroger, Janet Jackson; March 5, Billy Currington; March 6, Selena Gomez; March 7, Tim McGraw; March 8, Keith Urban; March 9, Martina McBride; March 10, Rascal Flatts; March 11, Lady Antebellum; March 12, Gary Allan; March 13, Go Tejano Day sponsored by State Farm, La Arrolladora Banda El Limon, La Leyenda; March 14, Kid Rock; March 15, KISS; March 16, Miranda Lambert; March 17, Zac Brown Band; March 18 , Alan Jackson;  March 19, Brad Paisley; and  March 20, Jason Aldean.

All three Wednesdays (March 2, 9 and 16) during the 2011 Show will be designated as Value Days, with incredible entertainment value options.

Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.rodeohouston.com; calling the show’s ticket office at 832-667-1080; or visiting the show’s ticket windows on the second floor of Reliant Center, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Armed Forces Appreciation Day on March 2 honors the brave men and women serving in the U. S. Armed Forces. Military personnel, veterans, families, friends and the general public are encouraged to attend. Come out, dress in red, white and blue, and show your appreciation for the troops, past and present, and their selfless dedication and service to the United States.

Reliant Park admission is free (for service men and women in uniform or with a military ID on Armed Forces Appreciation Day).

For additional information, go to www.rodeohouston.com.

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CATS AND DOGS AT MONTGOMERY COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER NEED A HOME

ONGOING

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.

The 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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ONE NIGHT WITH ELVIS

MAR 18

Donny Edwards’ “One Night With Elvis” will be held on March 18 at 7 p.m. at Crighton Theater in Conroe. Edwards is the most sought-after Elvis tribute artist in the world. He was a finalist on ABC’s The Next Best Thing. This two-time world champion Elvis tribute artist will be backed by the world-renowned Fever band. He will take the audience through the early years and Elvis’ Las Vegas era. Special guest Sundance Head, a 2007 finalist on American Idol, will appear. Opening the show will be Wayne King with his rendition of Roy Orbison. This Vegas-style show has been selling out all over Texas and Louisiana. Tickets are available by calling 936-441-7469 or visiting www.donnyedwardslive.com.

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PIN OAK CHARITY HORSE SHOW

BEGINNING MAR 23

Presented once again by BBVA Compass, Houston’s historic Pin Oak Charity Horse Show will be held over two weeks beginning March 23 and running through April 3 at Great Southwest Equestrian Center. The 66-year-old equestrian event has become one of the top venues in North America for Hunters, Jumpers, American Saddlebreds, Andalusian and Lusitano horses, Welsh ponies, United Mountain horses, and new this year, Irish Draught horses.

Famed for its social side and ringside hospitality, the show holds a Gala Dinner during each of two $30,000 Grand Prix jumping events, one each Saturday night of the show that draw participants from as far away as Canada and Mexico. Dinner tickets are available as part of a number of Class Sponsor packages and are also available to members of The Pin Oak Club.

Highlights of the 2011 show include the $30,000 Pin Oak Grand Prix during Week One, along with special events for American Saddlebreds, including a Pink Ribbon Class as a benefit for breast cancer. Andalusian, Lusitano and Welsh classes also offer Championships and high point awards during Week One.

Week Two, a mecca for high-level hunter competition and a continuation of jumper events, features a second $30,000 Pin Oak Grand Prix, along with the $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, sponsored by Valobra Jewelry and Antiques.

To sponsor, volunteer, or find out more about showing at The Pin Oak Charity Horse Show, visit www.pinoak.org or call Roxanne Cook at 713-621-6290.

General admission tickets are $10 per person on Saturday, March 26, and Saturday, April 2. Children 12 and under are admitted at no charge. Admission is free at all other times.

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SOUTH REGIONAL LIBRARY EVENTS,

DURING FEBRUARY

Weekly programs at the South Regional Library during December include: Toddler Time for ages 18 months to 3 years, Mondays at 10 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.; Preschool Storytime for ages 3-6, Tuesdays at 10 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.; Mother Goose Time, 0 to 18 months, Wednesdays at 9:15 a.m. and 9:45 a.m.

Young Adult Advisory Council will meet on Feb. 3 at 5 p.m. Teens joining the YAAC can look forward to participating in Reading Buddies.

The Teen Book Club: It’s Not Your Mother’s Book Club will meet on Feb. 17 at 5 p.m.

Teen Anime Club is dedicated to all things anime with the next meeting on Feb. 24 at 5 p.m. to discuss favorite anime series and manga.

Family Game Night is Feb. 7 from 6-7:30 p.m. Board games and light refreshments are provided.

