Taste Of The Town

FEB 02

Taste of the Town will be held on Thursday, Feb. 2, from 4-9 p.m. at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center, 1601 Lake Robbins Drive.

Taste of the Town is an annual community event that showcases area restaurants and businesses in the food industry. With more than 70 area restaurants and beverage distributors participating, this event provides a taste of something for everyone. Enjoy an evening of indulging as you stroll and sample the wide range of culinary delights. Don’t miss the chance to vote for your favorite restaurant to win the People’s Choice Award. Find that one-of-a-kind item at the Silent Auction or at the lively Bid Boards. Tickets are $20 in advance; and $25 at the door. Information about tickets is online at tasteofthetown.org.

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Donoho’s Jewellers Winter Wonderland Food Drive

THROUGH JAN 16

Do you want to ice skate for free this holiday season? Donate canned food items to The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau and Donoho’s Jewellers Third Annual Holiday Food Drive to receive free or discounted tickets to The Ice Rink at Woodlands Town Center.

Through Jan. 16, Donoho’s Jewellers on Six Pines Drive will accept nonperishable food items including canned items, soup, pasta, snack foods, cooking helpers, protein items, condiments, desserts, cereal, personal care items, household items, and diapers to benefit Interfaith of The Woodlands.

Donate 10 items or more and receive one free admission to The Ice Rink (limit one per family). Those donating fewer than 10 items will receive a $2 off coupon to The Ice Rink.

Last year’s Holiday Food Drive collected more than 400 pounds of nonperishable food items for the Interfaith Food Pantry to help children and families in need during the holiday season.

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Woodlands Children’s Museum Seeks Donations For Military

The Woodlands Children’s Museum is accepting donations for the US Troop Support Foundation, an organization that supports the military at home and abroad with care packages and assistance.

The foundation is asking for donations of AAA, AA and C batteries; bug repellent; liquid detergent; Neosporin; foot powder/anti-fungal cream; BIC pens; duct tape; beef jerky/beef logs/Slim Jims; instant coffee; crackers: Wheat Thins, Ritz, Cheese Its; Seeds/Nuts; Lunch-To-Go tuna packets with mayo, relish and crackers included; energy drinks, instant oatmeal packets; Hormel chili with beans; white men’s crew or tube “one size fits all” socks; and current magazines.

For more information, call 281-465-0955 or visit 4775 W. Panther Creek next to Sears Hardware in the Panther Creek Shopping Center.

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Tinsley’s Treasures Grand Opening,

JAN. 2

Tinsley’s Treasure’s, a toy and gift shop, will hold its Grand Opening on Monday, Jan. 2, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Stop by to enjoy complimentary coffee and a pastry.

Tinsley’s Treasures, is a new quaint little boutique nestled among the trees and gardens of the Paddington British School.

Tinsley’s has a wonderful selection of truly unique gifts, home décor items, British chocolates/candies, baby clothes and toys from around the world. Collections include Haba, Moulin Roty, Djeco, Maison Chic,Baby Aspen, Petit Bateau, Beatrix Potter, Olli, Enchantmints, Geomag, Tolo,  Paddington Bear, Amazing Science! and more.

Hours are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; and Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. or by appointmen For more information, go to tinselystreasures.com.

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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.

Participants in the Teen Anime Club view a current anime production, talk about their favorite anime/manga series, and feast on snacks. 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 countylibrary.org.

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CASA Montgomery County Gala

JAN 28

The CASA Montgomery County 17th annual Gala, The Butterfly Effect, will be held Jan. 28 at The Woodlands Marriott.  Table sponsors, auction item donors, and underwriters are still needed. For more information, visit casaspeaks4kids.com or email sally@casaspeaks4kids.com.

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Mom Expo & Health Fair

BEGINNING JAN 27

The Woodlands Mom Expo & Health Fair is set for Jan. 27-28 at Legends Sports Complex. The event will feature exhibits and vendor displays from professionals representing health and wellness, home and garden, education, child development, sports and fitness, party and entertainment, beauty and image, and more. The Woodlands Children’s Museum will be providing activities as the event’s Play Zone sponsor.

