SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE GALA – DAN AYKROYD & JIM BELUSHI

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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A MATTER OF WIT

BEGINNING JAN 13

FotoFest begins its 2011 exhibition season with an international triad of artists whose photographic works are characterized by visual fantasy, irony and wit. A Matter of Wit features the first large-scale U.S. exhibition of the French octogenarian artist Gilbert Garcin, alongside the work of one of Prague’s heralded masters of staged photography, Miro Švolík, and U.S. artist Colin Blakely, whose whimsical images make humorous commentary on everyday life.

The 100-print exhibition runs Jan. 13-Feb. 25 at the FotoFest gallery, 1113 Vine St. in downtown Houston. The opening reception is Jan. 13 from 6-9 p.m. The first Saturday Matinee public tour and talk by the artists is Jan. 15 at 2 p.m. The exhibition and artist talk are free to the public.

Gallery hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday and noon-5 p.m. on Saturday. For more information, call 713-223-5522, ext. 19, or e-mail info@fotofest.org.

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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 nonperishable 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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BILL CREWS REMISSION RUN

FEB 05

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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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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ALWAYS…PATSY CLINE

BEGINNING FEB 18

Crighton Theatre turns into the Grand Ole Opry as Always …Patsy Cline, takes the stage Feb. 18-March 6.  Written by Ted Swindley, Always…Patsy Cline is a song-filled evening of breathtakingly beautiful ballads, honky-tonk swing and an intimate and uplifting look at the life of country music’s most beloved singer. Based on a true story, the play focuses on the unusual friendship Patsy shared with star-struck Houston housewife Louise Seger.

Performances are Friday and Saturday nights at 8 p.m. and two Sunday matinees on Feb. 27 and March 6 at 2 p.m. STAGE RIGHT will be collecting donations to the Montgomery County Women’s Center during the run of the show.

Tickets are $25, adults; $22, seniors; and $20, youth. Tickets can be purchased by calling 936-441-SHOW (7469) or online at www.stage-right.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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COOPER’S ANNUAL GARAGE SALE,

JAN. 8

Eleventh-grade students at The John Cooper School are hosting the annual Junior Class Garage Sale at the Upper School on Saturday, Jan. 8, from 8-11 a.m.

Proceeds will be used for the junior/senior prom and will also go toward a senior class gift to the school from the Class of 2012.

Items will include books, CDs, videos, clothing, toys, cooking tools, electronics, furniture, tools and athletic equipment.

For more information, contact Peter Perretti at pperretti@johncooper.org.

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JOHN COOPER SCHOOL ADMISSION OPEN HOUSE,

JAN. 8

The John Cooper School, located in the Village of Indian Springs in The Woodlands, will hold an Admission Open House on campus on Jan.8 at 2 p.m. Families who are interested in more information about Pre-k  through grade 12 classes for the 2011-12 academic year are invited to join administrators, teachers and students for a presentation of the school’s philosophy, curriculum and admission process. There will be an opportunity for questions as well as a tour of
campus.

For more information, call 281-367-0900, ext. 308, or log on to www.johncooper.org.

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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, log on to www.jlnh­smc.org.

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WILDWOOD CHRISTIAN ACADEMY ELEMENTARY SHOWCASE,

JAN. 11

Wildwood Christian Academy will hold its Elementary Showcase on Tuesday, Jan. 11, at 7 p.m. This is an opportunity to learn more about the elementary school program.

Wildwood Christian Academy is an outreach ministry of Wildwood United Methodist Church, 8911 FM 1488 in Magnolia. For more information, contact  Pam or Michelle at 832-934-0200.

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FEASTING ON THE FRONTIER, TEXAS STYLE 2011 GALA,

JAN. 15

The Montgomery County Food Bank is launching its inaugural gala, “Feasting on the Frontier, Texas Style 2011,” on Jan. 15 at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds. Pioneer-themed and reminiscent of the early 1800s, Feasting on the Frontier is a carryover from the family event Feeding the Frontier. The dinner/ dance is the first major fundraiser for MCFB.

Entertainment line-up is Larry Butler and The Coleman Brothers and a special appearance by Monster Yamaha Tech 3 rider Colin Edwards, who will talk about his vast motorcycle experience and sign autographs.

Sponsorships are still available. Individual tickets are $50 and are available by calling 936-539-6686, at the MCFB, or at www.montgomerycountyfoodbank.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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DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. CELEBRATION,

JAN. 17

Senior Pastor Roche Coleman with St. Paul Church of The Woodlands and The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Celebration committee have set rehearsal dates and times for the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Mass Choir. The choir will be preparing for the 23rd annual performance at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration on Jan. 17 at noon.

For more information, contact Myrna Irons at 281-367-9366 or e-mail gmirons@sbcglobal.net.

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BUY ONE GET ONE FREE TICKETS AVAILABLE FOR THE WOODLANDS ICE RINK

Fidelity Investments is offering a “Buy One, Get One Free” admission and skate rental coupon to The Ice Rink at The Woodlands Town Center.

Stop by Fidelity Investments, 1701 Lake Robbins Drive, between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday-Friday and pick up a ticket.  The offer is limited to one per person while supplies last and is valid both weekdays and weekends.

Hubbell & Hudson sponsors The Woodlands Ice Rink Frequent Skater Card. The card allows skaters to take advantage of a free skate session for every four paid sessions. Cards are available at the ice rink and can be used at Hubbell & Hudson Market & Bistro to receive $5 off a $25 or more purchase each visit. The card is valid through Jan. 17.