The Seniors Circle Book Club meets the first Wednesday of each month at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Meetings are open to adults 18 and up, but the book club is geared toward seniors. The February selection is Hound of the Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

The Knit/Stitch Group meets the second Thursday of the month from 9:30-11 a.m. and the fourth Tuesday from 5:30-7 p.m. All skill levels and projects welcome.

The Tween Book Club will meet on Feb. 10 at 4:30 p.m. to discuss Time Cat by Lloyd Alexander. At each meeting, tweens ages 9 to 11 will discuss that month’s book, and refreshments will be served.

Read with the Dogs is designed to encourage children to read. The next session will be held on Feb. 12 from 10 a.m.-noon. During this activity, children age 4 to 11 practice their reading skills by reading to specially trained therapy dogs. Children who read five books to a dog receive a coupon for the South Regional Library’s gift shop. This program is designed to assist children who are already reading, either independently or with help.

Reading Buddies is a unique program at South Regional Library designed to encourage children ages 4-11 to read. Children will read together with specially trained teens on  Feb. 12 at 9 a.m. Children who read five books with a teen will receive a coupon for South Regional Library’s gift shop. For more information, visit www.countylibrary.org.

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BILL CREWS REMISSION RUN,

FEB. 5

The third annual Bill Crews Remission Run will be held on Feb. 5 at Carl Barton Park Jr. in Conroe. Participants can choose from three events: Kids 1-mile race, Family 1-mile walk or the 5K Race (3.1 miles) for all ages. The 1-mile events begin at 8 a.m., with the 5K kicking off at 8:30 a.m.

The Remission Run began as a way to celebrate non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma survivor and Woodlands resident Bill Crews’ five-year anniversary of remission. Proceeds will be donated to the Fredrick B. Hagemeister Research Fund.

For more information or to register for the event, visit www.remissionrun.org.

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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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BOOK CLUBS AT BARBARA BUSH BRANCH LIBRARY,

FEB. 8, 21, 24, 25

The Evening Book Club will meet on Feb. 8 at 6:30 p.m. at the Barbara Bush Branch Library to watch the movie based on the book, Blind Side: Evolution of a Game by Michael Lewis. The March selection will be The Little Book by Selden Edwards.

The Great Books Discussion Group will meet on Feb. 21 at 7 p.m. in the WCR Conference Room. The group will read Why Write? by Jean-Paul Sartre. The group meets on the third Monday of each month. For more information, contact Jeanne Henderson at 281-288-8941.

The Afternoon Book Club will meet on Feb. 24 at 1:30 p.m. or Feb. 25 at 2:30 p.m. to discuss Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand by Helen Simonson. The book club meets the fourth Thursday of each month. The selection for March is Girl in a Blue Dress by Gaynor Arnold.

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FEBRUARY 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.

To sign up or receive more information about The Fiction Book Club for Adults, contact Emily Osburn at Emily.Osburn@countylibrary.org.

The Teen Anime Club views a current anime production, talks about their favorite anime/manga series, and feasts on a load of snacks and goodies. The club is for
ages 13 and up only. For more information, contact Tabatha Perry at 936-442-7728, ext. 310.

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

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TEEN ACTIVITIES AT THE BARBARA BUSH LIBRARY,

DURING FEBRUARY

Upcoming activities at the Barbara Bush Library for teens during the month of February include: Chess & Go Club, first and third Wednesdays, 4:30 p.m.; Poetry in Motion, Mondays at 6 p.m. Registration is required.

Club Otaku meets the second Thursday of each month from 5-6:30 p.m. for anime viewing, manga reading and/or anime-themed crafts.

The third Thursday of every month is Tween Game Day for tweens ages 10-12 or in grades 5 and 6.

Princeton Review hosts its two-part SAT Prep Course on Feb. 12 and Feb. 19. In the first session (10 a.m.-2:15 p.m.) teens take a practice test; in session two (10 a.m.-12:15 p.m.) teens get their results and troubleshoot problem areas. Registration is required.

To register for a class or more information, call 281-376-4610.

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GYPSY MARKET,

MARCH 10-12

The Gypsy Market will be held March 10-12 at 4880 Louetta Road in Spring. A variety of vendors will have items for sale ranging from vintage to rustic jewelry, Round Top collection, vintage clothing, shabby chic and home decor. All vendors are hand-picked for their authenticity.

A portion of the proceeds will be given to a local charity. Hours on Thursday are 1-8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

For additional information, call 832-283-5376 or go to www.gypsymarket.net.