The Mom Expo & Health Fair will also feature character appearances, craft stations and live entertainment. Children can have their photo taken with Winnie The Pooh and Tigger from 10-11 a.m. on both days, courtesy of the Mom Expo and Koppi Write Photography.

The Mom EXPO proudly supports the Cookies For Kids’ Cancer organization and will host a bake sale during the two-day tradeshow featuring baked goods made with love from the mommy members of Spring Moms and Babes. All proceeds will benefit the nonprofit organization.

Hours on Friday are 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and  10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday. The cost is $5, adult and ages 12 and older. For reservations and information, go to thewoodlandsmomexpo.com or call 281.203.9066.

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Old West Melodrama Production Audition Dates,

JAN. 2-3

Old West Melodrama Productions is searching for actors to perform in its February production, D.K. Molar, the Devious Dentist. Auditions will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. on Jan. 2-3 at Puffabellys in Old Town Spring, located at 100 Main St. The production opens at 8 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 10 at Puffabellys, and will also run Fridays, Feb. 17 and 24, and Saturdays, Feb. 11, 18 and 25.

The audition consists of completing registration forms and performing a prepared comedic monologue that is no longer than two minutes and reading from the script. Participants are encouraged to attend both days if possible. There is no age limit or gender specific requirements for auditions. Rehearsals will be held in the evening each Sunday, Monday and Tuesday during the month of January. For more information, visit oldwestmelodrama.com.

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Library Ebooks Now Available For Kindle

Montgomery County Memorial Library System announced that its eBook collection is now compatible with the world’s bestselling eBook reader, the Amazon Kindle. Patrons can now download popular and classic eBooks to a Kindle device or any mobile device running the free Kindle app, such as iPhone®, iPad®, Android™ and more. To
get started, visit the Houston Area Digital Media Catalog through the library website at countylibrary.org.

Montgomery County Memorial Library System also offers eBooks and audiobooks for use on a PC or Mac computer and popular mobile devices such as a Smartphone, MP3 player, and eBook reader like the Barnes & Noble® Nook™ and Sony® Reader.

Kindle users can browse the Montgomery County Memorial Library System’s collection of bestselling and classic eBooks from a PC or Mac computer, check out titles using a library card, and select “Get for Kindle” to deliver eBooks to their Kindle device or any device running the free Kindle app. Users who enjoy eBooks on Kindle will benefit from Amazon’s Whispersync technology that synchronizes notes, highlights and last page read between their Kindle and free Kindle apps.

Visit the library’s website to download eBooks for your Kindle. Digital downloads are offered 24/7, even on holidays.

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CrawPHish Festival

MAR 24

The Woodlands CrawPHish Festival will held on Saturday, March 24, from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. at Town Green Park. The festival is a community event designed to increase awareness of Pulmonary Hypertension and the South Montgomery County Woodlands Chamber of Commerce’s Young Professionals.

This event will feature crawfish; Rudy’s BBQ; kids’ activities provided by The Woodlands Children’s Museum; Painting with a Twist and Raising Cane’s; live bands and dancing; a tent decorating contest; plus family fun and entertainment.

Tickets can be purchased in advance for a discounted price at The Chamber office, 1400 Woodloch Forest Drive, Ste. 300; The Woodlands Mall, Market Street Concierge, or online at thewoodlandscrawfish.com.

Sponsorships ranging from $10,000 to $250 are still available. Contact msaul@stibbsco.com for details.

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Save The Date For Building Hope Habitat Gala

APR 21

Plans are in full swing for the first Habitat for Humanity “Building Hope” Gala scheduled for April 21 at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel.

The gala is being held as part of several fundraising events for the “Women Build Homes” campaign through Montgomery County Habitat. The honoree for this year’s gala is The John Cooper School. Deb Spiess, Cooper’s director of communications, gave an overview of the PK-12 school’s student-led Habitat Project that is currently constructing the 13th consecutive Cooper Habitat home in Conroe.