The Woodlands Ice rink, presented by Jaguar Land Rover Houston North, will be open daily through Jan. 17 at the corner of Lake Robbins Drive and Six Pines Drive.

Hours of operation are: Monday through Thursday, 3-9 p.m.; Friday, 3-11 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-11 p.m.; and Sunday, noon until 7 p.m.

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FREE SUPPORT GROUPS

AchieveBalance.org is a group of mental health professionals providing excellent, affordable counseling services for couples, individuals and groups. Two ongoing free support groups currently being offered are: “Help Me Help My Teen,” first Monday of each month at 11:30 a.m., and “Life After an Affair,” first Tuesday of each month at 11:30 a.m. The office is located at Regus Office Suites at Market Street, Ste. 8210. For more information, call 936-697-2822 or go to www.achievebalance.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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CONROE CRIGHTON THEATRE,

DURING JANUARY

Upcoming performances at Crighton Theatre in January include The One O’Clock Lab Band, the University of North Texas’ jazz band, on Jan. 6 at 7:30 p.m. The group received another Grammy Award nomination for the accomplished CD, Lab 2009.

Get ready for Days of Our Lives’ Kevin Spirtas in his one-man show, Night and Days, on Jan. 15 at 7:30 p.m. In this exciting, tuneful and energetic concert, MCPAS and Spirtas takes you on a tour of his career highlights, from his Broadway debut, to his years as Dr. Craig Wesley on Days of Our Lives.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat takes the stage from Jan. 21-30. In this retelling of the Biblical story, Joseph is a handsome young man who is his father’s favorite child, able to interpret dreams, and the bearer of an amazing coat. These facts lead Joseph’s 11 brothers to become insatiably jealous. Thus, they sell Joseph into slavery to some passing Ishmaelites. Years later, Joseph’s now-starving brothers arrive in Egypt and ask Joseph, whom they don’t recognize, for assistance. Joseph, in turn, gives his brothers a scare, but eventually grants them all they desire, reveals his identity, and reunites the family.

For more information, go to www.crighton­theatre.com.

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TASTE OF THE TOWN,

JAN. 27

The South Montgomery County Woodlands Chamber’s Taste of the Town, underwritten by The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau, is scheduled for Jan. 27 from 4-9 p.m. at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center. Attendees will enjoy appetizers, entrees, side dishes, desserts, pastries and beverages from some of the area’s finest restaurants, caterers, bakeries, delis and beverage companies.

Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Tickets for the Taste of the Town are on sale at www.tasteofthetown.org, at The Villager and select Woodforest Bank locations.

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DONATIONS NEEDED AT GOOD SOLES

Dr. Neville & Associates extends an opportunity to participate in a Montgomery County community outreach campaign to collect slightly-used shoes and new socks through Jan. 31.

Dr. Neville has opened a donation center in Conroe, Good Soles Montgomery County Shoe & Sock Donation Center, 1224 N. Loop 336 West in Conroe.The homeless, needy organizations, churches and financially unstable families can come to pick out shoe attire.

To host a container to collect shoes and socks, or to drop them off at the donation center or one of Dr. Neville’s three office locations, call Michelle Rogers at 281-364-1200.

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

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ONGOING BREAST CANCER REHAB PROGRAM OFFERED AT THE YMCA

Restoration, a Pilates-based exercise recovery program for breast cancer survivors, is now being offered at the South Montgomery YMCA.

Designed to help breast cancer survivors restore mobility, improve circulation, regain energy and rebuild strength, this form of exercise also improves self-confidence and quality of life while reducing emotional stress. The program is available to all breast cancer survivors, whether they are eight weeks or eight years post-op.

Shellee Eudy, a Pink Ribbon Program certified instructor and veteran YMCA fitness instructor, leads the program.

Classes meet Mondays at 12:30 p.m. or Tuesdays at 6 p.m. The program includes a private personalized patient assessment, six weeks of specialized exercise and an exercise booklet. Participants must have a doctor’s release to participate.

For information, contact Shellee Eudy, 281-364-0258, or Michelle Hill, 281-367-9622. Registration can be done at either YMCA branch in The Woodlands.

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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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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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CARS AND COFFEE FOR A CAUSE

The Woodlands Car Club meets on the first Sunday of each month from 10 a.m.-noon at Market Street – The Woodlands, between Jasper’s and the movie theater.

The meets provide an opportunity to gather and show off special vehicles within the car club and the local community and share information aboutthe needs of local nonprofit groups.

TWCC will collect coins/change for its donation to the Market Street “Change for Charities” program that benefits nonprofit organizations in Montgomery County.

For more information, call 281-363-2977 or go to www.thewoodlandscarclub.org.

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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 always 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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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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COMPUTER CLASSES AT BUSH LIBRARY,

DURING JANUARY

Dave Smith, computer instructor, will be teaching seven different computer classes at the Barbara Bush Branch Library in January. The classes are computer basics, Introduction to the Internet, e-mail, MS Word, MS Excel, PowerPoint and Publisher. Each class meets for one 2-hour session. As class size is limited to 12 people, pre-registration is re­quired for each class. Registra­tion is on a first-come, first-served basis. Call the library at 281-376-4610 for more information and to register. The classes are held in the Barbara Bush Library Friends Computer Lab. Check out the online registration at www.hcpl.net/­calendar.php.

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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.

This year’s bus ride will include entertainment from historian and character actor Jack Shepherd, who will portray Dr. Charles Stewart, designer of the Lone Star flag and state seal of Texas.

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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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.