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MY JAZZY VALENTINE CONCERT,

FEB. 12

Multifaceted Exquisite Events Inc. presents My Jazzy Valentine The Woodlands Valentine Concert on Feb. 12 at 7 p.m. at Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion – House of Blues Hospitality. This will be an electric night of Jazz music and a captivating ambiance. Three of the most powerful jazz performers — Michael Lington, Dean James and Althea Renee — will perform.

A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the American Heart Association “Go Red Women.”

Tickets range from $40-$55 and can be purchased at the Pavilion Box Office, a Ticketmaster outlet or by visiting www.ticketmaster.com.

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MERCURY BAROQUE PERFORMANCES IN THE WOODLANDS,

FEB. 13

Fresh from their European debut tour, Houston’s Mercury Baroque has a performance planned in The Woodlands. The orchestra returns to the Performing Arts Center at The John Cooper School to perform Handel’s Messiah 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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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED AT THE WOODLANDS CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

The Woodlands Children’s Museum is in need of volunteers. Openings include administrative duties, classroom supervision, field trip organizing and craft creation. For more information, call Angela Colton, executive director, at 281-465-0955 or go to www.wood­landschildrensmuseum.org. The museum is located at 4775 W. Panther Creek.

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INTERFAITH CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER’S PUBLIC REGISTRATION,

FEB. 19

Interfaith Child Development Center is preparing for the 2011-12 school year, and will provide parents the opportunity to register their child in the exceptional learning center. The state-licensed and nationally accredited school located at 5630 Rush Haven Drive, will host public registration on Saturday, Feb. 19, from 8-11 a.m. as well as an open house on Feb. 17 from 6:30-8 p.m.

Children 12 months, as of Sept. 1, 2011, to 4 years of age are eligible to enroll at ICDC. School-age children attending Kindergarten through fourth grade may enroll in the before and after school program.

In addition, the school also produces an environment for learning in its own Science Lab and Children’s Library. The center also offers several unique programs including Spanish, extracurricular activities such as dance and sports, and has an on-site certified R.N. available.

For more information about enroll-ment, call 281-292-3617 or go to www.interfaithkids.org.

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SPRING HOME & GARDEN SHOW AT THE WOODLANDS,

FEB. 19-20

Live a green life with energy-saving products, new ideas in home renovations and guest speakers at the Ninth Annual Spring Home & Garden Show at The Woodlands on Feb. 19-20 at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center. Get in the mix with fresh vegetables and natural foods and products when visiting its newest feature, the Grogan’s Mill Farmers’ Market.

Featured speakers include Kate Smith, author of the Color Confidence: Color for Your Home Interior kit, gardening columnist Kathy Huber, The Lazy Gardener blogger Brenda Beust Smith, and organic gardening expert Ann McCormick to mention only a few.  Randy Lemmon, host of KTRH NewsRadio 740AM’s GardenLine show, and Michael Garfield, The High-Tech Texan, will be broadcasting live from the show.

Experts will be on-hand with tips on gardening; the latest in outdoor kitchens and fireplaces; the newest designs and trends in countertops and cabinets; and information to transform your home into an energy-saving home.

Home & Garden Show hours are Saturday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Farmers’ Market hours are 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday; and 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Sunday.

Admission is $9 for adults, $7 for seniors and children under 12 are admitted free.

For more information on speakers’ schedules and the show’s more than 200 exhibitors, visit www.WoodlandsShows.com.

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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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ECONOMIC OUTLOOK CONFERENCE,

FEB. 25

The South Montgomery County Woodlands Chamber of Commerce is presenting its 25th Annual Economic Outlook Conference on Friday, Feb. 25, at The Woodlands Resort & Conference Center.

The conference is the largest business event of The Chamber year. The huge event draws more than 500 financial, business and community leaders from the region, including senior executives from such major companies as Jefferson Wells, Anadarko Petroleum, Huntsman Corporation, Wells Fargo, Chevron Phillips Chemical and CB&I.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Contact Kay Hohman at kay.hohman@woodlandschamber.org for details of the sponsorship levels.

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TEXAS TABLES COOKBOOK AVAILABLE ONLINE OR AT LOCAL SHOPS

The Junior League of North Harris and South Montgomery Counties Inc. has the Texas Tables cookbook available for purchase at several local shops and online. Texas Tables, a compilation of 240 delicious recipes, takes consumers on a journey of culinary creation and personal recollection.

For a listing of local retailers or to purchase Texas Tables, go to www.jlnhsmc.org.

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CINDERELLA,

FEB. 25-27

Class Act Productions presents Cinderella with performances from Feb. 25-27 at the Nancy Bock Center for the Performing Arts, 3800 S. Panther Creek Drive in The Woodlands. The timeless enchantment of a magical fairy tale is reborn with the Rodgers and Hammerstein hallmarks of originality, charm and elegance.