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“Law Line”

JAN. 9

The Woodlands Bar Association, in association with Montgomery County United Way, will hold its next “Law Line” on Jan. 9 from 5-8 p.m. Local attorneys man the phones to take calls from Montgomery County residents with general legal questions and provide some answers. At the Law Line phone events, there are attorneys who focus on miscellaneous areas of the law (consumer protection, bankruptcy, criminal, family law, landlord/tenant) that staff the phones and have available reference materials on hand to provide the right information to people. Started in 2011, the Law Line is held once quarterly, in conjunction with the Montgomery County United Way. The Law Line number is 281-645-6344.

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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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Texas Presidential Straw Poll Event

JAN. 12-14

Minute Maid Park will host a Presidential Straw Poll event from Jan. 12-14 at Minute Maid Park. The grassroots event is designed to bring in regular people from all walks of life throughout Texas and the nation to hear presidential candidates, participate in a straw poll, gain inspiration from nationally-known figures, and engage fellow Americans in the country’s election process.

The Saddle Up Texas Straw Poll, a non-profit corporation, is eager to showcase the state’s family oriented, down home American hospitality as they leverage Texas’ influence to a national audience. As the second largest state and holder of electoral votes in the nation, the Saddle Up Texas Straw Poll hopes to include the brightest and most inspiring speakers the nation has to offer along with the Presidential straw poll. More information can be found at saddleuptexaspoll.com.

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Texas Wildlife Rehabilitation Coalition Training

JAN. 14

Texas Wildlife Rehabilitation Coalition is recruiting volunteers to train to be wildlife rehabilitators. No previous experience is needed — just the desire to help our area wildlife. An informational meeting will be held on Saturday, Jan. 14, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the George & Cynthia Woods Mitchell Library, 8125 Ashlane Way in The Woodlands.

If interested but unable to attend the meeting, send an email to cheryl.r.conley@gmail.com. To RSVP, email  info@twrc-houston.org.

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The Woodlands Car Club

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 about the needs of local nonprofit groups.

TWCC collects 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 thewoodlandscarclub.org.

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Book Clubs At Barbara Bush Library

DURING JANUARY

The Evening Book Club will meet on Jan. 10 at 7 p.m. to discuss Left-neglected by Lisa Genova. The club meets on the second Tuesday of each month. The February selection is Clara and Mr. Tiffany by Susan Vreeland.

The Great Books Discussion Group will meet on Jan. 23 at 7 p.m. in the WCR Conference Room. The new study involves a different reading each month. The group meets on the third Monday of each month. For more information, contact Earl Bissex at 281-955-9447.

The Afternoon Book Club will meet on Jan. 26 at 1:30 p.m. or Jan. 27 at 2:30 p.m. to discuss The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom. The book club meets the fourth Thursday of each month. The February selection is Madonna’s of Leningrad by Debra Dean.

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Gemstone Carvings: Masterworks By Harold Van Pelt At Hmns

ON EXHIBIT

The Houston Museum of Natural Science presents the premiere exhibition of his life’s work in Gemstone Carvings: Masterworks by Harold Van Pelt. The exhibit is on view through spring 2012.

Van Pelt and his wife Erica are widely considered the finest gem photographers in the world today, yet few people realize that Van Pelt has been pursuing another art, the art of stone carving, for almost 40 years. Gemstone Carvings is the first time that anyone has ever had the opportunity to see the full body of his work in one place.

Most of Van Pelt’s work is done in quartz, or rock crystal, or agate, a banded variety of quartz — the same materials used by gem carvers since ancient times due to its beauty, durability and availability. Many of his pieces are accented with gold or semi-precious stones as well. Gemstone Carvings includes several noteworthy pieces, including Van Pelt’s hollow, life-sized, carved quartz skull, containing two articulated pieces with a jaw hinge that opens and closes.

This exhibition is included in admission to the museum’s permanent exhibition halls. For more information, visit hmns.org.

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Children’s Museum Of Houston Activities

DURING JANUARY

Children’s Museum of Houston shows classic toys are just as fun as new ones in Blast From the Past: Retro Toys Unwrapped.  From Jan. 5-11 discover how far your imagination will take you as the museum brings classic toys to the present, no batteries required.

Take a trip on Jan. 16 to honor Martin Luther King Jr.’s acclaimed “I Have a Dream Speech,” which rocked the nation during the Civil Rights Movement in 1963 and sparked his everlasting legacy. The MLK Day Peace Rally is set for noon.

Celebrate the Year of the Dragon with ardent activities and fiery performances during the Lunar New Year celebration on Jan. 21 .Discover how fireworks, which originated in China, get their fantastic color at Science Station.

Bubble Wrap® Bonanza will be held Jan. 26-Feb. 1. Use crayons, bubble wrap® and paper to make a bubble wrap rubbing with lots of colors at Junktion.

Put your sense of equilibrium to the test in Balancing Act, a new hands-on and feet exhibit debuting Jan. 28-May 20. Discover what keeps spinning tops spinning, gymnasts on track, and ice skaters on the edge!

For more information, visit cmhouston.org or call 713-522-1138.

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Interfaith Offers Financial Management Classes

BEGINNING JAN. 16

Interfaith of The Woodlands is offering Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University financial management classes beginning Jan. 16 at Interfaith of The Woodlands, 4242 Interfaith Way in the Village of Panther Creek. Classes will be held on Mondays from 6:30-8:30 p.m. for 13 weeks, excluding March 12.

All participants are required to purchase a $99 workbook kit; and scholarships are available. To register or for more information, 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, yoga and Tai Chi 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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January Events At Barbara Bush Branch Library

The Barbara Bush Library is seeking volunteer tutors to help non-English speaking adults learn to read, write and speak English. A training workshop will take place on Tuesday, Jan. 17, from 6-9 p.m. You need not speak another language nor have teaching experience. After training you will be matched with a student or small group of students meeting at the library at a mutually convenient time. There will be follow-up training on Tuesday, Feb. 21, from 6-9 p.m.

Workforce Solutions Job Search Seminars will continue on Thursdays, Jan. 5 and Jan. 19 at 1:30 p.m. Registration is not required.

Practice your Spanish on Thursdays from  2-4 p.m. in the WCR conference room.

Volunteer-led yoga classes are held every Friday from 2:30-4 p.m. in the Robin Bush Activity Room. To register for a class, call 281-376-4610 or go to hcpl.net.

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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 achievebalance.org.

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Woodlands Rotary Club’s Wine Dinner

FEB. 11

The Woodlands Rotary Club will hold its Sixth Annual Wine Dinner on Saturday, Feb. 11, at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott.  Bring your Valentine to this fun evening for wine and food fanatics. Rotarians Mary Parrish and Ann Wolford are chairing this year’s event that will honor long-time Rotarian and retiring Pct. 3 Commissioner Ed Chance.

Texas Sen. Tommy Williams will serve as master of ceremonies. Special presentations will be made by U.S. Congressman Kevin Brady, The Woodlands Township Director Nelda Blair, and Republican Party Chairman Dr. Walter Wilkerson Jr.

The dinner will feature fine wines from California and Texas paired with a specially chosen menu.

Table sponsorships begin at $1,500. For more information, contact Mary Parrish at 281-367-0009 or mary.mattteson@swbell.net.

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Adult/Senior Games

WEDNESDAYS

Senior citizens can take a mid-week break at the Bush Library to enjoy games and conversation. Adult Game Mornings are held in the Earl Elliott Room on the first floor from 10:30 a.m.-noon on Wednesdays.

Domino games are ongoing, or you can bring your own games. Meet new friends or bring a friend. The library is located at 6817 Cypresswood Drive, Spring. Call 281-376-4610 for more information.

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Pearl Fincher Museum Of Fine Arts

The Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts, located next to the Barbara Bush Branch Library, is free to everyone. The museum is set to open two new exhibitions and has an active schedule of programs and services.

The Pearl offers free family days, lectures, piano recitals, school programs, and a book club in conjunction with the Barbara Bush Library. The next free Family Day is set for Jan. 14. For more information, visit pearlmfa.org or call 281 376 6322.

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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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Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Needs Volunteer Transportation Cart Drivers

The Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital Auxiliary needs adult volunteers to drive the 6-person visitor transport carts that pick up visitors in the campus’ parking lots and bring them to a hospital entrance.

Drivers interested in helping must have a license and a clean driving record. For more information, contact Susan Shelander, R.N., via email at susan.shelander@memorialhermann.org.