Student and senior tickets are $17; adults are $22. Premium seating is available for $27. Tickets can be purchased online at www.classactproductions.org or by calling 281-292-6779.

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AFRICAN-AMERICAN READ IN,

FEB. 26

The Barbara Bush Library Friends and the E.B.O.N.Y. organization will once again partner in hosting a local event for the National African-American Read-In. Activities are planned for children, teens and adults, and several authors will also be featured guests. Attendees will be treated to a Voices of the Past performance of Git on Board! The Life of Harriet Tubman starring Hope Shiver. The program will start on Saturday, Feb. 26, at 10 a.m. in the Earl Elliott Room at the library, and will conclude with a reception at the Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts. The library is located at 6817 Cypresswood Drive in Spring. Call 281-376-4610 for more information.

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LIBRARY LITE BRANCH PROGRAMS AND EVENTS, THROUGH MARCH 2

In addition to the Montgomery County Memorial Library System walking competition, participating libraries will be offering numerous health and wellness activities through March 2 with a party at the end to celebrate one’s health. For more information, including a list of events at participating branches, visit www.countylibrary.org.

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COOPER’S SANDBAR SOIREE,

MARCH 5

Looking for an exotic escape? The John Cooper School’s 2011 Gala, a “Sandbar Soiree,” will be held on Saturday, March 5,  at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center. This festive tropical event incorporates Cooper parents, friends and members of the local business community for an evening of live and big board auctions, fine dining, live music and dancing.

An online auction will kick off on Feb. 14 at 9 a.m. and close at 10 p.m. on March 2. Live and big board items will start bidding online and then carry over to the live event. Absentee bids can be placed for these items. The online auction can be reached by going to johncooper­gala.cmarket.com.

Auction donations, table sponsorships and underwriters are still needed. For additional information, call 281-367-0900, ext. 441, or e-mail development@johncooper.org.

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TOMBALL GERMAN HERITAGE FESTIVAL,

MARCH 25-27

The 11th Annual Tomball German Heritage Festival will be held March 25-27 on the old downtown streets of Tomball Texas near 201 S. Elm Street, Main Street  and Market Street. It is a music/street festival celebrating German and ethnic heritage with four stages of live music entertainment, ethnic and festival food, beer, wine, 150 street vendors, German souvenirs and clothing, arts and crafts, antiques, Heritage Center, German church service, fireworks, carnival, pony ride, petting zoo, strolling music makers, street performers and much more.

Admission is free. Festival hours are 6 p.m.-10 p.m. on Friday; 10 a.m.-10 p.m. on Saturday; and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sunday.

For more information, visit www.tomballsistercity.org or call 281 379 6844.

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MONTGOMERY DAY AT THE CAPITOL,

MARCH 30

Montgomery Day at the state capitol is set for March 30 and sponsorship opportunities are available. Every other year, the business and professional communities across Montgomery County travel together to Austin to meet elected representatives during sessions at the Texas State Legislature.

For more information or to become a sponsor, contact Kay Hohman at 281-367-5777 or e-mail: kay.hohman@woodlandschamber.org.

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PREGNANCY ASSISTANCE CENTER NORTH’S BANQUET,

APRIL 1

The Pregnancy Assistance Center North’s annual banquet is set for April 1 at The Woodlands Resort and Conference Center. Jeb Bush is this year’s speaker. The banquet starts at 6 p.m. with a silent auction and Jazz ensemble. To become a sponsor or purchase tickets, call 936-441-7755, e-mail bwilliams­@pacn.org.

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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. Pilates for Cancer Survivors with Debra Miller will be the topic on Feb. 24 and Mary Thory, LPC, will discuss Cancer Survivors and Grief: Understanding the Process on March 24. For more information or to RSVP, contact Carol Lewis, R.N., at 281-364-4668.

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ST. ANTHONY OF PADUA GALA,

MAY 21

St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School will hold its annual Gala on Saturday, May 21, at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott. This year’s gala will be chaired by Kristine and Dan Rizzo with co-chairs Stephanye and Chris Denison, Lisa and Paul Jardina, Suzanne and Dan O’Neil, and Jami and Jeff Saucier.

The 2011 event, Faith In Our Future, marks the school’s 10-year anniversary and will pay special tribute to founding families, faculty and staff. A highlight of the evening will be the address by keynote speaker Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, archbishop of Galveston-Houston, who will offer his inspiring message on Catholic education and faith-filled action.

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